Botany

**This talk starts at 7 PM, please join us from 6:30 PM.** **The science behind paranormal phenomena** Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors. **Psychological and physical explanations** This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena. **Our Speaker** **Chris French** is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, where, up until 2024, he was also Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and a patron of Humanists UK. He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the *Guardian* and the *Skeptic* magazine. His most recent book is *[The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG)*[ (2024, MIT Press)](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG). **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 [p](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)[lease click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). 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.

New members welcome. We are a 4 part choir with a life-affirming, humanist focus. We're a friendly bunch, and the singers in your section will help you get started and feel welcome. New members will be able to borrow printed music. We do perform both formally and informally, and our varied repertoire supports this. For regular attendees, please print out your music, which is available in the [members section of our site](https://london.humanistchoir.org/groups/library/buddydrive/). If you need access, contact Laurence. ([members@london.humanistchoir.org](mailto:members@london.humanistchoir.org)). For more information see the [Join Us](https://london.humanistchoir.org/join/) page , or listen to the choir on our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@LondonHumanistChoir). We always allow potential members to try us out for a couple of weeks. We do not hold auditions. By all means message with any queries. **Term Dates (6 a year) SPRING/SUMMER 2026** * * THIS TERM - Tuesday 14 April until 19 May * TERM AFTER THAT - 2 June to EARLY JULY Current repertoire: Yesterday (Beatles) Gold (from Once) Think About Things Obladi Oblada (Beatles) Too Sweet When the Earth Stands Still more to come

Looking to improve your **flexibility**, relieve **stress** and enhance your overall **well-being**? Join us for a welcoming and supportive stretching class designed specifically for women! What to expect: Gentle stretches suitable for all levels. Focus on relaxation and mindfulness A positive environment to connect with other women Where: The Living Room, Soho 3 Green’s Ct, London W1F 0HD Cost: Free Contact: Vanesa Romero +44 7394804891

**JOIN OUR FRIENDLY & WELCOMING WEEKLY TUESDAY EVENING TANGO CLASSES!** **Still haven't tried tango? Start Tango today:** Our tango group classes follow a carefully structured curriculum to quickly give you the skills and confidence to express yourself on the dancefloor. We not only teach tango steps, but also tango music, culture and etiquette. To become a well-rounded dancer, don’t miss out on our regular classes and themed workshops in London. **Already an experienced dancer?** Join the 8pm class to enhance your technique, learn exciting steps and the secrets behind to know how to lead and follow them, and have fun making friends. Practica after the lessons. **COSTS: PAY BY CASH AT THE TILL** \- Beginner class: normally £15 but RSVP with Meetup and we offer you £10 for your first lesson :\-\)\. \- Improver class at 8pm: £20 and practica afterwards is FREE\! **YOU CAN ALSO ENJOY HEAVILY DISCOUNTED SUBSCRIPTIONS, please enquire.** At: Unity, 277A Upper street N12TZ, in Angel, London Details and packages: [https://tanguito.co.uk/tuesday/](https://tanguito.co.uk/tuesday/)

Join us for a Free Ongoing Course - Learn to Meditate - Tuesdays in Covent Garden @ 7.30pm - Sahaja Yoga Meditation Please arrive early - join any week - all welcome Friends Meeting House, 8 Hop Gardens Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4EH To enter - please press the Bell marked - 'The Fry Room' Achieve Yoga & enter into a state of ‘thoughtless awareness’. In the heart of London, very close to Covent Garden, there is a weekly class in free meditation. **Achieve Yoga & Learn to Meditate in 2026 - 7:30- 9:00pm Tuesdays** The first experience of Sahaja Yoga meditation is called Self Realisation. With Sahaja Yoga Meditation we generally sit on chairs to achieve Yoga, effortlessly & spontaneously. As such no Asanas (exercises) are required, no mat or special clothing ## What is Meditation? Meditation is a state of mental silence or rest, where our attention is aware, but not engrossed in thinking. It is known as ‘thoughtless awareness’. It is achieved when the indwelling Kundalini energy awakens and carries the individual attention beyond the level of the 6th chakra, into the seventh chakra, known as Sahasrara. ## Yoga! It is here we achieve Yoga! As the mind finds rest and silence, we become able to feel our inner Self (Spirit). This can be tangibly felt, it actually manifests, as a cool wind, breath or breeze, often experienced on the palms of the hands or at the top (crown) of the head. It is a spontaneous, effortless natural happening. Each week many people experience this actualisation at one of the many free meditation classes on offer ## How to get into balance? The secret of the Sahaja Yoga method resides within us, at the base of the spinal chord, in a triangular bone called the “sacrum bone”. Since our birth in our sacrum bone dwells an inner energy called in Sanskrit Kundalini; it is characterised as a feminine energy and once activated, this energy rises along our spine until it reaches the top of the head and finally connects with the universal energy. This union is called “yoga” in Sanskrit. ## Kundalini As our indwelling Kundalini rises through the central channel, this benevolent feminine energy activates the chakras, removing all the impurities from them and nourishing the entire inner system. It is through this happening that we are elevated into ‘thoughtless awareness’, the mental silence of true meditation www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk Free Meditation & Yoga Classes in London Want to experience it now – Experience Self Realisation now – Guided Meditation ([https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/](https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/ "https://www.sahajayogalondon.co.uk/articles/experience-your-self-realisation-online-now/")) ###

No events UFN until a temporary stand-in host is found. A nice pub to meet in near Oxford Circus for our group's weekly pub event. They have a nice menu with reasonable prices. It should be quieter on a Tuesday evening than near or at the weekend. Though I have an interest in Japan all nationalities of course are welcome in our group. There will be an Ayamei sign on one of the tables in the comfortable lounge upstairs. Any problems getting there or any questions my phone number is 07706964277. Bill No membership fees or event fees for this group by the way.

For this special session, we’re trying something a little different. Instead of the usual introductory talk, the evening will begin with a short live debate on one of the most pressing and controversial moral questions of our time: **the morality of assisted dying**. Camden Bassett (Veins of London Meetup) and Roger Jones (host of Philosophy Café London) will each take a position and present a brief opening argument, responding to one another in real time. The aim is not to “win” the debate, but to clarify the issues, sharpen the arguments, and open up the discussion for everyone in the room. After that, the emphasis is on discussion and participation. The aim is to create a space where ideas can be explored together, with time for questions, reflection, and open conversation. No prior knowledge is needed — just curiosity and a willingness to think together. **Where:** Downstairs room, Square Pig, Holborn (private room) **NB:** The event begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:50pm. Event ends at 9pm **Format:** 10-minute intro talk → vote on questions → small-group discussions → share insights with the whole room **Discounts:** If cost is a barrier, we want to make the session as accessible as possible. If you are a student, unemployed, or on a low income, please feel free to send me a direct message to get a reduced-price place. **Refunds:** If you are unable to attend and would like a refund, please send me a direct message at least 48 hours before the event. Unfortunately, I’m not able to offer refunds for cancellations made after this point, as it becomes difficult to reallocate places at short notice.

IN PERSON WORKSHOP - AN INTRODUCTION TO GARDENING THE BIODYNAMIC WAY WITH DR SUE PEAT AND DOUGLAS DAVIDSON **Biodynamics is an organic method of cultivation, arising out of Rudolf Steiner’s Spiritual research. It works with the rhythms of the movements of the sun, moon, planets and stars to which the plants respond. The workshop will cover the background** **to the biodynamic planting calendar and using the biodynamic preparations. It’s coming up to summer and so we will focus on sharing seasonal tips for sewing, growing and most importantly making good compost!** **For the last hour we’ll stir the horn manure preparation (known as 500), so bring an empty screw top bottle if you would like to take some home. A 500ml bottle is enough for an average garden. The workshop is suitable for those new to biodynamics and for anyone who would like to give their garden, window boxes, street trees or house plants a summer treat!** ***Sue and Douglas are enthusiastic gardeners with lots of practical experience of biodynamic gardening.*** **All welcome, no need to book. £10 / £5, ( a charge is made because additional costs are incurred for this workshop. )**

**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.

This a new walk, and is well worth doing, and is 6 miles approximately. We will meet at 11.00 am, for a hot drink at the cafe in Clifton Nurseries near Warwick Avenue Undeground Station. (This is a lovely Garden Centre and well worth visiting.} After our hot drink at 11.20 am, we will walk along The Regents Canal and to The Ice Wharf for a lunch {or bring our own}. With Camden Town Underground less than 10 minutes away. For those that would like to walk further, we can walk to Kings Cross and have a drink in The Parcel Yard in the station. £ 7 meetup fee required {please have the right change}. You will OK to wear trainers on this walk as it a concrete towpath. If you need any more info, please ring or text Paul on 07530 675739 {This is not a smart phone}

What issues are you encountering and what are your plans for 2026? Meet us in the cafe for a chat with other organisers about your plans for your group and share ideas and tips. **It will suit organisers who have recently setup a Meetup group, who are planning to setup a group and experienced organisers.** I will have a 'Meetup Organisers' sign on the table, so you can find us. Hope to see you there! Robert Organiser If you can't see us in the cafe, please text me: 07905 901 834.

This event is for all women who love photography—whether you’re a professional, a hobbyist, or simply enjoy capturing beautiful moments on your phone. Join us for a relaxed and creative afternoon exploring the beautiful Bloomsbury neighborhood in full spring bloom. We’ll walk, shoot, and connect while discovering some of London’s most charming garden squares All Women and non-binary photographers welcome! **🌿 EVENT DETAILS** 📍 Location: Russell Square → Brunswick Square → St. George’s Gardens 📍Google Map Link: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ieRnWrWDqwVrjSEs6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ieRnWrWDqwVrjSEs6) 🗓 Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM 📌 Meeting Point: [Caffè Tropea ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/u3XFsA5uowFchpbm7)(Russell Sq, London WC1B 5EH) *Look for the group with cameras!* **✨ EVENT FLOW** **2:00 – 2:20 PM \| Meet & Connect** We’ll gather at Caffè Tropea, introduce ourselves, and meet other creatives over coffee. **2:20 – 3:00 PM \| Russell Square** Capture the symmetry of the gardens, the fountain, and the soft spring light filtering through the trees. **3:00 – 4:00 PM \| Hidden Gems** We’ll continue to Brunswick Square and St. George’s Gardens, focusing on textures, details, and quieter moments. **4:30 PM → \| Optional Drinks 🍻** Join us for a drink nearby to relax, chat, and share your favorite shots from the day. **📷 WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn’t a class or a tour—it’s a creative meetup. We walk. We shoot. We connect. Bring your: • Camera (film or digital) • Smartphone • Curiosity ✨ Come solo or with friends—everyone is welcome. **💬 STAY CONNECTED** • Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FpkVdTtSswjGxHhmjMopSG?mode=gi_t) for live updates and meeting point details • Follow [@takeaphotowalkcommunity](https://www.instagram.com/takeaphotowalkcommunity/) **🌍 ABOUT TAKE A PHOTO WALK** Founded in Barcelona in July 2024, Take a Photo Walk brings together photographers and creatives from around the world through real-life experiences. We’re excited to grow this community in London! ✨ Spots are limited—reserve yours soon! Can’t wait to see you there 📸

**Tango@Spitalfields - FREE outdoor Tango event** We couldn't be more excited to welcome you back to London's longest running **FREE** outdoor class & social dancing in the unique setting of **Spitalfields Market**. Come early, enjoy the local Sunday markets and feel free to bring many of your friends 🥰 **📍WHERE**: Bishops Square, Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6AA. Tube: Liverpool St **SCHEDULE**: 13.00: **FREE** Tango taster class for Beginners 13.30 - 17.00 **FREE** social dancing ⚠️ Bring dance trainers or old comfortable dance shoes, it's an outdoor hard floor. ⚠️ Avoid bringing valuables with you. This is an outdoor event held an an open public space. The Organisers CANNOT be held responsible for lost/stolen items. \*\* If you need to CONTACT US email: info@tango-fever.com FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND UPDATES ABOUT FUTURE EVENTS, please check our website here: [https://www.tango-fever.com/london-milongas/tango-spitalfields/](https://www.tango-fever.com/london-milongas/tango-spitalfields/)

MCKS PRANIC HEALING® Level I In PRANIC HEALING® Level 1, you learn the basics of working with your energy aura, including learning to "scan," or feel the energy, to "sweep," or clean away congested energy, and to "energize," or supplement areas in your aura that have a pranic deficiency. PRANIC HEALING® has been taught to doctors, nurses, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, shiatsu practitioners, and many others in the healing field. It has allowed them to heal confidently and consistently in the shortest learning time possible. These professionals find PRANIC HEALING® very effective and easy to apply. Other topics covered in PRANIC HEALING® Level 1: Energetic anatomy: You will learn to work with the network of chakras, meridians and auras to accelerate the healing processes of your body. Preventive healing: You will learn to remove the negative energetic patterns of a disease to prevent it from fully manifesting as a physical ailment. Self-Pranic healing: You will learn to apply these healing techniques to accelerate your own healing. Step-by-step techniques for ailments related to your: respiratory system, e.g., asthma,; circulatory system, e.g., heart ailments; gastrointestinal system, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome; musculoskeletal system, e.g., arthritis and back pain; reproductive system, e.g., menstrual problems. You'll also learn how to address common problems as migraines and sinusitis. Additionally, you'll learn to apply distant healing to loved ones who are not present in the room with you. All PRANIC HEALING® courses are "experiential," which means that you learn by actually performing the techniques and exercises in class - on yourself and those around you. During class, all the principles will be explained thoroughly and you will practice the techniques exhaustively so you will be confident in your ability to produce positive results when you finish the course. This is Day 2 of 2 Attendance at day one is required to attend day 2. The Course text book is Choa Kok Sui, "Miracles through Pranic Healing" Please bring this with you to class. PRANIC HEALING® Level 1 is a prerequisite to all other GMCKS courses. For those interested to review the class...Review fee is only $75!! LOOK AT THIS!! Review for FREE when you bring a new student to class with you.

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) 15 for One Class 20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space. Viva Dance Columbus 2809 Festival Lane Dublin OH 43017

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!