What we’re about
Welcome to Central London Humanists!
CLH provides a meeting place for humanists, the secular, and other non-religious people, particularly those who live or work in the central London area of the UK.
Every month we hold a talk/lecture and several social events. Our social activities include group socials, a book group, picnics, walks, museum & cultural visits and theatre trips.
If you're not religious, or doubting your faith or belief and like open-minded communities, and would like to meet like minded people, come along and join us!
As we don't have a membership fee, a donation of £3 is suggested at each meeting. This goes towards our running costs, partnership fees and charitable donations. If it's your first time, we don't expect a donation.
We are a partner group of Humanists UK.
We are an Associate Member of Humanists International.
We're also on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Some of our previous talks are available on YouTube.
Anyone who joins us on Meetup can participate fully in events. They can suggest events, participate in organising events and much more.
As we are such a large group, each year we hold an AGM and elect a committee to help manage the group. To be a voting member of Central London Humanists, or to be a member of the committee, you must be a paid up member of Humanists UK (to join go here).
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- CLH Pub Night - great conversation, drinks & food with like-minded people 🍔🍺😀The Somers Town Coffee House, London
Our monthly pub evenings are always a great opportunity to meet interesting people, chat, do a little networking, and enjoy a fun evening out.
Whether you’re new to Humanism or already a member, this is a fantastic space for anyone who is non-religious, questioning their beliefs, or open-minded and looking to mingle.
Date: Wednesday 1 May 2023
Time: From 6pm
Feel free to join us whenever you’re able to – we’re often there until closing time.Venue: Somers Town Coffee House
A lovely pub, close to Euston & Kings Cross stations.
You’ll find us towards the back of the pub, on the left of the bar – look out for the Humanist signs on the tables.What we talk about:
The conversations are different every time – from current events to humanism and secularism, with plenty of good laughs in between!
If there’s something specific you’d like to talk about, we’d love to hear about it.We kindly request a contribution of £3 for our events to help cover various admin costs - but first-timers are welcome to give us a free trial. If you prefer you can also pay online by clicking here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU
We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information at our events but ask people to keep their interactions cordial. Any views expressed are those of the individual sharing them and may not reflect those of CLH.
More about the venue:
All indoor facilities are wheelchair-friendly/accessible.
Free Wi-fi is available.
It’s easy to reach – close to Euston and Kings Cross stations, and on 18 different bus routes!
View a map hereMore about Humanism:
https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/about-humanism/We look forward to seeing you!
- CLH Discussions: Housing is a Humanist IssueLink visible for attendees
Can we be fully human without access to good quality, affordable housing? What stance should humanists take and what can we do to solve the housing crisis?
Long-term humanist Audrey Simmons will lead our discussion.There is consensus across the political spectrum and civil society that Britain is in the throes of a housing crisis. Homelessness and rough sleeping have increased significantly since 2010 and home ownership has been in decline since the early 2000s. Meanwhile renting is becoming increasingly unaffordable, pricing many people out of the areas in which they grew up and where their families are. The solutions widely touted are to build more homes and in particular to increase the stock of social housing. But in reality the rate at which these are being provided falls well short of demand, especially given our rising population.
Humanists believe that everybody should have the right to live a fully human life, to flourish, to have the opportunity to develop and express their skills. Housing is an essential requirement to enable this, so it's denial to a rising proportion of the population constitutes a breach of their human rights.
As humanists, how strongly do we feel about this issue, what solutions would we prioritise and what action are we prepared to take? Historically, humanists stepped up to create their own housing association in the 1950s. What can we need to do today to help meet the crisis?
………………
More About Audrey
Audrey Simmons was raised as a Seventh Day Adventist, and went to a CofE school. She has been an organiser for ABH for the past 8 years. She is on hiatus as a wedding celebrant for HUK.
Her day job is as a British Sign Language interpreter, which she has been doing for over 20 years.………………
When: Thursday 9 May 2024, 7-8.30PM
Where: Online via Zoom (Link provided upon RSVP)
………………Books:
A Home of One's Own: Why the Housing Crisis Matters & What Needs to Change Hashi MohamedBest 5 books on the housing crisis, Guardian article
Resources:
Housing Crisis, CRISIS housing charityHomelessness is a moral stain, Andrew Copson
Humanist Housing Association, Humanist Heritage project
How did homes become unaffordable? Guardian article
Justin Welby on housing crisis
********This event is free but if you would like to contribute to the costs that Central London Humanists incur running this and our other activities then please use the following payment information: by bank transfer, pay Central London Humanist Group, sort code 30-94-25, account number 19143068; or to pay by Square please click here
(Suggested donation £3)Central London Humanists is a volunteer-run community group which organises numerous monthly activities. We aim to provide a safe space for the humanist community in London to come together for fellowship, learning and fun. We receive no financial support and are entirely funded by donations from our membership and event attendees.
Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.
- Camden Walk -see what the tourists miss - with Robert HallCamden Town, London
Camden -see what the tourists miss
A guided walk of +/-2 hours walking 3.2 Km / 2 miles
There is so much more to Camden than the market. Where else will you see an estate agency in a bus? Or a lady in a van? Or monkeys and parrots in a bakery?
Some fine Art Deco; 4 pubs for each of the countries of the UK, or not; plus Amy Winehouse, David Bowie and many other musicians - just some of the features of this walk.Date: Saturday 11 May 2024
Time: 2 pm with a prompt departure at 2.15 pm
Place: Camden Town Underground Station (see details below)
Finishes: About 4.15 pm at The Lyttelton Arms, 1 Camden High Street NW1 7JE diagonally opposite Morning Crescent underground station exit
Maximum: 30 people
Cost £3
Turn left out of the exit of Camden Town (Northern Line) underground station and take a few paces to meet at the busy road junction. You can also find us with what3words.com using ///feared.ducks.hobby
There are toilets at various cafes and hostelries in the area – one example is Starbucks 4/6 Parkway NW1 7AA situated just off the busy road junction towards the west.
Walk is led by Robert – 07981963681
He can be contacted for further information but please note he won’t be able to respond to messages or calls after the walk has started.
The formal bit:
You are responsible for your own actions and safety; there is no liability on the walk leader or CLH for anything that may happen on the walk. You must be able to walk at 2.5 mph and able to walk for 2.5 miles. It is participants responsibility to keep up with the walk leader. To safely cross roads, where appropriate, pedestrian controlled lights will be used and obeyed unless it is obvious that the whole group can cross safely. When stopped at a point of interest please be mindful of not blocking pavements so that members of the public can pass by safely.These walks are not suitable for dogs.
Don’t forget this is the UK and it may rain at any time! Walk will go ahead whatever the weather unless significant snow so please bring clothing for all seasons.
The majority of Central London Humanists events are free, but we kindly ask for a £3 contribution per head. This helps towards the running and organising of events, as well as various admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, please click here.
Maximum group size is 30 people. If you have signed up but find you can't attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible so others can join.
CLH events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.
- CLH Open Mic Poetry Night in Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah, with Alex WilliamsOld Diorama Arts Centre, London£10.00
CLH's Open Mic Poetry Night in Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah
Join us for an unforgettable evening of poetry, community, and inspiration at the CLH's Open Mic Poetry Night. This special event pays tribute to the legendary Benjamin Zephaniah, a poet who has masterfully woven humanist values throughout his work, celebrating diversity, equality, and the power of the human spirit.
We are honored to welcome Alex Williams as our guest MC for the evening. Alex, a multifaceted talent as a singer, writer, teacher, poet, actor, and director, brings a wealth of experience and passion to our stage. With numerous awards under his belt and the success of his popular Dial Up Open Mic, Alex embodies the spirit of community and creativity.
A committed humanist, Alex hosts The DialUp an acclaimed regular poetry night and published a collection of his works in ‘Secular Verses’. Alex headlined CLH's What Humanism Means to Me showcase last year, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. This year, he returns to delve into the unique role of arts in forging vibrant communities, share his perspectives on humanism, and inspire us with his Secular Verses. Listen to Alex Williams on the Humanism Now Podcast here
Tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah
Benjamin Zephaniah, whose work resonates with humanist ideals, has inspired countless individuals to embrace the beauty of diversity and the strength found in unity. Join us as we celebrate his contributions to literature and humanism, exploring themes of social justice, love, and the transformative power of the arts.Participate & Perform
Members are warmly invited to bring their favorite readings or original pieces to perform. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your voice, connect with fellow humanists, and pay homage to both Benjamin Zephaniah and the enduring legacy of humanist values in the arts.Join Us for an Evening of Inspiration
Prepare to be moved by powerful performances, thought-provoking discussions, and the shared joy of humanist values in action. Whether you're a longtime fan of Zephaniah, an admirer of Alex Williams, or simply passionate about poetry and community, this night is for you.
Let's come together to celebrate the power of words and the bonds that tie us all. See you there!===================
📌 Venue: Old Diorama Arts Centre (map)
📆 Date: Wednesday 15 May 2024
🎫 Tickets : £10 per person - Spaces are limited
💝 All profits from this event will be donated to [this month's chosen chairty]Agenda:
Doors & Charity bar open: 6:30pm
Alex Williams Present Secular Verses: 7:00pm
Interval & (Charity Bar Open): 7:45 - 8:15pm
Open Mic Performances: 8:15-9:00pm===================
You can pay in advance by bank transfer or Square payment.
Bank transfer: £10.00
Sort code: 30-94-25 Account number: 19143068 Ref: Poetry Event
Square: £11.00 (£1 extra to cover fees):
https://square.link/u/6SPrZEgP===================
Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.