Leisure

**Christmas is all about giving and spreading joy and so this year, we'll once again be teaming up with [Evolve](https://www.evolvehousing.org.uk/), a leading homeless charity for another afternoon of festive giving.** Yep on Sunday 21st December, we're hugely excited to hosting our 3rd Charity Santa Challenge. If you've not been in previous years, this can be best described as a fun hybrid of a scavenger hunt, "Supermarket Sweep" and a fast-paced Christmas shopping trip. The aim of the game is simple: **build the best sack of presents for the homeless.** Using your best creativity, resourcefulness, and negotiation skills - you’ll have approximately 3 hours to source a selection of gifts that can help add some sparkle for homeless young people. To help you do this, each team will have a team present fund that will be supplemented with presents and vouchers very kindly donated by a number of major high street brands, including **TK Maxx, ZARA, Lush and Sainsburys.** Along the way - to spice the game up, there'll be a series of live challenges designed to test creativity and speed, that can earn your team extra presents for your sack. When the time is up, we will then finish up at a pub in Central London where we'll be judging the sacks and awarding prizes, before taking the presents over to one of Evolve's shelters in the centre of the capital. Last year, we were able to create **[10 incredible sacks full](https://www.evolvehousing.org.uk/2025/01/fighting-homelessness-spreading-festive-cheer-the-great-santa-challenge/)** of thoughtful gifts, treats and much-needed essentials. It was a truly special afternoon of Xmas giving and so hopefully you can join us for what will be another fun and festive afternoon again this year. **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **ATTENDANCE FEE** Whilst the event is free to attend, you are asked to bring a **£5 donation to contribute** to your team's present fund and so please do come with your cash donation on the day. **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **WHERE TO MEET** Meet Point: Golden Square, London, W1F 9JJ (Exact Location: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/e6LhQTWnXLJVbM97A](https://maps.app.goo.gl/e6LhQTWnXLJVbM97A)) Closest Train/Tube stations: Piccadilly Circus (5 Min Walk) Oxford Circus (10 Min walk) Start Time: 1:30PM Finish time: 5:00PM **\- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \- \-** **WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?** **Last year, more than 118,000 young people approached their local council because they were at risk of homelessness - roughly one person every four minutes.** The cost of living crisis and rising youth unemployment have pushed even more young people into vulnerable situations and this Christmas, it’s estimated that over **23,500 young people will be without a home.** One of London’s amazing charities that are help tackling this issue is **[Evolve,](https://www.evolvehousing.org.uk/2025/01/fighting-homelessness-spreading-festive-cheer-the-great-santa-challenge/)** who help over 1,000 young people each year with both housing and support designed to break the cycle of homelessness for good. Their staff work daily with young Londoners who are rebuilding their lives under incredibly challenging circumstances. Sadly, demand for their services has never been higher and at Christmas, their already-stretched resources are pushed yet further, and increasingly have to seek external support. And for the young people themselves - whilst most of the city winds down, the festive period can be a stark and painful reminder of the year past and the challenges they’re contending with. And so our Charity Santa Challenge is a small and simple way to bring some joy and the sacks you create will go directly to young people that Evolve work with, and show them **they are not forgotten and that people out there care.**

Join us for the dawn of the shortest day to celebrate the depths of Winter and the warmth of community. Watch the sunrise with other early risers on top of Primrose Hill. Take in one of the best views of London, and then warm up in a nearby cafe. Conversations fuelled by early morning light and coffee tend to be good ones. \*\*You can also join us on [TRIBE](https://tribeirl.com/the-sunrise-club)\*\* On **Sunday** 21st December, we will: * Meet from: 7:45AM at the top of Primrose Hill * **Sunrise at: 8:04AM** * Take in the view for a little while * Walk to a nearby cafe * Warm up with coffee We meet regularly - roughly fortnightly - to create and sustain community. New people are always welcome :-) **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/C2KwIp79riz1A71dNF6pgF)** to keep up to date **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thesunriseclubetc)** to see what these meetups look like **[WEBSITE](www.alltogether.one)** for all other groups and to sign up to the newsletter We are easy to find because we will be at the top of the hill with a big flag that says 'THE SUNRISE CLUB'. These are free meetups, but if you’d like to make a donation in support of my mission - to get people together, to create connections, and have fun - you can donate here: '[buy me a coffee](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor)' ❤️

Backgammon Bingo at Gest - read updated message below Venue: Gest Restaurant, by Euston Square Underground exit Address: 152/156 N Gower St, London NW1 2LU, UK Date/Time: Sunday 21 December 3-7.30pm (and possibly beyond!) at least 15% off food and drink for our group First timers please read below about Meetup fee, Bringing boards etc ☺️ Dear Backgammon Lovers, Ready to roll the dice together again? Festive Backgammon & Games Night at Gest 🎄Join us for a cheerful evening of backgammon, laughter, and good company at Gest! We’ll be rolling the dice, moving the checkers, and hopefully squeezing in a few other favourite games too - Rummikub and Yahtzee are on the table for anyone keen to join the fun. A special congratulations to David, our Backgammon Bingo Champion, for his remarkable achievement in winning both fun games — whether shared or solo! Bravo, David! 🏆 There’s no better place to celebrate the season than at Gest, whose warm atmosphere and charming management make this venue a backgammoner's delight with plenty if good cheer! Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Please note that we will continue at the CSC but are looking at alternatives when the Club is booked or closed around Christmas. Also as our group becomes even more popular it's nice to discover alternative venues with more space and warmer vibe.. It's always a treat to catch up with our regulars and welcome new players into the mix - and this session promises more of the same great energy. Social Backgammon Whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new to the game, everyone’s welcome. Our fortnightly Sunday afternoon offers the perfect blend of friendly competition, laughter, and the occasional lucky double six! Add drinks, food, and easy conversation, and you’ve got the ingredients for a truly relaxed afternoon and early evening.. so come and join us! Gest 20pc Off Food and Drink Gest has kindly offered our group (pssst.. keep this to ourselves) a discount on their drinks and food with great dishes served up. Please support the venue, as we're expected to do, by ordering at least a drink and a bite to eat during our session at Gest. About Our Backgammon Group Our group started in June 2015 - that’s over 10 years ago! Since then, we’ve held nearly 450 official backgammon meetups and well over 200 off-grid gatherings besides. With nearly 2,000 members, we’re the largest backgammon group in the UK - what makes our group special is the warmth, humour, and friendliness everyone brings to the board. We typically meet fortnightly on Sundays, with around 20 or so regular players and new faces each time. Everyone’s welcome. Dinner, Drinks and Playing Time We usually sit for a relaxed group meal around 6pm, but you’re free to order food and drinks whenever you wish. RSVP Please RSVP as soon as you can. It helps to know numbers in advance, especially as this is a new venue for us. Bring Your Own Board If you have a backgammon board, please bring it along. Don’t worry if you don’t yet own one - just post a note on the Meetup page or message me. It’s also fun seeing the wide variety of board styles people bring. Meetup fee: £4 per person. This modest contribution helps cover rising admin, hosting, and other organisational costs. Etiquette Let’s keep things friendly with each other, and please do thank the staff at Gest for hosting us. If anything comes up during the event, just have a quiet word with me. Backgammon Rules We play under international backgammon tournament rules, with one or two small exceptions. You can find the details on our Meetup page. My Contact If you need help finding the place or have questions, call or text me on 07956 263451. (Please avoid sending Meetup messages within two hours of start time, as I might not see them.) Looking forward to rolling dice and sharing another brilliant Sunday with you all - this time at our new trial venue! Best wishes, Chris Sattaur

### 🌸 **WE L❤️VE ASIA – Pre-Christmas Drinks at The Hawk’s Nest (Shepherd’s Bush, London)** 你好 • こんにちは • 안녕하세요 • Kamusta • สวัสดี • Halo • Hai Dear friends, Join us for our **WE L❤️VE ASIA Pre-Christmas Drinks** on **Sunday, 21st December, from 5:00–8:30 PM** at *The Hawk’s Nest* in Shepherd’s Bush. This will be a relaxed festive meet-up before the Christmas break. 📍 **Venue:** **The Hawk’s Nest** Goldhawk Road, London, W12 8DF 🌍 thehawksnest.london Set within Shepherd’s Bush Market, *The Hawk’s Nest* offers a bright and welcoming courtyard-style space with heaters, covered areas, and easygoing garden vibes. It’s a lively spot known for its pizzas, small plates, cocktails, wines, beers, and soft drink, ideal for a casual end-of-year gathering. Come along for drinks, conversation, and a warm festive atmosphere as we wrap up 2025 together. It’s **easy to reach**. Get off at Goldhawk Road tube station and its just there on the oppoiste side of the road. Aleternativly short walk from *Shepherd’s Bush Market* (Circle & Hammersmith & City lines) and *Shepherd’s Bush* Overground station, with several bus routes from *Hammersmith* and *Notting Hill*. Looking forward to seeing you there 🌺 **Warm regards,** Suki Reno

