Folklore

**Do you ever feel the pull to be creative, but don’t know how to start, or even what you want to make?** **Do you ever get a flash of inspiration, but never have the time or energy to follow it through?** **Do you worry that you have to become technically skilled before you have the 'right' to make art?** **If you answered yes to any of the above, then this event is for you!** As children, we create all the time. We sing, draw and write as part of our normal lessons. We make sandcastles, secret dens, friendship bracelets, invent ball games and make up elaborate storylines for dolls and action figures. We don’t fear failure because the point isn’t to succeed, but to express ourselves and have fun. In fact there’s a whole branch of folklore called childlore! But as adults, it can become hard to connect with that creative instinct, whether that’s due to time, energy, cost or self-doubt. So for this event, we’ll be taking time and space to connect with what inspires us and flex our creativity just for the fun of it. Skill and experience levels don’t matter (although those who are skilled or experienced are welcome!)-what matters is remembering what creative inspiration feels like to you personally, and pursuing it to create something authentic to you. To do this, we’ll be emulating artists across millennia in using folklore as inspiration. A collection of folklore genres will be supplied, each containing a collection of prompts, and you will be picking a piece of folklore that speaks to you on that day and creating a piece of art based on your own interpretation of your prompt. This art can be anything, from poetry to sketching, sewing to architecture, make up, set design, tattoo art, songwriting, fashion, game design or event planning-whatever your prompt inspires you to create! You can choose to do several pieces or spend the whole session on one. Paper and pencils will be provided, but please feel free to bring other materials so long as they are not disruptive to the people or environment around us (eg no liquid paints, musical instruments, etc). Please note: this is not a technical lesson! No specific creative skills will be taught, as the aim is connecting with your own personal creative process. But you are welcome to take your pieces home with you to hone your skills. If there are specific areas of folklore that you would like to see prompts for we would love to include them! Please feel free to message Kathy with your ideas :) (This is a free event, so we ask that you please keep RSVPs updated to ensure that as many people as possible who want to come are able to. Cancellations with less than three days’ notice may be removed from the group to prevent wasted spaces in future. Many thanks for your understanding!)

Journey out to the heart of West Sussex, for a gathering in the forest. Immerse yourself in nature, with a guided walk amongst the trees on ancient land, spend time around the camp fire, listening to stories of ancient folklore and their relationship to the trees and creatures around you. Anam Cara is a retreat centre set in 10 acres of remote and peaceful country side yet only 15 minute drive from Haslemere train station, a 50 minute ride from Waterloo. There is the option to bring a tent and stay the weekend or rent a tent or cabin from Anam Cara. (GU84SQ)

"*The experiments I am about to relate may be repeated with great ease, whenever the sun shines."* North Downs nature from Zone 6! On Thomas Young's birthday in 1773, this walk links places connected with two great intellects. Armed with a piece of board into which he cut a couple of slits, in 1803 Thomas Young proved for the first time that light travels in waves. A year later he was developing a theory of capillary phenomena and surface tension. Also defined the term 'energy'. When not expanding knowledge of physics, there was time to decipher the Rosetta Stone and define as a group the Indo-European languages. Thomas ended up at Farnborough in Kent, whose church sits on the edge of open countryside, invisible to the metropolis that lurks behind. Along the way we'll lunch at Downe, home of Charles Darwin. "*Besides love and sympathy, animals exhibit other qualities connected with the social instincts which in us would be called moral."* Plenty of ups and downs along the way🚶‍➡️ WALK START: 10.30 AM from NEW ADDINGTON tram stop (Zone 6). Village stop at lunchtime. Bring a packed lunch. Walk ends at ORPINGTON station (Zone 6). Travelcards, Oyster & Contactless cover all travel. *How to join?* * The walk is entirely free of charge; * You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses; * Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part); * Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ *What to bring* * Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended * Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk * Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case * Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy * Spare socks * Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-) * Yourself... * ...and your camera! * Cash for train ticket * Cash for pub at the end of the walk? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section! IMPORTANT Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-) By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer. Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel and (if required) accommodation - this gives everyone the freedom and choice to join from wherever they want and stay wherever they want. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered. We advise not to buy tickets until the day. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.

Address: **All Bar One** Butlers Wharf, 34 Shad Thames, SE1 2YG 📌 https://maps.app.goo.gl/nimfdCXnrTexVErC9 **About** 🎬 Let's have fun It’s a place where locals and internationals come together to talk, laugh, and share the world through conversation. Join us, grab a drink 🥂 introduce yourself 🤝 make new friends🔥 and have lots of fun 💥

**location : SOHO** **26 Frith St, London W1D 5LD** https://maps.app.goo.gl/UVWGLmT89fW7XKi9A **About** ✨️ Come join us for an delightful evening together with open-minded friends and enjoy a real Italian Aperitif Spritz This is a good opportunity to socialize and meet new friends 🧡 WhatsApp group [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KAP22kRKrB818inLUEPprO](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KAP22kRKrB818inLUEPprO)

Where the journey is the Adventure! From the heart of London to the Isle of Wight and back in a single day (by public transport). A beautiful coastal hike across the Isle of Wight, following open countryside and clifftop paths. As we approach the western tip of the island, the dramatic chalk stacks of the Needles come into view, offering one of the most striking landscapes in the UK. *⚠️ **NOTE: This event is only open to known/selected attendees that are flexible and understand the risks with such a tightly scheduled trip. There is always a chance of delays or missing a connection! Please initially add yourself to the waitlist** (taking limited numbers).* 🟠 **HIKE:** 📏 22km (13.6 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 500m 💓 Av. Pace: **5.3km/h!\*** *[\*Strict pace]* 📍 **Waterloo: Opposite Platform 14** ⌚Meet from 08:01, the train departs at **08:26** **Schedule**: 🚉 **08:26: Waterloo** \> Train to Brockenhurst \> 10:37 🚉 **10:42**: **Brockenhurst** 10:42 > Lymington Pier > 10:52 🛳️ 11:20 (Gate closes **11:05!**): **Lymington Pier Ferry** to Yarmouth Pier > 12:00 🚶🏻 12:15am: Hike to The Needles (circular) 🛳️ 19:05 (Gate closes **18:50!**) **Yarmouth Pier** to Lymington Pier > 19:45 🚉 **19:57**: Lymington Pier to Brockenhurst > 20:07 🚉 **20:14** **Brockenhurst** \> Waterloo 22:21 🎟️ Train Tickets: **It is best to purchase on the day with a Network Rail Card or group disocunt.** Purchase an Open Return from **Waterloo** to **Lymington Pier.** 🎟️ **Ferry Tickets**: **[Book Here](https://www.wightlink.co.uk/book)**[ ](https://www.wightlink.co.uk/book). Purchase a return from Lymington Pier to Yarmouth pier. *Purchase near the time and check for any update messages first.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Waterloo, on-board train, destination. 🧎 Prayer: We will take a breaks on route. **🎒 Essentials:** * **Gear:** Hiking boots (recommended), hiking socks (or double socks), and layered clothing. * **Food/Water:** Packed lunch, snacks, and 1.5–2L of water. * **Tech:** Fully charged phone + portable power bank. * **Safety:** Emergency whistle + Headtorch (winter). * **Prayer:** If you are praying, please ensure you have **wudu** beforehand. Be ready to join the group promptly to keep us on schedule **📋 Attendance Policy:** When an event has a **waiting list**, priority is given to new joiners and those with a reliable attendance record - *previous "No-Shows" may be moved to the waitlist to ensure spots go to reliable attendees [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)]* ⛑️ **Disclaimer**: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times. 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging **Follow us for updates:** 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)**

**Smash 2026 hiking the North Downs Way. This is section 11: Folkestone to Shepherdswell via Dover.** Join us for a day hike along the **North Downs Way**, tracing ancient routes through Surrey to the Kent Coast. Discover castles, cathedrals, palaces, and beautiful countryside along the way. After the walk we’ll unwind at a local watering hole for a well-deserved drink! This hike is part of a **series of 12 day hikes**, covering the full North Downs Way from start to finish between January – June. Those completing the entire trail will receive an **official finishers certificate**. What if you can’t make a section or two…no worries, just complete that section in your own time and log it on your preferred platform eg Garmin or Strava – if I see you’ve done it you can still get the finishers certificate! 😊 **IMPORTANT:** This hike is being organised with WeMeet: London - to secure your place you need to do 3 things; 1\. RSVP here \(this ensures that the modest fee covering admin and coordination goes to the right person \- and most importantly so they can get your finishers certificate 🎉\) 2\. Confirm your attendance on the WeMeet app 👉 [Find events and groups | WeRoad](https://www.weroad.com/wemeet/events?cityName=London&countryCode=GB&lat=51.507200&lng=-0.127500) (the event might not be available until closer to the time but don't worry if you forget - you'll be prompted to do this before the hike starts) 3\. Join the WhatsApp group to meet your fellow hikers and get all of the up to date information: Trails & Ales Hiking Group community link: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KwffvuKjSCLIcCDUQxytml](https://linkscan.io/scan/ux/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF0LndoYXRzYXBwLmNvbS9Ld2ZmdnVLalNDTEljQ0RVUXh5dG1s/A42ABEC437C09EA5B53D7A8060DE06FF433E0A4F9E0C77D232A5314E59800F07?c=5&i=1&docs=1) \- then just join the chat group related to the walk you're attending\! **Details** Spectacular views lie in wait for you along this stretch of Heritage Coast. Travel along the top of the escarpment and you’ll be treated to views over the English Channel before you’ll descending into Dover, crossing the top of the great Shakespeare Cliff, said to be the inspiration for a passage in King Lear. Over Western Heights you will have the chance to soak up spectacular views, encompassing the vibrant harbour and the imposing stronghold of Dover Castle. The magnificent castle has held a momentous role in history as the largest castle in England and a significant point of defence. The White Cliffs Country Trail, takes you across the iconic White Cliffs out of Dover and turns into a gentle amble through rolling countryside with flashes of the distant sea behind. Waldershare Park estate offers an impressive distraction along the route, complete with the Belvedere Tower, a grand house and mews. Following the Via Francigena, we wind through the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding natural Beauty and arrive in the quiet village of Shepherdswell. * **MEET:** 08.00 London Bridge. We'll catch the 08.13 train to Folkestone West. I'll be at the far end of the platform/ first carriage if you're boarding from earlier London terminals. * **STARTING POINT**: Folkestone West Station 09.45 * **ENDING POINT**: Shepherdswell (around 7pm) **What to bring Essentials:** 🥾Hiking shoes 🧥Warm layers 🧃Lunch, snacks & drinks 💊Any personal medication A basic kit list: · Hiking shoes/ boots · Hiking socks (and spares in case of rain) · Waterproof Jacket · Fleece · Base layer · Hiking trousers – no jeans! · Rucksack · Hat & Gloves · Water bottle – at least 2 litres or water bladder · Head Torch · Optional: Gaiters (especially if there has been a lot of rain) · Optional: Walking poles (I find these help on the hills!) Disclaimer: I am not a qualified walk leader (yet), although I do have a lot of experience and will carry a first aid kit for the basics. **Transport** Transport to and from the walk is at your own cost. We will start and finish all walks at train stations, ensuring easy access from central London transport hubs. Information about train times will posted on the event pages and communicated via the Whats App group - subject to any rail timetable changes. Come hike, explore, and make new friends on this iconic trail!

