British Culture

**Join us on a visit to the [Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends exhibition](https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/inside-aardman-wallace-gromit-and-friends) in London.** In Aardman’s 50th anniversary year, go behind the scenes of stop-motion animation and explore how Aardman’s iconic characters such as Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph are brought to life. **MEET DETAILS:** **2:30pm: Meet in Town Square Café - Young V&A Museum, Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA** Meet in the Town Square Café located on the ground floor of the museum. **3:00 pm \~ ENTER THE EXHIBITION** **4:30 pm \~ Late: PUB SOCIAL** We'll head to a pub, [Bethnal Green Tavern](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YB3m2PmX25Gp1R2v8?g_st=ic) for a social chit chat over drinks. Address: 456 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 0EA **TICKETS:** **Book your ticket** **[here](https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/ticket?cgid=455)** and select the 3:00 pm time slot (or around that time). NB: all tickets for Saturday 18 April 2026 are sold out. Tickets are £11 or 50% off for Art Pass holders. [https://www.artfund.org/national-art-pass](https://www.artfund.org/national-art-pass) **GETTING THERE:** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/pNWhxPkbfstvnvtJ7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pNWhxPkbfstvnvtJ7) Tube: * Bethnal Green: 2-minute walk * Cambridge Heath (Overground): 5-minute walk * Whitechapel: 18 min walk - nearest station with step-free access Bus: * 106, 254, 388 and D6 stop nearby **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** **If you are on the 'Going' list only,** please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. **The link will be published a few days before the event.** Please let a host know if your WhatsApp name is different from your Meetup name, otherwise we'll assume you're a spammer! **If you are on the waitlist**, please join the WhatsApp group ONLY if/once space frees up and you are moved to the 'going' list. *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **GROUP RULES, PLEASE NOTE:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. We limit event numbers as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. **If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible.** We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who: * RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up (without changing their RSVP) three times in a row. * RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row. * Turn up at an event without being on the 'Going' list (i.e. members who have not signed up or are on the waitlist). **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** Image credit: Young V&A museum - photo taken by event host, Bobo Liu, on 20 April 2024 for the J is for Japan: Myths to Manga LoMAZ event.

Come along on Saturday 18th April to visit the historic town of Hertford! **About Hertford** Hertford is the county town of Hertfordshire. Its only 20 miles north of central London and only has a population of 30,000. The town grew up on a ford on the River Lea in 913AD where the Rivers Rib, Beane and Mimram join the Lea. Its name comes from the Old English word '*Herut*', meaning a fully mature stag; thus the meaning of the name is a ford where stags are found. The town has a castle (now just a gatehouse remaining) built by the Normans in the 11th century. In 1563, Parliament met at the castle because of an outbreak of plague in London. Its most famous resident was Samuel Stone, who was born here in 1602 and later emigrated to America. He was instrumental in developing the community he settled in into a city, renaming it Hartford (in the state of Connecticut today), after his birthplace. From the 18th century onwards, the town prospered as a market town, with many warehouses and trade on the river. The town has lots of medieval, Georgian and Victorian properties, along with a local museum. **Cost** The guided tour is £8 per person (payable on the day by cash, credit card, PayPal or Bank Transfer). The guided tour is only open to Full Members of the group. For those that are not doing the guided walk, its a self-guided tour using handouts that I will provide. **Aprox Itinerary** 9:45am - meet at the station and get GroupSave return train tickets (in groups of 3) to 'Hertford East' 10:08am - catch train 10:57am - arrive at Hertford East Station and walk into the town 11:15am - arrive 11:30am - guided tour of Hertford (for Full Members only) with a tour guide. For everyone else it will be a self-guided tour of the town using handouts provided 1:30pm - stop for lunch, Hertford is great for foodies, with lots of independent cafes, pubs and restaurants 2:30pm - meet at the war memorial for a self-guided tour of the town for everyone 3:30pm - visit the town museum (free entry) 4:30pm - freetime to keep looking around the town or head back to London Trains going back: 4:07pm 4:37pm and the same times past each hour - it takes 50mins). **Train Tickets** We will be getting GroupSave tickets (3 for 2) which work out at £8.54 each (we will be purchasing these in groups of three on the day as people arrive). **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(email me – general@cultureseekers\.org for details\) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) Please note, we will only wait at the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time so please be early or on time. Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign outside the ticket office. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (text only) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

Hey LEAF (London East Asians & Friends) fam! Time for our monthly Night LEAF, where we get together at a pub for an evening of drinks, laughs, and good vibes with fellow East Asians and friends in London. **Who's welcome?** LEAF is a community for people with strong ties to East Asia, whether that's through heritage, having grown up or lived extensively in an East Asian country, or being a friend or family member of someone who has. All genders, ages, and sexualities welcome. **First time?** Don't stress! We're a friendly bunch. Look for the group with East Asian faces in our reserved area and just come say hi. Grab one of the organisers and we'll introduce you to people. Come whenever you can, no need to be on time! 💡 Night LEAF is our regular monthly pub meetup. During the summer months, we also run picnic gatherings in London's parks, so keep an eye out for those too! See you there! 🍺

Join us this Sunday for a relaxed English conversation session 🇬🇧 🙂 This session is focused on helping you speak more confidently in a friendly, no-pressure environment. We’ll practice through simple conversations, questions, and real-life topics. 👥 All levels are welcome — you don’t need to be perfect, just willing to speak! 💻 Online session (Google Meet — link shared before) Come and practice your English with us 🚀

Celebrate the spirit of England in the heart of the capital! Join the Mayor of London for a high-energy afternoon of culture, music, and food at Trafalgar Square. ​ ​**Meeting time** : 1 pm We will meet and mingle for 20 minutes. **Meeting location:** Ole & Steen Haymarket ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKmjftNckDFN545k7?g_st=ac](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKmjftNckDFN545k7?g_st=ac)) Arrive early grab a drink more snack and meet the rest of us upstairs. As you come in look up and you will see us. **The Plan:** Meet and greet: 1.00 to 1.20 walk to Trafalgar 1.20 to 1.30 Find a spot in trafalgar : 1.30 to 3.00 Go to the pub 3 to 4 pm. may go to Montague Pyke (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7fqVV95o96RfR1WP9?g_st=ac) I might leave at this point but everyone is welcome to stick around. In such a large gathering we will inevitably get separated. Live locations will be available on Telegram. (download at we are using this due to complaints about people receiving unwanted messages on whatsapp) Telegram: [https://t.me/+K_XSsBtvU_43N2U0](https://t.me/+K_XSsBtvU_43N2U0) Once the event starts I will not be checking Telegram frequently, I may not even check it at all, so please Arrive on time.

I am a native, qualified teacher of English and this is a session designed for you to go over any particular issues that you have in English - grammar, exam preparation, pronunciation, vocabulary and so on - as well as to practise your conversational skills discussing current topics. Just let me know if there is anything you would like me to cover during the session. The fee of £5 can be paid on the day in cash or in advance online. Thanks, Keith

Hello! If you haven't seen much of me of late it's because I have been busy writing a book! My Guide to the Great Themes in Art is a compendium of many themes that concern us today, painted across the centuries by some great artists. Love & Marriage, Body, Health, War, Faith, Nature, Identity, Food are just some of the themes that you may find interesting. The book will be published early next year and in advance of that I am inviting you to an illustrated talk and a reading from the book ( combined with an optional Sunday roast dinner ! ) at Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell 2 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1M 5PQ Places are limited, so book [here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-mona-lisa-and-other-housewives-a-guide-to-the-great-themes-in-art-tickets-1983974779974?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) soon but do also rsvp here so that I know you are coming Hope to see you if you happen to be in London... Lydia

Image by Garry Knight (Creative Commons) Meet Angel Underground Station 11-11.10 Fee £15 **Pay on the day and RSVP me please by email - on this page - or text** Low lives, salvation seekers and an array of just about everything in between is dotted along this walk littered with varying architecture and a neighbourhood which, though largely gentrified, still retains an edge. The high street was a path for coach and horses in the days Smithfield was a bustling livestock market and the area was abuzz with theatre and music hall having played host to Charlie Chaplin, Gracie Fields and .....the Sex Pistols! Chuck in a world famous canal, the obligatory stunning church and maverick playwright Joe Orton and you have a walk that has no theme yet just about every theme........................... Leader Laurence 07889 298573 JOIN OUR 45+ NOT GRUMPY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY <[https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/](https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/)>

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. **Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink.** We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

Love getting lost in a good book? [The Book Loft](https://www.bookloft.com/) of German Village is an iconic independent bookstore packed with hard-to-find literary treasures! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bookstore; it’s a 32-room literary wonderland that would make even the most seasoned bibliophile’s head spin (one of the largest in the country)! **MEET**: We'll gather outside the storefront and then start browsing... **DESSERT**: We'll grab some famous macaroons to start our foodie tour. [Pistacia Vera](https://www.pistaciavera.com/) is a delicious bakery and cafe in the German Village. This charming shop is especially known for its classic macarons. **HAPPY HOUR**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/). **PARKING**: Street parking all around here. Check the parking time limit. The bookstore and the foodie stops are all on 3rd Street within 4 blocks on the same side of the street.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Let’s get together for a relaxed Saturday brunch! This will be the very first event for our group. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, get out more, or just enjoy good conversation over brunch, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll be meeting at The Goat Gahanna for great food, drinks, and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere.

In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need. Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture. *City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film. If you want more, *Unknown Chaplin* is a three-episode lost-footage documentary available on Youtube. It covers his time on *City Lights* beginning at the twenty-six minute mark of episode two: https://youtu.be/f8960Uc15hI?t=1558