Celtic Culture

*Etre ici est une splendeur* de Marie Darrieussecq est la biographie de Paula M. Becker. (160 pages) Réfléchi, saisissant et nécessaire. Un livre sur une artiste qui devient une œuvre d’art en soi, et qui attire l’attention sur la persistance de l’altérité et de l’exclusion dans lesquelles évoluent les femmes artistes. Intéressé à la lecture en espagnol, en anglais ou à la littérature perse ? : -www.meetup.com/gaia-books -www.meetup.com/gaia-libros -www.meetup.com/persian-culture -French Art Group (envoyez-moi une demande) -Instagram: @persian_culture_

Below is the WhatsApp group for this event. You need to join it to find out where we are meeting. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KrkGkyWNz4J3vkbKGk7YYP?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KrkGkyWNz4J3vkbKGk7YYP?mode=gi_t) **Solve the Mystery: The Riddle of the Sphinx** Are you ready to look at history through a different lens? Join us for an immersive exploration of the world’s most famous enigma: **The Riddle of the Sphinx.** This isn't just a dusty history lesson. We’re heading into the heart of the **British Museum** to decode ancient artefacts and uncover the hidden layers of meaning that most visitors walk right past. **Why this matters to your path** In the Cochranian and Regency traditions of Wicca—inspired by the teachings of Robert Cochrane—the Sphinx isn’t just a statue; it’s a key. We will explore: * **The Sphinx's Secrets:** How the riddle informs modern Wiccan practice. * **The Cochranian Tradition:** Bridging the gap between ancient myth and living magic. *** **Is this for me ?** Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just curious about the Craft, you're welcome! * **No Prerequisites:** This "knot" (lesson) is part of our introductory series, but it stands perfectly well on its own. * **New Members Welcome:** You don't need to have attended previous sessions to dive into this one. Because we are hosting this within the British Museum, **spaces are strictly limited.** To ensure a high-quality experience for everyone, we have to stick to a firm capacity. **How to Secure Your Spot:** 1. **Register via the App:** All our "knots" and curriculum materials are managed there. 2. **Join the WhatsApp Group:** This is our primary hub for logistics. If the first session fills up, we will coordinate a second date exclusively through this group. 3. **The Link:** Keep an eye on this space—the joining link will be posted here before the event.

Meet up fee £7 to be paid at the beginning of the meet up. Card or cash payments. Meeting at Mikis Paradise Cafe. Please bring your favourite Tarot deck.

Acoustic music, poetry and storytelling. Soul Fuel Sunday is a monthly gathering of poets, storytellers and songwriters held at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel. These intimate, unique evenings are not to be missed, offering audiences the rare opportunity to hear spoken word artists and songwriters perform completely unplugged, supported only by the natural acoustics of our gorgeous neo-Gothic Chapel walls. Each month, experience performances from musical artists interspersed with spoken word, storytelling, poetry and meditations, with singer-songwriter Russell Swallow.

If you love anime & manga then please join us for our weekly meetups, where we basically just sit, chat and read anime & manga! We usually sit in the back of the pub. If the weather is nice we may sit outside at the back of the pub, or even outside on the downstairs floor. In this meetup, you can BYOM (bring your own manga) or read one from the selection we will bring. See this as an opportunity to discover, recommend or simply enjoy Japanese comics & anime with like-minded people! Note: This is not a book club. Also, the TCR bar is kind enough to allow us to use their space to host this meetup, and has asked if possible for attendees to support the venue by purchasing a drink or food while you're there. Please don't bring your own food or drink to consume at the venue, as the venue does not allow this!

