The London Cultureseekers Group

 
 
 

On Wednesday 31st May at 6:30pm, we will be having a Midweek Coffee Evening!

It's a chance to meet and chat with others in the group in a relaxed setting over a hot drink.

On the day, come to the coffee shop, grab a drink and come and join us. If its a nice evening, we will be outside.

Lookout for the 'London Cultureseekers' signs on the tables.

Hope to see you there!

Robert[masked] (prefer text)

On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.
Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478

 
 
 

THE TRIP IS NOW FULL, PLEASE CONTACT ME VIA MEETUP IF YOU WISH TO GO ON THE WAITING LIST.

Come along on Saturday 3rd June for a coach trip to explore the pretty villages in the county of Wiltshire!

About the trip
The historic county of Wiltshire is a stunning county, where you feel close to the earth and the ever-changing big skies. Almost half of Wiltshire is designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and a part of it sits in the Cotswolds.

We will be visiting some of its prettiest villages:

Castle Combe
Is a quintessentially English village which is often voted the 'prettiest village in England'. It has appeared in may T.V shows and films, including the 1967 film 'Doctor Dolittle' and the 2011 film 'War Horse'.

Corsham
The villages is a hidden treasure, quintessentially English and sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds. Its history is linked to wool and stone: the wool from the Flemish weavers who based themselves here; the stone from the famous Bath Stone, quarried locally and used in many of the town’s buildings. It was also featured in the T.V series 'Poldark'.

Laycock
The village is owned almost entirely by the National Trust and has a fantastic abbey. The streets are like stepping back in time and because of this, it has been featured in T.V productions of Pride & Prejudice, Emma, Cranford, Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter films.

Wootton Rivers
Is a small village like a picture postcard and full of thatched cottages. The area is famous for a spectacular part of the Kennet & Avon canal which runs near the village.

I'll be giving you a mini tour around them, before leaving you to explore on your own.

Coach seating

• If you wish to reserve a seat on the coach in advance, after you pay please look at the seating plan in the photos and then email me ([masked]) with the seat number/s you wish to reserve. Its first come first served.
• The seat you sit on when you board the coach is yours for the day. If you wish to change seats on the coach during the day, you will need to get permission from the individual who is seated there.

Cost
Cost is £24 per person for Full Members and £30 per person for everyone else (payable in advance when you RSVP - Full Members, just amend the amount before paying).

Please note: you won't be able to pay via the app, only the full site. You also don't need a Paypal account to pay, just a credit card and pay as a guest.

Go here to become a Full Member - www.meetup.com/London_Cultureseekers/dues/

Food & drink
Its up to you whether you wish to bring your own food and drink or purchase items in the villages.

If you can't see us on Tothill Street, please text.

Please note, we only wait for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. The coach has to leave at a specific time.

Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign.

Hope to see you there!

Robert[masked] (prefer text)

On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.
Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing -
https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478

 
 
 

Come along on Sunday 4th June to visit Croydon Airport!

About the airport
Croydon Airport was the UK's only international airport during the interwar period. It opened in 1920, built in a Neoclassical style, and was developed as Britain's main airport, handling more cargo, mail, and passengers than any other UK airport at the time.

Innovations at the site included the world's first air traffic control and the first airport terminal. During WW2 the airport was named RAF Croydon as its role changed to that of a fighter airfield during the Battle of Britain and in 1943 RAF Transport Command was founded at the site, which used the airport to transport thousands of troops into and out of Europe.

It closed in 1959, as London's primary international airport passed to Heathrow Airport.

We will be having a tour when we arrive and then you are free to look around their museum. The airport is only open for tours on the first Sunday of every month.

Aprox Itinerary
12:30pm - catch train (GroupSave to Waddon)
1:08pm - arrive and walk 15mins to the airport
2:00pm - tour starts
2:45pm - tour finishes, freetime to look around the museum
4:00pm - meet back across the road in Costa Coffee

Trains go back to London at: 4:30pm, 5:00pm and the same times past each hour.

Cost
The tour cost is £6 per person for Full Members and £8 per person for everyone else (payable in cash when you turn up).

Go here to become a Full Member - www.meetup.com/London_Cultureseekers/dues/

Train & Tickets
We will be getting GroupSave tickets (purchased in groups of 3 when you arrive). These will be £9.30 per person. Or the station is in zone 5, so make sure you have money on your Oystercard.

• You don't have to go back with the same 2 people you purchased your ticket with, but you should travel back in a group of 3 or more as the tickets are group tickets.

Please note, we only wait for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time before boarding the train, so please be early or on time.

If you can't see us at the station, please text.

Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign.

Hope to see you there!

Robert[masked] (prefer text)

On the day, if you can’t make the trip, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.
Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478

 
 
 

On Wednesday 7th June at 6:30pm, we will be having an online Midweek Coffee Evening!

It's a chance to keep in touch and chat with others in the group.

