Liberalism

**Bermondsey to Rotherhithe – from Bourbons to Brunel** This walk is presented by Central London Humanists and led by Robert Hall. Humanists believe we have just one life to be lived rationally and well, with compassion for others. This event is a guided walk of +/- 2 hours pointing out places of interest. We will be walking 3 Km / 1.8 miles. Bourbons in Rotherhithe? Yes, it’s true! We’ll visit a couple of parks; hear about one of only fifteen statues of women in London; a leaning tower (not quite as good as Pisa!); walk part of the longest street in London and visit the tomb of Prince Lee Boo; we’ll also see the Mayflower – not the ship, however. **Date:** Saturday 14th March 2026 **Time:** 2 pm with a prompt departure at 2.15 pm **Place:** Meet Bermondsey station (Jubilee line and various bus routes) It is strongly suggested you find us using: [https://what3words.com/drop.assume.remain](https://what3words.com/drop.assume.remain) \- or the What3Words app\. The nearest toilets are J'amocha, 190 Jamaica Street SE16 4RT – turn right as you exit the station and walk 150 metres. There will be a very brief toilet stop on the walk. **Finishes:** About 4.00 pm at The Ship, 39-47 Saint Marychurch Street SE16 4JE The walk is led by Robert – 07981963681. He can be contacted for further information but please note he won’t be able to respond to messages or calls after the walk has started. **The formal bit:** These walks are not suitable for dogs, sorry. CLH events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. The maximum group size is 40 people. If you have signed up but find you can't attend, please change your RSVP on Meetup (it’s very easy to do) as soon as possible so that an accurate numbers of attenders can be estimated. You are responsible for your own actions and safety; there is no liability on the walk leader or CLH for anything that may happen on the walk. You must be able to keep up with the walk leader at 4 Km/h (2.5 mph) for 5 Km (3 miles). It is participants' responsibility to safely cross roads. Where appropriate, pedestrian controlled lights will be used and obeyed unless it is obvious that the whole group can cross safely. When the group stops at a point of interest, please be mindful not to block pavements so members of the public can pass by safely. Don’t forget this is the UK and it may rain at any time! The walk will go ahead whatever the weather unless conditions are dangerous so please bring clothing for all seasons. **A donation of £3 to Central London Humanists would be appreciated.** The majority of Central London Humanists events are free, but we welcome a £3 contribution per head. This helps towards the running and organising of events, as well as various admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, or would prefer to pay online, please **[click here](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed (most definitely including the walk leader!) do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

The bedrock of any society is the social contract. Truth, Fairness and Respect are some of the things that build and maintain a well functioning society. But what if we threw that away? In a liar's city, even a simple "hello, how are you?" becomes suspicious. In a cheating city, queues are filled with fools. In a thief's world, only fools work hard. What if instead of Truth, Fairness and Respect, we rewarded people who Lie, Cheat and Steal? What if we punished those who tell the truth and rewarded those who lie to us? What if cheating always wins, would anyone play fair? What if stealing gave you more than respecting what belongs to others? How do we recognise what kind of society we are living in? Should we Lie, Cheat and Steal? And why should we follow Truth, Fairness and Respect? What would benefit us all in the long term? How can we make sure people don't Lie, Cheat and Steal? Is that an ambitious goal? \*Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comment section\* #======# Donation! Thank you for being a member. I have made a donation page for those who want to help with the costs. [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) #======# Group chat We have a telegram group chat and here is a link for the front door: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) #======# The Examined Life, "Let's Discuss..." session is an open discussion. The format of this event will be: 13:15 - Free flow group discussion about the topic. 14:00 ish - We will be splitting into smaller groups for more engaging discussion about what interests each of you. 16:00 - End of the official meetup. Most often attendees stay and continue discussing up to around 18:00. #======# Please RSVP if you can commit to attending and change your RSVP if something comes up. Inaccurate RSVPs can keep potential attendees on the waiting list and makes it difficult to plan for room sizes and bookings. Art work: Fantastic Ruins with Saint Augustine and the Child 1632 François de Nomé

## **What we explore in the circle** Each session may include gentle discussion and guidance around: * Understanding grief beyond the early days and months * The ripple effect of secondary losses and hidden struggles * How to offer and receive calm, grounded presence * Holding space safely when strong emotions arise * Boundaries, language and emotional safety * Managing vulnerability, triggers and group dynamics * Rebuilding connection and confidence in life after loss * Compassionate, validating ways to talk about grief There is **no pressure to share**. You are welcome exactly as you are. ## **Who this is for** This circle is for: * Anyone who has experienced bereavement * Those feeling isolated in their grief * People wanting gentle connection and understanding * Those looking for ongoing support in a safe space You do not need to have attended before. You are welcome whether your loss is recent or many years ago. ## **What to expect** * A warm, confidential and supportive environment * Small group setting * Kind, compassionate facilitation * Tea, connection and understanding * The freedom to simply be This is a peer support space, not therapy, but it can feel deeply therapeutic to be among people who understand. ## **Event details** **When:** Monthly, 2nd Saturday of each month, 10 am - Midday **Where:** The Net Community Hub, 70 Silverweed Road, Chatham ME5 0QX **Duration:** 2 hours **Cost:** Free, but if you wish to make a Donation, I will have a box available. Low-cost refreshments will be available for purchase. Spaces are limited to keep the circle safe and supportive. ## **About your host** Jude has over 30 years of lived experience with grief and supports bereaved individuals through compassionate, heart-led spaces that honour loss while gently supporting life after loss. She is a Grief coach, Energy Healer & Life after loss Mentor.

**Hello runners and welcome back to LCC's Running Club! For our next weekend outing, we're trying something new with a nice, flat run on London's famous Grand Union Canal towpath, right through the heart of the city. This is a flat one, suitable for beginners and intermediate experience levels. We'll be looking at a roughly 45-60 minute run, covering around 4 kilometres with about half a kilometre of cool-down walking at the end.** Our route will take us from Paddington station, north along the towpath on past Regent's Park and down south again to finish as we approach King's Cross Station. All are welcome - we're running to build community, not break records, so no one will be left behind! I'll be bringing plenty of water along with me, so if you forget yours, fear not. Bathrooms facilities will be available at Paddington and King's Cross stations. Our standard bit of info about our running group and why it's good is provided below: \-\-\-\-\- Humans evolved to run and sprint; no wonder then that when we do it regularly (within moderation and with plenty of rest days), our brains as well as bodies thank us. Running has recently been shown to [improve neuroplasticity,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) heal [brain damage](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) in affected individuals, and foster [better mental health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running) including elevated mood at rest and enhanced task-switching ability. Doing all this in nature, as opposed to busy London roads dodging commuters and street cleaners, also helps deliver the well-known [benefits](https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/) of time spent in nature to mood, anxiety levels, cognition and memory. All these things matter a great deal in an age where burnout and exhaustion are a constant presence either in our own lives or those of the people we care about [who you should totally invite along]. It matters especially for people trying to eke out a percentage of their time and mental capacity for transformative social and political organising: the better we feel, the more we'll be able to do. In a nutshell, running is great for you and you should do it. Trail running is even better. Best of all is doing all this with a supportive group of comrades, especially one which includes knowledgeable folks who can provide some structure to what can be a puzzling sport to get started with if building up to something, like a 10k or half marathon, is your goal. Part of our running group's programming will be building a series of events aimed at building people up, slowly but surely, towards specific goals, using progressive programmes similar to the [NHS's Couch to 5k](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) system. \-\-\-\-\- Take care and see you on the trails!

Hi, join me every Saturday 12:00 pm for climbing at London Fields. All abilities welcome! we can wind down by grabbing a coffee or tea and maybe a cheeky cake from one one of the many amazing cafes in the area!

Salut à tous ! Le *Propos sur la nature* d’Alain, 272 pages, est un recueil d’essais brefs dans lesquels Alain observe la nature comme un lieu d’exercice de la pensée plutôt que comme un simple décor. À partir de phénomènes ordinaires — le vent, la pluie, les saisons, les paysages — il développe une philosophie du regard, attentive, lucide et volontairement débarrassée de lyrisme facile. Écrits dans une langue claire et précise, ces *Propos* invitent le lecteur à résister aux illusions, à se méfier des sentiments trop spontanés et à reconquérir sa liberté intérieure par l’observation et le jugement. La nature y devient un terrain d’apprentissage moral et intellectuel : elle n’enseigne rien par elle-même, mais oblige l’esprit à penser juste. Où l’acheter : [https://www.librairie-gallimard.com/livre/9782070302789-propos-sur-la-nature-alain/](https://www.librairie-gallimard.com/livre/9782070302789-propos-sur-la-nature-alain/) Bonne lecture ! Intéressé à la lecture en espagnol, en anglais ou à la littérature persane ? : [-](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros)[www.meetup.com/gaia-books](www.meetup.com/gaia-books) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -[www.meetup.com/persian-culture](www.meetup.com/persian-culture) -Instagram: @persian_culture_

Ready to think clearer, reason better, and express with clarity? Join us for a practical wholesome philosophy practice where we learn essential thinking skills through hands-on group practice. Leave academics and theory at the door— this is a skills-building adventure for everyday life! ✨ This event's focus: **Decision-Making Frameworks** 🎯 a part of the Wholesome Philosophy series — that help you build a complete thinking toolkit. **See below** **Why should you sign up?** ✅ Practical toolkit you can use immediately ✅ Small group practice ✅ Private, quiet venue for focus ✅ Standalone session - Previous parts help, but not required **What is Wholesome Philosophy?** Practical philosophy for everyday life - helping you build useful skills for thinking clearer and communicating better in work, relationships, and daily conversations. You'll learn through pair work, and group practice. spread across **different sessions:** * **Clear Thinking & Better Arguments** — How to reason * **Develop Thinking Habits** — Spotting biases and fallacies * **The Art of Dialogue** — Having productive disagreements * **Constructing Your Position** — Building solid viewpoints * **Decision-Making Frameworks** — Choosing wisely under uncertainty * **Self-Examination & Growth** — Questioning your own beliefs Each session works standalone — attend one, some, or all. ***Want to join all?*** Speak to the facilitator about discounted pricing for the full series ✅ **Who is it for?** * You want to think clearer and communicate better * You feel frustrated when your point doesn't land * You want to spot weak reasoning (including your own) * You enjoy learning through practice, not just theory * You crave thoughtful conversation with curious people * You want practical tools you can use tomorrow No philosophy background needed — just show up ready to practice. **What's in it for you?** * Make your points stick (without fighting) * Think more clearly about any topic even complex ones * Have disagreements that don't turn into arguments * Understand the world better * Connect with curious, thoughtful people ✨ * Gain confidence in your reasoning abilities **How does it work?** * Facilitated practice session (2 hours) with structured exercises ⏱ * Small group discussions (4-6 people) * Pair work for hands-on practice * Individual reflection moments * Whole group sharing (optional, not required) Everything is timed and guided — you'll know exactly what to do at each stage **What to expect** Collaborative discovery, without competitive learning. Practicing together, without performing for each other. What happens in the room stays in the room. * **Depth**: Beyond small talk, but it's not therapy — we're developing thinking skills * **Safety**: Wholesome Agreement principles apply — respect, curiosity, no judgment * **Practical**: You'll leave with tools, not just concepts — things you can actually use the next day ️ * **Participation**: These are practice sessions — your active participation creates the learning environment **Ready to upgrade your thinking skills?** Join us for a Wholesome Philosophy practice session and walk away with various thinking tools — it's for anyone who wants to navigate life with a sharper, kinder mind. We really hope to see you there! **About Deeper Connections** We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** * **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ * **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. * **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. ️ **Staying in touch** Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z) [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80)

Come and play Chamber Music at my house on Sunday March 15th; Time as suits between 2:15pm and 9:30pm Please include instruments and expected times in your response, and follow the following requested precautions when coming: Attendance requirements: Please do not come if you are unwell or if you know you were recently exposed to people with Covid or flu. Suggested standard is AB grade7 or NVQ level5 to professional, but in the end the ability to play with others is more important than instrumental technique I provide the following: Up to six playing spaces for groups of up to 12, 8, 6, 6, 6 and 3, respectively. One of the six-person playing-rooms has a carefully-chosen Steinway model B which will be available from about 5:45. Other rooms provide a Clavinova CLP575, a Clavinova 625, and an A415 harpsichord (all in different rooms). I have violins, violas, cello and a friend's 3/4 double bass available to play for multi-instrumentalists who do not wish to carry too much (please check before coming). I have a decent library of chamber music mostly for strings and for strings and piano; and in practice at least one wind player usually comes equipped with appropriate music (I will provide warning to winds should this ever not be the case). As this is my private home, details of the location will be emailed by early Sunday to those who have already signed up. Please confirm instruments, chosen timing and the attendance requirements You will see that available playing times are very long - and I can extend until 10:30pm if appropriate. The intention is to allow us to space out and to minimise infection risks - as well as to give multiple pianists access. Please bring a music stand (let me know if this is difficult or impractical, as I can provide a limited number). There will be beverages and biscuits. I have revised the anonymous contribution arrangement - it is now a rectangular tin on the high side in the kitchen. Please give if you can - we sometimes have insurance costs to cover as well as basic meetUp subscription; any surplus (wishful thinking so far) will be used to help extend the music library The list of signed-up players (by instrument and with timing) is now in the comments below; I will try to keep this reasonably up to date I have probably omitted things you need to know. Please ask. (Ditto apparent errors) Looking forward George

Welcome back ramblers, rovers, loungers and loafers! Once again, it's time to drift. We're picking up where we left off (well, a little west of there) last month to continue our long-term unguided navigation around the whole of London. We'll stay south of the river this time and keep pushing westwards into the heartland of glorious South London, starting from Greenwich and ending up, most likely, somewhere in Lambeth, via Peckham. These are some of the liveliest, most interesting parts of the metropolis so an extended exploration is a long time coming for us! Since this is a *dérive*, I won't say much more than that. Meet out in front of Greenwich station, serviced by the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) as well as Thameslink (which cost the same as the Tube and run from big stations such as Farringdon and King's Cross) and Southwestern rail services. Check planned TfL disruptions here - there are some disruptions to certain routes on the DLR for March 15th, but Greenwich station will be fine and our day should be all clear for most everybody: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/planned-track-closures.pdf A little background on our City Drifting project here: **Now just wait a minute. What the hell is a drift ([dérive](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9rive))?** A drift is any unplanned journey through the urban landscape in which participants practice a form of radical mindfulness, collectively exploring new ways of relating mentally, ideologically and materially to the "ordinary" urban environment we all think we know so well. First theorised publicly by Situationist thinker, artist and provocateur Guy Debord in his 1956 essay *[Theory of the Dérive](https://libcom.org/article/theory-derive-guy-debord)*, drifting is a sort of *critique of ideology* done by walking, looking, and feeling. **The urban environment of London is not a neutral space:** it is packed with surveillance equipment, anti-homeless architecture, consumerist [Gruen transfers,](https://www.smartcapitalmind.com/what-is-the-gruen-transfer.htm) crowd management systems and security perimeters, among a thousand other subtle and not-so-subtle methods of population control. Moreover, our everyday relationship to the city and its pathways is conditioned deeply by our habits of movement and our habitual perceptions: our commute to work, to school, our nips down to the shops, etc. **All these routines create what Marxists call a *reified* relationship with the urban environment: through over-familiarity it becomes something seemingly natural, "just there", ordinary, unchangeable - boring.** This boredom and familiarity kills the radical imagination, without which we're fucked. To be able to start to imagine how society could be transformed, we also need to imagine how spaces, buildings, their use, their whole purpose (and who these serve) could themselves be transformed. A necessary step in this process, according to Debord and the Situationists, is the drift. Like the 19th-century gentleman *[flâneur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%A2neur),* by wandering the city with an attitude of "fresh eyes", we can shake loose our ingrained sense of what London and its streets are like. **As a collective, we will work to "estrange our senses" and see the streets, buildings and people differently, as if we were encountering them for the first time.** That is to say: these aren't just random walks around London - with the right frame of mind, they will be opportunities to turn the world upside down, if only for a moment! But don't take it from me - as Debord observed: *"In a dérive one or more persons during a certain period **drop their relations, their work and leisure activities, and all their other usual motives for movement and action, and let themselves be drawn by the attractions of the terrain and the encounters they find there.** Chance is a less important factor in this activity than one might think: from a dérive point of view cities have [psychogeographical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychogeography) contours, with constant currents, fixed points and vortexes that strongly discourage entry into or exit from certain zones."* See you on the streets comrades, and remember, as [Raoul Vaneigem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raoul_Vaneigem) once wrote: *"All space is occupied by the enemy. We are living under a permanent curfew. Not just the cops — the geometry".*

