Bird Watching

An amazing walk by a veritable carpet of Bluebells in Kings Wood in Challock ! Please arrive by 9.30am to facilitate the purchase of group train tickets for the train at 10.07am that arrives at Wye at 11.02am after changing at Ashford International. Train ticket : return to Chilham. Or you may decide to drive. The walk shall commence by 11.05am. We shall walk for around 8-9 miles taking the amazing carpet of bluebells in Kings Wood in Challock before having tea in the beautiful village of Chilham. We shall take the 5.13pm train back that arrives in London at 6.18pm after changing at Ashford International. Meetup fee £5 payable in cash or by bank transfer in advance. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes/boots or trainers. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

**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

Have you ever wanted to be immersed within either the city or nature in the form of a walk and socialise at the same time? If so, this may be the right walk for you. Welcome to another one of the WALK events where you have the opportunity to explore all the scenic routes I’ll execute whether there’s nature within, whether we get immersed within the city and feel great about yourself. 


With this particular walk, we will be walking through Crystal Palace Park from start to finish. During this walk, you get immersed within nature and familiar with the park itself but most importantly, you have the opportunity to feel healthy and stress free after this walk and possibly the opportunity to form friendships.

After this walk, if you enjoyed yourselves and still want to hang out, we can find a place nearby to continue the day. We’ll get democracy decide. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 


Starting point: Crystal Palace Park
Ending point: Crystal Palace Park
Walking length: 2 miles
Duration: 1 hour +
Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time.

WHAT - Walk through Crystal Palace Park
WHERE - Crystal Palace Park
WHEN - 6:30pm - 9pm
MEETING POINT - Outside Crystal Palace Station
NEAREST STATION - Crystal Palace Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

**Welcome to StitchUp** – a welcoming social group that embraces individuals of all skill levels, providing a shared space for crafting in a social setting. **Bring your current project**, whether it's knitting, quilting, embroidery, or any other textile craft. Work on your project or piece while having a chat with us. Some people knit, some people mend or just join the conversations. If you are starting new, I’m sure we can give you tips, but generally this is not a class or workshop and you will have to bring your own materials. Also keep in mind that we sometimes don't have a table, so something that requires table space might be difficult to do. **Background** – StitchUp began among friends with a shared love for textile crafts, evolving into a thriving group with regular meetups. Unfortunately, the group faced a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic but we would now like to revive these regular meetings in a social, in-person setting. **Tickets** – There is a small ticket price to partially cover the costs for the use of this platform. I do not earn any money from this. Extra money will go back into the group.

***Note***: As the sunset is still early, we are starting at 6pm for now. The earlier we get there the more time we get! Ultimate Frisbee Pickup! All experience welcome! Main details: • For first-timers: you're very welcome, no experience necessary, we can teach you the rules and how to play. You just need a willingness to run around a LOT! Bring trainers (or cleats/football boots) and clothes you can run in and plenty of water • Please try to bring both a light top and a dark top as this makes splitting into balanced teams easier • Throwing from 6:00pm, we'll kick off a friendly pick-up game as soon as we get numbers. It's fine if you can only make it later on - we play with substitutes so you can join in at any point. If no one is there when you arrive, don't worry, people are probably just late! If the meetup is not cancelled, frisbee will be happening! • Afterwards we always head to a pub garden and have a drink or two :) • Frisbee is a non-contact sport, but the occasional bumps can happen, we're all playing at our own risk

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.

**WEEKDAY EVENT - 23 APRIL 1145HRS** **SONY WORLD PHOTOGRAHY AWARDS EXHIBITION PRIVATE TOUR** The world-class photography exhibition is back. Offering an insight into the artists working in the medium today, the Sony World Photography Awards bring the best images from the past year to the West and East Wings of Somerset House. This curation is a unique opportunity to see all of the winning and shortlisted images under one roof. Explore the very best of photography across a variety of styles, themes and genres: from documentary to wildlife, portraiture to architecture, sport to still life. Discover the best photographs from the past year in a diverse display of over 300 pictures. * See Joel Meyerowitz’s work in a new light through an immersive, mixed-media presentation * Be part of photography's unmissable annual moment **Exhibition is open from 17 April until 4 May 2026** **DISCOUNTED TICKETS** Use the link below to go to the website for your **15% discount** off a full price ticket: [https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards-exhibition](https://www.worldphoto.org/sony-world-photography-awards-exhibition) PROMO CODE: **LONDONPHOTO15** **HOW TO INPUT THE PROMO CODE**: Using the link above choose the day you would like to attend and click **BOOK NOW**. On the top right side of the page you'll see the **OFFER CODE** box where you can type in the promo code **LONDONPHOTO15** We look forward to seeing you there! 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](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events) Photo ©

"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)' ❤️

“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).

**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)!

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... 🌻🌼🌷🐤

Let’s meet Saturday morning for coffee and a treat. La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro in Worthington, Ohio, is a family-owned, authentic French restaurant and bakery located at 627 High St. Established in 1992, it offers scratch-made French pastries, breads, and classic bistro dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a rustic, Parisian-style setting.

**💖 Virtual Speed Dating – Columbia Singles, Curated by Personality** This online speed dating format leans into the human side: strong hosting, repeat attendees, and a sense that the event is part of a growing community. Meet Columbia singles from home. We sort the matching, you just turn up. Quick, hosted rounds on Zoom with Columbia singles paired to your age group and personality. No awkward pauses — just natural conversation. **Register under your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=464.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbia&groupurlname=spark-new-gay-friendships-every-night&ar=18-32&face_v=15.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=464.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbia&groupurlname=spark-new-gay-friendships-every-night&ar=30-46&face_v=15.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=464.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbia&groupurlname=spark-new-gay-friendships-every-night&ar=40-58&face_v=15.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- 👥 **Best for:** - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - People re-entering the dating scene after a break 📍 **Event snapshot** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you - **Host:** Friendly host guiding every round **How the event unfolds** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible Columbia singles. ⭐ *"So much better than apps. Actual conversations with real people."* – Columbia attendee **Frequently Asked Questions** **What happens after?** Mutual matches are sent out after the event. **What's the personality quiz for?** **Do I need experience?** **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. 🥰 ✨ Compressed version with the essentials only. Concise by design so people can decide quickly. 🤝 **Community angle** - The host keeps the pace clear and the room welcoming - The community matters as much as the session itself - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum The long-term goal is a room people want to come back to, not a one-off event people forget about.

**Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in!** **We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind.** **If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward at Prost Beer and Wine Cafe. Www.prostcafe.com** **Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk is at 6711 East Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg OH**