Poetry

We invite you all, whatever your calling – musician, comedian, poet, artist, spectator – to join our bubbling melting pot of creativity at the Fiddler's Elbow in Camden. On the first Tuesday of each month, gain respite from the busy streets of London by joining us in this inspiring space, where we celebrate all types of human creativity. For any interested in performing, all slots are 7 minutes max. We platform all types of act (except bands), but **we** **do not tolerate racism, homophobia, sexism, misogyny, transphobia etc. We want to celebrate people, not cause harm.** Please be mindful of what you say and its impact. For more info, please email bubblebathopenmic@gmail.com. If you are keen to take to the stage, sign up from 7pm and slots are 7 minutes. Email **bubblebathopenmic@gmail.com** for more info. The night will kick off at 7.30pm and last until 10.15pm-ish. The event is pay what you will, so that no one is prevented from joining, but we do have running costs (we pay for the sound technician & the Meetup subscription). Donations from those able to give are appreciated, so we don't end up out of pocket. Join us to get your molecules jostling with excitement, inspiration and ideas. And remember, if you like bubbles and baths, you'll love Bubblebath.

We are a group of writers of all kinds of work - novels, short stories, academic work, scripts, poetry, flash fiction, and more. We meet once a week, on Tuesday evenings, predominantly in order to write but also to talk about what we are working on. The standard format of the group is heads-down writing until around 1940, then whatever else anyone wants to do or talk about. Everyone is welcome, regardless of what you are writing. [The Brownswood](https://thebrownswood.co.uk) is a fantastic local pub, located close to Clissold Park/Highbury/Stoke Newington/Finsbury Park. It has a large - and quiet - upstairs area. Please grab something to drink/eat from the bar, and join us upstairs at 1800. [271 Green Lanes, London, N4 2EX](https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Brownswood/@51.5639546,-0.0948438,608m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!3m8!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2!3d51.5639546!4d-0.0926551!16s%2Fg%2F119x6mkyr?entry=ttu). * Tube: [Manor House](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Manor+House+Station,+Green+Lanes,+London/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5675099,-0.099653,1216m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b89bd91cc59:0x392f2396b4532b!2m2!1d-0.0965018!2d51.5711189!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) (Piccadilly line), [Finsbury Park](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Finsbury+Park+Station,+Station+Pl,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2DH/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5635898,-0.1044051,1216m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b9b2b4d19dd:0xc061583facc2ae39!2m2!1d-0.1058553!2d51.5646425!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) (Piccadilly and Victoria lines) * Overground: [Canonbury](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Canonbury,+Wallace+Rd,+London+N1+2PG/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5563195,-0.1017644,2433m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c82f2cf823d:0x79587280293ef16!2m2!1d-0.0920922!2d51.5486853!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu), [Harringay Green Lanes](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Harringay+Green+Lanes,+London/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5705266,-0.1058508,2432m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b8b3971e23f:0xef5cf25ed3f59caa!2m2!1d-0.0979994!2d51.5771902!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu), [Stoke Newington](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Stoke+Newington+railway+station,+London/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5640471,-0.0930668,2432m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c67a8c80565:0xd116f4b1ef01e4e5!2m2!1d-0.07286!2d51.56523!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) * National Rail: [Finsbury Park](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Finsbury+Park+Station,+Station+Pl,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2DH/The+Brownswood,+271+Green+Lanes,+Finsbury+Park,+London+N4+2EX/@51.5635898,-0.1044051,1216m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761b9b2b4d19dd:0xc061583facc2ae39!2m2!1d-0.1058553!2d51.5646425!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761c7893476fc5:0x9ba8e21a1cf2fee9!2m2!1d-0.092655!2d51.5639516!3e2?entry=ttu) * Bus routes: [106](https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/106/), [141](https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/141/), [341](https://tfl.gov.uk/bus/route/341/?direction=inbound) * On-street cycle racks are located outside the pub. If you've any queries, you can message me through MeetUp - please don't contact the pub directly. I hope to see you soon, Adam.

Friendly book group Please remember to change your RSVP if you can't make it so someone on the waitlist can take your slot. New books chosen by popular vote and read 2 months later. We look forward to seeing you there!

18:00 - 18:30: Grab a drink and introductions 18:30 - 19:30: Shut Up and Write (timer starts and ends) 19:30 - 20:00: Chat and reflect Come along for a fun and productive hour of solid writing without any pressure to share what you are doing. If you're writing a screen play, script, novel, poem, etc, or just journaling or catching up with some work... you are welcome. See you there!!! ✍ Bring headphones as sometimes it can be a little loud due to the central location. 🎶 Contact Joe & Héléna for details: joewhitehead03@gmail.com helenabloch2@gmail.com

**Amplify Her is a live event supporting women in the music industry.** Amplify Her is a thriving community committed to empowering women in the music industry. Come join us for a refreshing drink, connect with like-minded music professionals and leave inspired. Let's embrace some joy, release the self-imposed pressure, and simply enjoy each other's company. As music professionals, we navigate through ups and downs, and here, we've created a space to foster a community—supporting one another, growing together and forging ahead. Our mission is clear: to cultivate a community of female music industry professionals who not only uplift each other in advancing their careers but also champion the cause of gender equality. Together, let's move forward and make a lasting impact. **[Make sure to grab your ticket on our website, so that you receive a QR code to use upon arrival.](https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/event-details/cocktail-meeting-london-2026-06-02-18-00)** **Follow us on:** [https://www.instagram.com/amplify_herLive/](https://www.instagram.com/amplify_herLive/) [https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/](https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/) [https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifyher/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifyher/)

**London's first multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with live ambient music, gongs, aromatherapy and aerial hammocks. An Oasis of Calm in our Busy Lives.** # Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks ### **ABOUT AERIAL RELAXATION PODS™** London's first **multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with a short guided meditation, live ambient music: gongs, crystal bowls, vocals, other live instruments and nurturing electronica, aromatherapy eye pillows and scents, sky-blue silky aerial hammocks** to soothe your stresses away and lift your spirit! **A very unique, next level sound journey experience!** *"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."* Londoners stressed out by their busy lives can now turn to Aerial Relaxation Pods™ to transform their tension to calm, and restore the body’s natural healing wisdom. ***(please confirm all dates / times / venue via eventbrite. Not all dates are correct on meetup!)*** **PLEASE NOTE:** Please book via eventbrite. There are very limited spaces, and no sales on the door. an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket! **For more information and bookings:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator) *“Our pods are here to help Londoners relax. As a former teacher myself, I am fully aware of just how busy and stressed a lot of people are. And most of us just don't find the time to unwind. Our **Aerial Relaxation Pods** are going to help you alleviate stress, providing time & space to allow your body to deeply rest, harmonising your nervous system. You’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after one session.” -* Seth Newman, co-founder of Aerial Relaxation Pods**™**.

James McNeill Whistler was an American-born painter and printmaker who became one of the most influential artists of the late nineteenth century, working mainly in London and Paris. Come and learn with us on the **2nd June**. All welcome! *Please ring the bell if you arrive after 18.45*

This event is a **poetry social**, a chance to meet poets and share your poetry and poetry thoughts informally. Please be aware this is not our regular session of around the table poetry sharing, but a **chance to chat and connect with other London poets**. That said, you are of course welcome to read and perform your poetry for those who want to hear it. Just be aware there can be some background noise in the area where we meet. There will be some tables and chairs set up for us **outside the poetry library on the fifth floor**. Coffee and tea are available in the cafe on the ground floor. Also be aware there may be some external noise from the nearby children's library and south bank centre members attending events. If you have not attended our group before, please introduce yourself to David, the organiser. This session is right next to the poetry library, so a perfect opportunity to browse and share published poetry with others as well. Make sure to be quiet when inside and using the library.

Dear Poetry enthusiasts, Newham Poetry Group focuses on amplifying marginalised voices, supporting young locals, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants and people from the global majority. We know poetry has the potential to change not only individuals' lives but also communities. **Full programme** available at [www.newhampoetrygroup.com](http://www.newhampoetrygroup.com/). We have a maximum capacity of 20 participants per session, so book early to secure your spot. **Event details** Location: The Gate Library, 6-8 Woodgrange Road, E7 0QH Date: Every Thursday Time: 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm Our sessions are free of charge. However, we welcome donations. Light refreshments are provided. We look forward to welcoming you to our poetry sessions and creating meaningful experiences together.

**Join us in celebrating 10 years of building a poetry movement** **Would you like to be part of our 10 years poetry book and secure a spot at the open mic during the Newham Poetry Festival?** What’s included? 1.⁠ ⁠FREE co-creative poetry sessions 2.⁠ ⁠FREE tailored coaching to support your writing 3.⁠ ⁠Opportunity to be published in the anniversary book 4.⁠ ⁠Chance to perform at the festival open mic Dates Wednesdays from 13 May to 29th July 6.15 -7.45pm Stratford library (3 The Grove, E15 1EL) **Commitment Participants must attend a minimum of 9 sessions to be included in the publication and the open mic** **Register at newhampoetrygroup@gmail.com**

The first rule of WRITE CLUB is that you do not talk ***during*** WRITE CLUB. This very simple meetup is based on the premise that public and peer accountability enables more productive writing than sitting at home and getting distracted by the fridge. We will write/read for an hour in silence. (I will be writing thought experiments for my other meetup group: [THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS](https://www.meetup.com/thought-experiments-in-pubs)) If you'd like to hang out afterwards, or if you prefer just to hang out, I have another event immediately afterwards in the same place :-) You can find that here: [HANGING OUT AT THE SOUTHBANK](https://www.meetup.com/experimentsin/events/314649073) And if you'd like to finish the evening with a dance, there is a free social salsa meetup just outside The Southbank Centre just afterwards. More info [here](https://www.instagram.com/salserosfriends/). **This event will take place in the foyer of The Southbank Centre.** You can find us by looking out for: * A tote bag with WRITE CLUB sewn onto it * My T-Shirt, which will have HANGING OUT embroidered on the back of it * A big red flag with THE SUNRISE CLUB emblazoned on it (though this clearly isn't THE SUNRISE CLUB! If you want to find out about that, you can do so [here](https://www.meetup.com/the-sunrise-club/).) * Other writers - who may be spread out across the centre. They will have white pieces of paper with the WRITE CLUB stamp at the top of the page. There are plenty of places to buy refreshments, but you can also bring your own if you prefer. [WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BpMwnRev0H237KMx4uPnek) [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/experimentsingroupwisdom) [SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) Looking forward to meeting and writing with you :-) Bonny

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

**We will be at The Mitre pub in central Greenwich.** This meetup is free and casual. We just sit around for a few hours and write together. Bring a laptop, or use a pen and paper or clay tablet and stylus if that's what works for you. The structure of the session is roughly: 2pm: chat 2:20–3:25: writing time 3:25: chat/coffee break 3:40–4:45 writing time 4:45: chat But our Saturdays are very casual, so feel free to drop in and out. **This is usually in the meeting room at the Mitre. If you arrive a bit later, you may need to ask the bar staff to show you through to the room.**

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" 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 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 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!

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!

Hi Ladies , Let's Hike Blendon Woods Metro Park . We will meet at the nature center parking lot. Hiking about 4 miles completing the blendon woods loop and the sugarbush trail . Wear appropriate footwear and bring water for hydration .