Bird Identification

Please aim to turn up for 1:00-1:30 when teams are being arranged. The Hunt starts at 1:30. You're losing search time if you're late! Bring a pen please. **We meet outside the new Sainsburys entrance further down the building. I’ll be wearing a red Meetup cap.** The National Gallery was founded in 1824, after the British government bought a collection of 38 pictures from the banker and collector John Julius Angerstein, consisting of Italian, Dutch and English works. We have a unique take on Treasure Hunts that broadens your art knowledge while sleuthing around gallery rooms. You are all presented with a sheet of 20 part images taken from paintings in a few adjoining designated rooms. You will also have a map of the Gallery. The selected adjoining rooms are listed P, Q, R and S. The clipboard holder enters the room letter to note the image location. Your collective mission is to find them. Usually it’s groups of three to four depending on numbers. Or bring a team of up to three guests with you! Check previous winners and Hunt sheet in the pics below. Dead simple, right? Well, yes, if you can spot them all. Generally though, results are always close. Check photos for the previous Hunt sheet. If you’re new, you can see what your team has to do. Stella said " I was apprehensive about trying this, but once I did, I loved it, our team was great fun". We are a happy and friendly group whose membership for some now goes back ten years. It’s very addictive wandering around looking at famous artwork. Our events make you see new parts of a painting you hadn’t noticed before. Or that fresh work has been introduced. We’ve done quite a few in the last two years and feel very much at home here. We never get tired looking at famous art. I think we come here more often than paying Gallery members! There's plenty of seating around to take the odd rest and look at the same time. Our Treasure Hunts are interesting and challenging, bringing out the best of your teams detecting skills. We meet outside the Sainsburys entrance further down the building. Look out for me under a red Meetup cap! The starting process is as follows. The earlier your team sets off, the more time you have. So turning up early ready for a 1.30 start is a bonus. Team answer sheets have to be back by 3.15. We meet back in the area next to the Espresso cafe where we mark up. In case of a tiebreak, there will be a general art knowledge numerical question where the “nearest to” wins. First team prizes are interesting varieties of chocolate. There is also a prize for the funniest/outrageous team name judged by Sue, my glamorous assistant. So there’s everything to play for. Some players are thinking of team names before they turn up! We always pop into a local pub or Wetherspoon (Magnus Pyke) for a quick drink after if anybody so wishes. Hunts are good fun and the proven experience so far is that members get to know each other better after working in teams as you all have to communicate. Great icebreakers. This is what Meetup is all about. Come and join us. **There is a £7 cash/card charge on the day. I supply a pen and clipboard but it helps you to bring a pen as well to mark your own sheets.** **Rucksacks now have to be worn front of body.** Items left in the cloakroom are charged at £3 per item. Contact number on the day is 07422334411 if your transport is delayed. If texting leave your name please. Email is stevebetts2000@yahoo.co.uk **Don’t forget to cancel via the “Edit RSVP” button if you can’t make it. Please do this well in advance when you know, so it allows good notice for someone else to take your place, and minimizes waiting about time on the day for other attendees.** **Your consideration is greatly appreciated.**

**Monday Evening Chanting Circle \| 6:30–8:00pm** Start the week by unwinding your body and mind through voice and sound. This weekly chanting class is a relaxed, welcoming space to come together after work and reset through simple, shared vocal practice. We use a mix of: * Sanskrit mantras * Rainbow songs * Shamanic chants * Gentle voicework Chanting is a form of meditation that works through rhythm, breath, and repetition. You don’t need any musical experience and you don’t need to sing “well.” The voice is used as a natural tool for grounding and release, not performance. Practising regularly can help: * Settle the nervous system after a busy day * Quiet mental over-activity * Release tension held in the body * Improve breathing and vocal ease Chanting in a group makes the practice easier and more enjoyable. The shared sound helps people relax more quickly and feel supported, even if they’re new to using their voice. Over time, regular group chanting can build a sense of stability, clarity, and connection. Each session includes time to arrive, chant together, and rest in stillness at the end, so you leave feeling calmer and more centred than when you arrived. Come as you are. No experience needed. === FOR THE BEST PRICE GO TO https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rebirthandawaken CASH on the night - please message Gayatri 07505014729 to reserve place. Note that if you can't come that you need to send a text message 24 hrs in advance or payment will still need to be made Om Shanti, Gayatri

We are delighted to welcome guest speaker **François Hallac**, who will give a short talk on **Spinoza’s pantheism**. The talk will provide a starting point for a broader, open discussion of pantheism during the meeting. Spinoza invites us to rethink everything by identifying God with Nature: a single infinite Substance whose attributes—thought and extension—shape all that exists. Human beings are modes of this vast unity, our minds and bodies expressions of the same divine order. To live well is to actualise our essence through understanding our desires, for joy is the fruit of clarity. Like Descartes, Spinoza seeks clear and distinct ideas, yet he rejects dualism and embraces determinism: nothing is contingent, only misunderstood. Freedom arises when reason aligns us with Nature itself. In this union, the philosopher discovers genuine happiness and a profound sense of belonging to the whole. No prior expertise is required—curiosity and a willingness to think together are enough. Early bird tickets at £3 will be available until Mon March 9 **Where:** Downstairs room, Square Pig, Holborn (private room) **NB:** The event begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:50pm. Event ends at 9pm **Format:** 10-minute intro talk → vote on questions → small-group discussion → share insights with the whole room

Description: We invite you to join us for an inspiring and insightful lecture that aims to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising children. In this empowering session, we will explore the essential elements of successful parenting and delve into the profound impact it can have on shaping the lives of our children. Parenting is a multifaceted endeavor that requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that contribute to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. By drawing upon the latest research, psychological insights, and practical experiences, we will explore key aspects of successful parenting. During this enlightening session, we will cover the following topics: 1. Building Strong Foundations: We will discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children to flourish. This includes establishing routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of security and trust. 2. Effective Communication: Understanding the significance of open and effective communication between parents and children is crucial. We will explore strategies for fostering healthy dialogue, active listening, and empathy, enabling parents to build strong relationships based on mutual respect. 3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Emotions play a fundamental role in a child's development. We will discuss ways to help children recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. 4. Discipline with Love: Navigating discipline can be challenging for parents. We will explore positive discipline techniques that promote cooperation, self-discipline, and a healthy sense of responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and respectful family dynamic. 5. Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Allowing children to develop their independence and autonomy is essential for their growth. We will explore strategies to foster self-esteem, encourage age-appropriate decision-making, and support the development of healthy independence. 6. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset in children is vital for their personal and academic development. We will discuss ways to foster a love of learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of curiosity and exploration. 7. Balancing Self-Care: Parenting is an all-encompassing role that requires self-care to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We will explore strategies for self-care and stress management, ensuring that parents can provide the best support for their children while also prioritizing their own needs. By attending this lecture, parents will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin successful parenting. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create nurturing and loving environments that foster their children's growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Note: This lecture is designed for parents of children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Whether you are a new parent seeking guidance or an experienced parent looking to enhance your parenting skills, this lecture will provide valuable information and support. Join us to embark on a transformative journey as we explore the joys and challenges of successful parenting together.

*this event is advertised elsewhere so there will be more people coming than stated* **✨ Welcome to Conundrum Corner at The Union Jack pub, Southwark! ✨** Step inside and join a gathering *of* open minds and kind hearts. Whether you bring a conundrum of your own that you are experiencing or simply your listening ear, you’ll find a welcoming space to share, reflect, and explore life’s tricky questions together. 🌿 **What to expect:** * You’re invited to share a conundrum, dilemma or question that you yourself are experiencing. * We’ll vote on three intriguing ones to explore more deeply. * With a few extra details in hand, we’ll break into small groups for thoughtful discussion. * Then, we’ll come together as one big group to share insights, perspectives, and perhaps even some fresh solutions. The atmosphere is **analytical yet empathetic, thoughtful yet light-hearted**, and always non-judgmental. Whether your conundrum is personal, professional, or just a head-scratcher, we’re here to help unravel it together. 💸 There’s no set fee to attend, but we do ask for donations on the night to cover costs - which are warmly appreciated! 🍷 Please also support our lovely hosts, Jade and co., by buying yourself a drink at the bar (and food’s available if you fancy a bite). 💡 **What’s a conundrum, you ask?** A conundrum is any dilemma, crossroads, or confusion in your life—big or small. It could be a **"chicken and egg"** situation, a **"catch-22"**, or a **"have your cake and eat it"** kind of puzzle. Sometimes, life just throws us complex, messy questions—and that’s what we’re here to navigate together. Once our deep discussions wind down, we’ll slip into **pub mode**—a chance to relax, connect, and continue chatting with newfound friends. **🛡️ Code of Conduct - *please note*** Conundrum Corner is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. Any abuse, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour towards other attendees, whether during the event or in any contact related to the event afterwards, will result in permanent removal from the Meetup group and exclusion from future events. Come along for an evening of intriguing conversations, fresh perspectives, and a touch of serendipity. Looking forward to seeing you there! Helena x

**Who We Are** Early Bird Speakers is one of London's best public speaking club for beginners and experienced speakers alike. Our fast-paced, engaging meetings help members develop confidence and refine their speaking skills in a supportive environment. **What to Expect** Each meeting follows a structured format with three key segments: * **Prepared Speeches** – Members deliver speeches based on projects that enhance skills like storytelling, persuasion, and vocal variety. * **Impromptu Speaking (Table Topics)** – Participants practice thinking on their feet with 1–2 minute speeches on surprise topics. * **Evaluations** – Constructive feedback is given to foster continuous improvement. **Why Join Us?** * A **diverse and welcoming** community, including professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and more. * **Energetic and engaging** sessions designed to make learning enjoyable. * A **structured yet fun** experience that builds confidence and skill. * Optional **post-meeting coffee or breakfast** for networking and socialising. * Each meeting is attend by 30-50 people **Whether you’re terrified of public speaking or already confident at the mic,** this club is the place to grow. From first-time speakers to experienced presenters — everyone has something to gain here. **Meeting Details** 📍 **Where:** Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ 🕖 **When:** Every Thursday at 7:00AM - 8:45 AM (Please try to be on time as reception downstairs will close shortly after the meeting has started) Join us for free as a guest! Feel free to sign up on Meetup or **simply show up on Thursday.** Whatever your speaking ability, you'll find a warm and supportive atmosphere to grow your skills. 📩 **Questions?** Send us a message on meetup, visit [www.earlybirdspeakers.com](http://www.earlybirdspeakers.com/) or e-mail us on membership@earlybirdspeakers.com

Spring is heeeeeerrrrreeeee! The 21th of March is the first official day of Spring, and we LOVE IT! This winter has been very, very wet and depressing so let's hope that now, we are up to a bit of sun. What does Spring means around us? Well, flowers are blooming, trees are greening ( I know, incorrect term but it rimes and sounds so cool!) animals are shagging, singing, and migrating back to our beautiful lands and is there a better place to see all this magic than the forests and heathlands? Nope! So let's go for a new beautiful hike in one of England's most stunning forestry region. I haven't taken any group to this particular spot yet, so if you are a regular and want to see a brand new beauty trail, this is your hike... We will begin our hike in the little village of Witley and will finish the trip in Milford. If you like real nature like I do, you will be enjoying every step of the way as we cross woodlands, heathlands and moors. You know what a forest is, but do you know what a heath or a moore are? Well, it is simply a rare and unique habitat and Britain is home to over 20% of the world's heathlands and they can be impressively beautiful! And on the top of that are home to an impressive array of wildlife, some extremely rare such as the nightjars and dartford warbler, so keep your eyes peeled... Evidently afterwards, we are likely to make our way to a restaurant or pub for some tasty food before we head back to good old London. INFORMATION: COST: £17 via PayPal for the guide's fee Under £20 in cash for the train, we will have a 35% discount with a group saver if we buy our train tickets together and will get an off peak day return meaning that we do not actually pay for the return journey. The train takes about 1h20 minutes. INCLUDED: Guided trip The photographs that I will have taken on the day and that I will share on the WhatsApp group. A great time with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Train Anything not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain; Water bottle; Packed lunch and snacks. MEETING POINT: London Waterloo at 08:30 am, just by the clock in the main hall of the train station, NOT the tube station. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection to any of our trips and this without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationality, people of all ages, sex and political believes and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 14 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our side, you will be fully refunded. 4:In the eventuality that our trains are delayed, or cancelled which is out of my control, I do not pay for taxis or alternative route, if this happens, you will be able to claim delay repay from the train companies who will reimburse your train ticket and some eventual costs occurred. By signing up to my events, you agree to this and these conditions.