Our table will have a reservation notice for Ashley Farnham. Looking forward to seeing you! **PLEASE NOTE: Photographs of the event's attendees will be taken and posted on Meetup. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the event's organiser know on arrival.** **PLEASE NOTE: For the duration of the quiz, mobile phones are not allowed to be used for any reason.** **FOR NEW ATTENDEES: If you cannot locate either me or the group, please message me through the Meetup app which you can install on your phone.** Would you like to join our group at The Railway's pub quiz on Sunday evening? Putney Social Group has reserved seating for 6. The map pin is slightly off as the meetup site is not currently allowing me to change it to the precise location. Due to the popularity of the quizzes, the quiz is on the first floor. Please note: There are no lifts at the venue. This group event has prizes on offer including a £50 bar tab for the winning group and various free drink questions throughout the duration of the quiz! It consists of 4 sections on general knowledge questions with a break halfway. The charge is £2.50 payable to the pub’s quizmaster by either cash or electronic payment using your phone. Please aim to arrive at around 7pm as the quiz starts at about 7:30pm. Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend. By way of information, the venue has accessible toilets available on the ground floor only and wheelchair access is also available via the front-side entrance that has a ramp. Nearest Public Transport: Train: Putney Tube: East Putney (District Line, Wimbledon Branch) - It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the venue from the tube station. Bus: 14, 37, 85, 93, 337, 430, N74.

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/41473 **Game Description:** Please be aware that our sessions are also on our own mobile app. Therefore, the number of participants you currently see may not reflect the total number of participants. Elevate your volleyball skills at our adult coaching sessions! Led by expert coaches, our sessions cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Develop your technique, agility, and teamwork through drills and gameplay. Join our vibrant community and unleash your full potential on the court. Let's play, learn, and excel together. **Rules** By booking this session, you acknowledge and agree to comply with our terms and conditions, privacy policies, and cancellation policy, which can be found below. **Terms & Conditions at:** https://www.littlegiantsvc.com/terms-and-conditions **Privacy Policy at:** https://www.littlegiantsvc.com/privacy-policy

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/42304 **Game Description:** Intermediate Mixed Volleyball Games 🏐 Come get some quality court time with structured play and plenty of reps! We’ll have a minimum of 6 balls we ready, so no waiting around for touches—you’ll get plenty of swings, passes, and sets. We kick things off with about 30 minutes of warm-up drills (hitting lines, passing, serving, and maybe a few fun variations) to get everyone moving and dialed in. After that, we’ll jump into full games—fast, competitive, but always friendly. This session is intermediate level: you should be comfortable with the basics (serving, passing, hitting, and rotations). Expect good rallies, steady tempo, and a chance to sharpen your skills while still keeping it social. Come ready to play, improve, and have fun with a great group of teammates! **Rules** FIVB Rule Set

North London Badminton Session at **Woodhouse College Sports Hall, Woodhouse Road, North Finchley, N12 9EY** Join us for some friendly badminton sessions and **we play from 5.00pm to 7.00pm**. Just bring your racket and get ready to play. The session fee is **£10 per player.** There are four badminton courts and we play mainly double matches with feather shuttlecocks. Advanced Beginners are welcome to join as we will have four badminton courts and one court is allocated to advanced beginners and experienced players will be on site to give guidance. **But if you are a new starter and a complete beginner and do want sessions with coaching do email us at info@barnetmultisportsclub.com** We are an affiliated club of Badminton England and have adult and youth sessions (including training sessions) weekdays and weekends. **Check our Instagram Page:** https://www.instagram.com/barnetmultisportsclubuk/ **Check our Tik Tok Page:** https://www.tiktok.com/@barnetmultisportsclub **Join our Facebook Group:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/1576047169442887/

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/42804 **Game Description:** Come and play in a Lower-Inter & Above indoor volleyball game on a Sunday 🙌 🚨 Be considerate & ONLY sign up to this game if you are at this level (sorry!). We have the right to cancel & refund you from this game if we think you're a beginner (you will be notified via email). This is nothing personal at all, we just need to ensure good quality games and rallies 🔥 **Directions:** 🚶‍♂️ 7 minute walk from King's Cross or Euston Station 🚿Changing rooms and showers available. **Rules** \- 3 teams of 6 \- Games up to 15 points \- Max 2 games in a row Be positive and encouraging to all players 🧡

