Progressive Democrats

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

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

**Please RSVP - this helps the venue plan ahead and ensure enough space is reserved for us** Hey everyone! Are you a young professional in your 20s/30s looking to meet other LGBT young professionals? Then we hope to see you at the upcoming Tuesday drinks! Most people come to these drinks by themselves, and half of the people are first-timers, so these evenings are great to meet new people in London. We have tables reserved on the top floor (loft) of The Yard bar in Soho. Go into the Yard, turn left, and head upstairs. Just ask the bar for the tables reserved for the "Meetup". We usually have the tables opposite to the bar. Many have noticed that it can be difficult to meet up with the LGBT community once you leave university or come to a big new city such as London. For this reason we've decided to start organising drinks for young professionals, intended for those who love to have a drink with like-minded people after a busy day of work. Do spread the word, and bring friends, colleagues and family! Frequently Asked Questions: It's my first time and I'm coming alone, should I be nervous? No, you found the right event! Almost everyone joins these drinks alone and there are always a bunch of first timers. Just grab a drink and say hi to those around the reserved tables and you'll be absolutely fine :) I cannot make it at 7.00pm, can I come later? Yes, definitely! There will always be one of the organisers present from 7.00pm onwards, but most people just join whenever they can. There is no official 'start' so to say, and it usually stays busy till around 10pm-11pm. For first timers it can be easier to mingle if you come before 8pm, when it's not that busy yet. How often are the drinks and where are they held? We have drinks every two weeks from 7.00pm at The Yard Bar in Soho. Sometimes we organise other events such as big nights out, pub crawls and picnics. Just keep an eye on the Meetup page. Is there a dress code? Nope, not at all. Just wear whatever you want. Is there a cost? Only for whatever drinks you buy at the bar. That said, if you enjoy the Meetup, we would really welcome any cash donations to help cover our costs for running the events. However, you will never be directly asked for any money from any of our team. Are the Tuesday drinks for networking? No, the drinks are super casual, and not intended to find your new dream job. We have people from all different professional backgrounds, so it's always cool to hear what others are up to. I don't drink alcohol, can I come? Of course! Since it's on a Tuesday many take it easy, so you won't be an outlier. If you have any questions don't hesitate to pop any of our organisers a message. Looking forward to meeting you all! Xx The young LGBTQ+ professionals team Xx

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

Tickets for this event are available to be purchased on Meetup or through Eventbrite at the following link: [Eventbrite link](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/property-nexus-london-city-property-networking-event-may-2026-tickets-1985728442225?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) PLEASE NOTE this is a paid ticketed event and tickets must be purchased before the event through Meetup or Eventbrite PLEASE ALSO NOTE we take most of our event bookings through Eventbrite so the number of attendees booked for an event is much larger than that displayed as RSVPs on this Meetup page (normally about 50-100 attendees) Property Nexus (UK property network) is excited to be holding our **London City** **Property Networking Event** at **Be At One Bar** **Liverpool Street** on **Tuesday 5th May 2026** This is a premier networking event for the London property industry. At the event you can expect to meet a diverse group of professionals from property, construction, and other sectors within the built environment, including: * architects & interior designers * surveyors * property & estate agents * project managers & facility managers * structural & highways engineers * planning & property consultants * property, planning & construction lawyers * property investors & financiers * property developers & asset managers The event is informal, friendly and relaxed allowing you to mix and talk with other attendees and make contacts and business leads. There are NO sales presentations, gimmicks or other catches at the event, just pure property networking! **Be At One Bar Liverpool Street** is a stylish and modern cocktail bar located in the heart of the City of London. We have a private area booked for our event, **The** **Loft Room** which is an intimate space perfect for our networking event. The closest tube and train station is Liverpool Street. The Loft Room is located on the top floor of Be At One Bar Liverpool Street During the event, a variety of beverages such as wine, beer, and water are provided initially until they are all gone (so be punctual!). Later, a private bar is accessible for attendees who want to buy extra drinks at their own cost **Dress Code:** Smart Casual (no trainers, no sportswear and no hats) **ID required:** The venue is a licensed premises and therefore may require identification such as driver's licence / passport to be presented on arrival To see pictures of our previous property networking events please click [here](https://propertynexus.co.uk/past-events/) ​ We hope to see you there at the event ...and don't forget to bring your business cards! Please ensure that you purchase your ticket as soon as possible as places are limited *No refunds or transfers are available should you wish to cancel or are unable to attend the event* *All event bookings and payments are processed through Meetup (via PayPal) or Eventbrite and attract transaction fees charged by PayPal or Eventbrite and any terms and conditions applied by Eventbrite, PayPal or Meetup apply* *For other terms and conditions which apply to all event bookings​ please see the Event Booking Terms and Conditions on the Property Nexus website ([https://propertynexus.co.uk/event-booking-terms-and-conditions/](https://propertynexus.co.uk/event-booking-terms-and-conditions/))*

Bi the Way is a regular social group for bi and pan people (or other bi+ identities) who are over 50. Once run by Opening Doors London, a 50+ LGBT charity, Bi the Way is now continues independently thanks to 2 lovely hosts. UPDATE: It is now on the First Tuesday of each month at the London LGBTQ Community Centre. There is often a visiting speaker to talk on a relevant topic or a themed discussion planned for the first part. ⚫Accessibility: *Closest station: Blackfriars (southeast exit of mainline station) which is step-free - centre is next to the Tate-side exit - Bus Routes: Blackfriars Road Stop SM - 381, N343, N381; Black Friars station South Entrance Stop D - 40, 63, N63, N89. *Accessible Toilets: No - suggest using Tate Modern (until 6.00 pm) or the Founders arms pub opposite (if after 6.00 pm Mon-Thu) which has a ramp and disabled toilet - Disabled Car Parking: Yes, Blue badge parking space near venue; [click here](https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/parking/disabled-badge-holders#:~:text=The%20Blue%20Badge%20scheme%20does,with%20disabilities%20who%20are%20permanent) for more details *Car Parking: Street parking on Hopton Street; max stay 2 hours £6.50 per hour - Induction Loop: No *BSL service: No - Step Free access: Yes *Wheel Chair Access: Yes ⚫ Tickets/Registration? There are [Eventbrite events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bi-the-way-over-50s-tickets-964380527117) posted for it but signing up for these is not required. ⚫ More Info: To keep up to date with what's happening with the group, please email: [sophiebtwgroup@gmail.com](mailto:sophiebtwgroup@gmail.com) Sadly ODL had to close due a lack of funding ([reference the announcement](https://www.openingdoors.lgbt/News/important-closure-announcement-for-opening-doors) / [archived versions](https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://www.openingdoors.lgbt/News/important-closure-announcement-for-opening-doors*)). The old Bi the Way event details at Opening Doors London website (while the website is still up): [https://www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk/bi-the-way-meetup](https://www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk/bi-the-way-meetup) Venue website: [londonlgbtqcentre.org](https://londonlgbtqcentre.org/)

Warning ⚠️ You may leave with… ✔ A decorated cake ✔ New friends ✔ Zero stress Our Sip & Cake Decorating Night is back this MAY 🎂🍷 📍 SE24 💸 Early Bird £5 OFF (before end of April!) Seats are limited & vibes are guaranteed ✨ 👉 BOOK NOW before it’s gone https://KDEcake.eventbrite.co.uk

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

Join the London Women Chess Club (LWCC) for our weekly social chess session in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you are completely new to chess, returning after a break, or already playing competitively, you are very welcome. LWCC is an ECF award-winning community initiative dedicated to encouraging more women and girls to play chess, build confidence, and progress into competitive play if they wish. We are proud to see new members joining every month, with many progressing into league matches and tournaments. What to expect * Friendly social games * Opportunities to improve your chess * Informal group coaching and guidance to help members progress * Information about tournaments and league opportunities * A respectful and supportive environment * A growing community of women supporting each other through chess Who can join * Women and girls of all levels * Complete beginners are very welcome * Players returning after a break * Competitive players looking for a supportive community How to join LWCC To help us maintain a safe and well-organised community, we ask new members to complete our short membership form before joining our WhatsApp community. [Membership registration](https://form.jotform.com/241453653475359) [Group Coaching ](https://pci.jotform.com/form/241475449120353) Our WhatsApp group is shared with registered members so we can keep communication relevant and maintain a positive environment for everyone. About London Women Chess Club London Women Chess Club is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) focused on making chess more accessible to women and creating a positive pathway into competitive chess. We collaborate with libraries, chess organisations and the English Chess Federation to build a strong and sustainable women’s chess community in London. [Instagram!](https://www.instagram.com/londonwomenchessclub) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-women-chess-club/)

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

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

Hello and welcome velocipedestrians! Here at Left Culture Club, we're always looking for new and exciting ways to build community and share experiences while also increasing our ability to kick ass. \ That's why for our latest instalment in the never-ending LCC physical culture series, we're hitting a small section of the [EuroVelo 2 route.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EV2_The_Capitals_Route) This trans-European touring track can supposedly take you all the way from Ireland to Moscow by way of various European capitals, although it's likely you wouldn't be able to do the whole journey past Belarus these days. Our route (EV2 line, shown in red) on the day should be viewable here: https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=14/51.47064/-0.24453&layers=C It starts just outside Putney Bridge station and ends (for us) at Staines. This is our first time organising one of these, so I'll keep it simple. We'll meet out in front of at Putney Bridge station at noon and hit the track together at half past. The route takes us through some beautiful country including right through the heart of the gorgeous Richmond Park, which LCC loyalists will remember from one of our more spectacular nature walks last year. Watch out for the wild deer! **The distance to Staines, from which we can get spacious trains back into central London in about 20 minutes, is approximately 15 miles, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks** \- I'll do likewise and be sure to have enough to share\! Bring your own bike and make sure it's fit for service! You can hire a Lime or such like, but for a journey of this distance you'll rack up a serious bill with those parasites. Take care and see you on the roads!

​An intentional gathering. A room of people who want to take life a little more seriously. ​ ​**Menu** ​Delicious filter coffee — selected by Moonstruck ​Fuding white tea — aged loose leaf, gongfu style ​Plant-based rose Basque cheesecake — home baked by Heart & Leaves ​ ​**What to expect** ​7:10 Coffee tasting ​7:30 A moment of quiet ​7:35 Chinese tea ceremony ​8:20 Rose Basque cheesecake ​8:50 Conversation + linger ​ ​Capacity is limited to 15. This is a slow evening; no rushing, no noise, just good things and good people.

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

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

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

Why are we unhappy? Where does emotional pain come from? Studies show that people who suffer from long-term emotional pain have painful experiences in their lives that were never fully resolved in their mind. In other words, there were issues in the past that were not completely dealt with. This can include abuse in childhood, breakups, divorce, death of a loved one, to name a few. How do you know whether you have gotten over something painful? Here is an easy test: Do you still have attention on what had happened to you? For instance, do you still find yourself thinking about something painful that you went through? If you are, then you are not over it. In fact, in severe cases, people find themselves playing a "tape" in their mind over and over again. So how do you heal from your past? How do you stop the "tape" playing in your mind? In this meeting, you will learn a technique to help you with that. Come join us! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

It's official, submissions for "Resistance, Resilience, Utopia" are are on their way from being independent pieces to becoming the second volume of gINKgo. This year we are going to have a launch party at Birdie Books on May 15th from 6-8pm open to the whole community! Come on over and help us support the creators with food, drinks, art, writing, open mic, music, community activities and more.

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!