Australian Culture

The LSE offer lectures that are open to the public on a variety of subjects. Let's meet outside Holborn tube station, just to the left of the main entrance on Kingsway. We will walk down together at 6pm on the dot. Please be on time, the venue is at capacity at 6.15pm! Please register for your free entrance ticket (Meetup attendance fee of £2.50 applies re site costs), they are asking a couple of questions: https://www.lse.ac.uk/events/immigration-policy "In this third and final lecture Alan Manning offers solutions to the challenges facing immigration policy, and how to navigate among the often-competing claims of the economy, culture, justice, and democracy." I don't know if there is another book signing, they offered drinks after the first lecture in early Feb.

Please aim to turn up for 1:00-1:30 when teams are being arranged. The Hunt starts at 1:30. You're losing search time if you're late! Bring a pen please. **We meet outside the new Sainsbury Wing entrance further down the building. I’ll be wearing a red Meetup cap. If you’re late, we’ll be in rooms 9-16.** The National Gallery was founded in 1824, after the British government bought a collection of 38 pictures from the banker and collector John Julius Angerstein, consisting of Italian, Dutch and English works. We have a unique take on Treasure Hunts that broadens your art knowledge while sleuthing around gallery rooms. You are all presented with a sheet of 20 part images taken from paintings in a few adjoining designated rooms. You will also have a map of the Gallery. The selected adjoining rooms are listed P, Q, R and S. The clipboard holder enters the room letter to note the image location. Your collective mission is to find them. Usually it’s groups of three to four depending on numbers. Or bring a team of up to three guests with you! Check previous winners and Hunt sheet in the pics below. Dead simple, right? Well, yes, if you can spot them all. Generally though, results are always close. Check photos for the previous Hunt sheet. If you’re new, you can see what your team has to do. Stella said " I was apprehensive about trying this, but once I did, I loved it, our team was great fun". We are a happy and friendly group whose membership for some now goes back ten years. It’s very addictive wandering around looking at famous artwork. Our events make you see new parts of a painting you hadn’t noticed before. Or that fresh work has been introduced. We’ve done quite a few in the last two years and feel very much at home here. We never get tired looking at famous art. I think we come here more often than paying Gallery members! There's plenty of seating around to take the odd rest and look at the same time. Our Treasure Hunts are interesting and challenging, bringing out the best of your teams detecting skills. We meet outside the Sainsbury Wing entrance further down the building. Look out for me under a red Meetup cap! The starting process is as follows. The earlier your team sets off, the more time you have. So turning up early ready for a 1.30 start is a bonus. Team answer sheets have to be back by 3.15. We meet back in the area next to the Espresso cafe where we mark up. In case of a tiebreak, there will be a general art knowledge numerical question where the “nearest to” wins. First team prizes are interesting varieties of chocolate. There is also a prize for the funniest/outrageous team name judged by Sue, my glamorous assistant. So there’s everything to play for. Some players are thinking of team names before they turn up! We always pop into the local Silver Cross in Whitehall for a quick drink after if anybody so wishes. Hunts are good fun and the proven experience so far is that members get to know each other better after working in teams as you all have to communicate. Great icebreakers. This is what Meetup is all about. Come and join us. **There is a £7 cash/card charge on the day. I supply a pen and clipboard but it helps you to bring a pen as well to mark your own sheets.** **Rucksacks now have to be worn front of body.** Items left in the cloakroom are charged at £3 per item. Contact number on the day is 07422334411 if your transport is delayed. If texting leave your name. **Don’t forget to cancel via the “Edit RSVP” button if you can’t make it. Please do this well in advance when you know, so it allows good notice for someone else to take your place, and minimizes waiting about time on the day for other attendees.** **Your consideration is greatly appreciated.**

\*\* THIS EVENT IS FULL \*\* We have a very special LSCC this month! We are delighted to welcome Dr. Alistair Cockburn, the renowned agile expert who will host a fun and interactive Ask Me Anything style event where he will answer questions with a story. Bring along your burning questions and Alistair will answer them if he has a relevant story to tell that helps to provide an answer. About Alistair: Dr. Alistair Cockburn (pronounced CO-BURN) was named as one of the “42 Greatest Software Professionals of All Time" in 2020, as a world expert on methodologies, project management, software architecture, use cases and agile development. He co-authored both the Agile Manifesto and the Project Management Declaration of Inter-dependence. Since 2015 he has been working on expanding agile to cover every kind of initiative, including social impact projects, governments, and families. For his latest work, books and services, see his website [alistaircockburn.com/](http://alistaircockburn.com/) Agenda: 6:00-6:30pm - arrive and networking with pizza & drinks 6:30-7:30pm - answering questions with stories 7:30-8pm - networking and drinks 8pm - leave This is a unique opportunity to meet and ask questions to one of the most influential experts in Agile methodologies, project management, and object-oriented design. Food and Drinks Pizza and drinks will be provided upon arrival sponsored by [Codurance](https://www.codurance.com/), with vegetarian and vegan options available.

HELLO HELLO!! We'll be at the The Sun on * THIS MONDAY *! 🥳 🌟 We'll have another WONDERFUL model for you this evening! *ALL LEVELS WELCOME!* ¸¸.•*¨*•♫¸¸.•*¨*•♫¸¸.•*¨*•♫¸¸.•*¨*•♫¸¸.•*¨*•♫¸¸.•*¨*•♫¸¸.•\* Let's get together for some drawing and a glass of wine!! Camberwell Life Drawing is a group for anyone that want to spend a lovely and chilled evening creating some art in a relaxed, friendly and bohemian atmosphere. Untutored life drawing classes, every Monday evening in Camberwell at The Sun of Camberwell (on Coldharbour Lane) from 7pm to 9pm. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/5/8/a/event_464082378.jpeg **£14 per session** (Cash or Card) *Some materials will be provided but please feel free to bring your own too!* RSVP or drop-in on the night Latecomers are very welcome, too. * **WE HAVE LIMITED SPACE SO COME EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT\*** ***WHY US?*** * Untutored * Cozy room with beautiful lighting and Bohemian looking venue * Relaxed, friendly atmosphere and cool people! * All abilities welcome!! Don't be shy!! * A glass of wine/beer for the interval & pub for a post-session wind down chat and possibly another drink. * Background soft music Like us on Facebook for more informations! https://www.facebook.com/camberwellifedrawing

***WARNING*** *If you are new to our Meet Up or haven't attended any class for months, please, BEFORE signing up to a conversation class, send an email in French to Christian at frenchlondonexperience at gmail dot com ; Anyone -* aforementioned - *signing up to a class before getting an agreement will be removed from the list. Thanks for your cooperation.* You want to improve your fluency, your pronunciation and your French skills? You want to get more vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of French, the French and France? You want to speak on various topics with the support of a French native tutor? Each week, we come up to a different theme. It pushes your conversation skills up. It helps you to speak about many topics and to interact in French in multiple contexts. Regular attendees learn a lot, make improvements and are able to have a chat about numerous topic! The bonus, you will be able to ask questions to an authentic French native! **THE CLASS:** This is a face-to-face conversation class lasting 60 minutes run by a French native & professional tutor (in London since 2016). This is a Conversation Class dedicated to French learners who struggle to have a spontaneous conversation. If you think your French is rusty, if you feel not really comfortable to interact among a group of other French speakers, this class is for you (if not sure, send a message in French to the organiser). The class goes on an adapted pace with a first part dedicated to a chit-chat and then we'll focus on a short text to learn about French culture and the language. We approach the theme, read a short text (you get a copy for the session), speak, learn vocabulary and things about French culture. The theme is always linked to French, the French and France. At the end, we wrap up and keep a few minutes for some miscellaneous questions. After the class, you will get an email with a list of vocabulary (some words / expressions seen along the class). This is a very small group class: maximum of 4 attendees and a minimum of 2. So you will speak directly to the tutor. During the class, the tutor helps you to structure and improve your phrasing, and to develop your understanding. **IMPORTANT** If you are new to our Meet Up, please send ASAP an email at frenchlondonexperience at gmail dot com to introduce yourself, to check your level, to confirm your space and to get the Bank details for payment. **PRICING:** You can pay each time or by block (then you save money) \- £15 per session \(to be paid when signing up by bank transfer \- Bank details on request\) \- £60 for 6 sessions \(to be used within 3 months \- to be paid in advance by bank transfer \- Bank details on request\) People who sign up without paying will be removed from the list. If, after your first attendance, you decide to subscribe to the offer of £60 for 6 classes, you add £45 and then you incorporate your first class in the subscription. The pricing is made to encourage you to attend more regularly as improvements will come with regularity. **TERMS & CONDITIONS** If you are to join, you are more than welcome to sign up. But, please, if you have an unforeseen hitch, up date your status as soon as possible. As spaces are limited, if you don't turn up or if you cancel at the last minute, a space is wasted. Thanks for helping. \- Fees are payable at the booking \- No refund \(exchange for cancellation more than 12 hours before the start of the event\) \- No refund\, no exchange for late cancellation \(less than 12 hours\) or non\-attendance \- People who don't turn may be banned\. If the session is fully booked, please put your name on the waiting list but ONLY if you are sure to be able to attend the session. As soon a space becomes available, even at the very last minute, you will be on the attendance list. Then you will be expected to attend the session and it will be due, even if you don't actually attend. Thanks for your cooperation and thanks for understanding. Follow French London Experience [http://www.facebook.com/frenchlondonexperience/](http://www.facebook.com/frenchlondonexperience/) [https://www.instagram.com/frenchlondonexperience/](https://www.instagram.com/frenchlondonexperience/) [https://twitter.com/FLE_Christian](https://twitter.com/FLE_Christian) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0ZB8-AhXTeqNF9MwEySmeg Website: [www.frenchlondonexperience.com](http://www.frenchlondonexperience.com/)

Ping Pong is all about Beer, Bragging rights and making Buddies! Come along to the Ping Pong Social at Bounce Shoreditch to unwind, meet likeminded people and of course show off your whiff whaff skills! This event is crafted to serve both serious Table Tennis players with lots of challenges & tournaments, as well as the social players with tailor made games for singles, couples, colleagues & friends. With music playing and drinks flowing you will be able to choose from a variety of creative and quirky games including Ping Pong Tournaments, Social Doubles, Round Pong, Weapon Pong etc. There will be prizes for winners that include bottle of Prosecco & Medals and free entry to future events. We are usually by tables 15,16, 17 this is where you should meet us. However, if we change the tables or if you can't find us for whatever reason, please call/text host Vin and/or ask at reception for us, and you will be directed to us. Experience includes: \~ 4 Hours of Ping Pong Entertainment Tournament for Beginners, Intermediates, Experts (Prosecco for the Winner) \~ Quirky Social Ping Pong games with Fancy Prices for beginners \~ Fun Vibe to socialise in UV lit up exclusive Ping Pong venue FREE entry to our next Beer Pong event for winners

**VICTORIA.....not just a station** My first new tour for 2026 and surprises galore. Of course we will talk about the station and the famous theatre but once we hit the back streets there is so much more of interest. How about a forgotten wedding venue for the famous, a hidden square and a music venue many of us will remember. Also a pub that changed British comedy forever and the man who made crossing the road a bit easier! And if thats not enough we meet the most famous soldier from first world war. I enjoy the research for my tours and this one taught me much I never knew. tours cost £14 per head ...cash on the day please rsvp to book or if you have any queries send a message or contact me, Barrie,via Phone or Text 07860 911393

Fractured Horizons: Three Stories of Migration and The Desire for Refuge Throughout history, migration has been the most natural human movement, yet colonialism has created an unfair divide between those who have and those who have not. These films tell stories of people risking their lives for a better future in Europe. Featuring: This Jungo Life (Dir. David Fedele) A collaboration between filmmaker David Fedele, and a group of young refugees and asylum seekers from Sudan and South Sudan, who are living and sleeping rough on the streets of Morocco. They call themselves "Jungo" - a name traditionally given to seasonal agricultural workers from Sudan, which is now also adopted by refugees, asylum seekers and migrants on the road. This Jungo Life seeks to tell their story from the inside: unfiltered, with authenticity and without sensationalism. A story of resilience in the face of suffering. Game Over (Dir. Saeed Mayahy and Miriam Carlsen The story of a diverse group of illegal Afghan youngsters, who have been left with no choice but to leave their homes and families behind, to flee as teenagers to a foreign country. Left with no one but themselves to look after one another, their incredible strength and yet extreme vulnerability surface side by side in the no-man's land between childhood and adulthood. Fearlessly, they play a dangerous game of destiny over and over again, determined to smuggle themselves into Europe - a utopia far away. Chiedo Asilo (Dir. Ahmed Shuwehdi) Following the story of a young boy who is observing the effect of migration in Libya and observing his uncle, who works as a human trafficker. Based on a true story. I’m Migrant Film Festival is a month-long programme of screenings and events bringing together established filmmakers from across the SWANA Region alongside emerging filmmakers from the Arab World and platforming the most promising new talent from young directors. Reservation link: [https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/event/105790](https://www.genesiscinema.co.uk/event/105790) We’ll meet for a chat after the screening at the cinema bar. Do you speak French and would like to be part of a reading group and other events in French? [https://www.meetup.com/gaia-livres/](https://www.meetup.com/The-London-French-Club/) Do you speak Spanish and would like to be part of a reading group in Spanish? [https://www.meetup.com/gaia-libros/](https://www.meetup.com/London-Spanish-Club/) Or join my eclectic English book club: [https://www.meetup.com/gaia-books](https://www.meetup.com/gaia-libros/) instagram: @persian_culture_ -Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

Meet by coffee, ground floor main entrance at 6.30. I will have a big shiny red bag, am tall with short brown hair. Katrin

FREE TO MEMBERS - SIGN UP WHEN YOU ARRIVE! Join us for a relaxing evening exploring the beauty of the Italian Language. This will be an informal gathering where you can learn about the Italian Language, it is nuances and culture. We look forward to seeing you at the Living Room Club for an enjoyable evening of language learning and cultural exchange. Any questions ask Heloisa ‪at 07599593656/ Silas at +39 3403318825

An exhibition exploring modern worship, power and devotion through painting, sculpture, installation and live pertormance. Uncultivated Gods is a new exhibition by Kevin Kane, bringing together painting, sculpture, installation and live performance to examine contemporary forms of worship. The exhibition considers the belief systems, desires and structures of power that shape modern life, often operating unnoticed or unquestioned. Rather than focusing on traditional religion, the works explore devotion as it appears today, embedded in celebrity, politics, money and social rituals, asking what has been allowed to flourish without notice, and what might - or should - instead deserve our attention. The exhibition presents a series of paintings, sculpture, installation and performance that approach worship not as a fixed belief, but as a psychological and social condition. Figures, objects and materials function as stand-ins for modern gods: power, visibility, identity, aspiration and control. Kane will present an altar at which to pay homage to the world of celebrity, power and where the natural world can be transgressed. At the back of the altar, as is traditional, will be a painting of a familiar deity, selfie-ready. Towering over this painting, a 3 metre-high inflatable sculpture will be presented, and viewers will be invited to give offerings to ensure the gods remain contented. Paintings will include scenes of heaven imagined from a queer viewpoint, alongside landscapes inspired by an episode of the 1969 TV series Civilisation, entitled The Worship of Nature. An animatronic beating heart encased in a ceramic shell raises the question of whether we truly need love to be happy. The exhibition opens with a live performance at the preview event on 19th February 2026. Ten dancers, accompanied by live vocals and a specially composed sound work, will present a piece designed to explore the idols that we worship, and the important deities we neglect. The work has been choreographed by Dan Baines, who recently starred in the ballet adaption of Quadrophenia at Sadler's Wells and, more recently, in Broadway NYC. Sound has been arranged by Massimo Paramour (Torture Garden, Roast) with vocals provided by Rhian Guerrero. The performance will conclude with a DJ set, transforming the preview into a collective ritualistic ceremony.

## *Let's welcome the Year of the Horse with creativity, culture, and good fortune! 🐎* Join us as we celebrate the Year of the Horse and ring in the Lunar New Year with joy, laughter, and hands-on creativity! In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes strength, energy, perseverance, and success, making this year perfect for new beginnings and exciting adventures. **What will you do?** Enjoy a selection of Chinese New Year treats, snacks, and tea as you craft, celebrate, and connect with others. Experience the festive flavors and aromas that make Lunar New Year so special! Create your own Year of the Horse gold foil decoration (金箔画) or a bamboo Horse bookmark! Using this traditional craft, you’ll design a beautiful piece that represents luck, vitality, and prosperity for the year ahead, a perfect keepsake to remember the start of Lunar New Year. **Why should you join?** * Enjoy yourself in Lunar New Year traditions in a fun, festive setting * Connect with others while celebrating culture and creativity * Take home your handmade decoration and memories of a joyful start to Year of the Horse

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

# **Band: Old Possum's Menagerie; Caller: Richard Ades** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the **Grandview Heights Public Library** in **Conference Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour. \*note change in location\* Grandview Heights library (1685 W 1st Ave, Columbus, OH 43212) Keeping Monday for consistency but we can discuss if there are better days/times/locations!

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us for a vibrant gathering that honors the heart and hustle of local entrepreneurs. It Takes a Village is more than an event it’s a movement to uplift and spotlight small business owners who pour passion into their craft and creativity into our community. From authors and bakers to jewelry makers, t-shirt designers, candle crafters, and beyond. This is your chance to meet the makers, support their work and celebrate the spirit of collaboration. **_Expect_** * Local vendors showcasing handmade goods * Live demos and storytelling from featured creators * Food, music, and community vibes * Opportunities to shop, connect and be inspired * Celebrate the power of small businesses and we all rise

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.