Renaissance

Explore how we search for meaning in our futures, as revealed by the divine, occult or supernatural, from the ancient prophets to the end of days. What will happen to us next? From the earliest beginnings of human civilization, people have searched for signs, patterns and clues to address the last unanswerable question. Looking into the future has obsessed human beings since written records began. As soon as communities could conceive of higher powers, they tried to look into the future. Prophets and priests have delivered divine messages. Shamans and seers have channeled spirits and interpreted visions, portents, revelations and omens. This unique and richly illustrated volume reveals the long history of the future in every human society – from Egyptian oracles, Roman augurs and Aztec omens, to Japanese divination and the active magic of Norse seers. It traces the parallels in different traditions and cultures, exploring the signs and images found in antique documents, rare books, imaginative projections and divinatory paraphernalia. The nine chapters explore extraordinary oracles from ancient Greece and western Africa, to Mesopotamia and the mountains of Tibet; we discover omens, portents and auspicious signs in indigenous societies in Asia; meet the Zoroastrian priests of Iran and astrologers of China; share dreams and visions from Australia to North America; and finally reckon with the many predictions of the end of the world, from ancient days to our present moment.

Hi Everyone, Our next EuroClub French- English conversation evening will be on Thursday 30 April from 7pm at Blooms cafe, Royal National Hotel , Woburn Place. Blooms cafe can be approached from the courtyard of the London Pub, at 39 Woburn Pl, London WC1H 0LW, close to Russell Square underground station. We should be inside the cafe , probably at the far side or upstairs We will speak French for the first hour, then English until 9pm. Come along for an enjoyable , friendly evening. It is free to join in but you must buy a drink . Stephen will host this meeting. If you cannot find the group on the day you can call 07498 733466. New people very welcome, especially any french native speakers. You will need a reasonable conversational level in french to join in these meetings **These exchanges are normally every 2 weeks. If you are visiting London you would be very welcome to come along.** **We also have an online French-English exchange , using Zoom, every 2 weeks on Wednesdays which is open for those living outside the UK.** **If you are a french native speaker, eg outside the UK , you would be very welcome to join in the online exchange.** This is a FREE event organised by Euroclub London . Best wishes, David

**Looking for a high-quality business networking event in London** to connect with founders, entrepreneurs, and professionals? Join us in the elegant **Sycamore Bar at the 5-star Middle Eight Hotel, Covent Garden,** where real business connections happen\*\*.\*\* Co-hosted by London tech startups **GMax Card, Ciitab and Getshop Today.** **Why Attend?** * A more polished, higher-quality alternative to typical casual networking events * Build valuable business connections in a premium environment * Exchange ideas and uncover new opportunities **Who You’ll Meet:** * Founders and entrepreneurs * Tech, digital, and product professionals * Business owners, consultants, and senior decision-makers * Professionals in finance, banking, and investment * International professionals based in London **Hosted by founder-built tech startups:** * **[GMax Card](www.gmaxcard.com)**[ - premium digital and contactless business cards](www.gmaxcard.com) for modern networking * **[Ciitab](www.ciitab.com)**[ - AI-powered LinkedIn networking](www.ciitab.com) and outreach * **[Getshop Today](www.getshop.today)**[ - UK-built ecommerce platform](www.getshop.today) for independent online stores **What to Expect** Our events typically bring together a focused group of founders, business owners, and professionals across tech and finance - creating a room that feels both approachable and high-quality. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with space for natural introductions and open business networking. Hosts are there to help facilitate connections on arrival. **Event Flow** We keep a light structure to help everyone connect naturally: * 18:30 Arrival & welcome * 19:00 Short introductions * 19:30 Open networking * 21:30 Close **Venue** **Sycamore Bar, Middle Eight Hotel**
 A refined, design-led bar inside the 5-star Middle Eight Hotel.
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, within walking distance of Holborn, Covent Garden, and Tottenham Court Road stations. **Note re contactless cards:** Free RSVP includes event access only. [Contactless GMax Cards](http://www.gmaxcard.com/shop) are included with paid tickets (when available). **Dress Code:** Business / smart. This is a business networking event in a 5-star hotel rather than a fully informal gathering in a local pub. **Important Details** * **Age & ID: 18+.** ID may be required for bar purchases. * **Photos & Video:** The event may be filmed or photographed by [CineEye Audiovisual Production](www.cineeye.co.uk) for promotional use. Please inform the organisers on arrival if you do not wish to appear. * **Dress Code:** Smart or business attire only. * **Contactless Cards:** Free RSVP does not include a contactless business card. * **Liability:** Attendance is at your own risk. Organisers and venue do not accept any responsibility for loss, injury, or damage to you or your property. **Limited spaces available - early booking recommended.** You’re also welcome to join [our Meetup group](https://www.meetup.com/london-entrepreneur-startup-network-tech-business-ecommerce/) and [follow us on LinkedIn](http://linkedin.com/company/gmax-card) for future events.

\- Meet at 10:30 on the seats near the information desk in the Great Court\. \- Individual tuition with helpful step by step explanations\, demonstrations as you draw in the galleries\. \- Share your work with other students in the cafe are of the Great Court\, located nest to the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery\. The British Museum houses sculptures from many different cultures, many of which are from elaborate monuments. Some have powerful and moving static presence, and others a lively sense of movement. \- Understand the role statics and dynamics in the making of a drawing \- Practise techniques for aligning forms and sensing proportions \- Use a variety of lines and tones \- Respond to the flow of rhythm

Description: We invite you to join us for an inspiring and insightful lecture that aims to equip parents with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of raising children. In this empowering session, we will explore the essential elements of successful parenting and delve into the profound impact it can have on shaping the lives of our children. Parenting is a multifaceted endeavor that requires patience, understanding, and adaptability. This lecture will provide a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that contribute to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted children. By drawing upon the latest research, psychological insights, and practical experiences, we will explore key aspects of successful parenting. During this enlightening session, we will cover the following topics: 1. Building Strong Foundations: We will discuss the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children to flourish. This includes establishing routines, setting boundaries, and cultivating a sense of security and trust. 2. Effective Communication: Understanding the significance of open and effective communication between parents and children is crucial. We will explore strategies for fostering healthy dialogue, active listening, and empathy, enabling parents to build strong relationships based on mutual respect. 3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence: Emotions play a fundamental role in a child's development. We will discuss ways to help children recognize and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. 4. Discipline with Love: Navigating discipline can be challenging for parents. We will explore positive discipline techniques that promote cooperation, self-discipline, and a healthy sense of responsibility, ensuring a harmonious and respectful family dynamic. 5. Promoting Independence and Autonomy: Allowing children to develop their independence and autonomy is essential for their growth. We will explore strategies to foster self-esteem, encourage age-appropriate decision-making, and support the development of healthy independence. 6. Nurturing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset in children is vital for their personal and academic development. We will discuss ways to foster a love of learning, resilience in the face of challenges, and a sense of curiosity and exploration. 7. Balancing Self-Care: Parenting is an all-encompassing role that requires self-care to maintain physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We will explore strategies for self-care and stress management, ensuring that parents can provide the best support for their children while also prioritizing their own needs. By attending this lecture, parents will gain valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin successful parenting. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create nurturing and loving environments that foster their children's growth, resilience, and overall well-being. Note: This lecture is designed for parents of children of all ages, from infants to adolescents. Whether you are a new parent seeking guidance or an experienced parent looking to enhance your parenting skills, this lecture will provide valuable information and support. Join us to embark on a transformative journey as we explore the joys and challenges of successful parenting together.

**Formerly 'THE HEARTH', this event has evolved... (you can read the story and rationale [here](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/p/creative-community-building))** CREATIVE COMMUNITY BUILDING is **A community for people interested in building community 😊** **HOW IT WORKS:** The IRL SOCIAL is a place to meet and exchange ideas with fellow community builders in person. (The other dimension to CREATIVE COMMUNITY BUILDING is a weekly online ‘VIRTUAL CAFE’, which is more focussed on workshopping ideas, challenges, and practices. You can find the first VIRTUAL CAFE [here](https://www.meetup.com/experimentsin/events/314425588).) The IRL SOCIAL is largely unstructured, but we will always have a theme or a prompt to get conversations going. **This time the theme is: AUTHENTICITY.** I will share a few related questions in the comments on the day. My working model of community building includes 4 stages: STARTING, BUILDING, SUSTAINING, and EVOLVING. (These are not linear, but cyclical because when your community reaches the ‘evolving’ stage, it's also ‘starting’ a new chapter.) Based on feedback from previous sessions, people sometimes find it useful to talk to others who are at the same stage as them, so I will give everyone the opportunity to organise in this way initially. (This is optional.) I will invite the group to shuffle around a couple of times so we don’t miss out on meeting a range of people. The rest of the evening will be unstructured space to: * Continue conversations * Discuss collaborations * Share tips * Get to know each other * Get to know about each others’ respective communities **NOTES ON THE GENERAL ATMOSPHERE:** * Laid back, light, fun * Respectful of each other's time, views, ideas * Generous listening and low pressure sharing **WHERE WE'LL MEET:** Due to unpredictable group sizes with free events, I’m going to start off with holding these socials in public spaces rather than booked rooms. This can comes with **an element of unpredictable London chaos (i.e. background noise, weather, etc.), so please be up for that if you decide to come along.** On this occasion, the plan is for us to meet at The Southbank Centre on Level 2, near the Festival Bar & Kitchen. If the weather is good, we might relocate outside. **I will let you know the exact location in the comments below on the day.** **WHO SHOULD COME:** Everyone with an interest in community. This group is not about being experts, it is about learning together. That is, bringing our various experiences and lenses on the world together to support, inspire, and uplift one another. The more perspectives, the richer the conversation. **YOUR HOST:** I'm Bonny. I've created a couple of successful communities (e.g. [THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS](https://www.meetup.com/thought-experiments-in-pubs) & [THE SUNRISE CLUB](https://www.meetup.com/the-sunrise-club/)) and have a lot of experience hosting groups in a range of places (from prison and hospitals, to private events). I'm always learning and my best ideas come out of conversations with others :-). You can read some of my thoughts on community building [here.](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) **One of my inspirations for community building is the Ancient Greek Goddess, Hestia:** Hestia is the goddess of the hearth (hence the former name for this group). She is also the goddess of community, hospitality towards strangers, home, and warmth. Known for her inner strength, calm demeanour, and commitment to peace, I think Hestia embodies qualities that can be very helpful when cultivating community! 🔥 **I’m curious to hear who/what your influences are 😊** [WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HiRXL7B6QUpGAmZirk20kY?mode=wwc) \- stay in the loop [SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) \- sign up for the newsletter I'm looking forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas! If you would like to further support these meetups, you can do so here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor](https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor) Thank you!

