Pints With a Purpose

If your idea of helping the community involves a pint, a laugh and occasionally jumping into cold water in questionable vessels, then good news: the Castletown Ale Drinkers Society is on the hunt for new members.

The CADS, a long-standing Castletown institution and all-round force for good, has put the call out as 2026 ‘marches on with no intention of slowing down’, inviting fresh faces to join their ranks and help continue their quietly brilliant work across the island.

Posting on social media this week, the group appealed to ‘do-gooders, pub frequenters and kind-hearted souls’ who fancy getting stuck in, promising that while the mission is serious, the approach very much isn’t.

And for those unfamiliar with the CADS, this isn’t just a social club with a catchy name.

The society has been supporting the local community for more than 50 years, raising thousands of pounds for Manx charities and individuals, often while wearing costumes, braving the elements, or both.

They’re perhaps best known for organising the World Tin Bath Championship, a gloriously daft Castletown harbour tradition that sees competitors race across the water in tin tubs, all in the name of charity. But that’s just the flagship event.

Over the years, the CADS have also raised funds through New Year’s Day dips, Hunt the Wren, quizzes and a whole host of other community activities, helping everyone from local teams to individuals in need.

Despite the name, drinking ale is not a job requirement, but a good sense of humour, a willingness to help and an ability to turn up are all strongly encouraged.

The group meets on the first Thursday of every month, at 7pm, in The Union in Castletown, and they’re keen to stress that all are welcome.

If you’re interested, you can reach out to them via Facebook, show up to a meeting, and see what it’s all about.