Reading

*“One of the most stunning trick stories in the history of detective fiction…”.* For our next read, we will discuss one of the all-time great mystery novels: *The Poisoned Chocolates Case* **About the book:** * This classic story by Anthony Berkeley features multiple plausible solutions to the same mystery; a group of armchair detectives each propose a completely different explanation for the crime. * The book can be viewed as a meta-commentary on the mystery genre (but it's a lot more entertaining than that sounds). * The fictional "Crimes Circle" of armchair detectives in the book is based on real crime authors including Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. **About the event:** * Location: The Mad Hatter Pub, 3-7 Stamford St, London SE1 9NY * Timing: Saturday 13th June from 3-5pm. * I'll have a sign on the table and a copy of the book so it should be easy to spot where we're meeting. * Our table is booked for six - please update your RSVP if you are unable to attend so that other people can join. * We have a WhatsApp group - totally optional but message me on Meetup if you want to join. Happy reading!

Join us for a Q&A with **Fanny Chiarello**, writer, musician and author of *Basta Now: Women, Trans & Non-Binary in Experimental Music*. In this powerful and wide-ranging book, Chiarello gives voice to artists who have historically been marginalised within experimental and avant-garde music scenes, challenging dominant narratives and rethinking who gets heard. Chiarello will discuss the making of *Basta Now*, her approach to storytelling, and the political importance of documenting alternative musical histories. The event will explore experimental music as a site of resistance, collaboration and possibility, as well as the intersections of gender, creativity and cultural access. This Q&A offers an opportunity to reflect on listening practices, visibility, and the urgent need for more inclusive archives of sound and practice. Fanny Chiarello is the author of novels, poetry and children's literature, edited by numerous renowned French publishers. She notably wrote *A happy woman*, telling one month in New York with Meredith Monk. *Basta Now (Women, Trans and Non-Binary in Experimental Music)* is her first essay, and her first book in English; it has been released on Permanent Draft, a music label dedicated to finta\* artists that she cofounded with Valentina Magaletti. Her work around *Basta Now* also takes the form of a column in a French quarterly dedicated to avant-garde music, *Revue & Corrigée*, a show on LYL Radio ([https://lyl.live/show/basta-now](https://lyl.live/show/basta-now)) and an Instagram account, @basta_now, a daily rendez-vous with a finta\* musician. This event forms part of Raised Voices, a day‑long immersive celebration of storytelling beyond the page, exploring how stories come to life through music, zines, and audiobooks. For full listings, head to https://libraries.lewisham.gov.uk/events/category/raised-voices

Join authors Lloyd Bradley, Dan Hancox and Emma Warren for an in‑conversation panel exploring how music shaped their formative years and creative paths. Through stories and shared listening, they’ll reflect on music as a powerful tool for storytelling and self‑expression. Lloyd Bradley is one of the UK’s foremost black music experts and a seasoned cultural commentator both in print and in person. His book ***Bass Culture: When Reggae Was King*** (Penguin) remains the world’s best-selling book on Jamaican music and culture; the internationally acclaimed ***Sounds Like London: 100 Years of Black Music in the Capital*** (Serpents Tail) is the first and only to explore Britain’s modern black music as one continuous thread; he co-authored ***Ian Wright: A Life In Football*** (Little Brown), positioning the Arsenal legend firmly in context as a contemporary black icon. This year sees the publication of the third in his black music trilogy, ***Funk Is Its Own Reward*** (Little Brown) – American black music from 1968 to 1979 – which, as with its predecessors, reconnects the music to the culture that created it. Dan Hancox is a writer and editor from south London, interested in grassroots culture, radical politics, cities, crowds, riots, social history, food, gentrification and proper binmen, working mostly for The Guardian. He is co-host of the Cursed Objects podcast, and author of three books: ***The Village Against the World, Inner City Pressure*** and ***Multitudes*.** Emma Warren has been documenting grassroots music and culture for decades. Her latest book ***Up the Youth Club*** was published by Faber last year. She is also the author of ***Dance Your Way Home*** (Faber, 2023), which was a *Sunday Times* book of the week, a *Guardian* book of the year, and formed the basis of the Southbank Centre’s 2025 summer season. Other works include ***Steam Down: Or How Things Begin*** (Rough Trade Books, 2019), which was an *Irish Times* read of the year. ***Make Some Space*** and ***Document Your Culture*** were published on her own Sweet Machine imprint. The British-Irish dual national and south east Londoner worked as a journalist on magazines including The Face, and as a mentor at youth-run Brixton publication ***Live***. She currently runs a weekly writer’s programme at Woolwich Creative Club, a free after-school music project for 9-16 year olds. Her radio show on Worldwide FM ran for six years.

