Bird Watching

**Backabush is heading back to Turkiye for the Easter holidays on another exciting trip exploring the enchanting landscape of Cappadocia.** FOR MORE INFO VISIT: [https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/307284654/](https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/307284654/)

You can expect a friendly introduction to the sport, but in all honesty you will dive in at the deep end to learn UWR. Please bring swimwear and an open mind and expectation to have fun. We can lend an UWR hat, snorkle, mask and fins. Although if you have them already it is better to bring your own. Expect to swim, dive to 4m depth, hold your breath longer than you thought you could, be involved in drills and games. It is full contact and you will be wrestling other players to take the ball and pass to your team or score a goal. Please get on touch with questions or intent to attend prior to session so that we can support with kit etc.

Thursday adult mix-in social tennis sessions 7-8:30pm at Emma Wells Tennis in Wimbledon Park🎾🌞 **BOOK** in the link below https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/WimbledonPark/Coaching/Summary/f609d97d-9894-4381-9040-e60dd8bc62ce This session is normally followed by pub drinks! **Limited spaces.**

FULL MOON WALK! FREE WALK, DOGS WELCOME - Beautiful Night Wonder of Hyde Park, day before BANK holiday Good Friday so PUB drinks after! Walk Info below the Moon info.. While we are on our Moon Walk, NASA's astronauts will be getting ready to orbit the moon for the first time in over 50 years since 1972! They leave our Planet Earth the day before our walk on 1st April and the Spaceflight is making History! It will be the first time a black astronaut (Mr Glover) and a woman (Ms Koch) are on a lunar mission and will orbit the moon. The first time ever folks, since humanity began! They are on a mission to see if humans can sustain life on the moon! So, in celebrating this wonderful event, we are hosting a free Moonwalk, not Michael Jackson but for this historical event! I was very lucky to personally meet Buzz Aldrin (Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story is named after him), and Buzz was on the same Apollo 11 spacecraft as Neil Armstrong, the first humans to walk on the Moon or any Planet in July 1969. Artemis II (1st April departure serves as the critical bridge to **Artemis IV** (currently planned for 2028), which is intended to be the first mission to land humans on the lunar surface since 1972. Please join us for a wonderful Full Moon 3 mile linear free night walk through Green Park, Bomber Command, Wellington Arch, Hyde Park, the Serpentine, Diana Memorial Fountain, ending at Hyde Park Underground Station! Please note this walk has not been tested before, something never tried so can not guarantee the moon! (weather permitting) and route should be fine as I walk through Hyde Park at midnight at Christmas 2025 and all was open, but we will find a way, whatever happens! BEER AND WINE AFTER SOCIAL DAY BEFORE BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY! Will be having drinks after at 3 or 4 historic pubs, dogs allowed in bar area only. There will be no seating as very busy pubs, maybe standing room only with no chance to seat eat, but plenty of drink and peanuts, ha! Hyde Park Grade I listed, it is the largest of the Royal Parks. The park was established by Henry VIII in 1536 when he took the land from Westminster Abbey and used it as a hunting ground. It opened to the public in 1637 and quickly became popular, particularly for May Day parades. The park's name comes from the Manor of Hyde and appears as such in the Domesday Book. The name is believed to be of Saxon origin and means a unit of land, the hide. Hyde Park was a popular duelling spot during the 18th century, with 172 taking place, leading to 63 fatalities. The Serpentine a 40-acre created in 1730 at the behest of Queen Caroline. Originally fed by the River Westbourne and Tyburn Brook in the 1730s, the lake's water was then pumped from the Thames in the 1830s. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain The design aims to reflect Diana's life, water flows as it cascades, swirls and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. The water is constantly being refreshed and is drawn from London's water table. The Memorial also symbolises Diana's quality and openness. Please meet outside the front of Green Park Station on the main road. The meeting area outside the station is directly next to Ritz Restaurant. When you arrive at Green Park underground station, please look for the Piccadilly (South Side) exit. The walk ends at Hyde Park Station if walk only and Victoria Station if doing all the 4 pubs! ABOUT OUR SECRET LONDON WALKS It is a 15-year fascinating journey together to explore the whole of beautiful, enchanting Secret London. The only walking group in the World offering this unique experience! The individual walks have been created from an original route several miles in length (usually on average about 40 miles) where we have checked every nook and cranny, every hidden alleyway, lane, lost cobbled path, cul de sac, avenue, road or street in that area for you! It is then shortened, to give back to you a magical walk with all the best bits of 'Lovely London', voted the best City in the World for the 10th year running! What is given back to you is the most scenic, healthy walk (usually 3-6 miles in length) with some of the walks containing hidden cobbled lanes, lost shops, secret gems, areas lost in time, wonderful views, idyllic Instagram photo shots and all sorts! Now and then some brief local info is mentioned or something of historical importance along the way. You will have plenty of time to chat and meet new friends whilst walking the amazing lost areas of London! So we welcome you to the colourful highlights of this fascinating City of London with simply wonderful things to see! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!

