Intellectual Discussions

These fortnightly sessions are dedicated to the discussion and exploration of an idea that I, as the organiser, have planned. No prior reading or knowledge is required. For more information, please visit https://www.think-philosophy.group/about/

An experimental session exploring a different mystic from Eastern and Western spirituality, and spiritual practices inspired by their lives. Heartspaces at Essex Hall is a vibrant and welcoming Unitarian hub in central London, open to spiritual seekers, existing Unitarians and curious newcomers. The Heartspaces programme is a series of weekly spiritual gatherings led by Unitarian ministers and volunteers across London. From regular pagan ceremonies to the spirituality events every Thursday evening, Heartspaces encourages people to gather, share and discover together. Whether you are a seasoned Unitarian, a spiritual searcher or simply curious, find your space to grow.

The café will be open on Thursdays between 23rd April 2026 and 2nd July 2026 - but will not be open on 28th May 2026. \*\* There will also be a **FREE ENGLISH CLASS** for 40 minutes - from 7pm to 7:40pm. \*\* The café offers the chance to practise your English in a friendly atmosphere, where you can meet and make friends. Thursdays, 7:30pm - 9:00pm at Dundonald Church 577 Kingston Road Raynes Park SW20 8SA It is organised by local Christians and during the evening there will be a simple meal and a short talk. facebook.com/raynespark.int.cafe

**\*\*Let's talk 'AI & Business'\*\*** Join us for an informal evening of **networking**, **expert talks on** **AI Governance, Data Sovereignty** & a **panel discussion on "How we use AI in our business today"**. **** BOOK YOUR PLACE:** [https://aiprofessionals.network/london28may](https://aiprofessionals.network/london28may) **\- Your place must be booked in advance\. **** We’re bringing together our AI Professionals & Business communities in/around London to meet, connect and **explore how AI is being built and used in business today.** Whether you’re a founder, investor, professional or simply curious about the AI revolution in business, this is your chance to learn, connect and be inspired. Make real connections, share experiences, be inspired and to inspire others whilst chatting about AI in Business in a relaxed, friendly setting. No formal pitches. Just great conversations! **For more information and to reserve your place visit: [https://aiprofessionals.network/london28may](https://aiprofessionals.network/london28may)** **Venue:** Civo Tech Junction, London, EC2A Pizza & drinks provided courtesy of our Sponsor, Civo.com. **Event Sponsor:** We are proud to be sponsored by **Civo.com** \- Civo is the Sovereign Cloud and AI platform that frees you to build without limits\. Trusted by ambitious startups and major enterprises around the world to deliver scalable\, sustainable infrastructure without the hidden costs or headaches\. We hope you will join us for an inspiring, enjoyable evening. **[Register now to secure your place.](https://aiprofessionals.network/aipb-registration-page1)** NOTE: This event is also being promoted by many other groups and some photos/ videos may be taken for future promotional purposes.

**A one-off special to launch a new series of events 🎉** **(Update:** We have now scheduled our regular events, you can find all the details and get tickets **[here](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/alltogether)**.) Jude & Bonny are collaborating to bring coaching to **everyone**. Why? **Full story on [Substack.](https://open.substack.com/pub/experimentsingroupwisdom/p/create-the-event-you-wish-existed)** In brief, they believe: * Coaching can be life enhancing, inspiring, creative, and fun * Everyone can learn coaching skills * Having the experience of both coaching and being coached is doubly valuable * Peer-to-peer connections are special :-) **At THE COACHING CLUB, we will:** * Learn a new skill (drawing on Jude’s expertise and experience as a coach) * See how it works in a short demo * Practice in pairs * Shuffle the pairs * Reflect together Jude and Bonny will guide the process, but you will also receive a tiny booklet for illustration (a Zine by [LESS STRESS PRESS](https://www.instagram.com/lessstresspress)) For this OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL we will share a method of discovering “life as a garden” 👀 **NOTES ON THE GENERAL ATMOSPHERE:** Although we’ll be learning new skills we'll also be aiming to have an enjoyable evening, with good humour and fun. This will be less like school and more like a thoughtful and interactive evening in a pub. **WHO SHOULD COME:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the experience. This group is not about being experts, it is about thinking creatively together and learning new ways to create space for one another. **WHERE WE’LL MEET:** This event will be at the Earl of Lonsdale Pub on Portobello. The nearest Tube station is Notting Hill Gate. (Future, smaller events will be in a different pub. You can find them [here](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/alltogether).) **YOUR HOSTS:** **Jude** is an experienced NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Master Practitioner and utilises NLP tools and techniques when she coaches. She offers 1:1 sessions, with the first Introductory Session completely free with no obligations - [www.judewattscoaching.co.uk](http://www.judewattscoaching.co.uk) **Bonny** is just starting her training as a coach. While in training, she's offering free and low cost sessions (first three sessions free, after that £15) - [www.bonnyastor.com/coaching](https://www.bonnyastor.com/coaching) **MORE INFO & LINKS:** **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) \- newsletter and reflections** [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/experimentsingroupwisdom) \- occasional visual updates on this event and others [WEBSITE](http://www.alltogether.one/) \- everything else [WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KWv2l3LvYn8BoEpYPD01hU?mode=gi_t) \- stay in the loop **#coaching #creativity #inclusivity #openmindedness #community #newskills**

Join the Prime Time Over 50s Social Group for a chilled out evening Following the success of our previous events, like the lively gathering at Oxford Circus, we would like to invite you to an evening that is perfect for mingling with like-minded individuals and making new friends and social connections. As you are aware this is a wetherspoons, so prices will be very reasonable

🎉 Event #24 – The Analytics Engineering Meet-up 🎉 The London Analytics Engineering Meet-up - Hosted by Google! Last year this was the meet-up with our highest attendance. Sign up early for this one. 🎤 Talks: [David Cox](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ryan-cox/)[ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cox-2948384/)– Business Intelligence Lead Engineer, Lloyds Banking Group Talk: *The journey to self-service through conversational (AI) analytics.* [James Sean Dickson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesseandickson/) – Senior Analytics Engineer, Voy Talk: *Project Zen Garden - A philosophical approach to maintaining a reliable, scalable and maintainable data platform.* 📅 RSVP is Open This event will be over-subscribed, so set reminder — you won’t want to miss it! 📍 Agenda 6pm – Doors open, networking, food & drinks 7pm – Talks kick off 8:30pm – More drinks & networking @ local pub This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with some of the UK’s top data professionals, share challenges, and exchange learnings. The Analytics Engineering Meet-up is a community for data professionals working with the modern data stack, machine learning or AI. We host regular meet-ups featuring talks from data leaders building and scaling analytics, data platforms, and AI in forward-thinking teams. The community is ideal for Data Engineers, Analytics Engineers, Analysts, and those working in Data Science, Machine Learning, or AI. The meet-up is organised by [Cognify](https://cognifysearch.com/), the recruitment partner for modern data and AI teams. Our event sponsor is [Meltano](https://meltano.com/), an ETL platform built on open-source foundations, engineered by experts for cloud scale, efficiency, and reliability. We’re always on the lookout for venues to host and guest speakers to inspire. If you’d like to get involved, feel free to chat with one of the Cognify team at any event. If you’re eager to dive deeper into industry insights, check out The Stacked Data Podcast for conversations with industry leaders. Listen on: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/24fIpekn8WfRDZsVHNcf7Q) **No-Show Policy:** If you miss 2 consecutive events or 2 out of 3 events, you won’t be able to attend the next event. We hope you understand this is to keep things fair for venues and other attendees.

Philosophy in the Park is a philosophical discussion group. Open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. We will meet at the Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain in Victoria Park (East Park). It is marked down as "13" on the official maps found in the park. Here's how it works: * At the start of each hour vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. The questions with the most votes are the questions we discuss. * We then break up into groups and each group does a different question. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and up end talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer you're welcome to sit back and enjoy the conversation. After an hour we all come back together, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So in 3 hours we go around 3 times. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. To terms of the right attitude: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. No homework or prior knowledge or reading is necessary - simply come and enjoy the discussions. After the event finishes most people stay in the park. Some of us go to the local supermarket to get drinks and snacks and then come back. You are very welcome to join us. If you would like to submit a question please join the Whatsapp group. Question submissions take place on the Thursday before the meeting. We hope to see you there. Nice one. ... To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) (in order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat). If the link doesn't work then please send me a message with your phone number and I can add you directly. Meetup charges subscription fees. If you would like to make a donation please click here: [https://paypal.me/philosophycollective](https://paypal.me/philosophycollective)

We are reading Mustafa Suleyman’s The Coming Wave to learn more about AI and tech this month 🤖

This is an **in-person** **theatre** and **livestream** talk from the **Royal Institution of Great Britain.** Laser expert **Prof Stephen Bown** explores the physics of Photodynamic Therapy, and the new treatments it might unlock. This is a Royal Institution discourse titled: **Photodynamic Therapy: Physicists and physicians unite to heal with light** **ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.** **More details and booking instructions on the RI web site:** **[https://www.rigb.org/whats-on/discourse-photodynamic-therapy-physicists-and-physicians-unite-heal-light](https://www.rigb.org/whats-on/discourse-photodynamic-therapy-physicists-and-physicians-unite-heal-light)** **SUMMARY** Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is offering a revolutionary new treatment option for a range of diseases, particularly cancers. By combining the skills of physicists and physicians, PDT uses light to kill living cells without damaging the structural integrity of the surrounding tissue. In this Discourse, laser medicine expert **Stephen Bown** draws on his decades of experience to explain how PDT works. Administering the drugs (photosensitisers) that sensitise tissues to light is relatively straightforward, but getting light to all relevant areas deep within the body is a major challenge. Endoscopes provide access to hollow organs, but ingenuity and detailed understanding of light scattering and absorption within solid tissues is required to deliver appropriate light doses everywhere within a target tissue. Stephen will further describe associated leading-edge developments, including cancer detection by photosensitiser fluorescence, the use of PDT as a “primer” to stimulate immunological responses to cancers and, at a very early stage of development, the concept that PDT might be able to offer a new approach to treating type 2 diabetes. Join us to discover one of the most exciting areas of development in clinical science. This event is in celebration of UCL200. This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. **The livestream will go live around 7.20pm, and the talk will begin at 7.30pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.** For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or [visit our FAQs page](https://www.rigb.org/whats/faqs-ri-livestreams). Please use the event link you have been provided with. By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's [event terms and conditions](https://www.rigb.org/terms-and-conditions). You also agree to abide by [our code of conduct](https://www.rigb.org/about-us/how-were-run/our-code-conduct-ri-visitors), and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants.

**Debait - a modern public square that promotes respectful disagreement.** **We offer a much needed alternative to social media "debating".** We are anti-ragebait and shouting. Just thoughtful discussions about issues shaping society. We facilitate an in-person session **on the last Saturday of every month at 259 Goswell Road, London, between 5pm-7pm** All our sessions are limited to a **maximum of 20 attendees** which guarantees that everyone will get ample opportunities to engage. **Tickets are £15 per person and must be booked in advance via our website at www.debait.co.uk. The ticket price includes tea / coffee and a small Scandinavian fika treat, thanks to our event sponsors Scandi Soul Food (www.scandisoulfood.co.uk).**

Hello! Attempt two at making the first meet up happen, hope you can join :) For Friday please give this article a read: https://www.themarginalian.org/2026/05/24/le-guin-lathe-of-heaven-change/ We can use following questions to guide our discussion: * a grounding question on arrival: what did this week ask of you? What are you arriving with today? Feel free to link to the article. * explore short stimulus, a poem, article, podcast clip, something to engage with even if no prep- "What did this make you notice about yourself?" "What resisted this idea?" "What line/image/idea stayed with you and why?" * accountability "This week I'm practising..." "One thing I'm avoiding but willing to face is..." "One small proof I'll give myself is.."

Join us in a safe and welcoming space to discuss end of life matters and break the taboo of speaking about death, over tea and cake. A Death Café provides an opportunity to consider an emotive subject amongst understanding friends. Many feel a deep connection at these gatherings. There is no agenda, just a willingness to share our experiences and offer mutual support. Our monthly Death Cafe meets on the last Sunday afternoon of the month. NO Death Cafe in December! **You must register in advance to guarantee a place at the event!** Read more about how we run our Death Cafe [here](https://www.rosslynhillchapel.org.uk/post/death-cafe-talking-about-death-to-live-life-more-fully "https://www.rosslynhillchapel.org.uk/post/death-cafe-talking-about-death-to-live-life-more-fully"). Please note: This is not bereavement counselling. Please visit the Death Cafe website for more information on this initiative: https://deathcafe.com/what/

Every week is a badminton academy for improver/intermediate/advanced standard. I also run thirteen teams that play in leagues out of the academy. Unfortunately this class does not cater for beginners! Wanting people who wish to enjoy and improve with games and advice with a coach who has played county and national level badminton, and has also played for England. Just come along, bring a racket, very friendly atmosphere! Class from 7.30 - 9.30pm weekly, £14.00 per session or £35.00 for three sessions t be paid up front and must be used within six months, payable by cash only. I have coached players from beginner to international standard. Please message me with any questions. Thanks

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

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

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

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.