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

WAS GESCHIEHT, WENN ZWEI MENSCHEN EINEN TAG VERBRINGEN, ALS WÄRE ES IHR LETZTER? Ein Roadtrip voller Komik, Dramatik und unvorhersehbarer Abzweigungen von Deutschlands Bestsellerautor Nr. 1 Sebastian Fitzek - mit zwei skurrilen, ans Herz gehenden Hauptfiguren, die unterschiedlicher nicht sein könnten. Livius Reimer macht sich auf den Weg von München nach Berlin, um seine Ehe zu retten. Als sein Flug gestrichen wird, muss er sich den einzig noch verfügbaren Mietwagen mit einer jungen Frau teilen, um die er sonst einen großen Bogen gemacht hätte. Zu schräg, zu laut, zu ungewöhnlich - mit ihrer unkonventionellen Sicht auf die Welt überfordert Lea von Armin Livius von der ersten Sekunde an. Bereits kurz nach der Abfahrt lässt Livius sich auf ein ungewöhnliches Gedankenexperiment von Lea ein - und weiß nicht, dass damit nicht nur ihr Roadtrip einen völlig neuen Verlauf nimmt, sondern sein ganzes Leben! "Sebastian Fitzek ist in einem für ihn untypischen Literatur-Genre unterwegs - und macht dabei keine schlechte Figur. (...) Ein mit Leichtigkeit geschriebenes Werk voller Humor und Komik." Passauer Neue Presse "Spitzbübisch, ironisch und voll humoriger, aber tiefgründiger Dialoge." Belletristik-Couch(.)de

If you know the meaning of the 78 Tarot Cards but you find difficult to read card combinations fluidly or make card connections in spreads and then make sense of them to create a coherent story, then you could be interested in this course. Please email me for further info about T&Cs and fee at trtcoursemapi@outlook.com

Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you. We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well. Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.

If you love anime & manga then please join us for our weekly meetups, where we basically just sit, chat and read anime & manga! We usually sit in the back of the pub. If the weather is nice we may sit outside at the back of the pub, or even outside on the downstairs floor. In this meetup, you can BYOM (bring your own manga) or read one from the selection we will bring. See this as an opportunity to discover, recommend or simply enjoy Japanese comics & anime with like-minded people! Note: This is not a book club. Also, the TCR bar is kind enough to allow us to use their space to host this meetup, and has asked if possible for attendees to support the venue by purchasing a drink or food while you're there. Please don't bring your own food or drink to consume at the venue, as the venue does not allow this!

## Walk With Pawla @ Hampstead Heath Join us for a relaxed, friendly dog group walk through one of London’s most beautiful green spaces This walk is all about connection — for both dogs *and* humans. ## WALK DETAILS **Walk Start:** Hampstead Heath Station *(We’ll meet just outside the station — look out for Pawla staff)* **Walk Route:** A scenic walk through Hampstead Heath, passing **Parliament Hill**, and finishing at **Kenwood House**. **Walk Duration:** Approx. **40–50 minutes** at an easy, relaxed pace **Walk Finish:** Kenwood House *(A great spot to chat, take photos, and let the dogs enjoy the space)* ## ABOUT THE WALK This is a **social dog walk**, designed to be calm, welcoming, and inclusive. Whether you’re coming alone or with friends, you’ll find it easy to chat, connect, and enjoy the walk together. ✔ Friendly dogs welcome ✔ No pressure, no rush ✔ A mix of walking and socialising ✔ First-timers very welcome We’re also giving out **free healthy dog snacks** during the walk ## PHOTOS & VIDEOS (FRIENDLY NOTICE) Pawla staff will be taking **photos and short videos throughout the walk** to share in the **Pawla community group chat** and on our **social channels**. By attending, you’re happy to appear in casual event content. If you’d prefer not to be filmed, just let a Pawla team member know on the day — **no problem at all**. ## COST **Free to attend** Just RSVP so we know numbers ## ️ WEATHER The walk will go ahead in normal weather conditions. If there’s extreme weather, we’ll post an update on the event page on the morning of the walk. ## FRIENDLY DISCLAIMER This is a **community-led social walk**, not a professional guided tour or training session. Please: * Dress appropriately for the weather * Wear comfortable shoes * Keep dogs under control and be mindful of others * Be aware of uneven paths, other walkers, cyclists, and wildlife By joining the walk, you take part at your own discretion and accept the usual risks associated with outdoor walking in public green spaces. Above all — **be kind, relaxed, and enjoy the walk** ### Follow Pawla Come hang out with us in our **WhatsApp community** — it’s where all the fun happens **Join WhatsApp:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KeiAO9uyS0aLY1QHSWbx7a](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KeiAO9uyS0aLY1QHSWbx7a) Follow & explore Pawla: **Official website:** [https://www.heypawla.com/](https://www.heypawla.com/) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/pawla.uk/](https://www.instagram.com/pawla.uk/) TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@pawla.uk/](https://www.tiktok.com/@pawla.uk/)

