Bird Lovers

Join us for a drink at **Hamilton Hall Wetherspoon,** Liverpool Street Station. 4pm onwards, but all welcome to come anytime after work. Cheers 😃

🐾 Unleash the Joy: Join Our Doggy Luv and Wellness Club! 🐾 Are you a dog enthusiast yearning for the companionship of these incredible creatures? Do you find solace and joy in the presence of furry friends, even if you don't have one of your own? We invite you to experience an hour of pure canine bliss at our Doggy Luv and Wellness Club! 🌟 What to Expect: A Furry Fiesta! Embark on an adventure into the world of boundless love and joy with our playful pack of dogs, ranging from 1 year and older. **You don't need a dog of your own for this unique experience, as we bring our own family dogs to shower you with unconditional love and therapeutic benefits.** 🐶 Why Attend? For Dog Lovers Without a Dog: If you're a devoted dog lover without a furry friend of your own, this is your golden opportunity to bask in the warmth of canine affection. Missing the Pitter-Patter of doggy Paws: Whether you've heard the pitter-patter of doggy paws in the past or simply miss the experience, our event allows you to reconnect with the healing energy of spending time with dogs. Serotonin Boost Guaranteed: Immerse yourself in an hour of pure joy, as our dogs provide a genuine serotonin boost. Let their love and playfulness elevate your spirits. 🌈 Your Canine Hour Awaits: Activities Galore! Choose your own adventure with our furry companions: Relaxation Station: Unwind after a long day as our dogs instinctively provide the calm and comfort you need. Feel the soothing presence of a canine friend by your side, ready to warm your lap. Playtime Extravaganza: Embrace your inner child and play with our playful dogs. From fetch enthusiasts to those who love a good romp, our pack has it all. 🍬 Sweeten the Experience: Light refreshments will be provided to enhance your time with our canine companions. 🎟️ Limited Spots Available: Reserve Your Canine Hour Now! Entry is priced at £15 per person for an hour of doggy delight. To ensure an intimate experience, we limit each session to only 12 people, preventing overwhelm for our furry friends. 📆 When: Every Wednesday, 7pm to 8pm📍 Where: Herne Hill, SE24 **🐾 Join the Pack: My Dogs, Our Love, One Unforgettable Hour! 🐾** Book your spot now and let the magic of dogs weave its spell on your heart.

Pawla is popping up at Brad & Dills 🐾 Expect a fun, laid-back day with good vibes, cute dogs, and coffee ☕️🐶 We’ll have a professional photographer on-site capturing beautiful portraits of your pups 📸 **Enter to win a £10 ticket for:** Dog portrait + coffee at Brad & Dills by Pawla Professional Photographer **How it works:** • Sign up for free (this is not an official ticket) • We’ll select 40 lucky attendees • If selected, you’ll unlock our exclusive £10 ticket • Our team will notify you via WhatsApp and send a payment link (using the number provided at sign-up) ( Selected attendees must complete payment within 24 hours of receiving the payment link — otherwise, spots will be released) • Once payment is completed, you’ll receive your Official ticket for entry **Event details:** • 1 account = 1 ticket • Each dog will have a 5–7 minute portrait session • You can let our photographer know your preferred style • 1 ticket includes 1 free drink (token provided) **Time slots:** • Attendees will be grouped (5 owners per group) — please be on time • Each group runs every 30 minutes • Your assigned time slot will be shared in advance via WhatsApp • On the day, have your ticket ready, arrive at your time slot, enjoy your drink, and have your pup’s portrait taken 📸🐶 Simple, fun, and made for the community 💛 **Important:** • Sign Up Closing Date: 21st April 2026, 11pm • Winners will be notified via WhatsApp • Selected attendees must complete payment within 24 hours of receiving the payment link — otherwise, spots will be released

**Advanced booking is required** \- find out more on our website [www.silverfit.org.uk/nordic-walking-sessions/](www.silverfit.org.uk/nordic-walking-sessions) **Meet Up is a means for promotion and *not a way to sign up* to this session.** **Fun, fitness sessions with Silverfit Charity for the over 45s!** **Activity:** Nordic Walking **Venue:** Burgess Park, Albany Road, London SE5 7QH **Meeting point:** Park Life Café **Day:** Tuesdays **Time:** meet at 10.30am for 11am start **Instructor:** Aileen **Price:** This session is free, with an option to donate if you are able. *** For more information about this session please email the Project Manager at - **info@silverfit.org.uk** Learn more about **Silverfit Charity** on our website [www.silverfit.org.uk](http://www.silverfit.org.uk/)

Join us for a fun and engaging morning filled with conversations and connections with international friends at the English Conversation Café in Chelsea. DOORS OPEN FROM 9:30AM A chance to meet new people, share stories and practice your English in a relaxed and welcoming environment. There will be a different topic every week for us to focus our conversations on. Every Tuesday morning - term time only. Food and drink provided, free of charge! No need to bring anything, just yourself!

