Celtic Culture

On Wednesday 13th May at 6:30pm, we will be having a Midweek Coffee Evening! It's a chance to meet and chat with others in the group in a relaxed setting over a hot drink. On the day, come up to the cafe on the 5th floor, grab a drink and come and join us. The cafe closes at 8:00pm and the bookshop closes at 9:00pm. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the trip, 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/)***

After Thursday's election results, I have to go to this talk. I don't know anything about MP Liam Byrne but the LSE put on interesting talks. Looking forward to this one. Hosted by the International Inequalities Institute The LSE offer lectures that are open to the public (£3 attendance fee applies) on a variety of subjects. Let's meet outside Holborn tube station, just opposite the main entrance on Kingsway, next to the hat stall. We will walk down together at 6.10pm on the dot. Please be on time, the venue can be at capacity at 6.15pm! Please register for your free entrance ticket/QR code (Meetup attendance fee applies), they are asking a couple of questions: [https://www.lse.ac.uk/events/populists](https://www.lse.ac.uk/events/populists)

Please read the full description! **Spanish Conversational Club** **Club de conversación en ESPAÑOL** **How does it work?** The Spanglish club is for all people wanting to improve their Spanish outside of a class room. Depending on numbers, there are going to be groups of max 6 people, the groups will be Beginners (A2), Intermediate and Advance. Each group will have a Spanish native speaker who can help you with your Spanish :) We will first meet our table amig@s and socialise, then we will make a fun and interesting activity for you to have a better Spanish speaking experience. Please book only if you are 100% sure to attend as there will be other Spanglishers waiting for you. **Where? Time?** Royal Festival Hall Riverside Bar Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX 19:30 to 21:00 **Google Maps:** **[https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ZY6zDymAM7M6Lju5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ZY6zDymAM7M6Lju5)** **Note:** We will be at the front of the Riverside Bar. Although, this might change depending on tables’ availability. Please look for Spanglish Flag/t-shirt or simply call us +447870776718. We don’t have a private area, we’ll be at a public space. There will be public noise. You can join the **Whatsapp [https://chat.whatsapp.com/LSUpj7m1tCZ2Vj86dmJR76](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LSUpj7m1tCZ2Vj86dmJR76)** for the latest updates. **How much does it cost?** £10 Your attendance is confirmed once you have booked in this website and paid in our online store. Store: **[https://www.spanglish-lc.com/page/events](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/page/events)** FREE for Native Spanish Speakers. Únete! No pagas por el evento :D **Why should I come?** You should come if you want to be immersed in a Spanish conversation with native speakers for 90 mins and more! You should also come if you want to make new friends and learn about different cultures at the same time. **Can we have a drink during the session?** Of course, it is all about feeling comfortable and we all know that a drink help us with fluency, there is a coffee shop and a bar at the center. **Can I suggest topics or just make an open suggestion?** Of course, just bring your suggestions to the session or send us an email. Your event planner will ensure your suggestion has the right execution. We are here to help and provide you guys with the best environment possible for you to have fun and improve your Spanish speaking. **Note:** This event is not suggested for beginners A1 Zero Spanish learners. Please get in touch if you need some lessons. **Suggestions or Qs** Just drop me a WhatsApp, message or email. Our events are advertised on different platforms. For this event we expect around 20 people. **[Whatsapp](https://wa.me/message/VHD2GRUCYYBDP1),** Calls or MSNs **[+447870776718](https://wa.me/message/VHD2GRUCYYBDP1)** **Instagram** and **Facebook** as **[@spanglishlc](https://www.instagram.com/spanglishlc/)** We have more events and great teachers to enhance your learning, check all our **[events](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/events), [courses](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/learning)**[ ](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/learning)and **[teachers.](https://www.spanglish-lc.com/learning)**

