Vegetarian Cooking

Join to us to talk about The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is a multigenerational novel following the Trần family in Vietnam through the 20th century, focusing on two women, grandmother Trần Diệu Lan and granddaughter Hương, as they endure famine, war, and political upheaval, offering an intimate, human perspective on Vietnamese history. There will be a book swap as well so bring a book you would like to swap if you want!🧐🧐😌😌

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-make-a-cupboard-13/ **⋆⋆⋆** If you hanker after a really useful item to take home with you, this versatile cabinet is an amazing piece of joinery to learn how to make. Made from seasoned pine, this classic project will teach you how to make an accurate wood frame, with a hinged, panelled door. The completed cabinet is 435mmH x 300mmW x 140mmD. You will have the opportunity of learning classic joints, such as a mortice and tenon and dovetails, insert a shelf and hang a door, as you build your skills week by week. You will use measuring and marking tools, and hand tools, including chisels, smoothing, plough and rebate planes. Over 12 weeks, we will cover many aspects of traditional joinery tuition. This content-rich class will suit everybody who wants to learn a lot in a short time. Len Conway, a very experienced craftsperson and tutor will explain each part of the process and instill lifelong good habits as well as tips for improving accuracy if you have some woodwork experience. About Len Len Conway has over forty years of experience in further education. He has taught carpentry, Joinery and multi-skills to a high level. His interests include music, architecture, art, mountain walking and boating.

**Looking for a business networking event in London?** Join us in Canary Wharf to connect with **founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals across business, finance and tech**. Event by tech startup **GMax Card** and **Getshop Today**. **What to Expect** A focused mix of founders, business owners, and professionals across tech and finance — the kind of room that feels both high-quality and easy to be in. The setting is lively but designed for real conversations, with space to connect naturally rather than forced networking. Our hosts are available from the start to help with introductions if needed. **Meet and Connect with:** * Startup founders & entrepreneurs * IT, tech & product professionals * Business owners & consultants * Finance, banking & investment specialists * International professionals based in London **How the Evening Runs** 18:30 – Arrival & welcome 19:00 – Optional introductions 19:30 – Open networking 21:30 – Close **Venue: Market Halls, Canary Wharf** Located in the heart of Canary Wharf, **Market Halls Canary Wharf** offers a lively yet polished setting for professional networking. Our event will take place in the **upper floor bar area**, ideal for natural business conversations. The venue is easily accessible via the **Elizabeth line**, with quick connections from both the City and Central London. **Entry & GMax Cards** Free RSVP: Includes full access to the networking event Upgrade your networking: Paid tickets include a contactless GMax Card (when available) **Dress Code:** Smart casual. As this is a business networking event, we recommend dressing as you would for a client or professional meeting. ⚙️ **Co-organised by tech startups:** * [GMax Card - Digital and contactless business cards](http://www.gmaxcard.com/) designed for modern networking. * [Ciitab - AI-powered LinkedIn networking tool](http://www.ciitab.com/) to help you build and nurture professional connections at scale. * [Getshop Today - Create your own independent online store on a UK-built platform](http://www.getshop.today/), so you’re not dependent solely on global marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. **Important Details:** * Age & ID: 18+. ID may be required for alcohol purchases. * Photos & Video: Filming and photography by [CineEye - video production and commercial photography in London](http://www.cineeye.co.uk/). Images may be used for promotion - inform organisers on arrival if you do not consent. * Dress Code: Business/Smart. Please see above for more info. * Liability: Attendance is at your own risk. Organisers and venue accept no responsibility for loss, injury, or damage to you or your property. **Register Early!** We look forward to welcoming you - register early and [join this Meetup group](https://www.meetup.com/london-entrepreneur-startup-network-tech-business-ecommerce/) or [follow us on Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gmax-card) for future event alerts.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-monday-eve-17/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-monday-eve-17/) **⋆⋆⋆** KEY PROJECT: RE-UPHOLSTERING YOUR OWN CHAIR. Suitable for beginners and fun for advanced learners. This workshop is led by Krasmira Nikolova, an experienced upholsterer. We provide the use of all upholstery tools and equipment including compressed air staple guns. Basic upholstery materials that you require for your project will be moderately charged on a pay-as-you-use basis and will be dependent on each chair’s requirements. We can advise you on the purchase of your top fabric and we have a lovely library of fabric samples to help make up your mind. The Goodlife Centre sells all the basic tools and materials for use on projects worked on at home. This is a fantastic chance to up-cycle and personalise a family piece you have at home or a junk shop find and a great way to immerse yourself into the wonderful world of upholstery. The course is suitable for both beginners and those who have a basic knowledge but little experience who wish to extend their expertise. **Choosing a suitable chair** If you are a newcomer to upholstery, there are a couple of pointers to help you choose a chair to work on. Choose something that has one or two flat planes – a seat and a back – as curves and arms are more complex and take longer to achieve. The chair on the right was completed in about 12 weeks. If you are a complete beginner, you could bring something more simple such as an upholstered footstool. More experienced upholsters can bring more complex pieces. Your chair can be traditionally built or modern, but be aware that some modern pieces have been constructed using machinery and are difficult to recreate by hand. [Click here for a detailed PDF of suitable chairs.](https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2r8UvbQtaH5RTVKUjlBdkhDX3c/view?usp=sharing) **Please email info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk with a photo of your chair prior to the course so we can answer any suitability questions and advise if your chair is suitable**. We have very limited storage at the centre, so we can only store smaller pieces during the course. Please make sure the total dimensions are less than 1000mm high by 750mm wide, with a depth of 750mm. The use of tools and machinery is included. All materials will be charged at nominal rates. Some materials will not be kept in stock but can be ordered. Approved projects can be stored at the centre. We cannot offer additional time to work on your project outside of workshop times.

