Celtic Culture

Join our Full moon ritual (monthly Wicca Circle) on the banks of river Thames, to set up altar, invoke the Triple moon Goddess and do magic at the heart of London. These rituals are suitable for beginners and all interested in Paganism, Wicca & Ritual Magic. Facilitated by Mani (Wiccan Highpriest) & Woodland Witches ritual team, these rituals also provide an opportunity to take on some roles and gain ritual experiences over time. ==== IMPORTANT NOTICE ======= Dear all, we are sad to say due to rising meetup fees, and members stop using Meetup, we will be moving all our event to other platforms very soon. We urge you to follow us on Eventbrite https://londonwoodlandwitches.eventbrite.com/ and my secure website http://www.Mani.org.uk for all upates. Bright Blessings. Mani ( 22/02/26) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- * **Duration:** 7.00pm meeting by Millennium Bridge. * **Fee**: just turn up & pay cash £5 at start of Event). * **Ritual venue & Meeting point.** Gather on the pavement-steps under the the Millennium Bridge (south bank side, near Tate Modern Gallery) . * Please bring **food & drinks to share** (optional). example: bread, butter, pita bread, cheese, small picnic food, soft drinks, wine. Bright Blessings. -Mani Founder/ organiser - London Woodland Witches

**03 Mar- Day 1- Welcome to Guatemala** Welcome to Guatemala. On arrival we will take a private transfer to Antigua. Once checked in you can join your guide and fellow group members for dinner. **04 Mar- Day 2: Antigua-UNESCO World Heritage Site** After breakfast we walk round this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Antigua’s well-preserved colonial buildings and cobblestone streets with volcanoes in the backdrop will certainly wow you. We visit the Santa Catalina Arch, La Merced Church, and explore local markets. **05 Mar- Day 3: Antigua-Visit Chichi’s Colourful Market** We will travel to Chichicastenango a small Mayan town in Guatemalan Highlands to visit this stunning craft market, the largest in Central America. Alternatively today- depending on your fitness levels you and choose to hike an active volcano and witness incredible vistas. You must have a high level of fitness to do this. **06 Mar- Day 4: Travel to Stunning Lake Atitlán** Today we will travel to Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages. The stunning scenery of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. You have an optional Sunrise hike to Indian Nose for panoramic views. You need to have good fitness levels to do this and will need to prebook as departs in the early hours of the morning. **07 March -Day 5: Lake Atitlán** Today we will Take a boat tour to visit villages like San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán, two of the villages around this beautiful lake and walk through local markets and workshops in the villages, experiencing the vibrant culture and traditions of the indigenous communities. **08 March- Day 6: Lake Atitlán to Flores** Today we travel to Guatemala City to take a 1-hour flight to Flores, the gateway to Tikal. We will take an evening stroll around the charming island town with a picturesque setting on Lake Petén Itzá. **09 March -Day 7: Tikal National Park** Today we set off on our Full-day exploration of Tikal, one of the largest and most impressive Mayan ruins. Climb Temple IV for panoramic views of the jungle canopy. Feel the wow factor standing atop ancient Mayan temples surrounded by dense jungle. **10 March -Day 8: Tikal to San Ignacio, Belize** Today we Cross the border into Belize and travel to San Ignacio. We will explore the town and visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project. **11 March-Day 9: San Ignacio (Cave Adventure)** Today we will go on an adventurous tour to the ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal), an ancient Mayan archaeological site with ceremonial artifacts and skeletal remains. Exploring a cave that offers a unique combination of natural beauty and ancient history. **12 March-Day 10: San Ignacio to Caye Caulker** Today we travel to Caye Caulker, a relaxed island off the coast of Belize. The laid-back Caribbean vibe and crystal-clear waters. Relax and kick back and enjoy some beach time. **13 March- Day 11: Caye Caulker -Explore the Island** Today you can rent bikes or golf carts to explore the island. Enjoy local seafood, visit The Split, and relax on the beach. Experiencing island life with no cars, just bikes, and golf carts. **14 March 12: Caye Caulker – Free Day** Today is a free day, maybe join a snorkelling tour to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley and see colourful corals, swim with nurse sharks, and spot rays in one of the top marine reserves in the world. **15 March:Day 13: Caye Caulker to Belize City for flight home** Today we take go back to the mainland and head for Belize City for your flight home taking with you beautiful memories of the trip. The cost will be £1999.00 per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single supplement £399.00. The price is guaranteed for all deposits paid by 01 July 2025. Places will be limited, so reserve your place now to avoid disappointment. If you are interested in reserving a place, click the link below to pay your deposit of £250.00. (Deposits are refundable if the trip gets cancelled due to government advice.)(Travel Insurance is mandatory for all trips. Places will be limited so places will be offered on a first come first serve basis on receipt of deposit. Please also ensure you have 6 months validity on your passport. **\*\*Please do not book your flights until we give the go ahead\*\*** Entry Requirements Guatemala https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guatemala Entry Requirements Belize https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belize Deposit Link [https://buy.stripe.com/7sI9AUcsrgp5bVS6uS](https://buy.stripe.com/7sI9AUcsrgp5bVS6uS) **What’s Included?** · Sharing a twin room at 3 and 4-star hotels with breakfast (single supplement £399.00) · All transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles · All sightseeing and entry fees as mentioned · English-speaking local guide · Domestic flight from Guatemala City to Flores · Airport Transfers if arriving on recommended flights

