Cultural Heritage

Join us at SOAS for a free discussion with author Mattin Biglari about his book *Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran* (2025). ***Nationalising Oil and Knowledge in Iran: Labour, Decolonisation and Colonial Modernity, 1933–51* by Mattin Biglari** Iran’s nationalisation of oil in 1951 was a key catalyst for the rise of resource nationalism as an animating force of global decolonisation, expelling the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC, now known as BP) after nearly fifty years of domination in southwest Iran. *Nationalising Oil & Knowledge in Iran* turns attention to the origins of nationalisation in the everyday struggles between the oil company and subaltern actors in the city of Abadan, then home to the world’s largest oil refinery and deeply imbricated in networks of colonialism and racial capitalism. Engaging with energy history, postcolonial/subaltern studies, and science & technology studies, the book focuses on the politics of expertise: how nationalisation reproduced the epistemic coloniality of the oil company, which rested on local dispossession, social engineering, as well as racial and gendered segregation. It argues that nationalisation diverged from subaltern contestations of oil expertise in Abadan, which presented a more fundamental challenge to colonial modernity. Reservation details: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soas-book-discussion-with-mattin-biglari-on-nationalising-oil-in-iran-tickets-1980422394694?aff=ebdssbdestsearch%0A%0A) After the two-hour discussion, we’ll hang around for a chit chat. Are you interested in reading world fiction and non-fiction in English, Spanish and French? Join my other groups: -www.meetup.com/gaia-books -www.meetup.com/gaia-libros -www.meetup.com/gaia-livres -French Art Group (send me a request) -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2)

Gentle people, You are cordially invited to a relaxed and dreamy evening serenaded by the finest guitarists of Guildhall School. There aren't many guitar recitals in town these days, and this is quite a rare event. It's **free** and **no booking is required ([more info here](https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/whats-on/guildhall-guitars-march2026))**. The repertoire is not set, but expect music by Italian, Spanish, and Latin American composers such as Mauro Giuliani, Fernando Sor, Francisco Tárrega, Isaac Albéniz, and Agustín Barrios. I suspect there might be some jazz and fusion pieces as well. To set you in the right mood, this is what you can expect: [YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaIBmrBuxl8) **Agenda** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **6pm**: (Optional) We will meet at the venue, for chat and gift of Dionysus, coffee, or soft drinks. **7pm**: We attend the performance **9pm**: Depending on the number of attendees and appetite for socialisation, we might head to a nearby pub afterwards.

Unisciti a noi! Pratica l'italiano in modo divertente chiacchierando con madrelingua provenienti da diverse parti d'Italia. 🌳 **Location:** The Lion & The Unicorn - J D Wetherspoon 📍 **Meeting point:** Waterloo Station, York Rd, London SE1 7ND == **Look for a scarf with "ITALY"** 🕛 **Orario:** 19,00 - 20,30

Please BOOK A FREE TICKET VISIT IN ADVANCE, on the British Museum website. This is to avoid queuing. I have a few spare tickets so you can message me with your email address or Whatsapp number if you want to use one of them. Meet on the seats in the Great Court opposite the information desk. The event is free to join. Please consider contributing contribute £2 toward the cost of the event and for my time. Alternatively, I can provide tuition at a cost of £10 for the session. All welcome! Please bring your own drawing materials. There are stools you can borrow. Please note MUSEUM POLICY - use a hand-held pad and only draw with pencils. We will draw in the galleries from 10.40 am. We will meet again in the Great Court Cafe nearest the Egyptian Galleries at 12:30 pm.

FREE TO MEMBERS - SIGN UP WHEN YOU ARRIVE! Join us for a relaxing evening exploring the beauty of the Italian Language. This will be an informal gathering where you can learn about the Italian Language, it is nuances and culture. We look forward to seeing you at the Living Room Club for an enjoyable evening of language learning and cultural exchange. Any questions ask Heloisa ‪at 07599593656/ Silas at +39 3403318825

\- Meet at 10:30 on the seats near the information desk in the Great Court\. \- Individual tuition with helpful step by step explanations\, demonstrations as you draw in the galleries\. \- Share your work with other students in the cafe are of the Great Court\, located nest to the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery\. The British Museum houses sculptures from many different cultures, many of which are from elaborate monuments. Some have powerful and moving static presence, and others a lively sense of movement. \- Understand the role statics and dynamics in the making of a drawing \- Practise techniques for aligning forms and sensing proportions \- Use a variety of lines and tones \- Respond to the flow of rhythm

