Climate Science

**Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾Level 3/5** —— **📖SUMMARY:** 🥾23\.5km \(16mi\) \| Ascent 394m \| Descent 429m \| Max Elevation 115m **🚊Train:** **1- Outbound:** *Single Ticket* **London Liverpool Street ➡️ Chingford** **2- Inbound:** *Single Ticket* **Cheshunt ➡️ London** 😁This is a *Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip*. No advance tickets are needed. ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Liverpool Street train station \- Information desk \(Opposite Platform 10\) \| **10:10** (Train is at **10:31**) **2-** Chingford \- Outside train station \| **10:55** ⚠️This is a **Point to Point (not Circular)** Hike **📍Hike** **start:** **Chingford** train station \| **11:05** **🔚Hike** **finish:** **Cheshunt** train station \| approx\. **\~18:00** —— 🚊**TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get: 🎟️This is a **Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip**, both for the outward and return journeys. There’s no need to buy tickets in advance, as fares are paid directly by tapping in and out at the stations. * **➡️Outbound:** London Liverpool Street **10:31 → 10:57** Chingford * **⬅️Inbound:** Cheshunt **→** London —— **📕ABOUT:** \- A proper London\-edge adventure that strings together two of the capital’s most underrated wild spaces in a single walk — ancient Epping Forest and the lakes and waterways of the Lee Valley\. \- We start at Chingford\, where Queen Victoria opened the Forest to the people in 1882\, then head straight in past Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and pretty Connaught Water\. \- From there it’s miles of rolling\, knobbly oak and beech woodland — some trees as old as the Anglo\-Saxons — climbing gently to the High Beach ridge at 115m\, the day’s high point\. \- A long\, lovely descent through Sewardstone drops us out of the trees and into the Lee Valley: marshes\, lakes\, reedbeds\, and the calm of the Lee Navigation towpath all the way into Cheshunt\. —— **⭐️HIGHLIGHTS:** * **Chingford & Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge:** 1543 Tudor grandstand on the edge of the Forest. * **Connaught Water:** peaceful early-morning lake, popular with herons and swans. * **Epping Forest ancient woodland:** 5,900 acres of veteran oaks, beeches and hornbeams; some trees as old as the Anglo-Saxons. * **High Beach ridge:** the day’s high point, classic Forest views. * **Sewardstone:** the Forest’s quiet western edge, opening into farmland. * **River Lee Country Park:** lakes, wetlands and excellent birdwatching. * **Lee Navigation towpath:** tranquil canal walking right into Cheshunt. —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— 🎒**WHAT TO BRING:** * 2L Water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN:** * Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. * For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. * We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. —— **🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE:** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. —— **☯️STAYING TOGETHER:** A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. —— ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER:** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

**About** THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER has about 135 roped/auto-belays numbered routes with each route having up to 6 grades giving it approx 700 routes in total. THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER offers bouldering, top-roping, leading and auto-belays at their center. Some of us prefer bouldering while others will be in the top roping, leading or auto-belaying - this is up to you! We climb for a couple of hours and then the group regroups at 12.00 noon sometimes without me other times with me in The Brownswood pub, 271 Green Lanes, Finsbury Park, London N4 2EX for a spot of lunch and a libation. (https://goo.gl/maps/S4FZ9j1AYMPDs7uQ6) a stone's throw from the castle. **Meetups** We get together every Thursday & Sunday at THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER meeting at 9:00am in the warming up area or else look out for someone wearing a black RAMS t-shirt around the center. If you're joining for the first time let us know via message and we will keep an eye out for you at the start :) **New Climbers!** Unfortunately, if you haven't climbed before it isn't as easy as just turning up and climbing up the wall. To climb safely you need to understand the hazards and be able to use the equipment correctly. You must have basic climbing skills and know how to put on a harness, attach a rope to a harness using a rethreaded figure of eight(figure of eight on the bight) and know how to use a belay device to pay out the rope and secure a falling climber etc. So before your first climb, you may be required by the climbing center to fill out health and safety forms. This may involve a quick test on climbing rules at the counter on arrival. Please add an extra 10/15 minutes before your session if you need to register for the first time. THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER terms and conditions will apply. Please also note signing up for the Meetup session won’t necessarily grant you access to the center. **Other communication** Within these groups, you are possibly likely to develop long-lasting friendships. Don't forget we have a Discord page and WhatsApp https://chat.whatsapp.com/JNJ81oLSKB2JGaNm79em0C. The group will always be very varied when it comes to climbing levels, abilities and modality preferences. Do shout out if you have any questions. If you want to have a chat about this or other meetups, or just to keep in touch, ask to join us on Discord and/or WhatsApp. We have a dedicated THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER chat, but also talk about all things climbing (and some non-climbing!) including trips, gear talks and looking for climbing partner/s situations. **You’ll Rock it** A word of warning this sport is very, very addictive once bitten your its mistress for life. The simple challenge of you against the rock is sublime, there are competitions but then really the only real competition is 'you and the rock'. As climbing can be a very social activity we look forward to sharing our passion with yours. *Happy climbing!* p.s. Eventually, we will be starting and incorporating our climbing academy where we aim to bring skills, ropework and technique etc to enhance your climbing ability, using 25mm chalk bag colored belts to indicate your level. Naturally, THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER will also run courses to help improve your techniques too. Contact THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER for more info.

**WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **25km** (c. 15 miles) Ascent: c. **585m** Estimated Duration (approx): **7 hours walking (moderate pace 4km/hr)** Difficulty: **Energetic** **HIGHLIGHT** · Great views from Amberley Mount and Rackman Hill · Undulating paths over the downs heading south towards Worthing · Slow ascents and descents on remote paths away from South Downs Way · Visit the ancient and most historic hill fort in Sussex – The Cissbury Ring. · Optional sea swim at the end! **DESCRIPTION** *This walk is on paths less travelled over South Downs rolling hills with fantastic views along the way. There is an optional sea swim at the end for those who want to cool off after a good day’s walk.* This is a beautiful part of the south downs with fantastic views and rolling hills - and with some neolithic and bronze age history along our way. We start our walk in Amberley as we head up our first hill onto the South Downs to Rackman Hill for fantastic views looking north towards the North Downs – hopefully we will have good views on the day. We then head south over rolling hills and forlorn paths, meeting locals who know the less travelled parts of the south downs. I have chosen a route which meanders past other settlement hills and hopefully with views over to the sea. We pass Finden for a refreshment stop after 14km (no pub stops before then). We then head over to Cissbury Ring – the oldest hill fort on the South Downs Way. It boasts much history - a neolithic flint mines, bronze age burial ground, iron age hill fort, a roman mint, a tudor vantage point before it was investigated archeologically by the Victorians. Then onto Worthing for a drink and a swim! Option at this stage is to head back to London or go down to Worthing Pier and have a swim. *ps. My walks make time to enjoy the views, take in local history, and look at interesting buildings along the way.* **PROGRAMME** You can choose to **meet at London Victoria or the Hike Starting Point**. The applicable time and meeting points are detailed below. **MEETING POINT:** We will assemble beside Nero's and by Neil Yards Remedies opposite the Information Desk **LONDON STATION MEETING DETAILS** **Assembly Time:** by 08.00 - for those looking to come in on the Group Save by 08.15 - for people who have their own tickets as we move to the train 08.32 - train departs 09.59 - train arrives **HIKE START POINT** Leave at: **10.10** Meetup Point: **Amberley Train Station** \- outside the front **RETURN** It is impossible to promise a specified finish train and time, but we aim to return to London on the **18.35 (20.05 arrival)** if you are not swimming. There are trains at 35mins and 55mins per hour (the latter trains at 55mins take much longer). There is a train at 17.35 (19.05 arrival) but we're unlikely to catch this train. **HIKE COST** The cost for the **hike is £10 per person** **TRAIN INFORMATION** For those buying their own tickets, please get a **return to FORD (covers both the Amberley and Worthing train routes) .** **GROUP SAVE** Group save train fare is **£26.70** \- if you want to join in\, please message me\. Alternatively, you can buy a Network Railcards for £35/ year for similar off peak savings. www.network-railcard.co.uk. **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)complete list[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

**Please note~ RSVP will open one week before each event. This is to avoid no shows. If you are unable to attend please mark yourself as ‘not going’ so someone else can attend in your place. Thank you. ** It's a board games club with a twist! We have a variety of games to play as well as the usual titles and favourites like Secret Hitler, Exploding Kittens and Uno so come on down if this sounds like fun to you! The games will be easy to understand as well, so don't worry about your level of board game experience! And remember to BYOBG (bring your own board games) if you have any that you would like to share :) We will meet inside TCR Bar for around 1pm. We will be seated in the boths at the back of the bar. Food and drinks are available from the bar. It would really help the venue if you could make a small purchase from the bar. Thank you.

*“It's all make-believe, isn't it?”* (Marilyn Monroe) Join us at **Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery** to explore the life, career and legacy of Marilyn Monroe through portraits created by some of the greatest photographers and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Bringing together works by Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, Marlene Dumas, James Gill, Rosalyn Drexler and Audrey Flack, alongside over 20 era-defining photographers, including Cecil Beaton, Philippe Halsman, Bernard of Hollywood, Sam Shaw, Richard Avedon and George Barris, the exhibition will foreground Monroe’s collaborative approach to image making and her creative agency. The exhibition will also include personal belongings such as books, scripts and clothes to enrich understanding of the woman behind the image. From the earliest ‘cheesecake’ pin-ups made when she was a young model named Norma-Jeane, to the most poignant final photographs taken on the beach in Santa Monica in 1962, Marilyn Monroe was one of the most photographed people in the world. A defining presence in popular culture, she captivated audiences with performances in much loved films such as *Some Like it Hot*. **Read more here:** **[https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/marilyn-monroe-a-portrait](https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/marilyn-monroe-a-portrait)** **MEET DETAILS:** **FROM 1.45pm: MEET AT AUDREY GREEN CAFE** Address: Ground Floor, NPG, St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE **2.30pm: ENTER THE EXHIBITION** Address: Ground Floor, NPG, St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE **4.30pm-Late: PUB SOCIAL at the BREWMASTER (optional)** We'll head to a local pub for a social chit chat over drinks. Address: 37 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AD **TICKETS:** **You will need to purchase your own ticket for this event.** **Please book [here](https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/marilyn-monroe-a-portrait#dates)** and choose the **2.30pm slot** (or thereabouts). Ticket: £27 Ticket with Art Pass: £13.50 Members: free, no need to book **GETTING THERE:** **See 'Visit' page of website [here.](https://www.npg.org.uk/visit/?_gl=1*3jbiem*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..*_ga*MTQ1NjE5NDQwOS4xNzc0ODEwNTQ1*_ga_3D53N72CHJ*czE3NzQ4MTA1NDUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzQ4MTA1NDUkajYwJGwwJGgw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm6POBhCrARIsAIG58CLQ-vKfzVdSiI57rKFMPG4RbqxNc4GHPHsyuuN-_JtcWj_9JEqV_X0aArUQEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAA9abo5aycXhzScHgcm4chfCVMAqJ3)** **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. The link can be found in the Event Comments for those on the 'Attendees' 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.** 📸 Follow LoMAZ on **[Instagram.](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/)** Image credit: *Marilyn Monroe, Ballerina Sitting*, 1954, by Milton H. Greene, Milton H. Greene © MHG Collective, LLC.

We start June by reading Amanda Montell's 2019 effort, *Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language*. Our first non-fiction of 2026 is a 'brash, enlightening, and wildly entertaining work of pop linguistics and a feminist look at gendered language and the way it shapes us.' (Book jacket) '[Montell], reporter and feminist linguist, deconstructs language—from insults, cursing, gossip, and catcalling to grammar and pronunciation patterns—to reveal the ways it has been used for centuries to keep women and other marginalized genders from power.' -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53066379-wordslut In the eternal hope of good weather in London in the spring/summer, we will have the meeting in Haz St Paul's lovely outdoor area. So come along for some great atmosphere, delicious Turkish food, and insightful discussion. N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

Alert : 2 brand new coastal summer walks coming soon ! 😀 Join us for an invigorating coastal walk starting in beautiful Herne Bay, with time to explore the crafts and atmosphere around the pier, before continuing along the coast to the picturesque old-world seaside town of Whitstable. Expect whitewashed houses, sea views, characterful streets and of course the chance to sample some fabulous local seafood 🦞 ⭐️ Bring your camera! 📷 PHOTO CONTEST – Best photo of the day wins a local seaside-themed print If the weather is kind to us, we may stop for tea at the beautiful Whitstable Castle & Gardens ☕🌷 …and for the brave, perhaps even a little dip in the sea 🙂🌊 ⭐️ Optional food and drinks in a local pub afterwards 🍻 ⭐️ Walk details: • Approx. 5.5 miles • Linear walk • Gentle social pace 🚆 Meet: St. Pancras station by top of escalators at 9.45 🚆 Train departs: 10.20 train to Herne Bay ( gets in at 11.42am) (Approx. 1/3 off with GroupSave – I recommend a Network Railcard for regular trips) 💳 Organiser’s fee: £8 (cash/contactless) 📞 Contact Mairead – 07816 866300 Looking forward to a lovely day by the sea 🌊✨

⛰️ Petersfield Curcular via the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve, a beautiful area which has been called Little Switzerland due to its wooded hills. The name Hanger comes from the Old English Hangra, meaning "wooded hillside". This lovely farmland and woodland trail that takes you along scenic paths where you can take in the views and keep an eye out for wildlife between the trees and in the fields! 🔴 **HIKE:** 📏 26km (16 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: **800m** 💓 Av. Pace: 5.2km/h *✊ **Pace & Purpose:** Active Muslims is about focusing on the actual activity. These are **paced walks and hikes (not strolls)**, so please join us with that* ***[active mindset and purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DBhPWpdIMKq/)*** *in mind.* 📍 **Meet at:** **Waterloo: Opposite Platform 3** 🔄 **Start/End:** **Petersfield Station /** [Waterloo] ⌚ **Meet from:** 9:31, the train departs at **10:03** *[arrives 11:40 at Petersfield \ Return train aimed at 6:24pm.]* **🚆 Travel & Tickets** All our regular walks & hikes are free to join. You are welcome to arrange your own travel or meet us at the destination station. **Option 1: Buy Your Own Ticket** We recommend buying on the day. Use a **Network Railcard** or a **GroupSave** discount where possible. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ **Option 2: Group Ticket (3+ People)** I can help purchase group tickets to save costs, **BUT you must arrive at the station before the platform is announced to collect your physical ticket.** To join this: 💳 **[PayPal Here (£19.70)](https://paypal.me/mubasher001/19.70)** or 💳[ ](https://revolut.me/mubashermalik?currency=GBP&amount=1970)**[Revolut Here (£19.70)](https://revolut.me/mubashermalik?currency=GBP&amount=1970)** *Please send via Friends & Family and make sure no **fee is charged*** **⏳Deadline**: Saturday 7:01pm 📱 **Confirmation**: Message on **[WhatsApp](https://tinyurl.com/5n68255b)** with your **Meetup Name** once paid *ℹ️ No refunds once tickets are purchased.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Waterloo, on-board train **🎒 Essentials:** * **Gear:** Hiking boots (recommended), hiking socks (or double socks), and layered clothing. * **Food/Water:** Packed lunch, snacks, and 1.5–2L of water. * **Tech:** Fully charged phone + portable power bank. * **Safety:** Emergency whistle + Headtorch (winter). * **Prayer:** If you are praying, please ensure you have **wudu** beforehand. Be ready to join the group promptly to keep us on schedule **📋 Attendance Policy:** When an event has a **waiting list**, priority is given to new joiners and those with a reliable attendance record - *previous "No-Shows" may be moved to the waitlist to ensure spots go to reliable attendees [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)]* ⛑️ **Disclaimer**: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times. 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging **Follow us for updates:** 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)**

Keep an eye on the weather and this event in case we need to change venue. I've also created this event on Facebook and we usually get others jump in last minute at the Assembly so there will be more people than are showing just on the guest list here.

Running through the heart of London; the River Thames has played a central role in the history of the city, and when the tide is low, the capital’s longest archaeological site is revealed. Come along on Sunday 7th June to explore London’s dynamic history... **About the foreshore** I will be your guide as we will be going down to the Thames foreshore at low tide, where we will have about 1h 30mins to have a look around for objects before the tide comes in. I will tell you more about foreshore, the industry in the area and will be on hand to identify and date objects you find. Most objects you can spot sitting on the foreshore after being washed in on the tide (we are not allowed to dig or scrape the foreshore surface). You will find everything from bits of pottery, clay pipes, bottles, animal bones to ship items. Most of the things we find are from the Medieval to the Victorian period or you might be lucky and find something Roman or older. The foreshore at Rotherhithe was where lots of ships were dismantled, so you will see lots of ships nails, ships timbers and items related to the people carrying out the dismantling. The foreshore is very stony, so please wear sensible shoes (preferably walking boots/shoes or wellington boots). Plastic gloves and bags will be provided. **Cost** This is for Full Members of the group only and will be free. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year), either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), then click on 'Pay & Get Paid‘, then click on 'Send Money’, put in the email address: [general@cultureseekers.org](mailto:general@cultureseekers.org) in the 'Send Money' box, then 'Next' and then enter the amount to pay. Click 'Next', then 'Goods & Services', then 'For Friends & Family', then 'Continue' Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) We will be finished by about 12:45pm. **The Thames Foreshore is private land, so before we go down, I have to give everyone a short talk on health & safety on the foreshore. As per the conditions of my group permit, you will need to be present for this, if you are late, I won't be able to accommodate you.** **Afterwards** After, we will head to 'Mr Cappuccino coffee shop', 190 Jamaica Road for a chat over a drink. Please note, we only wait at the meeting point for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be on time or early. If you can't see us outside the station, please text. Look out for the red & 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 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/22974682/531979527/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/)*

Join Rob and Hannah as London Wildish heads along the Epping Forest Centenary Walk, exploring one of London's most treasured green spaces and enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Connaught Water. Starting from Wood Street Station, we'll follow a green corridor that gradually leads us from the city into the ancient landscapes of Epping Forest. Along the way we'll spend time near the River Ching, considering how water has shaped the landscape and how people, in turn, have shaped the river over time. This is a relaxed social walk with plenty of opportunities to chat, connect with fellow Wildish members, and meet new people. Whether you're a regular on our walks or joining for the first time, you'll find a friendly group and a shared appreciation for spending time outdoors. We'll loop around Connaught Water before finishing at Chingford Station, right on the edge of Epping Forest. ## Meeting Point 📍 Wood Street Station, Wood Street, Walthamstow, E17 3LX 📌 what3words: ///lake.hugs.snacks Wood Street and Chingford are both served by the London Overground with direct services to and from Liverpool Street. Wood Street can also be reached via Walthamstow Central on the Victoria Line. ## What to Bring * Comfortable walking shoes or boots suitable for mixed terrain * Water and snacks * Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions * Any personal essentials you may need during the walk 🐾 Well-behaved dogs are very welcome. ## Route Details 🥾 Distance: Approximately 6 miles / 10 km ⏱️ Expect a relaxed pace with time to enjoy the scenery and conversation. As always with Wildish, this walk is about more than reaching the destination—it's about enjoying nature, discovering new places, and sharing the journey with good company.

Garden to the Max Join the Inniswood Garden Society for their annual meeting and garden reception. Featured speaker, Teresa Woodard, will discuss maximalist gardening Having a maximalist garden is a bold aesthetic choice—yet it also brings vitality back to the earth, in an abundant expression of more. Garden to the Max celebrates gardens across the US that embrace maximalism through joy and wonder, nonstop blooms, and abundant layers 06/07/2026 Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Days: Sun Inniswood Metro Gardens 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH, 43081 (614)508-8111 Location Map: Innis House.

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? In this gathering, we'll continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount from a mystical perspective. Together we’ll explore Matthew 5:13–16, looking not only to the passage as moral instruction, but also to the deeper transformation of consciousness that Jesus invites. Together we'll reflect on how spiritual awakening changes the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/

We are bringing Microsoft Build sessions to Columbus Ohio! The Central Ohio Azure Meetup and Central Ohio .NET Developer's Group (CONDG) are coming together to bring some of the labs and breakouts from Microsoft Build to your backyard. In this free, 1 day event, you are going to Build stuff with us! And yes, there will be free food. So please RSVP for a head count!

Bienvenue! We host a twice-a-month French conversation club at La Chatelaine on Lane. All levels welcome! Whether you're new to French or running for Président de la République you are welcome here! We often read plays together, play vocabulary games, and generally enjoy the delicious food available at La Chatelaine! We will be at the long table in the back of the restaurant. A bientôt!

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.