Democratic Party

This week we will be delving into a real hot topic of the modern moment: immigration. Often, it is viewed as a black and white social issue, drawing a deep chasm between left and right, but is that really the true story? Crime, lack of housing, lack of jobs, strain on the NHS and benefits: What really are the impacts of immigration on our towns and communities? Economic theory is generally positive on migration, pointing towards increased GDP, employment and overall growth. However, many blame immigrants for various social ills. One of the important questions of this discussion could be: do those people have any point at all? Are the broad effects of migration the full story? Can the overall increases in GDP and employment rate really speak for migration on the whole? This promises to be a spicy one. Your reading materials are below the following starter questions for 10: 1. What do we mean by "migration"? Who are “migrants”? 2. Who benefits from migration, and in what ways? 3. What challenges, if any, do you think are caused by migration? 4. What is integration, and what aims should we have, if any, for the integration of migrants into our society? This week, we have no singular article to draw upon. Rather, a summary sheet has been pulled together from a few sources: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lltuwyfxfTJvEy861LzlZK_kuzEbL8rdSGbfsMDwiEI/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lltuwyfxfTJvEy861LzlZK_kuzEbL8rdSGbfsMDwiEI/edit?usp=sharing) This is from where we shall draw our discussion. Extra to the sources in the summary are the following: [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025#payrolled-employments-by-nationality-and-age-group](https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025/uk-payrolled-employments-by-nationality-region-industry-age-and-sex-from-july-2014-to-december-2025#payrolled-employments-by-nationality-and-age-group) This is a release from the government on changes to numbers on payroll by various slices to citizenship categories.. [https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2025](https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/longterminternationalmigrationprovisional/yearendingdecember2025) The latest Office for National Statistics bulletin on migration, discussing the provisional figures for 2025. [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7590fee5274a545822c836/occ109.pdf](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7590fee5274a545822c836/occ109.pdf) Paper from 2014 on the topic of migration, seems to suggest that growing economies can absorb migrants easily, but recessed ones mightn’t be able to.

Weekly cycling club open to members of that club only. Membership enquiries to creativewellnesswon@outlook.com

**\*\*THIS IS NOT A FREE EVENT & RSVP ON MEET UP DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY\*\*** **TO ATTEND THIS EVENT A TICKET MUST BE PURCHSED FROM OUR WEBSITE. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A TICKET:** [Singles Party london – The Folly, Monument (Ages 30-50) – Saturday, 4th Jul 2026 | True Dating](https://truedating.co.uk/events/saturday-night-singles-party-4-jul-2026) 💘 **Meet Real London Singles – No Swiping Required** 💘 Hosted by True Dating – London’s Established Speed Dating & Singles Events Specialists If you’re tired of endless swiping and conversations that go nowhere, join us for a relaxed, professionally hosted singles social designed for genuine connection. ⭐ Age Range Guidance **This event is tailored for guests aged 30–50**. Most attendees will fall within this range. For the best experience, please book events suited to your age group. ## What Makes Our Singles Social Different? This isn’t a 100+ person free-for-all. We keep numbers comfortable and actively manage the balance of men and women to create an easy, welcoming atmosphere where conversations actually happen. Expect: ✔ A curated group of like-minded London singles ✔ A complimentary welcome drink if you arrive before 8pm ✔ A balanced male-to-female ratio ✔ Friendly hosts available to make introductions if you'd like No awkward games. No forced rotations. Just a relaxed environment where you can meet naturally. ## Who Comes? Our guests are typically busy professionals who prefer meeting face-to-face over app fatigue. Many attend solo. Most people are in exactly the same position as you. ## How It Works After the event, you’ll log into your True Dating account to select the people you’d like to see again. Just remember to do so before 4pm! If they choose you too, you’ll be matched and can chat securely through our private messaging system to arrange your next date. **If you don’t connect with anyone on the night, your next event is free.** ## Event Details 🕒 Doors open 7:30pm 🍸 Complimentary welcome drink before 8pm 📍 Ask for True Dating on arrival and we’ll guide you to our reserved area 🎟️ Tickets are limited and most events sell out

**Geekstraveganza** is a fun, friendly gathering for good company, tasty vegan food, and board/card games! We’ll have plenty to play, but feel free to bring your own. 🎟️ **Free entry**, just RSVP! 📍 [Soul Bowl](https://www.soulbowl.cafe) - [622 Lea Bridge Rd, E10 6AP](https://maps.app.goo.gl/J5kGofPM5yp2HDy8A) *💬 [Group chat](https://londonvegannetwork.netlify.app/Geekstraveganza) in the London Vegan Network community on WhatsApp* 🤓 Everyone’s welcome — regulars are happy to teach, and hosts can introduce you or suggest games. **Drop in anytime**; new games start as people arrive. 🤤 The venue hosts us for free, so please grab some food or drinks from the **100% vegan kitchen and bar** to support them. 🚉 Closest stations: **Walthamstow Central** and **Leyton Midland Road** ➡️ Find us at the back of the room. ♿️ **Step-free access** and a **wheelchair-accessible toilet** are available. 🐶 **Dog-friendly venue**, so furry friends are welcome too!

**SUMMER NIGHTS ARE HERE AND THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO BE THAN ON THE TATTERSHALL CASTLE** YES , OUR FAMOUS SUMMER BOAT PARTIES ARE BACK ! WE'LL BE ROCKING THE BOAT ON SATURDAY 4TH JULY and continuing every 1 to 2 weeks on a Saturday night throughout the summer . **\*\* Event Fee : £7 for 1 person £10 for 2** \*\*Buy your ticket online from : https://fatso.ma/fkx8l **No age restrictions : everyone is welcome . Come and meet other singles , mingle , make new friends and enjoy the buzz !** The Tattershall Castle is a permanently moored boat on the Thames at Embankment . It is also a floating nightclub and one of our favourite Saturday night venues . Summer/autumn nights aboard the Tattershall are absolutely sublime - there is simply nowhere else in London quite like it . The event takes the form of a social gathering/mixer with introductions in the earlier part of the evening , followed by dancing to the DJ's fabulous mix of music on deck and then later after 11 pm , more dancing in the clubroom downstairs til 2 am . I have a table reserved on deck (usually this is the first table on your right as you walk down the ramp onto the boat , but if you can't find me please ask a member of staff .) . This will be our base whilst we are chatting , having a drink , dancing on deck , til 11pm , then we move down to the clubroom , where I have reserved another table for us . **\*\* Event Fee : £7 for 1 person £10 for 2** **Buy your ticket online from : https://fatso.ma/fkx8l** You are also free to use the bar/ward room below deck . This is a nice cosy refuge if it's chilly on deck and the windows provide an amazing view of all the coloured lights which illuminate the famous icons on the opposite side of the river (London Eye , City Hall , Southbank Centre , etc). PLEASE NOTE that this event begins at 8 pm - **arrive before** **9 pm to avoid paying an entrance fee directly to the venue** , as well as to me . THE BOAT MAY START CHARGING AFTER 9 PM . I look forward to welcoming you on the night ! Please also bring photo ID (the venue's rules , not mine). Please buy your ticket in advance from : https://fatso.ma/fkx8l **NB You must have your ticket ready** on your phone to show me on arrival , or have **£7 in cash** ready to pay me (Lynn). Thank you .

Come n chat all things US at a hidden American bar serving authetic yankee drinks, music, hotdogs and fries to fuel the conversation. For those interested in Politics - we can also delve into the Prisdency whilst I try do my best impersonation of the great founding father himself - G W. Donald Trump is constantly in the news with his wild antics but does his behaviour reflects genuine misunderstanding or a deliberate performance. Is his improvisational style and headline‑generating remarks and unpredictability simply reflect ADHD or is it a intentional kind of political jazz improvisation designed to manage the markets and keep everyone playing catch‑up. These disagreements often spill into discussions about how presidents shape public understanding of not just the conduct of the commander in chief but the U.S. Constitution itself and how well the enshrined democratic doctrines are adhered to! Over the years I spent covering american goverment and politics - a few things are clear. Trump’s style is in stark contrast with earlier presidents. **Obama** was a constitutional law professor who actually sounded just like one. Bill **Clinton** the policy explainer‑in‑chief, capable of turning a simple question into a 40‑minute seminar. Ronald **Reagan**, meanwhile was the great Hollywood storyteller who could make democratic concepts sound like the opening narration of a feel‑good box office toping blockbuster. Perceived by many as a stupid film actor but the Berlin wall along with the USSR could still exist today without his audacious negotiating style that helped to secure personal and economic freedom for millions across Eastern Europe and the baltic states. We could go back all the way back to 1776 and talk about influential others like Eisenhower, Thomas Jefferson and Kennedy but they didn't have the advantage of operating in the era of social media (though JFK was the first ever "media" president) These comparisons highlight how Trump’s blunt, rapid‑fire, often at times nonsensical approach breaks sharply from earlier rhetorical traditions. But there's a broader life lesson that any wise peron will recognise: **NEVER** judge a book by its cover or do so at your own peril, especially when the “cover” is a public persona is crafted in new age media for cameras, crowds, and the occasional dramatic pause. In real life, people rarely reveal their true full selves at first glance. It usually takes time before the polished surface, the chaotic exterior, or the carefully curated image gives way to the real person - good or bad underneath. To further confound this mind fuck - the end observers bring their own assumptions and baises to the table, sometimes confusing their perceptions and confirmation biases burried deep in their sub conscious with truth, and mistaking manipulation performance for personality or vice versa. Here in the UK, our very own hate or love him **Boris Johnson** is worthy of mention. Even before his elected political career started - his public personal had always led into theatrical chaos yet anyone who has personally met and spent more than a few mins with him behind cameras knows it's a huge great act and he is far more intellectual than people could ever fathom. Compared to the current breed of mediocre MPs - he is a mordern day intellectual heavyweight naturally skilled as both a orator, speech writer and animated debator. A stark contrast to the boring robotic charisma lacking Starmer who reads everything off a uninspiriing script someone else with very little imagination wrote. Bojo represents a good example of how public performance and private capability often diverge dramatically — a reminder that political communication is often as much stagecraft as statecraft. Supporters of Trump sometimes argue that unconventional presentation can mask strategic intent, while critics interpret the same behaviour as inconsistency and stupidness. The ongoing debate highlights how modern audiences navigate the blurry line between authenticity, performance, and constitutional responsibility — all while trying to decide whether the show they’re watching is improvisation, method acting, or something in between. You don't have to have a background in political science or work in govt/politics but you need to be exceptionally very well informed! Those with an interest in policy research and strategy formulation in pursuant of improving the country and peoples' lives based on grounded real-world evidence instead of dogmatic ideology very welcome As for me: what u see is what u get, nothin more and nothin less The real-life idiot Lucas

Join us for a deliciously fun time at our Cheese Club! Each meeting is all about discovering new cheeses, exploring creative pairings, and enjoying great conversations. Parents, take a break and unwind in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Our Cheese Club is designed for families or parents to connect, learn about the world of cheese, and bond with other families. Every Saturday, 11.00am-12.00pm Silas: +44 7719 733103

***N.B. Helps if you pre-order any food in the RSVP question; see [menu](https://www.soulbowl.cafe/menu/#cat_37).*** Join us for more board/card games at popular vegan restaurant **[Soul Bowl](https://happycow.net/reviews/soul-bowl-bistro-london-487469)** ([map](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7259623473078538957)\|[Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=Soul+Bowl+in+Leyton)\|[HappyCow](https://www.happycow.net/reviews/soul-bowl-london-487469)). Whether new to gaming, or a seasoned player, enjoy a relaxed afternoon of fun, great food, and meeting new people. Everyone's welcome — just bring yourself, and your game face! **Games Available include:** *(don't hesitate to bring anything you'd like to play)* * Bank Heist * Carcassonne * Catan * Codenames * Crystal Maze * Exploding Kittens * Monopoly * [Terraforming Mars](https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Terraforming_Mars_(board_game)) * Uno Flip * Uno No Mercy

This ride only takes place if there is enough demand. To register your interest, contact Dwight Wood - dw@itdoesthejob.com

Vandome Cycles are providing drop in bike check/repair sessions: • Barking Riverside Bike Hub IG11 0FJ: Opening Times: Every Mon & Thu 3pm-7pm and Sat: 9am-5pm • The Fiddlers, Dagenham, RM8 3HH: Every Saturday 10am – 2pm

See http:http://www.trailnet.org.uk/recycling-respoke.html (http://www.trailnet.org.uk/gascoigne-cycle-centre) If you have specific requirements, please contact the organisers before visiting the centre, so they can advise you. (020) 8593 1677 / info@respoke.org.uk

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

**Get your creative flow going with a Saturday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Parsons Avenue Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

This presentation will be by Ben Iten, humanist chaplain and HCCO Board Member. Speaking on expressing Humanism values in American democracy. This meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online. The formal presentation will start at noon. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC)

Join us for the Summer edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/1575999320350910/), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vibrant vegan eats, handmade goods, and the fullness of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this gathering continues to grow as a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 + local vendors offering refreshing seasonal vegan dishes, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. This is a welcoming space to slow down, connect, and enjoy the warmth and abundance of summer. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the height of summer with us. Admission is Free.

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.