Birth Advocacy

Join me for relaxing Art Workshops at London parks and pubs! THIS WEEK; I'll be at the back of Penderals Oak, near the beer garden windows, from 3.30pm \~ look for art stuff on the table 🎨 ( nearest tube to pub; Holborn ) 👣😊🍻 Explore your creativity no matter what your skill \~ we'll take inspiration from our surroundings, each other, I'll provide tips, advice, and a few arty magazines and more, from my own collection 😊 Just £5 suggested donation, or whatever you can afford ; I provide all the Art materials, just bring your imagination 😊 \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Details \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Each week, the workshops will be at different locations, a park in warm weather, a pub in cold/rainy weather 😊 Generally they'll be in the late afternoon into the evening, occasionally from around lunch time 😊 See you soon 😊

**Do you dream of seeing the northern lights? Join [Backabush](https://www.meetup.com/backabush) to hunt for the aurora borealis in Arctic Sweden!** Cost - £599. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable en-suite twin share rooms. **FOR MORE INFO VISIT: [https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306414605](https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306414605)**

After a bit of a festive hiatus (December has a habit of stealing momentum…), we’re very pleased to be getting *Child-Free & Chuffed* back together again. For this meet-up, we’ve booked a table in a **semi-private room** at **The Mug House**, a lovely wine bar tucked under the arches of London Bridge itself, just by Borough Market. They serve great wine alongside beer and food, making it an ideal spot for a cosy January catch-up. As ever, the vibe will be relaxed, comfortable and inclusive - no pressure, no agenda, just good conversation and easy company with fellow child-free-by-choice folks. With space for **10 people** and a nook to ourselves, this one will be perfect for settling in and chatting properly. The table booking under the name Dave and is for 2 hours (18:00-20:00), giving us time to explore the market, riverside or local pubs afterwards. Whether you’ve been before or this will be your first time, it’d be great to see you and start the year together feeling connected and, as always, quietly chuffed about our choices.

We hold two pub evenings a month on the first and third Wednesdays, with all the other Wednesdays being virtual pub evenings. We also normally have a monthly quiz on the last Wednesday of the month, during the virtual pub evening, at about 9pm, where a different member of our group prepares the questions to be used each month. This means that tonight is a virtual pub evening but incorporating a quiz. Contact Roland in advance, preferably by e-mail, so that he can send you a link to click on at the start of the meeting. Please note the different arrangements for the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

Have you ever wanted to gather together and talk about insightful topics which broadens your thinking and knowledge? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to the ‘Deep conversations’ event where you get the opportunity to share your views based on the topics that we may cover. The last time this was executed, it not only went well but we managed to learn from one another which broadened our thinking. With this particular event, the topics we’ll discuss are: * What do you define as loss? * Was there someone you loved and lost and if so, what was one of the best things they’ve done that impacted your life? * Loss from natural causes vs loss from murder * The permanence of death * If you could turn back time, what would you change before your loved ones passed? * What aspect of ‘life’ do find precious to cherish? We get so preoccupied with daily life that we hardly have a chance to sit back and think as well as discuss many topics in such depth. When was the last time you sat back and thought about anything in depth which opened your eyes to so many possibilities and broadened your thinking? Now is your chance to share your views and learn from one another. By participating in this, you could broaden your ways of thinking, learn new lessons or even heal if you have your hidden struggles. 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 WHAT - Deep conversations
WHERE - Coffee island https://maps.app.goo.gl/XiVFwhjuqDH7oSadA?g_st=ipc
WHEN - 6:15pm - 8pm
MEETING POINT - Inside Coffee Island
NEAREST STATION - Leicester Square & Covent Garden stations
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour and respect on one’s opinions. PRECAUTIONS - This event is capped so if you do RSVP but can’t make it, please change it to ‘not going’ so it enable others willing to attend to be marked as ‘going’. If you do mark yourselves as going, don’t change your RSVP and don’t attend, the next time another event such as this takes place and you rsvp, you will be marked as ‘not going’ as it’s possible you may make commit the same action. Please be mindful about the opportunities for others who are willing to attend. 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. 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.

This course is designed for students who are familiar with: a) *presente de indicativo*; b) *indefinido*; c) *imperfecto*; d) *pretérito perfecto*; e) *pluscuamperfecto*; f) *futuro*; g) *presente de subjuntivo*; h) *imperativo* If you are interested in joining this group, please send an email with the course title to [hola@laescuelaspanish.com](http://hola@laescuelaspanish.com.%2A%2A/) . We'll contact you for a level assessment. **Class Information** Maximum 10 students. Students must be 18+ years old. All our Online Spanish language lessons take place via **Zoom**. **Price - £200**. Payment method - Bank transfer. Once we have the minimum of students, we’ll send you an invoice. For this course we'll use the book **Aula Internacional Plus 4 ( Editorial Difusión)**. **Class Schedule** * Wednesdays, 5th November-18th March ( 15 weeks) * 12:00-13:00 * 15 hours over 15 weeks **Communication goals** * Comentar y escribir noticias * Opinar y valorar * Poner condiciones * Hacer, respaldar o rechazar una propuesta * Aconsejar * Evocar situaciones imaginarias * Opinar sobre acciones conductas * Expresar deseos **Grammar Points** * Pasados * Voz pasiva y pasiva refleja * Verbos de transmisión de información * Oraciones condicionales y concesivas * Presente de subjuntivo * Imperfecto de subjuntivo **Vocabulary** * Medios de comunicación * Turismo * Leyes, burocracia, gestión * Miedos y fobias * Deportes \*\*If you are interested in joining this group send an email with the course title to [hola@laescuelaspanish.com.](http://hola@laescuelaspanish.com.%2A%2A/)

**An illuminating and entertaining talk exploring the themes of space and humanism in literature and reality** Humans live for stories, and we love seeing ourselves reflected in them. After all, fiction is often used both as metaphor and mirror of our society. Alfredo will talk about space and astronomy in the real universe and in the many imagined ones - and how that often overlaps with the expectation and representation of humanists. Following the talk, after a refreshments interval, there will be a Q&A, and we invite people to suggest their favourite fictional representation of a humanist and/or scientists for a lively debate on how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. **Your Speaker** Dr Alfredo Carpineti (he/him): is a queer Italian astrophysicist, science journalist, and social activist. He is the Senior Staff Writer & Space Correspondent for IFLScience where he has worked for 10 years, writing over 6,000 articles that have been read by millions. He is the author of the upcoming pop astronomy book Invisible Rainbows. He is the chair and founder of Pride in STEM, an award-nominated British charity dedicated to supporting and showcasing LGBTQIA+ in STEM and founder of the International Day of LGBTQIA+ People in STEM. **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [please click here](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

**Join Gayatri for the** **festival of Imbolc, a turn on the wheel of the year, with a Cacao, Rose & Sound Ceremony** *Theme:* Quickening of spring, purification, rebirth * We will begin with a warm welcome and introductions. * Together, we will share Cacao and Rose to deepen our connection with the Earth and open our hearts. * Through oracle cards, we will reflect on the year so far and explore our intentions for the seasons ahead. * Gayatri will then guide you on a meditative journey, accompanied by the healing vibrations of sound instruments. You are invited to relax and bathe in these frequencies. * Afterward, we will have time to share experiences in circle before closing together in gratitude. *** ### Benefits of Attending This ceremony offers a peaceful space to pause, reflect, and reconnect to the turning of the wheel. * **Open the heart and calm the mind** through ceremonial Cacao and Rose, supporting emotional warmth, inner peace, and gentle awakening of the senses. * **Reflect with clarity** using oracle cards to review the past year and set intentions for the returning light and the seasons ahead. * **Restore balance and presence** through a guided meditation accompanied by sound healing instruments that help release tension and realign energy. * **Feel supported in community** by sharing within a safe and compassionate circle, fostering connection and mutual understanding. * **Align with natural rhythms** of the Start of Spring Come and celebrate the Celtic festival of Imbolc, a moment to mark the passing of winter, the return of the light and all that we can find flourishing at this quieter time of year.

