Flying Solo

🔥 **What's going down?** Join us for our next drinks social! These gatherings are all about making friends and meeting other travellers and explorers in London. Come along, swap stories from your travels and be a part of our amazing community of adventurers! **Event highlights:** **🎤 Welcome speech**: Meet the WeRoad team and hear a bit about what we do 🤝 **Relaxed icebreaker**: We'll run a fun, low-key icebreaker to help you meet people and make new friends **🍻 Drinks and mingling**: Have a drink, meet new people and have fun! **Who is this for?** This is an event for anyone who wants to make new friends while exploring London. It's equally suited to those who are new to the city, want to expand their social circles or just bored one evening and want to get out! **Feeling nervous about joining alone?** Don’t be! Over half of our guests are first-timers, and most people come solo. You’ll find yourself in welcoming company, making new friends before you know it!

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/console-table/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/console-table/) **⋆⋆⋆** **Suitable for:** Absolute beginners. No prior experience in woodworking is required for this course. **About:** Learn traditional carpentry skills using a mixture of hand tools and modern drills to create a beautiful console table at the height of your choice. This is a twelve evening course to make an elegant console table for your home. The workshop is suitable for confident beginners and will teach how to measure and mark your work and how to use saws, chisels , planes as you construct bridle, mortise and tenons and shoulder joints. The design of the table can be altered in height to adapt to a coffee table, a small breakfast bar or hall table. The base is constructed in pine and the top is furniture grade plywood. These 12 evenings are a perfect starting point for many aspects of woodwork that will give you confidence to choose and replicate basic wood joints into other projects. Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, our experienced tutor will guide and inspire you as they teach age old techniques in carpentry. As you begin making wood joints traditionally constructed from seasoned pine, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and spoke-shaves. Maximum dimensions: Table top: 18mm Birch plywood – 80cm x 40cm – Base H82cm x W68cm x D33cm – overall table height 85cm

**This talk starts at 7 PM, please join us from 6:30 PM.** **The science behind paranormal phenomena** Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors. **Psychological and physical explanations** This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena. **Our Speaker** **Chris French** is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, where, up until 2024, he was also Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and a patron of Humanists UK. He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the *Guardian* and the *Skeptic* magazine. His most recent book is *[The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG)*[ (2024, MIT Press)](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG). **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [p](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)[lease click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

London's Friendly Book Club's pick for March is **Project Hail Mary** by **Andy Weir**. A lone astronaut. An impossible mission. An ally he never imagined. Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission - and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he's been asleep for a very, very long time. And he's just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it's up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery-and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he's got to do it all alone. Or does he? Please only RSVP if you think you'll be able to make this event. **We host three sessions per book, you only need to attend one.** Everyone is welcome! Grab your copy and join us for a relaxed and engaging discussion.

**\*\*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:** [Speed Dating at The Anthologist, Bank (Ages 30-45) – Tuesday, 19th May 2026 | True Dating](https://truedating.co.uk/events/christian-speed-dating-19-may-2026) Reaching a point in life where you’re ready to settle down and build something meaningful can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re hoping to meet someone who shares your Christian faith and values. **That’s where Christian speed dating comes in.** At our events, you’ll have the opportunity to meet up to 15 like-minded singles in one evening. Each date lasts around five minutes, enough time to have a genuine conversation and see whether there’s a connection. Ladies remain seated while gentlemen rotate. Our guests are typically working, successful Christian professionals who are tired of endless swiping and are genuinely looking for something long-term. Everyone attending has signed up in advance, is single, and is there for the same reason as you. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and welcoming, with experienced hosts on hand to guide the evening and help put everyone at ease. After the event, you’ll submit your matches online. If there’s a mutual connection, you’ll be able to message securely the following day and hopefully arrange date number two. ### Why Speed Dating? Speed dating events are more popular than ever in London as people move away from dating apps and back towards real-life connections. If you’re wondering whether events like this are awkward or not “your kind of crowd,” you’re not alone — but that perception has changed completely. ### What to Expect on the Night * A well-organised, hosted event * A room full of single Christian professionals * A safe, structured environment * The chance to meet multiple potential matches in one evening ### Event Details * **Start time:** 7:30pm * **Location:** Exclusive area reserved — please ask venue staff for **True Dating** if needed Places are limited and our events often sell out, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. **Stop swiping. Start dating.**

**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 23RD MAY and continuing every 2 weeks on a Saturday night throughout the summer . **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 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 . Fingers crossed it will be mild enough by May for the DJ to start playing music on deck and we can dance til 11 pm and then continue with 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/3v32](https://fatso.ma/3v32) 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/3v32](https://fatso.ma/3v32) **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 .

Hostess: Ana \*This event is a collaboration with other meetup groups and social networks and it will be well attended \*To attend this event you need to buy a ticket from [https://www.fatsoma.com/e/a3stu8gx/big-singles-social-at-home-grown-members-club-all-ages-welcome](https://www.fatsoma.com/e/a3stu8gx/big-singles-social-at-home-grown-members-club-all-ages-welcome) Join us to socialise like a royal, in an elegant and relaxed singles mix and mingle while enjoying luscious cocktails at the most exclusive venue! The event will not have any loud music, making the environment perfect for meaningful long conversations that will allow you to connect with the other attendees and get to know them! Whether you are looking for a partner or just to meet and connect with other people who are at the same phase of life, this the event for you! You never know who you meet in this evening and that is the beauty of it! You may find a friend forever, a party buddy, a partner in crime or a partner in life! Since this is a mix and mingle and not a speed dating there is no age range- in a social pool everybody is welcome and you can choose to speak to whoever you fancy. Connect with like minded people and open your social circle, enjoy chatting about anything and everything, with those you like, for as long as you like while sipping on the best cocktails in town made by award- winning mixologists. If you find somebody who you think you have a connection with, dare to ask their contact details right then and there... like the old times ;) Oh! and you don't need to ask the awkward question: 'so are you single?' because they all will be! You are welcome to arrive solo- most people do- or with friends, we will be there to welcome you, make you feel comfortable and act as the perfect glue among those who wish to. Attendees from past events always feel welcome and energised after our events. Our reputation says that we make the best events in London - so come and check by yourself! Home Grown is the private members’ club, not open usually to the public, set in a stunning six story Georgian building in the heart of Marylebone and part of the Home House Collection which exudes quality, sophistication and style. Hosting our event at Home Grown members club, with its home away-from-home atmosphere, is everything you could possibly want on a Saturday evening This is a unique opportunity to visit the venue which should not be missed! How to find us: When you arrive please come on the first floor . Any issue on the night feel free to contact Ana: 07801038091 or Marianna: 07949526733 Please Note: -Tickets need to be bought online and are not available at the door -Tickets are valid for entry till midnight -Dress code: Smart/ Elegant/Glamorous ( ripped jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sportwear, sportshoes or trainers are not allowed) -A valid proof of ID (European Passport, Driving License, or Passport) is required upon arrival independently of the age for security reasons For general inquires or difficulties with your ticket booking feel free to e-mail us at benetoupromotions@gmail.com or call Marianna on: 07949526733 How to connect with us: Like and follow our facebook page: [https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland](https://www.facebook.com/mariannaland) Join our facebook group: [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514](https://www.facebook.com/groups/453202104877514) Follow us on twitter:@Mariannasevents

🎉 **Hey London & Southern England Childfree Friends!** 🇬🇧 📅 **Date:** last Saturday of the Month 🕖 **Time:** 15h/3 PM - Whenever 📍 **Location:** Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR I'm so excited to announce that even though I'm back in Portugal, the Londoners are keeping the childfree meetup momentum going—something I’m incredibly thrilled about! 🥳 **This is an ongoing monthly meetup without me physically present and run by y'all**, and I couldn't be prouder of our community! 👯‍♀️✨ **Event Details:** * 🤝 **Who:** This meetup is for **childfree individuals, meaning anyone who doesn’t have or wants kids**. It’s the perfect opportunity to find like-minded people, share stories, and build lasting friendships. Whether you're a local or just passing through, everyone is welcome! 🫶❤️ * 🍕 **What:** Dinner, drinks, and great company at Mercato Metropolitano, an iconic market in London known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse street food, craft beer, and artisanal shops. With plenty of food and drink options, there’s something for everyone—**including vegan and vegetarian options!** 🍻🍽️ * 📍 **Where:** Mercato Metropolitano offers plenty of space for large groups, making it the ideal spot for our gathering. You can explore its variety of stalls or simply relax and enjoy the evening. [Website: MercatoMetropolitano](https://mercatometropolitano.com). * 📓 **Please Note:** The meetup is free, but you'll be responsible for any food or drinks you purchase during the event. 💸 * 🎉 **Why You Should Join:** If you're ready to enjoy a casual evening with people who share the childfree lifestyle, this is the perfect opportunity. Our meetups are all about having fun, connecting with new people, and building a supportive community. 💫💬 * ⏰ **Arrive & Leave:** Feel free to arrive and leave as it suits you. Come for the entire evening or just pop by for a drink—no pressure! 🍷✨ * 📱 **Join the WhatsApp Group:** Stay in touch with the group and make it easier to connect on the day of the event. It’s also a great way to keep the conversation going afterward. 🔗 (You just need jump on my email list and you'll get access to all the Unapologetically Childfree™️ WhatsApp Groups: [https://maggiedickens.com/childfree-group-chat](https://catharticcounseling.com/childfree-group-chat)) **Unapologetically Yours** 🫶 **Maggie Dickens** **Host of the Unapologetically Childfree Community + Podcast** **Instagram: @MaggieGetsREAL** 📣 🚨 **Important: Event Participation Agreement** This Event Participation Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Maggie Dickens, owner of the Unapologetically Childfree™️ Community ("UCC"), and the Participant ("Participant"). By attending the event, the Participant agrees to the following terms: 1\. Disclaimer of Affiliation and Liability 1.1 No Affiliation with Third-Party Vendors: The UCC has no affiliation with third-party vendors at the venue. Participation in any activities or purchases from vendors is at the Participant's own discretion and risk. 1.2 No Financial Remuneration: No member of the UCC receives financial compensation from third-party vendors, and this is subject to change without notice. 1.3 Waiver of Liability: The Participant agrees to waive all liability and hold Maggie Dickens and the UCC harmless from any claims or damages arising from participation, including physical injuries, property damage, or financial loss. 2\. Voluntary Participation and Assumption of Risk 2.1 Participation is entirely voluntary, and the Participant assumes all risks, including any injuries or losses. 3\. Photography and Marketing Consent 3.1 The Participant consents to being photographed or recorded during the event for marketing purposes. 3.2 The Participant grants the UCC the right to use their likeness for promotion without compensation. 4\. General Provisions 4.1 The Participant is responsible for any costs incurred during the event. 4.2 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and can only be modified in writing. 4.3 This Agreement is governed by applicable laws.

**"From Shangri-La to the Roof of the World"** \- We take a breathtaking 11\-day journey through ancient towns\, sacred monasteries\, and some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes\. Begin in the cobbled streets of Lijiang and the deep canyons of Tiger Leaping Gorge\, then rise into the Tibetan plateau in Shangri\-La\. In Lhasa\, stand before the mighty Potala Palace\, circle Jokhang Temple with devoted pilgrims\, and witness monk debates that bring centuries of tradition to life\. Cross dazzling mountain passes to turquoise Yamdrok Lake\, visit historic Gyantse and Shigatse\, and experience rural Tibetan life in the Nimu Valley\. An immersion into living culture, spiritual heritage, and the wild, untamed beauty of the Himalayas. \*\*Depart UK on 19 May\*\* **20 May- Day 1 – Lijiang: A Living Postcard** Arrive in the charming UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang. Stroll its lantern-lit streets, explore the historic Mu Mansion, and climb Lion Hill for a spectacular sunset panorama of tiled rooftops against the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. **Wow Factor:** The magic of an ancient town at dusk, untouched by time. **Day 2 – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Touch the Sky** Ride a cable car to the icy heights of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and step into an alpine wonderland at 4,500m. Optional: Be swept away by *Impression Lijiang*, a breathtaking cultural performance staged against the backdrop of the mountain itself. **Wow Factor:** Glacier views so close you could almost touch them. **Day 3 – Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangri-La: Where Rivers Roar** Travel through the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Pause for lunch at a cliffside restaurant with panoramic views before continuing to Shangri-La, where the air thins and the Tibetan plateau begins. **Wow Factor:** Stand at the edge of a gorge carved by nature’s raw power. **Day 4 – Shangri-La: Gateway to Tibet** Step into the golden halls of Songzanlin Monastery, the "Little Potala of the East." Wander through the pristine grasslands of Napa Lake and connect with local families in a Tibetan homestay, where stories and butter tea flow freely. (overnight is not in a homestay, it is just visiting the families) **Wow Factor:** A first taste of authentic Tibetan culture. **Day 5 – Shangri-La to Lhasa: Enter the Roof of the World** Board a flight across the Himalayas to Lhasa (3,650m), the heart of Tibet. Take a gentle riverside walk along the Kyichu River, then watch the Potala Palace glow under the evening lights before a welcome dinner of traditional Tibetan flavors. **Wow Factor:** Your first sight of the Potala Palace against the Himalayan sky. **Day 6 – Lhasa: Where Faith Moves Mountains** Join pilgrims at Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine, and wander through the bustling Barkhor Bazaar, a swirl of prayer flags and incense. In the afternoon, watch the passionate monk debates at Sera Monastery—a lively tradition that blends intellect and devotion. **Wow Factor:** Immersing in a living, breathing center of Tibetan spirituality. **Day 7 – Potala Palace: Palace in the Clouds** Step inside the iconic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and explore its labyrinth of chapels filled with history and sacred art. Climb Yaowang Mountain for a postcard-perfect view, then discover the Thousand Buddha Rock Murals carved into ancient stone. **Wow Factor:** Walking in the footsteps of kings and lamas at Tibet’s most iconic landmark. **Day 8 – Lhasa to Gyantse: Sky Lakes & Snow Passes** Journey through Tibet’s most breathtaking landscapes. Gaze at the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, cross the snow-draped Karola Pass beneath looming glaciers, and arrive in Gyantse to visit the unique Kumbum Stupa at Pelkor Monastery. **Wow Factor:** A high-altitude road trip of legendary scenery. **Day 9 – Gyantse to Shigatse: Monasteries & Fortresses** Climb Gyantse Dzong Fortress for sweeping views of the plateau, then drive to Shigatse to explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lama. Walk through local markets where time seems to stand still. **Wow Factor:** History, power, and tradition converge in Tibet’s second-largest city. **Day 10 – Shigatse to Lhasa: Valleys of Tradition** Return to Lhasa through the Nimu Valley, stopping in remote villages and an incense workshop where ancient crafts are kept alive. End the day at Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, and shop for prayer flags or turquoise jewelry. **Wow Factor:** Discovering the heartbeat of rural Tibet. **30 May-Day 11 – Lhasa Farewell: Sunrise over the Himalayas** Savor one last sunrise over the city of gods before your departure. Take with you the spirit of Tibet—its lakes, its mountains, and its timeless devotion. **Wow Factor:** A farewell worthy of the Roof of the World. The cost of this tour is just £2099.00 for all deposits paid by 01 Jan 2026. (single room £399.00) Please do not book flights from the UK until we have given the go-ahead. If you wish to reserve a place on this trip, please pay a non-refundable deposit of £250.00. A visa to is required for entry to China. Travel Insurance is mandatory on all trips. \*\* The itinerary has been planned for gradual altitude gain, however If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, including respiratory conditions or high blood pressure, we recommend consulting with your GP before booking\*\* Entry requirements [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china/entry-requirements](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china/entry-requirements) Deposit Link: https://buy.stripe.com/dRmbJ1dE616z7Vs25aaR33d What's included? • Sharing a twin room at 3 and 4 star standard hotels with breakfast (single supplement £399.00) · Private English-speaking guide and all airport/train station transfer · All transport and activities as per itinerary. · All entrance fees as per the itinerary · Tibet travel permit · Air ticket Shangri-La to Lhasa

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/48783 **Game Description:** We’re opening up \*\*2 courts at In2Sports\*\* for a fun \*\*King/Queen of the Court–style tournament\*\*. Here’s how it works: 🏐 \*Format\* \- 2 matches at the same time \- Winners move to \*\*Court A\*\*\, losers referee the next round before playing again \- Teams rotate based on match results \- Matches are \*\*12 minutes each\*\*\, aiming for \~8 rounds total \- Max \*\*3 consecutive wins\*\* on Court A \(after that\, the challenger stays regardless of result\) 🌈 \*Rules\* \- Mixed net height\, \*\*no gender restrictions\*\* \- Hosts manage timekeeping ⏰ \- Resting teams help with refereeing 🚩 \- Court A videos uploaded to Balltime\.ai for rewatching 🎥 and highlights editing\. 💸 \*Sign Up Options\* \- 👥 \*Team signup\*: £60 per team \(≈£10 pp\) \- 👤 \*Solo signup\*: £12 per player **Rules** -Winner stays on (maximum 3 consecutive games) -Each game lasts 12 minutes -Court winners move on to play each other in the next round -Mixed net – all genders welcome -Teams rotate as referees when not playing -6 teams total, with 6–7 players per team \*Privacy policy for games sessions\* By attending this game session, you agree to the following: \* Video recordings/photos are allowed only during the games \* Attending means consenting to recordings by the organiser which will be shared via private links \* Distribution limited to session participants only \* Explicit consent required for any public sharing \* Respect others' privacy and comfort \*Please contact the co-organisers if you have any questions about the policy.

**To book onto this trip please follow the link below which will take you directly to the website page..** [Germany May 2026](https://travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk/trip/germany-may-bank-h2026/) If you are using the app and are unable to open the link please go directly to our website where you will be able to book onto the trip.. travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk

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.*

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.

Join us for Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn! Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the unsolved murder of a preteen girl and the disappearance of another. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story-and survive this homecoming.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs. This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context. We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing. **SPEAKER BIO** Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856 **CALL FOR SPEAKERS** Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/) **THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/) **DIRECTIONS** 8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH go to 4th floor. **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