Digital Scrapbooking

Hi guys! Super excited to announce we'll be hosting our first West London Book Club meetup next week! 🎉📚 📅 Sunday 24th 📍 Hyde Park 🕑 2pm – 4pm 🆓 Free to attend It's a book swap — bring a favourite book you're happy to share and swap with someone else. We'll also be playing a round of Articulate, so come ready to have a laugh! Bring your own food and drinks and just come as you are. The more the merrier! **Running order:** 📖 Intros + book shares 🔄 Book swap 🎲 Articulate 😊 Chill, chat, connect

We'll meet up at Waterloo Station under the clock at 10.30. We'll take the tube to Battersea Power Station and spend a couple oh hours exploring inside and out. There will be photo-opportunities everywhere in the giant turbine halls, balconies and surrounding areas. For those who wish a trip you can book a trip to the top of one of the chimneys with amazing views over the river Thames. Tickets are best and cheapest bought on line in advance. See [HERE](https://thechimneylift.co.uk/tickets/). South Western Railway offers a 33% reduction in the cost of a trip up the lift - see [HERE](https://rewards.southwesternrailway.com/offers/359296?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=120230926839930749&utm_content=120240483946030749&utm_id=120230926839940749_v2_s06_e7386&utm_term=120230926839940749&fbclid=IwY2xjawPYZnFleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqy6pjD9RrXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4c9nQ0c-bXW6acH3XGBPi2MJZO_39NrYetdF-L0ChrkjypMsAwYK-I687CFg_aem_ebrnt49xBR6RDslIq5bFLA) . I'm planning to book my tickets for 12.30. There are plenty of eateries to choose from for lunch. After lunch we can walk along the river and enter Battersea Park with its wooded walks, ponds and fountains as well as a bandstand and the iconic London Peace Pagoda. Once again there will be lots of things to photograph. After this, depending on how we feel we could either take the tube back from Battersea Power Station, or if anyone has the energy you could walk on towards Vauxhall, past the newly built up Nine Elms, the USA Embassy and Swimming Pool in the Sky. Don't miss what should be a great day out. Cost of Meetup: £5 cash on day please for each member and each guest. Please book your chimney tickets in advance. We'll agree a time after lunch to all meet up and walk together on to Battersea Park.

Are you ready to shoot unusual, creative portraits and learn about making the most of light? Shooting each other we'll try to get the best out of everyone and you'll get some tips to help you get the best out of the event. The thing about shooting portraits is that they are super fun! So out challenge today is knowing how to make people look good and shooting in a creative way. We'll set a few challenges to get you pointed in the right direction. To help get your creative juices flowing you'll work in a group which will allow you to bounce ideas off each other. Bring some props or wear something wacky and prepare to have a super fun day! EXPERIENCE * Any EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing/shoes * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026 [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) UPCOMING EVENTS www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/calendar Photo © Drew Garty

On this photo walk, we're taking a completely different approach to West London, skipping the usual tourist bottlenecks at Notting Hill Gate. We’ll explore the transition from picturesque, tranquil canal to gritty urban spots, through to vibrant local market. Beginners and experienced photographers are all welcome. * **Little Venice:** We start along the scenic canal towpath by the colourful narrowboats, boat owners and canal life before heading toward Meanwhile Gardens where the scene shifts and the traditional urban street photography scenes open up. * **Golborne Road:** The heart of the local Moroccan and Portuguese communities. With a quieter flea market and community vibe, the area offers great opportunities for candid street portraits and urban scenes, overlooked by the iconic brutalist style Trellick Tower. * **Portobello Road:** We’ll walk the length of the market in reverse. Entering from the northern end lets us catch the local characters first, before following the street's natural transition into the Notting Hill Gate traditional starting point which is where we'll end things. Please note that this is not a teaching workshop event. However, if you have any street photography questions or need advice during the walk please feel free ask me. As an extra bonus I've created a Street Photography Cheat-Sheet available for free download for members. Optional. We will end the photo walk at a pub or cafe for a quick drink for those who wish to regroup socially post walk. **What to Bring** * **Camera Kit:** Any camera or smartphone. No tripods required. * **Travel Light:** Comfortable shoes and clothing suited to the weather. \*\*\* **Event Info** * **Duration:** 2 hours * **Meeting Location:** Little Venice, London * **Limited Spaces:** 10 \*\*\* **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * RSVP via Meetup (standard fee applies) * Or send £7.50 via PayPal to \*\*[street@lindawisdomphotography.com**](http://street@lindawisdomphotography.com%2A%2A/) — no extra fee * Message me to confirm your spot & I will add you to attendee list. \*\*\* **Bonus for Members** * **FREE DOWNLOAD –** Street Photography Cheat-Sheet * **FACEBOOK COMMUNITY GROUP:** A private FB group is available for group members to share their favourite event photos and receive feedback if requested.

Get ready to unleash the full extent of your creative potential whilst giving your camera a workout! In this creative and technical stretching workshop you'll learn techniques to make your photos pop! Working to a brief you will be given tasks based on creative and technical aspects of photography. Through the exercises given this workshop is going to help you to expand your ideas of what is considered ‘normal’ shooting! You’ll be using new ways of seeing and shooting and also challenged to use your skills in a way you may previously not thought of. EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens (a 50mm f1.8 would be ideal for low light shooting) * An open mind and fun attitude! TRANSPORT As usual check the TFL website for any disruptions that may delay your journey on the day. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026 [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095) UPCOMING EVENTS [www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events)

In this workshop we explore portraiture photography - learn to see light, work with shadows, and bring out the best in both our subjects and the environment. The thing about shooting portraits is that they are super fun! So our challenge today is knowing how to make people look good and shoot in a creative way. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN * Develop an intuitive understanding of light and how it interacts with your subject * Experiment with shadows to add depth, drama and emotion to your portraits * Improve your ability to adapt to changing lighting conditions * Learn how to guide and connect with your subject **PAYMENT OPTIONS** * **PayPal via RSVP** * The Meetup transaction fee will be added. and you'll automatically be added to attend * **Send £25 via PayPal** to \*\*[creativebeansproductions@gmail.com**](http://creativebeansproductions@gmail.com%2A%2A/) with no extra fee. * Send us a text or comment below and we will add you to the event attendee list. EXPERIENCE * Beginners/refreshers EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens OTHER ESSENTIALS * Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing/shoes * A fun and experimental attitude! TRAVEL * As usual check TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026 [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographiclcp/events/313109097/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographiclcp/events/313109097/) UPCOMING EVENTS [www.meetup.com/londonphotographiclcp/events](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographiclcp/events) Photo © Drew Garty

Get ready to unleash the full extent of your creative potential whilst giving your camera a workout! In this creative and technical stretching workshop you'll learn techniques to get some interesting and different photos! Working to a brief you will be given tasks based on creative and technical aspects of photography. Through the exercises given this workshop is going to help you to expand your ideas of what is considered ‘normal’ shooting! You’ll be using new ways of seeing and shooting and also challenged to use your skills in a way you may previously not thought of. EQUIPMENT * Any camera * Any lens (a 50mm f1.8 would be ideal for low light shooting) * An open mind and fun attitude! TRANSPORT As usual check the TFL website for any disruptions that may delay your journey on the day. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026 [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events/313109100/) UPCOMING EVENTS [www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographic/events)

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 24th May to explore its 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 (its eyes only, 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 Thames Foreshore is private land, so before we go down, I have to give everyone a short talk on health & safety on the foreshore.** We will be finished by about 2:45pm. **Footwear** The foreshore is very stoney and sometimes muddy, 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 for Full Members. **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)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to \[[general@cultureseekers.org](mailto:general@cultureseekers.org)]([mailto:general@cultureseekers.org](http://mailto:general@cultureseekers.org)), using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Afterwards** After we will head to 'Cafe Nero', Oxo Tower Wharf 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 at 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 trip, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** *Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/messages/boards/thread/53768478)*

They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) **Description** A dramatic coastal adventure with a vibrant finish. We’ll hike from Newhaven along stunning cliff-top paths with sweeping sea views, rolling downs and fresh ocean air. Expect big scenery, steady climbs and unforgettable coastal panoramas as we make our way toward Brighton. We finish in style on Brighton seafront, perfect for well-earned cocktails, food and sunset vibes. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **20km** Ascent: c.**376 metres** Estimated Duration (approx.): **5 hours walking** depending upon the speed of the group and excluding any breaks. Difficulty: **[Moderate](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)** **PROGRAMME** Meeting Point: NewHaven Town or **[London Victoria Station](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/meeting-places/)** (see pic in in link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are. Assembly Time: 08:15 Move to the departure platform at 08:35 The train departs at 08:45 The train arrives at 10:17 NewHaven Town We will aim for the 18:10 from Brighton back to Victoria for 19:15 **Pricing Info:** * £10 per person for hike only. You'd need to by your own tickets now as I have no more discounted group train tickets available. Example tickets might be a single to NewHaven Town, and a single back from Brighton. **HIKE INCLUDES** * Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training. * PayPal fees **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * Souvenirs * Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup * Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[full list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)** * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Water [2L recommended] * Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino * Camera & Phone * Picnic lunch and snacks **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the event, please message the host and update your RSVP status on MeetUp to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the event sells out, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', please email us on [info@aaalondongroup.com](info@aaalondongroup.com) after the event date, requesting a refund, including your PayPal email address, so we can locate the payment. Unfortunately, as PayPal retains the original transaction fee, we cannot refund this. If the hike is not full, we are sorry, we are unable to issue a refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our[ FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). 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 Hiking Terms and Conditions. [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/) © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

# SLOW JAMS NATION ❤️ 🎶 The R&B Only Party you’ve been yearning for. SLOW JAMS NATION is strictly for the lovers, the situationships, the heartbroken, and the "it's complicated" crew. Expect nothing but pure R&B all night long from bedroom classics to throwback heartbreakers. Tickets: £17-£23 Admin fee: £4

Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Grove Park to Crystal Palace. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 3. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. 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 Starting point: Grove Park Station Ending point: Crystal Palace station Walking length: 12.6km Duration: 4 hours at most Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Grove Park to Crystal Palace WHEN - 2pm - 7pm MEETING POINT - Outside Grove Park Station NEAREST STATION - Grove Park 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.

Hi all, cost & info below, please join everyone for a brand new fun linear, healthy, scenic, choice of a 3 mile or 6 mile walk with some brief local info along the way while meeting new friends! ***Highlights are*** a delightful scenic walk along a canal and river, a rare photo opportunity to see Fish Island with stunning derelict factories (view before it all gets knocked down), Bryant and May factory which employed over 5,000 people (Britain sold over a quarter of a BILLION matches per day), a factory full of disease and the famous match girl strike of 1888. Also see Grade 1 listed, largest and most powerful tidal mill in the World, one of London's oldest surviving industrial heritage areas, 3 Mills which made Big Brother, Fantastic Mr Fox, Tim Burton's Corpse Bride, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Master Chef and has rehearsal studios for Little Mix, One Direction, Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Lady Ga Ga and George Michael. A part of London lost in time, a 13th Century church that burned people at the stake, amazing modern art, an old wonderful dock, giant old stunning gasholders and a connection to the Gas and Coke Company, the site of the Big Breakfast House (Michael Hutchinson and Paula Yates interview on a bed) ***3 mile*** ends at Hackney Wick Overground Station (Please note: river walk, tidal mill, 3 Mills, amazing modern art, an old wonderful dock, giant old stunning gasholders not on this walk) ***6 mile*** ends at Star Lane (DLR Line) We are stopping at the halfway stage for 20-30 minutes at a riverside location cafe for toilets and refreshments Please meet outside the front of Mile End Station (Central Line, District Line, Hammersmith and City Line) **£10 cash/card payment by simply turning up on the day** At the end of the walk feel free to have drinks at a lovely pub to socialise. ABOUT OUR SECRET LONDON WALKS It is a 15-year fascinating journey together to explore the whole of beautiful, enchanting Secret London. The only walking group in the World offering this unique experience! The individual walks have been created from an original route several miles in length (usually on average about 50 miles) where we have checked every nook and cranny, every hidden alleyway, lane, lost cobbled path, cul de sac, avenue, road or street in that area for you! It is then shortened, to give back to you a magical walk with all the best bits of 'Lovely London', voted the best City in the World for the 10th year running! What is given back to you is the most scenic, healthy walk (usually 3-6 miles in length) with some of the walks containing hidden cobbled lanes, lost shops, secret gems, areas lost in time, wonderful views, idyllic Instagram photo shots and all sorts! Now and then some brief local info is mentioned or something of historical importance along the way. You will have plenty of time to chat and meet new friends whilst walking the amazing lost areas of London! So we welcome you to the colourful highlights of this fascinating City of London with simply wonderful things to see! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!

🏞️ A walk covering the modern urban city to the historical, with scenic views and a few sheep thrown into the mix! 🟡 **WALK:** 📏14km (8.7 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 101m 💓 Av. Pace 5km/h 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) *✊ **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: **Outside Canary Wharf Station** (Jubilee Plaza Exit). ⌚ From: 11:15pm, walk starts **11:31am** 🔄**Start/End**: **Canary Wharf Station** (Jubilee Line) 🚻 Toilets: Canary Wharf Station and Greenwich Park. 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes, water bottle, snacks to keep you going. 🧎 Prayer: We will take a quick break for Salat on-route for those wanting to pray. **📋 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)** ℹ️ Greenwich Park is said to be the most historic of all London’s Royal Parks. The National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and Queen's House are situated in its grounds. The park was originally owned by the Abbey of St. Peter at Ghent. In 1427 its ownership reverted to the crown, and Henry VI gave the park to his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. With a stunning view of Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, and a rich history within its 183 acres, there is plenty to explore within Greenwich Park.

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday 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 - Martin Luther King 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.**

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS 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 - Karl Road 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.**

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

**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.