Hello Badgod and welcome to the forum!
There are a few of us in the area, take a look at the members map and try joining the group-northwest - https://greyarro.ws/g/group-northwest?asc=true
There is normally quite a bit of activity and meet ups locally, Wednesday evenings in summer is good, and recently we have been having a monthly 9or more frequent) meet up, this weekend we were at Wigg Island in Runcorn for sunrise and then at Beacon Country Park in Skelmersadle for a fly what you brought meet up - take a look at the thread here North West Autumn Meet - Sunday 5th November 2023 weather dependant
There is plans to possibly meet up to capture the Fiddlers Ferry power station being blown up, and perhaps a Xmas meet up, but feel free tomake your own suggestions 
Good luck with the MINI4, ity is an amazing bit of kit, clear skies and have fun!