Bird Watching

For many years there has been a campaign to get a stretch of the South Bank designated as an official 'Sculpture Park'. It's no wonder. The stroll between St Thomas's Hospital and the National Theatre alone has some 17 notable sculptures/artworks. From the 1682 stone statue of King Edward VI to the imposing 2016 figure of Mary Seacole (pictured), striding off in front of a huge disc hewn from Crimean rock. Some of the sights might be familiar (Nelson Mandela at the Royal Festival Hall) but many are off the beaten track and deserve more attention. So I hope you can join me on this fascinating stroll through London's public art history. The cost as usual is £10.00 CASH payable on the day. Any enquiries to me, David N, on 07990 593 365 Walk will start on the County Hall side of Westminster Bridge. Nearest tube is Westminster.

“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).

**The Gambia & Senegal Trip Just Dropped !!** Join us for **ONX social drinks** and an evening of great conversation, connection and travel vibes. Whether you have already booked onto our upcoming **The Gambia & Senegal trip next year**, are thinking about it, or simply want to meet other like-minded people, this is the perfect chance to come along and connect. Here's the link to the trip: https://www.onxexperience.com/gambia-senegal-2027 It will also be a great opportunity to meet some of your fellow travellers and ask the ONX Team any questions you may have about any of our trips. Launch venue: **The Soak** **1 Terminus Place, London SW1 0RP** **Friday 24 April 2026** **6.30 pm onwards** Come for the drinks, great food, the good energy and the chance to mingle with the ONX Community. We’d love to see you there.

Discover tango in a truly magical setting at St Matthew’s Church. An open-level class where music, movement and connection meet. No partner needed — just curiosity and a desire to dance. Come explore tango beyond steps, in a warm, welcoming space where the embrace leads the way.

Host: Van \*This event is a collaboration with other groups and social networks and it will be well attended \*To attend this event you need to buy a ticket from [https://www.fatsoma.com/e/i30mc67r/singles-social-party-in-shoreditch-with-complimentary-drink-happy-hour-all-ages](https://www.fatsoma.com/e/i30mc67r/singles-social-party-in-shoreditch-with-complimentary-drink-happy-hour-all-ages) Single people mixing and mingling, partying and dancing in the heart of Shoreditch, while keeping their eyes open trying to spot that special one that will make their heart jump Whether you are looking for a partner or just to meet and connect with other people who are at the same phase of life, this is the event for you! You never know who you are going meet in this evening and that is the beauty of it! You may find a friend forever, a party buddy, a partner in crime or a partner in life! Since this is a mix and mingle and not a speed dating there is no age range- in a social pool everybody is welcome and you can choose to speak to whoever you fancy. Connect with like minded people and open your social circle, enjoy chatting about anything and everything, with those you like, for as long as you like If you find somebody who you think you have a connection with, dare to ask their contact details right then and there... like the old times ;) Oh! and you don't need to ask the awkward question: 'so are you single?' because they all will be! You are very welcome to attend alone or with friends. We will be there making introductions, helping break the ice,, and act as a glue in the group. We have a reserved area/table where we can mix and mingle, so that everybody can relax and feel comfortable and we get to know each other. and then we are going to move on the dance floor! Simmons Shoreditch is a quirky cocktail bar bringing an off- kilter addition to the streets of the East. Just off Shoreditch High Street, this gem is notorious for a late-night party or 5. Its eclectic playlist and beautifully bonkers interiors set it apart from its peers. Famed for its rogue aesthetic, it really has it all. We're not joking. Bringing a new meaning to 'Everything but the kitchen sink,' this bar even has that. Its DJ plays from a built-in Kitchen Disco. Spinning disks that span decades with a playlist that's sure to keep you on the dancefloor until the early hours. Blaring neons, skull disco balls and waltzer-style booths all add to the charm! The program of the night is as follows : 7:00pm-9pm : Singles mixing and mingling 9pm: The music goes up and it is time for dancing. Everyone arriving before 9pm receives a token for a complimentary drink ( you can choose between beer, prosecco or non alcoholic) Happy Hour till 9pm! Dress code is smart/ elegant/ Smart Casual (smart dark jeans are fine but ripped jeans, sportswear, trainers/sportshoes and hats are not allowed). For security reasons every guest must carry photographic ID with them (Driver’s License, European ID or Passport) independently of the age. If you wish to be welcomed and introduced to other people by the hostess please arrive before midnight How to find us: When you arrive please ask to be directed to Marianna's Events area/ Van. Any issue on the night feel free to contact Van: 07587546857 For general inquires or difficulties with your ticket booking feel free to e-mail us at benetoupromotions@gmail.com or call Marianna on: 07949526733 How to connect with us: Like and follow our facebook page: [https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland](https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland) Join our facebook group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514](https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514) Follow us on twitter: [@Mariannasevents](http://mariannasevents/)

**\*\*RSVP for your FREE ticket! We will send instructions on how to claim your complimentary ticket a week before the event\*\*** Join 250 people (equal split of men and women) for London's BIGGEST Singles Party at [Madison](https://www.madisonlondon.net/) rooftop bar in St Paul's on Friday night for ages 21-45 (age guide). **Please note that guests must have a valid passport or driving licence to attend this event.** The event starts at 7:30pm where on arrival guests will be given a 'red straw' to drink from. The idea being that anyone with a 'red straw' is single and easily identified as part of our group. There will be no name tags or cheesy 'lock & key' ice breakers, infact nobody outside of the event will even know what is going on! Our hosts will be on hand throughout the evening to introduce people to one another and ensure everyone is having a great time. The event will finish around 11pm but your night is far from over as you can stay and enjoy the venue until close. The following day you will be able to contact anyone you met at this event through our website. **Please note this event is weather dependant due to being outdoors. If the event is cancelled due to torrential rain it will be postponed to the following Friday.** Please be aware that places are limited and the majority of our events do sell out, so please book early to avoid disappointment. If you have any queries about this event please contact us at enquiries@dateinadash.com or call our telephone bookings hotline on 0845 862 1448 (9am 5pm).

"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

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 morning 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 any 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/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095) UPCOMING EVENTS [www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events)

Meet fellow early birds. Get a big dose of nature: wild sky, abundant green space, and occasional wildlife. And then warm up in a nearby cafe. Conversations fuelled by early morning light and coffee tend to be good ones. **The plan:** * meet at 7AM at the top of **PRIMROSE HILL** * take in the view for a little while (depending on how cold it is) * walk to ROOTS, a friendly café on Regents Park Road * warm up with coffee (10% off) Become part of our community of regulars, or just drop by for a one off experience. We meet frequently - sometimes weekly, sometimes fortnightly - to create and sustain community. New people are always welcome :-) **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/C2KwIp79riz1A71dNF6pgF)** to keep up to date **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thesunriseclubetc)** to see what these meetups look like **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** for the newsletter and occasional extras **[WEBSITE](http://www.alltogether.one/)** for all other groups We will be easy to find because we will be at the top of the hill with a big red flag that says 'THE SUNRISE CLUB' and a sign that says 7AM SUMMIT These are free meetups, but if you’d like to support, please donate here: '[buy me a coffee](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor)' ❤️

Let's sketch around Kensington Palace in Hyde Park! Meet at the Statue of Queen Victoria in Hyde Park for wonderful views of Kensington Palace, another drain on the taxpayer's wallet where the Royals probably spend no time whatsoever. It's pretty though. Nearest Stations: Queensway/Notting Hill Gate/South Kensington 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 :)

**SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)** **Distance**: 21km (13 miles) **Duration**: 6-7 hours walking **Grade**: Moderate **HIGHLIGHTS** * great views from Shoulder of Mutton Hill * forests coming into bloom * bluebells, spring flowers * forlorn paths * weird and wonderful moreland on Longmore Common * Sussex Border Path & budding rhododendrons, * country pubs for refreshments. We'll start our walk in Petersfield and head north to follow part of the 34 km (21 mile) Hangers Way - a long distance path less travelled within an area of outstanding natural beauty. The countryside around here is unspoilt and forlorn, and we'll meet only a few locals out for a walk with their dogs. In our first hour, we will be rewarded with fantastic views from Shoulder of Mutton Hill as we continue through forested slopes and over open fields towards Liss and then onto Liphook via a nice lunchtime pub stop (for drinks only). After Liss, we will walk down Shipwrights Way to Longmore and Weavers Down, an army managed access land which is eerily remote and wild with a range of different flora, shrubs and trees. We will then walk on the Sussex Border Path and continue to Liphook, where we will reward ourselves with a pub stop. This will be English countryside in its quintessential beauty and at its best – with budding wild flowers and maybe some wild rhododendrons - as well experiencing Longmore Common which feels like walking over Scottish moreland. **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Start**: 8.35 Meet for a group save ticket **Meet:** 8:45 for those who buy their own tickets & walk to train **Finish:** 5.30/6pm for an optional pub visit. **Recommended morning train from London** **Dep**: 09:00 London Waterloo **Arr:** 10.05 Petersfield **Return** **trains:** 18.20, 19.20 **Recommended train ticket** Off-Peak Day Return to Petersfield · **£25.75 group save/ network rail price** Recommended: Buy a yearly Network Railcard for reduced train prices www.network-railcard.co.uk **Meeting Point:** Waterloo Station - In front of Information Desk by the big Pret **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)complete list[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). 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 London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

I was planning to do this on 18th April, but our favourite (and only) pub with the yummy £9.99 pizzas is fully booked that day. So I have moved it to the 25th, when the bluebells will hopefully still be there, in addition to the other attractions in this lovely wood. For those of you who perceive Abbey Wood as being a long way away, its only in zone 4, its 15 minutes & 4 stations from Whitechapel on the Elizabeth Line, covered on all free passes, and around two quid if you are a paying passenger. Situated in South East London, Lesnes Abbey Wood offers 88 hectares of ancient woodland, a park and a ruined abbey (grade two listed). There is also the Arboretum, where we can take a walk through a collection of trees from around the world, plus other attractions too. https://www.lesnesabbeywoods.org/explore/park-gardens/ I am putting this event up nice and early because I have to book tables at The Abbey Arms. So put your name down if you are definitely coming, but please do message me should you not be eating. I will be giving the pub numbers next Wednesday (15th April). So if you are one of the several who don't make up their mind until the eleventh hour, I may be able to get you in on the day but no guarantees. We're meeting at the front of Abbey Wood station, slightly later than usual at 11.15am. I expect to be at the pub between 3.30 and 4pm. If you haven't already paid for April, I ask for a nominal contribution of £2 to help cover Meetup organiser fees. No shrapnel please. RISK WARNING/DISCLAIMER: Please remember that as with any physical activity, there can be dangers associated with hiking/walking, especially around waterways, forests, farms and countryside. Your decision to voluntarily participate in this activity is an informed decision. and by attending this event you agree and accept to take sole responsibility for your own actions, your own safety, and your own belongings. Please dress appropriately, including sturdy shoes. Please bring any necessary medication with you. You will need to be sufficiently fit to walk several miles at a moderate pace. We may occasionally cross or walk short distances on roads; country and woodland tracks can be muddy or slippery; animals may be encountered on occasion. INSURANCE: If either yourself or any guests you bring along require insurance for this walk, then you must arrange this yourselves. GUESTS: If you are bringing any guests along, there is no facility on the Meetup site to record their details. Please ensure that you make them fully aware of the Risk Warning/Disclaimer and Insurance statements.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!

**Columbus, this is your HOME AWAY FROM HOME** Get game day ready with the ultimate **Aviators fan experience** at **DraftKings Sports & Social**. We’re talking watch parties that feel like you’re in the stadium, exclusive giveaways, special guest appearances, and nonstop energy from kickoff to final whistle. PLUS win tickets to the next home game, happening May 1! Pull up, rep your squad, and make this your go-to spot all season long. **Where:** 840 N High St **When:** Sunday\, April 26 \| 12 PM **Check-in:** at the host stand and say "Columbus Meetup" to get a wristband for exclusive drink specials from 12pm-3pm!

Join WQC on April 25th from 11am-1pm at Inniswood Metro Park for a Nature Photo Walk. All types of cameras welcome! Let's enjoy spring to the fullest... 🌻🌼🌷🐤

**We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can!** **As always optional lunch after.** **This is the second Metro Park in the lineup - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).** **Also I have a conflict and am not available so have asked Karin to lead!**