Come and spend a half day enjoying wildlife at Walthamstow Reservoir, the biggest wetland in Europe. THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM!! Walthamstow Reservoirs are a favoured location for kingfishers. The ten reservoirs that make up this 211 hectare site are nationally and internationally recognised as significant for wildlife. **Birds**: Grey Herons and Little Egrets begin nesting in large colonies (heronries) as early as February. Sand Martins and Swifts return, while Great Crested Grebes perform their "weed dance" courtship. **Arrivals**: Wheatear and other migrating birds arrive in March. **Species to Spot**: Kingfishers, Grey Wagtails, and Cormorants are commonly seen. **Flora and Fauna**: Frogs appear, and orange-tip and peacock butterflies emerge. **Habitat**: The site becomes vibrant with Horsetail, Cuckooflower, and Garlic Mustard. **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * **PayPal via RSVP** * The Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * **Send £25 via PayPal** to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Send us a text or comment below and we will add you to the event attendee list. **EQUIPMENT** * Any camera * 24-70mm, kit lens and telephoto: 70-200, 70-300, 100-400 **SUPPORT** * Support will be given with camera settings where needed for shooting wildlife. **OTHER ESSENTIALS** * A fun and experimental attitude! **TRAVEL** * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey **CONTACT** * Alex 07956 264049 **TRAVEL EVENTS** VENICE WEEKEND - Oct 2026 https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/ **UPCOMING EVENTS** [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar) Photo ©Walthamstow Wetlands Centre

################# **This hike is now FULL. Next time – in November 2026!** **We’ve created a list of [FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e4VGmwhurmCng2cY3ZJHOS4j9ZlWKaX1/view?usp=sharing) to help answer your questions.** ################# We’re off to Norfolk! The seals in Norfolk are truly one of Britain's most special sights. Without any doubt, they're an incredible WOW factor and one that you must see! On this day hike, we'll walk along the top of the sand dunes and enjoy stunning panoramic views across the North Sea. On our way, we'll pass the much-loved grey seal colony at Horsey Beach, which draws thousands of visitors each year, **particularly between November and March**, when the seals come ashore to breed. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of seals and their pups stretching for as far as the eye can see! The whole walk is in the Broads National Park – one of fifteen national parks in the UK. You'll discover its iconic windmills, navigable waterways and broads (man-made, shallow lakes). With over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, the Norfolk Broads have more miles of waterway than Venice or Amsterdam, and are an extremely popular boating holiday destination! Locals like to call the Broads “the Venice of the East”. 💪 This walk is **suitable for all abilities** – it is almost entirely flat and done at a very gentle pace to allow us enjoy the nature and take plenty of pictures. **HIKE HIGHLIGHTS** * Watch seals and their young from a close distance at Horsey Gap, home to one of the biggest colonies of grey seals in Britain. * Take a gentle stroll over the vast open expanse of the golden sand dunes of Winterton Beach – a Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is a veritable haven for birds and all kinds of wildlife and is widely regarded as having the best sand dunes in Norfolk. * See the spectacular Horsey Windpump – the youngest and largest windpump in the Norfolk Broads. It was built in 1912 to pump water out from the surrounding land so that it could be used for farming. * Discover Horsey Mere, often regarded as one of the most beautiful of the northern broads and famous for its internationally important wildlife. * Walk the newly opened stretch of the England Coast Path – a new National Trail around all of England's coast, which once completed will be the longest coastal walking route in the world (4,500 kilometres in length!). **DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY** Distance: 6 miles (10km). Ascent: 50m. Difficulty: [Easy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view). **ITINERARY** **07:45** Meet outside ibis London City – Shoreditch Hotel, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (near Aldgate East Station) **08:00** Sharp departure **11:15** Horsey Windpump to Hemsby hike via Winterton-on-Sea for a lunch stop **16:30** Departure **19:30** London, we'll drop you off next to Bow Road Underground Station **TRANSPORT** As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus. **SAFETY** This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader. **BOOKING** To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Seals). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours. Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited Sort Code: 20-17-20 Account Number: 63116514 We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the [attendees list](https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/313487353/attendees) of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue. **THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES** * Transport throughout the trip * Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver * Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader * Professional event organisation * Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders * Admin fee * 20% VAT **THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance) **HOW TO CONTACT US** For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours. Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip. **WHAT TO BRING** * Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support * Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers or a poncho (if there is a chance of rain) * Gloves/hat/cap * Water (min 1L) * Packed lunch **REVIEWS ⭐** We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an **average event rating of 4.8 out of 5**. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better! **JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA** This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next! [Facebook group link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/220802492121957) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/london_social_hiking/) **REFUND POLICY** You can check our refund policy [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ny-b2NmMzBlpCiKjzkqC2vJEisxlORpn/view?usp=drive_link).

Time to get back to a jewel and a very popular hike, located on the Eastern Coast of the Isle of Thanet we will hike from Margate to Ramsgate via the gorgeous Botany Bay! You might have heard of it from all the newspapers in the past few years, it has become a very popular destination for people dreaming of a lovely seaside place with sandy beaches and cliff tops near London so LET’s go! This day will be an easy relaxing day where we hike and stop for photographs. Gorgeous landscapes cliffs and castles and seabirds will pave the way. Botany Bay is considered one of Britain's hidden Jewels and there is a reason to that! White cliffs just like Dover or the Seven sisters, Castles and sandy beaches that resembles the Coast of Scotland in some places and natural arches shaped by the sea just like the Durdle Door… Trust me, you will be snapping quite a few shots! We will take a break in the beautiful seaside town of Broadstairs where the Victorian houses are dominated by the imposing former home of the world famous writer Charles Dickens. THERE IS A delightful FISH AND CHIPS SHOP with vegan options too that will delight your senses. This town must be nice as it was Queen Victoria's holiday destination and the town has retained its 19th century character. Once at Botany Bay, you can jump in the water for a well-deserve swim and a break if you fancy! The hike is about 11 miles long and we will take our time and stop whenever we see an interesting feature, this trip has got some beautiful geographical hidden gems but also some interesting wildlife, a few pairs of Northern fulmars are established, a bird that was only native to Scotland, almost hunted to extinction until some efforts by some great people to save it, it is now thriving in Scotland and have even extended its range to Western and Southern England and even to the North of France. We will probably linger in Broadstairs if you want to try the fish/crab and chips there unless you want to grab some food in Ramsgate before we get back to good old London. COST: £17 via PayPal for the guide's fee About £28 in cash for the train, we will have a 35% discount with a group saver if we buy our train tickets together and will get an off peak day return meaning that we do not actually pay for the return journey. INCLUDED: Guided trip The photographs that I will have taken on the day and that I will share on the WhatsApp group. A great time with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Train Anything not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain; Water bottle; Packed lunch and snacks. MEETING POINT: London St Pancras at 08:45 am, just by the Pret A Manger and the departure board. (do NOT go to King’s Cross which is located across the street) ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection to any of our trips and this without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationality, people of all ages, sex and political believes and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 30 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our side, you will be fully refunded.

