Travail en équipe

Join us for a thoughtful discussion of White Nights by Dostoevsky. It’s a short, quietly powerful story about loneliness, hope, and fleeting connection—perfect for a meaningful conversation without a huge time commitment. If you enjoy reflective reads or just want to explore something a little different with good company, this is for you. No pressure, no need to be an expert—just bring your thoughts, impressions, or even questions.

***Important that you turn on your Meetup Notification for messaging!*** Doubles Session Fee (2 hours): £12.00 * Late Cancellation Fee (4–24 hours’ notice before session start): 50% of full fee * No-Show Fee (less than 4 hours’ notice or failure to attend): 100% of full fee * ***Late cancellations or no-shows will also incur a fee, regardless of waitlist status*** **Payment**:- £12.00 * This can be made by cash on the day or by bank transfer to **Sort Code: 23-05-80** **account: 55411069** Name: **London East Badminton Club** Please ensure that you use your **Meetup name** and the **session date** as **reference**. This is so we can match the payment to you...thanks. **About the session** Come and join LEBC for some badminton games at Chobham Academy. This session welcomes all skill levels but is best suited for beginners, improvers, and intermediate players. The venue is approx. 10 mins walk from Leyton Station (turn left as you exit station and then make a right at Drapers Field towards Temple Mill Lane). If you're coming from Stratford Station, walk through Westfield towards Waitrose. Take the exit on the right called Celebration Avenue. Follow the road for several minutes and you will come to the entrance of the school on Temple Mill Lane which is on the right hand side. Still can't find it, call me on 07545 596305 If you are driving, there is paid car park opposite the school. There are also places in Leyton area that you can park for free. Please check road signages for timings. Simple "If" Rules: * If you want to attend, you must RSVP * If you want to bring a friend you MUST RSVP for them * If you do not RSVP, you will be turned away Please respect the session limit, they are for your own good as over crowdedness means less games for you! **Important Note:** Event is for 18 years and above only to comply with Chobham Academy's safeguarding policy. You are responsible for your own safety and belongings. London East Badminton Club and Chobham Academy management are not liable for any injuries, lost items, or other incidents.

Hello!, 你好!, नमस्ते!, こんにちは! ¡Hola!, مرحباً!, Olá!, Bonjour!, Привет!, , ہیلو!, ሰላም!, สวัสดี!, Xin chào!, ہائے!, Halo! * **Practice, exchange** and **learn ANY language.** * **Talk about world's cultures** and **travel tips.** * **Your NAMETAG:** break the ice, get it free from Organizers. add: **Your languages** \| or \| **Your Name** **WHERE:** Left-hand-side. High tables. Inside **'BFI Southbank' -** **British Film Institute**. Can't see us?: 078 76 800 100. **CULTURES:** share your favorite Instagram culture videos **TRAVEL**: show your favorite travel pix, past travels or next adventures. Chatting breaks the ice. **PEOPLE:** All ages, all races. **LANGUAGES:** All proficiency levels welcome. **Just English?** Also good **WANNA DANCE?** There's a FREE Salsa event happening in parallel **HUNGRY?** Pop to World Cuisines Food Market behind Festival Hall **MOTTO:** Meet new people, connect and make friends FREE language learning. FREE culture exchange. FREE salsa. Just bring yourself and good vibes **Want to Co-Organise?** Volunteers welcome to Help with Nametags! Ping us

