High School Alumni

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring valuable chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit, today’s hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious to share views on the following intriguing observation. Growing up in the west - before the 2020s - Friday and Saturday nights meant going out with your mates for fun to enjoy music, dancing, drinking, eating, comedy, singing, fun silly moments and random conversations (and sometimes much more) with strangers you'd meet out and about 100% naturally. Taking drugs even. Tuesdays and Thursdays was for doing the same stuff but with work collegues hence the workplace was a place to make new lifelong friends. Weekend daytimes were for doing healthier but socially fun stuff like playing sports, pub lunches, visting galleries/museums, theatre and watching movies together at the Cinema or around a mate's house. Fast‑forward 2026 - it feels like everything changed: Despite public transport running all night (it wasn't when I was in my teens/early 20s yet my peer group stayed out proper late most weekends) - on a Sat night "young" people head home at 10pm, skip the dance floor for board games in the pub, avoid bar banter, jokes and rarely engage in organic spontaneous chats with strangers. Whatsmore the stats are wild — data show virginity rates among men hitting record highs by age 30, social anxiety and social skills off-the charts. So what's happened? We’ll explore questions like: * Is this just nostalgia talking, or has something genuinely shifted? * Why has typical multi generational fun pastimes (1950s to 2010s) lost its spark for the 20‑somethings? * How much does health, economics, mobile phones, social media and gaming explain the trend? * Are certain professions (like tech/IT) changing the social landscape, or just attracting already‑very introverted people? * Why are some stats so **contradictory**? Think higher reported male virginity rates by 30 alongside rising STI rates in young people. Despite tanking alcohol sales - UK alcohol related death rates per capita are still rising. What's going on? * Target audience demographics for commericial music radio stations (Capital, Kiss etc) is still 18 to 24 suggesting young people still consume music and other popular culture but are not going out to enjoy it. Why? * Is it harder for younger people to make genuine friends today and if so why? * Dancing is natural to all of us - every kid moves instinctively to music. So beyond a less joyous social life what happens when these innate behaviours get suppressed as adults? What has this healthy exercise and creative expression been replaced with? * AI is predicted to take over technical job and tasks - the most future‑proof skills will be things like interpersonal skills & emotional intelligence built through real‑world socialising. Employers already complain that young people lack these skills. How will they get non-AI jobs? * Levels of emotional intelligence and self-awareness - particularly amongst men - are at an all time low. Wiill social anxiety worsen further as the introversion trend accelerates? * What does all this mean for dating, relationships, and starting families? Expect lively debate, sharp humour, and a host (a former news journalist) that isn’t afraid to ask awkward questions. Bring your curiosity, your stories, and your caffeine tolerance — we’ll stir the coffee pot on whether the young have really become more boring or have they’re just discovered new fun activities - if so what are they? And if you are in your 20s - I would love to hear your views! Lucas - The alcoholic 3am Eternal singing break-dancing geriatric

***Important that you turn on your Meetup Notification for messaging!*** **New fees from 17 January 2026**: * Doubles Session Fee (3 hours): £14.00 * Late Cancellation Fee (4–24 hours’ notice before session start): 50% of full fee * No-Show Fee (less than 4 hours’ notice or failure to attend): 100% of full fee * ***Late cancellations or no-shows will also incur a fee, regardless of waitlist status*** **Payment**: * Full payment by online transfer is required no later than 24 hours prior to session or at time of booking. Unpaid booking will result in your spot(s) being released **with late cancellation fees charged** * No cash payment **New Bank Details** for **Saturday sessions** and **Sunday afternoon session (1400-1700)**: * Account Name: Jenny Cheong * Account Number: 38366355 * Sort Code: 04-00-04 * or use Monzo Link https://monzo.me/jennycheong?h=X9WpXF Please ensure that you use your **Meetup name** and the **session date** as **reference**. This is so we can match the payment to you...thanks. **About the session** This session is for **High Intermediate and advanced players** looking to challenge themselves with competitive play using high-quality feather shuttlecocks. If you're a beginner, improver or intermediate player, we warmly invite you to join our other sessions tailored to your skill level and schedule. Come elevate your game in a dynamic and engaging environment! Please note, games must end promptly just before 5:00 PM The venue is approx. 10 mins walk from Leyton Station (turn left as you exit station and then make a right at Drapers Field towards Temple Mill Lane). If you're coming from Stratford Station, walk through Westfield towards Waitrose. Take the exit on the right called Celebration Avenue. Follow the road for several minutes and you will come to the entrance of the school on Temple Mill Lane which is on the right hand side. Still can't find it, call me on 07863 165824 If you are driving, there is NCP car park opposite the school. There are also places in Leyton area that you can park for free. Please check road signages for timings. Simple "If" Rules: * If you want to attend, you must RSVP * If you want to bring a friend you MUST RSVP for them * If you do not RSVP, you will be turned away Please respect the session limit, they are for your own good as over crowdedness means less games for you! **Important Note:** Event is for **18 years and above only** to comply with Chobham Academy's safeguarding policy. You are responsible for your own safety and belongings. London East Badminton Club and Chobham Academy management are not liable for any injuries, lost items, or other incidents.

**Sid's Badminton Club meetup at Richmond** **Details:** * **Date**: Sunday * **Time**: 4:30pm - 7:30pm * **Location**: Christ's School, Near Richmond, Sheen area (Queen's Rd, Richmond upon Thames TW10 6HW) * **Type**: Singles and Doubles **Session Highlights:** * Four courts available for 3 hours. * Ladies’, Men’s, Mixed doubles, and Singles matches (depending on attendance). * Players will be grouped by skill level. **Additional Details:** * Quality feather shuttles provided. * Fee: It is bargain ***£13 for 3 hours or more!*** Please pay session fees preferably at the start to organisers. * **Membership Update - Price Changes Coming:** We strongly encourage you joining as a member - it's the most cost-effective option and helps us plan ahead. * **Pay-as-you-go pricing:** * January 2026 (first 3 sessions): £13 * After 3rd session: £14 * **Membership fees stay the same!** Not sure which option suits you? Speak with us - we'll help you find the best arrangement. (most of the details are up to date at the [Sid's website](https://www.sidsbadmintonclub.org.uk/)) Please bring your correct cash if you can and hand it in to organisers please. there are also transfer available ***but not for first timers***. * Free secured car park at the school. * Feel free to attend the first session; we can guide you if unsure about your level. * contact us at info@sidsbadmintonclub.org.uk or [Sid's Badminton Club Enquiry Form](https://www.sidsbadmintonclub.org.uk/contact.php) ***to check [our discounts for new members](https://www.sidsbadmintonclub.org.uk/#discounts) if you like to become Sid's BC member.*** **Full Address and Directions:** [Christ's School Location](https://goo.gl/maps/7Z2MsSsW4Rv) Christ's School Queen's Rd, Richmond upon Thames TW10 6HW **Cancellation and Liability:** * Cancel your RSVP 24 hours prior if you can't attend to avoid charges. ***otherwise, you will be charged in full for the session and this is payable and has to be cleared before you attending next session!*** * Sid's Badminton Club is not responsible for personal property loss or injury. **Contact:** * Questions? Text us on Meetup or email info@sidsbadmintonclub.org.uk. * or check our website at: * [www.sidsbadmintonclub.org.uk](https://www.sidsbadmintonclub.org.uk/) * Text us on Meetup if you have trouble finding us. Looking forward to seeing you soon today or when you are free! **Sid's Badminton Club**

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/42280 **Game Description:** Only sign up if you are Upper Intermediate/ Advanced Level Player and Knowlegeable of 5:1 Rotations. You will be ask not to join the game if you do not qualify from the criteria stated. Organizer have the right not to refund your money. Its not personal though. Our goal is to have a good time, enjoy the company of friendly people and play some competitive games. Remember "Every Serve is a Point" **Rules** 5:1 Rotations 6 Players/ team 15 points

We bring Boys’ Love fans together through global media, including anime, donghua, manga, manhua, manhwa, and Thai BL dramas. Together to share recommendations, host discussions and screenings of our favourite BL shows/anime. Age range : 18-23 year olds Join our WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZbc8SmhDJE9g2pM2RsXn7

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/39069 **Game Description:** THIS IS A 18+ BOOKING!! PLEASE CHECK @BESTSBASKETBALL FOR U18. Welcome to Best’s Basketball Skill session Sunday! Welcome to the Home of Elite Fundamentals !! Come and join our weekly Best’s Basketball Scrimmages on Wednesday or Friday from 7pm-9:30pm and Best's Basketball Skill Session on Sundays from 9am - 12pm. (Calendar on Instagram page for Session Dates) From beginners to elites, we help improve the skills, details, and consistency of each player, not just in the game but in life. Basketball is a game of life. Teaching all stages, our session includes a mix of ages and mentors to help you elevate your game quickly with a solid foundation of confidence and pro basketball knowledge. We also reward life achievements, emphasising how better academic achievements create better basketball players and how we are more than the game. We are a community, and we can and do achieve both on and off the court. Also, where else are you getting a 3 hour basketball Skills session in London? Come with RESPECT and be ready to CULTIVATE, COMPETE, and ELEVATE. This is a teaching environment and a space where everyone is free to express themselves through the game of basketball. Mental wellbeing is important and we are willing to assist where we can. Our morals are LOVE, FAITH, RESPECT and BALANCE. Let's play with intensity and uphold those morals!! Looking forward to meeting you. **Rules** Come with respect and be ready to learn and elevate. This is a teaching environment and a space where everyone is free to express themselves through the game of basketball. Mental wellbeing is important and we are willing to assist. Our morals are love, faith, respect and balance.

**Join us for a Spanish Stroll in Hampstead Heath** Are you a Spanish speaker looking to practise your language skills in a beautiful outdoor setting? Join us for a leisurely walk through the stunning Hampstead Heath. We'll chat in Spanish, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the picturesque views. **What to expect:** * **Spanish conversation:** Practise your language skills with fellow Spanish speakers. * **Scenic walk:** Explore the beautiful Hampstead Heath. * **Friendly atmosphere:** Meet new people and make lasting friendships. **Please note:** * This event is free. * **Dress appropriately:** Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. * **Safety:** You are responsible for your own safety and belongings. * **Punctuality:** Please arrive on time as the Heath is vast. * **Respect the environment:** Please leave no trace. * **Weather:** If heavy rain is forecast, we'll meet at a nearby pub or coffee shop. **Event details:** * **Route:** We'll walk to Kenwood House for a break, then return to the tube station. Bear in mind that once we have started the walk, it's difficult to find us. And depending on the weather, we can change our itinerary. * **WhatsApp group:** A link will be shared a day before the event for live location updates. **If you're feeling unwell, please stay home.** **Looking forward to seeing you there!** The London Spanish Language Group

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:30 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 7:00 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 8:00 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 9:00 PM–12:30 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £12 two classes 6:30 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/42275 **Game Description:** Only sign up if you are an Advanced Level Player and Knowledgeable of 5:1 Rotations. You will be ask not to join the game if you do not qualify from the criteria stated. Organizer have the right not to refund your money. Its not personal though. Our goal is to have a good time, enjoy the company of friendly people and play some competitive games. Remember "Every Serve is a Point" **Rules** Only 12 Players ( 2 Teams) for Advanced Players only

* **read event description before signing up** * **register on Meetup to attend** * **update RSVP if plans change** * **arrive at 2.50pm** * **read the Book before session** * **review the Questions** [Book 3 - In Carnuntum](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Thoughts_of_the_Emperor_Marcus_Aurelius_Antoninus/Book_III) *Reading Time - 15 minutes* *Knowledge of prior Books is not required* [Gregory Hays translation used in session](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meditations-Translation-Modern-Library-Classics/dp/0812968255/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DYZJGWO42PUG&keywords=meditations+gregory+hays&qid=1656706450&s=books&sprefix=Meditations+Gregory%2Cstripbooks%2C91&sr=1-1) Meditations is one of the greatest works of spiritual and ethical reflection ever written. With a profound understanding of human behaviour, Marcus provides insights, wisdom, and practical guidance on everything from living in the world to coping with adversity to interacting with others. Explore this timeless collection that has been consulted and admired by leaders, readers and thinkers throughout the centuries. **Questions we'll explore** 1\. So we need to hurry\. Not just because we move daily closer to death but also because our understanding—our grasp of the world—may be gone before we get there\. \(1\) *How do you feel about this?* 2\. Don’t waste the rest of your time here worrying about other people—unless it affects the common good\. \(4\) *What can you usefully do?* 3\. To stand up straight—not straightened\. \(5\) *How would you go about this?* 4\. Forget everything else\. Keep hold of this alone and remember it: Each of us lives only now, this brief instant. The rest has been lived already, or is impossible to see. *(10)* *What are the implications?* 5\. If you\.\.\.\.—can find fulfillment in what you’re doing now\, as Nature intended\, and in superhuman truthfulness \(every word\, every utterance\)—then your life will be happy\. No one can prevent that. (12) *Do you agree or disagree?* **To fund the costs of** [room hire](https://bunhillquakers.org.uk/files/2025_bunhill_booking_info_trifold.pdf) **and** [Meetup subscription](https://www.meetup.com/blog/new-organizer-pricing-key-improvements/) **£15 is payable** To minimise admin there are no refunds/credits unless the meeting is cancelled. Refunds exclude Meetup/PayPal fees. **If you sign up and can no longer attend, please Edit RSVP asap to "Not going" so someone else can take your spot.** There is no waiting list if the event is full. Please check this Meetup page on the day of the event, as a spot may become available if there is a late cancellation. **If you sign up, and do not Edit RSVP to "Not going", and are a no show, you will be removed from the Group and can rejoin after 3 months.**

Come learn what Mom League is all about. Pregnant or recently postpartum mom/parents and kiddos welcome. We will discuss the offerings of the Mom League newborn series.

Let’s meet and discuss whatever comes to mind about one of Tennesse Williams’ most famous plays.

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room A, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there! Winter Note: If the weather is bad and I have to cancel the Meetup, i will issue the cancellation not later than 3 p.m. of that day.

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).

Let’s meetup at Cafe Istanbul for the last day of Restaurant Week. You get three courses for $30. This is the menu: https://614now.com/rw-menu/cafeistanbul-easton

Jimmy V's Grill & Pub in Grandview Heights. You are responsible for your own meal/drinks. We usually don't have any agenda other than eat, drink and talk. :) If the weather is nice we will be on the back patio, otherwise we are in the cigar room. This group has been meeting every Tuesday evening for over a decade. Many attendees do not RSVP on meetup. Please don't let the small number here discourage you. Anyone/everyone is welcome to come. We'd love to have you join us. COTA bus #5 comes to W. 5th and Wyandotte Rd. And it's a minute walk to the restaurant. *** Did you know that there are atheists everywhere?!?! You may not know it, but we are! We're in your schools, diners, police force, military, government, and some are even still in your churches! So come and join us and meet other local atheists, along with agnostics, heathens, humanists, skeptics, and anyone else who's 'hell bound'! Vision: a Central Ohio that accepts atheism as a viable alternative in all areas of public and private life. Mission: grow, support, and provide community for atheists in Central Ohio. Social meetings held most Tuesdays at a local pub/restaurant at 7:00 PM (and often into the wee hours). Attendees call themselves agnostics, skeptics, humanists, non-theists, deists or even theists. All attendees are welcome but should support our vision. Atheists of Columbus (AoC) is part of Omnipresent Atheists (OA). AoC members are invited to join this OA meetup and/or OA Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/omnipresentatheists/ ) but are free to continue conversations on the AoC Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/columbusatheists/ ). AoC was founded in 2012 as a networking, social group for Central Ohio area humanists, skeptics, atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers, freethinkers, and the curious. It was a member of Columbus CoR and held weekly meetings, mostly on Fridays, for several years but then operated as an online only group for some time. In November 2018, Omnipresent Atheists (OA), a group that routinely meets on Tuesdays, invited AoC to merge. Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason (ColumbusCoR.org). Omnipresent Atheists is a member of the Columbus Coalition of Reason ( http://www.ColumbusCoR.org ). Omnipresent Atheists endorses the mission of the Secular Coalition for America ( http://secular.org ).