[Chamber at Six](https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/whats-on/chamber-at-six-21april) 🎻Mendelssohn, Prokofiev and Suk Social at Seven(ish) in the bar [Chamber at Eight](https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/whats-on/chamber-at-eight-21april) 🎻Fauré, Schumann and Handel Join us for a double bill of classical chamber music. You can attend the first recital at 18:00 and/ or the second at 20:00. No tickets required. _See comments below for updates_

"The radical otherness of birds is integral to their beauty and their value. They are always among us but never of us. Their indifference to us ought to serve as a chastening reminder that we’re not the measure of all things.” Jonathan Franzen The dawn chorus is like a never-ending wave of thanksgiving and joy that goes round the earth 24 hours a day, seven days a week and fifty-two weeks of the year. Science tells us there are three reasons why birds sing: to advertise their strengths, to attract a mate and to defend territory. How reductionist. That's only half the story! Birds sing because they can. It's their gift, their song of thanks and joy. Thanks that they have survived the night, the cold, the predators. This vigil is an opportunity to experience the beauty and mystery of dawn chorus birdsong in spring as it first emerges and then climbs to a joyous crescendo. The vigil is followed by a talk and discussion about birdsong, the spirituality and folklore of birds and their place in creation. Wrap up warm bring a blanket and a sit mat to ensure you're warm and comfortable. we'll meet at the entrance to the Tooting Common Athletics track at 5am

**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

It's time to get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of the bluebell woods. It's been a long winter so lets embrace spring and capture these gorgeous flowers. We’ll look at camera settings to use to ensure you get the best photos of bluebells. We'll give you loads of tips to help you capture classic and creative bluebell shots. We'll have some optional exercises to help you get the best of your afternoon shooting bluebells. EQUIPMENT * Any camera including smartphones * Kit lens such as 18-55, 24-70mm lens * 50mm or macro lens (if you have one) OTHER ESSENTIALS * Check the weather and wear appropriate clothes and shoes TRAVEL * As usual check the TFL website for disruptions that might delay your journey * We'll have a 1 km gentle walk to the bluebell woods * If you drive we will meet you by the park IMPORTANT INFO * Bluebells are protected under UK law so it is advisable to stay on the footpaths provided CONTACT * Alex 07956 264049 VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026 [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) UPCOMING EVENTS [www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events)

“Reconnecting to sacred nature” is a retreat running at **Hilfield Friary on Friday 24th** (from 12pm) **to Sunday 26th (3pm) April 2026** geared at those of different spiritual traditions and none enquiring into the sacredness of nature in the midst of the ecological crisis. The retreat has five aims: * To help participants develop a deeper connection to and love for the beauty, awe and sacredness of nature. * To honestly face the environmental crisis with hope, courage and a sense of personal agency. * Draw on different world spiritual traditions to inspire, challenge and guide our response. * Become part of a wider movement for positive, regenerative change in our society * Learn to know, honour and protect mother earth, allowing all life to flourish. The retreat will immerse participants in the beauty of creation in the Dorset countryside – slowing us down to nature's pace. Providing time for reflection, meditation and stillness inspired by nature. It will draw upon the philosophies and writings of different world spiritual traditions, the principles of Joanna Macy’s book “Active Hope”, as well as earth sciences and evolutionary biology. Feedback from past retreatants has been very powerful: *"That was an amazing weekend - much more than anyone could have planned or imagined...It's about increasing our awareness of the awe of nature and how we can see the divine in it."* **Chris Bemrose** *“A massive thanks for the weekend. It really was a healing experience. Rediscovering the awe and wonder of nature.”* **Anne Watson** The retreat will be led by facilitators from Soul Rewilding ([https://www.soulrewilding.co.uk/](https://www.soulrewilding.co.uk/)) a not-for-profit collective founded in response to the climate and ecological crisis the earth faces. Soul Rewilding believes the environmental crisis is at heart a spiritual crisis and that we need to relearn a new humility and spirituality that reconnects us to the sacredness of the earth and all other than human life. The cost per person for three days and two nights and all meals is £280. To secure your booking a £100 deposit (non-refundable) is required at the time of booking. To book a place on the retreat please contact Mike Mullins at [mikemullins@soulrewilding.co.uk](mailto:mikemullins@soulrewilding.co.uk).