You are invited to this joint event of Association of Black Humanists and Unruly Beauty. **Overview** Can a life without traditional religious meaning still feel sacred or whole? Grief is often associated with the loss of a person, but many of us carry quieter, less recognised forms of grief. This workshop creates space to explore the grief that can arise after losing a community, a shared purpose, or a spiritual framework, especially in the aftermath of leaving a religious tradition or belief system. Together, we will gently examine what it means to grieve not only *what was*, but also *what was promised*: belonging, certainty, identity, and a sense of divine connection. Participants are invited to reflect on how loss of faith or religious community can affect meaning-making, relationships, and one’s inner life, often in ways that are invisible or misunderstood by others. You do not need to identify as spiritual or religious to attend. This space honours doubt, curiosity, longing, anger, relief, and hope, (without pushing answers or beliefs). This is not about fixing grief, it is about witnessing loss, honouring transition, and making room for new forms of connection, within yourself and with others. Whether you are newly navigating life after religion or years into rebuilding your sense of self, you are welcome here. All Unruly Beauty events are open to ALL BODIES and ALL IDENTITIES! We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and are committed to cultivating a space that is inclusive, affirming, and psychologically safe for all. Please get your ticket at: [A Conversation on Grief : Belonging, Identity, and Loss After Religion Tickets, Sunday, Apr 19 from 2 pm to 6 pm | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-conversation-on-grief-belonging-identity-and-loss-after-religion-tickets-1983653963403?aff=ebdsshsms&utm_share_source=listing_android&sg=41dc7852e3c2c15abff109e6d60c35ae41b4d315c9aaf13ae99fadc159dd4742c404b715e2e5b679ea51461ecf7d9b293310945233892b469142c37487084052265edc7df3f422ec4d0ab644db) **(If the cost of a ticket feels like an obstacle, please send us a message. We welcome you and want you to be part of this space.)** ### Location ### The Advocacy Academy 2 Beehive Place London SW9 7QR

Hello! If you haven't seen much of me of late it's because I have been busy writing a book! My Guide to the Great Themes in Art is a compendium of many themes that concern us today, painted across the centuries by some great artists. Love & Marriage, Body, Health, War, Faith, Nature, Identity, Food are just some of the themes that you may find interesting. The book will be published early next year and in advance of that I am inviting you to an illustrated talk and a reading from the book ( combined with an optional Sunday roast dinner ! ) at Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell 2 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1M 5PQ Places are limited, so book [here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-mona-lisa-and-other-housewives-a-guide-to-the-great-themes-in-art-tickets-1983974779974?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) soon but do also rsvp here so that I know you are coming Hope to see you if you happen to be in London... Lydia

Celebrate the spirit of England in the heart of the capital! Join the Mayor of London for a high-energy afternoon of culture, music, and food at Trafalgar Square. ​ ​**Meeting time** : 1 pm We will meet and mingle for 20 minutes. **Meeting location:** Ole & Steen Haymarket ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKmjftNckDFN545k7?g_st=ac](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKmjftNckDFN545k7?g_st=ac)) Arrive early grab a drink more snack and meet the rest of us upstairs. As you come in look up and you will see us. **The Plan:** Meet and greet: 1.00 to 1.20 walk to Trafalgar 1.20 to 1.30 Find a spot in trafalgar : 1.30 to 3.00 Go to the pub 3 to 4 pm. may go to Montague Pyke (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7fqVV95o96RfR1WP9?g_st=ac) I might leave at this point but everyone is welcome to stick around. In such a large gathering we will inevitably get separated. Live locations will be available on Telegram. (download at we are using this due to complaints about people receiving unwanted messages on whatsapp) Telegram: [https://t.me/+K_XSsBtvU_43N2U0](https://t.me/+K_XSsBtvU_43N2U0) Once the event starts I will not be checking Telegram frequently, I may not even check it at all, so please Arrive on time.

