Reading

Take a whirlwind journey into the wondrous world of the fungal kingdom in this visually stunning book by interdisciplinary artist and biodesigner Kit Ondaatje Rolls. Discover fungi’s far-reaching impact on the fabric of life on Earth – and beyond – through mycology, folklore, art, and activities. More than peculiar organisms underfoot, fungi are catalysts of ecological, cultural and spiritual renewal across the globe. Entwining modern science and ancient wisdom – and ancient science and modern wisdom – this book digs deep into the mycological heart of life on Earth. Complemented by fascinating photography and art in many forms, this transformative book invites you to personally connect with the fungal world: Discover the close relationship between fungi and death, how decay becomes new life and the historical practices of midwives and witches who commune with fungi. Connect with the divine, with mushrooms as “light-filled herbs” which can cleanse, purify and elevate consciousness. Journey from soils to seas to skies: Learning how global networks and food webs are connected by fungi. Listen to the lessons mushrooms teach: From providing medicine and inspiration for many civilizations, to teaching us to embrace paradox and uncertainty. Interact with these fascinating organisms: Build a living psychedelic sanctuary; learn how to read a tree; create your own medicinal mushroom extracts and so much more! This volume features 30 short stories, each entangling the life of a human and a fungus, with each tale ending with a recipe or experiment from notable figures in the fungi community. Entangle yourself in the myth, madness, medicine and malaise of these creatures to deeper your connection with yourself, others, and the world around you.

Here is a recap of how the Club works: 1\. We meet every six weeks or so in or near the National Theatre\. 2\. We vote in advance and pick two articles from a short list to read before we meet\. Usually one relates to politics/current affairs and the other to history\, culture or science\. 3\. We talk about each one for around half an hour and the beauty of Article Club is that we can think more deeply about the broader themes of a topic\, and how well the article gets to grips with them\. 4\. We each give a score out of 10 for the articles that have been discussed\. 5\. We set the date for the next Article Club and sometimes adjourn to the pub\. I will post in the comments a Google form that you can use to vote for the articles you would like to read and discuss at this event. The point of Article Club is to challenge ourselves to read a diverse range of articles, share them with like-minded people and deal with our anxiety that we aren't reading books. Article Club was set up by Ross Bailey in 2015 who did a fantastic job at running it. Ross was followed by the equally fantastic Claire Ferraro and I (Alistair Baker) have been in the chair for the past eight years. OUR NEXT MEETUP: ARTICLE CLUB #77 Thursday 2nd July 2026 - 7:30pm to around 9:15pm. We sit on the soft round seats in the Lyttelton Theatre bar on the first floor.