So nearer the time, pour yourself a coffee (or tea) and click on the link after you RSVP.

Hope to see you there!

Robert[masked] (prefer text)

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478

 
 
 

Come along on Friday 9th June to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre to see one of William Shakespeare's best comedies: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

About the play
‘So quick bright things come to confusion’
– Act I, scene 1

On Midsummer’s eve, four rebellious young lovers, a band of ambitious artisan players, and a feuding Fairy King and Queen all cross paths in a riotously enchanted forest. When the shapeshifting, mischief-making Puck, the Fairy King’s servant, is ordered to cast spells on everyone, what could possibly go wrong?

All hell breaks loose as nature, and human nature, are turned upside down and inside out; the forest’s new inhabitants are in for a wild and unsettling night of love, jealousy and utter confusion… but once the nightmare is over, will life be a dream again by morning?

The play was written in 1595/96.

Tickets
Tickets are £5-£10 each for standing and from £25 upwards for seating.

Book your own ticket here - https://basket.shakespearesglobe.com/31472/31502

Then:
- Make sure that Friday 9th June, 7:30pm production is showing
- Scroll down and choose your seat
- Click 'Add to Basket' and pay

If tickets sell out online, you can get one on the day by queuing outside the main entrance for returns at 6:00pm.

The Globe has no roof to protect the standing tickets in the yard, if it rains you will get wet.

The play starts at 7:30pm and lasts about 2 hours, with a 15 minute interval.

Lookout for 'Cultureseekers' signs in the coffee shop, if you can't see us, send me a text.

We will walk over to the Globe at about 7:10pm.

Hope to see you there.

Robert[masked] (prefer text)

On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.
Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478

 
 
 

Come along on Saturday 10th June for Open Garden Squares Weekend!

About the day
Open Garden Squares Weekend is a two-day event, where private gardens throughout London welcome the public. Gardens range from historical private squares to contemporary roof gardens, prisons and barges.

We will be visiting three garden squares on Saturday. Spending about 1 hour in each garden square. All the gardens are within a 10min walk of each other.

The gardens we will be visiting are:

• Wilton Crescent Garden
• Eaton Square Garden
• Chester Square Garden

We have slight discount for tickets bought in advance for Open Garden Squares weekend, it works out at £17.50 per person (normally £20) and gives you access to all the garden squares across both days.

You only have to purchase one ticket, which enables you to visit all the gardens across the weekend.

You can purchase your ticket here - https://londonparksandgardens.eventcube.io/events/44131/london-open-gardens-2023

Then under the 'London Open Gardens Culture Seekers Ticket':

• Indicate how many tickets you require, then click 'next'
• Click 'next' to the end
• Enter your payment details

You will need to show your ticket each time we visit a garden square (printout or receipt confirmation on your phone).

The visit should be finished by about 4:30pm, ending near Victoria Tube Station. The visit is self guiding.

Afterwards
After we will head to a pub, a short walk from the last garden at about 4:30pm for a chat over a drink.

If you can make it, please come to the pub afterwards, as it’s a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit.

Please note, we only wait outside the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time.

If you can't see us outside the station, please text.

Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' Group sign.

Hope to see you there!

Robert[masked] (prefer text)

On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.
Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478

 
 
 

Come along on Sunday 11th June for Open Garden Squares Weekend!

About the day
Open Garden Squares Weekend is a two-day event, where private gardens throughout London welcome the public. Gardens range from historical private squares to contemporary roof gardens, prisons and barges.

We will be visiting three garden squares on Saturday. Spending about 1 hour in each garden square. All the gardens are within a 10min walk of each other.

The gardens we will be visiting are:

• Hanover Gardens
• Stanley Crescent Garden
• Ladbroke Square Garden

We have slight discount for tickets bought in advance for Open Garden Squares weekend, it works out at £17.50 per person (normally £20) and gives you access to all the garden squares across both days.

You only have to purchase one ticket, which enables you to visit all the gardens across the weekend.

You can purchase your ticket here - https://londonparksandgardens.eventcube.io/events/44131/london-open-gardens-2023

Then under the 'London Open Gardens Culture Seekers Ticket':

• Indicate how many tickets you require, then click 'next'
• Click 'next' to the end
• Enter your payment details

You will need to show your ticket each time we visit a garden square (printout or receipt confirmation on your phone).

The visit should be finished by about 4:30pm, ending near Notting Hill Gate Tube Station. The visit is self guiding.

Afterwards
After we will head to a pub, a short walk from the last garden at about 4:30pm for a chat over a drink.

If you can make it, please come to the pub afterwards, as it’s a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit.

Please note, we only wait outside the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time.

If you can't see us outside the station, please text.

Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' Group sign.

Hope to see you there!

Robert[masked] (prefer text)

On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.
Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478

 
 
 

On Wednesday 14th June at 6:30pm, we will be having a Midweek Coffee Evening!

It's a chance to meet and chat with others in the group in a relaxed setting over a hot drink.

On the day, come to the cafe, grab a drink and come and join us. If its a nice evening, we will be outside on the balcony.

Lookout for the 'London Cultureseekers' signs on the tables.

Hope to see you there!

Robert[masked] (prefer text)

On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.
Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478

 
 
 

THE DAY TRIP IS NOW FULL, PLEASE EMAIL ME VIA MEETUP IF YOU WISH TO GO ON THE WAITING LIST.

Come along on Saturday 17th June for a coach trip visiting some of the pretty towns along the north Kent coast.

About the trip
We will be visiting some traditional seaside towns along the north Kent coast with some originally being fishing ports and some being Victorian holiday resorts.

The ones we will be visiting are:

Whitstable
The town is a traditional fishing port and is famous for its 'Native Oysters' which were collected from beds beyond the low water mark from Roman times until the mid-20th century.

The town is criss-crossed by numerous small alleys, once used by fishermen to reach the beach. Many of these are now registered as public rights of way and are still in frequent use.

The town has a combination of a sand and shingle beach. A windmill dating from 1815 sits on a hill in the town. Off the coast is an offshore windfarm, consisting of 30 wind turbines. You can also see the now-redundant WW2 sea forts.

Herne Bay
Just 4 miles along the coast, the town rose to prominence from the mid 18th century onwards, the town became a popular seaside resort for day trippers from London due to a steam ship running from Tower Hill.

It is also known for its pleasure pier and promenade. During the early 19th century, the town was the base of a smugglers' gang.

Westgate-on-Sea
Westgate-on-Sea is a charming town, steeped in Heritage with quaint shops and two fantastic sandy beaches. It is very Victorian in style.

In the early 20th century, you could also catch a seaplane from here.

Margate
A couple of miles further down the coast and England's most easterly town. From the 15th century onwards, the town was an important port and connection with the European continent (along with Dover).

Today the town is a mix of Victorian and modern. It has a Shell Grotto, which walls and roof is covered in elaborate decorations of over four million shells covering 2,000 square feet in complex patterns, was rediscovered in 1835. It also houses the 'Turner Contemporary Art Gallery', named after the artist JMW Turner who lived in the town.

We will be spending about 1h 30mins in each one and I will give a mini guided tour around each one, before leaving you to explore on your own.

Coach seating

• If you wish to reserve a seat on the coach in advance, after you pay please look at the seating plan in the photos and then email me ([masked]) with the seat number/s you wish to reserve. Its first come first served.
• The seat you sit on when you board the coach is yours for the day. If you wish to change seats on the coach during the day, you will need to get permission from the individual who is seated there.

Cost
Cost is £24 per person for Full Members and £30 per person for everyone else (payable in advance when you RSVP).

After you RSVP, to make a payment, either send me a direct PayPal payment to: [masked] or if you email me via Meetup and I will send you my bank details to make a bank transfer payment.

Go here to become a Full Member - www.meetup.com/London_Cultureseekers/dues/

Food & drink
Its up to you whether you wish to bring your own food and drink or purchase items in the towns. There will be pubs and cafes in the towns.

If you can't see us on Tothill Street, please text.

Please note, we only wait for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. The coach has to leave at a specific time.

Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign.

Hope to see you there!

Robert[masked] (prefer text)

On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.
Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing -
https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478

 
 
 

Come along on Sunday 18th June for a Blue Badge Guided Walk around Clapham!

We have 2 guides, Diane Burstein & Rachel Kolsky. Please indicate which guide/time you wish to go with when you RSVP and come along for that time.

About the walk
Just a few miles from Central London, Clapham was the destination of many 18th century city businessmen who wanted an impressive house that was a short carriage ride from their work.

19th century transport improvements attracted the “man on the Clapham Omnibus” who came to enjoy the green space of Clapham Common on his rare days of rest. On this tour we visit Clapham Old Town to hear of an old parish church, a royal laundry and an African Academy. At Holy Trinity Church we learn about the Clapham Sect and their struggle to abolish the slave trade.

On the common we see the entrances to wartime shelters, discover the homes of past residents including diarist Samuel Pepys and author Graham Green.

The walk is a private walk for the group, we will be guided by Blue Badge guides Diane Burstein & Rachel Kolsky.

It will last about 2 hours and finishes close back to Clapham Common Tube Station.

Payment
Full Members of the group will be £9, everyone else the cost is £11 per person.

Once you RSVP yes, either send me a direct payment via PayPal to: [masked] or pay cash on the day.

To become a Full Member, go to: https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/dues

Afterwards
After we will head to the 'The Alexandra pub', (14 Clapham Common South Side), for a chat over a drink.

If you can make it, please come to the pub afterwards, as it’s a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit.

Please note, we will only wait at the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time so please be early or on time.

Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign outside the station.

Hope to see you there!

Robert[masked] (text only)

On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it.
Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.

Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478