Walk around London see Xmas lights. Have a drink and eat if you want to

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/42394 **Game Description:** Ready to hit the court, level up your game and meet fellow ballers? Join us at East Village Basketball 🏀 every Sunday, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Chobham Academy Sports Hall in Stratford, London. **👥 Stay Connected!** Join our WhatsApp group for updates, waitlist alerts and community banter: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KoCHcbG51YWKtTNgNblydH Any questions, feel free to WhatsApp me directly on +44 (seven) 365 804 810 **What to Expect:** ⚡ 2 hours of non-stop pickup games ⛹️ Half-court games (4x4) on both sides 💪 Friendly competition in a fun, positive environment 🥇 Open to mixed adults (18+) - whether you’re sharpening your skills or shaking off the rust! 🏀 Players should at least be familiar with basic offence, defence and basketball rules 🏆 Max 20 players per session (spots go fast, so book early) **Important Notes:** 🕔 Sports hall doors open at 5:20pm - head in, get changed and warm up 🏀 We aim to start games by 5:40pm, so please arrive by 5:20pm to be ready 🚫 If you’re feeling unwell or have COVID symptoms, please stay home 💧 Bring your own water bottle 🚨 Please don't arrive TOO early - the hall is used just before us and staff need time to prepare the court. **Getting Here:** 📍 Entrance: Corner of Celebration Avenue and Temple Mills Lane. Google Maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfCZZzEG734J9gko7 🅿️ Parking: Pay-and-display available across the road. 🚇 Nearest Tube Stations: Stratford, Stratford International (DLR) & Leyton **Safety and Rules:** Participation is at your own risk. If you have any health concerns, consult a health professional before joining. Offence calls fouls and we expect all players to maintain a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Join the WhatsApp group now so you don't miss a slot! New to the group or a returning regular, you're welcome on the court. See you Sunday! ✌️🏀 **Rules** 4 x 4 half-court games on 2 half courts, with 4 teams of 5 players. Time: 5-min games (running clock) Scoring: 1s and 2s. Substitutions: One sub rotates in after each game. Fouls: Offence calls fouls. Disputed calls: For major disagreements, the offensive team shoots a 3-pointer to resolve the issue.

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/41388 **Game Description:** Join us at Mayfield Tennis Club for a fun and friendly morning of doubles tennis! All ages and most playing standards are welcome, just ensure that you’re above beginner standard and have played doubles or singles before. We play on our outdoor astroturf courts and you’ll enjoy your game within our relaxed and social atmosphere. Coming on your own? perfect, most people do, we make sure everyone gets paired up in a no stress skill level and you will be rallying and laughing with new friends by the end of the first set. After tennis, you are more than welcome to stay for a drink and a chat in our clubhouse and bar! It’s a great way to meet your fellow tennis players, an opportunity to play regularly and become a part of our wonderful diverse community. We usually have a minimum of 8 club members playing every week, so you’re guaranteed a game. Tennis balls are provided, just bring along your racquet. Need to borrow a racquet? No worries, just drop me a message on the chat and I’ll organise that for you. We have a car park that fits up to 8 cars, and plenty of free parking outside surrounding streets. Look out for the Mayfield Club sign at the entrance of the drive way. Come for the tennis, stay and socialise with our lovely community here at Mayfield. On the behalf of everyone at our club, we can’t wait to meet you! 🎾 Evie **Rules** Warm up starts at 11:00 to 11:15 and play shortly after. Players organise into groups of 4 and play a set and rotate after each set so everyone gets to meet everyone

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/36633 **Game Description:** Join us in East London, John Orwell Centre in Wapping. Full-court, 3 teams, 5v5. A team stays on twice in a row regardless of win or lose (Apart from the first game of the session when the winning team stays on). A good game level. Quite inclusive. A mix of regulars and guests. **How to get there:** Come in either from Wapping Overground station (5’ away from the venue). Or via bus 100 or D3 and stop at Wapping Health Centre. Via DLR from either Shadwell or Towergate stations. Closest underground station is Tower Hill (15’ walk). Whatsapp Valentin on 07879011856 for more details. **Rules** 11 points or 8 minutes game: 2 points each shot inside the circle 3 points from outside No free throws No advantages, as in whichever team reaches 11 points first wins. But each team must rotate after being on twice in a row.