January's Book: The Cut Throat Trial by the Secret Barrister writing as SJ Fleet. It is one of the biggest trials of the year. Three seventeen-year-old boys are accused of the brutal murder of an elderly teacher on New Year's Eve. Each boy denies it. Each points the finger at the other two. But they can’t all be innocent. The three defence barristers have only one job: to persuade the jury that their client is not guilty. But they’re up against a prosecutor who needs to win the case, no matter the cost. Because when the game is murder, the competition is deadly. Launching a brilliant new voice in crime fiction, a criminal barrister with an incomparable insider’s knowledge, The Cut Throat Trial is the most gripping thriller of the year. 'A sharp legal thriller that grips you from the first page . . . a thrilling page turner' - Mason Cross, author of The Killing Season 'A deviously plotted, whip-smart courtroom thriller that oozes tension' - Neil Broadfoot, author of Falling Fast 'Astute, empathetic, and satisfyingly twisty' - Sarah Vaughan, author of Anatomy of a Scandal The meeting starts at 7:15. At 7:30 pm we will break up into small groups. Those familiar with the CLH Book Group meeting know how this works: in each group we take turns introducing ourselves and giving our 1 minute thoughts on the book. It's important not to go over a minute and not to interrupt other people's minute so that everyone gets a chance to participate. After this first round, each group discusses for another 20 minutes or so. We then shuffle the groups so as to talk to as many different people as possible and in the new groups repeat our introductions and 1 minute thoughts. We'll do this a couple of times before coming all together at the end in one last big group. While we are very social and welcoming, the book group's primary focus is on discussing books. Feel free to turn up if you haven't managed to finish this month's book but note that the group works best when we have all read at least half of the book and are prepared to share our opinions. *** £3 per person to attend. If it's your first time, come and try us out for free! If you prefer, you can [pay online, by clicking here](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZWCNRJ25BDL96). We encourage dialogue, debate and sharing of information on our site but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any views expressed here are those of the individual posting them and may not reflect those of CLH.

**###PAYMENT INFO###** Update: as of May-2025, summer club night fee will be £12 a session We take contactless payments for sessions on the night. You can also make payments direct to the club account before the session using the details below. Amount: £12 Acc Name: NOMADS BADMINTON CLUB Acc: 50388668 Sort: 30 96 26 Reference: *your_name-session_date* We cannot accept cash. **###PAYMENT INFO###** We have 4 courts from 7pm to 9pm for friendly but competitive doubles and mixed doubles games, using feather shuttles. Shower/change room facilities are available. Water fountains are around the school, though we would recommend bringing your own water/juice in case they aren't working. After the session, many of us head to a local pub (Rythm & Booze, rebranding to The Woodpecker) for some well-deserved food and drinks. The pub is a stone's throw from the school towards Clapham Junction, however any of our regulars will be happy to show you the way. **RSVPs** We are often oversubscribed so RSVPs are mandatory. Please don't just show up unless one of the organisers has agreed to it. No shows or cancellations within 24 hrs will be charged in full unless their spot is taken by someone else. We reserve the right to turn away anyone who hasn’t signed up. **\*\* Please treat your first session with us as a trial to assess your playing level \*\*** **DIRECTIONS** Closest rail: Clapham Junction station, Grant Road exit. 15-18 min walk to St John Bosco Bus options: 319, 345, 344, 49 and 19 Parking is available in the school car park on Parkham St, please enter SW11 3DQ in your GPS system **IMPORTANT NOTE** You are responsible for your own wellbeing. Nomads Badminton Club or any management at St John Bosco is not responsible for any injuries, loss of items or otherwise. We look forward to seeing you there!