**Whose knowledge is centred in design? Whose voices are heard, and whose are overlooked?** Join us for an interactive workshop that goes beyond surface-level inclusion to critically explore power, culture, and equity in design practice. **What’s the event about?** We want to create a space where we can talk honestly and practically about what it means to go beyond inclusive design — to question who design is for, how it’s done, and how we might do it differently. It’s not a lecture, nor is it about having the “right” answers. It’s about exploring the topic together in a way that’s open, hands-on… and a bit of fun too. This event will include an interactive activity designed to provoke thought and discussion about what it means to design beyond inclusivity, creating space for deeper shared reflection. **Who’s it for?** This is for anyone working in or around design — whether you’re in services, research, strategy, policy, or community roles. You might: •⁠ ⁠Be curious about the term “decolonising” but not sure where to start •⁠ ⁠Feel a bit disconnected from this kind of conversation •⁠ ⁠Be looking for a more grounded, less academic way in •⁠ ⁠Just want to meet others thinking about design and equity in new ways **What can you expect?** •⁠ ⁠A hands-on group activity inviting you to explore an unfamiliar world, challenge assumptions, and think differently about power, culture, and design •⁠ ⁠Facilitated group reflection and conversation on how we talk about — and act on — the idea of decolonising design in our work •⁠ ⁠Informal conversations and networking at the pub to follow What you’ll take away •⁠ ⁠A practical framework you can adapt or reuse in your own work •⁠ ⁠A more grounded sense of what “decolonising design” can mean in everyday practice •⁠ ⁠A chance to connect with others exploring similar questions Whether you're completely new to decolonising design or already working with these frameworks, you'll find space to reflect, learn, and connect with others navigating similar questions. **About the Ticket** The ticket cost is to hold your place and ensure commitment from attendees. **All participants who attend the event will be offered the option to request a full refund of their ticket price.** This approach helps us plan effectively while remaining accessible to those with financial constraints. Come ready to participate, question, and imagine design differently.

Samba de Bamba is a Brazilian samba group that meets once a month to celebrate samba, Brazilian culture, and heritage. We believe that joy is also a political act of resistance, healing, solidarity, subversion, and well-being. Therefore, on International Women's Day, we prepared a space for everyone to celebrate and remember that our struggle is also carried out with joy. For more information about tickets and prices: instagram Samba de Bamba UK or tickets on enjoytix.co.uk or at the local of the event Cash (bar) Cash and card (entrance and food)

Gentle people, It is my pleasure to invite you to Part III of Italian artists at the V&A, and a luscious afternoon of socialisation at the Grand Cafe at the V&A which is absolutely stunning. **Please note that there is no social before the tour, but only after.** I will be giving a guided tour of the Italian artists to the members of LGBT Culture Lovers group, throughout this year in multiple parts. **There's no need to have attended previous sessions as I always recap.** ***In the third event of the series, we will be looking at the sculptures of quattrocento and cinquecento.*** Included are works by **Donatello, Andrea del Verrocchio**, **Michelangelo, Raphael**, & many others. The tour will last around 60 minutes. **And here is the agenda:** * 1:45pm: Meet at the Italian style entrance on Cromwell Gardens (not the brutalist one on Exhibition Road). We will wait for 15 minutes. * 2pm: The tour starts right on the dot. * 3pm: Social at the V&A Grand Cafe! (appreciate a drink😜) I really encourage you to watch the two short videos in the further resources section, if you can. I hope to see there. J x **Further Resources** [Donatello's marble carving technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dn8F06y5mc)*,* V&A, video. [Donatello's clay modelling technique](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcoRoP3Abt8), V&A, video. *Due to the high demand of these tours, and the amount of preparation it takes, those with poor or problematic attendance will be moved to the waiting list, to give the space to more committed members.*

Come along on Sunday 8th March to visit the Heath Robinson Museum! **About the museum** The museum in north west London is dedicated to showcasing the work of the artist, illustrator, humorist and social commentator [William Heath Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Heath_Robinson "William Heath Robinson") (1872–1944). The museum opened in 2016 and is located in Pinner Memorial Park. The collection includes about 1000 pieces of original art work together with an archive of letters, association copies and special editions of the books that he illustrated, proof prints, advertising booklets and ephemera. William Heath Robinson was born in London on 31 May 1872 into a family of artists and grew up in Finsbury Park. Both his grandfather, father and his two brothers worked as illustrators. He was an artist who drew whimsically elaborate machines to achieve simple objectives. The visit should last about 1h 30mins and is self-guiding. **Cost** Entry £ per person for Full Members and £ per person for everyone else. Art Fund members are free (payable by cash or credit card on the day). **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\, 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 the museum cafe next door, which is called 'Daisy's in the Park', for a chat over a drink from 3:30pm. If you can make it, please come to the cafe afterwards, as its a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit. Please note, we only wait outside the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. If you can't see us outside the station, please text. Look out for the red and 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 visit, 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/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

THE TRIP IS NOW FULL, IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, ADD YOURSELF TO THE WAITING LIST AND I WILL CONTACT YOU IF A PLACE BECOMES AVAILABLE. Come along on Saturday 7th March to visit the historic city of Gloucester! **About Gloucester** Gloucester lies close to the Welsh border, on the River Severn and is the county town of Gloucestershire. It was founded in AD97 by the Romans and they named it; *'Colonia Nervia Glevensium'*. After the Romans left in the late 4th century, Gloucester was captured by the Saxons in 577. Its situation on a navigable river, and the foundation in 681 of the abbey of St Peter by Æthelred, favoured the growth of the town. In the early 10th century the remains of Saint Oswald were brought to a small church in Gloucester, bringing many pilgrims to the town. The core street layout is thought to date back to late Saxon times. In 1216 King Henry III, aged only ten years, was crowned with a gilded iron ring in the Chapter House of Gloucester Cathedral. Gloucester is known for its 7th century cathedral (which featured in three Harry Potter films) and its good number of medieval and Tudor period gabled and half timbered houses from the 15th & 16th centuries. **Itinerary** We will be visiting the cathedral for a guided tour and having a guided tour of the city. The cathedral tour is £8 per person and the guided tour of the city is £8 per person. (payable on the day by cash or credit card). Both are optional, you can do one, both or neither and do your own thing. 11:00am - aprox arrival 11:30am - guided tour of the cathedral 12:30pm - lunch break 2:00pm - guided tour of the town 3:30pm/4:00pm - freetime - look around the town, visit Gloucester Docks, the Museum of Gloucester, The Beatrix Potter Museum & Shop, The National Waterways Museum **Coach seating** * If you wish to reserve a seat on the coach in advance, after you pay please look at the seating plan in the photos [here](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/35822423/532613380/) and then email me - [general@cultureseekers.org](http://general@cultureseekers.org), with the seat number/s you wish to reserve. Its first come first served. * The seat you sit on when you board the coach is yours for the day. If you wish to change seats on the coach during the day, you will need to get permission from the individual who is seated there. **Cost** Cost is £27 per person for Full Members and £33 per person for everyone else. After you RSVP: You will need to make payment (its not automatic), so either: \- send a bank transfer: TSB Bank plc\, sort code: 77\-66\-65\, account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers \- \- Pay via credit card in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO)) \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), ‘send a payment’ to general@cultureseekers.org and click on the ‘Goods & Services’ option and change it to ‘Friends & Family’, as this avoids a charge from PayPal. Once you RSVP and then pay, I will confirm your place. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(email me – general@cultureseekers\.org for details\) \- 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\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option You have 3 days to make a payment, if no payment is received within 3 days, your place will be offered to the first person on the waiting list. Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Food & drink** Its up to you whether you wish to bring your own food and drink or purchase items whilst there. If you can't see us on Tothill Street, please text. Please note, we only wait for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. The coach has to leave at a specific time. Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, 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/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” - *Jason Collins* “…fascinating and super informative, as well as seriously important” - [*Review by Xena Frailing at VoiceMag*](https://www.voicemag.uk/review/16159/queer-britain-bfi-review) Join us on **Sunday 8th March** at **Queer Britain**, the U.K.’s first and only dedicated LGBTQIA+ museum, in Granary Square near Kings Cross. “Journey through queer culture and heritage in our galleries at Queer Britain. Our gallery redevelopment features a takeover from BFI Flare, with early promotion and annual posters celebrating the landmark film festival's 40-year history. The main gallery presents six new themed displays that tell the stories of the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre, AIDS Quilt 23, Justin Fashanu, Women's Liberation Music, Club Kali, and Dora Carrington and Lytton Strachey. In our temporary exhibition space, modern print culture is explored through Queer Britain's own collections in Queer Print.” Read more here: [Queer Britain Website](https://queerbritain.org.uk) **Due to the small footprint of the museum, we’ll be limiting this event to 15 people maximum.** **MEET DETAILS** - Sunday 8th March **From 2:15PM: MEET IN GEOFFREY’S CAFE (optional)** Address: 7 Beaconsfield St, London N1C 4EW **3PM: ENTER QUEER BRITAIN** Address: 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH **4PM till late: PUB SOCIAL (optional)** We'll head to a nearby pub for a social chit chat over drinks. *Location TBC 24 hours before event.* **TICKETS** **Please book your ticket for Sunday 8th March [here](https://www.outsavvy.com/event/31711/queer-britain-museum#anchor)**. * General Admission: £10 * Pay What You Can: Minimum £1 If you’ve bought a ticket but can no longer attend, please see the ticket disclaimer at the bottom of this event description. **GETTING THERE** [Click here to see the museum’s visit us website page](https://queerbritain.org.uk/visit) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. 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.
 Image credit: "Queer Britain Window Display" by PinkEM is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this licence, click [here](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse). **TICKET DISCLAIMER** If you can’t attend for any reason, please change your RSVP to “Not Going”. Regarding your unused ticket, you can either: 1. Ask for a refund from the museum; 2. Ask the museum if the date can be changed so you can attend on a different date that suits you; 3. Sell the ticket on yourself. Please do NOT advertise your ticket on any LoMAZ WhatsApp group; 4. Donate the ticket to us and we will see if someone wants it. Please do NOT advertise that you wish to donate your ticket on any LoMAZ WhatsApp group. Please message Camilla privately on Meetup if you would like to donate your spare ticket. Please note: - as LoMAZ is a volunteer group, we do NOT pay for unused tickets; - if you sell your ticket to someone in LoMAZ, that DOES NOT give them a place at this event. There are attendee limits on LoMAZ events to help our volunteer hosts manage and plan.

### 📅 EVENT DETAILS 📍 **Where:** Aldgate Tower (just outside Aldgate East Station, Exit 1) 🙋 **Who:** Players who already know how to play with scores (not suitable for beginners) ☕ **Included:** Instructur help, free tea, coffee, and unbeatable vibes ## 🀄 WANT TO PLAY MAHJONG REGULARLY? Mahjong is still a niche board game in London — and since it needs **4 players**, it can be hard to organise regular games with just your own friends or family. In many parts of Asia, **Mahjong parlours** bring people together to play. While we’re **not** running a commercial Mahjong club, we *are* here to build a **community**. Many of our players started as complete beginners in our workshops — and now they’re **hooked**! That’s why we created our **🎟️ Just Play tickets**. ### 🌏 DIFFERENT MAHJONG STYLES WELCOME ### 🇭🇰 Hong Kong Style (Main Style) Our main style is **Hong Kong Mahjong**, with a **3 fan minimum to win**.If you know how to play other Chinese styles like **Taiwanese**, **Sichuan**, or **British Mahjong**, you’re still welcome! We’ll provide **scoring cards** to help you adapt. ⚠️ However, these tables are **not suitable for beginners**. If you haven’t yet graduated from Level 1 or Level 2 of our workshops, or if you don’t know how to score, please join our learner workshops first to build confidence. ### 🇯🇵 Japanese Riichi (Growing Community) Riichi Mahjong is **new to our community**, but we love its fast pace and strategic complexity!If you already know how to play Riichi — \*\*amazing! Please join us.\*\*If you play Chinese Mahjong and want to try Riichi, one of our instructors or friendly regulars might help, but we **can’t guarantee full teaching support yet**. You're welcome to learn by playing alongside others. ### 🇺🇸 American Mahjong (New Community in 2026) We’re excited to add **American Mahjong** to our offerings. It’s quite different from Chinese Mahjong, so we’ll run newbie workshops and regular Just Play sessions from 2026. **Note**: Just Play bookings require solid prior knowledge of American rules. However, we encourage cross‑style learning, so if you already know one style of Mahjong, learn another with us, so you can play at any table. ## 💷 OUR BEST PRICE PROMISE We’re doing our best to keep **Just Play tickets affordable** for a 2-hour session — that’s our **best price promise**. 🙌 Unlike clubs that charge entry or venues that require a minimum spend, our ticket price covers only what’s needed: venue, staff, admin cost. And yes — with a booked ticket, **YOU ARE GUARNATEED A SEAT AT THE TABLE**, and we also provide **free tea, coffee**, and the occasional **festive treat**. ☕🍪 We're not a charity, but we are **deeply committed** to creating a welcoming Mahjong community. 💛 Your support helps us keep the tiles clicking, and we love seeing familiar faces return week after week! ## 📱 JOIN OUR MAHJONG WHATSAPP COMMUNITY Stay connected with fellow players in our friendly WhatsApp group — a space to ask questions, get updates on upcoming events, and even arrange private games outside of our Saturday sessions. It's the easiest way to stay in the loop and grow your Mahjong circle! [LINK HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IQXv3nGfbeMCfvI6HsGjfZ "https://chat.whatsapp.com/IQXv3nGfbeMCfvI6HsGjfZ") **Important Notes** 1. Each attendee must be registered to our building in addition to the meetup ticketing. If you book two tickets, we will need both individuals’ full names and email addresses for registration. 2. On **the same week**, you will receive an email from "Aldgate Tower" with your **building entry invitation**. This email includes a **unique visitor QR code**, which you’ll need to scan at the ground floor speed gates. Then, head straight up to the **6th floor**, where we’ll be ready to welcome you. 3. Please check your **spam or junk folder** if you don’t see the email. Still nothing? Send us a message / whatsapp us on +44 7423 755734 , and we’ll assist you promptly.

Boston Manor House, photo © Copyright [Stefan Czapski](https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/19114 "View profile") My number is 07815009191. MEET: No. 6 Coffee, 6 Boston Parade, Boston Road, Hanwell W7 2DG. Join me on this walk mostly through green spaces: through Boston Manor Park, along the Grand Union Canal and through the once thriving site of Brentford Dock. We'll even take in an orchard, as we discover the history of Brentford. The town was once the centre of the fruit and veg garden of England with its thousands of acres of market gardens and orchards, the site of two major battles, the place to live with its grand 18th century houses and the 'Golden Mile' of art deco factories. We'll enjoy all this and see the site of probably the greatest crime against heritage of the 20th century. The cost is £12, either cash on the day or to my account sort code 090128 acct number 75471878.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Join us for a Japanese Book Fair + Ramen Meetup! We’ll browse the used Japanese Book Fair together at Yokoso Center, then head next door to Tensuke Ramen from 5–6 PM to enjoy ramen and other Japanese dishes. After we eat, we’ll hang out and play a few casual games. Come for books, stay for food and community, open to all!

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour. Keeping Monday for consistency but we can discuss if there are better days/times/locations!

We will be doing homemade runes with clay. It can take a bit of processing. To let them dry and paint. But I hope every one enjoys them. ^^ ## Rune Making Class **Carve Meaning. Shape Intention. Create Something That Lasts.** Runes are more than symbols. They are an ancient alphabet rooted in early Germanic and Norse traditions, historically used for writing, protection, divination, and marking objects with intention. Each rune carries layered meaning. Strength. Protection. Prosperity. Movement. Transformation. In this Rune Making Class, you will create your own handcrafted rune set while learning what each symbol represents and how it has been used across history. ### What Runes Are Used For Runes have traditionally been used for: • Divination and guidance • Protection markings on tools, weapons, and homes • Meditation and self reflection • Setting intention and personal focus • Symbolic storytelling Whether you approach them from a historical, spiritual, or symbolic perspective, runes are tools for reflection and intention. *** ## Who This Is For This class is for: • Fantasy and history enthusiasts • Writers and world builders • Spiritual practitioners • Makers who enjoy hands on craft • Anyone drawn to ancient symbolism No prior experience is required. *** Runes were once carved into clay, wood, bone, and stone to carry intention into the world. Now you will make your own with clay. Seats are limited. Reserve your place and create something timeless.

Inspired by our successful events like "Saturday Mornings @ East Market" and other "Pot Luck in the Park" lunches, this gathering promises to be a blend of fun conversations, language exchange, and cultural insights, all while sharing wonderful foods with each other. Please bring a dish to share and anything you would like to drink. We will provide plates, plastic silverware and napkins. So, come hungry and ready to chat!

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!