Ayn Rand

**This event is supported by The Royal Institute of Philosophy’s [Local Partners Programme](https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/news/fund-your-event/).** **N.B. this meeting will be held in person in the Prince of Wales pub near Covent Garden. There is also an online session held on Thursday if you are not in London or are not able to attend in-person.** Halfway through our thematic 'Quest' year, we are going back farther than we've ever been to one of the oldest surviving stories, one of the foundations of Western, and now global literature. Homer's Odyssey is the tale of Odysseus' homecoming to Ithaca after defeating the Trojans - his temptations, battles, failures and victories, all interwoven with his wife Penelope's resolve to fend off suitors, and his son Telemachus' search for news of his father. Expect discussions of duty, justice, temptation and different forms of power and leadership. The meeting starts at 7pm with drink breaks at 8 and 9. The discussion will end around 10pm, but leave whenever you need to. Here's the blurb from goodreads.com: If the *Iliad* is the world's greatest war epic, then the *Odyssey* is literature's grandest evocation of everyman's journey though life. Odysseus' reliance on his wit and wiliness for survival in his encounters with divine and natural forces, during his ten-year voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, is at once a timeless human story and an individual test of moral endurance.

👀 Something is happening... The best way I can describe it is like one member said to me: 'Tim - It's like freshers week, every week, but better, with bands and stuff...' and that's how it's been over the last 7 years since we created this group. It's honestly the most fun we've had and I'm inviting everyone of you because something's been happening for a while now and you just don't know about it...It's a Showcase of some of the Best London bands playing their music in London - and it's also a MEETUP group, so you can watch the gig with a mix of regular members and newcomers. Feel free to come on your own or bring your friends and meet new people. Look for the 'MEETUP SIGN' or ask the Host on the Door when you arrive. It's an awesome line-up and at one of the Top Venues in London - Great place for a beer, meet new people and see some amazing unsigned bands! 🔥🔥🚒🍻 \* ‼️ THE ULTIMATE LONDON GIG MEETUP! ‼️ LONDON MUSIC SHOWCASE Presents: **ONEILLS in SOHO - FLAMINGO ROOM** June 10th WEDNESDAY [TRAINWRECK](https://linktr.ee/trainwreck.band?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=8bc68278-955e-4f1c-90b6-d429b1a72340 "https://linktr.ee/trainwreck.band?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=8bc68278-955e-4f1c-90b6-d429b1a72340") [PUNCH DRUNK PIRATES](https://www.instagram.com/punchdrunkpirates?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== "https://www.instagram.com/punchdrunkpirates?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==") LAST HARBOURS [KAFIRAT](https://www.instagram.com/kafiratofficial?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== "https://www.instagram.com/kafiratofficial?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==") \* There aren't enough emojis for this, so I'll keep it simple: BE THERE. If you've been to the MEET-UPS over the last 7 years, you'll know what it's all about so come down, bring your friends, bring your foes, cancel your wedding, book Granny out of the retirement home. Whatever it takes, she won't want miss it 😄🍻 \* WHATSAPP GROUP: We're a friendly mix; English, French, Australian, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and Japanese people so I'm sure you will meet someone that shares a passion for Rocking Music. Don't worry if attendance looks low, we are meeting other Meetup / WhatsApp / Facebook Groups and a lot of my friends don't RSVP. I can also add you to the Event's WHATSAPP GROUP if you are interested in joining - Just message me your number. \* \*\*\*IMPORTANT\*\*\* This is a TICKETED EVENT: If you would like to come, simply message me directly through this Group and I will send you the details on how to download a DISCOUNTED TICKET (Click my profile - there is an icon at the top for Private Messages) \* DISCLAIMER: I work for the Venue / Promoters. It's just for fun nights and meeting people. We are not responsible for you or your belongings. By attending this event you agree to waiver liability for the Host :) Please bring ID to events as some are 18+. You may appear in photos/videos of the gig. Thank you \* All Gig Meetups here 👀‼️👇 [https://dice.fm/promoters/london-music-showcase-6ko3](https://dice.fm/promoters/london-music-showcase-6ko3) [https://www.instagram.com/londonmusicshowcase/](https://www.instagram.com/londonmusicshowcase/) [https://www.meetup.com/London-Music-Showcase-Gigs-Drinks/](https://www.meetup.com/London-Music-Showcase-Gigs-Drinks/) [https://www.facebook.com/LondonMusicShowcase](https://www.facebook.com/LondonMusicShowcase)

IN PERSON STUDY & CONVERSATION GROUP - OCCULT SCIENCE WITH DAGMAR STEFFELBAUER **Occult Science is a written book by Rudolf Steiner and is meant for studying the content. It is composed of VII** **chapters. We have begun with chapter V which will be studied throughout thisterm. Its content is the spiritual path of** **the Knowledge of the Higher Worlds. We are using the translation by George and Mary Adams.** **All are welcome!** **Further information: d.steffelbauer@gmail.com** This group is run under the auspices of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain and small donations towards expenses are welcome. £ 3 / £2 .

Join us for our weekly Fems and Thems Climbing Social, a welcoming space for women and non-binary climbers to connect, climb, and have fun! Whether you're new to climbing or a seasoned pro, this social is all about building a supportive community and celebrating our shared love for the sport. This is a relaxed, no-pressure environment designed to help you enjoy climbing while meeting like-minded people. Open to all women and non-binary folks aged 18 and over. Cost: £16 regular peak time entry at Bethwall Climbing centre (£2 registration fee might apply) + £4 rental shoes (chalk is provided Come solo or bring a friend – everyone is welcome! Let’s climb, chat, and share some good vibes. We can’t wait to see you there! For any questions or accessibility inquiries, feel free to contact us in advance.

IN PERSON STUDY & CONVERSATION GROUP - SUPERSENSIBLE INFLUENCES IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND WITH TREVOR DANCE **A fascinating series of lectures given by Steiner in 1922 concerning spiritual development throughout the historical epochs, focusing on the changes of** **humanity particularly relating to the Mystery Centres from ancient Egypt and Greece through to later times.** **All welcome.** **Further information: trevordance@hotmail.com** This group is run under the auspices of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain and small donations towards expenses are welcome. £ 3 / £2 .

Let's meet up for some drinks at the Britannia near Monument, which is now an independent pub serving food, mostly pizzas [https://www.britanniamonument.com/](https://www.britanniamonument.com/) I'll be there from 6.30pm but feel free to drop in whenever and we can talk about various things including a Malta trip I'm planning for October.

IS IT POSSIBLE: TO BECOME MOTIVATED ABOUT LIFE AGAIN; TO REBUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF AND GET RID OF NEGATIVE THINKING? Attend this meeting and see how you could possibly get some new knowledge to improve your life! A personal questionnaire and private discussion to help locate areas of life that you maybe could improve. A personalized programme for how you could do that! Come and meet us and others that may be like minded. Improve Your Life!!

Do we work to live, or live to work? What would work look like in a “free” society? Hello friends! Please join our discussion-led session on “work” through Pierre Clastres’ Society Against the State. We’ll use Clastres’ argument to question the idea that human societies naturally move towards more work, more production, more accumulation, and finally the State. Clastres argues that some stateless societies were not simply poor, backward, or unable to produce more. Instead, they often limited work to what was needed, refused unnecessary surplus, and organised themselves in ways that prevented coercive political power from emerging. In short, the text invites us to ask whether work is always a neutral or positive activity. Is work simply what people do to meet their needs? Or does work become something different when it is imposed by bosses, rulers, markets, or institutions? Clastres helps us distinguish between work as necessary cooperation and work as domination. But the question is not simple. If a society refuses accumulation, how does it prepare for years of scarcity? Can a community store food, tools, or resources for collective security without allowing those reserves to become a source of power over others? Here are some questions to consider: Do we work in order to live, or are our lives organised around work? What is the difference between necessary work and imposed work? Is refusing unnecessary work a political act? Can a free society organise necessary labour without creating rulers? How much surplus or storage does a community need to protect itself from scarcity? When does storing goods for collective security become accumulation for power? Is modern wage labour mainly productive, or also disciplinary? What is the difference between community labour, voluntary cooperation, and wage labour? Let’s come together for an insightful and engaging session—we look forward to exploring the politics of work, the limits of accumulation, and whether we can imagine forms of collective labour without domination. Further reading: Pierre Clastres, Society Against the State [https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/pierre-clastres-society-against-the-state](https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/pierre-clastres-society-against-the-state)

The café will be open on Thursdays between 23rd April 2026 and 2nd July 2026 - but will not be open on 28th May 2026. \*\* There will also be a **FREE ENGLISH CLASS** for 40 minutes - from 7pm to 7:40pm. \*\* The café offers the chance to practise your English in a friendly atmosphere, where you can meet and make friends. Thursdays, 7:30pm - 9:00pm at Dundonald Church 577 Kingston Road Raynes Park SW20 8SA It is organised by local Christians and during the evening there will be a simple meal and a short talk. facebook.com/raynespark.int.cafe

Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed. **What it is** Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think? **What is Philosophy?** Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth). **How Philosophy in the Park Works** * Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. * We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome. * After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times. **Where it is** We meet at Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain in Victoria Park (East Park). It is marked down as "13" on the official maps found in the park. Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you if you want. After the event finishes most people stay and hang out. There’s a local supermarket to get drinks and snacks, or bring your own. You are very welcome to join us. **Guidelines** In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. **Community** Follow us on instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/](https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/) We have a WhatsApp group if you'd like to continue these conversations between meetings. To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) In order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat. **Say Thanks** If you would like to help support Philosophy in the Park you can buy me a coffee here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel](https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel)

**📅 Book your time here:** [www.betheband.org/book-online](http://www.betheband.org/book-online) 📍 **Exact location sent after booking** 🎸 **BetheBand Meet & Greet – Come Play & Say Hi** 🎤 Curious what it’s like to be in a band again? BetheBand is a London-based music programme for amateur to intermediate musicians who want to rehearse regularly, improve as players, and perform live — **without the hassle of organising bands, rehearsal rooms, or gigs yourself**. 🤝 **What’s the meet & greet?** This is a relaxed introduction — **not an audition**. You’ll play **one song** with a backing track alongside one of our band directors 🎶 You can **play whatever you like**, or choose from a **short song list** if you want some inspiration 📃 It’s friendly and low-pressure — just a chance for us to get to know your level, taste, and goals, and for you to see if BetheBand feels right for you. 🚀 **What happens if you join?** 🎯 Matched with musicians at your level 🏙️ Weekly rehearsals in a central London studio 🎼 Guided by a professional musician as your band director 🎤 Perform a full live set for friends & family at the end of an 8-week term 🎶 **Who it’s for** 🎸 Guitarists • 🎸 Bassists • 🎤 Vocalists • 🥁 Drummers • 🎹 Keyboard players ℹ️ **Practical details** 📍 Central London (address sent after sign-up) 💷 £15 meet & greet slot (non-refundable) ⏳ Limited slots — book a time that works for you If you’ve been playing on your own and miss making music *with* people, this is an easy, no-pressure way to take the first step 🎶✨

**👋 Hi everyone!** **We’re fully migrating to [Outsavvy](https://www.outsavvy.com/event/34181/queer-women-ttprg-games). Please [sign up on Outsavvy](https://www.outsavvy.com/organiser/queer-women-dd-and-games) to secure your spot. If it looks sold out, don't worry. There is waitlist in OS, and we will re-release tickets when they become available.** **Thanks so much, and see you there! 💖** Are you a queer woman (lesbian, bi, pan, ace, trans, or non-binary) who would like to embark on a new adventure with like-minded companions? Join us now! It doesn't matter if you're a weathered veteran of dungeon crawling or a newbie ready for your first adventure; you are welcome here! In this event, we run D&D 5e and other Tabletop RPGs' one-shots.

What philosophical dilemmas/deep questions have been living in your mind rent free lately?

'HOW TO FIND YOUR BASIC PURPOSE' A Life Improvement free workshop with Maria Bennett. In this a live in-venue workshop: \- Do you know your basic purpose? \- What makes a person's basic purpose? \- Practical drills to help you define your own basic purpose\. Pen and paper provided,so - let's get stuck in!! Using information taken from the book '*Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health*' by L. Ron Hubbard. *Testimonial:* *"Great seminar. I liked how you took us through step by step and we found our own basic purposes. It is a common basic purpose for all, I believe. I realised that the spiritual is more important to me than anything else. My purpose is to help others and the webinar validated things I do. I liked how the participants feel free to communicate their situations. My win was that I can use your method to help others find their basic purpose too. Thanks!" - VR* Maria: I have worked at the Scientology Life Improvement Centre helping and coaching others for over 20 years. I enjoy this a lot! I have access to tools that anyone can put to use in their life to make the positive improvements that they may be looking for. I look forward to meeting you. What can you do after the workshop? We have various other free services that you could do - such as the free personality test. We also have a lot of Life Improvement Courses. These focus on specific areas of life to help 'unblock' them, put your actual abilities to use!

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

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

How do we recover from having had a toxic or narcissistic ex? How do we move on from the past, especially something as traumatic as a divorce or breakup? How do we avoid anxiety and depression? How do we have more self esteem? In this meeting, you will learn the mental health secrets to help you quickly get over the past and heal your mind. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

A time to make signs, pack swag bags, and have fun together in anticipation for the Pride festivities the week after.

This is a free in-person meeting. Let's talk about relationships in such a way that you can really benefit from the knowledge. We can talk about * Soulmates * How to start a relationship * How to maintain a relationship * How to pick the right partner * How to recognize the red flags * How to improve communication * How to avoid argument and fights * How to increase trust You ask the questions, we'll talk about them. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored the Dianetics & Scientology Self-Improvement Center.

We will be marching again this summer at Pride. Come ready to show your Pride and stand-up for every human's right to love, respect, and family! * **Step-off:** 10:30AM * **Route:** TBA * **Lineup info:** TBA