Racial/Ethnic Diversity

🌌Ever look up like I do and marvel with insatiable curiosity at both the beauty and wonder of the **universe?** That wild sobering thought that somewhere in the chaos of creation - the emergence of life - the universe became **conscious** enough to look back and ask the big questions; How it all started, our evolution and place in it, and where else in the cosmos other complex life might exist (almost every star you see at night has planets orbiting with up to **20 billion habitable exoplanets** easily in our galaxy alone!)? 🪐🌟🌟🌟 🌍Then RSVP to view the potential life harbouring moons of **Jupiter**, the 3I Atlas **interstella** **Comet** ☄️(estimated to be 8+ billion years old), the famous **Orion Nebula** where stars like our sun were born, the majestic rings of **Saturn**, the international space station, the Tau Ceti star system with **2 Earth like planets** orbiting in the habitable zone, remnants of **supernova** witnessed by our early ancestors plus a range of other fascinating celestial wonderments (comets, star systems, galaxies) over drinks and engaging chats and banter this Dec fully hosted by me - a passionate amateur astronomer and former global Journalist covering big picture stories including cutting edge science related ones. 🚀In between observing - we'll have **drinks and engaging chats** on all astronomy related topics for those inclined (Astrobiology, SETI/Femi Paradox, cosmology, space exploration, exoplanetology, astrophysics, paleontology etc) as well as non space chatter and banter too. No doubt I'll hear the usual jokes we've all heard hundreds of times before! If those don't make you laugh, then my impersonation of Los Angeles ET will! 👽 **====Joining Astronomers Group & Telescopes =====** I'm able to take a limited number of people (please only RSVP if you can make it) to join my friendly informal relaxed London amateur astronomers' club that have been for over a decade with their regulars made up of up to about 150 people. As there will be people attending from this private Astronomers group as well as others from one of my other groups - the total attendees will be far higher than rsvps here and the public liability insurance only covers a max number of people - hence I need to impose strict limits on attendance. Over the years we have enjoyed numerous social evenings of stargazing and thought provoking chatter with people of all ages and varying levels of astronomy knowledge - so complete beginners that are genuinely curious about the universe are very welcome. If you are just looking to meet generic randoms then there are others groups that will better cater for that. The world renowed **BBC Television Sky at Night** also attended our events pre covid and interviewed some of us for it's show that aired on BBC1 in Feb 2019. BBC **Radio London** (94.9 FM / digital) were there Aug 2023 to cover our meteor shower event broadcasting live to millions of Londoners for 3 hours You don't need a telescope as you will be able to view through scopes belonging to me and other club members (as long as you behave responsibly and don't temper with expensive equipment). If you have your own telescope/binoculars feel free to bring along and I can help you setting it up if you're a newbie **=== Food & Drinks With Seating From Warm Indoor Cafe===** Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cider only), hot drinks and food/snacks will be available to purchase from an indoor cafe at the observation point which Regent's park keep open exclusively for the astronomers group so please don't bring your own drinks **====ITINERARY=====** We will meet outside Camden Station. After a short wait for anyone delayed, I will escort everyone to our observation point in the local park 15 minutes walk away and brief you in terms of what to expect, observing etiquette, tips, equipment handling and take any questions you have - weather general or astronomy/cosmology related. **After Drinks:** Unless I have a very important 9AM Thursday deadline for a client presentation or something that I'm still gonna be writing 2 mins before start - most of us usually head our way back to Camden for another drink. If so - I will annouce the pub when we leave the park **===What Can You Expect To See (this time of year)? ====** * Orion Nebula * Jupiter and 4 moons * Meteors * Andromedia Galaxy * Saturn, rings & moon * Star clusters such as the Pleiades & Owl Cluster etc * International Space station fly by * Venus & Mercury * Binary & tripple star systems (think planet *Tatooine in* Starwars!), * Neptune * Uranuus * Mars * Our moon * A look towards the galactic centre where that supermassive £22b Labour black hole sits (Sagittarius A) More here from Jodrell Bank Observatory/Astrophysics Centre: [http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/](http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/) Guide to viewing the cosmos for beginners: [https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp](https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp) **===Weather Dependent=====** The event is subject to clear skies forecasts on the night so if on the actual afternoon of the event the weather forecasts looks unsuitable beyond doubt then I will postpone so please check the event status on the day of the event . If this event is still listed here at 5PM on the day, it will be going ahead at the designated day and time! Happy Stargazing Lucas Skywalker - The Singin, Dancin, DJin Astronomer

Come along for lively, interesting conversation about a variety of topics with friendly people of all ages and backgrounds. There is a list of many interesting ideas for discussion. Everyone is encouraged to choose a question that interests them, to contribute to the conversation and to listen to one another’s answers with respect. We avoid talking about politics, religion and personal issues. There are always two hosts who make sure that everyone has a chance to speak. DON'T BE SHY - GIVE IT A TRY, EVEN IF YOUR ENGLISH ISN’T PERFECT! It is free, and there is no obligation to spend money in the café. I also promote this via other local websites, so more people turn up than it says on this site.

**ADVANCED BOOKING IS REQUIRED via [www.silverfit.org.uk/canadawater](www.silverfit.org.uk/canadawater). Meet Up is a means for promotion and *not a way to sign up* to this session.** **Fun, fitness sessions with Silverfit Charity for the over 45s!** **Activity**: Fun, Fitness Classes (indoor) **Venue:** Decathlon, 9 Maritime St, London SE16 7FU - upstairs studio **When:** Mondays **Instructor:** Viv **Meet at 1.15pm**, class from 1.30pm-2.30pm **What does the class entail?** A fun, fitness, circuit-style class which provides an all-body workout as you tackle a sequence of exercises designed to get you fitter and stronger. * **Have fun -** the variety of exercises and camaraderie makes the workout fun and keeps you motivated throughout the workout * **For everybody -** the class is structured so you work to your limits * **Burn fat -** awake your metabolism and burn the fat * **Increase your core strength -** works your abs and all your core muscles *** For more information about this session please email the Project Manager Tanya - **info@silverfit.org.uk** Learn more about **Silverfit Charity** on our website [www.silverfit.org.uk](http://www.silverfit.org.uk/)

**Venue:** Wetherspoon Crosse Keys. 9 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0DR Nearest station. Monument. Welcome to our 50-50 Trivia Quiz and afternoon social get-together. **Bring a pen please.** Thirty interesting tricky questions, each with two answers to choose from. (No sport or maths). Is the answer obvious or not? I set the quiz so expect surprises. Check photos below or previous events for similar question sheets. When you go on walks, you see and learn things. With this Trivia Quiz, you'll definitely be learning a bit more! Four players max per team, but the lower number teams get a point per player start from the biggest team. For example, four teams of one, two, three and four. Four player team, no advantage, (the biggest and theoretically the more knowledge between them, except it doesn't always work like that). Three player team. one point start. Two player team. two point start. One player team. three point start. Scores are always close and around the 23-25 points mark. How many players do you want in your team? There's a dilemma! Prizes of interesting flavour chocolate and one for the funniest team name. Every three weeks on a Monday at various central london Wetherspoons or function rooms. Event time is from 2-4pm, which allows plenty of time to get away for transport. Twenty five minutes for the quiz, five for marking up, and socialising time for the remainder period. There is a small charge of £4 card/cash to cover prize and Meetup costs. This is a great way to make new friends or catch up with old ones. See you there! **Contact number on the day is 07422334411 if your transport is delayed.** **Don’t forget to cancel via the “Edit RSVP” button if you can’t make a walk. Please do this well in advance when you know, so it allows good notice for someone else to take your place. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.**

I am a native, qualified teacher of English and this is a one-to-one lesson designed to suit your specific requirements, whether they be exams, grammar, business or general conversation. If you prefer a different time and/or location, then please send me a message and we can arrange something which is convenient for you. Many thanks, Keith

Join Something Good Workshops for a relaxed, untutored collage social. This isn’t your typical craft class – it’s a cosy, open-ended creative session where you can explore collage and zine-making using our curated collection of supplies. Whether you're cutting, pasting or simply playing, this is your space to switch off, unwind, and create something totally your own .Explore our vintage magazines, books and large supply of scrapbooking supplies, find something that inspires and craft the evening away in good company with great chat. Perfect for: * A mindful way to spend an evening * Solo creatives or groups of friends * Trying something new without pressure * Making gifts, zines, or just beautiful messes No experience needed – just bring yourself and we’ll handle the rest.We will have a licensed bar with drinks and snacks for purchase

This is the most iconic old school hip-hop NYE celebration in the city 🎇 Get ready to step into a time capsule where the beats were heavier, the lyrics hit harder and the dance-floors stayed packed till the lights came on. We’re taking it back to when hip-hop ruled the streets and shaped the culture, all night long. 🎉 EXPECT👇 ▪️The best DJs spinning 90s and 00s hip-hop classics ▪️Timeless anthems from Tupac, Biggie, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa and more ▪️An electric crowd that lives and breathes the culture ▪️Big countdown moments inside one of London’s most iconic venues A night to celebrate the music, the culture and the people that made this era unforgettable 💫 Tickets: £25 Admin fee: £3 More info: https://dice.fm/event/wwl3bx-gin-and-juice-old-school-hip-hop-nye-2025-31st-dec-the-steel-yard-london-tickets

If you're looking for a fun and creative way to relax, Still Life Paint Social offers a wonderfully relaxed, untutored painting activity in the heart of Deptford. Running from 7pm – 10pm, it’s the perfect workshop for exploring your artistic side in a laid-back setting. Once people have settled in, we'll help you loosen up with a few fun drawing exercises, chat through some options for approaching your composition and then set you off to paint. This session is all about creative freedom. While it's an untutored activity, you'll quickly learn how to enjoy the simple process of playing with paint at your own pace. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, gathering your mates for something a bit different, or just flying solo for some creative downtime, this is a welcoming space to unwind and enjoy the vibe. There's absolutely no experience needed and no pressure – just good music, a creative atmosphere, and the time to experiment with paint.All essential painting materials are provided to get you started and the display is usually edible (so can be eaten if no one is painting specific parts). We have a licensed bar with drinks and some light nibbles available to make your workshop experience even more enjoyable. **What you'll get** * Access to a wide range of acrylic paints * An A4 canvas board and A3 card to paint on * Inspiring still life arrangements and optional templates to work from * Friendly, relaxed guidance if you want a little nudge to get going

❄️ **Spare Yourself a Boring Winter - Bowl With Us!** Avoid social hibernation this winter, join our **6-week social bowling league** starting in January! Whether you're looking to unwind after work, meet new people, or just have a fun night out with pals, this league is perfect for everyone! Chill times, cold drinks, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting new friends. **;)** **🗓 Thursday evenings \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 w/ code MUCOW26** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s-40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Spare Me 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/249zqb6d Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday evenings): Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 with discount code MUCOW26 ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **SIGN UP NOW** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑Use promo code MUCOW26 to save $20 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

NEW YEAR PARTY

While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome! Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here. Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings.