Mystery

Christmas Jumpers, Christmas Hats or Christmas Bells, bring whatever you feel will amp up the festive cheer at this special event! There will be crackers to pull, pies to eat and of course great games to play! See you there 😉❤️👏 New and Experienced Players Welcome! 🤗 Ever played Werewolf, Mafia or Secret Hitler? Well this game is like that but on steroids! 😈😇 Ever watched The Traitors and wished you could have a turn? Well now you can! Suitable for complete beginners, experienced veterans and everyone in between, we Play **'Blood on the Clocktower'** a game where you never know who you can trust... A great way to meet new people in a fun interactive way, at a bar serving food and drinks Continue reading for a general description of the game: Blood on the Clocktower is a bluffing game enjoyed by 5 to 20 players on opposing teams of Good and Evil, overseen by an experienced Storyteller. During a 'day' phase players socialize openly and whisper privately to trade knowledge or spread lies, culminating in a player's execution if a majority suspects them of being Evil. At 'night' time, players close their eyes and some are woken one at a time by the Storyteller to gather information, spread mischief, or kill. Use all your powers of deduction and deception to survive this game of murder and mystery. The game will be fully explained at the event. However if you'd like to learn more now watch: https://youtu.be/M-aZP47Nm9g?feature=shared

🎄 **Join Us for the Conundrum Corner Christmas Party!** 🎄 Fun, Friends and Food as well as games, conundrums and much merriment! **Entry by ticket only!** *Please follow this link for more details and to book your place* https://www.meetup.com/conundrum-corner-london/events/312248719/

Come along on Saturday 20th December for a Blue Badge Guided Walk around Mayfair! Blue Badge Guides know London better than anyone. They have trained intensively for two years and passed the highest Tourist Guiding qualification in the UK. **About the walk** Explore elegant Mayfair like streets of Shepherd Market, hear about the area’s distinguished residents; Fanny Burney, Florence Nightingale and Lord Byron. We will also see London’s most haunted house and discover a small part of America in Central London. Mayfair is an affluent area which remained largely rural until the early 18th century. It gets its name from the annual May Fair that took place in the first 2 weeks of May from 1686 to 1764. The walk is a private walk for the group, we will be guided by Blue Badge guide [Diane Burstein](https://www.guidelondon.org.uk/guides/dianeburstein/). We are now only having one guide - Diane at 2:15pm. **Payment for the walk** Full Members of the group will be £11, everyone else the cost is £13 per person (payable via cash or credit card on the day or in advance via PayPal or Bank Transfer). If you wish to pay in advance: \- send a bank transfer: TSB Bank plc\, sort code: 77\-66\-65\, account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), ‘send a payment’ to general@cultureseekers.org and click on the ‘Goods & Services’ option and change it to ‘Friends & Family’, as this avoids a charge from PayPal. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(email me – general@cultureseekers\.org for details\) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option **Afterwards** After we will head to the 'Kings Head pub' 10 Stafford Street , for a chat over a drink. We finish close to Green Park Tube Station. If you can make it, please come to the pub afterwards, as it’s a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit. Please note, we will only wait at the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time so please be early or on time. Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign outside the station. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (text only) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

**Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie** *Locked room mystery about a family reunited for Christmas, written by the "Queen of Crime"* In Hercule Poirot's Christmas, the holidays are anything but merry when a family reunion is marred by murder — and the notoriously fastidious investigator is quickly on the case. The wealthy Simeon Lee has demanded that all four of his sons — one faithful, one prodigal, one impecunious, one sensitive — and their wives return home for Christmas. But a heartwarming family holiday is not exactly what he has in mind. He bedevils each of his sons with barbed insults and finally announces that he is cutting off their allowances and changing his will. Poirot is called in the aftermath of Simeon Lee's announcement. \*\*\* Chapters & Conversations is a space for fiction lovers to connect over great stories and lively chats! Whether you’re into literary fiction, contemporary novels, or fantasy worlds, we’re here to explore it all together. We’re hoping to meet fellow bookworms who enjoy getting lost in a good story and are open to sharing thoughts, laughs, and recommendations. At each event, we’ll dive into a chosen book, chat about characters, themes, and twists - above all, it’s about community, curiosity, and a shared love of reading! Stasia and Yana:)

🎄 **Mayfair from Monarchs to Mistresses — A Festive Edition!** ✨ **Sunday before Christmas** Step into Mayfair as you’ve never seen it before — twinkling with Christmas lights, alive with stories of scandal, splendour, and surprise. This isn’t just another walk through London’s most elegant quarter — it’s a journey through centuries of glamour and gossip, wrapped in festive sparkle. Once home to monarchs, mistresses, and mavericks, Mayfair hides secrets behind its grand façades. Discover where **Queen Elizabeth II was born**, hear tales from **London’s most haunted house**, and uncover the scandal that once shook society — involving a **Duke and a daring fashion designer**. Even locals who know the area best have gasped at what they’ve seen and heard on this walk! So pull on your coat, follow the glow of the fairy lights, and join us for a **magical Christmas wander through Mayfair**— where history shimmers as brightly as the decorations. £10 cash on the day or pay online https://flockless-but-free.square.site/s/shop Begins at Green Park Tube station Stratton Street exit. Ends at Shepherds Market (nearest tube Hyde Park/Green park) Approx 4 miles. An optional drink at the end in a delightful, hidden part of London with plenty of restaurants and a couple of charming pubs to enjoy. Perfect Christmas atmosphere.

[Follow 👉this link👈 for more info, no tickets required ](https://www.wallacecollection.org/whats-on/exhibitions-displays/caravaggios-cupid/) Join us to visit Hertford House and its collection of painting, sculpture, furniture, arms and armour, and porcelain. We will start with the free temporary exhibition around Caravaggio's Cupid. We will visit the permanent collection afterwards, including 'The Swing' by Fragonard. The visit can take up to two hours, when you finish meet us at the cafe until 17:00 for social. See comments below for updates. Can't come? Change RSVP, free up space. No-Shows will be waitlisted on future events.

Walk length 2 miles/3.2 km approx. Linear. A curious walk exploring the history behind some of the tucked away streets and alleys from Tower Hill to Leadenhall Market. See the area where the fictional character Scrooge had his Counting House in Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol and see the place where Sir Francis Dashwood started his Hellfire Club amongst many other historical titbits! We will get some refreshments after the walk close to Leadenhal Market and Bank underground £4 cash payable on the day guided walk & meetup costs. You can do paypal (colin45@hotmail.co.uk) please use friends and family with paypal to avoid charges. Bank transfer if you prefer, please contact the organizer. Please keep your 'RSVP' updated for this event as it would help to get accurate numbers and determine who is turning up for the walk; my phone number is Colin 07709 305681. Meeting The walk starts outside Tower Hill underground exit (see photo above) and will finish near Bank. Meet from 4.15pm for the walk to start at 4.30pm. See Transport for London (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/) Outside Tower Hill Underground, Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4DJ. Walking Safety Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (http://www.meetup.com/London-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/) COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

Christmas has arrived YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY and what do we do for Christmas? We hike, we drink mulled wine and have tasty treats food surrounded by stunning medieval buildings, Christmas lights with the loveliest people to be found on all the continents AKA the Jonions! YAAAAAYYYYY First we will have a peak at all the historical sites and pretty corners of this stunning town, we will walk along the canals for some gorgeous views before we begin our journey through nature and climb the new big Instagram hill, St Catherine's hill, it is trending atm and there are some gorgeous views. Even there, you will be surrounding by history and beauty as the old 'hospital' an active monastry will be on our way, so why not have a peak if you fancy? Whether you hiked with us before or not, join us for a beautiful trip that mixes hiking, eating, drinking(if you wish), laughing, historying,(I know this isn't correct but it rimes), eating and eating... I hope you are ready for some fun! This year will be different from the others, we won't be celebrating in Britain's current capital, no, we will travel through time in a time machine; also called train... and will visit England's former capital and decreed as such by King Alfred, and what a beauty it is... Well, I have to say, this is a bit like visiting my family over there, it's true, the town which was once one the most Important on this Island of Great Britain was created by the Belgae, a celtic tribe from the continent coming from the area today called Belgium and some bits of Northern France who established their settlements around 150BC...my great great great great great great great great great ... grand parents might even have been some of the founders...kings and Queens I am sure!Yes, I am Belgian and not big headed at all! SO... Let's visit Winchester, you might have heard of it even just for its Christmas market, deemed to be one of the most magicals in England as well as the home of England eldest cathedral. (You might want to visit the remains of the castle for an extra 4 pounds first, it still has the round table! Yes, King Arthur's round table... the famous one.) This is a hiking group, so of course, we will begin this trip with a hike. We will climb the famous St Catherine hill and enjoy the views from its top. This hike is not too long, around 8/9 miles (14km) and the start of the hike is located very close to the city centre, after all, the town is surrounded by gorgeous wild greenery. From pretty streams, to woodlands and acres of fields, hills with 360 degree views and the remains of the early settlements as well as a medieval hospital that is also open to visit and is beautifully decorated around Christmas. And attention beer drinkers; he Hospital of St Cross is famous for its unique and ancient tradition of providing the Wayfarer’s Dole since the 12th century. This is a horn of beer and a morsel of bread given to any visitor who requests it. The custom was founded by a monk from Cluny in France, whose holy order always gave bread and wine to travellers. The tradition still continues today. Visitors may request the Dole at the Porter’s Lodge as they depart. Don't worry, the climb isn't difficult. We will finish the trip at the Christmas market where we will grab some delicious street food and some tasty mulled wine and wander in the historical streets of medieval England before we hop back on the time machine, a bit tipsy and our bellies filled with tasty fatty christmassy food... INFORMATION: DISTANCE: 9 miles/14km DURATION: 5 hours TRANSPORT: By train; we will buy an off peak group days return that will allow us to save 35%on the ticket price. Please ensure that you bring £25 in cash PRICE: £17 ( for the guide's fee) via PayPal About £25 In cash for the train INCLUDED: Guided hike A fun day out with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Transport Anything else not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; IT IS WINTER,WATERPROOF SHOES MANDATORY. Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain; Water bottle; Packed lunch and snacks. MEETING POINT: London Waterloo at 08:30 am PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK THIS PAGE AGAIN 2 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE AS THE DEPARTURE STATION IS ONLY CONFIRMED BY SW TRAINS ON THE THURSDAY OR FRIDAY. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection of any of our trips and this is without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationalities, people of all ages, sex and political beliefs and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 30 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our site, you will be fully refunded

Join us as we get the New Year started with one of the best films of the year: THE SECRET AGENT! This political thriller from Brazil is set in 1977 where a man flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown but soon finds the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In 1977, a former professor flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown of Recife in search of peace. He soon realizes that the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. The film stars Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Gabriel Leone and Udo Kier in his final film role. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UfrzDKrhEc BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The Secret Agent was the most awarded film at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it won Best Actor for Wagner Moura, Best Director for Mendonça Filho, the Art House Cinema Award and the FIPRESCI Prize. At this year’s Golden Globes, it became Brazil’s first film ever to be nominated for Best Film (Drama)! It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film, a Best Actor nomination for Wagner Moura and was selected as Brazil’s entry for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is receiving an incredible 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics say, its “compelling script, impeccable acting, and striking 1970s aesthetic” make it “impossible to look away!” Critics say The Secret Agent is “one of the few standout movies of the year” and the Chicago Tribune calls it a “masterpiece of a film” and “the best film of the year!” PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! With this being a limited release film, we’ll tentatively plan to see it at the Gateway, but location may change based on where it is showing and the showtimes available. Once details are confirmed, advance ticket is advised. Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. Showtime, location and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Who doesn't enjoy a twisted tale to go along with their holiday cheer!? Join us as we get together for a psychological thriller and quite possibly the biggest book-to-film release this year: THE HOUSEMAID! The twisty-turny tale follows a young woman who takes a job as a housekeeper for a well-to-do family who could harboring dark secrets! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Trying to escape her past, a young woman accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous - a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, power and filled with shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end. The Housemaid is directed by Paul Feig (A Simple Favor) and based on the first in a series of books by Freida McFadden. The film stars Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone and Elizabeth Perkins. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48CtX6OgU3s BUZZ: Early buzz is strong with critics calling it an "entertaining,” "twisty" and suspenseful psychological thriller with non-stop twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end! PLAN: Details for this event have already been confirmed! Please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 6:45 and 7:00pm! This fun little twisted thriller is shaping up to be the surprise hit of the season so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments below. The theaters are pausing “Discount Tuesday” pricing for the holidays but we picked some of the lowest price tickets in town! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Jennings Java Artisan Coffee Roasters](https://www.jenningsjava.com/)!

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery. [this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)