🎉 Come along to the London Scala Talks! 🎉 In this event you'll hear from Caroline Morton and Katrina Petrevice. **Agenda** 6:00pm - 🥤 Doors open. Come along and grab a drink! 6:35pm - 🗣️ Introduction 6:40pm - 🗣️ Katrina Petrevice: Caching in Scala using Ref 7:20pm - 🍕 Intermission: Join us for some free food and drinks! Vegan and vegetarian options are provided. Let us know if you'd like something special - we'd be happy to accommodate. 7:50pm - 🗣️ Caroline Morton: Accidental Functional Programming in Rust (From an Epidemiologist's Perspective) 8:30pm - 🥤 Socialising: Grab a drink and let's discuss the talks. 9:00pm - 🍻 Join us in a pub to discuss the talks! 🌐 **This event has a live stream** Join at **6:35PM** using this link: [https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23161399678332?p=vEmQadbG1wErf3rGrk](https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23161399678332?p=vEmQadbG1wErf3rGrk "https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23161399678332?p=vEmQadbG1wErf3rGrk") **🗣️ Katrina Petrevice: Caching in Scala using Ref** Caching in memory is often one of the first strategies used to improve system performances. However, implementing caching in a purely functional way introduces unique challenges, specifically around state management and testability. In this talk, we will look at how to utilise functional programming principles with [Ref](https://typelevel.org/cats-effect/docs/std/ref), while maintaining clarity and composability. We will also deep dive into some common pitfalls and look into practical ways to test Ref effectively. ⭐ Katrina Petrevice ⭐ Katrina comes from a non–computer science background and was first introduced to Scala while working at JPMorgan. She credits much of her Scala knowledge to hands-on experience within her team, where she works on building and maintaining data pipelines and managing data systems. Since then, she has developed a strong interest in functional programming and now co-leads the Functional Programming Group at JPMorgan, where she helps share knowledge and foster a community around these ideas. **🗣️ Caroline Morton: Accidental Functional Programming in Rust (From an Epidemiologist's Perspective)** I don't have a background in functional programming - and I never set out to write it. But somewhere between writing trait-based epidemiological pipelines, composing data transformations, and leaning hard on Result, enums, and pattern matching, I started hearing from others: “That's pretty functional.” In this talk, I'll explore what it means to write “functional-ish” Rust as someone solving real-world scientific problems. I'll walk through the patterns I reach for - like chaining iterators, avoiding shared state, and embracing expressive types - and reflect on which functional programming ideas emerge naturally in Rust, even if you're not trying. I'll also share how designing for epidemiologists - most of whom are used to chaining functions in Python (like Pandas) or R - has pushed me toward creating ergonomic Rust APIs with Python and R bindings. These tools aim to feel familiar to scientists while leveraging Rust's power and safety under the hood. This is a talk for functional programmers curious about Rust, and for Rustaceans wondering if they've been functional all along. No formal theory required - just real code, real use cases, and a pragmatic perspective from someone building public health tools in Rust. ⭐ Caroline Morton ⭐ Dr. Caroline Morton is a medical doctor, epidemiologist, software engineer, and PhD candidate specialising in synthetic data, epidemiology, and Rust. With 60 peer-reviewed papers and two books on software, she combines deep technical expertise with a commitment to improving scientific workflows. Caroline co-founded the first [Women in Rust](https://www.meetup.com/women-in-rust/) group, fostering diversity and encouraging more women to explore opportunities in systems programming. She leads an open-source project improving codelist management in epidemiology using Rust, creating efficient, reliable tools for health data research. Her PhD focuses on synthetic data methods for epidemiology, particularly using Rust to generate large, realistic datasets. A strong advocate for open science and reproducibility, she contributes extensively to improving software practices through publications, workshops, and open-source projects. ———————————————————— 🗣️ Would you like to present, but are not sure how to start? Give a talk with us and you'll receive mentorship from a trained toastmaster! Get in touch through [this form](https://forms.gle/zv5i9eeto1BsnSwe8) and we'll get you started 🏡 Interested in hosting or supporting us? Please get in touch through [this form](https://forms.gle/3SX3Bm6zHqVodBaMA) and we can discuss how you can get involved. 📜 All London Scala User Group events operate under the [Scala Community Code of Conduct](https://www.scala-lang.org/conduct/). We encourage each of you to report the breach of the conduct, either anonymously through [this form](https://forms.gle/9PMMorUWgBnbk1mm6) or by contacting one of our team members. We guarantee privacy and confidentiality, as well as that we will take your report seriously and react quickly.

The regular Wednesday Russian language practice and cultural exchange event. We talk about anything that comes to mind. It's a good place to practice your Russian if you're just learning or if you're native but don't speak the language in your everyday life. The usual place – the Metropolitan Bar (Wetherspoons) at Baker Street tube station. If you came to one (or more) of our meetings, please consider donating to cover the cost of the Meetup subscription: [Donate ](https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=W3NRND76S23P2) We are doing it on our own and free of charge, so will appreciate any help.

