Causes

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.

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Business Networking: Neuroscience & Neurotech Event** Join us for an extraordinary networking experience designed exclusively for passionate professionals working in the **Neuroscience & Neurotech** Industry ecosystem! This dynamic event is your gateway to connecting, collaborating, and catalyzing transformative opportunities across cutting-edge industries. Socialite Connections connects the dots between industry experts, entrepreneurs, and organizations, fostering meaningful connections, collaborations, and insights that drive progress and improvement in the healthcare and wellness sector. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/5hexikcd/neuroscience-neurotech-leaders-business-networking-mixer **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. **The Refinery CityPoint** \- Located just around the corner from **Moorgate Station**, it is a stylish and expansive venue in the heart of the City. With its chic interiors, statement furniture, and welcoming atmosphere, **The Refinery** is the perfect location for **local corporate events**, **business breakfasts**, **working lunches**, **client entertainment.** **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 21:00 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30pm \- 21:00 \| Network & chill: I**t will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** Expand your network within the **Neuroscience & Neurotech Industry**. Gain insights, discover new opportunities, and connect with like-minded professionals. Foster meaningful relationships and drive personal and professional growth while making meaningful professional connections. Potential Partnership Opportunities, gain insights into Emerging Industry Trends. **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Who Should Attend?** This event brings together experts and enthusiasts from the healthcare, wellness industry to share knowledge, ideas, and opportunities in a supportive environment. **Startup, Founders, Investors, Academics, Clinicians, and Tech Professionals shaping the future of neuro-innovation. Health Care Professionals & Experts, Neuroscientists, neurosurgeons, Psychologists, Neurotech entrepreneurs, Investors, Health & Wellness Entrepreneurs, Technology Experts, Healthcare Practitioners, Nutrition Specialists, Wellness Coaches, Startups & Founders, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/5hexikcd/neuroscience-neurotech-leaders-business-networking-mixer Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event.**

**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.

1. How does the marriage of Miss Taylor to Mr Weston reshape her identity, authority, and social standing within Highbury? In turn, how does Emma Woodhouse respond—emotionally and behaviourally—to this “successful” courtship? 2. To what extent is Harriet Smith conscious that she is being seriously courted by Robert Martin before she receives a marriage proposal? What accounts for Harriet Smith’s pronounced attachment to Mr Elton? Are her feelings rooted in genuine affection, in a misreading of social cues, or in the shaping influence of Emma Woodhouse? 3. What motivates Mr Elton to secure an immediate engagement to Augusta Hawkins following Emma’s refusal? To what extent can this accelerated courtship be read as a calculation of status, wounded vanity, or social expediency—and what might we infer about how this match was formed? 4. At Weymouth, how might Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill have initiated and sustained their secret attachment? What subtle details in the text suggest that Jane and Frank are not just acquaintances?

Over the last nine years, Silverfit has been able to offer exercise to everyone over 50 in Brockwell Park. Together with Silverfit, I have done my best to keep the exercise fun for everyone, no matter if you are fit or not so fit, strong or not so strong, sporty or not so sporty. And, over all, I think we have done that pretty well! We have had some glorious years, and we made many, many friends over that time. Silverfit managed to keep it going through the good times and the hard Covid years, but unfortunately, the reality of the current economic climate is hitting Silverfit hard. Many councils and charities that have supported Silverfit over the years have stopped funding, and without funding, Silverfit just simply cannot keep going. Recently, they have had to take the hard decision to cut quite a number of their activities, and unfortunately, Nordic Walking in Brockwell park is one of the sessions that needs to be stopped. Yesterday afternoon was our last session for Silverfit. But…. I aim to keep your Tuesday walk going! So many of you love our Tuesday session, and it would just be too sad to stop completely. I would like to keep the Silver Tuesday session going under my own company, Fit and Happy Outdoors. Sadly, I cannot do this for free, as I do need to make a living. But in order to keep this session available for everyone, I plan to keep our Tuesday afternoon session at a highly reduced rate compared to my normal rates. New rates for our Silver Tuesday walks: 10 sessions for £45 (my normal rate is 10 sessions for £90). For those of you who struggle financially, I am happy to reduce this rate to £30, or even offer it for free. I can of course only do this if enough of you pay the normal rate, and I trust you will only ask for a reduction if you really need it. As I said, I do this for my living, but I don’t want money to be the reason you miss out on the benefits of Nordic Walking and spending time with our lovely group of friends. If you are already a member of Fit and Happy Outdoors and you pay monthly, then the Tuesday session is included in your fee. No extra payment is necessary (unless you’d like to sponsor someone who cannot pay) How does it work? 1) Please email me at Ailien at Fitandhappyoutdoors dot com, and let me know if you agree with me sending you an invoice for the full rate, or if you need a reduced rate. 2) I will then send you an invoice with my bank details on it. 3) Once I have received your payment in my bank account, I will hand you a 10-session card at the first session I see you 4) Every time you come walking on Tuesday, I will stamp your card 5) Once you have walked 10 times, I will send you a new invoice for the next 10. Payment: I really, really, prefer bank transfers. If you really do not do bank transfers, then you can pay me in cash. No cheques please (I really try to avoid having to go to the bank, it is just too much hassle). If you or a friend only comes once in a very blue moon, then they can pay £5 in cash for the session (only banknotes please. Help a girl out, I do enough weightlifting already 😊) Are you a walk leader? You are always welcome and do not have to pay me. I am grateful for your help! Do we still need to sign up? 1) Have your own poles? No need to sign up. But, if there is a weather warning, please check in with me as I might have to cancel and if I don’t know you are planning to come, I might not be able to tell you it’s cancelled 2) Happy to use the Meetup app, then sign up for your walk here? If you sign in, I will know you are planning to come, and it will be easy for me to let you know if I do need to cancel a session. 3) Need to borrow poles from me? Please text me ON THE DAY OF THE WALK to ask me to bring a set. My number is 078 078 3456 4. Just use normal text, no Whatsapp please, as I will probably miss your message. Any questions? Feel free to reply to this email, or text me on the number above.

May's Book: The Age of Diagnosis :Are Medical Labels Doing Us More Harm Than Good? by Suzanne O'Sullivan. **A BEST BOOK OF 2025 IN *THE TIMES*, *SUNDAY TIMES*, *FINANCIAL TIMES, GUARDIAN*, *ECONOMIST, OBSERVER, LONDON STANDARD, NEW STATESMAN* AND *IRISH TIMES*** ***'Revelatory. Slices through the contradictions that had tied me in knots.'* \- CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN** ***'So well-written. Raising awareness of something that is critically important.'* \- RANGAN CHATTERJEE** **From autism to allergies, ADHD to long Covid, more people are being labelled with medical conditions than ever before. But can a diagnosis do us more harm than good?** The boundaries between sickness and health are being redrawn. Mental health categories are shifting and expanding all the time, radically altering what we consider to be 'normal'. Genetic tests can now detect pathologies decades before people experience symptoms, and sometimes before they're even born. And increased health screening draws more and more people into believing they are unwell. An accurate diagnosis can bring greater understanding and of course improved treatment. But many diagnoses aren't as definitive as we think. And in some cases they risk turning healthy people into patients. Drawing on the stories of real people, as well as decades of clinical practice and the latest medical research, Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan overturns long held assumptions and reframes how we think about illness and health. The meeting starts at 7:30. Shortly after 7.30, 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.

Nipnip provide a free 'Doctor Bike' service each month.

**\*Please purchase a ticket (costing £18-£29)** **by clicking *[here](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/corinthian-orchestra-passion-transcendence/)*** **before marking your attendance\*** Join us at Queen Elizabeth Hall for what promises to be a fantastic concert consisting of music by Sibelius, Elgar & Richard Strauss played by the Corinthian Orchestra conducted by Michael Seal. The orchestra is joined by gay Welsh violinist Charlie Lovell-Jones for the Sibelius violin concerto. In 2025 he released an excellent recording of the Walton on Chandos, so I'm looking forward to being able to see him perform live. The Strauss & Elgar is the cherry on top for me! **PROGRAMME** * Strauss: Tod und Verklärung * Sibelius: Violin Concerto **Interval** * Elgar: Symphony No.1 Corinthian Orchestra Michael Seal conductor Charlie Lovell-Jones violin **TICKETS** Full price tickets range from £18-£29. More info & the booking page can be found here:- [https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/corinthian-orchestra-passion-transcendence/](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/corinthian-orchestra-passion-transcendence/) I am sat in the front stalls in seat D26 if anyone wishes to sit nearby. We'll head for a bit of a social after the event.

A CLASSIC WALK through north London's top green and wooded area with its impressive Kenwood House. WALK START: **Meeting at Tufnell Park Station (Northern Line - High Barnet Branch** \- Zone 2\)\. Look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge\. WALK FINISH: Finishing at Golders Green Station (Northern Line). WALK ROUTE: We will walk through the meadows and woods of Hampstead Heath. taking in Parliament Hill and passing by Kenwood House. WALK STOPOUT POINT: We cross a couple of London bus routes. More info: Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some new friends at the same time. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. FEE: There is a £5 fee for this walking event for those members and guests not holding the Ken's Events Membership card. RAIN POLICY: What about the weather? Light rain or occasional showers is not a problem and the walk will proceed. Only book a walk if you are sure you can attend! Walks will only be cancelled if there is very heavy rain! RISKS: In these walks we use; country stiles,pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, paths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Wear good sturdy shoes/walking boots. Take care as surfaces may be uneven, there may be low branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion we may encounter wild and farm animals. If you require insurance for these walks you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCLAIMER:All Events on Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [(http://www.meetup.com/EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/Explore_London_Secrets_Disclaimer/) ](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/14591782/KEN'S_EVENTS_DISCLAIMER/)to view disclaimer. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Kens Events also has a facebook page. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) If weekday and evening walks are your thing, then you should join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. Click here for more information. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge outside the station.

Join us to discuss Jane Austen’s unfinished novel Sandition! Jane completed the first 12 chapters before her death. There are many versions of Sanditon that have been cowritten and completed by other authors. **Please make sure your version contains Jane’s original 12 chapters, as our discussion will be based on these.

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy nature! We meet Saturdays at 10am, by the bike racks and benches 150 feet in front of BUBBLES Hair Salon in Reston, leaving no later than 10:05. Every week we'll walk the Green Trail to Lake Anne Plaza (\~1 mile), pause there for 5-10 minutes (water, bio, and from April-Nov a Farmer's Market), then circle the lake (2 miles) before returning to our starting point. It's roughly 3.5 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to a local restaurant to refuel and relax before tackling the rest of the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels, and both friends and dogs are always welcome! We recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water bottle, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll always walk, rain or shine. By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

**If you have registered for Early Access via Patreon you do not need to sign up via Meetup** Heart Stealers is a community engagement-focused, “King of the Hill” challenge that will introduce guests to new people and new games, and encourage folks to play with purpose. **How it Works** At each event, guests will pick a nonprofit / team that they would like to champion. This month the non-profits to champion are: **[Finalizing this list!]**. How well you and your team do at stealing necklaces from the other teams will determine what portion of the prize pool your nonprofit will receive. Every nonprofit goes home with something! **To participate, guests will be requested to contribute a $10 donation at the door. This will go to the donation pool for the event and includes starter tokens.** Folks may also purchase additional tokens from DCGG or tokens can be purchased with cash. Tokens are 25¢ each and games are typically 2-4 tokens. Upon arrival, each player will get three heart necklaces to represent their lives. Lives can be won or lost by challenging other players to one of GameOn's amazing arcade games. **Schedule** 7:00pm – 7:15pm: Mingle Time 7:15pm: Welcome and Game Start 7:20pm – 9:30pm: Heart Stealers Gameplay BUT WAIT THERES MORE: **To support DCGG programming and get sweet perks like early access to events** visit [https://www.patreon.com/DCGamingGroup](https://www.patreon.com/DCGamingGroup) Interested in wearing your support? We have fundraiser shirts designed by local artists. [https://dcgaminggroup.printful.me/](https://dcgaminggroup.printful.me/) Feel free to join the DC Gaming Community in pickup games and game discussion by hopping into the Discord: [https://discord.gg/NP7v7VF](https://discord.gg/NP7v7VF) **Disclaimer and Community Code of Conduct:** The DC Gaming Group is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for participants. To learn more about our code of conduct, you can read more here. Events may be recorded for promotional material.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee is authentic, spacious, has a helpful staff, and I like their espresso. If you try this place on your own, they’re open early and late. This spot has been recommended a couple times and I think it’ll make a great stop on our journey. Come out Saturday morning for a relaxed convo. (Please keep your RSVP updated if you know you won't be able to attend, so others who can join have the opportunity to. No discussions on politics, religion or potentially controversial topics. We're here to relax and have fun. Just be respectful and we'll be alright. Pay your own way, and enjoy!)

Here is the event information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/theater-lost-my-way-saskia-norman-elisabeth-halikiopoulos-tickets-1987935950943 Its a free event, but you have to register in advance, cos the tickets will run out.

Consider it cancelled if it’s raining (Sorry, not at that level yet 😬) Maybe one day!