Celtic Culture

**Discussion overview:** Whether in social life, dating or work, everyone reacts differently when someone gets too close (or too far), physically or emotionally. But how much is too much? When does it become creepy? The answer is often personal, but also influenced by our culture: why do some cultures touch and hug everyone - is it romantic or friendly? Why do some overshare or ask about every little detail in life? And if someone asks for space, is it the end, or just going too fast? In a multicultural city like London where so many different cultures and social expectations meet, understanding different signals such as the need for space and boundaries can help us avoid misunderstandings and interact at the right rhythm. *Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore real life, grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to learn 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 key questions\, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak\.** \- We rotate groups intentionally during the discussion so everyone gets to meet a wider mix of people and perspectives\. \- After the structured part\, you’re free to mix and mingle with anyone\. **Here's a typical discussion flow, but we may adjust this depending on the turnout:** \- Introductions and initial 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)* **Rules & etiquette:** 1\. Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks please\. 2\. No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding\. 3\. 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 join after work and may 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 week we'll be looking at the life and work of **Leonardo da Vinci**! Come and learn with us as we discover more of this legendary figure. All welcome! *If you come after 6.30pm ring the doorbell*

[YOU CAN ALSO BOOK DIRECTLY ON OUR WEBSITE: https://www.writeandpint.com/events/a-river-runs-through-me-a-mid-week-writing-session] ... Hi there! For this session, we'll be casting into the deeper waters of memory, experience, and imagination — using water itself as our guide, from the patter of raindrops to the pull of the open sea. 🌊 The session will be hosted by Stu, a teacher, writer, and lover of everything from the classics through to contemporary literary fiction and comedy. ✍️ If you're already writing something, great! And if you're approaching the page for the very first time — that's great, too! 🌱 **Whoever you are, we'd love you to come and join us.** **When you arrive, please feel free to buy yourself a drink at the bar, then come and join us in the upstairs function room and say hello to some new, friendly faces before we begin.** 🍺 \*\*\*No experience of creative writing is necessary. \*\*\*No pressure to read your work in front of the group. All you need is a pen and pad, or your laptop, as we'll be using guided prompts, freewriting, and open discussion — inspired by art and writing with a watery theme — to explore our senses, our psychology, and how we connect to the natural world. 💧 You're welcome to use this session to work on something you're already writing, but if you're just starting out, this will also be the perfect opportunity to see what surfaces when you dive in. 🐟 We've been hosting writing workshops, social events, retreats, and courses for 10+ years now and we strive to make our events inclusive, friendly, informative, and highly creative. 🎉 If you have **any questions whatsoever, you're very welcome to text 07891948039** and we'll answer as soon as possible! 📱 Otherwise, please RSVP, book the date in your diary — **Tuesday 12th May, 7–9:30pm at the Sutton Arms near the Barbican** — and join us for what promises to be a wonderfully reflective and playful evening. 🌊 Cheers! Write & Pint

[🎟️ Purchase Ticket Here 🎟️](https://dandelion.events/e/q0dve) # **Darren Le Baron** is returning to London for **in-person Shroomshop: Mushroom Cultivation Workshop** this May! Come and learn the basics of mushroom cultivation and explore various techniques for **growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms**. This will be a **hands-on experience** and will cover everything you need to know to get you started. Mushrooms' **therapeutic value** has been prized in indigenous cultures for thousands of years. In the past few decades, they have become even more popular for their **medicinal qualities** in the West, as a result of an expanding body of scientific research supporting their numerous health benefits. You will gain valuable **insights into the world of mushrooms** and unlock the **potential for producing your own food and medicine**. You will learn practical knowledge that empowers you to cultivate these remarkable organisms for your well-being. **YOU WILL LEARN:** * What are Mushrooms? * How do Mushrooms grow? * How do you grow Mushrooms at home? * How to make your own grain spawn * How to make a fruiting tub? * Mushroom Aftercare * Where to get everything? * Each participant will leave with a grow kit **EVENT DETAILS** **DOOR OPENS:** 6.30pm **SESSION STARTS:** 7pm ### **THE VENUE** Join us at 6.30pm on Monday 13th April at Love Shack, a vegan restaurant and cocktail bar spread over three beautiful exposed brick arches in the heart of Hackney, East London. .png)

Looking to brush up on your BSL skills or connect with other learners? Sacred Grounds is hosting a weekly Sign Club every Tuesday from 5-7pm. This casual and informal meetup is perfect for anyone learning BSL, whether you're just starting out or looking to keep your skills sharp. Come along to practice signing, connect with others in the community, and even try ordering your coffee in BSL! There’s no fee to join - all we ask is that if you're able to, you support the coffee shop by purchasing a drink or snack while you're here (please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted). Sacred Grounds is all about creating a warm and inclusive space, so don’t be shy - come sign with us! We look forward to welcoming you.

🧠❓ Bats, Balls & Brain Cells ❓🧠 Think you’ve got the brains to match your banter? Then rally your team and join us at Bat & Ball for a quiz night that serves up big laughs, brain teasers, and just the right amount of friendly rivalry. From sport and music to movies, general knowledge and the wonderfully weird, Bats, Balls & Brain Cells is a fast-paced, high-energy quiz designed to test what’s in your head (and maybe what’s fallen out of it over the years). Whether you’re a trivia titan or just in it for the team name puns, there’s something for everyone. 🏆 What to expect: * £50 Voucher for the winning team * Bottle of prosecco for 2nd prize * Mixed rounds to challenge every kind of brain * Picture and music rounds to keep things lively * Bonus challenges and sneaky curveballs * Plenty of laughs along the way **£3 ENTRY PAID ON ARRIVAL - INCLUDES £1 DONATION FOR GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL.** Bring your mates, pick a legendary team name, grab a drink, and prepare to flex those brain cells. Because at Bats, Balls & Brain Cells, it’s not just about what you know… Think you’ve got game? Let’s play. 🍻

uSwitch is located on the first floor of the ZPG building at 5 Copper Row, London, SE1 2LH, London (Click on the map for directions) What 3 words location: [https://what3words.com/puts.sudden.else](https://what3words.com/puts.sudden.else) The Clojure dojo is a collaborative way to learn Clojure/ClojureScript through practice. The aim is to learn a little more than before you started. This event is for those new to coding through to more experienced developers. We organise into small groups (2-4) people and write code to solve challenges great and small, chosen by those at the event. We aim to ensure someone in your group has some Clojure experience, so you shouldn't feel lost (well no more than all developers do when Stack Overflow is broken). Example challenges for the coding dojo are listed on this website: http://www.londonclojurians.org/code-dojo/ Various past exercises have been loaded to [https://github.com/ldnclj](https://github.com/ldnclj/lisp1.5/blob/master/src/lisp1/5.clj) # Approximate schedule: 18:40 Doors open and start collecting suggestions 18.45 Pizza should have arrived 19:00 Quick intros and vote on suggestions 19:15 Break out into groups and start practising 20:45 Gather together for a quick show and tell # What should I bring? We organise into small groups, so if you have a laptop with a working Clojure environment please bring it along (there are lots of online Clojure environments, so you can just use your browser too). # How do I get in to the building? At the glass doors press the buzzer to inform the security guard you are here. Say you are here for the event on the first floor. Is there way to talk with the Clojure community? Why yes. The Clojurians Slack channel is full of friendly people who love to try and help. People based in London are often in the #clojure-uk channel. Sign up for a free account to the Clojurians Slack community via http://clojurians.net/ What is Clojure? Clojure is a JVM language that has syntactically similarities to Lisp, full integration with Java and its libraries and focuses on providing a solution to the issue of single machine concurrency. Its small core makes it surprisingly easy for Java developers to pick up and it provides a powerful set of concurrency strategies and data structures designed to make immutable data easy to work with. If you went to Rich Hickey’s LJC talk about creating Clojure you’ll already know this, if not it’s well worth watching the Rich Hickey “Clojure for Java Programmers” video or Stuart Halloway “Radical Simplicity” video .

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/)***

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/)***

This month we're doing something a bit different. Edward Boggis-Rolfe has very kindly offered to host us at the moorings where he has a boat, just up past Tower Bridge. We'll have access to a small event space, right on the river, which is covered, but outdoors. We'll have a BBQ going, serving sausages, and free drinks. The cost of the food and drink is being covered by Undo - so thanks to Undo, too! But rather than just be a social event, we do want to include some C++ content, too. We'll have access to a screen and projector - but whether we'll be able to use them depends on the weather! So we're inviting anyone that wants to give a **lightning talk** to let us know. The one caveat is that you'll need to be prepared to give it *without slides* if we can't use the projector (we should have audio, at least). As an extra incentive we'll be holding back a few places for people who can give talks. Spaces will be limited overall, but if you do a talk your place is assured! So submit your ideas here: [cppldn.uk/speak](https://philnash.typeform.com/to/pJVp7s) 5 minutes, something related to C++, slides optional. Go!

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 an **Interactive Culture Quiz** about Asian culture, history, food, and fun trivia. There will be prizes for the top 5 players, 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 🥟🍪 🎮 Interactive Culture Quiz about culture, food & fun trivia 🏆 Prizes for the top 5 quiz winners 💬 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 😊 🕒 **Cultural Activity & Networking:** 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.

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/)***

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!