A song of ice and fire

Friendly book group Please remember to change your RSVP if you can't make it so someone on the waitlist can take your slot. New books chosen by popular vote and read 2 months later. We look forward to seeing you there!

**Monoux Sixth Form College** 190 Chingford Road London E17 5AA Not a structured meeting but an exhibition of personal approaches to the UN sustainability goals on climate change, inspired by Buddhism and created and promoted by SGI-UK. It is open from 4 - 6pm from Monday 20th April to Friday 24th, and from 1 -3pm on Saturday 25th April. Just come along at any of the above times — but please register your interest here on the app for monitoring purposes. I'll be there myself some of the time but am not 'hosting' as such. There will be an Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism meeting on Saturday 25th, from 12 - 1pm as part of this project. See the separate listing for details. TRANSPORT INFO: Driving? Parking is available in the College grounds. From Walthamstow Central Station (Victoria Line, Weaver Line) From Walthamstow Queen’s Road (Suffragette line) There are few different bus options from Walthamstow Central Station and Walthamstow Queen’s Road from different bus stops in close proximity to each other, some options are below: Please see the attached pdf for a map showing where all the different bus stops are. The map can also be found here too: [https://content.tfl.gov.uk/bus-route-maps/walthamstow-c](https://content.tfl.gov.uk/bus-route-maps/walthamstow-c) [entral-a4-020324.pdf](http://entral-a4-020324.pdf/) For buses 97 or 357 Bus Stop W 4 stops to Aveling Park Road bus stop For bus 34 Bus Stop R 4 stops to Aveling Park Road bus stop ## Attendees 1 [Host](https://www.meetup.com/members/14647854) [Steve Ellis](https://www.meetup.com/members/14647854) [Organizer](https://www.meetup.com/members/14647854) ## Photos 0 No photos for now! You'll see them here once they're added. ## Start the conversation Communicate with event participants to ask questions or share information. Send as a private comment (Visible only for attendees) [See more events by First Steps in Nichiren Buddhism (SGI-UK in Lond](https://www.meetup.com/first-steps-in-nichiren-buddhism/events/) ##

**New members of all ages always welcome!** The Cheese and the Worms is an incisive study of popular culture in the sixteenth century as seen through the eyes of one man, the miller known as Menocchio, who was accused of heresy during the Inquisition and sentenced to death. Carlo Ginzburg uses the trial records to illustrate the religious and social conflicts of the society Menocchio lived in. For a common miller, Menocchio was surprisingly literate. In his trial testimony he made references to more than a dozen books, including the Bible, Boccaccio's Decameron, Mandeville's Travels, and a "mysterious" book that may have been the Koran. And what he read he recast in terms familiar to him, as in his own version of the creation: "All was chaos, that is earth, air, water, and fire were mixed together; and of that bulk a mass formed-just as cheese is made out of milk-and worms appeared in it, and these were the angels." Ginzburg's influential book has been widely regarded as an early example of the analytic, case-oriented approach known as microhistory. In a thoughtful new preface, Ginzburg offers his own corollary to Menocchio's story as he considers the discrepancy between the intentions of the writer and what gets written. The Italian miller's story and Ginzburg's work continue to resonate with modern readers because they focus on how oral and written culture are inextricably linked. Menocchio's 500-year-old challenge to authority remains evocative and vital today.

Learn the Songcraft Secrets of writing Powerful Lyrics. This week we'll cover how to use Wordplay to add that special professional sauce to your songs & above all make them singable. Learn how the best writers use these techniques to sound authoritative, hip & wise. This series of 3 fully interactive presentations with exercises will inspire you to Plan, Progress and Perfect the lyrics of your songs in any genre, from deceptively Simple Language to Stunning Wordplay. It includes the following comprehensive Lyric Writing sessions (booking links below): **07/04/26 – Simple Lyrical Language, Structure & The BIG Idea!** **[14/04/26 – Develop your Lyrics with Imagery, Storytelling & Rhyme](https://www.londonsongwriters.org/course/imagery-storytelling/)** **[21/04/26 – Transform your Lyrics with Wordplay & Prosody](https://www.londonsongwriters.org/course/wordplay-and-singability/)** By analysing classic & contemporary songs from The Beatles to Billie Eilish, Dylan to Stormzy, as well as a nod to The Great American Songbook, you will learn the elements of what makes a great lyric in any genre & how to include them in your own writing. These sessions are suitable for songwriters at all levels, whether pure lyricists or composers. There are limited places available. **The nearest train station is Thames Ditton, 30 minutes from Waterloo to Hampton Court, and buses run from Kingston or Surbiton. Car parking is available at the entrance in Summer Road or Ashley Road in the village 2 minutes away.** \*\*\* **Also check out our Summer Countryside Retreat** **[https://www.londonsongwriters.org/songwritingretreats/](http://www.londonsongwriters.org/course/wordplay-and-singability/)** \*\*\* Testimonials from previous attendees over the last 8 years: "Great presentations. Lots of really useful detailed information, delivered in a way that made it both fun and easy to understand." "Very helpful and informative with examples from across the genres." ## “I’ve taken 5 different workshops in the past 3 years & have never seen a facilitator approach this subject with such a straightforward method of analysing song structure in order to replicate successful writing techniques” ABOUT THE HOST - MURRAY WEBSTER • A Masters Degree in Songwriting • PTLLS Teaching Qualification as a Music & Arts Leader • Experience mentoring young people in Music Skills • 15 years running monthly 'London Songwriters' workshops • 11 years running 16 acclaimed Countryside Retreats • 8 years developing & delivering monthly Lyric & Melody Evening Courses • Single & Album releases on CBS & other labels • Releases featured in The Guinness Book Of Records • Performances at major venues including The Astoria, The Hammersmith Palais, The Forum, 100 Club, The WAG Club, The Mint (LA) & Douglas Corner Cafe (Nashville). • Radio & TV appearances on the Gilles Peterson and Gary Crowley shows, Channel 4 documentaries on The Soho Jazz Festival supporting Courtney Pine * Latest single and EP 'Blue Dansette' available at [www.music.murraywebstersongs.com](http://www.music.murraywebstersongs.com/) • London Live TV appearance publicising 6 years of charity performances & fundraising for Crisis At Christmas • Organiser of Meetup communities with almost 7,000 members as featured in 'How To Make It In The New Music Business' • Saw The Beatles perform live ☺

If you are looking to be part of a community of like-minded individuals, join the community Mindfulness and Meditation offered by Soham Yoga and take your yoga practice beyond the mat, making it a way of life. **Every Tuesday at 7.45 pm** The classes are donation-based and welcome all. We do holistic Mindfulness and Meditation practices suitable for all levels Check the regular schedule for classes and Intro offer of ***14 consecutive days of Yoga sessions for £19*** only at Soham Yoga Centre, Harrow **Pre-book your spot** [https://sohamyoga.co.uk/schedule/](https://sohamyoga.co.uk/schedule/) Mindfulness requires us to be aware of what's around us and how our bodies feel. Meditation is a practice that reels in our thoughts to calm the mind. In this time of stress, Meditation has proven to be highly effective in helping one to be more mindful in their daily experiences. In this session, we would have warm-up yoga, breathing techniques, mindfulness and meditation. Register Online with code FIRST for the first free trial [Yoga Schedule](https://bookwhen.com/sohamyogaldn#focus=ev-s7dx-20230904183000) \#\#\#\# Instructions Come in comfortable clothing, with a water bottle (if required). Yoga mats, props, bricks, and blankets are provided. We have a kitchen facility, two bathrooms, and chairs to sit on (if required). [Yoga Schedule](https://bookwhen.com/sohamyogaldn#focus=ev-s7dx-20230904183000)

**DUE TO LIMITED SPACE PLEASE ONLY RSVP IF ATTENDING. IF NO LONGER ATTENDING PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP.** Join us in the upstairs room of the Grafton Pub in Camden for another writing-focused session. Bring whatever you’re working on, whether you’re outlining a new idea or deep into your current WIP. This is a space for writers to connect, share ideas, and find inspiration. Whether you’re looking for feedback, want to brainstorm with others, or simply need a quiet place to write, our goal is to build a supportive and collaborative community for sci-fi and fantasy authors at all stages of their journey. Writing will start at 6:30, but feel free to arrive and leave at your own convenience! We will end at 8:30pm, but the pub is open till 11pm so after it ends people can mingle or go home as they please. **While we encourage collaboration and occasional chat, we ask everyone to be mindful of those focused on writing until 8pm.** **Also please support the venue by buying food or drink from the pub!**

