Social and Cultural Outings

Have you ever wanted to be immersed within either the city or nature in the form of a walk and socialise at the same time? If so, this may be the right walk for you. Welcome to another one of the WALK events where you have the opportunity to explore all the scenic routes I’ll execute whether there’s nature within, whether we get immersed within the city and feel great about yourself. 

With this particular walk, we will be walking through Regents park, pit stopping on Primrose Hill for the scenery and then finishing off in Camden Town. A mixture of traversing through nature, embracing the skyline view, possibly embracing the street markets and finishing off at an Irish pub to relax or party. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 

Starting point: Baker Street
Ending point: Camden Town
Walking length: 2.4 miles
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes +
Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. 

WHAT - Walk from Baker Street to Camden
WHERE - Baker Street/Camden
WHEN - 7:30pm - 11pm
MEETING POINT - Outside Baker Street station near the Sherlock Holmes statue
NEAREST STATION - Baker Street Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. If you are coming to the Irish pub, please bring ID.

 Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

The weekend trajectory for international minds. Skip the uninspired Friday as we take over a sleek, modern architectural space at *The Running Horse* \- a brilliant hidden gem tucked away in Aldgate \- for a dedicated evening connecting our collective\. This is a fluid weekend start designed for global nomads, creatives, and cosmopolitan minds. Whether you are seeking variety in your social circle or starting your weekend with a sharp perspective, come mix with an ambitious, international crowd of peers over exceptional cocktails, premium pours, and weekend energy. **The Evening Flow** 📍 **The Spot:** The Running Horse, 7 Piazza Walk, London E1 8QH. It's a striking contemporary space hidden right behind the main roads, just a 2-minute walk from *Aldgate East, Aldgate* or 7 minutes from *Liverpool Street*. 🍸 **The Vibe:** A beautifully designed layout with an upscale, vibrant atmosphere. The perfect backdrop for crisp weekend styling, fresh energy, and effortless introductions. 🗺️ **The Afters:** We kick off with casual, fluid mingling over drinks. As the night matures and the room's energy peaks, those who want to keep the momentum going will transition together into spontaneous late-night spots in the area. **How to Join** 🥂 **The Guestlist:** Entry is entirely free, with premium pours and small plates available to order directly from the bar. Please ensure you are on the confirmed RSVP list. 📱 **The Pivot:** Space in our dedicated zone is limited. If your Friday plans pivot, please update your status to "Not going" immediately so a peer can take the spot. **The Collective** World Citizens is an independent, volunteer-led social collective established in 2012. An entirely free, non-commercial passion project, we exist to create a rare space where international minds, young expats, and diverse cosmopolitan perspectives seamlessly converge. It is a fluid weekend anchor in a fast-paced capital, designed simply for real conversations, sharp perspectives, and organic connection. **DISCLAIMER:** We are a 100% volunteer-run team gathering in our personal time. Though we have high standards, all our activities are private and informal, so we are not liable for any damage or inconvenience, nor subject to any service expectations. However, we put a lot of care into maintaining a safe atmosphere and good energy: we vet and approve participants at our own discretion, prioritising trust, good vibes, and community alignment. We have zero tolerance for harassment and disruptive or predatory behaviour. Disregarding our team and processes may result in being declined or removed. We take photos and videos to steward our community, as well as stock photos from sites like Unsplash and Pexels, in line with GDPR. While our processes aren't perfect, we ask that you respect them while you participate and discuss any concerns with us privately and respectfully. By attending, you understand, agree with, and respect all terms of this disclaimer and any other instructions by our team.

PLEASE **READ the event information below** **🇬🇧🇪🇸🇫🇷🇯🇵🇮🇹🇩🇪🇮🇳🇨🇳🇧🇷🇰🇷🇪🇬🇺🇸🇷🇺🇦🇺🇵🇱**Join us on **Friday** for our always popular global language exchange and social. We"re **Languages in London👇**the Highest Rated 🏆 international language exchange group in London with 1700+ reviews rated 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TO ATTEND THIS EVENT YOU **MUST:** 🔘 Have your Meetup confirmation visible on your phone when you arrive. 🔘 Collect & wear your languages badge as soon as you arrive BEFORE buying your drinks 🔘Pay the £2 event fee. **The event fee is £6 if you arrive after 8:30pm** Then, start meeting the community and having fun...lots of fun! [www.languages.london](www.languages.london) **WHEN & WHERE** We're returning to The Craft Beer Co, St Mary Axe.** **Address: 29-31 Mitre Street, London, EC3A 5BU** [https://maps.app.goo.gl/49HnHGap8hQMbQNWA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/49HnHGap8hQMbQNWA) **HOW WE DO IT** It's simple .... ✴️When you arrive please collect and wear your personalised languages badge. We'll be waiting to give you a warm welcome 😃 ✴️Wear your badge during the event and always return it before you leave ♻️ ✴️You're expected to buy something from the bar to support the venue, who kindly offer us a dedicated space. 🇷🇴🇮🇷🇹🇼🇵🇹🇨🇦🇨🇴🇸🇦🇹🇷🇺🇦🇭🇰🇱🇧🇸🇪🇲🇽🇳🇱🇦🇷 **WHO** Languages in London events are organised for our community - being social, making new friends, building cultural bridges and always very relaxed. We have the largest number of languages and countries represented in our weekly language exchange and social events in London. This is** not **a dating event. Our events are open to Internationals, Locals, Expats, Students, Travellers...Everyone! Are you an 18 to 24 year old? Come and explore our events. Our events are for a truly global community and citizens from around the 🌎 It's your international language hub in London 💂 Is this the Intercambio you've been looking for? Want to practice your ingles, espanol,p francais, italiano, Deutsch, portugues or other European languages? Asian languages? Or maybe prefer to only speak English ....that's just fine. **All languages and all fluency levels are welcome **Spread the word...Bring your friends, colleagues and family 💚 🇲🇦🇹🇭🇰🇪🇵🇪🇳🇿🇨🇭🇬🇷🇭🇺🇻🇪🇳🇬🇧🇬🇩🇰🇱🇰🇯🇴🇮🇪 The creator and organiser of** Languages in London - Girish**, will always be visible at the event and there to support you and help with introductions, if you prefer. We want to remain the BEST language events group in London, being the biggest isn't our focus. These are real events with real people. We don't fill our events with inflated numbers and fictitious attendees 👻 **⚠️Inactive community members and those that "no-show" at our events are regularly removed from our group⚠️** **LANGUAGES** Here's a selection of some of the languages that our community speak or have been practicing ... English, Spanish (incl Latin American), French, Italian, Portuguese (incl Brazilian), German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese), Russian, Korean, Hindi, Turkish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Polish, Hebrew, Swedish, Bulgarian, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Bengali, Dutch, Catalan, Farsi, Greek, Urdu, Welsh, Romanian, Norwegian, Czech, Slovak, Estonian, Danish, Finnish, Turkmen, Latvian, Lithuanian, Nepali, Yoruba, Filipino, Thai, Albanian, Croatian, Serbian, Ebo, Afrikaans, Tamazight, Tagalog, Creole, Malagasy, Mongolian, Tigrinya, Tok Pisin and more... you get the idea! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇧🇪🇵🇭🇮🇱🇪🇪🇵🇸🇪🇬🇳🇴🇬🇭🇵🇷🇲🇾🇻🇳🇪🇨🇿🇦 **SUSTAINABLE **🌎🌳 Like you, we really care about our planet. We don't like single use paper name tags, stickers or wristbands as they can't be reused or recycled and can even damage your clothing ☹️ The Solution?.Our personalised and completely reusable Languages in London badges! 👍 So, please make sure you return your badge before you leave the event. We'll sanitise it (anti bacterial & disinfectant cleaners) and use it again & again & again. Thanks for helping us do the right thing and keep our costs down🙏 **SAFE SPACE FOR EVERYONE **👮‍♂️**** We don't tolerate prejudice or harassment of any kind, at any time. Be polite and respectful to everyone else and they will reciprocate. Let's keep the space safe, welcoming for everyone and free of any political agendas. Please report any concerns to the Organiser immediately. Please look after your belongings, the venue is a public place. We may take photos or video at the event for future promotional use. Let us know if you'd rather not be included, we respect your choice 📸 **SPREAD THE WORD** 🗣️💬** If you enjoy our events, please tell your friends and colleagues and help us grow your** community, thank you ♥️ Join our community - [https://www.languages.london/](https://www.languages.london/) We're looking forward to welcoming you at Languages in London 😊👋 🇨🇱🇵🇰🇨🇾🇲🇩🇰🇿🇫🇮🇦🇹🇲🇶🇲🇬🇵🇸🇦🇿🇬🇹🇯🇲🇦🇲🇮🇶🇸🇰🇨🇩🇭🇷🇹🇿🇧🇴🇶🇦🇲🇰🇳🇵🇧🇩🇩🇿🇮🇩🇹🇯🇦🇪🇦🇱🇯🇴🇱🇦🇱🇹🇱🇻🇰🇭🇲🇳🇬🇪🇦🇫🇲🇴🇨🇺🇩🇴🇭🇳🇧🇾🇺🇿🇲🇺🇸🇴🇵🇾🇹🇲🇮🇸🇵🇬🇰🇼🇿🇼🇪🇹🇸🇻🇷🇪🇾🇪🇬🇱🌎

© Copyright David Hawgo **My number is 07815009191.** MEET: **10.45** for tea at Coffee Shop, Ground Floor, Whole Foods Market 63-97 Kensington High St, London, W8 5SE or just outside the building at **11.15** for the start of the walk. On this walk we'll take in the palace designed as the royal's country retreat as King William struggled with his asthma. Once they moved in, the court followed with many fine shops to satisfy their lifestyle. In more recent times the residents visited the legendary department stores of Barkers and Derry and Toms for goods and for the roof garden with its flamingoes. Frederick Leighton's house is worth the gate money alone, it's an absolute gem. Then there's the park itself with its Edwardian Japanese garden, the first dahlias in the country in the 18th century and the accompanying Jacobean mansion. Please pay £12 to my account 75471878 sort 090128 or you can pay cash on the day. If you see the word 'Unpaid' by your name only you can see it. It means you have not paid through Meet up. No one else can see this; you have not been shamed as a debtor.

Would you like to join us outside The Boathouse for some free socialising?! Come and enjoy Putney's riverside with Putney Social Group! If the weather permits, we will meet at the open space by the Fire Assembly point, otherwise we'll meet inside the venue. **PLEASE NOTE: Photographs of the event's attendees will be taken and posted on Meetup. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the event's organiser know on arrival.** By way of information, I have checked with the venue who have confirmed ground floor accessible toilets are available with a ramp to the venue's entrance. The bar has stated that access to them is via a key that is kept behind the bar only. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend. Nearest Public Transport: Train: Putney. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the venue. Tube: Putney Bridge (District Line, Wimbledon Branch). It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the venue. Bus: 14, 22, 39, 74, 85, 93, 220, 265, 270, 378, 424, 430, 485. Looking forward to seeing you!

Join us for this exciting new and exclusive night. Reserved area and our own DJ for a night of good vibes and pop music. Please register for your free RSVP ticket on OutSavvy, link below: Claim your free ticket here: **[Ticket Link](https://link.outsavvy.com/zcbf57i7)** **The Lineup** **9pm - 10pm** The social begins where a host will be present to great you if you are new. **9pm onwards** \- Our very own **DJ Stuart** will begin his set. **Crowns 👑 The Pop Queens Night! 💃** Details from OutSavvy- Hey Diva! Get ready to sparkle and sing along at Crowns - The Pop Queens Night where it's Just Pop Queens on Max Volume 💃 🎵 When you say? Friday 13th Feb, 9:00pm till late, but don't arrive too late babe, last entry is midnight. Where? At the fabulous Betty and Joan's in Elephant & Castle! So get ready for a night of all-out pop royalty. Whether you’re channelling your inner Madonna, feeling your Beyoncé power, or living for every Taylor era, we’ve got the girly pop hits to keep you moving. 🎵 Expect to hear music from these pop queens (and many more!): 👑 Ariana Grande 👑 Avril Lavine 👑 Beyoncé 👑 Billie Eilish👑 Britney 👑 Chappell Roan 👑 Charli xcx 👑 Christina Aguilera 👑 Doja Cat 👑 Dua Lipa 👑 Florence 👑 Kesha 👑 Kylie 👑 Lady Gaga 👑 Lily Allen 👑 Lizzo 👑 Lorde 👑 Madonna 👑 Marina 👑 Miley 👑 Nicki 👑 Olivia Rodrigo 👑 Pink👑 Rihanna 👑 Sabrina Carpenter 👑 Sia 👑 SZA 👑 Taylor Swift 👑 Wet Leg 👑 and more… **Where?** Betty & Joans 9 Hewson Wy, Elephant Park, London SE17 1JS **Whatsapp** Join our whatsapp for event updates (we wont be checking meetup during events). [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYxo1GonGIbIvLlS6CpG8S?mode=ems_copy_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYxo1GonGIbIvLlS6CpG8S?mode=ems_copy_t) **Free Event** We run our events by voluntary donations. Please send your yearly donation to the following.. Reference - Donate Name: Mark Geer Account number: 03450947 Sort code: 04-00-04

Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Wimbledon park to Richmond. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 6. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy Starting point: Wimbledon Park station Ending point: Richmond Walking length: 11.5km Duration: 4 hours at most Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Wimbledon Park to Richmond WHEN - 2pm - 6:30pm MEETING POINT - Outside Wimbledon Park Station NEAREST STATION - Wimbledon Park Station REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

**It’s that time again! With June now here, we're hugely excited to be hosting our latest Social Pub Quiz, exclusively for 20s and 30s.** Yep that's right, every month we host latest our very special creative and quirky pub quiz in Central London, just for our community ❤️ And as always, our crack team of quizmasters have concocted a range of entertaining and social quiz rounds, each designed to challenge your wit and intelligence with a range of fun and fascinating questions. And we'll also be throwing in some fun team games designed to test your speed, creativity and teamwork - with previous quizzes featuring everything from crafty challenges, poetry duels to Marmalade Sandwich time trials ⏱️ Best of all, we have some amazing prizes up for grabs and so don't miss out on what promises to be a memorable afternoon of quizzing, socialising, and friendly competition. Unfortunately as the pub can only fit a limited number of us in for the quiz and so as always, places will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **WHERE/WHEN** Venue Address: The Star By Liverpool Street, 94 Middlesex St, London E1 7EZ ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/hcx4jN9BnqDry2Ws5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hcx4jN9BnqDry2Ws5)) Nearest Tube Stations: Liverpool Street (5 mins walk) and Aldgate (10 mins). Start Time - 4:30pm Finish time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm (Approx) **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** Set up in November 2021, the project was set up to help 20s and 30s in London meet, connect and hopefully build life-long friendships. To help make this happen, we also host all kinds of events from free social walks, games evenings, day trips, social events, activity nights to picnics. To learn more about our community or to follow us on social media, please follow one of the links below. **Website - [https://friendship-project.co.uk](https://friendship-project.co.uk/)** **Instagram - [https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship](https://www.instagram.com/great.friendship)**

WE WILL SOON BE LIMITING SPACES DUE TO DEMAND **Social Saturday Sessions** is a **FREE** indoor & outdoor social designed to help people meet new mates, have a few drinks, play some games and enjoy a low-pressure night with genuinely good vibes. **Come solo. Leave social. JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY HERE:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpmuQWTBGJ12dVNCfXdJdQ?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpmuQWTBGJ12dVNCfXdJdQ?mode=gi_t) PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IF YOU WANT KARAOKE OR DJ's TILL LATE **What's the Plan?? 👀** * **Start time: 7PM 🍹** Head to the front-of-house desk and say you're here for the Meet Up! Try to arrive before 7:30 so we can make sure everyone finds each other :) * **Early evening – Games & icebreakers 🎮** Fun, low-key ways to get chatting (zero cringe, promise). * **Mid-evening – Mingle mode 💬** More chats, more drinks, more “how did we all end up here?” moments. * **Later on – Anything goes 🔥** Karaoke? Dancing? Bit of both? We’ll see where the night takes us. * **All night – Good people, good energy ✨** No pressure, no expectations—just show up and see what happens. Need help finding us? Our entrance can be found at what3words: https://w3w.co/putty.camera.roof **JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY HERE:** https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpmuQWTBGJ12dVNCfXdJdQ?mode=gi_t **Come solo. Leave social.** Just head to the main entrance (the food hall side), and you’ll find our friendly hosts waiting for you behind the front desk!

HI EVERYONE, COST AND INFO BELOW, Please note approx 20-25 members will be on the walk, not what is advertised, as only half the members turn up with most meetup groups. Hi all, cost £5, join everyone for a beautiful 3-mile daytime circular walk. Queen Mary's Garden is a world-famous garden named after the wife of King George V. In 1932 when Queen Mary's Gardens opened to the general public, the first superintendent planted a rose garden which was completed in 1934. The rose garden is London's largest collection of roses with approximately 12,000 roses planted within the gardens. There are 85 single variety beds on display, including one which is home to our very own 'Royal Parks' rose. Examples of most rose varieties, from the classics to the most modern English roses, are present in the gardens. Roses are not the only treasure of the gardens. The Delphinium border has full National Collection status. The Mediterranean Borders are well established, and the Begonia Garden, with its 9,000 begonias, is twice-yearly planted with seasonal bedding. Shrubberies are strategically designed and located to add a sense of mystery and privacy to the gardens. The rich sights and scents of these marvellous plants play such an important part in the delightful experience of visiting Queen Mary's Gardens. Benches are available for visitors to sit and enjoy the garden. To see the best blooms in the first two weeks of June. Please meet outside the front of Baker Street Station by the Sherlock Holmes Statue. We will be stopping for a 30 mins break halfway through the walk at a cafe to meet new friends, use the facilities if required and refreshments. £5 cash/card payment by simply turning up on the day! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. No Dogs allowed sorry We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!

**Please Join the waiting list and I’ll get in touch with you shortly.** **Limited spots available** **Please note:** This meetup is intentionally limited to artists, musicians, designers, writers, performers, and other creatives [AVIARY SKYBAR : HOW TO GET IN](https://www.instagram.com/p/DYO8UV0MGjF/?next=%2F) **Should the weather shift, the evening will continue seamlessly inside the skybar lounge** A relaxed, welcoming space for artists musicians, creators to connect, share, and grow together. This creative meetup is designed for anyone who makes—whether you’re a painter, producer, songwriter, instrumentalist, designer, or just starting out. The focus is simple: meet like-minded people, exchange skills, and build confidence in talking about your work. Looking forward to seeing you all

