Bird Watching

🌿 BANK HOLIDAY WALK! SPRING WILDLIFE & RIVERSIDE CIRCULAR 🌿 Join us for a beautiful spring adventure through one of East London’s hidden green gems — a scenic circular walk along the River Ingrebourne, exploring the rich wetlands, woodland, and open landscapes of Ingrebourne Valley / Hornchurch Country Park and Berwick Woods. 🦆 Wildlife highlight: The Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre & Wildlife Hub sits within this fantastic reserve, an important habitat for birds, wildflowers, grazing marsh, and peaceful riverside nature. Expect lakes, reedbeds, woodland paths, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. More info: https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/ingrebourne-valley ✦ Approx. 7 miles circular ✦ Riverside paths, nature reserve, woodland & spring scenery ✦ Great chance to spot birds and local wildlife ✦ Friendly social pace 📍 Meet: 11am at Upminster Tube Station 📅 Date: Monday 4 May 🍻 Afterwards: Finishing at a local pub for drinks, food & social chat 💷 Organiser fee: £7 (cash/contactless on the day) 📞 Contact Mairead: 07816 866300 🌸 A lovely mix of fresh air, wildlife, spring landscapes, and good company — perfect for anyone wanting to escape the city for an afternoon.

🧶 **What’s Stitch ’n’ Bitch all about?** Think of it as the sassier, yarn‑covered cousin of a book club — but with far fewer rules and far more laughter. Stitch ’n’ Bitch is a global community built on the simple joy of making things with your hands *while* having a good old natter. Whether you’re into knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross‑stitch, weaving, or just aggressively untangling a ball of yarn you found at the bottom of a drawer, you’re in the right place. The crafts are the excuse — the banter is the real event. Expect: 🧵 Stitches dropped, picked up, and occasionally sworn at 🪡 A mix of beginners, pros, and “I just like the vibes” attendees 💬 Chat ranging from wholesome catch‑ups to delightfully juicy gossip 😂 The kind of easy, silly conversation that makes Monday nights feel a lot less Monday It’s cosy, it’s creative, it’s a little cheeky — and everyone’s welcome to pull up a chair and join the chaos. What to bring: B.Y.O. yarn, knitting needles/ crochet hooks or whatever you use to craft. Knitting/crochet or sewing patterns if applicable Work in progress craft projects Agenda: Arrive to the Alexandra at 7pm, there will be a table booked. Come say hello and let's get crafting!

🌟 We love to welcome you at our Monday Classes at 4Water London! 🌟 Our class structure helps you learn and grow at your own pace! **Every Monday**, we’ll guide you on your dance journey from Absolute Beginners to Higher Intermediate, with classes tailored just for you. 💃 Schedule Overview: 🕒 6:30-7:00 PM Absolute Beginners ✨ **Free** to attend every week ✨ Perfect for those just starting. Join anytime and get a feel for the basics! 🕒 7:00-8:00 PM Beginners and Intermediate (Parallel Classes) Beginners Join our 8-week flexible program, designed so you can start at any point! We also have a great value pass—just £55 for 8 consecutive weeks! The program is built to keep your momentum high, no matter when you begin during the cycle. Intermediate Building on Beginners’ skills, this class is tailored to your progress. Grab a £80 pass for 10 classes, which can be used anytime for any level above Beginners. 🕒 8:00-9:00 PM Improvers and Higher Intermediate (Parallel Classes) Improvers Know our 6 basic moves from the Beginner and Intermediate courses? This 16-week class will take your dancing to the next level! Higher Intermediate For advanced dancers, this class hones in on deeper skills, tailored by your teacher to meet your needs. No matter where you are on your dance journey, we’ve got the perfect class for you! 🗓️ Join us this Monday and be part of a welcoming, supportive community. Learn, connect, and grow while contributing to a good cause! 🌍 Inquire with us to get your discounted pass—don’t miss this chance to take your dance skills to the next level! See you on Monday! Your 4Water Team

🌿 BANK HOLIDAY WALK! SPRING WILDLIFE & RIVERSIDE CIRCULAR 🌿 Join us for a beautiful spring adventure through one of East London’s hidden green gems — a scenic circular walk along the River Ingrebourne, exploring the rich wetlands, woodland, and open landscapes of Ingrebourne Valley / Hornchurch Country Park and Berwick Woods. 🦆 Wildlife highlight: The Ingrebourne Valley Nature Discovery Centre & Wildlife Hub sits within this fantastic reserve, an important habitat for birds, wildflowers, grazing marsh, and peaceful riverside nature. Expect lakes, reedbeds, woodland paths, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. More info: https://www.essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/ingrebourne-valley ✦ Approx. 7 miles circular ✦ Riverside paths, nature reserve, woodland & spring scenery ✦ Great chance to spot birds and local wildlife ✦ Friendly social pace 📍 Meet: 11am at Upminster Tube Station 📅 Date: Monday 4 May 🍻 Afterwards: Finishing at a local pub for drinks, food & social chat 💷 Organiser fee: £7 (cash/contactless on the day) 📞 Contact Mairead: 07816 866300 🌸 A lovely mix of fresh air, wildlife, spring landscapes, and good company — perfect for anyone wanting to escape the city for an afternoon.

## **🎨 Watercolour Art Class – Your New Favourite Creative Habit** Want to enjoy more creativity and finally learn how to paint with watercolours? Welcome to the **last art club you’ll ever join.** A warm, supportive, welcoming space where you’ll build real skills, meet lovely people and make artwork you’re genuinely proud of. Every month we meet at **The Mulberry Bush,** where you’ll be greeted by your host and artist, **China Jordan**. You’ll get a **free drink,** a table full of art supplies, references, and step-by-step guidance as we explore a new watercolour topic each month. Whether you’re brand new to art, picking it up again after years or just desperate for a midweek creative reset away from your laptop …this class is for you. ## **🖌 “But what if I’m rubbish at art?”** Perfect. You belong here. No experience needed at all. These classes are designed for beginners and the art-curious. China will guide you gently through each step, showing you how to: * control the brush * mix colours * layer your paint * and build real confidence with watercolours **Everyone can learn to paint — and it’s China’s job to prove that you can.** ## **🍷 What’s Included** * **✔️** A **free drink** on arrival * **✔️** All **art materials** & aprons. * **✔️ Protective envelopes** to take your artwork home safely * **✔️** A calm, welcoming, no-pressure environment * **✔️** Step-by-step instruction & personalised feedback. ## **🌿 What You’ll Learn** Each month we explore a new theme or technique, so your skills and confidence grow steadily over time. You’ll build your own mini portfolio of watercolour knowledge — without ever feeling overwhelmed. ## **👋 Meet Your Host** ArtistAnd is a wellbeing & art company run by professional artist China Jordan, founded in 2019. ArtistAnd exists to help people feel calmer, more confident and more creative — through accessible, friendly art classes. Classes now run: * in-person * online * and in corporate wellbeing settings **Always inclusive. Always encouraging. Always supportive.** ## **🏢 Private Bookings Available** These sessions can also be booked privately for: * **Corporate wellbeing events** * **Team-building sessions** * **Hen parties** * **Birthdays & special occasions** Just drop us a message and we’ll tailor something beautiful for your group ✨ ## **🔁 Cancellations & Changes** We totally understand that plans sometimes change — life happens 💛 However, as these classes are small, carefully prepared, and often fully booked: * **Refunds are not available** * Any last-minute changes or **rescheduling requests** will **incur a £7 admin fee** per ticket, which helps cover preparation and booking costs already committed to your place * **Email: china@artistand.co.uk** Browse all upcoming classes: [www.artistand.co.uk](http://www.artistand.co.uk/) **We really appreciate your understanding and support of small business — it genuinely makes these classes possible ✨**

**Join us on *Discord* to keep updated!** **[(Click me! Online Offline Discord)](https://discord.gg/uuwybw93kj)** We will be star gazing in Hyde Park! If you have a telescope, binoculars or just wish to join a group of star gazers - come and join us! A telescope will be provided. Astrophotography and light painting welcome! Should you all agree - we can head to a local pub after! We will meet outside Royal Albert Hall and then make our way into the park! Please make sure to wait on the main road - Kensington Road (A314) - Royal Albert Hall entrance. By holding up our Online Offline meetup photo - we can easily join the group together! See you there!

**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

3 Royal Parks! Join us on a photowalk into Kensington Gardens, Green Park & St James Park. This photowalk will take us through some of central London’s most visually rich locations. Shooting pelicans and parakeets and other wildlife, we will also try to capture Horse Guards at Whitehall. We will also capture the vibrant colours of parks flowers which are at their best this time of year. We'll also shoot the wildlife we are most familiar with: people! This session blends wildlife, portrait, action, and street photography into one dynamic experience. Join us on an eventful photowalk doing what you love best! EXPERIENCE * Beginners and refreshers WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * Help with camera setting for correct exposure * Focus that ensures sharp shots * General composition tips EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens * Kit lens such as 24-70mm or longer for closeup shots **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * PayPal via RSVP - Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * Send £40 via PayPal to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Text Alex on 07956264049 and we will add you to the event attendee list. TRAVEL & WEATHER * Check TFL website for any delays that will affect your journey * Check weather conditions and dress accordingly 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) ©Royal Parks

Let's sketch Holland Park! Let's rendez-vous in front of the Lord Holland statue at 1pm. There's a lot of great stuff here, the Kyoto Gardens in the middle of the park, the Orangery, The Dutch Garden, the Design Museum. A lot to fit in into 2 hours! Nearest Tube Stop: Holland Park 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 :)

Let's meet outside the entrance to London Zoo for the 10am entry slot so we can explore as much as possible. The plan is to see the animals, have lunch and enjoy a great day out!. If anyone wants to travel to the venue together just sent me a message and we'll arrange it. I know London very well and I'm planning on breakfast early nearby before we get there! I've been twice recently and it was brilliant. Also if U are travelling by train it's 241 tickets so if U message me I can pair U to get the deal. If you are going solo this is the ticket website: https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/london-zoo-tickets Everyone else we can meet outside if U want to do Ur own thing! Always a fab day out!🦋

Lets do this fantastic varied 12 mile walk in which we first walk along the disused Chichester Ship Canal, then by Chichester Marina and finally arrive at West Wittering beach after enjoying the amazing views of the estuary. At West Wittering we shall need take the bus back to Chichester at around 5.10pm and then the train back to London at around 6pm. Things to bring : packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes or plus sunhat, suncream and sunglasses. As from 8.50am we shall buy group return train tickets for the train at 9.35am that arrives at 11.06am. Train ticket : Chichester return Or you may decide to drive. Walk shall commence at 11.15am. Meetup fee : £8 payable in cash or £6 by Friday in advance by bank transfer, details supplied upon request. You may decide to stay overnight in the Chichester area and on Sunday do the Thorney Island walk. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. If you are not prepared to walk at this pace and to keep up with those in front then please change your rsvp. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡❜𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧❜𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭. Enjoy the unmistakable roar of the Spitfire's Rolls Royce Merlin engine along with other favourite aircraft, and if the weather is kind, the skilled pilots will do their magnificent best in the 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭! The extensive collection also contains some of the only airworthy examples of genuine combat aircraft from WW1 and WW2, along with the graceful lines of multiple world aviation speed record holders from the 1930s. It is a rare display unlike any other in the world. The Old Warden airfield is unique in having an L-shaped airfield, allowing the aircraft to bank close to the spectators and to pass at the perfect angle for practicing our panning technique. We'll have 𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 if required to help you get some great shots! 1 x Canon & 2 x Nikon setups. 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝: * Entry to the airshow * Return travel from central London (from Starbucks, Unit 1A Euston Tower, NW1 3DP), in our comfortable 8-seater vehicle. * Photographic Tuition at the event (focusing on shutter speed and panning to blur the background and propellers, but keep the plane sharp) * Camera and telephoto lens setups to borrow (just bring a blank SD card) * Battery charging facilities if required (bring your USB or wall plug charger) 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐝: * Food and drink (hot drinks and food are available on site, but feel free to bring yourown food/picnic) 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: Please check and dress for the weather. Hat, sunscreen, etc. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: * Tripod/monopod optional - we'll have a tripod and gimbal setup. * Lens choice - telephoto lenses (ideally 200mm+ full frame equivalent) * We'll have 3 setups to use: 1 x 200-500mm (Nikon F), 1 x 100-400mm (Canon EF), 70-200mm + 1.4x extender (98-280mm equivalent - Nikon), 70-300mm (Canon EF & Nikon F), Sony E adapter. * Wide-angle/mid-range lenses for stationary (flight-line) aircraft or vintage vehicles. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞❜𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭: Starbucks Coffee, Unit 1A Euston Tower Podium, Regents Place, London NW1 3DP, at 9.15 AM and leave for the venue to get a good space. We'll have plenty of time at the venue to talk about what to expect on the day and look through previous photos of the event, discuss settings, composition, etc. The flying display starts at 2 PM and will end around 5 PM. We expect to return to London around 7 PM. Please note: Occasionally, some days have a later finishing time, such as the Festival of Flight, which finishes at 9 PM. Note: This event is combined with other photography Meetup groups that I run, so I'll update RSVP numbers accordingly (i.e., myself +3 will mean 3 members from other groups attending). 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐭: [Vintage Airshow Photography Workshop](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com/photography-workshops/vintage-airshow-photography-workshop) We look forward to seeing you there! Dion [UK Photo Tours](https://www.uk-photo-tours.com)

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

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 another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Kittie's Worthington](https://kittiescakes.com/)!

I'm not sure how much space is here for seating, but it looks like an interesting place. Here's a link to see their menu: https://www.thirdwaycoffee.com/s/splash They've got chai and matcha lattes, hot or iced, and regular tea. They also have pastries. Here's their Instagram: https://www.thirdwaycoffee.com/s/instagram

Join us for 2 loops of the 1.1 mile trail surrounding Civic Park In Reynoldsburg this Thursday (5/7) at 6:30 pm. This is a fully paved trail so no worries about mud after a rainy week. Just come and get some exercise while connecting with others.

This year's Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Vienna, Austria, and the finals are scheduled for 16 May 2026. The [Scandinavian Club of Columbus](https://www.scandiclub.com/) will be co-hosting a viewing party for the final event in conjunction with Germania and the [Columbus Maennerchor](https://www.maennerchor.com/). The delayed televised viewing will take place at the Germania. The program will start around 2:00 p.m. and the singing will **start around 3:00 p.m**. There will be a **cash bar**, and those in attendance can **bring food or snacks** for themselves and or to share with the groups. **Suggested donation: $10/person** to help cover the cost of the venue.