**PLEASE PAY FOR ANY GUESTS YOU BRING!!!!** **Waitlist and Cancellation Policies - Please Read** **\-\-\-Start of Waitlist and Cancellations section\-\-\-** \*Please pay before you attend the session, if the situation occurs that there's a waitlist you will be removed from the attending list and added to the waitlist if payment isn't made at least 8 hours before the session start time. * It is solely YOUR responsibility to check your attending and waitlist status for any changes as you will not be notified by any member of staff on real time changes. \*If you have been moved to the attending list please pay promptly if payment isn't made within 2 hours of been added to the waitlist your spot will be forfeited to the next person in the waitlist if applicable. Changes in attending and waitlist will happen in two hour intervals till the last two hours which then it will change to a one hour interval. E.G 8,6,4,2,1 * Any members that have been moved from the waitlist to the attending list and cancel will be charged 50% of the full member fee of the session. \*Any members that cancel from the waitlist will not be charged. * We have a 24 Hour late cancellation policy, if you cancel any session within 24 hours from its start time, you will be charged the full standard member amount for the session which if you have not already paid regardless if a replacement is found or not. Existing payments will not be refunded within this time period. \*Any cancellations done more than 24 hours before the session start time will be refunded or not charged. * All Late cancellations are classified as you holding a potential spot that another member could have had so you will be charged accordingly on this principle. \*Failure to pay your late cancellation fee before your next session will result in revoked access from future games till its paid off. **\-\-\-End of Waitlist and Cancellations section\-\-\-** This is an all levels badminton SRP session hosted by Kevin.O @ Brentwood Centre CM15 9NN **Session:** This session has a runtime of 2 hours starting from 20:00 to 22:00 (24 clock format). **Shuttle type**: The shuttle type used will be feathers (Sheer Yellow) **How to get there:** Visual Directions: [https://www.sweatyracketplayersbadminton.co.uk/directions/brentwood](https://www.sweatyracketplayersbadminton.co.uk/directions/brentwood) From the town centre you can take bus 61 to blackmore from Bus Stop High Street (Stop B) to Pilgrims Hatch Leisure Centre (5 Stops) \*\*From Brentwood railway station you can take 60 to Warley way, Eagle way (StopID: esxgajgd) to Pilgrims Hatch Leisure Centre (7 Stops) **Payments:** All payments can be made via direct bank transfer here please add **"Your name - SRP Badminton or Your name - date of session"** as a reference when you send the payment. We have a 24 Hour cancellation policy, if you cancel within 24 hours from game time payment will still have to be made, failure on payments will result in revoked access from future games till its paid off. Please pay for any guests you bring. **Session Fee:** £11.00 pp (Per Person) **Account Name:** Bolaji Olakitan **Account No. :** 75191151 **Sort Code:** 04-00-03 **Bank:** Monzo The Host will organise people into new pairs before each new game to avoid repetitive games and allow everyone to play as many matches as they can. Please bring your own racket, appropriate clothing and a refillable water bottle there is an available water fountain and a vending machine. any questions or concerns please email [sweatyracketplayers@gmail.com](http://sweatyracketplayer@gmail.com/) or text message 07990330521.

Register: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ljc-meetup-at-neo4j-smarter-search-with-spring-ai-and-neo4j-tickets-1991379537804](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ljc-meetup-at-neo4j-smarter-search-with-spring-ai-and-neo4j-tickets-1991379537804) LJC Meet-ups is a series of events, aimed at giving all Community members an opportunity to present at an LJC event. We're excited to invite you to our next Meetup, co-hosted with **neo4j**! Join the London Java Community for an evening of technical talks, networking, and knowledge sharing hosted by Neo4j. This month’s meetup explores two of the hottest areas in modern software development: integrating Generative AI into Java applications and deploying Machine Learning models within Java ecosystems. Whether you’re a Java developer, architect, data engineer, or simply curious about the latest innovations shaping our industry, this session will provide practical insights and real-world examples from experienced practitioners.

In this session we will read aloud some of the Tractatus Logico Philosoophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein, and discuss it. One of the most difficult books of philosophy ever written, it attempts in no more than 79 pages to set out the limits of language, knowlege and reality. Bertrand Russell described it as "an achievement of extraordinary difficulty and importance" and a work of "philosophical genius". No preparation or background knowledge required for the session. We will read together, share explanations where we can, and form our reactions. Gather in Highgate Library from 3.15, read and discuss 3.30 to 4.30. Optional socialising in the Boogaloo pub afterwards.

This is a **free** event proudly supported by [Mindful Peace Academy, ZhengDe](https://zhengde.org/home) In the following Saturdays, we will hold mindful activities and reflective reading sessions at the Caledonian Park Community Centre. **27 June 14.30-17.00 Breathe, Brew & Be Present** Hand-brew coffee tasting Reading and discussion: A Moment of Awakening that Changes Everything **4 July 14.30-17.00 Finding Balance** Transitional Chinese Healthy Qigong Exercise: Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Silk Brocades) Reading and discussion: A Moment of Awakening that Changes Everything **11 July** **14.30-17.00 Discovering Self and Happiness** Taichi Mindfulness Ball Reading and discussion: What is happiness? Who am I?

