Medieval History

**The 2025 CHRISTMAS LECTURES®** BBC, iPlayer and the Ri YouTube channel Dame Maggie's 200th anniversary series of the **Royal Institution CHRISTMAS LECTURES®** will be **broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer on Sunday 28, Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 December, at 7pm.** But if you can't wait, and want to settle down to watch the full series in one sitting, then all three Lectures will be **available on iPlayer from early on Sunday 28 December.** And if you live outside the UK, then you won't miss out! This fascinating exploration of one of humanity's most enduring questions - 'Is there life beyond Earth?' - will be available on the Ri YouTube channel for international audiences following the first broadcast in the UK, **also on Sunday 28th.** **SUMMARY** On the 200-year anniversary of the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, the 2025 Lectures will see leading space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock take audiences on an epic voyage through time and space. Joined by a host of very special guests - from astronauts to history-making astronomers - Maggie will explore the extraordinary breakthroughs that have revolutionised our understanding of the universe, enabling us to see ever further into space, and ever further back in time. Maggie helped develop the James Webb Telescope, the most powerful space telescope ever created – which launched on Christmas day 2021 before travelling a million miles to begin its orbit of the sun. Unpacking James Webb’s latest breathtaking images, Maggie will reveal how this “time-travelling” telescope is now rewriting the story of the Big Bang and allowing us to witness the birth of the first stars and galaxies that followed. As NASA prepares to return humans to the moon for the first time since 1972, Maggie will investigate how manned spaceflight has transformed our relationship with our nearest neighbour – and with our home planet. And, delving further back in time, she’ll explore how the night sky has always held a fascination for humanity - investigating what the moon and stars meant to ancient societies across the world. Maggie will also explain how the latest space technologies – from probes and orbiters to the most recent Mars rovers - are shedding astonishing new light on the planets in our solar system. And we’ll discover why in 2025 we’re on the cusp of even more remarkable discoveries about our universe. She will reveal just how far our understanding of space has come in the two centuries the Ri CHRISTMAS LECTURES have been around – looking back on previous Lectures on astronomy – from the first of these in 1826 to the 1977 lectures hosted by famed astronomer Carl Sagan, when the only known planets at that time were the eight in our solar system (thought to be nine at the time). Maggie will also scour the Royal Institution archives to uncover some of the original props from these historic lectures, plus she’ll recreate - and supersize - some the most memorable demos from space lectures past. In this iconic anniversary year these lectures will be a true celebration – of our universe and of the astounding human endeavours that are allowing us to solve its mysteries.

Welcome to the Christmas special edition of Philosophy Cafe . All the goodness as usual plus festivities . Topics might reflect the mood . Try to come in your Christmas jumper and all the cheer . There will some special goodies for the occasion . We have reserved the Chicester Room in ther pub for us . Please ask for Philosophy cafe at the door and they will direct you . We like to break into small groups and have a healthy discussion about life , philosophy and ideas . We break out into groups of 6 to discuss three questions over 45min to 1 hour; and then spend another 45min feeding back into the main group. The three topics are chosen on the day by vote, and largely derived from suggestions on the day. We welcome new ideas , so please come up with suggestions or topics that you want to talk about . There is no specific topic list and you do not need to read or know anything particular about philosophy . The official time is 7-9: 30 pm , but we usually go into a pub mode after 9:30 pm and continue our discusssions.

Timothée Chalamet! Tickets are only £5 on Mondays. This film is set in 1952 so it's supposed to look a little weird. The critics are enthusiastically praising the performances. > > Book your ticket (£5.75 without the optional "flexi" fee): > > https://www.forestcinema.co.uk/event/101728 Please select 29 December 19:40. "Marty Supreme isn’t actually a ‘ping-pong movie’. Josh Safdie’s acclaimed new film is really about ambition, sex, money, fame, greed, risk, destiny, desire" "Marty Mauser, an aspiring table tennis champion who navigates a chaotic journey filled with scams and ambition in pursuit of greatness. The film explores his struggles and relationships" "Nobody was expecting the Marty Supreme world premiere at October’s New York Film Festival, but the response from critics in attendance is glowing." The attendance fee is £3 for this, hope you can join me.

**Venue:** Wetherspoon Crosse Keys. 9 Gracechurch Street, EC3V 0DR Nearest station. Monument. Welcome to our 50-50 Trivia Quiz and afternoon social get-together. **Bring a pen please.** Thirty interesting tricky questions, each with two answers to choose from. (No sport or maths). Is the answer obvious or not? I set the quiz so expect surprises. Check photos below or previous events for similar question sheets. When you go on walks, you see and learn things. With this Trivia Quiz, you'll definitely be learning a bit more! Four players max per team, but the lower number teams get a point per player start from the biggest team. For example, four teams of one, two, three and four. Four player team, no advantage, (the biggest and theoretically the more knowledge between them, except it doesn't always work like that). Three player team. one point start. Two player team. two point start. One player team. three point start. Scores are always close and around the 23-25 points mark. How many players do you want in your team? There's a dilemma! Prizes of interesting flavour chocolate and one for the funniest team name. Every three weeks on a Monday at various central london Wetherspoons or function rooms. Event time is from 2-4pm, which allows plenty of time to get away for transport. Twenty five minutes for the quiz, five for marking up, and socialising time for the remainder period. There is a small charge of £4 card/cash to cover prize and Meetup costs. This is a great way to make new friends or catch up with old ones. See you there! **Contact number on the day is 07422334411 if your transport is delayed.** **Don’t forget to cancel via the “Edit RSVP” button if you can’t make a walk. Please do this well in advance when you know, so it allows good notice for someone else to take your place. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.**

Step into a Hidden Chapter of Global Maritime History Join our brand-new guided walking tour and uncover powerful, little-known stories that shaped the world’s seas: 🇹🇷An authentic Ottoman cannon from Prince’s Island, Turkey 🏰 The dramatic Siege of Malta (1565) led by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent 👑 Free entry to the historic Queen’s House 🌍 Explore the world-renowned National Maritime Museum 🚢 See the legendary SS Rawalpindi up close 🌊 Discover the extraordinary voyages of Muslim Admiral Zheng He 💎 Reveal the story of a stolen National Muslim Treasure …and much more as history comes alive through expert storytelling. ✨ Optional Bonus Experience Enhance your visit with access to the Major Pirates Exhibition featuring a dedicated Muslim part l 📅 Exhibition closes Sunday, 4 January 2026 💷 Additional charge applies Perfect for history lovers, families, students, and curious explorers—don’t miss this unique journey through untold maritime stories. Adults: £13.50 Book online: www.halaltourismbritain.com/greenwich-muslim-tour Note: A RSVP on here is only an expression of interest and not a booking.

**The village of Marylebone is one of London’s most underrated gems.** With its elegant streets, hidden courtyards and quiet charm, it often feels like a little corner of Paris — and that’s no coincidence. In 1801, this neighbourhood became home to scores of French refugees escaping the guillotine. On this walk we wander through the heart of *Mary-le-bone*, tracing the course of the hidden Tyburn River and meeting remarkable women who defied expectations — including Britain’s first woman surgeon and a love story that inspired a wealth of beautiful poetry. We’ll slip through narrow passages, uncover tucked-away corners, and soak up the unmistakable village feel that makes Marylebone so special. **Where we meet:** Across the road from Baker Street Tube, outside **The Globe** pub on the corner of Baker Street and Marylebone Road — opposite Madame Tussauds with its gold-domed roof. **Where we finish:** Marble Arch Tube An optional finish in a nearby cafe for those who want to talk and mingle. **Tickets:** £10 per person cash on the day at start of tour Electronic payments on: https://flockless-but-free.square.site/s/shop **Practical bits:** Please arrive on time — once the tour begins I can’t answer calls or messages as it isn’t fair on the group. Most of my walks are 3–4 miles, so a moderate level of fitness is useful. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof; this is the UK, after all, and dry weather can never be guaranteed. **What3Words meeting point:** **drives.pack.noises**

Closes mid January: "Top secret. Redacted. Falsified. Forgotten. Unlock the secrets of history’s most mysterious maps." Tickets for this exhibition cost £20, and £10 with an Art Fund pass. £3 Universal/Pension Credit (ID required). Please book your own ticket: [https://events.bl.uk/exhibitions/secretmaps](https://events.bl.uk/exhibitions/secretmaps) I haven't used my Art Fund pass often enough yet to make it worthwhile, so I need to catch up. This exhibition sounds really interesting, come and join me! Where to meet: In the entrance hall to the right of the "open book" bench.

Guided meditation: Introduction – suitable for complete beginners. How to meditate, and balance your inner being– About chakras and techniques to cleanse them – Guided meditation & experience awakening of energy. Silent meditation– Silent meditation and on music based of notes suitable for specific energy centers– Going deeper on specific topic, followed by one to one session with guidance on how to continue practice at home and any address any queries you may have

Our resident storytellers Brett and Gwilym will be running Blood on the clocktower social deduction the first Sunday of every month at the hawkins forge pub. Limited to the first 25 sign ups, games may start without late comers.

📈**GRADE 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5** —— **⛳️MEETING POINT & TIME** **Option 1️⃣** **👉🏻London Marylebone Train station** Main ticket Office \| **08:20** 👉🏻Train departure **08:42** ➡️ Princes Risborough **09:25** \| *Direct Train* **Option 2️⃣** **👉🏻**Outside **Princes Risborough train station** \| **09:30** —— **📍HIKE START** ***-* Princes Risborough** train station \| **09:40** 🏁**HIKE FINISH** ***-* Saunderton** train station \| **\~16:30-17:00** —— **📖SUMMARY** Enjoy a scenic 21.4km (13.3mi) journey through the **Chilterns National Landscape**, exploring peaceful beech woods, rolling hills and fascinating historic sites. Starting from Princes Risborough, we’ll make our way through **Bradenham Wood** and **Hangings Plantation** before stopping for a relaxed lunch break and an ⭐️**optional** **visit**⭐️ to the atmospheric **Hellfire Caves**. From there, we’ll follow an easy climb up to the impressive **Dashwood Mausoleum**, where sweeping valley views await. We’ll end with a gentle descent to Saunderton Station for a smooth journey home. —— **🌟HIGHLIGHTS** * **Bradenham Wood** – Classic Chilterns beech woodland with peaceful trails and gentle hills. * **Hangings Plantation** – Quiet forest paths and lovely viewpoints across the valley. * **Hellfire Caves Visit** – Explore one of the region’s most atmospheric and historic cave systems. https://www.hellfirecaves.co.uk/history * **Dashwood Mausoleum** – Commissioned in the 1760s by Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the notorious Hellfire Club and owner of West Wycombe Park. Built in a classical style and inspired by Italian architecture, it was intended as a grand memorial for the Dashwood family. The mausoleum stands beside the Church of St Lawrence and contains memorial plaques and urns dedicated to family members and close associates. Its prominent hilltop location made it both a statement of status and a symbolic landmark overlooking the Dashwood estate and the Chiltern Hills. —— **📈TRAIL DETAILS** * This is a **Point-to-Point** * **Princes Risborough *➡️* Saunderton** * **Distance** 21.4km (13.3mi) * **Total Ascent** 609m * **Total Descent** 595m * **Max elevation** 216m * **Duration** 5 hours including breaks * **Difficulty** 🥾🥾🥾**Grade 3/5** —— 💷**COST** **Free** This hike is completely **free to join** but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— **ℹ️ HELLFIRE CAVES TICKET INFORMATION** * During our lunch break, there will be an ⭐️**option to visit the Hellfire Caves**⭐️These unique and dramatic 18th century caves take you deep underground into the Chiltern hills. An atmospheric highlight not to miss ! * Cost **£9.50** * https://www.hellfirecaves.co.uk/history —— 🎟️ **TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION** * **Super Off-Peak Return London Marylebone 🔁 Princes Risborough (direct) with a Network Railcard is £19.30** (instead of the usual \~£29). * 💡If you’d like to join other hikers using a Network Railcard, please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people. * More information at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ —— 🎒 **WHAT TO BRING** * 1-2L water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera, binoculars —— ✅**WHO CAN JOIN** • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. • 👶 For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. • 🐾 We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. • ☑️ Everyone is welcome to RSVP, but to keep things fair for all members: \- If someone often cancels last minute or misses hikes without notice\, they may be placed on a waitlist or removed from the group for future events\. \- We do a quick check\-in on the day of the hike\, which helps us keep track and make sure spaces are available for those who really want to join\. —— ⚠️**SAFETY** As adults, you are fully responsible for your own safety and decisions throughout the walk. —— 📌**NOTES** * This is a group hike led by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join. * A few wrong turns? That’s part of the fun! * While you're free to “hike your own hike,” we encourage group participation, get to know one another, make new friends, and enjoy the journey together. * Food options are limited en route, bring lunch. —— 🚨**DISCLAIMER** **Event Participation Disclaimer** * By signing up for an event we host, you acknowledge and agree to the following: * The organisers are not qualified hiking leaders, certified first aiders, or formally trained in navigation, survival, or any related disciplines. * These hikes are informal, self-guided gatherings of like-minded individuals. * The hosts expressly disclaim all responsibility and liability for any injuries, accidents, or safety incidents that may occur during participation. * Participation is entirely voluntary, and all attendees are solely responsible for their own safety and well-being. * These events are non-commercial and are organised purely as a recreational hobby, with no business or financial interests involved. * Hiking and outdoor activities inherently carry risks of personal injury. By choosing to participate, you accept these risks and take full responsibility for your own actions and decisions. —— 🚨**GENERAL GROUP POLICY** * Voluntary Participation: Attendance is at your own risk. The group and hosts bear no liability. * No Professional Duty of Care: Hosts are volunteers, not trained guides or medical professionals. * Insurance Is Your Responsibility: If desired, you must arrange your own personal insurance. * Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles at all times. * Emergency Preparedness: You are responsible for organising your own emergency plan. * Weather and Safety: Events may be cancelled or changed if conditions are deemed unsafe. * Self-Assessment Required: You must honestly assess your fitness and ability to keep pace with the group. * No Guaranteed Rescue: While help may be offered, full rescue capabilities should not be expected. * No Minors Without Guardians: Participants must be over 21. * Right to Refuse Participation: Hosts may turn away any individual who appears unprepared or poses a safety risk to others. * First Aid Preparedness Encouraged: It is highly recommended that each participant carries a small first aid kit for minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bites, and blisters. —— 🚨**FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT** * By attending this event, you confirm that you are participating voluntarily and at your own risk. Neither the host nor the group accepts responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage incurred.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

We’ll be reading Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldtree this month! We recommend readingading “Bookshops and Bonedust” and “Legends and Lattes” before reading Brigands and Breadknives.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

The topic for January is "Chemistry" 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 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 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!

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia