Chocolate

*Shuggie Bain is the Booker prize winning debut novel by Scottish-American writer Douglas Stuart. It tells the story of the youngest of three children, Shuggie, growing up with his alcoholic mother Agnes in 1980s post-industrial working-class Glasgow, Scotland.* If you've been before and would like to help pay for the Meetup group, you can contribute "£1-2" per meeting (now collected around Dec & Jun). This optional payment does not apply to your first meeting and no-one is turned away for lack of funds. General plan: by 7pm some of us should be in the upstairs room at the pub but we usually start by discussing books to read in future in case anyone arrives late. Typically we'll talk about the book until after 8pm, when there's a short break to go to the bar, then any further discussion till after 9, though of course you can leave at any point. The Shirker's Rest takes cards, not cash, and serves a range of soft drinks, wine and spirits in addition to their beer and cider selection [https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/ ](https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/)\- they don't have a kitchen but encourage you to order from [https://yardsalepizza.com/menu/](https://yardsalepizza.com/menu/) ..! **COVID-19 safety measures** This is indoors though we should be able to open at least one window. Please do not attend if you feel unwell, or have a positive Covid test/symptoms - you are encouraged to a) be as vaccinated as you can, b) wear a mask if you prefer, c) follow current Covid precautions, especially if you're at risk of passing on or catching the virus

Join one of London’s most sociable choirs! Primrose Hill Choir, Mondays from 13.4, 7.30-9.30pm, NW1 8TN. Theme From Darkness to Light. Songs include The Sound of Silence, Some Enchanted Evening & Hard Day’s Night. All ages & abilities from across London. Solo opportunities. BOOK A PLACE: maestromattheww@yahoo.co.uk, subject heading PHC. SEE primrosehillchoirs.com

Join Plume, SW London's queer writing collective, for a night of playful writing exercises, storytelling, poetry and good vibes! Come hang out with Plume, a new regular queer writing collective based in SW London! This in-person event (1st and 3rd Monday of each month) is all about sharing, creating, and celebrating queer voices through the art of writing. Whether you’re into poetry, prose, or just love a good story, there’s a spot for you here. Bring your vibes, your words, and get ready to connect with a community of writers in a safe and welcoming space . See you there!

## **🎨 Watercolour Art Class – Your New Favourite Creative Habit** Want to enjoy more creativity and finally learn how to paint with watercolours? Welcome to the **last art club you’ll ever join.** A warm, supportive, welcoming space where you’ll build real skills, meet lovely people and make artwork you’re genuinely proud of. Every month we meet at **The Mulberry Bush,** where you’ll be greeted by your host and artist, **China Jordan**. You’ll get a **free drink,** a table full of art supplies, references, and step-by-step guidance as we explore a new watercolour topic each month. Whether you’re brand new to art, picking it up again after years or just desperate for a midweek creative reset away from your laptop …this class is for you. ## **🖌 “But what if I’m rubbish at art?”** Perfect. You belong here. No experience needed at all. These classes are designed for beginners and the art-curious. China will guide you gently through each step, showing you how to: * control the brush * mix colours * layer your paint * and build real confidence with watercolours **Everyone can learn to paint — and it’s China’s job to prove that you can.** ## **🍷 What’s Included** * **✔️** A **free drink** on arrival * **✔️** All **art materials** & aprons. * **✔️ Protective envelopes** to take your artwork home safely * **✔️** A calm, welcoming, no-pressure environment * **✔️** Step-by-step instruction & personalised feedback. ## **🌿 What You’ll Learn** Each month we explore a new theme or technique, so your skills and confidence grow steadily over time. You’ll build your own mini portfolio of watercolour knowledge — without ever feeling overwhelmed. ## **👋 Meet Your Host** ArtistAnd is a wellbeing & art company run by professional artist China Jordan, founded in 2019. ArtistAnd exists to help people feel calmer, more confident and more creative — through accessible, friendly art classes. Classes now run: * in-person * online * and in corporate wellbeing settings **Always inclusive. Always encouraging. Always supportive.** ## **🏢 Private Bookings Available** These sessions can also be booked privately for: * **Corporate wellbeing events** * **Team-building sessions** * **Hen parties** * **Birthdays & special occasions** Just drop us a message and we’ll tailor something beautiful for your group ✨ ## **🔁 Cancellations & Changes** We totally understand that plans sometimes change — life happens 💛 However, as these classes are small, carefully prepared, and often fully booked: * **Refunds are not available** * Any last-minute changes or **rescheduling requests** will **incur a £7 admin fee** per ticket, which helps cover preparation and booking costs already committed to your place * **Email: china@artistand.co.uk** Browse all upcoming classes: [www.artistand.co.uk](http://www.artistand.co.uk/) **We really appreciate your understanding and support of small business — it genuinely makes these classes possible ✨**

**Viendrez-vous assister à notre réunion Toastmasters?** Nous nous rencontrons "en mode Hybride" au coeur de Londres et tout le temps "en distanciel". Eh oui, que vous soyez basé.e au Royaume-Uni, au Maroc, aux Etats-Unis ou encore en France pour ne citer que quelques lieux, vous pouvez rejoindre notre cohorte internationale de francophiles et francophones "en ligne" via ZOOM :) 👀 REJOIGNEZ-NOUS !! Au programme de la soirée, vous aurez : * **des discours préparés** de 5 à 7 min délivrés par les membres de notre club Experience French Toastmasters, * **des évaluations,** * **des discours improvisés** de 1 à 2 min sur un sujet dévoilé le soir même, * **du feedback pour tout le monde :)** émanant des participants et également du grammairien, du gardien du temps et de l'évaluateur général. *(Note: It is all about **speaking and practising**, communication and leadership. We learn by speaking in front of an audience, taking on roles, getting feedback, and improving. We do recommend our club to people who are already fluent in French and in English.* *We LEARN by SPEAKING in FRONT of PEOPLE, TAKING ON ROLES, GETTING FEEDBACK, and IMPROVING.* Vous pouvez assister à quelques unes de nos réunions en tant qu'invité, avant de vous engager... C'est gratuit ! Ensuite, quand vous nous rejoignez **en tant que Membre**, vous suivez le programme éducatif Pathways de Toastmasters International. Venez prendre une part active dans le déroulement de nos réunions et le club. Venez vous amuser avec nous ! **Rejoignez le Club :)** **Nos frais d'adhésion sont extrêmement abordables.** C'est clairement une occasion à ne pas manquer ! Au plaisir de vous accueillir au club, A très bientôt :)

Join us for a slightly more intimate and indulgent Women of Expansion experience — a relaxed afternoon of chocolate truffle making, connection, and a lot of fun. This is not just a meetup — it’s a **shared, hands-on experience** where we’ll be creating something together, laughing along the way, and naturally getting to know one another in a warm, easy environment. We’ll be joining a guided chocolate truffle-making workshop (Please note, depending on the number of attendance from Women of Expansion, we may have to join a public mixed group), where you’ll learn how to make your own delicious truffles from scratch — mixing, shaping, coating, and decorating (with plenty of taste-testing along the way). Experiences like this are where connections form effortlessly — no pressure, just a genuinely enjoyable afternoon with like-minded women. *** ## **✨ The Experience** * A guided chocolate truffle-making workshop * Make and take home your own handmade chocolates * A relaxed, small-group atmosphere * A fun, interactive experience designed for connection After the workshop, for those who’d like to continue the afternoon, we can find a near by venue to enjoy an **optional glass of wine or coffee nearby** 🍷☕ *** ## **📍 Event Details** * **Date and Time:** Saturday 6th June 2026 at 2pm * **Location:** [4-10 North Road, London N7 9EY, UK](https://www.google.com/maps/place/51.54933760000001,-0.1210506/@51.54933760000001,-0.1210506,16z) * We’ll meet shortly before the class begins, at 1.30pm. There is a café onsite so we can enjoy a quick coffee and introduction. * Final group details will be sent the day before *** ## **⚠️ Booking – Please Read Carefully** To attend this event, there are **two required steps**: ### **Step 1: Book your workshop place £45 (limited spaces)** Please use the link below to reserve your place on the chocolate truffle-making class: [Book your place in the class here.](https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/london-chocolate-truffle-making-workshop-t608916/?partner_id=JABVRAM&utm_medium=travel_agent&cmp=Meetup) 👉 **Places are limited and can fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to book your spot as soon as possible.** *** ### **Step 2: Return here and secure your hosting place** Once you’ve booked your workshop ticket, please come back and: * Secure your place with Women of Expansion * **£3 hosting fee** 👉 Your place at the event is only confirmed once both steps are completed. *** ## 💫 **What to expect** * A relaxed and easy-going setting * A fun, hands-on experience to enjoy together * Space for conversation, connection, and shared moments * Optional drinks or coffee afterwards *** ## **💌 About Women of Expansion** Women of Expansion is about more than just attending events — it’s about creating space for connection, shared experiences, and enjoying life alongside like-minded women. *** ## **🎟 Secure your place** Spaces are kept intentionally small to keep the experience personal. **£3 (hosting only)** *** ## **💌 Stay connected** To hear about upcoming events first and be part of our growing community, make sure you’re subscribed to our website. [womenofexpansion.com](www.womenofexpansion.com)

Have you ever wanted to explore and savour as many food places within an event? If so, this may be the right one for you. Welcome to the FOOD Crawl where you have the opportunity to explore and savour the food from some of the places we may visit.

With this particular event, we will be exploring an array of ice cream parlours that revolves around Italy. We will also be savouring what they may deliver. Based on research and experience, the places we are to visit have some of the finest ice cream parlours which has brought joy to the world. Here are the places we’ll be visiting: * Oddono’s * Snowflake * Venchi This is the opportunity to explore the Food places, eat, drink, make new friends but most importantly, have an enjoyable yet memorable experience. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 



WHAT - Ice cream & Crawl
WHERE - South Kensington
WHEN - 6:30pm - 9pm
MEETING POINT - Outside South Kensington Station
NEAREST STATION - South Kensington Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk.



 Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

New members welcome. We are a 4 part choir with a life-affirming, humanist focus. We're a friendly bunch, and the singers in your section will help you get started and feel welcome. New members will be able to borrow printed music. We do perform both formally and informally, and our varied repertoire supports this. For regular attendees, please print out your music, which is available in the [members section of our site](https://london.humanistchoir.org/groups/library/buddydrive/). If you need access, contact Laurence. ([members@london.humanistchoir.org](mailto:members@london.humanistchoir.org)). For more information see the [Join Us](https://london.humanistchoir.org/join/) page , or listen to the choir on our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@LondonHumanistChoir). We always allow potential members to try us out for a couple of weeks. We do not hold auditions. By all means message with any queries. **Term Dates (6 a year) SPRING/SUMMER 2026** * * THIS TERM - Tuesday 14 April until 19 May * TERM AFTER THAT - 2 June to EARLY JULY Current repertoire: Yesterday (Beatles) Gold (from Once) Think About Things Obladi Oblada (Beatles) Too Sweet When the Earth Stands Still more to come

This delayed event will be in Hyde Park A good day to meet new people and have some fun. Relocation due to our chosen bar is under reconstruction The gig is an excuse to have a good time. Any new members who wish to contribute to leading the play are welcome. We all been to weddings and got the Candy wrong. one or two wise guys will go through the routine and the rest will follow. You will be better at weddings after this. Please join as participant and learn it so that you can teach us. Lets have a big laugh and make friends. The date may change depending on availability of ket Candy men.

One of the leading lights in Champagne, Taittinger have long been revered for its supremely elegant cuvees. The house is one of the last Grandes Marques to still be managed by the founding family, and those deep ties to the region continue to shape Taittinger today. This tasting will look at the evolving house style with a welcome glass of Brut Reserve to compare against Taittinger’s latest developments: Domaine Evremond in England and Domaine Carneros in California. We’ll follow these with a comparison of the Prelude in standard bottle and en magnum. **The tasting will finish with two expressions of the prestigious Comtes de Champagne Blancs de Blanc (which retails for around £150 per bottle)** VENUE/SPEAKER: The tasting will be held at the Great Portland Street store of The Whisky Exchange when we will be joined by Kevin McKee. An industry veteran, Kevin has been a champion of champagne in the UK for the best part of two decades and has been the Taittinger Family UK Director since 2014 where he has worked closely with the family to grow Taittinger in the UK. **The ticket price for this event is £48.60 (+ £2.40 paypal/meetup fees) and I have reserved 6 tickets**. **Please note that Meetup charge an additional fee to attendees on top of the price which the Organiser sets. This fee is paid direct to Meetup and is beyond our control.** **MEETUP HOST:** Please note that I will not be able to attend this event (as I will be on my way back from my wine tour in Rioja!) so your Host will be Carl-Goran. **REFUNDS:** As I have to pay for the tickets in advance, NO REFUNDS are offered for this event. So if you need to cancel you will have to sell your ticket to another member. Cheers, Christos

A cookie covered in creamy frosting can brighten anyone’s day! National Frosted Cookie Day is all about that simple joy. **DETAILS:** We'll celebrate the occasion by visiting Cheryl's Cookies headqtrs. cookie shop, trying to decide which seasonal treats to choose! **NEXT:** we'll head west on Polaris Pkwy to Bonefish Grill for Happy Hour eats n drinks. We can share our sweet finds for dessert... *In a busy world, National Frosted Cookie Day offers a little sweetness that reminds us to slow down and enjoy the moment.*

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd

Happy Birthday to all June birthday people! I put this on the schedule because it's my birthday month, and this is my favorite place; it's also Dave Koczur's (MAFIA meetup leader) birthday on June 8; if you who are reading this have a June birthday as well, tell us in the Comments! For anyone off work or with a flexible schedule, come to Pistachio Vera in German Village for a tea and pastry. We will try to get a table outside. If convenient, you could put a fold up chair in your car in case we can all sit outside but we run out of chairs. https://www.pistaciavera.com/

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

Who’s up for a pizza night at the highly requested Pizza House? 🍕🍻 Join us at for great pizza, good laughs, and even better company! Come hungry and ready for a cheesy good time.