Yijia is a singer-songwriter from China interested in exploring her cultural identity and diverse traditions through music-making. Yijia attended 'Sing My Song’ at the age of 16 and launched her music career as a singer-songwriter in China after winning the 16th CMA (Chinese Music Awards) for ‘Media’s Choice Album’ and the nomination for ‘Best New Chinese Female Artist’ for the Chinese Media Music Awards. After coming to the UK, Yijia has established a career in traditional Chinese folk singing and Guzheng playing, having performed at WOMAD festival, Victorious Festival, BBC Radio 3, Asia House’s ‘One Voice’ documentary series and Sofar Sounds London. Yijia is endorsed by Arts Council UK as a Global Talent and holds a degree in Music from the University of Oxford and SOAS (University of London). [Listen here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkMPD744dY&t=235s) for Yijia speaking about her multigenerational musical journey and performing her recently released composition, Yi the Sun. Get your tickets from the [St Ethelburga's website](https://events.stethelburgas.org/events/stethelburgascentreforreconcilliationandpeace/1974373).

Join us for drinks and music chat at an East London pub. We will judge the latest S+V playlist, split into teams for a mini music quiz, and head to a nearby venue for a free live gig! **Meet at Burke’s Warehouse, arrive any time from 6-7pm.** At 7:30pm we will go to a free gig at The Shaklewell Arms The live bands include Le Lamb, Brain Leak & Hannah the Big Bad Wolf. Read more at the Dice link below. Gig Link: [https://dice.fm/event/dka3lo-le-lamb-brain-leak-hanna-the-big-bad-wolf-3rd-mar-the-shacklewell-arms-london-tickets](https://dice.fm/event/dka3lo-le-lamb-brain-leak-hanna-the-big-bad-wolf-3rd-mar-the-shacklewell-arms-london-tickets) **The event is free:** The gig is also free, but I recommend you reserve a free ticket on Dice using the link. I also have some spare gig tickets in case anyone forgets :) **S+V Playlist:** There is a music playlist for this event. This includes suggestions from the group on the theme of “Crime and Punishment”. We will judge our favourite (and least favourite) tracks from the playlist, so do check it out before the event: [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31xZFzcVLpz7vHWqlM6QdM?si=ab1edb94dfda45c8](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31xZFzcVLpz7vHWqlM6QdM?si=ab1edb94dfda45c8) Come along to this event and you can make suggestions for the next S+V playlist. This will be on a new theme announced at the event. **How to get there:** The pub and gig venue are walking distance from Dalston Kingsland & Dalston Junction (both on the Overground Mildmay & Windrush lines). Burke’s Warehouse Map: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/AWq5v9ysD3QJ89Xe7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AWq5v9ysD3QJ89Xe7) Shaklewell Arms Map: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KxxJmkia3BvS8WyP6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KxxJmkia3BvS8WyP6) If you can't find us when you arrive, join our WhatsApp group here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/G66shC1b7Z5BWSTV6Am9DE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G66shC1b7Z5BWSTV6Am9DE)

We invite you all, whatever your calling – musician, comedian, poet, artist, spectator – to join our bubbling melting pot of creativity at the Fiddler's Elbow in Camden. On the first Tuesday of each month, gain respite from the busy streets of London by joining us in this inspiring space, where we celebrate all types of human creativity. For any interested in performing, all slots are 7 minutes max. We platform all types of act (except bands), but **we** **do not tolerate racism, homophobia, sexism, misogyny, transphobia etc. We want to celebrate people, not cause harm.** Please be mindful of what you say and its impact. For more info, please email bubblebathopenmic@gmail.com. If you are keen to take to the stage, sign up from 7pm and slots are 7 minutes. Email **bubblebathopenmic@gmail.com** for more info. The night will kick off at 7.30pm and last until 10.15pm-ish. The event is pay what you will, so that no one is prevented from joining, but we do have running costs (we pay for the sound technician & the Meetup subscription). Donations from those able to give are appreciated, so we don't end up out of pocket. Join us to get your molecules jostling with excitement, inspiration and ideas. And remember, if you like bubbles and baths, you'll love Bubblebath.

Having children can be a personal, national and global decision. Globally, human population looks unsustainable. But some countries are seeing greater birth rates decline than others, especially in the developed world. At a personal level, the question involves accounting for career trade-offs and other costs. So, do we really need [more] children? We'll discuss... 1\. Do we really *need* to have children? Why? 2\. Why are birth rates declining internationally? 3\. Should government policies incentivise/reward people who decide to have children? *Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore the real life, the grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to hear how others see it.* **\*Come for the discussion, stay for the friendships. Our weekly discussion series brings together thoughtful people for honest conversations on relationships, life, and society—with warm social vibes before and after.\*** **WHAT TO EXPECT:** * Good vibes only: we chat big topics in a chill, respectful way. No arguing - just open-minded exchange. * We warm up with casual socializing (come solo or with friends!) * The topic starts around 7:45/8pm, wraps around 9:30. * 🍕 There's pizza, drinks, milkshakes and snacks available at the bar (incl plant-based options) * And most people stay until late for drinks and mingling! **DISCUSSION FORMAT:** **Our group conversations are open and flexible - there is a very soft guided flow to ensure we focus on the main questions, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak. Here's a typically structure, but we adjust on the day depending on the turnout:** \- Introductions and thoughts *(\~5 mins).* \- Group breakouts per question *(\~20 mins x 3).* \- Final round of opinions *(\~10 mins)*. \- Mix and mingle\, make new friends\, get drinks etc *(\~until late)* **EVENT ETIQUETTE (Rules & expectations)** \- Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks\! \- No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding \- Always follow the moderator/host instructions and guidelines **WHAT IS WORLD CITIZENS?** We're one of London's longest-running and largest communities. Since 2012 we run socials, cultural activities and stimulating discussions to foster meaningful exchange and learning among London's global professionals. They are inspired by MUN (Model United Nations) and salon discussions and offer a more relaxed and social evening version. **LOCATION DETAILS** What: Discussion session followed by social/networking When: Tuesday, 7:30pm until late. Where: Curzon Aldgate (bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS Closest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway Cost: Pay for your own meals or drinks Hosts: We have a rotating team and the actual host of each event varies. Our regular members can also help you out with basic matters. *NOTE: like most guests, our volunteer hosts also attend after work and may happen to arrive after the start time. If you are punctual or earlier than our hosts, we highly appreciate this! Please feel free to start socializing already and/or get something to eat or drink - that’s the point of our events anyway. Our regular members can also help you out with any basic matters.* **\*Our other weekly events\*** \- Friday evening socials every week \- Saturday afternoon cafe in Chelsea \- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **JOIN OUR TEAM!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

This coming week we'll be exploring the work of **Cândido Portinari** was one of Brazil’s most influential modernist painters, known for portraying the dignity, struggle, and identity of the Brazilian people. Come and learn with us in an informal and friendly environment. All welcome! *If you come after 6.45 ring the door bell.*

Samba de Bamba is a Brazilian samba group that meets once a month to celebrate samba, Brazilian culture, and heritage. We believe that joy is also a political act of resistance, healing, solidarity, subversion, and well-being. Therefore, on International Women's Day, we prepared a space for everyone to celebrate and remember that our struggle is also carried out with joy. For more information about tickets and prices: instagram Samba de Bamba UK or tickets on enjoytix.co.uk or at the local of the event Cash (bar) Cash and card (entrance and food)