🎤 **A Monthly Night for Singers to Shine!** Whether you're an amateur vocalist or a seasoned performer, this is your chance to take the stage *with a live band* and feel the buzz of a cheering crowd. Arrive for 8pm and you’ll almost certainly get to sing your chosen song — and trust me, the atmosphere is electric 🎤✨ I’ll be based near the main stage on the night. If you can’t spot me straight away, just drop me a message and I’ll share my exact location (or even my outfit of the day!). This event is open to everyone — single, married, in a relationship — it’s all about fun, music, and unforgettable moments. Come along, sing your heart out, and enjoy a night you’ll be talking about for weeks 😀 If you want, I can also create a punchier headline, add a call‑to‑action, or tailor the tone to feel more flirty, more professional, or more high‑energy.

***Enter the live meeting room here: [https://discord.gg/5wgxtr4c2u](https://discord.gg/5wgxtr4c2u)*** ***Download the engine here: [https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download](https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download)*** Welcome to the **Unreal Engine Workshop!** In each session we'll tackle essential game design discussions, then transition into hands-on project creation. Participants will build and expand their skills continuously as we explore every aspect of game development. From basic blueprints and interactive mechanics, to advanced rigging, animation, environment design, and lighting, we'll work our way up to creating small complete games. We encourage experimentation and peer teaching, so whether you're a beginner or experienced developer looking to deepen your expertise, our sessions provide a supportive environment to learn, create, and innovate together in Unreal Engine 5.

Hello fellow tallies, **and by tallies we mean women over 5\`9 and men over 6\`2**. This is the one chance a month for us to meet up in person literally face to face in London. We are moving back to our old central London meeting place at **The Marlborough Arms** for a few months. **The Marlborough Arms is at 36 Torrington Pl, London WC1E 7LY**. It is Just a few minutes from Goodge Street tube station and a 10 minute walk from Tottenham Court Road, Russell Square and Euston Square tube stations. **The Tall Persons Club have been meeting in London on the last Friday of every month for over 30 years** so there tends to be more people there than just who is on this Meetup group. Come and experience the back straightening joy of standing alongside people who are taller than you and learn a whole new body posture, that accompanies that - cheaper than a Chiropractor! You are welcome to bring a non tall partner or friend, but one of you MUST be tall! **PLEASE NOTE:** this is a tall persons meet up where we tallies get a chance to talk to other tallies so there is a **minimum height requirement of 6\`2 for men and 5\`9 for women**. The venue is a Greene King managed pub with their own range of beers, gins (!) and spirits. Classic pub grub is available. We're happy to report that the staff there are friendly and looking forward to being looked down on - in the physical sense, not the attitudinal one. When you get to the pub, we have an area reserved right at the back of the back of the pub on the left hand side, When you get to the back room room you should see us there easily enough but if not just come in to the room where you should find either Mike, Simon, Neal, Sharran, Rory (we will have name stickers on) and we will introduce you around. If all else fails look for a 3ft wooden Giraffe called Jerry who will be sitting on on of our tables. Everyone is nervous the first time but we are a really friendly eclectic bunch, and we really look forward to meeting you! If in doubt to where we are then just please just ask the bar staff and they will point you in the right direction. If you have any questions, please email us at **​** **[members@tallclub.co.uk](mailto:outings@tallclub.co.uk)**

Join us at Craft Beer Co. Brixton for our structured Sci-Fi & Fantasy Feedback Session. A supportive, focused space where writers can share their work and receive constructive, thoughtful critique. These sessions are designed not only to help authors refine their writing but also to strengthen our community. Giving feedback is as valuable as receiving it: by learning to critique effectively, we sharpen our own editorial instincts and deepen our understanding of craft. Whether you’re submitting work or attending as a reader, this is a collaborative, growth-focused environment. **FOR THOSE SUBMITTING WORK** **We allow up to 4 people to submit their work** **for feedback. In order to submit please RSVP and send your submission to** **scififantasyauthors@gmail.com no later than the Sunday prior to the session** to give organisers time to review submissions and arrange critique groups in advance. *Priority for submission slots is given to those who have attended a previous session.* To ensure quality and fairness, submission guidelines are as follows: * **A short introduction (2–3 paragraphs max.) explaining:** * The context and status of the piece (early draft? polished?) * What kind of feedback you’re looking for * **An excerpt (chapter or short story) of up to 3,000 words** * +10% flexibility allowed * Strict cut-off beyond that **FOR THOSE PROVIDING FEEDBACK** * Please RSVP and read the “How to Give Feedback” document that will be shared prior to attending. * Bring a device suitable for reading the submitted piece * There is no expectation to read anything in advance. All reading takes place during the session itself. We begin with dedicated silent reading time, ensuring that everyone engages with the piece equally and no one feels pressure to prepare outside the session. Just show up ready to read, think, and contribute. **SCHEDULE** Attendees will be placed into small critique groups of 5–6 people, each with an experienced facilitator to guide discussion and manage time. **6:30–6:45pm** – Arrival, drinks & group seating **6:45–7:30pm** – Silent reading & note-taking **7:30–8:00pm** – Structured feedback delivery **8:00–8:30pm** – Open roundtable discussion & author questions Each participant will have up to 5 minutes to share feedback during the structured critique section. Authors listen without interruption, with space for clarifying questions later in the roundtable. Whether you’re looking to polish a chapter, test an opening, or strengthen your editorial instincts, these sessions are an opportunity to grow together. RSVP early, as places are limited to ensure productive group sizes. If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP.

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

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life Sunday, 23 February at 2pm. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

if you’re **tired of doing the same boring thing** every weekend, this is your excuse to **do something different.** This is **not just a comedy show.** It’s a full **Saturday night experience** at Shadybowl Speedway — a **BYOB** potluck cookout, **live racing,** a late-night **bonfire**, open mic **comedy under the stars**, and **free camping** if you want to stay the night. We’re basically **throwing a party in the middle of nowhere** — about an hour west of Columbus and an hour north of Dayton ### The experience **Start early with the cookout** Come out around **4:00 PM** for a potluck-style cookout. Bring something to share, hang out, have a few drinks, and meet people before the night gets rolling. **Then head into the races** Racing starts around **7:00–8:00 PM** at Shadybowl. **Bring a chair** and sit with us in **Turn 4** — best seats in the house. **in front of concrete spots** 58,59 **ask for Chance** Think **racing isn’t your thing?** That’s fine. **Bring something to drink** and come for the atmosphere, the noise, and **the wrecks.** **Then the real vibe kicks in** Once the races wind down, we head back to the fire for **Late Night Bonfire Comedy** starting around **11:30 PM**. This is open mic style, so you might catch comics traveling through, a local favorite, somebody trying stand-up for the first time. Either way, **you’re getting laughs around a bonfire** with drinks, good people, and nowhere else to be. **Stay the night if you want** No rush. No long drive home if you don’t want it. **Free camping on-site** — bring a tent, **sleep in your car,** or just **hang out late by the fire.** ### What to know **Saturday, May 9, 2026** * **Cookout starts around 4:00 PM** * **Racing starts around 7:00–8:00 PM** * **Bonfire comedy starts at 11:30 PM** * **BYOB, No glass inside the race.** * **Free camping, Bring a chair** * **Shadybowl admission is $15 cash only.** * **Free parking** ### How to reserve your spot This is a **ticketed group experience**. A **$5 reservation** helps us organize the night, reduce no-shows, and make sure the people coming are actually coming. Send **$5 per person**. Send **$20 and i will get your Admission ticket for the races.** **Venmo preferred / PayPal, Cashapp accepted** **@WiseUnlimitedLLC $WiseUnlimitedLLC** Include your **name + event name** in the note. Links will be posted in the comments. Be sure to Drop a comment on this post after you RSVP this helps the algorithm. Come for the cookout. Stay for the races. Laugh around the fire. Camp if you want.