**Honouring the earth** Part 3 of the book club 'Cherishing the Earth' led by Alison Bybee and David Carter. 'Changing Hearts and Minds' Join us for insightful discussions over tea and cake, as we explore a book that celebrates and reflects on our planet, searching for a spiritual response to the ecological crisis that confronts us all. We will meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month for four months. The book, *Cherishing the Earth – Nourishing the Spirit*, edited by Maria Curtis, presents a range of Unitarian responses to the global environmental crisis. Contributors include ministers, lay people, and children, writing from diverse theological and ethical perspectives, exploring what it might mean to live in right relationship with the Earth. Their insights range from the prophetic and political to the practical and intensely personal, but all share a sense of gratitude for the sacred gift of life. Maria Curtis asks what changes we need to make in ourselves and in our society if we are to work towards healing the Earth and restoring balance to the global ecosystem: *“We need to re-imagine what a healthy relationship between humanity and the natural world might look like, one conducive to the flourishing of all beings onEarth.”* Rev. Dr Maria Curtis is a Unitarian minister with a background in education and psychology. Our four book club sessions: **18th January: Prophetic Voices** **15th February: Honouring the Earth** **15th March: Changing Hearts and Minds** **19th April: Active Hope and Young Voices** Each session will be standalone so that you can attend all, several or just one. We encourage participants to buy or borrow the book and to have read the sections if possible beforehand. **Buy the book: email *[alonghurst@unitarian.org.uk](mailto:alonghurst@unitarian.org.uk)* (£12 plus £3.50 P&P) Subsidised books available by request for those in financial need, just contact: [ministryteam@rosslynhillchapel.org.uk](mailto:ministryteam@rosslynhillchapel.org.uk)** Suggested donation: £10, for those who can afford to make a contribution. We are a registered charity - please give what you can.

A contemplative spiritual gathering in which you can take time to reflect on life in the company of others. A rare opportunity to experience this form of gathering in person. (More info: [www.heartandsoulcircles.org.uk](http://www.heartandsoulcircles.org.uk/))

**All events conditional on 5 RSVPs total minimum** **Current affairs/articles discussion (1hr approx)** \- 3\-4 articles and a set of talking points from the article to structure discussions \- Attendees divide into small groups and choose the theme that interests them or discuss collectively as one group\, depending on numbers At the end of the meetup, we all come together and each share one thought from someone else that they found interesting. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **ATTENDEES MORE THAN WELCOME TO BRING THEIR OWN ARTICLES BUT PRIOR MODERATION IS REQUIRED** **Political compass:** https://www.politicalcompass.org/test/en?page=1 Familiarize with this quiz on a series of economic, social and moral positions, some of these will be used to spark group debate

Join us for a deliciously fun time at our Cheese Club! Each meeting is all about discovering new cheeses, exploring creative pairings, and enjoying great conversations. Parents, take a break and unwind in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Our Cheese Club is designed for families or parents to connect, learn about the world of cheese, and bond with other families. Every Saturday, 11.00am-12.00pm Silas: +44 7719 733103

Meeting Room 2b, Main Library 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. We desirere to cultivate a space where all questions are welcome and all members are treated with compassion and respect. All backgrounds are welcome.

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

So this month's prompt is more general. I think we can all agree that we are living in "unique" times that require coping skills. I think that one role and/or purpose of philosophy is to help us deal with our daily lives and our "unique" times. So, let's share our feelings and thoughts about which philosopher/philosophy we turn to in order to deal with our crazy events. Who/what helps you stay focused in your daily life and helps you sleep at night. I find that Stoicism with a little philosophical pessimism mixed in goes a long way in helping me deal with what I see as very destructive, fearful and mean spirited public policies at both the state and federal levels. Hope to see you on March 28th!

Kevin Rhodus from Lucy Deep Park Northside is coming to talk to us about his extensive neighborhood Christmas light display that is open in November and December every year north of Dublin. 9 houses over 12 acres and over 120,000 individual controlled lights that sync to music which you can tune into on your radio! Quite impressive! https://ldplights.com/ We'll dive into the tech that runs the show -- should be a blast to hear about this very elaborate display! While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Dublin Library in the Meeting Room 2

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!

12:45-3:45 in the Meeting Room on the library lowest 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 10 a.m. of that day.

Join us for the Spring edition of [Nature Loving Fest](https://www.facebook.com/events/895148649812928), a small, thoughtfully curated outdoor gathering celebrating vegan eats, handmade goods, and the beauty of the season. Formerly known as our Vegan Pop-Up, this new chapter reflects what the event has always been — a space rooted in nature, community, and intentional living. Expect around 20 local vendors offering seasonal vegan eats, small-batch bakes, handcrafted goods, and earth-conscious products. Come support local makers, share good food, and celebrate the beginning of a new season with us. Admission is Free.