Great news Balancers! On Sunday 14th June, we're launching our Yoga Social. **What better way to leave the week behind you and reset for the week ahead than spending an afternoon outdoors, moving your body and meeting new people?** We'll start with a relaxing yoga session in Regent's Park, guided by Amy ([https://www.instagram.com/amychilveryoga/](https://www.instagram.com/amychilveryoga/)), a yoga instructor with over 1,080 hours of training. She's been incredibly kind and enthusiastic about supporting this new experience, and we're excited to have her leading the session. 🕑 Yoga Session: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 🕑3:00 PM Park Social Begins 🌳 Regent's Park 🧘 Bring a yoga mat if you have one. If not, a blanket or towel will work perfectly too. **We kindly ask everyone to arrive a few minutes early so we can start together and make the most of the session.** No experience is needed. Whether it's your first class or your hundredth, everyone is welcome. After the yoga session, you're welcome to join our free Park Social, where we'll be hanging out with games, conversations, and good company throughout the afternoon. If you'd like to learn more about the Park Social, check it out here: [https://www.meetup.com/balancers/events/314899072/](https://www.meetup.com/balancers/events/314899072/) **Move your body. Meet your people.** *To keep things accessible, we'll be releasing a number of free spots alongside a limited number of low cost tickets.* 📍**Exact meeting point**: [https://goo.gl/maps/r2Beg5CeY4vnD8119](https://goo.gl/maps/r2Beg5CeY4vnD8119) 🚻 Toilets? 5-min walk away. Easy. 📲 **Join our WhatsApp group** for updates: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IJKXDkwUTlmDsYTOCIUg7O) See you in the park ❤️ Stay Bright, Stay Balanced

*This event is closed and all tickets have been sold* **Group Travel Ticket (Optional)** Participation in group travel is optional. You are welcome to attend the hike using your own transport. The hike itself is free of charge. 🚨 **PLEASE PAY BY TUESDAY 09 JUNE 12:00** Scroll down for payment details **EVENT** Saxon Shore Way: Hastings to Rye [**[HERE](https://www.meetup.com/freehiketogether/events/314872036)**] **DATE** Saturday 13 June 2026 **IMPORTANT** Anyone who signs up for a group ticket but does not make payment may be removed to allow others to take their place. **THIS OFFER IS FOR YOU IF** * You want to pay £13 total travel cost for the day * You are happy to travel in a group of four * You understand that individual tickets are not issued * You will travel London Victoria ⇄ Hastings *Note: The hike will end in Rye, which means you will need to buy an additional single ticket from Rye to Hastings, as the Southern Rail ticket does not cover this part of the journey.* \-\-\- **HOW IT WORKS** * You pay **£13 in advance** * Once a group of four is confirmed, tickets are purchased * If a group is not formed, you receive a full refund \-\-\- **REFUNDS** A full refund will be issued if a group of four participants is not formed. Once National Rail tickets have been purchased, they are non-refundable. However, if another participant is willing to purchase your ticket from you, you may be able to recover the cost. \-\-\- **PAYMENT** *This event is closed and all tickets have been sold* \-\-\- **CONTACT** WhatsApp - AdrianB: +44 (0) 7438 812 663 \-\-\- 📍 **MEETING POINT** **Walt** will be present as a focal point for group travel with group tickets. 07:20 Meet at London Victoria Station ticket office 07:40 Leave the meeting point and board the train 07:54 Train departs London Victoria 09:58 Arrive in Hastings Journey time: 2 hours and 4 minutes **For the return from Rye, buy a single ticket from Rye to Hastings for £5.55.** \-\-\- **JOINING EN ROUTE** You may join at stations like Clapham Junction or East Croydon. You must have your own valid ticket to pass through barriers at those stations. \-\-\- **❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS** **Can I leave the group and travel alone later?** No. You must stay with your group of four for the entire journey. **Will I get an individual ticket?** No. This is a group ticket only. **Will the group of four receive a ticket?** Yes, as long as all four travel together. **Who holds the tickets?** The organiser will hold the tickets, and the group must pass through barriers together. \-\-\- **⚠️ FINAL NOTE** If you are late and miss the group, the group will continue without you. \-\-\- **PAID:** 01 Claire 02 Denise 03 Emily 04 Roni \-\-\- 05 Yaswi Agarwal 06 Jay 07 Lauren 08 Anne \-\-\- 09 Fabian 10 James Angus 11 Ahmet 12 Walt \-\-\- 13 Samer Aldardari 14 Marianne Thorndahl 15 Tiger 16 Navraj \-\-\- 17 kirstybeatricerobinson 18 Angela 19 Niko 20 Stephen \-\-\- 21 Benjamin (EmilyGuest1) 22 Elvira (EmilyGuest2) 23 Sorca 24 Moulay Idris **NOT PAID:** Emil - Removed \-\-\- **NOTE** If you prefer to arrange your own travel, you can purchase tickets directly from National Rail **[HERE](https://ticket.southernrailway.com/daysave/2026-06-13/VIC/4/)**.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

**📔 Books and Banter: The Secret History by Donna Tartt • All Readers Welcome** Come and join us to open up a conversation about this month's pick, The Secret History by Donna Tartt with people who just enjoy a good back-and-forth, and no two nights ever play out the same. Reading ahead is great but not required, and bring whatever section you're itching to discuss, and bring your scribbled notes — because what you clocked is exactly what someone else sailed past. Everything's fair game for debate — with the discussion built entirely from what people bring, and the energy tends to build as the evening goes on. Every night is a fine first night — and the group is an easy one to slot into, all you need is yourself and an opinion, and the night usually ends with people wanting to keep going. --- **What the session looks like:** - Arrive, grab a seat, and say hi if you're new — no icebreakers, just talk - Talk opens on a first question and flows on from there, no set agenda - Near the end there's a chance to pitch the next read **What helps:** - Your copy of the book, paper or screen - Bookmarks or sticky notes on your favourite bits - Curiosity and patience for other readings - Something warm to drink if the mood takes you ⭐ *"Honestly the best hour of my month — the takes were nothing like mine, and that was the whole point"* – regular 💡 **Before you come:** mark the passage you reckon the table will pounce on, since a single flagged scene beats a vague impression, and the group makes it easy from that first line on. --- 🗯️ Come for the book, stay for the discussion — join us and bring your read and the discussion takes it from there. The talk starts when you arrive. 🗯️

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

Now in its 26th year, [The Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/), in Gahanna, gathers world famous groups and performers at a single place for you to enjoy the best Blues & Jazz in Ohio. *SATURDAY NIGHT features: The Urban Jazz Coalition with Special Guest Brian Simpson, North Mississippi Allstars, The Deal Breakers & More.* The three-day cultural celebration features musicians on 3 stages, local food trucks and beverage stations, treats, artisans, and more. **Tickets are $15 for adults online.** Link to purchase tickets: [Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival Tickets](https://tickets.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/e/2026-creekside-blues-jazz-festival). $20 at the door. Military are free. WHAT: Here's the festival [EVENT MAP](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Event-Map/). Also, here's the [SCHEDULE](https://www.creeksidebluesandjazz.com/Schedule/) map to help you determine who to see. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Parking -** The Creekside Parking Garage will be open throughout the festival weekend. Entrance is located near the intersection of Mill and North Streets; accessible only by traveling south on Mill Street. **Event parking rate is $5 and collected at entrance to garage. Cash ONLY is accepted at garage entrance for parking.** Although off street parking in the Creekside District is permitted, it is very limited and not recommended. **Shuttle Service** pickup will be at the following location: [AEP Ohio 700 Morrison Rd., Gahanna, OH](https://goo.gl/maps/K9GgvgEdxCHaXsKDA) **Shuttle Service Hours:** Saturday: 1 PM - 12 AM **BRING**: *Be sure to bring a **chair** since there is limited available seating. Also $ or paycard for food and drink.*