Hookah

**Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie** *Locked room mystery about a family reunited for Christmas, written by the "Queen of Crime"* In Hercule Poirot's Christmas, the holidays are anything but merry when a family reunion is marred by murder — and the notoriously fastidious investigator is quickly on the case. The wealthy Simeon Lee has demanded that all four of his sons — one faithful, one prodigal, one impecunious, one sensitive — and their wives return home for Christmas. But a heartwarming family holiday is not exactly what he has in mind. He bedevils each of his sons with barbed insults and finally announces that he is cutting off their allowances and changing his will. Poirot is called in the aftermath of Simeon Lee's announcement. \*\*\* Chapters & Conversations is a space for fiction lovers to connect over great stories and lively chats! Whether you’re into literary fiction, contemporary novels, or fantasy worlds, we’re here to explore it all together. We’re hoping to meet fellow bookworms who enjoy getting lost in a good story and are open to sharing thoughts, laughs, and recommendations. At each event, we’ll dive into a chosen book, chat about characters, themes, and twists - above all, it’s about community, curiosity, and a shared love of reading! Stasia and Yana:)

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/36633 **Game Description:** Join us in East London, John Orwell Centre in Wapping. Full-court, 3 teams, 5v5. A team stays on twice in a row regardless of win or lose (Apart from the first game of the session when the winning team stays on). A good game level. Quite inclusive. A mix of regulars and guests. **How to get there:** Come in either from Wapping Overground station (5’ away from the venue). Or via bus 100 or D3 and stop at Wapping Health Centre. Via DLR from either Shadwell or Towergate stations. Closest underground station is Tower Hill (15’ walk). Whatsapp Valentin on 07879011856 for more details. **Rules** 11 points or 8 minutes game: 2 points each shot inside the circle 3 points from outside No free throws No advantages, as in whichever team reaches 11 points first wins. But each team must rotate after being on twice in a row.

[Check our other group for details](https://www.meetup.com/haringey-filmmaking-meetup-group)

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/42394 **Game Description:** Ready to hit the court, level up your game and meet fellow ballers? Join us at East Village Basketball 🏀 every Sunday, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Chobham Academy Sports Hall in Stratford, London. **👥 Stay Connected!** Join our WhatsApp group for updates, waitlist alerts and community banter: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KoCHcbG51YWKtTNgNblydH Any questions, feel free to WhatsApp me directly on +44 (seven) 365 804 810 **What to Expect:** ⚡ 2 hours of non-stop pickup games ⛹️ Half-court games (4x4) on both sides 💪 Friendly competition in a fun, positive environment 🥇 Open to mixed adults (18+) - whether you’re sharpening your skills or shaking off the rust! 🏀 Players should at least be familiar with basic offence, defence and basketball rules 🏆 Max 20 players per session (spots go fast, so book early) **Important Notes:** 🕔 Sports hall doors open at 5:20pm - head in, get changed and warm up 🏀 We aim to start games by 5:40pm, so please arrive by 5:20pm to be ready 🚫 If you’re feeling unwell or have COVID symptoms, please stay home 💧 Bring your own water bottle 🚨 Please don't arrive TOO early - the hall is used just before us and staff need time to prepare the court. **Getting Here:** 📍 Entrance: Corner of Celebration Avenue and Temple Mills Lane. Google Maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfCZZzEG734J9gko7 🅿️ Parking: Pay-and-display available across the road. 🚇 Nearest Tube Stations: Stratford, Stratford International (DLR) & Leyton **Safety and Rules:** Participation is at your own risk. If you have any health concerns, consult a health professional before joining. Offence calls fouls and we expect all players to maintain a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Join the WhatsApp group now so you don't miss a slot! New to the group or a returning regular, you're welcome on the court. See you Sunday! ✌️🏀 **Rules** 4 x 4 half-court games on 2 half courts, with 4 teams of 5 players. Time: 5-min games (running clock) Scoring: 1s and 2s. Substitutions: One sub rotates in after each game. Fouls: Offence calls fouls. Disputed calls: For major disagreements, the offensive team shoots a 3-pointer to resolve the issue.