**Do you enjoy discussing life's big questions?** Then this group is for you! Open for three weeks only. **Christianity explored** is an informal and relaxed three-week discussion group. We will read a short book (21 pages) from the famous book, the Bible and have discussions. It's for anyone who wants to think about the meaning of life. **If you are open-minded and want to discuss life questions from a new perspective, then come join us!** Come ready to listen, ask, laugh and enjoy socialising and chatting in a relaxed environment at our beautiful venue free of charge. No knowledge of Christianity or the bible is required to attend. **You can ask any questions**, or simply sit and listen. You will not be asked to read, pray or speak. Join us if you would like to meet others and be part of this three-week reading group. Dates: Every Tuesday for three weeks Venue: Inspire St James Church, EC1R 0EA \*\*Lunch will be provided from the lovely Noodle Brat restaurant \*\* £5 donations suggested. Look forward to see you!

*“I don't wait for inspiration. I'm not, in fact, quite sure what inspiration is, but I'm sure that if it is going to turn up, my having started work is the precondition of its arrival.”* - Quentin Blake **Join us at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration on Sunday 14th June!** Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s only permanent place for illustration, opening Friday 5th June 2026. When it opens in Clerkenwell, London, the three galleries in a former waterworks will showcase the breadth and dynamism of illustration through regularly changing exhibitions. Visitors can explore their free spaces, including public gardens, displays and an illustration library. A café serving fresh food in historic surroundings will also be on offer as well as a shop stocked with unique illustration gifts. **Read more here:** [Museum website ](https://qbcentre.org.uk) **MEET DETAILS FOR SUNDAY 14 JUNE:** **FROM 1:15pm: MEET AT QUENTIN BLAKE CAFÉ (optional)** Address: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG **2PM: ENTER THE MUSEUM** Address: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG **4:30PM-Late: PUB SOCIAL AT THE GEORGE AND MONKEY (optional)** We'll head to a local pub for a social chit chat over drinks. Address: 68 Amwell St, London EC1R 1UU **TICKETS:** **You will need to purchase your own ticket for this event.** **Please book Sunday 14th June** [HERE](https://tickets.qbcentre.org.uk/events/21c73b1e-3dc3-71fa-0513-4dbe1c8a6d43?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio) and choose the 2pm slot (or thereabouts). If you don’t want to donate, scroll down on the booking page to find the non-donation ticket options. Ticket: £15 Ticket with Art Pass: £7.50 Museum Association Members: £6 **GETTING THERE:** [Visit us museum page](https://qbcentre.org.uk/your-visit) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. The link will be posted in the Event Comments 48 hours before the event, for those on the confirmed going list. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE READ:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. This event has an attendee limit as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. If you RSVP but can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible, **otherwise you will be marked as a 'no show'.** We remove members from the group who: * repeatedly sign up for events then 'no show'. * repeatedly change their RSVP to 'No'. * are on the event waitlist or have not RSVPd but turn up anyway. Please see the [About Us section](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-for-30s-40s/) for more information about the group and how it works. **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** 📸 Follow LoMAZ on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/) Image credit: "Matilda" by moedermens is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Would you enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow Science Fiction and Fantasy fans? If so, we’d love to meet you. Our next gathering takes place on **Saturday 13th June from 6pm** at **The Mad Hatter**, just by Blackfriars Bridge. Drop in, say hello, and join us for a drink. We’re a long‑running group that’s been meeting since **1998**—long before meetup sites existed. Over the years we’ve hosted celebrity meet‑and‑greets, attended conventions together, run role‑playing games, organised cinema trips, LARPs, and plenty more. These pub meetups are all about socialising and connecting with other Sci‑Fi and Fantasy enthusiasts. To help break the ice, we’ll be running a fun **team quiz at 8.30pm**. There’s no fee to attend—just pay for whatever food or drink you order at the venue.

**Backabush is going hiking on the amazing Isle of Man!** Group size - 16. Number of nights - 4. Accommodation - recently refurbished seafront hotel. **FOR MORE INFO AND TO RSVP PLEASE VISIT: [https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/307062588](https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/307062588)**

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia