Can you believe it? This event will mark 10 years since the Magna Defender started geocaching.
We know, a mere 10 years... It probably feels like so much longer... 
When? Thursday, December 13th 2018 - 6pm until 9pm (or LTL)
Where? The Ley Inn, Back Lane, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, PR6 7EU
A brief biography - Jack (the Magna Defender) has always had an interest in the outdoors - before geocaching he was part of local plant, flower and birdwatching groups. Local geocacher countrymatters suggested he should try geocaching and so a 16-year old Jack created his account, - back then he was jhewitt15. However, that name didn't have the power and character Jack felt he deserved and so he adopted the more commanding name of the Magna Defender, which he pinched from the Power Rangers. This, he hoped, would generate the illusion of skill, virtue, competency, wisdom and dependability and he then hoped that he would be seen as a leader of men, perhaps almost an Emperor of sorts. However, like all these superheros on the telly, when you watch them attempt to cook their own chicken burger you remember that everyone is only human. There are still plenty of geocachers who remember the young lad when he started and have watched him growing up over the last 10 years. Likewise there are lots of people he has come into contact with more recently. Jack has made a huge number of friends over the years, he does consider the geocaching community as his second family and so everyone is welcome tonight as we celebrate 10 years of the Magna Defender.
The Magna Defender is a now local celebrity (I know, he told me once). At local events he is frequently the person people want to speak to first (usually to tell him they couldn't find one of his caches). People actually know the name across the length of the country - but why? He recently passed the 25,000 find mark but it is his 'empire' of geocaches that have attracted so many visitors and almost 6,000 favourite points so far. He has placed or adopted over 1,200 caches but Jack has not simply achieved this with power trails. Of those 1,200 caches there are over 460 non-trads, consisting of multis, letterboxes, EarthCaches, Wherigos, various puzzles / challenges and events - plus a huge number of independent trads set for various reasons or features - so you might say something for everyone.
Those that have met Jack will be aware that due to his shy and retiring personality it will be hard for him to endure a night of people talking about him and celebrating his time in the game, but I'm sure he'll somehow muddle through But in all seriousness please avoid any excessive praise as the pub have confirmed that we will be liable for any damage to the door if he can't get his head out of it by the end of the night
The exact format of the night is still being planned so we shall say no more... yet. MIB's first thought was the custard pies like the Pi Day would be perfect but RCrosby94 probably has some more suitable ideas. Please come along if you know Jack and share your stories, we know there are many. Please come along if you've never met Jack and say hello. The event welcomes all geocachers and does intentionally double up as the December NWCMM, so no previous knowledge of Power Rangers is required, we intend on a good night for all!
About the venue - Whilst purchasing food and drink are not a requirement to attend, the Ley Inn provides both if you require. They have kindly set aside an area of the pub for us at this busy time of year, however, the pub have suggested if you want your food served more quickly that you contact them and they will be happy to take pre-orders for food - therefore please do feel free to contact them in advance with a pre-order. Otherwise, please log your will attend and note whether you plan to eat so this information can be passed back to the pub. If you don't pre-order please be aware food is freshly cooked so it may take a while if a lot of people order.
The NWCMM (North West Cachers Monthly Meet) brings geocachers together in different parts of the North West reviewing area. We welcome anyone to take a month and host an event in their area and equally welcome anyone to come along. The NWCMM's are not run by any particular group, they change each month and encourage you to get to know other cachers. If you've never been to an event before, please come along and meet people from the nearby area, and from further afield.