**Join us as we visit two of the photographic jewels of medieval England, the landscaped gardens of Scotney Castle and the picturesque Bodiam Castle in West Sussex!** Bodiam Castle: **Constructed in 1385** to help protect against invasion from the French during the Hundred Years War, this impressive example of a moated castle provides us with **plentiful composition opportunities** to take advantage of the **beautiful symmetrical reflections** available in the wide moat. We'll also explore behind the castle walls and ascend the towers to admire the view of the surrounding countryside. Our visit will be timed so we can take advantage of being able to photograph the exterior after the tourists have left, allowing us to capture some iconic shots that would be difficult otherwise. "Set in the heart of a historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements, and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. Windows where arrows were once loosed, a tower that was once a lookout, and ruins that were once walked upon by knights; this is a place where you can relive your childhood memories and let your imagination run riot. In the impressive gatehouse is the castle's original wooden portcullis, an extremely rare example of its kind and, beyond into the courtyard, enough of the interior ruins survive to give an impression of castle life." We'll also visit **12th-century Scotney Castle**, a picturesque country castle ruins set in the landscaped gardens of a manor estate. **Scotney Castle:** "In the 1830s Edward's grandson, Edward Hussey III, transformed the estate. He hired architect Anthony Salvin to build a new house at the top of the hill overlooking the valley. Edward Hussey III had the imagination to transform the Old Castle into a ruin to act as the focus of his new landscape garden. As a result of his vision, Scotney Castle is now celebrated as one of the most significant survivals of a complete Picturesque landscape." Recommended Equipment * Walk around/kit lens * Wide-angle lens * Tripod – optional (recommended for long exposures - we'll have two to borrow if needed) * ND Filters – optional (for long exposures – we have sets available to borrow - courtesy of Kase filters) Note: This tour is also suitable for "phone-only" photographers **Included:** * Entry to Bodium Castle & Scotney Castle. * Travel to and from central London (from Starbucks, Unit 1A Euston Tower, NW1 3DP), in our comfortable 8-seat vehicle. * Photographic tuition. * Camera and lens setups to borrow if required (bring a blank SD card) * Battery charging facilities if required (just bring your USB or wall plug charger) **Not included:** * Food and drink (tearooms are available at both castles) **Note:** Please dress for the weather. Layers, hat, etc. It is England after all, so bring a waterproof jacket/umbrella just in case and wear appropriate footwear for walking. **Where we'll meet:** We'll meet at **Starbucks Coffee, Unit 1A** **Euston Tower Podium, Regents Place, London NW1 3DP**, at **9:30 am** and we'll talk about what to expect on the day and go through previous photos and discuss settings, composition, etc. We'll be leaving Starbucks at 9:45 am and expect to return to London between 6:00-7:00 pm. Please make sure you check TFL to arrive at the meeting point on time as we will have to leave at 9:45 am sharp. Please be sure you can attend before RSVPing yes, as refunds can only be given if your place is taken by another participant. Thank you. Note: This event is combined with other photography Meetup groups that I run, so I'll update RSVP numbers accordingly (ie myself +3 will mean 3 members from other groups attending). More photos and info can be found on our [Scotney Castle & Bodiam Castle Photography Tour website page](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/photography-workshops/bodiam-castle-photography-workshop/). We hope to see you there! Dion [UK Photo Tours](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com)

Discover the beautiful art of **castanets (castañuelas)** and add a new dimension to your flamenco 💫 This **6-week introduction course** is open to all levels, including complete beginners. We will build technique step by step, focusing on coordination, rhythm, and musicality. ✨ What you will learn: • Hand positioning and basic technique • Coordination and independence between hands • Rhythm patterns and musicality • Integration into simple flamenco sequences • Posture, arms, and expression This course is also accessible if you prefer or need to participate seated. 📅 **Dates:** Sundays, 19 April – 24 May ⏰ **Time:** 10:00 – 11:00 📍 **Location:** Danceworks London ⚠️ **Please bring proper castanets (not decorative ones)** 👉 **Booking is essential via Danceworks (link below)** https://www.danceworks.com/courses/ Limited places available ✨ If you have any questions, feel free to message.

Sunday rehearsal with Castellers of London. Meet us at the OBC Community Centre to help build human towers! This get together is a great opportunity for you to meet new friends, socialise and have a go and explore your abilities as a human tower builder a.k.a Casteller! For newcomers we have a team of trained Castellers who will introduce you to the group, guide you through the activity and help you safely take part in this unique Catalan tradition. When you arrive just approach us as we are really friendly! If in doubt ask for Cuss! Please let us know if you are bringing guests. After the rehearsal we go to a nearby pub for social drinks where everyone is welcome :) What do you need? 1. Ideally a cotton shirt: to protect your neck and shoulders, the more durable the shirt/top the better. We do not recommend any thin items of clothing! 2. Jeans: allowing you to move freely without breaking. 3. Mask: We still require the use of a mask as you will be very close to your fellow Castellers - basically you will be hugging people! The rest of the equipment is on us! We take health and safety very seriously, both in relation to COVID-19 and also the activity- please be assured that the safety of all participants is of the utmost importance to us and we take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk, ensuring we all have a great time! Our regular members won't be filling in the Meet Up to say they are going 🙂 So don't be put off if you see only a handful have said they are going. A minimum of 25 on the day is normal. What the Meet Up may show is how many new people like yourself are going.

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. 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."

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

**Caller: Richard Ades** **Band: The McKenzies** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** 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 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. 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. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.