Journalism

This is a live session at The Mitre in Greenwich. The purpose of this meeting is to provide and receive critique on submitted extracts of members' creative writing, whether they're working on a novel, screenplay, poetry, a memoir or short story, etc. We share our extracts via email ahead of the meeting to give us all a chance to read the work in our own time and reflect upon it so as to be able to provide useful critique. If you want to submit an extract mail me at gpatrick66@hotmail.com to book a slot. If you are new to the group we ask that you participate in at least two of the Wednesday critiquing sessions before you submit work for review so that you get to know us and have a good understanding of how we operate. This will help you to get the most from a critique of your own work. Extracts should be approx 3,000 words and the full document (extract plus blurbs, questions etc) should not exceed 3,500 words in total. Extracts must be mailed to me (gpatrick66@hotmail.com) at the latest by 9pm on the Saturday before the session so that I can share your work with the rest of the group. We have a limit of 4 extracts per session to give adequate time to review work properly. Feel free to give guidance on any specific areas on which you would like feedback. E.g. Plot, pacing, structure or character development etc. (If you have not received the extracts by the Sunday before the session, mail me.) The group is friendly and relaxed, so please don't feel nervous about sharing your work! We will normally review extracts according to the order in which they are sent to me but if you need a particular slot let me know when you submit your extract and we will try to accommodate that. Please note that all phones MUST be switched to silent mode for the duration of the meeting.

Description: Join us for an enlightening lecture that delves into the intricate web of the past and its potential to cast a long shadow over our present lives. In this thought-provoking session, we will explore the profound ways in which the past can negatively impact our well-being, choices, and personal growth. Throughout history, human lives have been shaped by a multitude of experiences, both positive and negative. These experiences accumulate, leaving imprints on our memories and shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. While the past holds valuable lessons and cherished memories, it can also harbor unresolved conflicts, traumas, and limitations that subtly influence our present reality. During this lecture, we will navigate the labyrinth of psychological and emotional baggage that may accumulate over time, inhibiting our personal development and impeding our ability to lead fulfilling lives. By examining the effects of the past on various aspects of our existence, we will gain a deeper understanding of how it can manifest in detrimental ways. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and real-life examples, we will explore the following topics: 1. The Power of Unresolved Trauma: We will delve into the profound impact of unresolved traumatic experiences and how they can subtly shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By shedding light on the intricate mechanisms behind these effects, we can begin to dismantle their hold on our lives. 2. Inherited Baggage: Examining the intergenerational transmission of pain, beliefs, and patterns of behavior, we will explore how our ancestors' experiences can unconsciously influence our lives. By recognizing and addressing this inherited baggage, we can break free from destructive cycles and chart our own path. 3. Limiting Beliefs and Self-Sabotage: Uncovering the deeply ingrained beliefs and narratives that stem from past experiences, we will explore how they can become self-fulfilling prophecies, stifling our potential and sabotaging our aspirations. By challenging these beliefs, we can reclaim our personal power and reshape our narratives. 4. Breaking Free: Strategies for Healing and Transformation: This segment will offer practical tools and techniques for healing past wounds, releasing emotional burdens, and cultivating resilience. We will explore approaches such as therapy, mindfulness, self-reflection, and forgiveness to facilitate the process of letting go and embracing personal growth. By the end of this lecture, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence the past can exert on their lives and how to break free from its negative impact. Armed with newfound knowledge and practical insights, they will be empowered to embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, healing, and the creation of a brighter future. Note: This lecture is open to all individuals seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional factors that shape their lives. No prior knowledge or experience is required, only an open mind and a willingness to explore the depths of the past.

Dive into the world of film at our event hosted by the London Film Circle! Join us for an exclusive evening where we celebrate the magic of film, television production, and screenwriting in the heart of London. Whether you are a film enthusiast, aspiring artist, writer, or simply love watching movies, this event is for you. Engage in conversations with industry professionals, discover new talents, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the art of storytelling. Explore the creative process through discussions on film and video production, comedy in TV shows, and the latest trends in the film industry. Whether you are an actor, director, producer, agent, sound engineer, editor, or simply a film buff, this event is a must-attend. Unleash your creativity, exchange ideas, and be inspired by the vibrant community of artists and musicians within the London Cine Circle. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable cinematic experience!

