Poetry

It’s glorious weather, so join us for a Bank Holiday drink at The Mayflower, Rotherhithe. The pub is by the Thames with an outdoor area. We may move to other pubs nearby. Will update any change of location in message discussion. ☀️ 🍻

Walk length 12 miles/19 km approx. Linear. This is an epic urban that takes us from one end of the Regent's Canal at Paddington Basin to Limehouse Basin in the East Regent's Canal was built between 1812 and 1820 to link the Grand Union Canal at Paddington with the Thames at Limehouse as part of a much larger urban plan by the town planner John Nash. After a varied history of water commerce throughout the 19th and 20th centuries the canal finally closed to commercial shipping in 1969. Today the canal is used extensively for pleasure cruises and leisure with the canal being perfect for cyclists and walkers. There are a huge number of features on this quite long walk, but some highlights we will try to see along the canal route will be Camden lock, Islington tunnel. THERE IS THE OPTION TO CUT TO HIKE SHORT ALONG ROUTE. Please note there may be some canal detours depending on any engineering work or building development. Walk Cost: £4 cash on the day organizer fee (the host is a qualified London guide). For paypal it is 'colin45@hotmail.co.uk' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer. Lunch and Finish: Bring water, snacks for the walk, we will stop off for an early lunch stop at Camden for about 30 mins, This walk should finish at about 5pm and include pub stop at the end, however the time may be earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace. Please keep your 'RSVP' updated for this event as it would help me get accurate numbers, and determine who is turning up for the walk; my phone number is Colin 07709 305681. Meeting and Transport Meeting Meet outside Paddington Station at Paddington Basin. Look for Hammersmith & City Entrance/Exit 3. Sheldon Square & Kingdom St & Paddington Basin. (this is at the far end of the station from the main concourse) at 11.00am for the walk to start at 11.15am (see photo below). The walk finishes close to Limehouse Station and is linear. See Transport for London (https://tfl.gov.uk/) Weather: See also BBC Weather (http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/) 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/) 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 THE ORGANIZER, MANY THANKS.

**🥾Hike Details** **• Distance:** 26 km **• Hiking Time:** Approx. 6-7 hours **• Grade:** Moderate **• Ascent:** 360 m **• Pace:** Steady (we aim for 4 kms/hour) with breaks for lunch and photos **• Cost:** £33 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets) **👣 Hike Description** **Hertfordshire’s rolling countryside** takes centre stage on this beautiful circular hike through **chalk hills, ancient villages**, and peaceful river valleys just **west of Hitchin.** This varied route blends open farmland, shaded green lanes, woodland paths, and some of the most scenic landscapes in the Chilterns. We begin near the **historic market town of Hitchin,** known for its medieval roots, **Tudor buildings,** and long-standing market square. Soon after, we pass the impressive **St Mary's Church (12th century and largely developed during the 14th–15th centuries)** Hitchin, the largest parish church in Hertfordshire, before heading into open countryside and climbing gently towards the Chiltern edge. The route continues over farmland and along ancient paths before descending into the striking chalk landscapes of **Pegsdon Hills and Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve,** a designated **AONB** known for its flower-rich grasslands, rare wildlife, and sweeping valley views. In the afternoon, we follow the **historic Icknield Way** to the **village of Pirton,** where remnants of **a Norman motte-and-bailey castle** and a deserted medieval settlement reveal layers of local history. We then continue through Oughtonhead Common, a tranquil wet woodland reserve following the crystal-clear chalk stream of the River Oughton and back in Hitchin’s old town. **🌟Highlights:** * **Chiltern Hills views & rolling farmland** * **Pegsdon Hills chalk downlands NNR** * **Ancient Icknield Way & historic Pirton** * **St Mary’s Church (12th–15th century origins)** * **Hitchin medieval market town history** **📍⏰Meeting Point & Time** **Location:** London Kings Cross Rail Station next to main ticket office **Depart:** Meet us 08:50 am, we leave 09:10 am for 09:27 am train **Return:** 06:31 pm Back in London Kings Cross (commitment required until then). **Your guide:** Raj – local trail expert and experienced group leader **On-the-day contact:** 07788 839784 (available on hike day only) **🎒What to Bring** \- Sturdy hiking boots \- Water & packed lunch/snacks \- Weather\-appropriate clothing \(layers\, windbreaker\) \- Sun protection \(hat\, sunscreen\) \- Optional: camera\, walking poles **What not included:** Food and drinks, personal insurance, and any personal expenses. **By booking and attending this event, you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ATwisQ4GPE0KszBmFVy8wK4thfCKKlGF/view?usp=sharing)** **© 2026 Outdoorly Adventures Ltd. All rights reserved**

An easy way to take time out: a **30-minute guided meditation** to pause, let go of your day, unwind your mind and create a space for calm and peace. **This is a free in-person meditation.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

WELCOME! We’re a supportive community, and I’m here to organise this Meetup space. I’m looking foreword to seeing it grow and become a regular place for people to get-together. I also invite likemindeded people with shared interests from society. I hope this develops into a fully fledged, shared, literacy lounging experience. INTRODUCTION Join us for some focused coworking writing or reading time. All experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing and reading done and meeting other literacy enthusiasts in the area. EARLY ARRIVALS around 6:30pm When you show up, the group will be located in the large room next to the fireplace. Take a seat and settle in and spend some time to chat with your fellow writers before the start of the session if you like. START OF SESSION around 6:45pm I’ll set timers for our no-talking and focused writing sessions (write, break, write, end). END OF SESSION around 8:30pm Afterward, there’s time to hang out, and many people stay for over an hour. Perhaps to chat and get to know each other. Everyone tends to talk about their successes and challenges as writers/readers or similar interesting topics. If we don’t have time to stick around, no worries! We’re here every week anyway!! FORMAT A note about the format: We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers andd readers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft. VENUE Sandwiched lovingly between Crouch Hill and Stroud Green, the Stapleton Tavern is a warm, welcoming, quirky pub fit for a vibrant community. home to a truly bizarre collection of ornaments, they serve a wide variety of tasty food and drink from all over the world. LOCATION & TRAVEL Located in the junction of Stroud Green Road and Stapleton hall, 10 minutes walk from the Finsbury Park Underground station and 2 minutes from Crouch Hill station on the Suffragette line. INTERNET Name: Stapleton Guest Password: StapletonTavern For our full event schedule\, visit \[https://shutupwrite\.com\]\(https://shutupwrite\.com\)

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 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**

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 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.

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

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**💝 Surrey Zoom Online Speed Dating** Online speed dating for Surrey locals — personality matched, hosted live on Zoom. **Choose your age range to sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=537.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Surrey&groupurlname=build-real-connections-at-day-trips&ar=55+&face_v=9.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Your next match is one Zoom call away. 🫶 ✨

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.