About us
Socialise and engage in stimulating and rational discussion with like-minded people. Work for a good life based on human values, not religious faith. Make the world a better place in the here and now, not a mythical hereafter. Celebrate the wonder of life and the search for scientific truth. Join our campaigns against divisive religious schools, religions dictating who can marry and against religious privilege generally. Formed in 2012 to promote Humanism in East London.
Upcoming events
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Humanists, Radicals and the Garden City movement. Guided Walk and Talk
Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Rd, Ilford IG1 4XA, UK, Ilford, GB## Discover fascinating overlooked history on a guided tour of a beautiful corner of East London. With Maddy Goodall, head of Humanist Heritage.
(Organised in collaboration with Friends of Valentines Mansion. Limited numbers. A pre-booked ticket using event link below is essential).
East London has for centuries been a hotbed of radicalism, non-conformism, and of the non-religious ethical movement.
Feminist trailblazer Zona Vallance (1860-1904), born in Stratford, E15, helped found the East London Ethical Society in 1890. It promoted ‘a moral life independent of religious dogma’ and was a forerunner of Humanists UK.
American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an important influence. The ‘Ethical Church’ in Forest Gate, E7, also known as the Emerson Ethical Brotherhood, met at Earlham Hall on Earlham Grove roughly between 1902-1922.
Celebrating and enjoying the natural world in the here and now was key, with the ‘Church’ organising weekly Sunday outings to Epping Forest. This was a time when 6 day working weeks were standard and urban conditions were grim for most.
The radical and progressive Garden City movement sprang from this background. Letchworth and Welwyn Garden are prominent examples. They have influenced developments worldwide from New Jersey to Adelaide and beyond.
The guided walk and talk will look at the largely forgotten example of Valentines Park and the beautiful arts and crafts buildings on its border. The walk and talk will led by Maddy Goodall, along with local historian Dr Colin Runeckles.
Valentines Park holds the international Green Flag award, along with the Peoples Choice award. It has a beautiful walled garden and cafe, where you can enjoy refreshments at the end of the tour, along with the magnificent 18c Valentines Mansion (pictured).
The park entrance to access the starting point is on Emerson Road, approx 5 minutes from Gants Hill (Central Line). This unique station is, incidentally, also a 1930’s architectural jewel, taking its inspiration from the Moscow Underground.
Read full details of the meeting point, talk and tour and buy a ticket to reserve your place HERE.
7 attendees
'One Life' Course
Location not specified yetSPACES LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS. PRE-REGISTRATION AND CONFIRMATION OF ACCEPTANCE ESSENTIAL
Popular introduction to Humanist perspectives and history, exploring life’s big questions through a non-religious lens.
Presented by East London Humanists in collaboration with other London Humanist groups.
Six consecutive Wednesdays starting 21 October 2026 (concluding 25 Nov). 19.00-21.00 including breaks. Time to socialise beforehand, and optional visit afterwards to local pub.
Experienced team; interactive presentations; whole and small group discussions with facilitators.
Pre-registration essential. Please do not attend unless you have received confirmation that your application has been accepted.
Full details, including how to apply, HERE.
Full course: £30; £5 low income.
Venue: A welcoming and comfortable space just off Wanstead High Street, a couple of minutes walk from Snaresbrook Station, Central Line.
5 attendees
Past events
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