French GCSE Course ( Higher Tier ) The French GCSE course aims to equip students with the skills needed to understand and use French in real-life situations. Students study a range of topics relevant to young people and everyday life, such as identity, family, school, leisure, holidays, work, and global issues. The course develops competence across the four key language skills: • Listening – understanding spoken French in different contexts • Speaking – taking part in conversations and giving presentations • Reading – understanding texts of varying length and complexity • Writing – producing clear and accurate written French Students also learn essential grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and gain insight into French and Francophone culture. Assessment is based on examinations in the four skills at Foundation or Higher level.

We hold two pub evenings a month on the first and third Wednesdays, with all the other Wednesdays being Zoom pub evenings. We also normally have a monthly quiz on the last Wednesday of the month, during the Zoom evening, at about 9pm, where a different member of our group prepares the questions to be used each month. This means that tonight is an actual pub evening. We are meeting at the Moon and Stars in Penge High Street, near the Sainsbury supermarket. The pub is a Wetherspoon establishment so we all know what to expect! We usually try to sit towards the back of the pub, possibly in one of the booths on the right hand side. Look for the IVC name on one of the tables.

***Enter the live meeting room here: [https://discord.gg/5wgxtr4c2u](https://discord.gg/5wgxtr4c2u)*** ***Download the engine here: [https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download](https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download)*** Welcome to the **Unreal Engine Workshop!** In each session we'll tackle essential game design discussions, then transition into hands-on project creation. Participants will build and expand their skills continuously as we explore every aspect of game development. From basic blueprints and interactive mechanics, to advanced rigging, animation, environment design, and lighting, we'll work our way up to creating small complete games. We encourage experimentation and peer teaching, so whether you're a beginner or experienced developer looking to deepen your expertise, our sessions provide a supportive environment to learn, create, and innovate together in Unreal Engine 5.

Art Journaling is a fun and simple way to incorporate creativity into everyday life. An art journal is a great place to experiment and try out different approaches to art without the pressure of creating a masterpiece. It is an artistic form of self-expression – instead of using words alone; you will be using various media and different art techniques to express your creativity. In a busy world, largely driven by technology, taking time to be creative can often seem frivolous and indulgent. But studies show that creative activities encourage positivity and significantly improve our wellbeing. Art journaling is an effective way to de-stress and practice self-care. Join us for these drop-in sessions in Art journaling with Sai, an experienced teaching artist, avid art journaler and professional calligrapher. From simple mark making to elaborate mixed media art you will learn a variety of new skills; gain confidence in your artistic ability and develop an amazing creative habit that is both enriching and nourishing. Whether you have five minutes or half an hour to spare, Art journaling will inspire you to be creative, practice self-care and reconnect with yourself. Each week we work with different media and techniques. Sai provides some resources, however please bring an art journal and some basic supplies with you. Contact Sai directly to book bluepaletteartstudio@gmail.com

🤖 **Most AI writing tools keep you in a chat box. This talk is about what happens when you step outside it.** Led by **[Max Clayton Clowes](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxclaytonclowes/)**, afractional product manager, we'll look at how technical writers — regardless of coding background — can use Claude Code to work in a docs-as-code environment, extend their documentation tooling, and build workflows that hold their own standards over time. We'll cover: \- Why Claude without proper context is a frustrating experience and how Skills fix that \- How Claude Code enables technical writers to work with frameworks like Docusaurus without needing to be developers \- Building and extending documentation tooling — plugins\, components\, GitHub Actions — that most teams don't have the time or skills to build from scratch \- Using Claude Code to maintain docs at scale: auditing\, keeping content in sync with a changing codebase\, and automating the checks that keep quality consistent The talk is aimed at technical writers of all levels. You don't need to be comfortable in a terminal to get value from it — we'll show a clear path from the Claude web interface through to Claude Code, and you can engage at whichever level suits you. **Want to follow along?** Pick the level that works for you and get set up before you arrive: \- Web interface: A Claude account at claude\.ai\. Free tier is fine\. \- Claude Code: Download the Claude desktop app at claude\.com/download\. Requires a paid Claude plan \(Pro or above\)\. On macOS/Linux\, run *curl \-fsSL https://claude\.ai/install\.sh \| bash* to install. Windows users can download the installer directly. No other dependencies needed. Not set up? Everything will be on screen — you can explore at your own pace afterwards. **🗒️ Agenda** **When:** Thursday 19 March, from 6.30pm **Where:** The Gallery @ [The Corner](https://maps.app.goo.gl/C1iSyEeMffB7BZjf6) (42 Adler Street, E1 1EE) **What:** **18.30 - 19.00** Arrival **19.00 - 19.10** Welcome & Housekeeping **19.10 - 19.40** Part 1 of presentation **19.40 - 20.00** Break **20.00 - 20.30** Part 2 of presentation **20.30 - 21.00** Closing and networking *All times are approximate.* **📍 How to find us:** Enter the hotel, turn right and right again past the bar to find The Gallery meeting room. Look for WTD signs and friendly organisers. **📸 Photos:** Note that the organizers will take some photos for the WTD group.

🚨 Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. We celebrate the curious and the hungry—if you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. Ps. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/)🚨 Looking for a fun, creative and relaxed way to spend your Saturday? Join us for an evening where **art meets social connection**. Before we start painting, we’ll kick things off with a **short interactive activity designed to get everyone talking and comfortable with each other**. It’s a fun way to warm up and meet other attendees before the brushes come out. **Then it’s time to paint.** Daniel will guide you through the basics step by step, but you’re also free to freestyle your own creation. No experience needed. By the end of the night you’ll leave with your own canvas. 👕 **Dress code:** something comfy that you don’t mind getting a bit of paint on. Tickets are **£15**, or **£12 if you book through our app**: [https://onelink.to/balancers](https://onelink.to/balancers) If you’ve earned **coins at past events**, you can also use them towards your ticket. Your ticket also includes access to our **main social at 8:30pm in the same venue**, so feel free to stay for more good vibes afterwards. Come for the creativity, stay for the people. 💬 Join our WhatsApp Community for any last-minute updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMJfgSat7ypEzgtblAkNLS](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GMJfgSat7ypEzgtblAkNLS) **Refund Policy:** We provide full refunds for cancellations made at least 48 hours before the event starts time. This allows us adequate time to adjust logistics and offer spots to other interested attendees. To request a refund, simply contact us via the app or email with your registration details. *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity.* *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

Having read Andy Weir's *Project Hail Mary* back in January, we will go see the new film in imax! The screening we will go to is 18:30 on 20 March at Cineworld Leicester Square. This film should be popular so we will book in tickets as people decide that they want to join. Please get in touch if you are interested! We will head out afterward to have a discussion and reaction to the film.

**🚨**Spoiler alert: We built the space we couldn’t find. A place where you show up alone, say hi first, and meet new people naturally. We celebrate the curious and the hungry—if you’re ready to expand your circle, you’re in the right place. Ps. You can check us out on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/_balancers/) 🚨 Find Your People (Over Uno, Murder… and maybe a Chicken vs Hotdog showdown). This isn’t your average board game night. No sitting in one spot for hours. We’re mixing it up with rotating tables, quick rounds, and games made for laughs, chats, and meeting a whole bunch of new faces. Pick your vibe, or try them all: * 🃏 **The Classics** – Think Uno, Cards Against Humanity, Mario Kart (Wii) and other easy favourites * ⚡ **High Energy** – Quick-fire games like 20 Second Rule and Chicken vs Hotdog * 🕵️‍♀️ **Roleplay & Mystery** – Yep, Spy Game and The Killers are back by popular demand 👋 Host Support – Our hosts are low-key legends. Need a hand, a nudge, or a friendly intro? They’ve got you. **After the Games Social, the night doesn’t stop there.** **Your ticket also gives you access to the main Social. We kick things off with a fresh icebreaker to bring everyone together, then a team game, and after 10 the Musician takes over and the vibe turns up.** ✨ **Pro Tips:** ✅📲 **Download our free [app](https://onelink.to/balancers)** to **track your rewards from the games** throughout the night and stay connected with the people you meet after the event. ### **Important Reminders:** 🔹 **Stay connected:** [Join our ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)**[WhatsApp group \[here\]](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O)**[ for last-minute updates.](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O) 🔹**Many attendees join via our app, so the Meetup ‘Going’ list only shows part of the crowd.** 🔹 **Coming alone?** Most people do. You don’t need a plus-one to have a great Saturday. Our hosts are on the floor to get you involved in the games and challenges as soon as you arrive. We make it easy to start those first conversations so you can connect with the room naturally. *Remember, our pillars are Openness, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity.* *Attendance at this event is subject to our [Code of Conduct](https://www.balancers.app/code-of-conduct) and [Terms of Service](https://www.balancers.app/term-of-service). By joining, you may receive emails about Balancers events and community updates. You can unsubscribe at any time.*

If you’re artistic and creative — or were always that kid who dreamed of working in exciting sexi professional worlds of entertainment, fashion, music or the performing arts — then this one’s exclusively for you! An insider showbiz and entertainment walk led by someone who’s lived inside the industry - a radio music founder, presentator and club DJ, a former Correspondent for a global News Agency bigger than the BBC, an advertising / media agency exe, a red-carpet luxury fashion brand strategist and a failed boy band muscian (I still got the spiked hair!). So you can expect stories to be told with real passion, authenticity, personality and first hand knowledge... This 90 mins backstage wander will take you straight through London’s creative arts & entertainment industry showbiz bloodstream. We’re talking live broadcasting nerve centres, global pop stars, legendary stages, Hollywood hideouts, iconic comedy clubs, ad agencies that won general elections, recording studios, fashion designers, radio powerhouses, and the secret corners where reputations are negotiated over overpriced cocktails — all set against the music soundtrack of a city that’s launched everything from Britpop to boybands to global club culture. You’ll hear where the UK’s biggest radio stations broke chart‑toppers annd turned unknowns into global popstars, where stars of the film and stage made their name, how certain streets shaped entire genres, how comedians went from dingy basements to national treasures, and why London’s music scene has always been the city’s loudest, messiest, most influential creative engine in the world This free tour will unapologetically appeal to: * **Pop‑culture lovers** who treat celebrity interviews and album drops like sacred texts * **Creatives & media people** who love a bit of insider sparkle and know the difference between a PR stunt and a genuine cultural moment * **Culture lovers** who collect fun facts from music, film, art and can name their favourite live performance of all time * **People working in or consuming** **films, theatre, radio, music, comedy, TV, dance, media, advertising**, **performing arts** and everything in between * Anyone craving something different yet authentic, fun with just the right amount of chaos Expect a crowd that gets excited about the things normal people pretend not to care about — iconic ad campaigns, legendary performances, scandalous headlines, radio gossip, film magic, music history, and the beautiful mess of how culture actually gets made. You’ll walk, you’ll laugh, you’ll learn things you absolutely did not expect, and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve unlocked a secret level of London — the one where the stories, the scandals, and the soundtracks all collide Lucas — The Entertainment Mongul

The first rule of WRITE CLUB is that you do not talk ***during*** WRITE CLUB. This very simple meetup is based on the premise that public and peer accountability enables more productive writing than sitting at home and getting distracted by the fridge. We will write/read for an hour in silence. (I will be writing thought experiments for my other meetup group: [THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS](https://www.meetup.com/thought-experiments-in-pubs)) If you'd like to hang out afterwards, or if you prefer just to hang out, I have another event immediately afterwards in the same place :-) You can find that here: [HANGING OUT AT THE SOUTHBANK](https://www.meetup.com/experimentsin/events/312667892) We'll make use of the fantastic indoor public spaces on London's South Bank (The Southbank Centre, The BFI Cafe, The National Theatre Cafe, etc) to spend time in the company of other people. There are plenty of places to buy refreshments, but you can also bring your own if you prefer. This event will take place in the foyer of The Southbank Centre. This event will take place in the foyer of The Southbank Centre. You can find us by looking out for: * A tote bag with WRITE CLUB sewn onto it * My T-Shirt, which will have HANGING OUT embroidered on the back of it * A big red flag with THE SUNRISE CLUB emblazoned on it (though this clearly isn't THE SUNRISE CLUB! If you want to find out about that, you can do so [here](https://www.meetup.com/the-sunrise-club/).) * Other writers - who may be spread out across the centre. They will have white pieces of paper with the WRITE CLUB stamp at the top of the page. [WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BpMwnRev0H237KMx4uPnek) [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/experimentsingroupwisdom) [SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) Looking forward to meeting and writing with you :-) Bonny

Let’s try some Filipino food at a well known Grandview area restaurant, This is the menu: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHByDNxwDA/TO8oxEmjQrBp_PP_mLPUag/view?utm_content=DAHByDNxwDA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h435abfbbb3#1

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" 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!

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 25 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!