Social gatherings (8)
I believe the answer is:
reunions
'social gatherings' is the definition.
(reunion is a kind of social gathering)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for reunions that I've seen before include "Annual get-togethers as for past pupils" , "Get-togethers, often annual" , "Get-togethers between former colleagues or friends" , "At which people meet after a period of time apart" , "Meetings of those who haven't met for a while" .)