**Do you ever feel the pull to be creative, but don’t know how to start, or even what you want to make?** **Do you ever get a flash of inspiration, but never have the time or energy to follow it through?** **Do you worry that you have to become technically skilled before you have the 'right' to make art?** **If you answered yes to any of the above, then this event is for you!** As children, we create all the time. We sing, draw and write as part of our normal lessons. We make sandcastles, secret dens, friendship bracelets, invent ball games and make up elaborate storylines for dolls and action figures. We don’t fear failure because the point isn’t to succeed, but to express ourselves and have fun. In fact there’s a whole branch of folklore called childlore! But as adults, it can become hard to connect with that creative instinct, whether that’s due to time, energy, cost or self-doubt. So for this event, we’ll be taking time and space to connect with what inspires us and flex our creativity just for the fun of it. Skill and experience levels don’t matter (although those who are skilled or experienced are welcome!)-what matters is remembering what creative inspiration feels like to you personally, and pursuing it to create something authentic to you. To do this, we’ll be emulating artists across millennia in using folklore as inspiration. A collection of folklore genres will be supplied, each containing a collection of prompts, and you will be picking a piece of folklore that speaks to you on that day and creating a piece of art based on your own interpretation of your prompt. This art can be anything, from poetry to sketching, sewing to architecture, make up, set design, tattoo art, songwriting, fashion, game design or event planning-whatever your prompt inspires you to create! You can choose to do several pieces or spend the whole session on one. Paper and pencils will be provided, but please feel free to bring other materials so long as they are not disruptive to the people or environment around us (eg no liquid paints, musical instruments, etc). Please note: this is not a technical lesson! No specific creative skills will be taught, as the aim is connecting with your own personal creative process. But you are welcome to take your pieces home with you to hone your skills. We are currently exploring free spaces to have this event so location and accessibility details will be confirmed closer to the time. (And if you know of a good location, do let us know!) (This is a free event, so we ask that you please keep RSVPs updated to ensure that as many people as possible who want to come are able to. Cancellations with less than three days’ notice may be removed from the group to prevent wasted spaces in future. Many thanks for your understanding!)

Gentle people, It is my pleasure to invite you to Part III of Italian artists at the V&A, and a luscious afternoon of socialisation at the Grand Cafe at the V&A which is absolutely stunning. **Please note that there is no social before the tour, but only after.** I will be giving a guided tour of the Italian artists to the members of LGBT Culture Lovers group, throughout this year in multiple parts. **There's no need to have attended previous sessions as I always recap.** ***In the third event of the series, we will be looking at the sculptures of quattrocento and cinquecento.*** Included are works by **Donatello, Andrea del Verrocchio**, **Michelangelo, Raphael**, & many others. The tour will last around 60 minutes. **And here is the agenda:** * 1:45pm: Meet at the Italian style entrance on Cromwell Gardens (not the brutalist one on Exhibition Road). We will wait for 15 minutes. * 2pm: The tour starts right on the dot. * 3pm: Social at the V&A Grand Cafe! (appreciate a drink😜) I really encourage you to watch the two short videos in the further resources section, if you can. I hope to see there. J x **Further Resources** [Donatello's marble carving technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dn8F06y5mc)*,* V&A, video. [Donatello's clay modelling technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcoRoP3Abt8), V&A, video. *Due to the high demand of these tours, and the amount of preparation it takes, those with poor or problematic attendance will be moved to the waiting list, to give the space to more committed members.*

### **From Zero to Hero** If you’ve attended our Newbie Workshop and want to take things further — that’s proof we’ve hooked you on the game! Mahjong is seriously addictive once you get your head around it. To join this Level 2 Workshop, you should already know the basic rules and rhythm of the game. You should be able to play to win with a common hand (four sets and one pair). But there’s still a lot more to uncover! Remember those wind tiles, flower and season tiles? They’re not just decorative — they play a big role. In this session, we’ll dive deeper into advanced rules like wind positions, sharpen your strategy, and teach you how to master scoring and bonus points. By the end, you’ll be a more confident, competitive player — ready to take your Mahjong game to the next level. ### **Why Learn With Us?** **We’re Professional Teachers** – We understand how people learn best and have designed two **step-by-step workshops** that makes Mahjong easy and engaging.**Mahjong is More Than a Game** – It’s a vital part of Asian social culture, and **Dear Asia London**, as a language and culture school, is passionate about sharing these traditions with you! ### **What’s Included:** **Mahjong Instructor** – Our experienced instructor will guide you in learning and playing. **Mahjong Worksheets** – Specially designed materials to help players of all levels learn and level up! **Free Tea & Coffee** – Enjoy a warm drink while you play. **Occasional Festive Treats** – Depending on the monthly theme, we might treat you to some special Asian delights! ### **A Social Game in a Social Space** Mahjong isn’t just about strategy—it’s about **bringing people together**. Our workshop offers a fun, welcoming space where you can meet new people, have a great time and maybe even organise future game nights together! We love seeing friendships blossom over Mahjong. Small note that there may be times when we don’t have four players equally per table. In such cases, we’ll combine players across the tables to ensure a full game, with guidance from our instructor of course. ### **Details of the Event** * **Where**: Aldgate Tower (just outside of Aldgate East Station Exit 1) * **Who**: None-newbie who knows basic game rules already * **What is included**: worksheets, expert guidance, free tea and coffee, unbeatable vibes ### **Important Notes** 1. Each attendee must be registered to our building in addition to the meetup ticketing. If you book two tickets, we will need both individuals’ full names and email addresses for registration. 2. On **the same week**, you will receive an email from "Aldgate Tower" with your **building entry invitation**. This email includes a **unique visitor QR code**, which you’ll need to scan at the ground floor speed gates. Then, head straight up to the **6th floor**, where we’ll be ready to welcome you. 3. Please check your **spam or junk folder** if you don’t see the email. Still nothing? Send us a message / whatsapp us on +44 7423 755734 , and we’ll assist you promptly.

