Q. What is Manchester Activities Club?

A. It's a social club for singles and couples. It's not for profit, it's run by the members for the members and all the events are put on or hosted by members. It was originally known as Manchester IVC (Intervarsity Club). Like all IVC clubs, we belong to a national network of clubs, the Association of IVCs or AIVC, comprising around 40 clubs across the UK (http://www.ivc.org.uk). Each club is run independently, but being part of a national group provides opportunities to attend events run by other clubs.

Q. How long has it been going?

A. It was set up as Manchester IVC in 1956, but the first IVC group was formed in 1946. This means we have a track record - not here today and gone tomorrow.

Q. Who joins?

A. Our members are from a wide range of careers and occupations. We tend to be in our 50's or older, and a number of us are retired. The most important things if you join are a willingness to get involved and mix with others. Membership is open to both singles and couples. There are no barriers on the basis of sex, marital status, qualifications, sexuality, disability, race or religion.

Q. What area do you cover?

A. Most members are from Greater Manchester and north Cheshire, but we also cover Lancashire. Members can also join events at about 40 other IVCs across Britain.

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Current membership is £10 a year. It's a bargain and definitely worth a try.

Q. What do I get for my money?

A. The events are advertised on this website and/or in a monthly bulletin. These are organised or hosted by members for which there is no charge - events only cost what you pay on the door or where the organiser incurs a cost. The annual subscription pays for advertising, insurance and general administration.

Q. What do I have to do as a member?

A. The main thing is to enjoy yourself! Attend as many events as you wish - there is no minimum and no maximum. To ensure a full and varied programme of events it would be nice if you could organise a couple of events during the year, which incidentally is an excellent way to get to know other members; just pick something you would like to do, obtain the agreement of a Committee Member and add it to the monthly programme to invite other members to join you.

Q. Can you give me some idea of what the club does?

A. Events are as varied as members wish. In the past, they have included walks, cycle rides, parties, barbecues, meals out, camping trips, visits to local attractions, cinema, theatre, quiz nights, weekends away, holidays abroad, music and dance events including salsa and ceroc. If you want to do something, you don't need to get permission - just put it in the programme.

Q. How do I book onto an event?

A. Usually just turn up or call the organiser if it is bookable to ask if there is space available. Let them know that you are a new member - we've all had to go to our first event, for some people it can be a challenging time.

Q. Can I bring a friend?

A. Yes. We'd like to meet new people, so bring them along. However, if they come along regularly it's only fair that they should join.

Q. Is there any way of finding out what's on at short notice?

A. Members do organise things at the last minute and there will be emails advising of events at short notice. However, this only works for people that read their emails regularly!

Q. What sort of facilities are there for finding my ideal partner?

A. Manchester Activities Club and other IVC's are not dating agencies or singles clubs. They are clubs for meeting people who appreciate company when engaging in activities they enjoy. Of course, people do meet up and pair off but there is no pressure and everyone should feel comfortable at events.

Q. Can I talk to someone before I come along?

A. You probably have all sorts of questions to ask. Contact our Membership Secretary on me***************@*****il.com. Otherwise, fill in the Membership Application Form on the "Joining" page.