Poetry

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.

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

Walk length 10miles/16km. Circular. A scenic walk exploring the countryside close to Hughenden Manor and West Wycombe with a combination of woods and fields. Hughenden Manor was the home of the famous Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli from 1848 until his death in 1881. He entertained Queen Victoria here in 1877. The house is now owned by the National Trust. The historic village of West Wycombe is largely owned by the National Trust and features many interesting buildings built between the 16th and 18th centuries. The Mausoleum and Golden Ball above West Wycombe village are impressive local landmarks, visually dominating the village and can be seen for miles. The old village of West Wycombe and Wycombe Hill supports around 8 ghosts wandering the graveyards, caves and pubs! West Wycombe hill has been used for a quarry for centuries for roads and houses in the area and the quarrying was extended in the middle of the 18th century to help employ local workers after serious crop failures by Sir Francis Dashwood for his notorious Hellfire Club that may have involved Satanic or Pagan rituals but also a lot of partying! Lunch & Finish Please bring a snacks and water for the walk. The walk should finish about 5pm and include a pack lunch stop and optional pub at the end, however the time may be earlier than this depending on the weather and pace. We will go for optional drinks at the end of the walk at High Wycombe, the pub is very close to the station. Meeting The walks starts outside High Wycombe Rail station at 11.00am after the train from London arrives. We will have a snack lunch stop at West Wycombe village before the return leg to High Wycombe. Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee. 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. Train: £27.40 return to High Wycombe from London Marylebone but should be about £19 with a group save or network railcard. Train from London: The 10.12am train from London Marylebone gets to High Wycombe for 10.51am. If coming from London I suggest meeting close to the WHSmiths from 9.40am to give you time to get tickets as you may have to queue (see picture below). Discounts available with network railcard or a groupsave. The organizer will not be getting the train, but will meet you at High Wycombe. Car: Car parking at High Wycombe is charged but free off street parking is available 10mins walk away (Rectory Avenue or adjacent roads, please check for restrictions before parking). 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 boots, 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 ME. MANY THANKS.

We start June by reading Amanda Montell's 2019 effort, *Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language*. Our first non-fiction of 2026 is a 'brash, enlightening, and wildly entertaining work of pop linguistics and a feminist look at gendered language and the way it shapes us.' (Book jacket) '[Montell], reporter and feminist linguist, deconstructs language—from insults, cursing, gossip, and catcalling to grammar and pronunciation patterns—to reveal the ways it has been used for centuries to keep women and other marginalized genders from power.' -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53066379-wordslut In the eternal hope of good weather in London in the spring/summer, we will have the meeting in Haz St Paul's lovely outdoor area. So come along for some great atmosphere, delicious Turkish food, and insightful discussion. 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!

# Film Society 38 ### + intro by BFI National Archive curator Bryony Dixon and guests Presented for the first time since 1930, the Film Society’s 1930 tribute to women filmmakers. Sunday 07 June 2026 14:45 Screen NFT3 * Total running time 146min * With live piano accompaniment We have been proudly championing the work of women filmmakers for many years at the BFI. But we were not the first to do so. The Film Society, a pioneering organisation of cinephiles, addressed the issue as early as 1930, in their 38th edition. It consisted solely of films produced or directed by women. Not all of these survive – we have lost films by Dorothy Arzner and Dinah Shurey – but we have enough to present, for the first time since 1930, this celebration of the women who featured in that groundbreaking programme. ### Secrets of Nature: Plants of the Underworld UK 1930. Director Mary Field. 11min. Digital ### Cinderella Germany 1922. Director Lotte Reinger. 16min. 35mm ### Seashell and the Clergyman France 1928. Director Germaine Dulac. 31min. 35mm ### Peasant Women of Riazan USSR 1927. Director Olga Preobrazhenskaya. 88min. Digital [Link here](https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=76EB7F96-F766-4AF2-8665-FE09577EA698&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=40250D4A-7E2C-4BBF-9525-EBEF0991E80E)

Join us at our 1st boardgames meetup for June. If the weather is warm and dry we will picnic and play boardgames. if not we'll be indoors. Newcomers are very welcome. We generally play short, easy to learn fun games. I've also created this event on Facebook and we usually get others jump in last minute at the Assembly so there will be more people than are showing just on the guest list here.

**5Rhythms Body Prayer with Ruth Hirst** 🌀 **🕒 11.30am–1.30pm** \| Doors 11\.20am 📍 Copin Hall, **La Sainte Union School**, Croftdown Road NW5 1RP 🚪 **Entrance** opposite No's 12/14 Croftdown Road 🚗 Free parking - on road or on site \| Nearest tubes: Gospel Oak 8 min walk \| Tufnell Park 15 min walk 💚 This is a paid event - we offer a sliding scale to make it accessible to all **Sliding scale** from £16 \| Children £3 \| Trial class — New to Body Prayer £10.50 🎟️ [Book Tickets Here](https://soullinkhub.com/soulspace/ruth-hirst) soullinkhub\.com/soulspace/ruth\-hirst \| or on the door *** **New to 5Rhythms?** It's a dynamic form of moving meditation. No steps, no choreography, no experience needed. Just you, the music and your body moving freely. 🌱 Eclectic, soulful, tribal, electronic and world music and much more. 🎶 However you are. Whatever is moving in you... bring it to the dance floor. We come together — moving, expressing, releasing, weaving, belonging. 🌿 Whether this is your first time, your 100th or anything in between — each time we begin again. You are welcome here. A warm, safe community. 💚 Your dance. Your way of expressing. Shapeshifting from moment to moment. 🌀 Bring loose clothing to move with ease and a water bottle. Bring yourself as you are. Let's DANCE! 🌀 Looking forward to moving and a groovin' with you soon! ❤️👣🎶 Love Ruth & the crew 🌱 🎟️ soullinkhub.com/soulspace/ruth-hirst facebook.com/groups/133636983394849

***This is a group for deep conversation, making friends, discussing philosophy, (good) music, art, poetry, experiences, politics, etc and building a strong community in London.*** **We are going to meet at the top of Primrose Hill for a picnic, (bring something if you can, no worries if you can’t) and we are going to discuss relax, have a chat and discuss renewal.** **15:00 - 18:00 is the club time, but people can and will stay longer for more chatting, and to talk about other groups for you to join.** **For updates, conversation and our whereabouts on the day check the** [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LyRmJUaqN5zLJ2x21nIo04) **<—-click here**

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a bestselling debut novel about a lonely widow, Tova Sullivan, who works as a night cleaner at an aquarium and forms an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a highly intelligent giant Pacific octopus. The story follows their bond as Marcellus, using his observational skills, helps Tova unravel the mystery of her son's disappearance decades earlier, while also connecting her with a young man searching for his father, exploring themes of loneliness, family, and second chances. ————————————— Join us for a coffee and a chat at Canova Hall/The Ferndale if the weathers bad. This event will be hosted by Liv as I’m away.

Keep an eye on the weather and this event in case we need to change venue. I've also created this event on Facebook and we usually get others jump in last minute at the Assembly so there will be more people than are showing just on the guest list here.

**Sunday June 7th, Come move at 5Rhythms Body Prayer with Ruth Hirst** 🕒 11\.30am–1\.30pm \| Doors 11\.20am 📍 Copin Hall\, La Sainte Union School\, London NW5 1RP 🚪 Entrance opposite No's 12/14 Croftdown Road 🚗 Free parking \| Gospel Oak 8 min walk \| Tufnell Park 15 min walk 💚 Sliding scale from £16 \| Children from £3 \| New to Body Prayer £10\.50 🎟️ [https://soullinkhub.com/soulspace/ruth-hirst](https://soullinkhub.com/soulspace/ruth-hirst) \| or on the door Thank you for all your dances at **'Weaving Connections'** last Sunday. Together we raised **£423** for the **Multiple Sclerosis Society** \- this is what it means to be in community\. 💚🙏🏼 **And Sunday, June 7th, we dance again.** 🌀 "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Maya Angelou We all carry them. The stories that live in the body. **New to 5Rhythms?** Think dynamic moving meditation - no steps, no choreography, no getting it wrong. Eclectic, soulful, tribal, electronic and world music - music that touches every part of you. 🎶 Come bring your stories to the floor. Let them move. Let the wisdom of your body move them. 🌿 And sometimes - we just need to MOVE... inside the hall and out in the orchard. **Come BE-Moved!** 🌀 Bring yourself as you are. And let's do it. Alone, together, more together in community, than alone! See you on the dance floor. ❤️👣🎶 Love Ruth & the crew 🌱

Alert : 2 brand new coastal summer walks coming soon ! 😀 Join us for an invigorating coastal walk starting in beautiful Herne Bay, with time to explore the crafts and atmosphere around the pier, before continuing along the coast to the picturesque old-world seaside town of Whitstable. Expect whitewashed houses, sea views, characterful streets and of course the chance to sample some fabulous local seafood 🦞 ⭐️ Bring your camera! 📷 PHOTO CONTEST – Best photo of the day wins a local seaside-themed print If the weather is kind to us, we may stop for tea at the beautiful Whitstable Castle & Gardens ☕🌷 …and for the brave, perhaps even a little dip in the sea 🙂🌊 ⭐️ Optional food and drinks in a local pub afterwards 🍻 ⭐️ Walk details: • Approx. 5.5 miles • Linear walk • Gentle social pace 🚆 Meet: St. Pancras station by top of escalators at 9.45 🚆 Train departs: 10.20 train to Herne Bay ( gets in at 11.42am) (Approx. 1/3 off with GroupSave – I recommend a Network Railcard for regular trips) 💳 Organiser’s fee: £8 (cash/contactless) 📞 Contact Mairead – 07816 866300 Looking forward to a lovely day by the sea 🌊✨

**Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾Level 3/5** —— **📖SUMMARY:** 🥾23\.5km \(16mi\) \| Ascent 394m \| Descent 429m \| Max Elevation 115m **🚊Train:** **1- Outbound:** *Single Ticket* **London Liverpool Street ➡️ Chingford** **2- Inbound:** *Single Ticket* **Cheshunt ➡️ London** 😁This is a *Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip*. No advance tickets are needed. ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Liverpool Street train station \- Information desk \(Opposite Platform 10\) \| **10:10** (Train is at **10:31**) **2-** Chingford \- Outside train station \| **10:55** ⚠️This is a **Point to Point (not Circular)** Hike **📍Hike** **start:** **Chingford** train station \| **11:05** **🔚Hike** **finish:** **Cheshunt** train station \| approx\. **\~18:00** —— 🚊**TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get: 🎟️This is a **Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip**, both for the outward and return journeys. There’s no need to buy tickets in advance, as fares are paid directly by tapping in and out at the stations. * **➡️Outbound:** London Liverpool Street **10:31 → 10:57** Chingford * **⬅️Inbound:** Cheshunt **→** London —— **📕ABOUT:** \- A proper London\-edge adventure that strings together two of the capital’s most underrated wild spaces in a single walk — ancient Epping Forest and the lakes and waterways of the Lee Valley\. \- We start at Chingford\, where Queen Victoria opened the Forest to the people in 1882\, then head straight in past Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and pretty Connaught Water\. \- From there it’s miles of rolling\, knobbly oak and beech woodland — some trees as old as the Anglo\-Saxons — climbing gently to the High Beach ridge at 115m\, the day’s high point\. \- A long\, lovely descent through Sewardstone drops us out of the trees and into the Lee Valley: marshes\, lakes\, reedbeds\, and the calm of the Lee Navigation towpath all the way into Cheshunt\. —— **⭐️HIGHLIGHTS:** * **Chingford & Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge:** 1543 Tudor grandstand on the edge of the Forest. * **Connaught Water:** peaceful early-morning lake, popular with herons and swans. * **Epping Forest ancient woodland:** 5,900 acres of veteran oaks, beeches and hornbeams; some trees as old as the Anglo-Saxons. * **High Beach ridge:** the day’s high point, classic Forest views. * **Sewardstone:** the Forest’s quiet western edge, opening into farmland. * **River Lee Country Park:** lakes, wetlands and excellent birdwatching. * **Lee Navigation towpath:** tranquil canal walking right into Cheshunt. —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— 🎒**WHAT TO BRING:** * 2L Water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN:** * Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. * For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. * We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. —— **🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE:** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. —— **☯️STAYING TOGETHER:** A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. —— ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER:** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

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!

🎳 **Summer Fun Starts on the Lanes! 20% off for NEW bowlers!** The 6-week summer social bowling league is here - cold drinks, fun times, and new friends await on the lanes! Whether you're looking to meet new people, unwind after work, or just have a fun weekly outing, this league is for everyone. Social vibes, happy hour energy, and plenty of chances to connect with others. No matter your skill level, this league is all about having fun and meeting awesome people. ;) **🗓 Thursday nights \|📍 AMF Sawmill Lanes \| 💵 $74 *(while Early Bird is active)*** **🚨New to the league?** Use discount code (**MUSU26**) for 20% off - $59.20 *during **Early Bird*** **💻 League Info & Registration**: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling **Why Join?** 🎉 It’s only 6 weeks - perfect for a low-commitment social plan 🍻 Great mix of people in their 20s, 30s, & 40s, plus post-game hangs at the bar 🎳 Zero pressure - gutter balls totally welcome! 👕 Free league shirt if you sign up early 🧠 Weekly trivia w/ prizes 💬 Super social - join solo or w/ friends! **Want in?** Join our Meetup team Gutter Domination 👉 **Click here to join** https://tinyurl.com/2awfupnc Or start a team of your own with a few friends - we’ll all be hanging out either way! 📅 League Dates (Thursday nights): June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30 ***(The MeetUp event date is deadline to register for the league.)*** **Cost & What’s Included:** ✔ $74 **Early Bird** registration - **New bowler? Get 20% off w/ code: MUSU26** ✔ 6 weeks of bowling (1–3 games/week) ✔ Shoe rentals & full league setup ✔ Trivia, prizes, and great people 👉 **Sign up now:** 💻League Info & Registration: https://bit.ly/ColumbusBowling 🤑New bowlers use code MUSU26 to save 20% 📸 Follow the fun on Instagram: https://bit.ly/BowlingLeague-IG 📩 Questions? Contact the league: http://bit.ly/2nKHno7 Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out on the fun times!

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

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 .

[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.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**