"*The experiments I am about to relate may be repeated with great ease, whenever the sun shines."* North Downs nature from Zone 6! On Thomas Young's birthday in 1773, this walk links places connected with two great intellects. Armed with a piece of board into which he cut a couple of slits, in 1803 Thomas Young proved for the first time that light travels in waves. A year later he was developing a theory of capillary phenomena and surface tension. Also defined the term 'energy'. When not expanding knowledge of physics, there was time to decipher the Rosetta Stone and define as a group the Indo-European languages. Thomas ended up at Farnborough in Kent, whose church sits on the edge of open countryside, invisible to the metropolis that lurks behind. Along the way we'll lunch at Downe, home of Charles Darwin. "*Besides love and sympathy, animals exhibit other qualities connected with the social instincts which in us would be called moral."* Plenty of ups and downs along the way🚶‍➡️ WALK START: 10.30 AM from NEW ADDINGTON tram stop (Zone 6). Village stop at lunchtime. Bring a packed lunch. Walk ends at ORPINGTON station (Zone 6). Travelcards, Oyster & Contactless cover all travel. *How to join?* * The walk is entirely free of charge; * You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses; * Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part); * Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ *What to bring* * Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended * Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk * Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case * Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy * Spare socks * Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-) * Yourself... * ...and your camera! * Cash for train ticket * Cash for pub at the end of the walk? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section! IMPORTANT Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-) By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer. Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel and (if required) accommodation - this gives everyone the freedom and choice to join from wherever they want and stay wherever they want. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered. We advise not to buy tickets until the day. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.

*“I don't wait for inspiration. I'm not, in fact, quite sure what inspiration is, but I'm sure that if it is going to turn up, my having started work is the precondition of its arrival.”* - Quentin Blake **Join us at the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration on Sunday 14th June!** Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s only permanent place for illustration, opening Friday 5th June 2026. When it opens in Clerkenwell, London, the three galleries in a former waterworks will showcase the breadth and dynamism of illustration through regularly changing exhibitions. Visitors can explore their free spaces, including public gardens, displays and an illustration library. A café serving fresh food in historic surroundings will also be on offer as well as a shop stocked with unique illustration gifts. **Read more here:** [Museum website ](https://qbcentre.org.uk) **MEET DETAILS FOR SUNDAY 14 JUNE:** **FROM 1:15pm: MEET AT QUENTIN BLAKE CAFÉ (optional)** Address: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG **2PM: ENTER THE MUSEUM** Address: Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, 1 Myddelton Passage, London EC1R 1AG **4:30PM-Late: PUB SOCIAL AT THE GEORGE AND MONKEY (optional)** We'll head to a local pub for a social chit chat over drinks. Address: 68 Amwell St, London EC1R 1UU **TICKETS:** **You will need to purchase your own ticket for this event.** **Please book Sunday 14th June** [HERE](https://tickets.qbcentre.org.uk/events/21c73b1e-3dc3-71fa-0513-4dbe1c8a6d43?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio) and choose the 2pm slot (or thereabouts). If you don’t want to donate, scroll down on the booking page to find the non-donation ticket options. Ticket: £15 Ticket with Art Pass: £7.50 Museum Association Members: £6 **GETTING THERE:** [Visit us museum page](https://qbcentre.org.uk/your-visit) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. The link will be posted in the Event Comments 48 hours before the event, for those on the confirmed going list. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE READ:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. This event has an attendee limit as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. If you RSVP but can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible, **otherwise you will be marked as a 'no show'.** We remove members from the group who: * repeatedly sign up for events then 'no show'. * repeatedly change their RSVP to 'No'. * are on the event waitlist or have not RSVPd but turn up anyway. Please see the [About Us section](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-for-30s-40s/) for more information about the group and how it works. **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** 📸 Follow LoMAZ on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/) Image credit: "Matilda" by moedermens is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

I will explain how Islington became the entertainment centre for the city of London in Victorian times. Walk with me as we see the clubs, pubs, spas, theatres and cinemas of Victoria Islington and I will tell you why all this happened as Islington became the first suburb. The tour will finish at the famous Canonbury Tavern pub near Highbury and Islington station. £10 cash or card. Please be on time as I will be only able to wait 10 minutes if you are late. I will be there in all weather and will be wearing my Islington lanyard The tour last two hours. Don’tforget to edit RSVP if you cannot come 

**Do you enjoy discussing life's big questions?** Then this group is for you! Open for three weeks only. **Christianity explored** is an informal and relaxed three-week discussion group. We will read a short book (21 pages) from the famous book, the Bible and have discussions. It's for anyone who wants to think about the meaning of life. **If you are open-minded and want to discuss life questions from a new perspective, then come join us!** Come ready to listen, ask, laugh and enjoy socialising and chatting in a relaxed environment at our beautiful venue free of charge. No knowledge of Christianity or the bible is required to attend. **You can ask any questions**, or simply sit and listen. You will not be asked to read, pray or speak. Join us if you would like to meet others and be part of this three-week reading group. Dates: Every Tuesday for three weeks Venue: Inspire St James Church, EC1R 0EA \*\*Lunch will be provided from the lovely Noodle Brat restaurant \*\* £5 donations suggested. Look forward to see you!

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

Welcome, readers! Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage*** **by Alfred Lansing.** A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds. 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 **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

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!

Join us as we discuss our June pick: Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider! Book description: Even though she's not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true. Brynn's loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of her identity is brought to light by this soldier who's taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn's connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she's been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart. Packed with knife fights and seafaring adventure, METAL SLINGER is the smash-hit start to the romantic fantasy duology, the Fire & Metal series

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.

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott