Democratic Women

Join us next Tuesday where we’ll be cross- stitching some bookmarks!

Five candidates have accepted the invitation to take part on the panel of the hustings organised by East London Humanists in the run up to the 7 May council elections: * Jo Blackman (Labour) * David Davies (Reform) * Mark Gitsham (Liberal Democrats) * Kabir Ali (Green) * Paul Canal (Conservative) While all participating candidates are from the Wanstead area, the event is a microcosm of the unprecedented five way contest unfolding across London. It should be hugely interesting whether or not you are local. East London Humanists is proud to have organised a similar hustings at each national and local election since 2019. They have been widely regarded as fair, interesting and beneficial to the community. The environment covers many issues of concern to local residents, from potholes, parking and planning to nature and the climate. Questions can be submitted in writing at the event, or in advance to chaireastlondonhumanists@gmail.com. Doors open 19.00. Hustings commence 19.30. Free and open to all. Disabled access. 2 minute walk from Wanstead Station (Central Line). Numerous adjacent buses. Free adjacent parking.

We are back from hibernation and would like to say a very warm welcome to *We Need to Talk*, the event series that discusses the most topical themes facing people in tech right now. Join us at the **Accurx Office** on May 5th for an evening of lively discussions, thought-provoking chat, and the opportunity to network with other curious and ambitious colleagues in tech. First, as ever, a huge thank you to all those who joined our last events, you keep us inspired to find the best topics and speakers. ***We Need to Talk*** is centred around creating a community to uplift each other, have open discussions and create an inclusive space for us all. We are so proud of this community - thank you for supporting us on this journey. Please invite your friends too and spread the word. For the upcoming event, our generous hosts **Accurx** will be kicking off the evening with a quick intro to who they are and what their mission is. This will be followed by our fabulous keynote speaker **Dr Lisa Plotkin** (Head of Policy and Influence at the Florence Nightingale Foundation) who needs to talk about ***When Hierarchy Fails: Lessons from 55 years of NHS scandals*** One year in, we also want to hear from you - what can you share on the good, the bad and the curious of using AI tools. We are hosting an **Open Discussion on AI Learnings** from Ethics to Hallucinations we would love to get your thoughts! Our favourite part of WNTT is how much intellectual debate takes place and we would like to learn even more from you. **Event schedule:** 6:00:🥤 Doors open 6.30: 🗣️ **Welcome and introduction from Accurx** 6.40: 🗣️ **DR Lisa Plotkin: *When Hierarchy Fails: Lessons from 55 years of NHS scandals*** 7.00: 💡 Q&A 7:10: 🍻 Drinks and networking 7:30: 🗣️ **Open discussion: AI learnings** 8.00: 🍻 (Optional): We offer a warm invitation to join us at the pub for a post event social and pizza - to carry on the talks. **Lisa's talk: *When Hierarchy Fails: Lessons from 55 years of NHS scandals*** **Power tends to protect itself**, and that is often most visible in the institutions we rely on most. Dr Lisa Plotkin works in nursing and midwifery policy and advocacy, within a workforce that is largely female, often undervalued, and frequently operating at the sharp end of both hierarchy and human impact. Drawing on a series of NHS inquiries, including Mid Staffordshire, Morecambe Bay and East Kent, she will explore how serious failures are not just isolated events, but emerge from deeper, systemic conditions. These include cultures that prioritise compliance over openness, sideline those who speak up, and leave those closest to problems without the authority to act. This talk will look at what these inquiries, taken together, reveal about how power really works in large organisations, and why the same lessons keep resurfacing. It will also consider what better looks like in practice, and what it takes to build cultures where hierarchy supports the work rather than shielding itself. Ultimately, the question is not simply who failed, but what needs to change so that failure is no longer the default. **P.S...** We would love to keep our events free and inclusive. We are orchestrating these events in our spare time and our hosts are generously gifting us the spaces to hold them. If you have signed up and can't make it any longer - we would really appreciate it if you let us know on Meet Up, it just helps us plan accordingly for the night. **P.P.S...** Please let us know if you have accessibility requirements, the venue has stairs internally and we want to make sure we can accommodate everyone. We have a new [LI page](www.linkedin.com/company/we-need-to-talk-london/), please give us a follow to help us grow this community We can't wait to see you! Samira, Emma and Erin

*Bookings available only via Footy Addicts (footyaddicts.com)* You can see full upcoming games list here: https://footyaddicts.com/football-games/women-london [!] We do not use Meetup to confirm the spots any more. --- - This is women only session - All level, abilities welcome - Book your spot online and come to play football THE GAME - Meet 10 minutes before kick-off, at the reception - Report at the reception you are coming for the Footy Addicts game and they will direct you to the right pitch - 3G artificial grass surface - You can wear boots, No metal studs - Changing rooms & Showers available - No parking available - Closest tube station is Wood Ln (Hammersmith & City Ln.) and White City (Central Ln.) stations GAME PLAY RULES - Goalkeepers: everybody is playing goalie. We rotate on goal every 6-7 minutes - 1 hour booking - You cannot score in the area - Any kind of aggressive behavior will NOT be tolerated - Make sure you are in a mood to have fun & on time IMPORTANT TO KNOW Everyone must play fair, respect their team-mates and opponents. MARK NO-SHOWS If for any reason you cannot make it to the game you need to modify your RSVP as soon as possible, in order to free your spot. In case you are in the attendance list and you do no turn up for the game, you will be marked as a No-Show.

Looking to improve your **flexibility**, relieve **stress** and enhance your overall **well-being**? Join us for a welcoming and supportive stretching class designed specifically for women! What to expect: Gentle stretches suitable for all levels. Focus on relaxation and mindfulness A positive environment to connect with other women Where: The Living Room, Soho 3 Green’s Ct, London W1F 0HD Cost: Free Contact: Vanesa Romero +44 7394804891

**👋 Hi everyone!** **We’re fully migrating to [Outsavvy](https://www.outsavvy.com/event/34181/queer-women-ttprg-games). Please [sign up on Outsavvy](https://www.outsavvy.com/organiser/queer-women-dd-and-games) to secure your spot. If it looks sold out, don't worry. There is waitlist in OS, and we will re-release tickets when they become available.** **Thanks so much, and see you there! 💖** Are you a queer woman (lesbian, bi, pan, ace, trans, or non-binary) who would like to embark on a new adventure with like-minded companions? Join us now! It doesn't matter if you're a weathered veteran of dungeon crawling or a newbie ready for your first adventure; you are welcome here! In this event, we run D&D 5e and other Tabletop RPGs' one-shots.

Wine Not? is a women-only gathering before the Balancers Saturday social. Most attendees come solo, so it’s an easy and welcoming place to meet people and settle in before the night gets busier. London can make meeting new people feel awkward, especially if you're coming alone. This early social creates a comfortable environment where you can chat, laugh, and get to know a few friendly faces first. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, a few light games, and plenty of time to connect naturally. **At 7.30 pm the main Balancers social begins**, and the room fills as over **150 people usually join the night**. Wine Not? naturally flows into the rest of the evening, so you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the full experience. Coming solo is completely normal. Our hosts will be there to help everyone feel comfortable, included, and connected from the start. **Check out our past events here:** **[https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)** **Want to stay in the loop? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)** *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity. Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

**Location:** Outside The Oystercatcher (riverside entrance) Kings Lodge, 7 Victoria Parade, New Capital Quay, London, SE10 9FR *Look for the river-facing entrance near the seating area.* About a 8 minute walk from Greenwich DLR Station. **Event Description:** Join us for the first walk of the Greenwich Women’s Walking Group! This is a relaxed, friendly walking group for women aged 25–35 who want to enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise, and good conversation. We’ll stroll along the scenic riverside path at a casual pace, with plenty of time to chat and get to know each other. No fitness level is required, just bring comfy shoes, water, and a smile! Whether you’re new to the area, looking to make friends, or just want a calm and positive start to your weekend, you’re very welcome. Come along, meet like-minded women, and enjoy a gentle Saturday morning walk in beautiful Greenwich. \*\*\*\*\* PLEASE ONLY RSVP IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND :) **What to Bring:** * Comfortable shoes * Water * A friendly attitude **RSVP:** Sign up on Meetup so we know you’re coming! We can’t wait to meet you.

**One quick note on how the community works** **L Community is member-funded.** The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding. If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time. Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](http://www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now) **What this is** A relaxed Sunday afternoon book club for lesbian and bisexual women, meeting in person. This is our first event and we will discuss which book we plan to read. It’s low-pressure, calm, and easy to settle into the event. Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most sessions are a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person coming for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make the space feel easy rather than awkward. If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first book club and end up staying longer than they expected. **Current book**: Ink Black Heart. You don’t need to have finished it. Come even if you’ve only started or just want to listen. **Important** This is a female-only lesbian space. That boundary is clear and upheld at events. If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/book-club/](https://thelcommunity.com/book-club/) **Arriving and support** The table booking is under the name Jenny. If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point – days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you. **WhatsApp Jenny** WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019** Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number. **Staying connected** Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community. If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/go](www.thelcommunity.com/go) We’re currently reading Ink Black Heart. No pressure to have finished it.

Here is an easy and inexpensive way to socialise, meet other Empowered Women and make new friends! 🌸💕[☕](https://emojipedia.org/hot-beverage/) Same place, every month at 10:30am at M&S Cafe, 3rd Floor, 458 Oxford Street, London. [☕](https://emojipedia.org/hot-beverage/) The venue is public and open to everyone and we want to make this event open to every woman including mums. Therefore, properly supervised children are welcome to join us. 😊❤️ The M&S Cafe is located in central London on Oxford Street (nearest underground stations are Marble Arch, Bond Street or Oxford Circus). A perfect location for shopping (or window shopping) after the event. 😊❤️ **Tentative Agenda** You are welcome to join us any time between 10:30 am and 12:00 pm. This is a tentative agenda for those arriving before 11 am: 10:30 am Meet and Greet 11:00 am Introductions (Your name, location, and hobbies) 12:00 pm Socialising and just having fun 1:00 pm We normally wrap up around 1 pm and then head out to do something fun nearby or go home. We hope you will join us for a chat and coffee/tea in central London. It will certainly be an amazing morning of fun, laughter, and empowerment and a great way to meet new people. We look forward to seeing you all there! ❤️🌸💕😘 **Cost** This event is free of charge. **Photography / Videography** We take photos/videos and use them for marketing purpose and in order to encourage other women, who may be anxious and alone, to join us. However, we also respect everyone's right to privacy and we want you to feel safe at our events. Therefore, if you would not like to be photographed, simply please inform our photographer or a member of our team. We will then place a heart over your face to protect your identity when using the photos/videos for marketing purposes. Or, you can simply remove yourself from the area when we are taking photos/videos. Please note that, due to social media settings, we cannot remove your photos/videos after they are posted. Therefore, please remove yourself or inform a member of our team at the start of the event so that we can modify the photos before we post them. **Friendly Reminders** All of our events and platforms are a safe space for women. This means: * We do not judge. We respect other women. We understand that each of us is unique and different, and we avoid gossip about other women; * We are kind towards other women. We address each other in a loving and kind manner. * We support other women. We are present for other women in any way we are able. * We keep matters confidential and private. We respect each other’s privacy and do not take personal information out of events and platforms. **Please Note** * This event is for women only, of all ages (18+). For questions about this event please email: events@womenempoweredmcr.org

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

You are cordially invited to a beautiful Ladies’ Tea Party. Whether you are a mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, or wife, this special gathering is a graceful celebration of you—the love you share, the strength you carry, and the elegance you embody. Join us for a refined afternoon of tea and light fare, filled with laughter, meaningful connection, and the opportunity to meet new friends in a warm and welcoming setting. You are also invited to bring your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and cherished friends as we create a truly memorable experience together.

**Optional movie afterwards**