Secret Society

PLEASE NOTE - YOU MUST PURCHASE A TICKET THROUGH https://www.londonprivateclient.com/ The London Private Committee would like to invite you to our May 2026 HNWI Sector Business Networking Reception to be held in the private cocktail lounge of the Sterling Bar at the famous Gherkin and hope you can join us for after-work drinks, canapés and productive business networking to make new contacts and deals. We now have over 20,000 diverse and relevant London members so it’s the perfect opportunity for making new business connections. See photos from our latest events at https://www.londonprivateclient.com/ Please note we take most of our event bookings through our website and EventBrite so the number booked is much larger than displayed on this Meetup page (normally about 50-100 guests).

**This talk starts at 7 PM, please join us from 6:30 PM.** **The science behind paranormal phenomena** Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors. **Psychological and physical explanations** This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena. **Our Speaker** **Chris French** is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, where, up until 2024, he was also Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and a patron of Humanists UK. He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the *Guardian* and the *Skeptic* magazine. His most recent book is *[The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG)*[ (2024, MIT Press)](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG). **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [p](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)[lease click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **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.

TIMINGS Doors Open: 17:30 Tournament Starts: 19:00 Tournament Finishes: 22:30 Doors Close: 23:00 FORMAT & STRUCTURE Limited: Booster Draft Product: 3 x Secrets of Strixhaven Play Boosters Structure: Swiss (3 rounds) non-DCI™-sanctioned REL: Regular Venue Capacity: 37 players ENTRANCE FEES Casual Play: Free Booster Draft: £23.50 Trading: Free PRIZES 9pts (3-0-0) - 4 x Secrets of Strixhaven Play Boosters 7pts (2-1-0) - 3 x Secrets of Strixhaven Play Boosters 6pts (2-0-1) - 2 x Secrets of Strixhaven Play Boosters 4pts (1-1-1) - 1 x Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster 3pts (1-0-2) - 1 x Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster

**New members of all ages always welcome!** One day in 399BC in the Athenian Agora, shortly before his trial for impiety, Socrates meet Euthyphro, another citizen involved in a religious suit and their subsequent conversation, whether fact or fiction or a mixture of the two is vividly portrayed by Plato in his short dialogue. Socrates, being prosecuted for his supposed failure to acknowledge the gods, is shown to have more concern for religious matters than his somewhat naïve friend; at the same time, however, Socrates’ probing about the logical inconsistencies in Euthyphro’s views about piety and the gods reveal him as a radical critic of Athenian social and moral values.

Friendly book group Please remember to change your RSVP if you can't make it so someone on the waitlist can take your slot. New books chosen by popular vote and read 2 months later. We look forward to seeing you there!

FREE social City of Quebec Looking to meet other queer people in a relaxed, friendly setting? Queer Social is a weekly, low-pressure meetup where you can come as you are, have real conversations, and feel part of a community. No cliques, no pressure, no need to perform. Most people come alone Hosts will introduce you to others. Friendly, calm atmosphere (not a party or dating event) 🕖 Tuesday at 7pm If you’re feeling nervous, DM on Instagram @london_queer_social Just bring yourself. Even showing up is enough❤️

The second episode in our special series designed to open different conversations about AI, tech, and their impact on our lives. (Substack about our rationale for this event series [here](https://open.substack.com/pub/experimentsingroupwisdom/p/bored-of-having-the-same-conversation?r=445zi1&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true) 😊) We’ll use the typical THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS (TEiP) method of getting into great conversations: small group discussions, tiny imaginary stories, lots of questions, and many opportunities to shuffle groups (more detail below). **The thought experiments for these events are written by special guest writer and TEiP regular, Francesca.** She’s in the middle of a fellowship at Newspeak House (London College of Political Technology) and has her finger on the pulse of many issues related to technology and its impact on our lives. (You can find her writing [here](https://themagpiebrain.substack.com/)). As Francesca alludes to in one of her thought experiments: **discussing concepts and ideas with other people (rather than asking ChatGPT) is like going to the gym for your mind.** But as anyone who has been to TEiP will know, TEiP’s lighthearted and playful atmosphere means that it’s more like a fun dance workout than crossfit or weightlifting. **How we'll do it** (timings approximate): * 7:00pm - Arrive at Newspeak House. Nearest station Shoreditch High Street. * Organise ourselves into small groups (3-4). * Have a look at the thought experiments (announced on the day of the event) * 7:15 - Introduction to the event * 7:20 - First rotation begins - Talk about the first thought experiment, but feel free to veer off topic and pursue new avenues of conversation. * 7:45 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the second thought experiment. * 8:15 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the third thought experiment. * 8:45pm - Wrap up - votes to discern general views of the room; info about upcoming events; feedback/requests for future meetups. * 9:00 Meetup ‘ends’. But feel free to carry on conversations. We have the room until 10 :-) **Notes on the general atmosphere:** * The vibe is to let conversation flow rather than stick strictly to one topic. * While we'd like to talk about 'meaningful things', we also see the value in lighter topics, so don't worry about not being 'deep' enough! * Feel free to suggest ideas for future THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS meetup groups, both in terms of structure and topics to discuss. **Where we'll meet:** This group will be at NEWSPEAK HOUSE. The nearest Overground Station is Shoreditch High Street. Nearby Tube stations: Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, Old Street, and Liverpool Street. You can access the venue step-free on the ground floor. Bathrooms are available at the venue. **Please note: There is no bar at the venue, but you are very welcome to bring your own drinks.** **Who should come:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about doing philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc.... **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- newsletter and other writing **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DapwAXpnOHO5DRYThobpe4)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like **[WEBSITE](https://www.alltogether.one/)** \- everything else **If having different conversations about technology, AI and their impact on our lives sounds good, or intriguing, to you, please join us :-)**

