Where to start?

Hi,

I'm very much an astronomy beginner and am keen to take my interest
further by purchasing some equipment. Being a tight git, I'm unwilling
to fork out hundreds of pounds only for my interest to fade away. I've
noticed on The Sky At Night that there are groups of amateurs who meet
up to collectively stargaze; this would be an ideal place for me to
test some equipment and decide whether to take the plunge myself.

My question is this - is it possible to 'tag along' to such meet ups
and if so, how do I find where and when they are?

Olv.