**(YOU MUST BUY TICKETS (SEE BELOW) FOR ENTRY TO THIS EVENT)** Every January, we’re encouraged to reinvent ourselves, to set goals, cultivate discipline, and pursue personal wellness. But what happens when the world keeps injuring the very parts we are trying to heal? What do we do when the harm is systemic, normalised, and sanctioned by institutions? Many of us are trying to heal in conditions that actively undermine our wellbeing. We enter each new year carrying the same injustices, griefs, and structural harms that shaped the last. Is personal therapy enough in the face of state-sanctioned violence? This community discussion is an invitation to face these truths. Together we will explore: **· What becomes possible when we view healing as a shared, liberatory project.** **· The role of community care as a radical, necessary form of wellbeing.** **· How capitalism, state policy, and systemic oppression shape our access to healing and wellness.** **· Practices for building supportive networks in the absence of institutional support.** This community care circle gathers us to speak openly about the systems that harm us and to envision new ways of caring for each other. It is a space where each voice matters, and each experience is recognised. So come as you are, bring your tiredness, your anger, your hope. Every version of you is welcome. Please note RSVP on Meetup.com is not enough for entry to this event. [Please click here for more information and to BUY tickets.](https://www.unrulybeauty.co.uk/events/new-year-same-struggle-is-therapy-enough)

Join us Saturday, 1/31 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for an evening at The Cozy at Portia’s Café. Come learn about this local, grassroots animal rights organization and our current campaigns. Whether you want to do more for animals or simply meet other activists and vegans, this is the place for you. Bring your friends — all animal lovers are welcome. Enjoy games, socializing, and meaningful connections with fellow vegans and animal advocates. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Feel free to purchase food from Portia’s if you’d like — it’s completely optional. Location: Portia’s Café 3083 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43202 The Cozy is located right next door.

🎉 You’re Invited! 🍩 Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a fun community gathering at Monster Baby Donuts, a vegan, peanut & gluten-free, local family-owned business that just opened their new storefront! They started as a beloved food truck, and now they have a permanent location. 📍 700 Bryden Rd, Columbus, OH 43205 🗓 Saturday, January 31 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Come enjoy amazing donuts, meet other vegans, and help grow our community with people who share your values. It’s a great opportunity to connect, support a local vegan business, and have a good time. 🥪🥗 The shop also has ready-to-go sandwiches and salads. 🚗 Ample parking in the back. Everyone is welcome — see you there! 🌱💚

For January, we’re reading Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. For fans of Flight Behavior and Station Eleven, a novel set on the brink of catastrophe, as a young woman chases the world's last birds--and her own final chance for redemption. Franny Stone has always been a wanderer. By following the ocean's tides and the birds that soar above, she can forget the losses that have haunted her life. But when the wild she loves begins to disappear, Franny can no longer wander without a destination. She arrives in remote Greenland with one purpose: to find the world's last flock of Arctic terns and track their final migration. She convinces Ennis Malone, captain of the Saghani, to take her onboard, winning over his eccentric crew with promises that the birds will lead them to fish. As the Saghani fights its way south, Franny's dark history begins to unspool. Battered by night terrors, accumulating a pile of unsent letters, and obsessed with pursuing the terns at any cost, Franny is full of secrets. When her quest threatens the safety of the entire crew, Franny must ask herself what she is really running toward--and running from. Propelled by a narrator as fierce and fragile as the terns she is following, Charlotte McConaghy's Migrations is both an ode to our threatened world and a breathtaking page-turner about the lengths we will go for the people we love.

Are you passionate about supporting other men on their mental health journey? We’re building a movement of virtual and in-person men’s groups across Ohio — and we’re looking for group leaders who want to make a real difference with us. As a group leader, you’ll create a safe space where men can connect, reflect, and grow together. Training and support are provided — you just need heart, presence, and a willingness to lead. **Apply now to lead a group in your area:** 👉 https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application Speak Your Mind is a mental health non profit dedicated to bringing our community together to end the isolation that leads to mental struggle and suicide. Learn more about them here: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

Start the year surrounded by Love From the Earth—with delicious vegan eats, sweet treats, artisan goods, and a chance to win one of our raffle baskets filled with plant-based goodies. Support small businesses, enjoy great food, and spend a cozy day with the community. We will reserve a table for this group if there is enough interest. Just comment "interest" below. Don’t miss out—see you there! Check [event page](https://www.facebook.com/events/893838639773267/) for a vendor list.