*"The blood is the life! The blood is the life!"* (Renfield, Dr. John Seward's patient, in Bram Stoker's Dracula.) **Join LoMAZ for our first interactive series of events in a read-a-long of Bram Stoker's Dracula as the story unfolds over six months...** Dracula Daily is a free subscription newsletter that sends Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula to subscribers via email. The novel takes place within a single calendar year, from May to November. Dracula Daily sends the portion of the novel that occurs each day on the corresponding day. You can read more about it on Wikipedia here: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_Daily](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_Daily) You can sign up for Dracula Daily for free here: [https://draculadaily.substack.com/about](https://draculadaily.substack.com/about) LoMAZ are going to read the book together from the spring to autumn of 2026, with meetup events coinciding with events in the book as they happen. These will include a trip to Whitby in August ([https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314283739/](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314283739/)) and a trip to Romania in November ([https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314200947/](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-lomaz/events/314200947/)). The novel begins on 3rd May, when Jonathan Harker writes that he left Munich on 1st May on his way to meet Count Dracula. The Dracula Daily Read-a-long launch party will start on the day he makes his journey from Munich to Transylvania 🧛🦇😱 **MEET DETAILS:** **FROM 3.00pm:** The Union Jack pub **Address:** 225 Union Street, SE1 0LR [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BRvJ6h6WcmTxA1c6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6BRvJ6h6WcmTxA1c6) **GETTING THERE:** **Nearest train stations:** London Bridge, Waterloo and Waterloo East **Nearest tube stations:** Southwark, but Borough, London Bridge and Waterloo are also close. [https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/](https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. ***The link can be found in the event comments.*** *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **GROUP ETIQUETTE AND RULES:** * LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. Our events usually have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. However there is no limit on the number of people who can join the Dracula Daily Read-a-long and the launch party. * **However if you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible so we can plan for the numbers taking part.** **We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.** * **Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.** **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** Image credit: British Library Board, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Picture - Public domain Meet by Edith Cavell memorial statue on St Martin's Place, close to the church of St Martin in the Fields @ 11-11.10 - closest stations Charing X and Leicester Sq. Fee £15 **Pay on the day and RSVP me please by email - on this page - or text** So many paintings so little time! But we'll do our best and i'll be covering periods from the Renaissance to the Impressionists and a host of amazing ones in between. There are some wonderful art galleries in London but to me this is and has always been at the top of the list. This will be a great way to discover a bit more about some of the greatest artists and what made them tick. Host Blue Badge guide Laurence 07889 298573

**CLH Humanist Science Fiction Group: Astronomy Photography Exhibition** **Sunday 3rd May 2026 - 10:45am to 12.45pm GMT** Hello fellow Humanist Sci-Fi fans! We will be meeting up in **Greenwich** at the **National Maritime Museum** to go and look at the Astronomy Photography Exhibition at **11am**. We can then grab a drink and / or snack in the Museum's cafe or a local pub / cafe and discuss Sci-Fi and Astronomy. We've deliberately gone for 3rd May as it is the nearest weekend date to May the 4th - Star Wars Day! Looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of you so we can continue to boldly do lots together! **Have Your Say** * As always, if you have anything you would like to share or discuss let us know too by posting in the CLH sci-fi WhatsApp group or leaving a message on this page. * As usual, we will also be keen to hear all suggestions for ideas that would be interesting to cover and future events to add to the calendar both online and in person. * Looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of you so we can boldly do lots together! ……………… **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed at events do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large. ……………… Central London Humanists is a volunteer-run community group. We aim to provide a safe space for the humanist community in London to come together for fellowship, learning and fun. We receive no financial support and are entirely funded by donations from our membership and event attendees. ……………… **Stay Connected with Central London Humanists** * Subscribe to our **[mailing List](https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/signup)** * For more events **[follow us on Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Humanists/)** * Chat with fellow members in our **[WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/ChBmK8gZWQKB8jdthwAJ2h)** * Follow us on **[Twitter](https://twitter.com/londonhumanists/) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonhumanists/) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/centrallondonhumanists) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/LondonHumanistGroup)** * Listen to the **[Humanism Now Podcast](https://www.buzzsprout.com/2246305/share)** For any questions email us at [info@centrallondonhumanists.org.uk](http://mailto:info@centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/)

Following our critically acclaimed productions of OTHELLO, MACBETH and TWELFTH NIGHT the Acting gymnasium's Saturday workshop returns to Theatre Deli on Saturday 28th March with a new imagining of Shakepeare's CORIOLANUS. Plenty of superb roles available!! Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, Coriolanus, a fierce and proud Roman general, earns fame after defeating Rome’s enemies, especially at Corioli. Despite his military success, he despises the common people and refuses to flatter them for political gain. Urged to seek public office, his arrogance alienates citizens, leading to his banishment. In anger, he allies with his former enemy Aufidius and marches against Rome. As destruction looms, his mother, Volumnia, pleads with him to spare the city. Moved by her words, he relents, choosing honor over revenge. His decision saves Rome but seals his fate, as he is killed for betraying his allies in return. [Email:actinggymnasium@gmail.com](mailto:Email%3Aactinggymnasium@gmail.com) \- if you'd like to get involved\.

