What we’re about
We are an active group of humanists gathering at least once a month in Bristol.
Our regular meetings are on the first Monday of each month (though check website and Meet Up as occasionally it changes, due to bank holidays etc); we hold a talk/lecture/discussion forum on topics broadly related to humanism and now regularly hold get-to-know-you socials.
Please note that 'joining' on Meet Up is not the same as actually joining Bristol Humanists. You can become a member here https://www.bristolhumanists.com/membership
Our meetings are open to anyone, in the spirit of engagement and public debate. They are FREE if you are a member of Bristol Humanists, or we ask for a £3/£1 (low income rate) donation if not.
If you're not religious and would like to meet like minded people, if you are curious about what humanism is or simply if the theme of the activity of the event is appealing to you, please join us.
We also run the annual Bristol Darwin Day lecture in partnership with the Festival of Ideas. This happens on/near February 12th (Darwin's birthday). We now also run another annual lecture in the autumn, the Emma Martin Lecture, to celebrate Bristol's most amazing freethinker, humanist & women's rights campaigner.
Full details of all our activities and how to join are posted on our website http://bristolhumanists.com and Facebook pages https://en-gb.facebook.com/BristolHumanists/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Darwin's Dilemma - a unique theatrical experience!University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Bristol£15.00
You are in the company of Charles Darwin and his wife Emma. The day is 18th June 1858. Charles has just received a letter from Alfred Russel Wallace telling him about his ‘new’ theory of evolution by natural selection. This is a theory Charles developed more than 20 years earlier.
Should Charles agree to publish this theory, jointly with Alfred Russel Wallace, or should he remain silent?
Charles is forced into making a decision and asks Emma to accompany him on his daily afternoon walk to talk it over with her.
Emma is a devout Unitarian Christian and is concerned about how the publication will affect both their standing in society and in the eyes of God. Charles is an eminent Victorian ‘natural philosopher’, anxious that he will be cast out of his intellectual circles and fearing for the safety of both himself and his family.‘On the Origin of Species’ was eventually published in 1859.
The performance explores the dilemma that Charles & Emma faced by witnessing their imagined conversations. Conceived in collaboration with Bristol Humanists and scripted by Jane Westhead, this theatrical walk takes place in Bristol Botanical Gardens.The show will take place twice, with audience numbers limited to 30 per performance. Between the two performances, there will be a 30 minute question and answer session for both groups, with a panel of speakers including the director and senior horticulturist of the Botanical Gardens.
The cafe will be open for drinks, snacks and cakes.
Performance 1
17.30 - 18.15 - walking theatre
18.15 - 18.45 - Q&A, plus cafe open, provided by Chandos DeliPerformance 2
18.15 - 18.45 - Q&A plus cafe open (as above)
18.45 - 19.30 - walking theatreJane Westhead’s walking theatre shows, produced in collaboration with geologist, Angus Miller, are ‘Darwin in Edinburgh’ and ‘Hutton in Edinburgh’. These shows are now an annual feature of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her previous Edinburgh Fringe show 'Who Cares' was listed as one of the top 10 most unusual shows. Her Darwin and Hutton shows have been well received by audience and critics and regularly sell out.
This is a ticketed event, with tickets on sale here https://wegottickets.com/BristolHumanists . PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SELECT A TICKET FOR YOUR PREFERRED PERFORMANCE TIME.
There is a reduced rate for members of Bristol Humanists.The event will take place whatever the weather as there are spaces undercover that will be used. Be prepared for walking round the gardens. Whilst it is level access and fully accessible,
flat shoes and rain gear are advised. Full details of the Botanical Gardens here https://botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/ Your ticket price includes entry to the Gardens.Image above copyright Paul Hooper Designs & Maia Hooper
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