Join NVBA and come prepared to test your knowledge and quick thinking at a bird-themed trivia night, hosted by NextGen Birders for Conservation at the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance HQ! Even if you think you know a lot about birds, nature, and wildlife, we hope that you will learn something new and have fun doing it. There will also be small prizes for the top-scoring participants! Given that this is the first event of this nature being hosted by NextGen, we will be informal in our approach to how you participate - feel free to attempt on your own, but we will encourage you to form small groups, based on total number of participants. The trivia will begin at 7:15PM sharp, after everyone has had a chance to settle in, and we will wrap things up by 8:45PM to allow for final score tallying, tiebreakers, and prizes. Even if you do not want to participate in the trivia, this could be a good opportunity to socialize and network with like-minded individuals who appreciate nature and knowledge. We will have snacks and beverages available - feel free to bring your own snacks as well. At the end of the event, we will announce upcoming NextGen and NVBA events - we encourage everybody who comes out to continue being involved with our bird walks and other events! Please come to the front door of the building and follow instructions posted on the door to contact somebody who will let you into the building and direct you to the location of the event. Any updates to this event will be sent as an email/notification to people who have RSVP'd "Yes."

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44182368](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44182368) 23 miles. Toilets in the beginning, middle and end of the trail. This trail is approximately 23.2 miles with two short but steep inclines and one very shallow water crossing. It took considerable time to design this route, showing the best Reston offers. Our challenge was to cross the Dulles Access Road in an e-bike-friendly way. Most miles are on protected cycling paths, including the W&OD trail. Even if you live in Reston, most connecting trails may be new to you. Just some 30 minutes from Washington DC is Reston. We will be e-biking from the Water Mine Family Swimming Hole to Reston in the vicinity of Reston's man-made lakes. Reston is a recently established urban area. It was founded in 1964 to revolutionize postwar urban planning. It is known for its two golf courses, lakes, ponds, a high density of trees, and open spaces. We will visit the Vernon J. Walker Nature Education Center during lunch. The trail is on asphalt roads and paths with occasional short, but steep inclines and declines. Please bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) **More information about using GPS files:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/) **More information about e-bike ranges:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be 23.2 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day. For the E-bike Lovers group to succeed, we must carefully grow our membership. Please feel free to invite other E-bike lovers, spread the word, and let's have fun. As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome. DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

***Starting Saturday, May 2nd NextGen will be hosting monthly bird outings on the first Saturday of the month!*** Locations and guides will vary per month. For our first monthly walk, we will visit Jones Point Park in Old Town, Alexandria for a spring bird walk. In early May, it's common to see the following at Jones Point: * **Migratory Songbirds (Warblers/Swallows):** Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Prothonotary Warbler, Black and white warbler, and early spring migrants like Gray Catbirds and Baltimore Orioles. * **Raptors:** Osprey (frequently fishing in the river), Bald Eagle, and the resident Peregrine Falcon. * **Waterbirds & Shorebirds:** Great Blue Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Laughing Gulls, Ring-billed Gull, and various sandpipers (e.g., Least Sandpiper). * **Year-Round Residents:** Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, and Downy Woodpecker. Quick Navigation Tips * **Park Location:** The park is tucked directly **underneath the Woodrow Wilson Bridge**. * **Entrance:** The main pedestrian and vehicle entrance is at the end of **South Royal Street**. To get to **[Jones Point Park](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/03hk_s&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIAhAC)** via the DC Metro, your best route involves taking the **Blue** or **Yellow** lines to Alexandria and then completing the trip by bus or a scenic walk. 1\. Take the Metro to Alexandria * **Primary Station:** [King St-Old Town Metrorail Station](https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/king-st-old-town.cfm) (Blue/Yellow Lines). * **Secondary Station:** [Huntington Station](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/1tf71tz3&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBBAG) (Yellow Line). 2\. Connect to the Park Since the park is about 1.5 to 2 miles from the nearest Metro stations, you have several transfer options: * **By Bus (Recommended):** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAF)**, take the **DASH Bus Line 34**. It runs along South Royal Street and drops you near the southern edge of Old Town, which is a short walk to the park entrance. * The **Metrobus 11Y (Mt Vernon Express)** stops at Washington Street and South Street, only a two-minute walk from the park entrance. * **By Free Trolley:** * Take the [Free King Street Trolley](https://visitalexandria.com/plan/king-street-trolley/) from the King St-Old Town station to the **Waterfront** (at Union Street). From there, it is a scenic \~15-minute walk south along the waterfront to reach the park. * **By Walking or Biking:** * From **[King St-Old Town](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/030ryn&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjO2qCyo82TAxVKGlkFHUmyAWUQqdYPegQIBxAS)**, it is roughly a **25-minute walk** to the waterfront and nearly **60 minutes** (approx. 2.7 miles) to the park itself. * The **Mount Vernon Trail** passes directly through the park, making it a popular destination for cyclists starting from Old Town.