### 🇫🇷 Practise real-life travel French in a cosy café setting in London Planning a trip to France soon? Whether you're visiting **Paris**, exploring the countryside, or simply want to feel more confident using French while travelling, this interactive session will help you practise the **essential phrases and situations you’ll actually need abroad.** Join us for a relaxed **1-hour French conversation session** hosted by **Babel Social** at a cosy café-restaurant in London. In this small-group experience, you’ll practise the key expressions travellers use every day in France — from **ordering food and asking for directions to interacting naturally with locals**. The session is led by an experienced French teacher who will guide the conversation in a supportive and friendly way while you enjoy the atmosphere of a real café setting. This is not a traditional classroom lesson. Instead, you’ll learn through **real conversation, practical scenarios, and social interaction.** 🥐 What to Expect • A welcoming **small group** • A cosy **café setting for authentic practice** • Practical travel phrases and useful vocabulary • Plenty of **speaking time in a relaxed atmosphere** • The chance to **meet other French learners in London** • A **short vocabulary guide** to take home • Guidance from an **experienced French teacher** Expect around **70% French**, with support and explanations whenever needed. 💰 **Price & Booking** • **£25 per person** for a **1-hour session** • **Food and drinks are not included** in the price To join, **confirmation is required** either via: • [Eventbrite booking](https://BabelSo.eventbrite.com) • Private message Once you confirm your place, you will receive the full event details. Please note that **once booked, the session is non-refundable and payment is due**, as places are limited and groups are kept small. 🍽️ Food & Drink Food and drinks are **not included in the ticket price**. You’re welcome to order something during the session if you wish — many participants enjoy a coffee, pastry, or light snack while practising. Please feel free to order within your own budget. 📍 Location TBD 👥 Who Is This For? This experience is ideal for: • Beginners or improvers who can introduce themselves in French • People planning a **trip to France** • Learners who want **practical, real-life language practice** • Anyone looking for a **social language experience in London** 🎓 Your Teacher The session will be led by an **experienced French teacher** specialising in conversational and practical language learning. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, ask questions, and build confidence in a supportive small group. 🌍 About Babel Social **Babel Social** creates small, curated language experiences in London where people can meet, connect, and practise languages in real-life settings. We believe the best way to learn a language is through **conversation, culture, and community**. No classrooms. No pressure. Just **coffee, conversation, and confidence.** Book your tickets here before they sell out: https://BabelSo.eventbrite.com

Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

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

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

(Note: RSVPing here on meetup does NOT reserve your seat. To do that, you’ll need to register at our website, [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=2026-Central-Ohio-Real-Estate-Investing-Expo-14-5-5-2026).) We’re serious about helping you succeed in real estate. That means not just teaching you—but putting you in the room with the people who help you get deals done. Every deal depends on people. The agent or wholesaler. The lender. The contractor. The title company. The insurance agent. The problem is that most investors meet those people slowly. This event fixes that. One room full of: • Lenders • Contractors • Title companies • Insurance providers • Property managers • And active local investors A place where you can: • Build your team • Find funding • Solve real problems • Make connections that lead to deals If you’re serious about real estate, this is a smart room to be in. Members and non-members at any level of knowledge and experience are welcome. This event is free. Remember, to actually reserve your seat, you have to go [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=2026-Central-Ohio-Real-Estate-Investing-Expo-14-5-5-2026) and register on our website!

**Pagans on the Patio! Summer/Fall Series** A casual gathering the first Thursday of each month. Time to relax, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. There is no charge for the event itself and all are welcome but there are a few guidelines: 1. **You are expected to purchase food and/or drink to compensate the Cantina and our server.** 2. **No soliciting. Do not bring samples of your wares or brochures of your services.** 3. **Please respect the spiritual and political views of others that are present. No disruption of the peace.** In case of inclement weather, we will find seating indoors. I hope to see you there. Blessed be! \~ Cynthia ❤️---