**Saturday Badminton 11-1pm @ Science Centre (Morning Session)** **£11 for 2 hours \*24H ADVANCE PAYMENT REQUIRED\*** **6 courts in the Science Centre.** Feather shuttlecocks will be supplied. Please bring your own racquets. **Payment details:** **\*\*\*Please pay in advance upon booking or at least 24h in advance before the session. Unpaid bookings will be removed from the list.\*\*\*** \*\*NEW REVOLUT BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS\*\* **Name: LM BADMINTON LTD** **Account Number: 19226405** **Sort Code: 23-01-20** **Reference: \*YOUR MEETUP NAME & DATE ie 270126\*** \*No cash\* Please use your profile name and date of session as payment reference, so that it can be identified. To ensure fair access to the session, anyone who signs up but does not make payment 24h in advance will have their places cancelled and offered to other players. **Waiting List Update:** When the event is full, there will be a waiting list for players to put their names on. Once a spot becomes available, i.e. another member cancels, the first person on the waiting list will be added to RSVP automatically. As such, the person will be sent an automated email confirming so. For those who do not wish to be added automatically, please remove your name from the waiting list. Please cancel waitlist 24 hours before the event if made other plans, as meetup will push you to attending list if spot opens up. We charge on spot basis. **Late Cancellations Penalty:** If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice it is your responsibility to liaise with those on the waiting list and find a replacement. If you do then no penalty but if you don’t find a replacement you pay 50% of the session fee, raising to 100% on the second late cancellation. You MUST also inform the organisers who your replacement is. **No Show Fees:** Full fee will be added to the profile on the next visit. **Team training:** On this session, 1 or 2 courts, will be reserved for team training for the up and coming season. The court ratio has not changed, still a max of 6 per court, some players might be invited to play on the team training courts. **Contacts:** The best way to get in touch is through meetup as your message will get picked up by the designated organiser for the chosen event. Otherwise please use WhatsApp to message us. Email: badmclub@gmail.com uni_badm1nton@yahoo.co.uk Primary: Vinh 07974 177707 Secondary: Nikita 07585 954797 **Disclaimer:** Organisers or LondonMet University can accept no liability for any loss or injury, however sustained, while taking part in club activities. If you want to cover yourself against injury to yourself or others, please make sure you have the appropriate insurance. In the interest of health and safety, proper footwear is a must in this club which means no casual footwear and no barefoot on the court.

**1 FREE HIKE EVERY 6\*❗**Walk and talk in **London's wild heart** on a relaxed 12km social hike through Richmond Park. Chat, laugh and **switch between languages naturally**. Escape the **city grind** for your dose of **nature and real conversation**. 🌸 **SPRING CELEBRATION: NATURE IN BLOOM:** the real explosion of **rhododendrons and azaleas** is happening in April. We’ll definitely be there for the full show! 🌺✨ 🌸 **COSMOPOLITAN** **LANGUAGES + SPANGLISH SOCIAL HIKE: WELLNESS FOR YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL!** Let’s celebrate the arrival of spring! Longer days, warmer light, and a park bursting back into life — the perfect moment to walk, talk, and reconnect outdoors. "🦅 **THE AVALANX DIFFERENCE:** This is not just a walk. This is a curated experience designed by a **Special Forces Veteran** with over 20 years of expedition experience in the UK & Spain. Safety, logistics, and flow are handled professionally so you can just focus on the conversation and the bloom." 🥾🛡️ \*\*\* **QUICK INFO: SPRING EDITION** * **Meeting Point:** Richmond Station (Main Entrance - by the taxis) (Oyster zone 6) * ⏰ **Time:** 10:30 am (Arrive 15 mins early!) * **Distance:** Approx\. 12 km \| ⚖️ **Difficulty:** Easy–Moderate * **Price:** £10 \| **Early Bird:** Only **£5** for the first 5 spots! \*\*\* **\*LOYALTY PROMO 2026!** * Hike 6 times with us and your **7th is FREE!** * 11 times... and your **12th is ALSO FREE!** * Walk, socialise, and earn free adventures! * (Valid until June 30th, 2026). * *Contact 07447 162 666 to confirm your loyalty card.* \*\*\* **HIGHLIGHTS: WHAT WE’LL SEE** * 🚻 **Toilets available** at several stop * 🏰 **Richmond Palace** remains * 🏞️ **Tamsin Trail** & deer-roaming areas * 🌿 **Expansive landscapes** of Richmond Park * 🦌 **Free-roaming deer** in their natural habitat * 🌺 **Isabella Plantation** (seasonal colours & ponds) * 🦜 **Ring-necked parakeets** * 🍰 **Pembroke Lodge** (coffee, cake & views) * ✨ **Henry VIII’s Mound** (views of St Paul’s Cathedral) * 🌅 **RICHMOND HILL -** England’s only protected view **THE PLAN: VIEWS & SOCIAL FINALE** Our route is carefully planned to finish at the magnificent **Richmond Hill viewpoint**. With good weather and steady pacing, we aim to enjoy the sunset **twilight colours** over the valley (not guaranteed, depending on groups pace). Afterwards, we'll descend to Richmond. Anyone who fancies it is invited to join for a drink at a **local pub**. \*\*\* **BECOME PART OF OUR COMMUNITY** **This is not a one-off event.** We host **regular International Languages + Spanglish hikes and social adventures** as your first step towards deeper connections and our **immersive trips to Spain**. Start your journey with us here, and discover where your next Spanish conversation could take you. Perfect if you’re thinking about joining our **Spain trips** ❗ **MORE THAN LANGUAGES or SPANGLISH** **We’ll go ahead rain or shine!** This is not a language class; it’s a **cosmopolitan social walk** where chats happen organically between expats, internationals, and locals. * **No Pressure:** All levels welcome. Just good company and great scenery. * **Organic Flow:** Naturally exchange English, Spanish, or any other as we walk. ✨ **Perfect if you want to:** • Practise languages or Spanish in **real, everyday situations** • Meet **friendly, like-minded people** • **Shake off the winter blues** with fresh air and gentle exercise \*\*\* **SPAIN TRIPS & GETAWAYS** Curious about Spain? **Secrets of Spain** is the UK branch of our established community, **Secretos de España**. Join us to find travel buddies for our **"off the beaten path"** nature getaways led by **Qualified Mountain Leaders**. **Reviews & Community:** [Secretos de España](https://www.meetup.com/es-es/secretos-de-espana/) (Meetup) ️ \*\*\* **YOUR GUIDE:** [Edward David Handley](https://www.meetup.com/members/132608412/) From a Spanish Boy Scout to the **Elite Royal Marines Special Forces**, Edward combines military precision with outdoor soul. Certified in Mountain Leadership and First Aid, he doesn't just lead hikes, **he builds teams**. Safe, included, and inspired. ️ \*\*\* **️MANDATORY GEAR** * **Footwear:** Sturdy trainers (Parks) or Hiking boots (Mountains). * **Clothing:** Waterproof jacket and warm layers (Essential). * **Hydration:** 1.5–2L Water minimum. **EXTRAS:** Lunch & Snacks \| Charged Phone \| Power bank \| Camera \| Good Energy\! \*\*\* **BOOKING & RESERVATIONS** Your place is only secured once payment is received. 1️⃣ **PAYPAL (Fastest):** Pay £10 (or **£8 Early Bird for the first 10**) * CLICK PAGE "ATTEND" BUTTON * Follow instructions. 2️⃣ **[MONZO](https://monzo.me/edwardhandley9/10.00?d=Richmond%20Park%20Hike%2008%2F03%2F2026&h=stvw2v) < CLICK TO PAY** Pay £10 (or **£8 Early Bird for the first 10**) **3️⃣**🏦**BANK TRANSFER:** Pay £10 (or **£8 Early Bird for the first 10**) * **Short Code:** 09-01-27 * **Account:** 25360709 * **Bank:** Santander * **Name:** MR E D HANDLEY **Once paid:** WhatsApp / Message / Call: Edward on **07447 162 666** for details. **Send a screenshot** to confirm. *(Send Meetup user name if different form payment name).* **Once paid: Send a screenshot via WhatsApp (07447 162 666) with your Meetup Name. 🦅 We will manually approve your 'Warrior Status' in the group within 1 hour.** Once paid, check the **Event Chat comments** to join the **WhatsApp group** for this hike. (*Should you wish to*). ***ONLY ATTENDEES CAN SEE THAT COMMENT.*** **💯 LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT GUARANTEE** If you join a hike and don't enjoy it for any reason, let us know within 24h and we'll refund 100% of your ticket. No questions asked. \*\*\* **⚠️ IMPORTANT INFO** * **Safety:** You are responsible for your own safety. Confirm you are fit for a 12km walk. * **Wildlife:** Keep 50m distance from deer. * **Refunds:** Net refund only if the event is **Sold Out**. No refunds if the hike is not full. \*\*\* **PRICE INCLUDES** * Guided hike planned and led by an experienced Mountain Qualified Leader Ex Special Forces , trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Packed lunch and snacks * Water: 2 litres recommended * Waterproof jacket and trousers * Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email [meetups2go@gmail.com](meetups2go@gmail.com) **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. \*\*\* Join us for an unforgettable experience\. Let’s discover the hidden gems together\! — The AVALANX \| Secrets of Spain Team\." **JOIN THE TRIBE — ¡UH, UH, UH - NOW!** ️ ***

**Saturday Badminton 1-3pm @ Science Centre (Afternoon Session)** **£11 for 2 hours \*24H ADVANCE PAYMENT REQUIRED\*** **6 courts in the Science Centre.** Feather shuttlecocks will be supplied. Please bring your own racquets. **Payment details:** **\*\*\*Please pay in advance upon booking or at least 24h in advance before the session. Unpaid bookings will be removed from the list.\*\*\*** \*\*NEW REVOLUT BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS\*\* **Name: LM BADMINTON LTD** **Account Number: 19226405** **Sort Code: 23-01-20** **Reference: \*YOUR MEETUP NAME & DATE ie 270126\*** \*No cash\* Please use your profile name and date of session as payment reference, so that it can be identified. To ensure fair access to the session, anyone who signs up but does not make payment 24h in advance will have their places cancelled and offered to other players. **Waiting List Update:** When the event is full, there will be a waiting list for players to put their names on. Once a spot becomes available, i.e. another member cancels, the first person on the waiting list will be added to RSVP automatically. As such, the person will be sent an automated email confirming so. For those who do not wish to be added automatically, please remove your name from the waiting list. Please cancel waitlist 24 hours before the event if made other plans, as meetup will push you to attending list if spot opens up. We charge on spot basis. **Late Cancellations Penalty:** If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice it is your responsibility to liaise with those on the waiting list and find a replacement. If you do then no penalty but if you don’t find a replacement you pay 50% of the session fee, raising to 100% on the second late cancellation. You MUST also inform the organisers who your replacement is. **No Show Fees:** Full fee will be added to the profile on the next visit. **Team training:** On this session, 1 or 2 courts, will be reserved for team training for the up and coming season. The court ratio has not changed, still a max of 6 per court, some players might be invited to play on the team training courts. **Contacts:** The best way to get in touch is through meetup as your message will get picked up by the designated organiser for the chosen event. Otherwise please use WhatsApp to message us. Email: badmclub@gmail.com uni_badm1nton@yahoo.co.uk Primary: Vinh 07974 177707 Secondary: Nikita 07585 954797 **Disclaimer:** Organisers or LondonMet University can accept no liability for any loss or injury, however sustained, while taking part in club activities. If you want to cover yourself against injury to yourself or others, please make sure you have the appropriate insurance. In the interest of health and safety, proper footwear is a must in this club which means no casual footwear and no barefoot on the court.

Hey everyone, let's join the Quiz Night at The Cricketers in Richmond! Put your knowledge to the test and stand a chance to win some amazing prizes, including the exclusive rolling Golden Question. Don't miss out on all the fun! The Cricketers is one of the oldest pubs in Richmond and is famous for its great general knowledge quiz, featuring top-quality questions in a wide range of subjects, spot-the-intro music round, brilliant picture round, puzzles, and mystery voices. There's no team size limit, but more than 6 people will incur penalties. It's £ 2 for the Quiz master, and the quiz starts at about 8.00 PM and usually ends by 10.00 pm. We have a booked table for 6 people, and you could find a meet-up card, "Pub Quiz Richmond," on one of the tables. • Important to know: Join us for a fun and exciting night at The Cricketers in Richmond. For more information, visit [https://www.cricketersrichmond.com/](https://www.cricketersrichmond.com/).

**About Session** **Advanced** **4 courts for 4 hours** **High grade tournament shuttles (speed 77-78)** **£14 (bank transfer)** Please sign up to **ONLY ONE** of the concurrent Sunday sessions (this is the 4-hour Sunday session). Non-members should message the organizers their full-name via WhatsApp (Adrian Rabe, +447410463483) to arrange tryouts. Guests allowed but members will be prioritized over guests. Please message Committee members if you would like to add on a guest. Break the strings on 2 racquets, or break a racquet during the session and your session is *free*. Take a photo of the broken strings or racquet **DURING** the session, upload, and tag Broken Strings on Instagram to get the fee waiver. Cancellations < 24 hours before the event will be penalized the full fee. Please message organizer via WhatsApp for late cancellations or for potential slots. We will be discreetly speaking to players who may be struggling with the level of the session. **Free parking available within the school**. Note that the School will be opening and closing the gate **10 minutes before** and **10 minutes after** the beginning and end of the session. If you are locked out, please contact the organizers or other members to help let you in. Photographs and video recordings may be made during the session. Signing up to the session would **include consent for these recordings to be made and used by the club on its social media and other platforms**. **DO NOT PLAY** if you have fever, cough, colds, or other symptoms

Ladies and Gentlemen come and join me for a travel ,drinks nibbles meetup, lestalk bout our travel plans, ideas 💡! - fInd out about trips my Maine group has planned for this year 🎊 Ghana, Montenegro, Hong Kong, Albania, Rio De Jigenero to name a few! come and chill meet others that have the same travel mindset as you! please only rsvp if you are sure you will attend please. Meetup Fee £3pp to be paid on the day.

*be aware that this event starts at 6.30 pm* *sorry just realised that was scheduled wrong time* *no profit free event-* **RSVP required for admittance to the group participation** LOCATION Prince of Wales Feathers 8 Warren St, London W1T 5LD 📍 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/jjPZ1DTqAVPfxHJF9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jjPZ1DTqAVPfxHJF9) 🎬 **ABOUT** Come along and grab a drink 🥂 introduce yourself 🤝 and make new friends🔥 and have lots of fun 🫶 🙋 **Who is this for ?** All languages and levels are welcome, and we are inclusive of all ages, races, religions etc. Whether you're a polyglot, a beginner just starting with Duolingo Spanish, or you just want to come and socialise, you will be welcomed to our community of language learners and international friends. Exchange your mother tongue language with other participants of the group. Doesn't matter what your first language is English or Spanish, whatever it is. Everyone is welcome ! Speak a language and make new friends. This is a good opportunity to meet new people and socialise. Explore the world in a multicultural environment and discover new and traditions from all around the globe

***Important that you turn on your Meetup Notification for messaging!*** **New fees from 17 January 2026:** * Singles Session Fee (2 hours): £16.00 * Late Cancellation Fee (4–24 hours’ notice before session start): 50% of full fee * No-Show Fee (less than 4 hours’ notice or failure to attend): 100% of full fee * ***Late cancellations or no-shows will also incur a fee, regardless of waitlist status*** **Payment**:- £16.00 * This can be made by cash on the day or by bank transfer to **Sort Code: 23-05-80** **account: 55411069** Name: **London East Badminton Club** Please ensure that you use your **Meetup name** and the **session date** as **reference**. This is so we can match the payment to you...thanks. **ABOUT THE SESSION** This singles games session is for badminton players of **high intermediate to advance level skills, Division 1, Division 2 (minimum) club or league experience.** This session is **not suitable** for beginners, improvers or low intermediate. In some exceptional cases, organiser's discretion will apply. Come and join us for some Badminton singles games at Chobham Academy from 2pm to 4pm. We play with feather shuttlecocks. The venue is approx. 10 mins walk from Leyton Station (turn left as you exit the station and then right at Drapers Field towards Temple Mill Lane). If you're coming from Stratford Station, walk through Westfield towards Waitrose. Take the exit on the right called Celebration Avenue. Follow the road for several minutes and you will come to the entrance of the school on Temple Mill Lane, which is on the right hand side. Still can't find it, call me on 07545 596305 If you are driving there is paid car parking opposite the school. There are also places in Leyton area that you can park for free. Please check road signages for timings. Simple "If" Rules: * If you want to attend, you must RSVP * If you want to bring a friend you MUST RSVP for them * If you do not RSVP, you will be turned away Please respect the session limit, they are for your own good as over crowdedness means less games for you! **Important Note:** Event is for **18 years and above only** to comply with Chobham Academy's safeguarding policy. You are responsible for your own safety and belongings. London East Badminton Club and Chobham Academy management are not liable for any injuries, lost items, or other incidents.

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

SATURDAY: This event is 2:30 - 4 pm SATURDAY. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere in the restaurant.

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. Find us on our [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EKw86WJCp/?mibextid=wwXIfr).

**💝 Surrey Zoom Online Speed Dating** Online speed dating for Surrey locals — personality matched, hosted live on Zoom. **Choose your age range to sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=55+&face_v=9.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Your next match is one Zoom call away. 🫶 ✨

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

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