All I ask of the Mods is, please can you keep this an active topic, if only for today.
I found and joined BM in 2008. The reasons are known to some, but not all and that is ok. I became a paid up member in March 2010 and the very 1st person that I started chatting with was Anthony. I was away on business, after my working day, I was sat in a hotel room wondering 'what do I do now', so I logged onto BM and he PM'd me and I no longer felt lonely.
So, I decided that I wanted to attend a BM meet, so I went to the Inn on the Green and hooked up with the Hobbits (the Brummie crew), what an absolute blast I had. From that night on, I knew that I wanted to be part of everything that was BM, so I put myself down for the Barmouth weekend. What a fantastic weekend that was. I was blown away by the level of friendship that I experienced and it left me wanting so much more of it.
From that weekend on, I have attended as many meet ups as I can and have enjoyed every one of them and not just the Brummie ones, I have put some miles 'under my belt' to hook up with BM members and events and have never ever been disappointed and I have had the greatest amount of fun, support, friendship and kindness shown towards me.
Most importantly for me is, I have made the most amazing solid friendships with people all as a result of being a member of BM.
For those of you that don't already know, today is my 50th birthday and instead of feeling alone, sad and down in the dumps, I feel valued, treasured and loved.
Thank you to everyone that made Saturday night the night that I wanted and needed it to be.
If ever there was/is someone that could give you a reason for why being a member of BM is a valuable and can be a life changing experience, then believe me, I am that person.