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and her followers are sick with envy. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What her followers don’t know won’t hurt them. Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children―they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn't her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible. ————————————— Join us for a coffee and a chat at Brockwell Park (weather permitting!)

In this event, we will discuss about a science or philosophy book chosen by London Science and Philosophy Book Club. The attendees will be divided into groups and each of them will focus on a chapter in the book. This month we will discuss about a fascinating book called Supersense: From Superstition to Religion by Bruce Hood. If you haven't read the book, it's no problem. I will bring you up to speed with the discussion materials. We will meet in a nice lounge area at 6 p.m for introductions. Please come on time so you will not miss out on valuable discussion midway. If you end up in the waitlist, feel free to show up. Book Description: Why is it that Tony Blair always wore the same pair of shoes when answering Prime Minister's Questions? That John McEnroe notoriously refused to step on the white lines of a tennis court between points? And that President-elect Barack Obama played a game of basketball the morning of his victory in the Iowa primary, and continued the tradition the day of every following primary? Superstitious habits are common. Do you ever cross your fingers, knock on wood, avoid walking under ladders, or step around black cats? Sentimental value often supersedes material worth. If someone offered to replace your childhood teddy bear or wedding ring with a brand new, exact replica, would you do it? How about £20 for trying on a jumper owned by Fred West? Where do such feelings come from and why do most of us have them? Humans are born with brains designed to make sense of the world and that need for an explanation can lead to beliefs that go beyond reason. To be true they would have to be supernatural. With scientific education we learn that such beliefs are irrational but at an intuitive level they can be resistant to reason or lie dormant in otherwise sensible adults. It now seems unlikely that any effort to get rid of supernatural beliefs or superstitious behaviours will be completely successful. This is not all bad news - such beliefs are a useful glue that binds us together as a society. Combining brilliant insight with witty example Hood weaves a page-turning account of our 'supersense' that navigates a path through brain science, child development, popular culture, mental illness and the paranormal. After reading SuperSense, you will realize why you are not as reasonable as you might like to think - and why that might be no bad thing. Agenda: 6 p.m to 7 p.m: Introduction and Socializing 7 p.m to 9:30 p.m: Book Discussion 9:30 p.m to late night: Drinks, Dinner or Feel free to go home

🌹 London singles, live on Zoom A laid-back community night of speed dating with locals your age. Quick rounds, real chat, all from the couch. Pick your age group to join: Ages 18-32: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=501&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=London&groupurlname=readers-compass-literary-social-club&ar=18-32&face_v=6.0) Ages 30-46: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=501&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=London&groupurlname=readers-compass-literary-social-club&ar=30-46&face_v=6.0) Ages 40-58: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=501&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=London&groupurlname=readers-compass-literary-social-club&ar=40-58&face_v=6.0) Ages 55+: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=501&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=London&groupurlname=readers-compass-literary-social-club&ar=55+&face_v=6.0) RSVPing tells us you're keen, but your seat is only saved once you finish sign-up at your age link. Just bring an open mind. See you there. 💜

A friendly online speed dating evening for London singles, hosted on Zoom. We're a welcoming local community where people come to meet genuine faces from the area. Expect short one-on-one chats, matched by age, all from the comfort of home. Sign up here: [Reserve your place](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=501&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=London&groupurlname=club-ink-and-vellum-reading-meetup-society&face_v=1.0) Tapping RSVP lets us know you're interested. To join the rounds, please finish your sign-up at the link above.

Basic Ideas: 🌞 📚☕ Any books sitting there collecting dust? Some holiday gifts? Or it’s a book that has changed your life that you want to share? Feel free to bring book(s) to discuss or swap, we usually have more books than people in the end, so feel free to pop along just to have a chat as well. Aiming for every 4 weeks book swap meetup. Note: The event is free to attend, so the only cost for you will only be buying a drink at the location, so coffee/tea/beer etc.

Welcome, readers! Our July read is ***A Short Walk Through a Wide World*** *by Douglas Westerbeke*. We'll follow a young woman bound by a mysterious condition that forces her to keep moving across the globe. As she journeys through vibrant cities, quiet landscapes, and centuries of time, each stop reveals new connections, fleeting relationships, and deeper questions about belonging. The novel blends adventure with introspection, exploring what it means to search for home when you can never stay in one place. It’s both a love letter to the vastness of the world and a poignant meditation on identity, memory, and human connection. Looking forward to discussing with everyone We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar** Happy reading!

You might check out the [Columbus Book Festival](https://www.columbusbookfestival.org/) the weekend prior! Celebrating Pride Month and Juneteenth [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3366564) We're going some place new! (to us) Location: [Tupelo Honey](https://tupelohoneycafe.com/) 1678 W. Lane Ave., · Columbus, US [Menu](https://tupelohoneycafe.com/columbus/menu/) Book summary: A singular and stunning debut novel about the forbidden union between two enslaved young men on a Deep South plantation, the refuge they find in each other, and a betrayal that threatens their existence

Come join us to discuss our July pick "Tusk Love" by Thea Guanzon! Book description: A merchant’s daughter who yearns for adventure gets more than she bargained for when she falls for a broodingly handsome stranger in this saucy romantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars. “A true delight of a book! Spicy and heartfelt—this one is a winner all around.”—Katee Robert, author of Neon Gods As the daughter of an ambitious merchant, Guinevere’s path has been predetermined: marry into a noble house of the Dwendalian Empire, raise her family’s station, and live quietly as a lordling’s obedient wife. But Guinevere longs for a life unbounded by expectations, for freedom and passion and adventure. Those distant dreams become a sudden reality when her caravan is beset by bandits, leaving her guards slain and Guinevere stranded alone on the dangerous Amber Road. Her only chance of survival is to travel alongside Oskar, the aloof half-orc who saved her during the attack. Unlike Guinevere, Oskar’s path is not so set in stone. With his mother dead and his apprenticeship abandoned, all that’s left is a long, lonely walk to a land he’s never seen to find family he’s never met. The last thing he needs is a spoiled waif like Guinevere slowing him down—even if the spark between them sizzles with promise. Despite his cold exterior, Oskar is brave and thoughtful and unlike anyone Guinevere has ever met. And while Guinevere may be sheltered, she brings out a softness in him that he has never dared to feel before. As the flames of their passion grow, they realize that soon they’ll need to choose between their expected destinations or their blossoming romance. Written by New York Times bestselling author Thea Guanzon at the behest of Critical Role’s Jester Lavorre, Tusk Love brings the most romantic story on Exandrian bookshelves to life.

Join us to discuss our August read, Dire Bound, as we paint small canvases! Book description: Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games in this spicy, page-turning romantasy where humans and direwolves forge unbreakable bonds and fight for survival at all costs. Only the worthy survive the Bonding Trials. She’ll risk her life—and her heart—to be one of them. Meryn Cooper has always hated the Bonded, elite warriors who form mental links with the massive, vicious direwolves they ride. While they live in luxury, Meryn struggles to keep her family out of poverty. When her little sister, Saela, is kidnapped—stolen across the border by the immortal monsters her country has spent centuries fighting—Meryn’s world falls apart. Desperate to cross the front and save her sister, Meryn enlists in the army and is thrown into the deadly Bonding Trials, where any mistake will cost her life. Now Meryn must survive four months of training at the castle. She is bound to a feral direwolf who refuses to communicate. The other trainees would love to spill her common blood. And her cold and beautiful instructor, Stark Therion, is eager to punish any weakness. Everything is a competition, and everyone is out to get her—everyone except the dangerously handsome crown prince, whose attention adds another target to her back. In the castle, every smile hides a knife…and the halls hide dark secrets. It’s bond or bleed. Duel or die. Failure is ruin.

This month we’ll be reading Masters of Death by Olivie Blake. Feel free to attend even if you don’t finish the book!

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.