Book Club

🌌Ever look up and marvel with insatiable curiosity at the beauty and wonder of the **universe?** That wild sobering thought that somewhere in the chaos of creation - through the emergence of us - the universe became **conscious** enough to look back in time and not just ask the existential questions, but try to answer them. 🚀 Join fellow big picture and deep thinkers to take a look at **Venus,** **Jupiter** along with planet's potential life‑harbouring **moons**, iconic beautiful **star fields**, the remnants of supernovae witnessed by our earliest ancestors, **multi‑star systems** reminiscent of the twin suns of *Star Wars* and even **Tau Ceti**, a star hosting two Earth‑like worlds in its habitable zone. All of this under the spring evening - with drinks, engaging conversation, and good‑natured banter — this May. In between observing - we'll have **drinks and engaging chats** on all astronomy related topics for those inclined: Space exploration \| Fermi Paradox \| Astrobiology \| Cosmology \| paleontology\, \| SETI & Drake Equation for alien civilisations estimates \| exoplanetology etc as well as non space chats and banter too\. No doubt we'll hear the usual jokes we've all heard before\! If those don't make you laugh\, my impersonation of Los Angeles ET will\! 👽 And to help set the mood and make the night feel even extra stary, I’ll put my DJ hat to play some space‑theme tunes and songs about the stars! You don't need a telescope as you will be able to view through scopes belonging to me and other club members (as long as you behave responsibly and don't temper with expensive equipment). If you have your own telescope/binoculars feel free to bring along and I can help you setting it up if you're a newbie **==== ITINERARY =====** We will meet outside H&I Station in Highbury Islington. After a short wait for anyone delayed, I will escort everyone to our observation point in the local park 5 minutes walk away and brief you in terms of what to expect, observing etiquette, tips, equipment handling and take any questions you have - weather general or astronomy/cosmology related. **After Drinks:** Unless I have a very important 9AM Tue deadline for a unfinished client presentation or something - most of us usually head to a cosy bar for a drink. If so - I will annouce the pub when we leave the park **==== What Can You Expect To See (this time of year)? ====** * Orion Nebula * Jupiter and 4 moons * Meteors * Andromedia Galaxy * Star clusters such as the Pleiades & Owl Cluster etc * International Space station fly by * Binary & tripple star systems (think planet *Tatooine in* Starwars!), * Neptune * Uranuus * Our moon * A look towards the galactic centre of the Mlikyway where that supermassive £22b Labour black hole sits (Sagittarius A) More here from Jodrell Bank Observatory/Astrophysics Centre: [http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/](http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/) Guide to viewing the cosmos for beginners: [https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp](https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp) **===Weather Dependent=====** The event is subject to clear skies forecasts on the night so if on the actual afternoon of the event the weather forecasts looks unsuitable beyond doubt then I will postpone so please check the event status on the day of the event . If this event is still listed here at 5PM on the day, it will be going ahead at the designated day and time! Lucas Skywalker - The Singin, Dancin, DJ-in Astronomer

Hi guys! Super excited to announce we'll be hosting our first West London Book Club meetup next week! 🎉📚 📅 Sunday 24th 📍 Hyde Park 🕑 2pm – 4pm 🆓 Free to attend It's a book swap — bring a favourite book you're happy to share and swap with someone else. We'll also be playing a round of Articulate, so come ready to have a laugh! Bring your own food and drinks and just come as you are. The more the merrier! **Running order:** 📖 Intros + book shares 🔄 Book swap 🎲 Articulate 😊 Chill, chat, connect

Let's get our Shakespeare on. Each month, we read scenes from a play together and talk about them. Whether you're studying Shakespeare, a Shakespeare obsessive or just fancy the chat around it, you're welcome. Led by trained actor and director Chris Brosnahan. For the first month, we're going to do a play Chris just directed - The Merchant of Venice. There's plenty to talk about with this one, especially in 2026. So come along. Also, there'll be a full bard.... sorry, full bar available. It's a free event, although donations or buying drinks and books helps keep us alive!

CLOSEST TRAIN STATIONS
• Harrow & Wealdstone 4minwalk.
• Harrow on the hill 10 min bus (get off at stop: Harrow and Wealdstone station) and then it’s a 4minwalk.
• There is bus stop for H9 and H10 right outside The Palm House, stop: Palmerston Road.

PARKING
• Palmerston Road car park 2minwalk (quite a small car park)
• Harrow and Wealdstone station car park, about 4min walk
• Some street parking but not loads

This is our Beehive Poetry Club meet-up. This is a space to both read poetry that we have felt inspired by and also a chance to have a go at writing something or having a go at a technique. Roughly each week will look like the following: 13.30 - Arrive for coffee + intoduction 13.40 - Poetry reading (anything you may have written or enjoyed reading) 14.20 - coffee break 14.30 Free write or writing activity 15.30 - finish

**Please note~ RSVP will open one week before each event. This is to avoid no shows. If you are unable to attend please mark yourself as ‘not going’ so someone else can attend in your place. Thank you. ** It's a board games club with a twist! We have a variety of games to play as well as the usual titles and favourites like Secret Hitler, Exploding Kittens and Uno so come on down if this sounds like fun to you! The games will be easy to understand as well, so don't worry about your level of board game experience! And remember to BYOBG (bring your own board games) if you have any that you would like to share :) We will meet inside TCR Bar for around 1pm. We will be seated in the boths at the back of the bar. Food and drinks are available from the bar. It would really help the venue if you could make a small purchase from the bar. Thank you.

The Sobell Badminton club Sundays start from 1.30pm, finishing at 3.30pm. On the Sunday session we have a coach so beginners should attend this session.All bookings & payments via the better UK app ( OR this link: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/islington/sobell/sobell-badminton) when possible and IN ADVANCE. £7.30 for members and £11.15 for non-members. Once you have installed the Better App (choose Sobell as the default sport centre) and from the homepage : go via “Book activities”--> "Adult group sessions"--> choose the required date (of a Friday or Sunday session) to book a place!

Arabic Through Literature and Current Affairs One Thousand and One Nights & Contemporary Arabic Discussion Lesson Duration 2 hours per session • Hour 1: Literary Arabic (Reading & Translation) • Hour 2: Modern Arabic (Conversation & Debate on Current Affairs) ⸻ HOUR 1 — Arabic Literature (60 minutes) Objectives • Develop reading fluency in classical/standard Arabic • Understand literary structures and stylistic devices • Produce accurate and elegant translations Structure 1️⃣ Context & Vocabulary (10 min) • Brief cultural or historical background • Key vocabulary (classical, rare, idiomatic) 2️⃣ Guided Reading (20 min) • Reading aloud by teacher and students • Grammatical and stylistic explanations • Focus on: • Verb patterns • Sentence rhythm • Narrative connectors 3️⃣ Analysis (15 min) • Themes and moral lessons • Character roles • Narrative techniques • Links to broader Arabic literary traditions 4️⃣ Translation Workshop (15 min) • Collective translation • Discuss: • Literal vs literary translation • Register and tone • Alternative renderings HOUR 2 — Current Affairs Conversation (60 minutes) Objectives • Build spoken fluency in Modern Standard Arabic • Learn contemporary political, social, and media vocabulary • Express opinions clearly and confidently Structure 1️⃣ Warm-up & Vocabulary (10 min) • Key terms from: • News headlines • Social media discourse • Political or cultural debates 2️⃣ Listening / Reading Input (10 min) • Short news clip or article (Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, etc.) • Identify main ideas and key arguments 3️⃣ Guided Discussion (30 min) Possible formats: • Open discussion • Structured debate • Role-play (journalist / analyst / public opinion) • Comparison with students’ countries Discussion skills: • Expressing agreement/disagreement • Clarifying opinions • Polite debate language 4️⃣ Reflection & Correction (10 min) • Correct common mistakes • Reformulate students’ answers in refined Arabic • Highlight strong expressions Homework (Light & Effective) Meeting at Pret A Manger 252 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7RB

**☕ Spill the Tea: Community, Culture & Conversation** **🍰🥂 Complimentary Tea, Cake & Prosecco** **Hello, I’m Mutia, host of Lil Podcast (Leading in Love Podcast) and founder of The Luxe Mindfulness Club, a community focused on connection, mindfulness, and intentional living.** **I’d love to invite you to our event on Sunday 24th May, 4pm - 8pm. A live podcast experience inspired by International Tea Day which falls on 21st of May. 🌍🍃 In which we will be celebrating tea as a global connector through creativity, conversation, and mindful community 📝✨** **(Besides the live podcast experience expect a warm, welcoming and celebratory atmosphere and space to mingle creating meaningful moments and genuine connections. 🥰 ✨)** **This event also marks the 1-year birthday of The Luxe Mindfulness Club 🎉✨ ( Instagram @the_luxe_mindfulness_club), celebrating a year of meetups dedicated to meaningful connection, community, and belonging. ❤️** **And to celebrate this milestone, the event is completely free 🎁 a heartfelt thank you and way of giving back for all the love.❤️✨** **Together, we’ll explore themes of creativity, mental health, culture, and identity 💭🎨🌍 opening honest conversations around wellbeing, self-expression, and staying rooted in who we are.** **Hosted at BOXPARK Shoreditch 📍, featuring guest speaker Jaye, owner of the Afrique Room, celebrating African culture through fashion, entrepreneurship, and storytelling 👗🖤🌍** **📍 Venue: Afrique Room** **Unit 18, BOXPARK Shoreditch, 2–10 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6GY**

🧌 ***In a galaxy far, far away, where every star tells a story, we gather to watch the next chapter unfold. A wise, mystical being with a touch of magic travels the universe and journeys alongside his human warrior companion, bound by a code of honour and a deep connection to the Force.*** 👋 **Hey everyone,** let's get ready to jump from one exciting planet to another and finally touch down on Nevarro, because the **Mandalorian and Grogu** are taking us on a journey across the galaxy! Now, this Star Wars film is basically a big-screen adventure bringing our favourite duo from the Disney series to the cinema. It's directed by J**on Favreau**, who really set the tone for the **[Mandalorian Series](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOC8E8z_ifw)**, and he's carrying that same vision into the movie. Plus, since he's also one of the writers, we can definitely expect his style and continuity all over it. If you've been following the show, we’ll probably all recognise that same blend of space-western vibes, a bit of humour, and of course, plenty of Grogu charm. It’s a natural next step for the franchise, bringing these streaming favourites to the big **IMAX Screen**. It’s going to be a lot of fun with the same creative team going bigger than ever. **Fun instructions:** We’ll kick things off at **3:15 pm** at the **Victory House Wine Bar.** Feel free to bring along your **Star Wars themed tees or any fun props**, totally optional! Then at **4:15 pm** we'll proceed to **Cineworld IMAX** where you will also find us in seats **F20-F22** inside the screen if you want to sit near us. After the film we'll keep the fun rolling with a **Star Wars Vibe** **Social** at the **W Bar Leicester Square** where of course and review the film for our **[Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/movieroadhouse/) Page**. You will find the full **schedule breakdown, ticket info** **and addresses below**, and until then ... **May the Force be with you** **Tom, Nick & Jonny** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 👉 **HEADS UP** * If you **sign up** but later can’t make it, please 🙏 **just drop us a quick message** (or change your RSVP) — it really helps with planning. And follow our club **[@movieroadhouseuk](https://www.instagram.com/movieroadhouseuk/)** on **Instagram** — for fun updates! **🗓️ SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN** * **3:15 PM:** Meet & Greet (Victory House) * **4:30 PM:** Movie (Cineworld IMAX) * **7:05 PM:** Social (W Bar) 📱**STAY CONNECTED** * Join our WhatsApp or Telegram groups (available by request), or hop onto our **[WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaMVu2Z1NCrYkXpqOd1X)** or **[Telegram Channel](https://t.me/movieroadhouse)**[ ](https://t.me/movieroadhouse)for quiet updates without the chat. Whatever you prefer! 🎬 **PLOT DETAILS** * Once a lone bounty hunter, Mandalorian Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure. [Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pa1KLXuW0Y) 🎟️ **TICKET INFO & PRICES** * **Price:** From £21:00 * **Members Price:** From £6.00 * **Tickets**: [Cineworld IMAX Leicester Square ](https://experience.cineworld.co.uk/select-tickets?sitecode=103&site=098&id=114307&lang=en) 📍**VENUE ADDRESSES** * **Victory House Wine Bar:** 14 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BZ * **Cineworld Empire:** 5-6 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA * **W Bar:** 10 Wardour St, London W1D 6QF 🔊 **HOW WE ROLL** * Have fun, be respectful, and no abuse of any kind * Three-time no-show limit (applies after your first attended event), please update your RSVP if your plans change * This group is for over-18s only 🌐 **FOLLOW US ONLINE** * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/movieroadhouseuk/) * [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/movieroadhouse) * [WhatsApp News Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaMVu2Z1NCrYkXpqOd1X) * [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/movieroadhouse) * [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@movieroadhouse) * [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/MovieRoadhouse) * [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/movieroadhouselondon) * [Threads](https://www.threads.com/@jonnyhideout) * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jonnyhideout/) (Jonny) * [Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/the_motion_picture_blogger?igsh=a3FjeWllbWZib3Jq&utm_source=qr)(Tom) 🫂 **RELATED HANGOUTS** * [The Hideout: Film Club (London)](https://www.meetup.com/thehideoutlondon/) * [Cosmic Nightmares Book Club (London)](https://www.meetup.com/cosmicnightmareslondon) * [Ani-Mates: London Animation & Art Group](https://www.meetup.com/london-motion-design-and-animation-group/?eventOrigin=your_groups) * [Film & TV Review (London)](https://www.meetup.com/film-chat/?eventOrigin=your_groups) * [Event Horizon Film Club (North Virginia)](https://www.meetup.com/event-horizon-film-club/)

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Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Welcome, readers! Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage*** **by Alfred Lansing.** A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