South Somerset Meetups
A Business Community for Introverts and Ambiverts
Hi, I’m Clare Farthing, and I’ve been running business owner meetups in my community for just over 12 years.
Originally, in Lymington, Hampshire and Christchurch, Dorset.
South Somerset Meetups are held twice a month in one of the meeting rooms at The Firehouse Somerset – a beautiful, restored, cosy public house in the beautiful South Somerset village of Curry Rivel.
They are a judgment-free space for businesses in the rural villages and small towns to feel connected and supported – a business community specifically for fellow empathetic introverts, ambiverts and gentle souls.
The need for such a community here in Somerset was reinforced by feedback from a small group of beautiful souls [my Somerset friends and contacts], followed by research in local villages’ Facebook groups, which received an incredible response, reaffirming that nothing already existed specifically for the quieter and more gentle souls.
The consensus was the desire to be in a room with like-minded gentle souls. A venue that was local to them and did not involve the busier towns, and worrying about traffic and parking. A safe space where they could feel like themselves and not get anxious about introducing themselves or their business, as it’s not compulsory, nor is it in a timed manner. We also build strong connections through group discussions and one-to-one time.
Since our first meetup on the 18th April, 2024, we have grown from strength to strength, now welcoming solopreneurs and small business owners from across Somerset and beyond – including a few ladies who travel from villages in Devon.
Six months in, I was delighted to add a second date each month, due to the demand and requirement of a different day of the week.
We are a friendly, supportive community to:
- Meet like-minded introverts, ambiverts more gentle souls in business
- Make new friends, business contacts, potential clients/customers, and potential collaboration opportunities
- A judgement-free place to discuss any business or lifestyle challenge among those who have similar challenges
- Tips for you and your business to create a better work-life harmony
- A place to have fun!
The Details
What is involved?
You will receive a warm welcome by me, your host, and I'll run through the format of the meetup, encouraging you to make new connections, build on others, support each other, and been open to collaborations. When we show up consistently we build know like and trust so referrals and new clients naturally happen without the emphasis being on networking alone.
When do we meet?
We have two monthly meetups at The Firehouse, a cosy restored pub with 1st floor* functions rooms in Curry Rivel on a Thursday and a Wednesday, each month.
Thursday 2026 dates: 8/1, 12/2, 12/3, 9/4, 14/5, 4/6, 2/7, 13/8, 10/9, 8/10, 12/11 and 10/12.
Wednesday 2026 dates: 28/1, 25/2, 25/3, 22/4, 20/5, 15/7, 19/8, 23/9, 21/10, 25/11 and 16/12.
What time?
10 am - Midday
Where is it held?
You will find us in The Feast Room on the first floor* at The Firehouse, Curry Rivel TA10 0HE, where there is free parking in the village car park next to The Firehouse or by the church green/neighbouring roads. Please park respectfully to homeowners drives.
* Please note that the first floor is accessed by stairs and there is no lift in the building due to its age and configuration. If you need to discuss this further please email me; clare@clarefarthing.co.uk. Thank you.</b
How much does it cost to attend?
Tickets are £20.00 per person, collected via Stripe which includes one hot or cold drink. Additional drinks, brunch, pastries/cakes are available to purchase at your own cost, as is lunch if you'd like to join us, as a few of us normally stay on after the meetup finishes to network further over a delicious lunch with an array of light bites [starters] and more substantial lunches, and desserts.
The December Meetups are £30 which includes a non-refundable £10 deposit, which goes towards your festive menu choice with the balance payable by you on the day.Refund/Bookings Policy
*There are no refunds unless I have to cancel the meetup. I look to run the meetups in person or if for some reason there is a problem at the venue out of their control or perhaps the weather is bad then the meetup will be moved online and run via Zoom. Bookings close one week prior to the meetup date.
Out of courtesy, please contact Clare ASAP if you have booked a place and can no longer honour your booking so I am not holding up the start waiting for you and I can also let the venue know for catering and layout purposes. I am fully aware sometimes emergencies happen and I have the fullest empathy and understanding in such circumstances. Thank you for your consideration.
*By purchasing your ticket you are confirming that you have read and agree to this refund/booking policy.
I look forward to welcoming you very soon!
Clare x
I invite you to check out what some of the attendees think about the Meetups, below…