**GRADE: Level 5/5 -** **STRENUOUS with several ups and downs.** \-\-\- Take on a **challenging 31 km** coastal adventure from Folkestone to Deal, following dramatic clifftop paths along the English Channel. This strenuous point-to-point hike passes the White Cliffs of Dover, historic landmarks, and sweeping sea views with France visible on a clear day. With a lunch stop in Dover, a break at South Foreland Lighthouse, and a well-earned pub finish near Deal station, this is a full day of distance, elevation, and iconic Kent coastline. \-\-\- **IMPORTANT** Please read the event details carefully before signing up. This hike is intended for experienced hikers and requires a good level of fitness. Make sure you come prepared with suitable hiking clothing and footwear. Proper hiking boots or walking shoes with good grip and ankle support are strongly recommended. Trainers are not advised. The group will aim to maintain the advertised pace. If you find you are unable to keep up, you may need to continue the hike independently. \-\-\- **OVERVIEW** Distance: \~31km (\~19miles) - Point-to-Point Walk Difficulty: Strenuous ⛰️ Approx. \~750m ascent and descent ⏱️ Walking time: approx. 7.5 hours Total time: approx. 9 hours (with various stops along the way) Pace: Steady and sustained with limited waiting. Moving average around 4.5 km/h (\~2.8 mph) on easier sections, slower on climbs and descents. \-\-\- **⚠️ TERRAIN** Exposed clifftop coastal paths across chalk grassland and gravel tracks, with sustained hills and uneven footing. Sections can become muddy and slippery in wet conditions, so proper waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential. \-\-\- **MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS** 📍 10:00 Meet at **[Folkestone Central Train Station](https://w3w.co/parade.guard.outbound)** ▶️ 10:10 Walk start from Folkestone Central Train Station 🏁 19:00-19:30 Walk ends at **[Deal Train Station](https://w3w.co/upgrading.hang.staple)** \-\-\- *Note: With a steady group pace, minimal stopping and waiting time, and good group dynamics, we could reach the end point around 18:00 to 18:30.* \-\-\- **LONDON GROUP TRAVEL (OPTIONAL)** Buy a return from **[London St Pancras International](https://w3w.co/hood.could.stones)** to Deal via Folkestone Central, £28.70 with network railcard discount. 08:30 Main ticket office London St Pancras International 08:45 Walk to platform board the High-Speed train 15 minutes before departure 09:07 Train departs 10:02 Arrive at Folkestone Central Train Station \-\-\- ↩️ **RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON** 19:28 From Deal, arrive London St Pancras International 20:54 20:28 From Deal, arrive London St Pancras International 21:54 Journey time 1hr 26 minutes \-\-\- **ABOUT:** Starting from Folkestone, a coastal town in Kent, this point-to-point hike offers scenic views of the English Channel along the way. There are public toilets on the way where we stop for lunch in Dover and a tea break at the South Foreland Lighthouse. We begin our hike at Folkestone Central Train Station and conclude at a pub near Deal Train Station. \-\-\- **DESCRIPTION:** The hike begins in the coastal town of Folkestone. This route offers stunning panoramic views of the English Channel. We stop for lunch in Dover, a major ferry port. After lunch, we continue our hike along the White Cliffs of Dover. On a clear day, you may even spot the cliffs of France. We pause for a short break at the South Foreland Lighthouse, a National Trust site. The view from there is spectacular and provides a great photo opportunity. On route, we see several castles and historical monuments (see the highlights). After the lighthouse, we continue our hike towards St Margaret's Bay, passing a number of places such as Kingsdown and Walmer. We finish our walk at the Deal Train Station, where our walk concludes at a welcoming pub close to the station, and we can relax and reflect on the day’s journey. \-\-\- **HIGHLIGHTS:** * Folkestone Warren * Saxon Shore Way coastal section (Folkestone to Dover) * White Cliffs of Dover * Dover Castle views * South Foreland Lighthouse * St Margaret's Bay * Dover Patrol Memorial * Walmer Castle and Deal Castle * English Channel views with France visible on clear days \-\-\- **This hike's question for you:** **Question**: If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this? If you know the answer, come tell me, and you will get a chocolate. Chocolate will be given to the first three people who come and give me the answer. \-\-\- **WHAT TO BRING:** \- Packed lunch\, snacks\, and sufficient water \- Proper hiking boots with grips\. **No trainers** \- Weather\-appropriate layers and proper waterproofs \- Fully charged phone \- Personal medication and basic first aid \- Trekking poles recommended for slippery ascents and descents \- Head torch \-\-\- **RSVP & ATTENDANCE** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. \-\-\- ✅ **WHO CAN JOIN** Adults aged 21 and over No children No pets \-\-\- **STAYING TOGETHER** Participants must choose events that match their fitness and keep up with the group lead, as the overall pace will not be adjusted for individuals. A dedicated back marker may not always be present, so stay within sight of others and keep an organiser in view where possible. If someone ahead is significantly slowing the pace, please move past them to stay with the main group. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may pause at key points to regroup. While we try not to leave anyone behind, it is not safe or practical for a large group to repeatedly stop for individuals unable to maintain the stated pace. Participants who cannot keep up may be asked to navigate independently at their own pace. Anyone who continues independently without informing an organiser will be assumed to be managing their own route and safety. \-\-\- ⬅️ **EXIT POINTS** 13 km : Union Street, 1.3km walk to Dover train station 20 km : St Margarets Bay, 4km walk to Matril Hill train station 26 km : Walmer Castle, 1.7km walk from Walmer train station \-\-\- **CONTACT:** Message the event host, **[Saeideh](https://www.meetup.com/members/330804796/)[,](https://www.meetup.com/members/389323675/)** directly via Meetup with any questions. Secondary contact **[AdrianB](https://www.meetup.com/members/287692462/)** via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663. \-\-\- ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety. Neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