**Hit, laugh, reset your week.** Join us for a relaxed tennis session followed by a short, low-key park social. * 📍 Location: Park Hill Recreation Ground, Croydon (1-2 courts booked – details shared after approval) * 🕒 Schedule: 11:00am – 1:00pm → Tennis (doubles rotation) 1:00pm – 1:30pm → Park social (wind-down activity) * 🎾 Tennis All levels welcome (yes, beginners too) We rotate regularly so everyone plays Focus is fun > competition ✅ **Approval & No-Show Policy** * RSVPs must be approved before attending * You’ll get confirmation within 24–48 hours * If you can’t make it, please update early 👉 No-shows without notice may lose priority for future events 🎒 **What to bring** * Tennis racket (we may have 1–2 spares) * Water bottle * Comfortable clothes/trainers * Optional: small blanket or towel for the park Come for the tennis, stay for the people. 🎾 *Pictures and Videos may be taken for marketing purposes.* *All attendees consent to the use of their pictures by The* Second Serve Social 🎾

**Unleash Your Voice at Society Speakers** > **Next Session: Wed 20th May \| 7PM \| Oxford St\, London** Whether you're pitching investors, cracking jokes at open mics, or giving a toast that doesn’t tank—**public speaking is your secret weapon**. And the only way to master it? Practice. (And ideally, not alone.) At **Society Speakers**, we give you the mic—and the *confidence* to own it. **Here’s what goes down:** * 3 prepared speeches (5–7 mins) * Lightning-round impromptu speeches (1–2 mins) * Constructive, empowering feedback * Laughs, insights, and mic-drop moments **As a guest:** You can chill and observe—or jump in with a mini speech if you're feeling spicy. **When & Where** Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday 7PM (doors), 7:10PM (kick-off) 📍 Speak Up London, 139 Oxford St, London W1D 2JA 🍻 **Afterglow** We wrap at 9PM and head to the pub for drinks and debriefs. Great convos, zero pressure.

New and Experienced Players Welcome! 🤗 Ever played Werewolf, Mafia or Secret Hitler? Well this game is like that but on steroids! 😈😇 Ever watched The Traitors and wished you could have a turn? Well now you can! Suitable for complete beginners, experienced veterans and everyone in between, we Play **'Blood on the Clocktower'** a game where you never know who you can trust... A great way to meet new people in a fun interactive way, at a bar serving food and drinks Continue reading for a general description of the game: Blood on the Clocktower is a bluffing game enjoyed by 5 to 20 players on opposing teams of Good and Evil, overseen by an experienced Storyteller. During a 'day' phase players socialize openly and whisper privately to trade knowledge or spread lies, culminating in a player's execution if a majority suspects them of being Evil. At 'night' time, players close their eyes and some are woken one at a time by the Storyteller to gather information, spread mischief, or kill. Use all your powers of deduction and deception to survive this game of murder and mystery. The game will be fully explained at the event. However if you'd like to learn more now watch: https://youtu.be/M-aZP47Nm9g?feature=shared

***"In this complex and terrible development which has carried the epoch of class struggles toward new conditions, the proletariat of the industrial countries has completely lost the affirmation of its autonomous perspective and also, in the last analysis, its illusions, but not its being. It has not been suppressed. It remains irreducibly in existence within the intensified alienation of modern capitalism[.]"*** **\- Guy Debord\, *The Society of the Spectacle*** Welcome back readers! By popular request, we're bringing back (for a new generation of LMRG readers) an old favourite: the always-relevant Guy Debord and his masterful *Society of the Spectacle*. This is meeting two, where we'll be reading the fourth, fifth and sixth chapters. Find the classic text here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Or an alternative, possibly more readable translation here: [https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf](https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf) Often maligned as theorymaxxed nonsense but little-read, this slim volume is certainly dense with ideas - all of which carry as much relevance today as those half-forgotten postwar years when the Situationist International made its mark on the world, if not more. With the rise of the Internet and social media, the decline of literacy and the closing of the mass mind, the endless doom-loop of doomscrolling and bed-rotting, increasingly performative protest, the commodification of everything, the Epstein-approved culture war, and the theatre of spectacular cruelty that is imperialist colonial policy from Gaza to Venezuela, we really are living an age where everything that was once directly participated in has passed into representation. Every hand-grip one searches for to get some kind of grasp on the world seems to be a mirage; "participation" in anything, from politics to culture, has been reduced to fandom - limited to nothing more than expressing approval or disapproval through totally mediated social media platforms. Above it all stands an utterly corrupt, irresponsible elite class more and more transparent in how it relishes in conspiratorial play, power-games with unlimited stakes for us and no consequences for them. Such a world where power wears a shit-eating grin and keeps us off our balance by endlessly[ "flooding the zone"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_the_zone) (in Steve Bannon's terms) with distractions so intricate they short-circuit the collective brain is exactly what Debord not only predicted but described in frightening detail, with more than a little bit of humour. So let's dig in and find out: just what can we do to unplug from the spectacle? Is the spectacle even un-plug-from-able? Debord haters, cope and seethe: as a much more orthodox Marxist than he ever gets credit for, there really are some strategies in here. We just need to be creative. Take care and happy reading!

**A gem of a life drawing session in our secret hideaway - a good vibes intimate sit down drawing session with wonderful models and lighting** Vaulty Towers really is a very special venue with a wonderful atmosphere- walk through the main bar with its glittery décor and down the little staircase into the twinkly hideaway downstairs where the life drawing magic happens! As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. **Please don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com** Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick **Sunday Secret Sketch** **Every Sunday** **3.30-5.30pm** **£15 / £10 students and under 25's** **We also run [Saturday Secret Sketch session](https://londondrawing.com/buy-tickets-for-saturday-secret-sketch-including-session-information/)** **11-1pm Every Saturday** **And a second Sunday Secret Sketch** **1-3pm every Sunday** **Drop in and pay cash or paypal on the door** **PayPal link:** **[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)** Or buy tickets here: [BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunday-secret-sketch-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426778555147) **Venue:** **Vaulty Towers** **34 Lower Marsh** **London** **SE1 7RG**

SCIENTOLOGY **TOOLS** **FOR LIFE** What if you had simple tools which you could use to improve your relationship with others? What if a step-by-step procedure could help you achieve your goals in life? What if you could learn the secret to mastering any subject you wanted to master? Come and find out!

This year’s films all revolve around the theme of “**choice**” – plenty of opportunity for philosophical exploration! **This month:** After years of inexplicable confinement, a man is abruptly released and given a finite window to discover why his life was stolen. What follows is a tightening web of decisions, each one shaped by ignorance, memory, and manipulation. As he pursues the truth, the boundaries between freedom and control begin to blur: are his choices genuinely his own, or merely the final steps in a path laid out long before he could see it? The story presses on a troubling possibility: that knowing more does not necessarily make us freer, and that some choices, once revealed, cannot be unchosen. **Can you guess the film? Or come and find out on the day!** **Health warning:** violence & distressing content Pre-explore via **Rational Grid**: [https://rationalgrid.ai/g/philosophical-themes-in-oldboy-park-chan-wook-200-13a244/graph ](https://rationalgrid.ai/g/philosophical-themes-in-oldboy-park-chan-wook-200-13a244/graph) PFA Film Club hosts free screenings of thought-provoking films, followed by a discussion about the raised philosophical issues, for general public. In 2026 meetings are held every third WEDNESDAY of the month at the Cafe of St. Hilda's East Community Centre, 18 Club Row, London E2 7EY. The nearest station is **Shoreditch High Street** on the Overground. **This screening will start at 6pm** and we need to vacate the building by 9:00pm. We offer complimentary light refreshments during the event. For the most up-to-date schedule of the upcoming film club events, visit our [website](http://pfalondon.org/#rec767601373).

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

For the last 5 years, Central Ohio Friends and Columbus Social Connection have teamed up for some incredible nights out and some of the biggest social events in Columbus with our biggest combined event bringing out 80+ people. ⚠️ Please only RSVP through ONE group to help keep headcount accurate. Now we’re celebrating where it all started. On Friday, May 22, we’ll be joining Central Ohio Friends 🍻 **Starting at** Brothers Bar & Grill in the Arena District the same place their very first event was held back in 2021. Whether you’ve been to one of our events before or **have been waiting for the right one to come out to,** this is a great one to jump into. Stop scrolling. Start doing stuff. If you find value in these events consider contributing Link can be found in comments!

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

Join us for a free in-person seminar where you will get knowledge and tools to build your confidence. Do you ever: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way At this workshop we will cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215