We're the All Good Bookshop writing group - we've been around for 10 years now. We offer writing feedback and discussion, whatever your level. Never been before? That's fine. Can only come once in a while? That's fine. Want to come regularly? That's fine. While we're predominantly narrative-based, any type of writing is welcome. Fiction, non-fiction, screenplays, novels, short-stories... bring it along and see if it fits. The cost is £5 to join us. Half of this goes to the bookshop and the other half goes towards snacks/drinks for everyone. Pay when you get there. (If you're having any financial problems, feel free to have a discreet chat with Chris about it). HOW IT WORKS First, we do introductions, which cover: 1 - Who you are 2 - What kind of thing you write 3 - What you're working on 4 - What you've done in the last two weeks. Then we find out who has stuff to read out (1,000 - 2,000 words), and who has questions/discussion points. If you'd prefer to do written hand-outs, you can as well. We then run through as many people as we can fit in, so they can read out or run through a discussion point. The group is run by Chris Brosnahan, an experienced writer and a long-running facilitator of writing groups. HOUSE RULES 1 - No egos. Everyone's stuff is up for criticism/feedback. 2 - Be constructive. We're not a review group - we're trying to help each other improve. 3\. No pressure\. You can turn up and just observe if you want \- you're not under pressure to read out or feed back\. 4 - We do our best to be a safe space. You don't know the backgrounds of everyone in the room. If you're going to read something that might be problematic or emotionally difficult, talk about it first - and if you're unsure, ask. 5 - We do our best to be a safe space. For particularly graphic scenes, please discuss in advance. A reminder that listening to erotica is, in itself, a sex act, and needs the enthusiastic consent of everyone involved. 6 - Content warnings apply. This doesn't just mean things like sex or violence. It also includes things like abuse, long-term illness, death - think of things that someone may find difficult if they're dealing with at the moment. We do our best to be a safe space. 7 - If you're struggling with anything being read, you can take a break without any justification or questions. 8 - Banned question: "Is this based on your own life?" - it doesn't add anything and can make discussion awkward. Please don't ask it. 9 - Let other people talk. You'll get your chance to feedback or ask questions, but it can be all too easy to talk over people. You also don't need to respond to every piece of feedback. 10 - Keep it respectful. Keep it friendly. Any problems? Get in touch and ask.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-5-weeks-2/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-5-weeks-2/) **⋆⋆⋆** Do you want to jump into making your own clothes but have never used a pattern? Do you wish to copy a beloved piece of clothing? Would you like to learn how to adjust your own pattern to fit just you? Learn how to take body measurements, read and alter a commercial pattern to fit, lay out and cut fabric and construct a finished garment to a high standard using one of our Janome 525s or Bernina 1008 series sewing machines. During the sessions of this small group of learners you will gain confidence and improve any sewing skills you already have. If you have never used a machine, we can guide you through making a simple garment from a purchased pattern. Bring your own pattern or use one of our small selection. If you have sewing experience but want to start creating your own patterns, you can learn how to create a bespoke piece of clothing. You can also bring a piece of clothing to alter or fix. We supply the basics and the calico you will use to make a ‘toile’ (an inexpensive mock up) to save you ruining your chosen final fabric. Along the way, talented tutor and seamstress will teach you lots of techniques and tips to ramp up your sewing passion. This is a perfect class if you have been teaching yourself so far, or if your last project was made a long time ago at school. **Suitable for:** Suitable for beginners, enjoyable for those with experience. A good level of English and basic math skills are useful. **Next start date:** Check our website for more dates: [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/clothes-making-altering/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/clothes-making-altering/)

Embark on a culinary journey as you master the techniques and ingredients required to prepare these mouth-watering dishes. The class will run smoothly, with expert guidance provided on handling the materials and crafting each recipe to perfection. You will experience a mix of excitement and pride as you create these traditional delicacies, knowing that you are honing your cooking skills and expanding your culinary repertoire. At the end of the workshop, you will leave with newfound knowledge and the delightful creations you've made, ready to impress with your newfound expertise in Oriental cuisine. Ticket: £100 Admin: £5 **MENU:** Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings Vegetable Spring Rolls Jiaozi dumplings Sui Mai dumplings **Included within the price:** * Welcome tea/coffee, sparkling and still drinking water throughout. * 2-hour class with a head tutor, followed by a shared dining experience with complimentary refreshments. * Friendly assistants to help guide you and clean up * Aprons and printed recipe packs. * All ingredients and cookery equipment required. \*\*Pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan options are available for this class.

Join me for a relaxing Art Workshop at St George's Gardens 🌷🦋 THIS WEEK; I'll be at **St George's Gardens**, off Gray's Inn Road, from **3pm** to **6ish, maybe later** \~ the gardens are small, so I'll be easy to spot with my art stuff on the grass 😊🦋🌷 Explore your creativity no matter what your skill \~ we'll take inspiration from our surroundings, each other, I'll provide tips, advice, and arty postcards from my own collection 😊 Just £5 suggested donation, or pay what you feel ; I provide all the Art materials, just bring your imagination, plus plenty of water & vegan snacks/picnic stuff 😊 \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Details \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Each week, the workshops will be at different locations, a park in warm weather, a pub in cold/rainy weather 😊 Generally they'll be in the late afternoon into the evening, occasionally from around lunch time 😊 See you soon 😊

***They*** *say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but they're wrong!* **[FoodCycle](https://foodcycle.org.uk/who-we-are/)**'s lovely volunteers use [unwanted food](https://cityharvest.org.uk/about-city-harvest) to produce three course, [meat-free recipe](https://foodcycle.org.uk/recipes/) (tell them you're vegan) **[community meals](https://foodcycle.org.uk/community-meals/)** across [England](https://foodcycle.org.uk/find-a-meal/), that are free to all. [FoodCycle Woolwich](https://foodcycle.org.uk/location/foodcycle-woolwich/) ([map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XVEi9poq68YRxQX86)\|[video](https://youtu.be/5VEIsN1aCk4)) is every Friday (with rare exception; I'm notified by text), at **[Woolwich Common Community Centre](https://www.wccc.org.uk/)**'s accessible [main hall](https://www.wccc.org.uk/gallery?pgid=l3le3lp7-1daa7232-8086-4a0d-82cb-1c2a7887d105). I sometimes help the Hosting team, and have met a few other vegan [volunteers](https://volunteer.foodcycle.org.uk/opportunity/a1dQs000000fmvPIAQ), inc. chef and fellow [SE18 Vegans](https://www.facebook.com/groups/SE18Vegans) member John, who has a vegan daughter like me :-) P.S. You can bring food containers, in case of leftovers.

I have a ping-pong table, and I'd like to share to play together. My table is outside, and I have proper rackets and balls. If the weather is not good, like raining or windy, the backup plan is board games, and I have a lot!

Join me for a relaxing Art Workshop at St George's Gardens 🌷🦋 THIS WEEK; I'll be at **St George's Gardens**, off Gray's Inn Road, from **3pm** to **6ish, maybe later** \~ the gardens are small, so I'll be easy to spot with my art stuff on the grass 😊🦋🌷 Explore your creativity no matter what your skill \~ we'll take inspiration from our surroundings, each other, I'll provide tips, advice, and arty postcards from my own collection 😊 Just £5 suggested donation, or pay what you feel ; I provide all the Art materials, just bring your imagination, plus plenty of water & vegan snacks/picnic stuff 😊 \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Details \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Each week, the workshops will be at different locations, a park in warm weather, a pub in cold/rainy weather 😊 Generally they'll be in the late afternoon into the evening, occasionally from around lunch time 😊 See you soon 😊

**One quick note on how the community works** **L Community is member-funded.** The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding. If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time. Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](http://www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now) **What this is** A relaxed Sunday afternoon book club for lesbian and bisexual women, meeting in person. This is our first event and we will discuss which book we plan to read. It’s low-pressure, calm, and easy to settle into the event. Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most sessions are a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person coming for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make the space feel easy rather than awkward. If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first book club and end up staying longer than they expected. **Current book**: Ink Black Heart. You don’t need to have finished it. Come even if you’ve only started or just want to listen. **Important** This is a female-only lesbian space. That boundary is clear and upheld at events. If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/book-club/](https://thelcommunity.com/book-club/) **Arriving and support** The table booking is under the name Jenny. If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point – days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you. **WhatsApp Jenny** WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019** Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number. **Staying connected** Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community. If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/go](www.thelcommunity.com/go) We’re currently reading Ink Black Heart. No pressure to have finished it.

***N.B. Please pre-order any food in the Meetup question when RSVPing; see [menu](https://www.soulbowl.cafe/menu/#cat_37).*** Join owner Shilpa, her family, and guests for board/card games at popular (4.9 stars on [Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=Soul+Bowl+in+Leyton)) vegan restaurant **[Soul Bowl](https://happycow.net/reviews/soul-bowl-bistro-london-487469)** ([map](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7259623473078538957)). Whether you're new to gaming, or a seasoned player, come along for a relaxed afternoon of fun, great food, and meeting new people. Everyone's welcome — just bring yourself, and your game face! **Games Available** *(do bring any you'd like to play)* * Bank Heist * Carcassonne * Catan * Codenames * Crystal Maze * Exploding Kittens * Monopoly * Terraforming Mars * Uno Flip * Uno No Mercy *P.S. Event also shared on e.g. [London Board Games & Food Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/london-board-games-food/events/314424297)*

Join us for the Columbus Animal Advocates spring social at Goodale Park! We'll be sharing delicious vegan cookout dishes, playing games, and socializing. Come out to meet CAA, learn more about what they do, relax, and enjoy the beautiful spring weather with other animal lovers.🐷🐮🌱 Just bring yourself, some friends, some lawn chairs, outdoor games if you want, and an appetite! The food was so good last time 😋 If you want to bring a vegan dish to share, you are welcome to, but it's not required. If you cannot find the group when you arrive, just message below and someone will come guide you to us. I hope some of you can come out to join!

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.