**Note the address says SE but it should be SW** HSLC is excited to collaborate with October One Vineyard for a monthly Yappy Hour! To support our local animals, please bring a pet food donation and you’ll be entered into a raffle for free tastings and glasses! You can also purchase raffle tickets. Your monetary donations help cover much-needed medical expenses for homeless and at-risk animals. This event will be 5-8pm on the last Friday of every month at the October One Vineyard tasting shop in Downtown Leesburg. This event is free to the public, so stop by and raise a glass. HSLC will be on hand to answer questions and let you know about available animals. Let’s “cheer” up our local area animals in need!

Here's a wonderful opportunity to visit the Galapagos Islands and see those huge tortoises, blue-footed boobies (birds) and the great frigate birds whose red pouches from the males get inflated like a balloon when they court! #### Independent Package Includes: * Round trip flights Miami-Quito, Quito-Miami * All intra-flights: Quito-Baltra & Baltra-Quito * 6 nights accommodations * 3 nights Quito * 3 nights Galapagos Islands * Hotel taxes, fees & service charges * All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† * 9 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches * Services of English-speaking local guides * Services of English-speaking naturalist guides in the Galapagos * Shore excursions * Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services * Galapagos National Park fee of $200 * Galapagos Transit Control Card fee of $20 **Special Features** * Embark on a journey to the beginning of time in the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands * Tour the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about their preservation goals * View the iconic Pinnacle Rock, a towering lava structure on Bartolomé Island * Explore areas with blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked with the tour company. **Not Included:** Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified). #### Is This Trip Right for You? #### **Uniqueness of Destination:** The Galapagos Islands' power grid is supplied by a mix of diesel generators and renewable sources, which can lead to inconsistent air conditioning during periods of high heat and humidity. #### **Things to Consider:** There are multiple early mornings. Getting to the Galapagos requires a flight from Quito to the Island of Baltra, where you will transfer to the Baltra Seaport and travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island. In the Galapagos, it takes approximately two hours on foot to get to and from the areas populated with wildlife. Small boats require agility to embark and disembark. This tour includes animal-related activities which carry inherent risks, as animal behavior can be unpredictable. You may choose not to participate. This tour visits areas of high elevations in Quito (9,300 feet), which may be a consideration for those who have heart conditions or are otherwise affected by height. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. #### **Transportation:** Modes of travel will include a boat and a panga (dinghy). #### **Pace:** Expect 3-4 hours of walking on included sightseeing days, as well as considerable time standing. #### **Terrain:** On this tour, you may need to walk on rough, rocky trails and challenging terrain, navigate steep steps or slopes, and encounter cobblestone streets. You will experience wet landings in water, on sand, rocks, and dry landings on wooden docks. #### **Travel Style:** **This is an independent program and does not include the services of a tour manager.** **CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS**: www.cibtvisas.com (You are under no obligation to use this vendor; do your own research; this is just to check to see if a visa is needed) COST: From $2399/pp Land & Air fr. Miami: From $3009/pp; Airfare out of all Washington DC airports are the same price as of today 1/19/26. Single Supplement $450 Non-Refundable Deposit: $300/pp Final Payment Date: 2/8/26 **HOW TO GET BOOKED AS PART OF OUR GROUP:** Email me the following information for each passenger to [Supra1214@aol.com:](http://Supra1214@aol.com/) 1. Your full name as it appears in your passport 2. Your mailing address 3. Your telephone number 4. Your email address 5. Your date of birth 6. Your passport number & expiration dates 7. Your emergency contact info (Name and phone number) 8. Type of cabin needed (single or double; interior, oceanview or balcony). If double, provide the same information for your roommate. 9. Signed credit card authorization (will email upon receipt of items 1-8) **PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT** Participants in this event should note the Liability Waiver in the PAGES section of this Meetup group. Please read it carefully. Members of this group are expected to conduct themselves in a way that is mindful and considerate of the health, safety, and welfare of themselves and other participants in any Active Friends Travel With Friends of the World Meetup activity. It is understood that you have voluntarily chosen to participate in this activity of your own free will. By joining this group and this activity, you agree to the Liability Waiver in the Pages section of this Meetup group.

Join us for a special shopping event at Kendra Scott on Saturday, April 25, from 1–4 PM! As part of the Kendra Scott Gives Back program, 20% of all in-store and online purchases* during the event will benefit the Humane Society of Loudoun County. Be sure to use the code: GIVEBACK-LPPDB if shopping online or mention it during the checkout process in-store. Treat yourself or find the perfect gift while supporting local animals in need—we hope to see you there!