Poetry

**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**

We will begin with a talk giving some background to the School of Sufi Teaching and our meditation practices. We will then sit together in meditation. Following this there will be an opportunity ask questions arising from your experience during the meditation. Please arrive at 7.00pm so as to benefit from the short introductory talk. Meditation will commence at 7.30pm . The session should be completed by 9.00 pm. The meditation will start promptly at 7.30 pm when the front door will be closed so as to ensure an undisturbed period of solitude. Location of Meeting **Entry is via the side door which is located in the side road between our building and the pub.** **Follow the plant containers.** 253 Globe Road London E2 0JD https://goo.gl/maps/6Ng5rhHKsLXe16jz6 Nearest Underground Station is Bethnal Green For individuals interested in learning more about Sufism, our practices and their transformational role on the individual we recommend reading **Click here** [http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-toward-Heart-Awakening-Contemporary/dp/1887752463](http://www.amazon.co.uk/Turning-toward-Heart-Awakening-Contemporary/dp/1887752463) **Turning Toward the Heart: - Awakening to the Sufi Way** **Forty Questions and Answers**

**\*See below on Special offer for Rear Stalls seating - tickets now only £10-30\*** Join us for a performance of Haydn's oratorio masterpiece, 'The Creation' at Royal Festival Hall with the combined forces of The Orchestra & Choir of the Age of Enlightenment. **TICKETS** I have a link to a site which is providing up to 71% off the face value of seats located in the Rear Stalls, meaning tickets in this section now only cost £10-30, head to [https://centraltickets.ticketswitch.com/book/1HWF6-the-creation/#date=2026-05-27&perf=1HWF6-2&time=7.00PM](https://centraltickets.ticketswitch.com/book/1HWF6-the-creation/#date=2026-05-27&perf=1HWF6-2&time=7.00PM) to book! If you wish to book in another section of the auditorium (at full price), you will need to go via the standard Southbank website by clicking [here.](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/the-creation/) I'm sat in the rear stalls in seat DD36 if you wish to sit nearby. **PROGRAMME** * Haydn: The Creation (Performed in German with English subtitles). Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment Václav Luks conductor Samantha Clarke soprano Nick Pritchard tenor Krešimir Stražanac bass Choir of the Age of Enlightenment We'll look at heading for a post show drink after the show at the RFH bar.

Join us for our weekly Fems and Thems Climbing Social, a welcoming space for women and non-binary climbers to connect, climb, and have fun! Whether you're new to climbing or a seasoned pro, this social is all about building a supportive community and celebrating our shared love for the sport. This is a relaxed, no-pressure environment designed to help you enjoy climbing while meeting like-minded people. Open to all women and non-binary folks aged 18 and over. Cost: £16 regular peak time entry at Bethwall Climbing centre (£2 registration fee might apply) + £4 rental shoes (chalk is provided Come solo or bring a friend – everyone is welcome! Let’s climb, chat, and share some good vibes. We can’t wait to see you there! For any questions or accessibility inquiries, feel free to contact us in advance.

In the second meeting in May, we discuss Isabella Hammad's *Enter Ghost*. Published in 2023, the novel sees a 'woman reeling from a disastrous love affair finds love and hope in Shakespeare and Palestine.' 'The author of the bestselling *The Parisian* delivers a moving, thought-provoking story about family, resistance and reconciliation, as a London actress returns to her native Palestine to visit her sister and joins a production of Hamlet in the West Bank.' -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/183932814-enter-ghost We will hold our meeting at Caravan City (in the Bloomberg Arcade). Please join us for some delicious food as we dive into this intriguing novel. N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

**WELCOME** **This is a supportive, growing community for writers — a quiet space to return to yourself, your words, and the simple rhythm of creating alongside others. I organise and gently hold the space, and it’s been beautiful watching this become a regular place to focus, write, and connect.** **WHAT TO EXPECT** **Simply arrive, order your food or drink at the counter, then settle into your writing persona. Together, we’ll share 90 minutes of quiet focused writing — a calm co-working space for writers of all levels.** **No critiques. No pressure. No one reads your work.** **Just the quiet companionship of people showing up for their creativity.** **Afterwards, everyone is welcome to stay, unwind, and socialise with fellow members until closing time.** **TIME & DATE** **Focused writing time:** **Every Thursday, 7pm–8:30pm** **The venue closes at 10pm.** **VENUE** **I’m holding this space at the warm, beautiful, and intimate British Patagonia café, opposite Islington Town Hall on Upper Street.** **TRANSPORT** **The venue is situated between Angel Tube Station and Highbury & Islington Station.** **Closest bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 43.** **There’s also free street parking after 6:30pm (please check signs).** **ABOUT ME** **I create from lived experience — rooted in care, healing, and meaningful connection. I hope to meet you all in time, but if we don’t get the chance to speak, please know you are warmly welcome here.** **See you soon,** **Sara x**

Bethnal Beats @ The Beehive is our poetry performance night! Whether you want to perform or just enjoy some poetry and cheer on others - it is set to be a fun night. We will open the doors at 7pm and kick off at 7.30pm. Drinks will be available from the bar. So come along, bring some friends and feel the bethnal beats. If you would like to perform at the event please contact James, one of the organisers!

Spreading the love of poetry, this session will involve creating a poem by; working on at least 2 poetry techniques, the use of prompts, refinement, and reading out loud. And you get to meet really nice people!!! x

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 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

**A** thoughtfully curated urban workshop designed to help you reconnect with what truly brings happiness and inner balance. Are you feeling the relentless pace of living? Do you need more clarity, calm and genuine connection in your day? Inspired by the work of Dr Arthur C. Brooks, this experience blends science, reflection and nature-based practices to explore a deeper, more sustainable sense of wellbeing. Set in a **beautiful, calming venue**, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect and reset — right in the heart of urban life. Throughout the day, you’ll be nourished with a **delicious, nutritious vegetarian lunch**, along with drinks and snacks to keep you energised and comfortable. **Who it’s for:** Anyone feeling the pace of city living and looking to cultivate more clarity, calm and connection.

Walk length 12miles/19km approx. Linear. A chance to enjoy a seaside hike from Newhaven to Brighton on a moderate although undulating coastal downland and urban hike. At the end of the hike there should be sometime to enjoy Brighton a town once described as London-by-the-Sea with a rich and varied history. We may get the chance to have a swim on Brighton Beach at the end of the hike. The meeting point is London Bridge Train Station. Meet next to the main ticket office opposite the WHSmith. See photo below. Meet from 8.30am to give us time to get tickets. The 0905am train gets to Brighton for 10.13am. We need to get a single train ticket at Brighton to Newhaven Town. The 10.36am gets to Newhaven Town at 11.11am for the walk to start. Cost: Train £16.50 (Super Off-Peak Return) or less with a group save, network railcard or ordered online. Single ticket to Newhaven town £5.90 but could be cheaper with a network or railcard discount. Meet at 11.15am outside Newhaven Town Station for the walk to start after the train arrives from Brighton (linear walk) . There are regular trains back from Brighton to London or Newhaven if you are collecting your car. Car Parking in Newhaven but if driving you will need to collect your car as this is a linear walk. Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee (the host is a qualified London guide). For paypal it is '[colin45@hotmail.co.uk](http://colin45@hotmail.co.uk/)' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer. The walk should finish about 5pm at Brighton but the time may be slightly earlier or later. Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681 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 ([https://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/Terms_and_Conditions/](https://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/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.

We'll get in around 4 miles at Three Creeks Metro Parks, primarily natural trails. 17-18 minute miles, no one left behind, and faster walkers are free to lead out. Optional lunch after! If you're joining for hiking all the metro parks, this is the sixth one!

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!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! 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

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

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