Hello lovely Wytchery people! The next Wytchery workshop is open for booking now for Wednesday 13th May 7-9pm. As usual, it is at Treadwells Bookshop in London. This workshop is all about spells and hexes, how to create one that will work for you and how to add to your craft using and charging objects such as herbs, crystals and other objects. We will have a discussion about the various types of spells, the ethics behind them and the ways in which you can develop and use them. You will make a small poppet, stuffed with magical intent and we will have a short ritual to charge it up and help you learn new ways of raising power in ritual to enhance your spell work. Hope to see you there! **We are asking for a fee of £10 (+booking fee) to cover Treadwell’s overheads as well as the cost of any supplies. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early as we start promptly at 7pm.** The Wytchery is an inclusive and welcoming space for solitary witches with little or no experience working with a group. We believe that magic is for everyone, and we strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel free to be yourself. Our workshops are perfect for those who are new to the craft or haven't had much experience working in a group. You're free to drop in and out as you please, and you'll get hands-on experience with all sorts of magical goodies, from raising power and working spells to creating talismans and magical tools. We're all about getting involved, whether that's through movement, crafting, or meditation. You'll meet new people, learn new skills, and have the chance to contribute to our little community. We're not in this to make a profit – we just want to create a lovely, social space for like-minded witches to come together and learn from each other. We're always learning, and we're sure you'll find something to inspire you. hone your skills, you would also be most welcome to join us. We find we learn new things all the time, even after years of magical practice.

Hello!, 你好!, नमस्ते!, ¡Hola!, مرحباً!, Olá!, Bonjour!, Привет!, こんにちは!, ہیلو!, ሰላም!, สวัสดี!, Xin chào!, ہائے!, Halo! 1. **Practice, exchange** and **learn ANY language** 2. **Explore world's cultures** and **travel tips** 3. **Your NAMETAG:** get it at our Welcome Desk, add: **Languages you speak \| Languages you're learning** **WHERE:** frontside **'Central Bar'** inside **Royal Festival Hall**. At High tables. Can't find us?: 078 76 800 100. **CULTURES:** share your favorite Instagram culture videos **TRAVEL**: show your favorite moments, past travels, or next adventures. Sharing is caring. **PEOPLE:** A mix of locals and internationals. **LANGUAGES:** All ages and proficiency levels welcome **UP FOR DANCE?** There's a FREE Salsa event happening n parallel **HUNGRY?** Pop to World Cuisines Food Market behind Festival Hall **MOTTO:** Meet new people, connect and make friends FREE language learning. FREE culture exchange. FREE salsa. Just bring yourself and good vibes **Want to Co-Organise?** Volunteer co-organisers welcome to Help with Nametags. Ping us

**Meeting Point** We will gather in the **Great Court** at the central **Information Desk** (the large circular desk in the middle of the hall). I will be standing nearby information desk wearing red flowers 🌺 dress, make it easy to spot the group. **Meeting Summary** This session is a curated walk-through of the British Museum’s Mediterranean treasures. We’ll focus on the interconnected histories of **Ancient Greece, Rome, and the Levant**, exploring how trade and conquest shaped these cultures. The goal is an informal, social discussion as we view iconic pieces like the **Parthenon Sculptures** and the **Etruscan** collections.

Come along on Saturday 16th Mayl to visit the historic city of Lichfield in the county of Staffordshire! **About Lichfield** Lichfield is a historic and pretty town situated 14 miles north of Birmingham. Notable for its three-spired 14th century medieval cathedral, Lichfield was the birthplace of Dr Samuel Johnson, the writer of the first authoritative 'Dictionary of the English Language'*.* In 2009, the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver metalwork, was found 4 miles south-west of Lichfield. Lichfield's heyday was in the 18th century, when it developed into a thriving coaching city. This was a period of great intellectual activity; the city was the home of many famous people including Dr Samuel Johnson, actor and playwright David Garrick, physician Erasmus Darwin and the novelist Anna Seward, author of the book 'Black Beauty'. This prompted Johnson's remark that Lichfield was "a city of philosophers". **Itinerary** 9:07am - catch train to Lichfield City 10:41am - arrive and walk into town 11:00am - guided tour of the cathedral 12:30pm - lunch 1:45pm - guided tour of the town 3:30pm - freetime: Samuel Johnson's Birthplace Museum, Erasmus Darwin House, the Old Guildhall Prison Cells, Wheate & Son's Toy Museum 5:16pm - catch train back to London 7:30pm - arrival back **Cost** Entry and tour of the cathedral is £10 per person and the guided tour of the city is £7 per person. Payable on the day by cash, PayPal or Bank Transfer. You can do both, either or just do your own thing in the city. **Train Tickets** Please go ahead and book your own ticket at the Avanti West Coast Railway website - [https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk](https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/)/ or on the Trainline website - [https://www.thetrainline.com/](https://www.thetrainline.com/) The GroupSave tickets don't work out any cheaper. so best to purchase two single tickets. If you aim to get the 9:07am train from Euston to Lichfield (£30.50 single) and return on the 5:16pm train back to London (£9.00 single). You might get them cheaper if you shop around. **Please book your tickets asap, as they will go up the nearer we get to the date of the trip.** Please note, we only wait at the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. If you can't see us at the station, please text. Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) ***On the day, if you can’t make the trip, 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/)***

Come along on Sunday 17th May for lunch before the guided walk. **About the event** Once a month at lunchtime before the guided walks, we will be having lunch in a local cafe or pub in the area the walk is in. It's a chance to chat and get to know people in the group in a quiet relaxed setting. Each month's place will be in a different part of London and different cafes or pubs. The lunches are open to all, whether you come on the walk or not. Lookout for the 'London Cultureseekers' group signs on the tables when you get to the cafe. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) 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/)***

Whether you’re deeply connected to Asian culture, curious to learn more, or simply looking to meet new people in London, you are warmly welcome here 🙋 This event is open to everyone — no matter where you’re from. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, travel, languages, games, or just want to spend a relaxed afternoon and evening with friendly people, we’d love to have you join us. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon and evening of culture, conversation, games, and genuine connection. From **3:00 PM to 6:00 PM**, we’ll begin with our cultural activity and networking session, featuring **a beginner-friendly writing activity where everyone can casually practice writing Chinese characters and Japanese kanji together**. We’ll explore simple and meaningful characters, useful everyday words, and fun cultural meanings behind them. This will be followed by free-flow conversation where you can mingle, share stories, and meet new friends. From **7:00 PM to 10:00 PM**, we’ll continue the evening with a casual **Board Games Social**. Whether you enjoy strategy games, party games, or just want to relax and chat, you’re welcome to stay and join the fun. We also invite everyone to **bring your own favourite snacks** to share with others. It could be something from your culture, your hometown, or simply something you love. Let’s make it a cosy snack-sharing evening with friends old and new 🥟🍪 ✍️ Beginner-friendly Hanzi/Kanji (Chinese Characters) writing practice 💬 Cultural networking & free-flow conversation 🎲 Board games social from 7 PM 🥨 Bring your own snacks to share with others No prior knowledge of Asian culture is needed — just bring your curiosity, your favourite snacks, and an open mind 😊 🕒 **Hanzi/Kanji Writing & Chitchatting:** 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM 🎲 **Board Games Social:** 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 **Loong Express** 104 Great Portland St, London W1W 6PE 📋 **RSVP & Attendance** • Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend. Kindly cancel your ticket in advance so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. • Late arrivals may miss the quiz rounds. • You are welcome to join the cultural activity, the board games session, or both. ⚠️ **Disclaimer** The organiser has no responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal belongings during the event. Please take care of your personal belongings throughout the event. Hosted by **Nihao Serica** As Nihao Serica is also building cultural travel experiences between the UK and China, we’ll share a short 5-minute introduction to our upcoming China travel social for anyone curious about visiting China, exploring Chinese cities, food, heritage, and local experiences in the future.

**Join us for an exciting Art Exhibition hosted by the Black Art Enthusiasts Collective** **This is not a free event details on how to purchase tickets below.** **The Music is Black: A British Story:** 125 years of Black music-making in Britain. This landmark exhibition will reveal how Black British music has shaped British culture. Spanning four continents and 12 decades, this is a story of excellence and struggle, resilience and joy. [Purchase tickets here](https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/the-music-is-black-a-british-story) **After exploring the exhibition we will have a discussion after.** **Please arrive promptly at 13.45 pm to go in at 2pm**

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 enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

# **Saturday, May 16, 2026** **Beginners’ Session 1:30 to 2:00 PM** **Dancing 2:00 to 4:30 PM** **Please note that this is an afternoon dance!** **You are invited to join us for dinner at Olive and Lime (in the church’s back parking lot) after the dance.** **Kim Thompson, from Athens, will take the mic and we’ll dance to the music of Roscommon Sessions. Kim will lead us through a variety of old and new dances that welcome newbies and delight experienced dancers.** **Roscommon Sessions, a traditional Irish music quartet from Columbus, Ohio, began their musical journey centered around the energy and spontaneity of Irish sessions. They are excited to bring their lively jigs and reels, a couple of flowing waltzes, and the occasional musical surprise to the All Soles contra dancers!** **Roscommon Sessions is Steve Steele (guitar), Jim Lindroth (percussion), Carol Metheny (fiddle) and Sarah Sigmon (fiddle).** **We hope to see you dancing!** **Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus, OH 43214.** **Cost is $10 for adults, $5 ages 12-25.** **New to dancing? A beginners’ session, from 1:30 to 2:00 PM, will get you started. You will learn some basic figures that will be repeated in the afternoon’s dances. All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Dancing is from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.** **Please bring your own refillable water bottle.** **All Soles Dance upcoming dance dates are, as follows:** **June 20, 2026** **Tentative:** **July 25, 2026–Summer Potluck and Dance** **No August Dance** **September 26, 2026** **October 17, 2026** **November 21, 2026** **December 19, 2026** **Visit our website at: https://firstuucolumbus.org/connection/all-soles/**

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBD

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

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