Backgammon Bingo at Gest - read updated message below Venue: Gest Restaurant, by Euston Square Underground exit Address: 152/156 N Gower St, London NW1 2LU, UK Date/Time: Sunday 21 December 3-7.30pm (and possibly beyond!) at least 15% off food and drink for our group First timers please read below about Meetup fee, Bringing boards etc ☺️ Dear Backgammon Lovers, Ready to roll the dice together again? Festive Backgammon & Games Night at Gest 🎄Join us for a cheerful evening of backgammon, laughter, and good company at Gest! We’ll be rolling the dice, moving the checkers, and hopefully squeezing in a few other favourite games too - Rummikub and Yahtzee are on the table for anyone keen to join the fun. A special congratulations to David, our Backgammon Bingo Champion, for his remarkable achievement in winning both fun games — whether shared or solo! Bravo, David! 🏆 There’s no better place to celebrate the season than at Gest, whose warm atmosphere and charming management make this venue a backgammoner's delight with plenty if good cheer! Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Please note that we will continue at the CSC but are looking at alternatives when the Club is booked or closed around Christmas. Also as our group becomes even more popular it's nice to discover alternative venues with more space and warmer vibe.. It's always a treat to catch up with our regulars and welcome new players into the mix - and this session promises more of the same great energy. Social Backgammon Whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new to the game, everyone’s welcome. Our fortnightly Sunday afternoon offers the perfect blend of friendly competition, laughter, and the occasional lucky double six! Add drinks, food, and easy conversation, and you’ve got the ingredients for a truly relaxed afternoon and early evening.. so come and join us! Gest 20pc Off Food and Drink Gest has kindly offered our group (pssst.. keep this to ourselves) a discount on their drinks and food with great dishes served up. Please support the venue, as we're expected to do, by ordering at least a drink and a bite to eat during our session at Gest. About Our Backgammon Group Our group started in June 2015 - that’s over 10 years ago! Since then, we’ve held nearly 450 official backgammon meetups and well over 200 off-grid gatherings besides. With nearly 2,000 members, we’re the largest backgammon group in the UK - what makes our group special is the warmth, humour, and friendliness everyone brings to the board. We typically meet fortnightly on Sundays, with around 20 or so regular players and new faces each time. Everyone’s welcome. Dinner, Drinks and Playing Time We usually sit for a relaxed group meal around 6pm, but you’re free to order food and drinks whenever you wish. RSVP Please RSVP as soon as you can. It helps to know numbers in advance, especially as this is a new venue for us. Bring Your Own Board If you have a backgammon board, please bring it along. Don’t worry if you don’t yet own one - just post a note on the Meetup page or message me. It’s also fun seeing the wide variety of board styles people bring. Meetup fee: £4 per person. This modest contribution helps cover rising admin, hosting, and other organisational costs. Etiquette Let’s keep things friendly with each other, and please do thank the staff at Gest for hosting us. If anything comes up during the event, just have a quiet word with me. Backgammon Rules We play under international backgammon tournament rules, with one or two small exceptions. You can find the details on our Meetup page. My Contact If you need help finding the place or have questions, call or text me on 07956 263451. (Please avoid sending Meetup messages within two hours of start time, as I might not see them.) Looking forward to rolling dice and sharing another brilliant Sunday with you all - this time at our new trial venue! Best wishes, Chris Sattaur

**★Sign up & Pay in advance** * Once you sign up, complete a payment in 20 minutes. If we don't see your payment, we will remove you from the list (you won't be able to sign up for the same session once you are removed!) * If you show up without being on the list, you won't be able to play (We are very strict with controlling the number of players) * Account details: Account name: TOSHIAKI KIM Account number: **86852843** Sort code: **04-00-04** Fee: **£8** Reference: "**Type your name that matches your Meetup user name**" (Otherwise, we won't be able to verify your name on the attendance list and you may be accidently removed from the list!) **★Other important stuff** * We don't accept a cash payment. If you show up without completing the payment in advance, we will have to refuse to allow you to play. **★ ADVANCED-INTERMIDIATE LEVEL INDOOR BASKETBALL SESSION** * Are you an experienced basketball player? Do you wanna run a lot and play competitive games? Then, this is the right one for you! **★ Key points** * Max 15 players * Winners stay on 3 times in a row. * Full-court games but may switch to half-court games depending on the turnout. * Call your own foul * Avoid hanging on the ring; you will be liable if you break the ring! **★ What if you cannot make it to the session whilst having completed the payment already?** * As per our refund policy, we don’t provide a refund or carry over a fee unless your request is in line with our refund policy * Our friendly recommendation is to resell your spot to another member on our WhatsApp group * Once you sold your spot, please let us know this on the WhatsApp group so the organiser is aware **★ Join IBG WhatsApp group!** * Joining our WhatsApp group will allow you to stay connected with members, raise questions and find a member who is willing to buy your spot in case you cannot make it to the session! [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZd8l5nDh3eAI8YNgBZXU9](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZd8l5nDh3eAI8YNgBZXU9) **★Disclaimer, GDPR, Refund & Attendance Policy** * By attending our session, you will agree to our policies [http://www.keepandshare.com/doc5/view.php?id=30630&da=y](http://www.keepandshare.com/doc5/view.php?id=30630&da=y) See you on the court! Wish you peace, love and sweat. MIK FIT

We have been to this event before and always made to feel very welcome. The congregation are always invited to sing. There are places to wait inside, but come early if you want to meet first so that we can sit together

Take a break from the craziness of the holiday season and relax at The Lion with us. This is an new (to me) place in Bexley that serves cocktails, beer and wine, coffee, tea, pastries, snacks, caviar--a little bit of everything. The cocktail they made for The Drexel to sell for screenings of "Wicked For Good" was one of the best cocktails I've ever had. Their tea list is also impressive. Take special note of the Emperor's Private Reserve Pu-erh! https://www.thelionbexley.com/menu I don't know how large the place is, so it's possible we might find places to sit, or we might need to stand. This is an informal event to explore this interesting location.

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Join us for our January Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *Can't Spell Treason Without Tea* by Rebecca Thorne in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [5 Bean Coffee](https://5beancoffee.com/)!

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)

$5 MOVIE NIGHT! With avatar fire and Ash, James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora in an immersive new adventure with marine turned Navi leader Jake Sully. Navi Warrior, Naytiri and the Solly family. The film has a screenplay by James Cameron and Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. We will see the 6 PM showing and I will post my seat so that we can sit together. We can grab something to eat after if people want and chat to round out the experience. This is a MUST SEE MOVIE for me. I hope you feel the same. I will CANCEL if there are less than 5 RSVPs on the movie date.