*GOhio!* turns 8!! 🥳 Come celebrate with us at [Pins Mechanical](https://www.pinsbar.com/locations/easton)! 😄 **Summary** Pins Mechanical Co. is a social entertainment venue that combines old-school games like duckpin bowling, pinball, and other classic arcade and table games with craft cocktails, local beers, and punch. The vintage-industrial atmosphere is designed for playful, face-to-face gatherings with friends, family, and colleagues, offering a casual and lively alternative to a typical bar. Pins' Easton location spans over 38,000 square feet, making it the largest in the United States. This massive entertainment venue features two floors, a mezzanine level with stadium seating, and three full-service bars. It offers 16 duckpin bowling lanes, two indoor bocce courts, and more than 60 classic and modern pinball and arcade games. For additional fun, the location is known for its two outdoor patios, an indoor slide, and an expanded patio pong setup. **Activities** As noted below, some machines take actual quarters. Pins has two change machines (one downstairs and one upstairs) that accept ones, fives, or tens (only), and return quarters (only). * *Duckpin Bowling* [Like Bowling](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duckpin_bowling) but with smaller balls, stubby pins, and no oil on the lanes. The cost is $9 per game per person. * *Pinball* [Who](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Who)'s a [wizard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinball_Wizard) on these [retro machines](https://pinballmap.com/map/?by_location_id=15311)? At $1 per play, everyone! Takes quarters. * *Arcade* Play classics like Gorf, Pac-Man, Gorf, Donkey Kong, Gorf, Galaga, and Gorf! The best part is, there's Gorf! And all the arcade games are free! * *Patio Pong* The classic college party staple but bigger. Instead of tossing a ping pong ball into cups, you use a regular ball and oversized buckets. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free! * *Ping Pong* The most popular sport in China! They have two ping pong tables downstairs and two more ping pong tables upstairs. For those of you who have studied topological spaces and set theory, you will know this means they have four total ping pong tables. They have bubble gum dispensers with ping pong balls in them for 25¢ each. The dispensers take quarters. However, they also have racks where they store the ping pong paddles, and in these racks are slots for ping pong balls. It's not uncommon to see balls already here, so there's a chance you may be able to play ping pong for free if you want to. * *Hookie* You can't put your eye out! The safe alternative to darts: Hook thrown rings on a board. Outdoors on the upstairs patio, and free! * *Bocce* Like bowling, except there’s turf and a lot more balls. You can also knock your opponent’s balls out of the way. There are two of these upstairs, and they're both free! * *Foosball* Everyone loves [foosball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_football)! 50¢ a game. Takes quarters. * *Giant Jenga* Stack massive wooden blocks into a tower, then take turns pulling out one block at a time without collapsing the tower. There are four of these sprinkled throughout the venue (two downstairs and two upstairs, with one on each patio), and they're all free! * *Skeeball* There are three skeeball machines on the first floor (near the Gorf machine!), and they're all free! * *Giant Connect Four* On the outdoor patio upstairs, and free! * *Bubble Hockey* This is upstairs. Up to four people can play at once, and it costs $1. Takes quarters. * *Cornhole* There are two cornhole lanes upstairs, and they're both free! * *Basketball* There are two basketball machines downstairs. They're tucked behind the downstairs bar, so they're not always obvious unless you go look for them. They're $2 per play, and they take quarters. * *NES and Sega Genesis video games* These are collections, downstairs (near the Gorf machine!), of video games that you can play for free! * *The Big Metal Indoor Slide* This large two-story slide is for kids, and certainly no adults would ride this. After all, it's not like it's free or anything. **Outdoor Patio** Pins at Easton actually has two outdoor patios. But for our purposes, only the upstairs one matters. See, it will be winter and likely cold. But their upstairs patio has multiple ceiling heaters and two massive gas fire pits that put out a ton of heat. Sitting out here may be a real option. As mentioned above, the upstairs outdoor patio has one of the venue's two Patio Pong setups, one of their multiple Giant Jengas, the Giant Connect Four, and Hookie. **Food** Pins doesn't serve food, but there's a [Mikey's Late Night Slice](https://www.latenightslice.com/) next door. This Mikey's is basically an extension of the Easton Pins; there's a large open doorway between both establishments. Mikey's has a fountain dispenser with Coke products. You can also get Coke and Diet Coke (but not Coke Zero, like you can at Mikey's) at the bars in Pins, but I think the quality of the soda pop from Mikey's fountain is better than that from the bar hoses Pins uses to dispense soft drinks. You are also quite allowed at Pins to either bring food in or order it in via your favorite delivery app. **Parking** I recommend parking in the [Worth Garage](https://eastontowncenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/parking-at-easton-updated-file-sept-25.pdf). It's literally right next door to Pins, and it's free as long as you park on Level 2 or above. They recently started charging people to park on Level 1, and you pay for parking on this level the same way you pay for street parking in Columbus, with the [ParkColumbus](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.parkmobile.parkcolumbus&hl=en_US&pli=1) app. I've seen them enforce this by ticketing people's cars, but I don't know how they actually compel payment. The garage is not a public street that actual cops can write you tickets for parking illegally on. If you have an actual ticket from a cop that you don't pay, they can go so far as to issue a warrant for your arrest. But all Easton has, seemingly, is, "[Please pay our ticket](https://eastonpreferredpark.com/)." Still, in my ongoing efforts to eliminate needless stress and aggravation from my life, I just park above the first Level. The actual address of the garage is [4049 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4049+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388a86de3af559:0xc1dc8b4661fc834f!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11sgzjp4ml?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). However, your GPS is stupid. The actual entrances to the garage are on the cross steets Brighton Rose Way and Fenlon St, not Worth Ave. Just keep this in mind once you get to the garage. **Where we'll meet** I'll post in the comments where I am. People will obviously want to explore different areas of the venue over the course of the event (and there's a lot to explore), but please just let me know (as in, come find me) once you've arrived. **Peroration** Come on out and say hi! 😄

Coffee and conversation at [The Roosevelt Coffeehouse](https://www.olentangybrew.com/roosevelt-coffee), located at Olentangy River Brewing. They will also have a Venezuelan [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) that always gets good reviews.

**White Elephant Gift Exchange** (WEGE): This may be your only chance to re-gift that “undesirable” bobble or whats-it that you got for Christmas. Every year for Christmas my evil ex in-laws would give me the exact same gift that properly symbolized how well they knew me and how much they cared. For 24 years I received a bushel-basket sized bag of white tube socks from Gabe’s, a local discount/factory seconds store based in Morgantown, WV. If I were still married, that’s what I would re-gift in this gift exchange. No worries. I have since recovered emotionally and all my socks match and are all the same length. Goodwill was the lucky recipient of my 24-bushel sock collection quite some time ago. Things are better now. If you have nothing that merits being re-gifted, please try to keep the price limit to around $15. Remember, no one is required to participate in the gift exchange. You can watch and still have fun. The way this works: Each person bringing a gift will get a pretty yellow ticket (just like the ones we use for the Queen of Hearts). When the gift exchange starts I will draw a ticket and read the number. The person with that ticket may select a gift from the table. Being first is not a true victory in this instance. The next person whose number is drawn will chose a gift AND if they don't like it, they can exchange it for (steal?) the one the previous person selected. It goes on and on as mayhem ensues. Only one exchange. Exchange for any previously selected gift. Got it? Good. **On Freestyle night** \- just bring a bottle to share\. There is NO formal wine tasting like on other weeks\. Door charge is $10 \(cash or Venmo only please\)\. We may have some left over wines to clear out\! Glasses are provided\. Take Care\. See you there\. **Parking**: There are several public parking lots near the Alive614 hall. Please be careful to NOT park in private parking lots. They do tow. Check Google maps to scope out your space. Anyone who is early could easily find a parking space on the street nearby. I am told that the Chase parking lot is safe after hours. **Glasses**: …will be provided. Please note that after the wine tasting, the EMPTY glasses need to be returned to the boxes at the service table. Please do not make me hunt down your empty glass. Please be gentle, our glasses are fragile. Uh, they are made of glass! **Food**: You are welcome to bring a snack to share. It is not required. Most people do though. If no one brings anything, there will be nothing. **Code of Conduct**: Though mostly understood, it’s still worth mentioning. We don’t have rules per se, but we highly discourage the following topics of discussion because they are likely to incite anti-social responses - Sex, Politics, Religion. Please don’t mistake this as an attempt to limit your free speech rights but rather a guide to a place and time for appropriate discussions. **After the lights go out**: After the last sip of wine, when we clean up and turn the lights out, if you still haven’t had enough of us, it is typical for a group to get together and go to a local eatery for food and/or drinks or coffee. Again, We look forward to meeting new members and reuniting with old friends. Sincerely, ***Paul Uttermohlen***, **Red 1 Realty** *Your Hilliard Wine Club Host*