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” - *Jason Collins* “…fascinating and super informative, as well as seriously important” - [*Review by Xena Frailing at VoiceMag*](https://www.voicemag.uk/review/16159/queer-britain-bfi-review) Join us on **Sunday 8th March** at **Queer Britain**, the U.K.’s first and only dedicated LGBTQIA+ museum, in Granary Square near Kings Cross. “Journey through queer culture and heritage in our galleries at Queer Britain. Our gallery redevelopment features a takeover from BFI Flare, with early promotion and annual posters celebrating the landmark film festival's 40-year history. The main gallery presents six new themed displays that tell the stories of the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre, AIDS Quilt 23, Justin Fashanu, Women's Liberation Music, Club Kali, and Dora Carrington and Lytton Strachey. In our temporary exhibition space, modern print culture is explored through Queer Britain's own collections in Queer Print.” Read more here: [Queer Britain Website](https://queerbritain.org.uk) **Due to the small footprint of the museum, we’ll be limiting this event to 15 people maximum.** **MEET DETAILS** - Sunday 8th March **From 2:15PM: MEET IN GEOFFREY’S CAFE (optional)** Address: 7 Beaconsfield St, London N1C 4EW **3PM: ENTER QUEER BRITAIN** Address: 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH **4PM till late: PUB SOCIAL (optional)** We'll head to a nearby pub for a social chit chat over drinks. *Location TBC 24 hours before event.* **TICKETS** **Please book your ticket for Sunday 8th March [here](https://www.outsavvy.com/event/31711/queer-britain-museum#anchor)**. * General Admission: £10 * Pay What You Can: Minimum £1 If you’ve bought a ticket but can no longer attend, please see the ticket disclaimer at the bottom of this event description. **GETTING THERE** [Click here to see the museum’s visit us website page](https://queerbritain.org.uk/visit) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. Link will be posted in the Event Comments 48 hours before the event, for those on the confirmed going list. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE READ:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. This event has an attendee limit as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. If you RSVP but can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible, **otherwise you will be marked as a 'no show'.** We remove members from the group who: * repeatedly sign up for events then 'no show' * repeatedly change their RSVP to 'No' * are on the event waitlist or have not RSVPd but turn up anyway. Please see the [About Us section](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-for-30s-40s/) for more information about the group and how it works. Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.
 Image credit: "Queer Britain Window Display" by PinkEM is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this licence, click [here](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse). **TICKET DISCLAIMER** If you can’t attend for any reason, please change your RSVP to “Not Going”. Regarding your unused ticket, you can either: 1. Ask for a refund from the museum; 2. Ask the museum if the date can be changed so you can attend on a different date that suits you; 3. Sell the ticket on yourself. Please do NOT advertise your ticket on any LoMAZ WhatsApp group; 4. Donate the ticket to us and we will see if someone wants it. Please do NOT advertise that you wish to donate your ticket on any LoMAZ WhatsApp group. Please message Camilla privately on Meetup if you would like to donate your spare ticket. Please note: - as LoMAZ is a volunteer group, we do NOT pay for unused tickets; - if you sell your ticket to someone in LoMAZ, that DOES NOT give them a place at this event. There are attendee limits on LoMAZ events to help our volunteer hosts manage and plan.

### **Beginner to Mahjong?** Mahjong is a **timeless tile-based game** that has been played across Asia for over 300 years and is now gaining global popularity. Unlike poker, where you recognise the cards instantly, **Mahjong requires learning the tiles and rules before you can play**—and that’s where many beginners struggle. We’ve often heard how friends and family don’t always have the patience to teach every detail, and after hours of trying, beginners still **feel confused about the game**. That’s why **Dear Asia Mahjong Workshops** are here to help! ### **Why Learn With Us?** **We’re Professional Teachers** – We understand how people learn best and have designed two **step-by-step workshops** that makes Mahjong easy and engaging.**Mahjong is More Than a Game** – It’s a vital part of Asian social culture, and **Dear Asia London**, as a language and culture school, is passionate about sharing these traditions with you. ### **Ready to Play Guaranteed**! In this **Newbie workshop**, you’ll start playing right away! We’ll introduce you to the tiles, sets, and winning hands while guiding you through the basic rules and game rhythm. By the end of this session, we can guarantee that everyone who comes will learn how to play, and feel confident and ready to play Mahjong with others. ### **What’s Included:** **Mahjong Instructor** – Our experienced instructor will guide you in learning and playing.**Mahjong Worksheets** – Specially designed materials to help players of all levels learn and level up!**Free Tea & Coffee** – Enjoy a warm drink while you play.**Occasional Festive Treats** – Depending on the monthly theme, we might treat you to some special Asian delights! ### **A Social Game in a Social Space** Mahjong isn’t just about strategy—it’s about **bringing people together**. Our workshop offers a fun, welcoming space where you can meet new people, have a great time and maybe even organise future game nights together! We love seeing friendships blossom over Mahjong. Small note that there may be times when we don’t have four players equally per table. In such cases, we’ll combine players across the tables to ensure a full game, with guidance from our instructor of course. ### **Details of the Event** * **Where**: Aldgate Tower just outside of Aldgate East Station Exit 1 * **Who**: New beginners to Mahjong, come alone or come with your friends / family * **What is included**: worksheets, expert guidance, free tea and coffee, unbeatable vibes ### **Important Notes** 1. Each attendee must be registered to our building in addition to the meetup ticketing. If you book two tickets, we will need both individuals’ full names and email addresses for registration. 2. On **the same week**, you will receive an email from "Aldgate Tower" with your **building entry invitation**. This email includes a **unique visitor QR code**, which you’ll need to scan at the ground floor speed gates. Then, head straight up to the **6th floor**, where we’ll be ready to welcome you. 3. Please check your **spam or junk folder** if you don’t see the email. Still nothing? Send us a message / whatsapp us on +44 7423 755734 , and we’ll assist you promptly.

**THE HEARTH is a community for people interested in building community** 😊 **Why is it called 'THE HEARTH'?** Hestia is the goddess of the hearth. She is also the goddess of community, hospitality towards strangers, home, and warmth. She is symbolised by the sacred fire burning in every home and city. Known for her inner strength, calm demeanour, and commitment to peace, I think Hestia embodies qualities that can be very helpful when cultivating community! 🔥 **HOW IT WORKS (... at present, we continue to evolve according to feedback) :** We will start by discussing a thought experiment related to community * this is a tried and tested method of getting into good conversations quickly, see my other community "[THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS](https://www.meetup.com/thought-experiments-in-pubs/)" for evidence! * we will split into small groups for about 25 minutes to discuss We will then open up discussion to the room. There will also be opportunities for storytelling, trouble shooting, and celebrating existing communities. The rest of the evening is unstructured space to continue conversations, discuss collaborations, get to know each other. **NOTES ON THE GENERAL ATMOSPHERE:** * Laid back, light, fun * Respectful of each other's time, views, ideas * Generous listening and low pressure sharing **WHO SHOULD COME:** Everyone with an interest in community. This group is not about being experts, it is about *working it out together*. That is, bringing our various experiences and lenses on the world together to support, inspire, and uplift one another. The more perspectives, the richer the conversation. **WHERE WE'LL MEET:** The Fitzroy Tavern in Fitzrovia. The nearest Tube stations are Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road. We'll be in the Private Dining Room UPSTAIRS. Please ask for Bonny at the bar if you can't find us. **YOUR HOST:** I'm Bonny. I've created a couple of successful communities (e.g. [THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS](https://www.meetup.com/thought-experiments-in-pubs) & [THE SUNRISE CLUB](https://www.meetup.com/the-sunrise-club/)) and have a lot of experience hosting groups. I'm always learning. My best ideas come out of conversations with others :-). You can read some of my thoughts on community building [here.](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HiRXL7B6QUpGAmZirk20kY?mode=wwc)** \- stay in the loop **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) -** sign up for the newsletter I'm looking forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas! If you would like to further support these meetups, you can do so here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor](https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor) Thank you!

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

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."

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!