Join our Full moon ritual (monthly Wicca Circle) on the banks of river Thames, to set up altar, invoke the Triple moon Goddess and do magic at the heart of London. These rituals are suitable for beginners and all interested in Paganism, Wicca & Ritual Magic. Facilitated by Mani (Wiccan Highpriest) & Woodland Witches ritual team, these rituals also provide an opportunity to take on some roles and gain ritual experiences over time. ***Duration: **7.00pm meeting by Millennium Bridge.* *** Fee*: just turn up & pay cash £5 at start of Event). *** Ritual venue & Meeting point.** Gather on the pavement-steps under the the Millennium Bridge (south bank side, near Tate Modern Gallery) . *Please bring **food & drinks to share** (optional). example: bread, butter, pita bread, cheese, small picnic food, soft drinks, wine. Bright Blessings. -Mani Founder/ organiser - London Woodland Witches

Please join us for our weekly run and social - a great (free!) way to meet new people! We meet at 7pm outside The Horatia ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/p1QnyurFQh3gywov6) and go to Highbury Fields together from there. We run 5km at an easy pace (about 6-7 mins per km), often 3 loops around Highbury Fields but we do change up the route from time to time. After the run, we will head to the Horatia pub for some drinks

Join the London Sketching Meetup Group for purposeful sketching of objects that intrigue you and convert into a unique composition. Location: V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, London Time: 10AM - 12 Noon Items to bring : Sketchbook, Pencil (Graphite/Colorpencils/Sticks/Pastels) Fee : 6 GBP Whether you're a beginner or experienced artist, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to hone their skills and unleash their creativity.

Mama Jon has got a brand new trip in a fairytale land, right on the border with Essex and Suffolk, filled with sneaking rivers, glorious little villages, woodlands and a beautiful estuary. This hike will be the first in the region, as it has a lot to offer, painted by some of the greatest masters, you will be walking through some actual living paintings. There is a reason why the Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty is called Constable Country, the famous John Constable himself has painted many of his master pieces based on the scenes in the region and you might recognise some of his most famous scenes as you walk through it, it is a bit as if you were one of his character evolving in one of his worlds, and, who knows, maybe you are, and someone will be looking at you and regognise the masterpiece that you are! We will kick off the hike with the official Dedham Vale path and finish the hike in the pretty town of Manningtree, right by the sea in this pretty estuary right after the second part of the hike which is a section of the Essex Way. Now, afterwards, I do know that my hiking family are all a bunch of foodies, so, yes, we can pop into a restaurant or a bar for a meal or a drink and ruin our day out burning calories by doubling our calories intake of the day at a nice local eatery :) As always, we will buy a discounted train ticket at the station, so please bring some cash, price will be confirmed on the day but it should be around £30. The train journey takes about an hour and 10 minutes if there are no delays. INFORMATION: DISTANCE: About 13 miles/20km DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM, there will be a few inclunes and I do not recommend to first time hikers. TIME: about 5 hours TRANSPORT: By tube MEETING POINT: Liverpool Street station at 9 am Please be on time, or you will have to buy your own train ticket which will be pricier. PRICE: £17 ( for the guide's fee) via PayPal or credit/debit card About £30 in cash on the day for the train ticket INCLUDED: Guided hike A fun day out with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Transport Anything else 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. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK THIS PAGE AGAIN 2 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 IT IS WINTER, wear warm clothing and waterproof boots. 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 of any of our trips and this is without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationalities, people of all ages, sex and political beliefs 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 site, 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.

**Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay Weekend Away** I’m opening registration of interest for a very special weekend hike — and this one is close to my heart. We will be based in Whitby, staying right by the cathedral, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, winding streets, and that unmistakably cool coastal vibe. Whitby is one of those places that just gets under your skin. The hike itself is one of my personal favourites — the very first hike I ever took my partner on back in December. Expect breathtaking coastal paths, big sea views, and a secret spot I don’t usually share… easily one of the best viewpoints on the coast and perfectt for unch. The plan: Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome We’ll kick off the weekend with a warm welcome and get everyone ready for the adventure ahead. Perfect time to meet the group, soak in the sea air, and explore the town a little. Day 2 – The Hike Our main adventure! A 6-hour coastal hike from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay, including a secret viewpoint I can’t usually share. Dramatic cliffs, stunning views, and the reward at the end — the best local fish & chips right by the sea. Day 3 – Morning Exercise & Optional Sunrise Walk Start your day with a gentle morning exercise before breakfast to wake up those muscles after our big hike. Early risers can join an optional sunrise walk along the coast before we pack up and head back to London. Breakfastt optional. This weekend is about: - Stunning coastal views - A meaningful, well-loved route - Great company - Exploring two of Yorkshire’s most iconic seaside spots 👉 Registration of interest is required — sign up to be first to receive full details. If you love coastal hikes, hidden viewpoints, and weekends that feel genuinely special, this one’s for you. As always, DM if you have any questionseations.

They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) **Description** Sunset hike particularly for you late risers :) This one starts where yesterday’s hike ends! So you could in fact do both hikes and stay overnight in Three Oaks. Bring your pillow for the train home! Located in East Sussex, this hike starts in **Three Oaks** and then though scenic villages, cliff top and coastal route before descending into beautiful Hastings with its castle, beach front, fair ground, pubs and chip shops etc, highly recommended. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **16kM** Ascent: c.**400 metres** with some sterp steps along the way. Estimated Duration (approx): **5 hours walking** Difficulty: **[energetic](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)** **PROGRAMME** Meeting Point: Meeting Point: **[London Victoria Station](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/meeting-places/)** (see pic in in link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are. Assembly time: 09:15 \- Move to train: 09:30 \- Train leaves: 09:46 \- Arrive at Three Oaks station: 12:46 \- Sunset: 19:40 \- Departure Train: 18:46 arrive back at Victoria 21:33 OR Departure Train: 19:47 arrive back at Victoria 22:34 **Pricing Info:** * £30 per person – includes hike + train travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this £30 discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited £30 tickets left upon checking event. * Want to join for the hike only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £10 anytime.\* **HIKE INCLUDES** * Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training. * PayPal fees **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs ***(Unless you selected the train price)*** * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * Souvenirs * Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup * Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[full list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)** * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Water [2L recommended] * Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino * Camera & Phone * Picnic lunch and snacks **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the event, please message the host and update your RSVP status on MeetUp to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the event sells out, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', please email us on [info@aaalondongroup.com](info@aaalondongroup.com) after the event date, requesting a refund, including your PayPal email address, so we can locate the payment. Unfortunately, as PayPal retains the original transaction fee, we cannot refund this. If the hike is not full, we are sorry, we are unable to issue a refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our[ FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA Hiking Terms and Conditions. [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/) © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

Join us for an informal and welcoming book club meetup where we’ll be discussing** Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. **Whether you’ve finished the book, are halfway through, or just curious, you’re invited. This is a relaxed space to share thoughts, hear different perspectives, and connect with others who enjoy reading. No pressure—just good conversation and an opportunity to meet new people. If you’d like a refresher before joining, you can: Watch the film adaptation (Charly, 1968), available on common streaming platforms or rental services Read a summary here: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/algernon/summary/

Let's sketch Trafalgar Square! Meet outside Nelson's Column in the nightmare homeland of British tourism - Trafalgar Square! An insane place full of the weirdest and most wonderful people and architecture the city has to offer. Nearest Tube Stop: Charing Cross/Leicester Square/Embankment Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. The plan will be to meet at 1pm, sketch for a couple of hours and meet back and chat at 3pm. There are plenty of places around to grab coffee or a bite to eat, hopefully the weather is good so we'll be able to sit outside but if not we could consider ducking into a cafe. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

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.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries and enjoy a spring evening out downtown! Meeting place and approx route, tba. *Feature photo by Chalk Goblin

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be a good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan