Liberal Democrat

Five candidates have accepted the invitation to take part on the panel of the hustings organised by East London Humanists in the run up to the 7 May council elections: * Jo Blackman (Labour) * David Davies (Reform) * Mark Gitsham (Liberal Democrats) * Kabir Ali (Green) * Paul Canal (Conservative) While all participating candidates are from the Wanstead area, the event is a microcosm of the unprecedented five way contest unfolding across London. It should be hugely interesting whether or not you are local. East London Humanists is proud to have organised a similar hustings at each national and local election since 2019. They have been widely regarded as fair, interesting and beneficial to the community. The environment covers many issues of concern to local residents, from potholes, parking and planning to nature and the climate. Questions can be submitted in writing at the event, or in advance to chaireastlondonhumanists@gmail.com. Doors open 19.00. Hustings commence 19.30. Free and open to all. Disabled access. 2 minute walk from Wanstead Station (Central Line). Numerous adjacent buses. Free adjacent parking.

Join us next Tuesday where we’ll be cross- stitching some bookmarks!

ATTEND IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM (link upon registration) NB **This event will now take place at a different venue: the Café of [St. Hilda's East Community Centre](https://www.google.com/maps/@51.5244243,-0.0746385,17z?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D), 18 Club Row, London E2 7EY. The nearest station (just a few minutes walk) is [Shoreditch High Street](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Shoreditch+High+Street/@51.5237626,-0.0741518,16.75z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x48761cb7237e45d3:0x832e68d6f5c3b9b0!8m2!3d51.5232573!4d-0.0754661!16s%2Fg%2F1hhvv83t7?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (Overground). Apologies for any inconvenience.** This event takes place on Tuesday as Monday is a public holiday in the UK This talk will focus on a single question: ‘Where do you belong?’ The idea of ‘home’ reflects one of the deepest and most universal of human experiences. ‘Homes’ may be physical, emotional, intellectual or cultural – they reflect aspects of life with which we identify, where we feel comfortable (or challenged) and where we belong. They are a defiant response to our awareness of the vastness of space. From Diogenes and Buddha to Nietzsche and Heidegger, we’ll be looking at the experience of belonging, and exploring ways in which it shapes our thinking about the nature of self, ethics and politics. Over the last 50 years, **Mel Thompson** has written more than 40 books on philosophy and religion and is probably best known for the philosophy titles in the long-running ‘Teach Yourself’ series. His website is at [essexthinker.com](http://essexthinker.com/). Event video teaser: [https://youtu.be/CPiG1qCOyqM](https://youtu.be/CPiG1qCOyqM) For the full programme of events pls see [pfalondon.org](http://pfalondon.org) This event is supported by The Royal Institute of Philosophy's [Local Partners Programme](https://royalinstitutephilosophy.org/news/fund-your-event/)

The session is aimed at beginners and intermediate level players who have either never played tennis previously or would like to improve on their game. Join our 2 hours session which will consist of warm up followed by drills focusing on technical skill coaching and will include Forehand / Backhand / Volley and Serve. Finally you get to play each other refining your skills and techniques and ultimately having fun. Rackets can be borrowed please let me know if you need a racket in advance. You need to make a payment 24 hours before the session. If you cannot attend the session please provide 24 hours notice. Should you wish to cancel. This will allow other players on the waiting list the chance to attend the session. If severe weather conditions prevent the session you will have credit for your next session. If there is less than 6 players unfortunately the session will not go ahead. If you have any questions contact me by either through this email. hmasoudi@email.com or call/text me on 07901662457 £ 30 per player per session. H. Masoudi Sort code 40-03-33 Account number 31344609 The session is with less than 12 players is run by one main qualified coach.

Looking to improve your **flexibility**, relieve **stress** and enhance your overall **well-being**? Join us for a welcoming and supportive stretching class designed specifically for women! What to expect: Gentle stretches suitable for all levels. Focus on relaxation and mindfulness A positive environment to connect with other women Where: The Living Room, Soho 3 Green’s Ct, London W1F 0HD Cost: Free Contact: Vanesa Romero +44 7394804891

**Discussion overview:** How much power should we have over our own life? While some say that we should have total bodily autonomy no matter what, others argue that suffering and despair can lead to irreversible mistakes - and that society should have rules to protect us from them. Should bodily autonomy be entirely our own, or must society have safeguards or step in to protect us from ourselves? *Join us for a relaxed group conversation where we explore the real life, the grey areas, and how our different cultures and backgrounds shape our views about key topics.* *Expect real talk, no judgment, and a chance to learn how others see it.* **\*Come for the discussion, stay for the friendships. Our weekly discussion series brings together thoughtful people for honest conversations on relationships, life, and society - with warm social vibes before and after.\*** **WHAT TO EXPECT:** * Good vibes only: we chat big topics in a chill, respectful way. No arguing - just open-minded exchange. * We warm up with casual socializing (come solo or with friends!) * The topic starts around 7:45/8pm, wraps around 9:30. * 🍕 There's pizza, drinks, milkshakes and snacks available at the bar (incl plant-based options) * And most people stay until late for drinks and mingling! **DISCUSSION FORMAT:** **\- Our group conversations are open and flexible\! There is a very soft guided flow to ensure we focus on the key questions\, and to ensure that everyone gets a balanced opportunity to speak\.** \- We rotate groups intentionally during the discussion so everyone gets to meet a wider mix of people and perspectives\. \- After the structured part\, you’re free to mix and mingle with anyone\. **Here's a typical discussion structure, but we may adjust this depending on the turnout:** \- Introductions and initial thoughts *(\~5 mins).* \- Group breakouts per question *(\~20 mins x 3).* \- Final round of opinions *(\~10 mins)*. \- Mix and mingle\, make new friends\, get drinks etc *(\~until late)* **Rules & etiquette:** 1\. Debate the topic\, not the participants \- no personal attacks please\. 2\. No phones\, no interrupting\, no bystanding\. 3\. Always follow the moderator/host instructions and guidelines\. **WHAT IS WORLD CITIZENS?** We're one of London's longest-running and largest communities. Since 2012 we run socials, cultural activities and stimulating discussions to foster meaningful exchange and learning among London's global professionals. They are inspired by MUN (Model United Nations) and salon discussions and offer a more relaxed and social evening version. **LOCATION DETAILS** What: Discussion session followed by social/networking When: Tuesday, 7:30pm until late. Where: Curzon Aldgate (bar area), 2 Canter Way, E1 8PS Closest stations: Aldgate East, Aldgate, Tower Hill/Gateway Cost: Pay for your own meals or drinks Hosts: We have a rotating team and the actual host of each event varies. Our regular members can also help you out with basic matters. *NOTE: like most guests, our volunteer hosts join after work and may arrive after the start time. If you are punctual or earlier than our hosts, we highly appreciate this! Please feel free to start socializing already and/or get something to eat or drink - that’s the point of our events anyway! Our regular members can also help you out with any basic matters.* **\*Our other weekly events\*** \- Friday evening socials every week \- Saturday afternoon cafe in Chelsea \- Canary Wharf socials every other Wednesday \- Outdoor fun \(hiking\, kayaking\, etc\) every weekend \- Dining\, cultural and travel activities on\-demand **JOIN OUR TEAM!** We're all volunteers, so if you enjoy organizing activities or events in your spare time, while meeting great people every week, send a message to our team account "TP"! **DISCLAIMER** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.

Our monthly pub evenings are always a great opportunity to meet interesting people, chat, do a little networking, and enjoy a fun evening out. Whether you’re new to Humanism or already a member, this is a fantastic space for anyone who is non-religious, questioning their beliefs, or open-minded and looking to mingle. **Time: From 6pm** Feel free to join us whenever you’re able to – we’re often there until closing time. **Venue: Somers Town Coffee House** A lovely pub, close to Euston & Kings Cross stations. You’ll find us towards the back of the pub, on the left of the bar – look out for the Humanist signs on the tables. **What we talk about:** The conversations are different every time – from current events to humanism and secularism, with plenty of good laughs in between! If there’s something specific you’d like to talk about, we’d love to hear about it. We kindly request a contribution of £3 for our events to help cover various admin costs - but first-timers are welcome to give us a free trial. If you prefer you can also pay online by [clicking here](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU). We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information at our events but ask people to keep their interactions cordial. Any views expressed are those of the individual sharing them and may not reflect those of CLH. More about the venue: All indoor facilities are wheelchair-friendly/accessible. Free Wi-fi is available. It’s easy to reach – close to Euston and Kings Cross stations, and on 18 different bus routes! View a map [here](https://g.page/Somerstowncoffeehouse?share) More about Humanism: https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/about-humanism/ We look forward to seeing you!

Weekly cycling club open to members of that club only. Membership enquiries to creativewellnesswon@outlook.com

**Join LCC Sunday, March 8th at the Hackney Marshes playing field as we make another attempt at playing the Soviet Union's very own *Zarnitsa,* a capture-the-flag alternative with a small twist.** **WHAT IS ZARNITSA?** Zarnitsa (Зарница), or heat-lightning, officially known as the All-Union Young Pioneer military sports game "Zarnitsa", is a massive multi-player physical sports game developed and practiced by the Young Pioneers communist youth organisation during the Soviet era. The game provides a simulation of military actions such as reconnaissance, co-ordinated offensives, giving chase, etc. Popular once again in modern Russia, this is a simple game designed for children and young people in military/cadet organisations, but great fun for active people of all ages. The rules of Zarnitsa are based on the classic capture the flag concept. Two teams each have a "base area" with a flag contained within, concealed or otherwise. Each team's goal is to protect their own flag and seize the other team's and bring it back to the base area. Players can walk, run, sneak, hide, create diversions and use any means short of physical violence to achieve their objectives. What makes Zarnitsa different from classic CTF is simply this: every player has two velcro-attached shoulder straps that serve as health indicators and can be torn off by the opponents. Losing one indicates "wounded", losing two indicates "dead". The "wounded" players cannot run and should only walk. The "dead" players return to a respawn point or leave the game in some modes. Why are we doing this? Capture the flag is simply top fun and anyone who says otherwise is joking themselves. Zarnitsa's slightly elevated level of complexity should give us just that extra challenge needed to really make it interesting. That said, this is our first go with organising multiplayer sports games, so we'll see what the results are! As always comments, questions, suggestions and concerns are more than welcome - just contact an organiser. Sports games are a great way to get and stay active, meet new people, and break the monotony of everyday life under British capitalism. Let's get out there! For our first attempt at organising a little Zarnitsa league here in London, we'll hit up Hackney Marshes and Wick Woodland. We'll divide into two teams; each will receive coloured vests or other garments to which the health indicator strips are attached. Then we'll take up our places, count down from 60 seconds, and let the games begin! **Note: we'll want at least five people per team for this to really work right, so we'll cancel or reschedule if this one gets less than 9 RSVPs.** There's no limit to how big our group can be of course, so please do join us! Just be sure to either turn up on the day or change your RSVP if you can't make it in the end, just so we know what to expect. Take care and see you on the pitch!

***N.B. Please pre-order any food in the Meetup question when RSVPing; see [menu](https://www.soulbowl.cafe/menu/#cat_37).*** Join owner Shilpa, her family, and guests for board/card games at popular (4.9 stars on [Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=Soul+Bowl+in+Leyton)) vegan restaurant **[Soul Bowl](https://happycow.net/reviews/soul-bowl-bistro-london-487469)** ([map](https://maps.google.com/?cid=7259623473078538957)). Whether you're new to gaming, or a seasoned player, come along for a relaxed afternoon of fun, great food, and meeting new people. Everyone's welcome — just bring yourself, and your game face! **Games Available** *(do bring any you'd like to play)* * Bank Heist * Carcassonne * Catan * Codenames * Crystal Maze * Exploding Kittens * Monopoly * Terraforming Mars * Uno Flip * Uno No Mercy *P.S. Event also shared on e.g. [London Board Games & Food Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/london-board-games-food/events/314424297)*

***They*** *say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but they're wrong!* **[FoodCycle](https://foodcycle.org.uk/who-we-are/)**'s lovely volunteers use [unwanted food](https://cityharvest.org.uk/about-city-harvest) to produce three course, [meat-free recipe](https://foodcycle.org.uk/recipes/) (tell them you're vegan) **[community meals](https://foodcycle.org.uk/community-meals/)** across [England](https://foodcycle.org.uk/find-a-meal/), that are free to all. [FoodCycle Woolwich](https://foodcycle.org.uk/location/foodcycle-woolwich/) ([map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XVEi9poq68YRxQX86)\|[video](https://youtu.be/5VEIsN1aCk4)) is every Friday (with rare exception; I'm notified by text), at **[Woolwich Common Community Centre](https://www.wccc.org.uk/)**'s accessible [main hall](https://www.wccc.org.uk/gallery?pgid=l3le3lp7-1daa7232-8086-4a0d-82cb-1c2a7887d105). I sometimes help the Hosting team, and have met a few other vegan [volunteers](https://volunteer.foodcycle.org.uk/opportunity/a1dQs000000fmvPIAQ), inc. chef and fellow [SE18 Vegans](https://www.facebook.com/groups/SE18Vegans) member John, who has a vegan daughter like me :-) P.S. You can bring food containers, in case of leftovers.

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.

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be another good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Start your week the right way with Manic Mondays. Giving you an enjoyable Bachata lesson with a push of cool moves. The second hour has Beginner/Intermediate Salsa on 1. You must understand basic Salsa skills to participate. 730pm-830pm Bachata Cool Moves 830pm-930pm Salsa On 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) $15 for One Class $20 for Both Free Parking & Plenty of Dance Space.

Join us for the Columbus Animal Advocates spring social at Goodale Park! We'll be sharing delicious vegan cookout dishes, playing games, and socializing. Come out to meet CAA, learn more about what they do, relax, and enjoy the beautiful spring weather with other animal lovers.🐷🐮🌱 Just bring yourself, some friends, some lawn chairs, outdoor games if you want, and an appetite! The food was so good last time 😋 If you want to bring a vegan dish to share, you are welcome to, but it's not required. If you cannot find the group when you arrive, just message below and someone will come guide you to us. I hope some of you can come out to join!