Free at Bexley Library Adventures in Ecological Horticulture with Rebecca McMackin Wednesday, March 18 1:00pm - 2:30pm Gone are the days when a garden could be ornamental alone. We now recognize the impact that our land care practices have on the ecosystems around us, and can see the importance of encouraging biodiversity. Thankfully, we do not need to sacrifice beauty when we invite butterflies and songbirds into our gardens. Rebecca McMackin has cultivated gorgeous landscapes in the toughest environments possible: urban parks, school playgrounds, and the sidewalks of New York City. She will take lessons from her work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and decades of research to share how those of us who are fortunate enough to care for land, can do it beautifully and ecologically. Rebecca McMackin is an ecologically obsessed horticulturist and garden designer. She writes, lectures, and teaches on ecological landscape management and pollination ecology, as well as designs the rare public garden. She is currently Lead Horticulturist for the American Horticultural Society, an Associate with the Harvard Divinity School’s Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative, and Consulting Arboretum Curator for Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, NY. Rebecca spent a decade as Director of Horticulture of Brooklyn Bridge Park, where she managed 85 acres of diverse parkland organically. Their research into cultivating urban biodiversity and ethical management strategies has influenced thousands of people and entire urban parks systems to adopt similar approaches. She has been published by and featured in the New York Times, Gardens Illustrated, on NPR and PBS. Her garden for the Brooklyn Museum recently won the PPA’s Award of Excellence and her TED Talk has been viewed over a million times. She holds M.Sc. from Columbia University and University of Victoria in landscape design and biology and recently completed the Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. This program is presented in partnership with Rooted in Bexley and generously funded by the Bexley Community Foundation and Bexley Community Author Series Fund.

Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way. In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents. In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding. What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025 Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows. **Speakers Bio:** Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/) Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry. Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/) **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

LICKING COUNTY LIBRARY Author & Artist Julie Zickefoose Saturday, April 11, 2026 1 p.m. Licking County Library 101 W. Main St. | Newark, Ohio Julie Zickefoose: Author, Painter, and Bluebird Extraordinaire Zickefoose is an American nature book writer, naturalist, bird artist, and blogger. She lives in Ohio on an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary, which she said inspires much of her work, including her 2012 novel, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Bird, and NATURAL GARDENING FOR BIRDS The novel is illustrated with 320 of Zickefoose’s colored paintings, life sketches, and drawings, and it was one of Oprah’s 2012 book club reads.

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: Type Annotations with John Cassidy We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com