Ancient Rome

Once a common custom all across England, the tradition of lifting (or heaving) became frowned upon by the Victorians and fell out of popular practise. 'What did those stuffy Victorians disapprove of now!' you may say. 'Look how wholesome! How can morris dancing and ribbons and a throne of flowers be problematic?!' Oh, you know. Human sacrifice. Fertility rituals. Blasphemy. Drunkenness. Blackmail. Pagan worship. Public indecency. The usual. Thought to be the only remaining occurrence of this tradition, you'll get to see the Blackheath Morris group (you may have seen them in the 2012 Olympic closing) lifting and dancing at pubs all over Greenwich, walk off your bank holiday indulgences around one of London's prettiest boroughs, and see and learn about the custom that caused such public outcry-and, if you're a brave woman, jump in the throne yourself! (Don't worry, they very rarely sacrifice people any more.) Keep an eye on the comments in the morning to find out how to spot us and feel free to message Kathy for any questions. Both Greenwich Market and the Cutty Sark right next door should also be open from 10am, so feel free to arrive early to grab breakfast or tour the famous ship, and if people fancy it we'll hit the pub for a drink and a chat afterwards! (This is a free event, so we ask that you please keep RSVPs updated to ensure that as many people as possible who want to come are able to. Cancellations with less than three days’ notice may be removed from the group to prevent wasted spaces in future. Many thanks for your understanding!)

🗓 Every Monday! ⏰ 8:30pm (1 hour) 💃🏻 All levels 📍Location: Pineapple Dance studios, 7 Langley St, London WC2H 9JA YOU MUST BOOK IN ADVANCE ( CLASSES ARE NOT FREE ) ➡️Book here: https://www.pineapple.uk.com/pages/timetable Let out your inner belly dance goddess in Leilah’s fun and uplifting classes! Learn the ancient art of belly dance from posture to mesmerising shimmies and figures 8’s. Every week we will go through a new choreography as well as learning new exciting moves. We will often cover different styles of belly dance in each class, such as oriental, shaabi, Moroccan and more. Classes are for all levels! Don’t worry if you don’t get all the moves the first time, the more classes you attend the more moves you will start to understand. Belly dance is a celebration of the body, the curves, and the isolations so enjoy the journey! #hipsDontLie

St Mary’s Hospital was founded in 1845 on Praed Street as a voluntary hospital for ’the deserving sick poor’ and opened the Medical School in 1854. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin there. This is another of our many outside Picture Hunts this year. If any issues with weather, we’ll switch to our 50-50 Trivia in the nearby Wetherspoon Sir Alexander Fleming, so turn up as something will be on regardless. If you’re new to Picture Hunts, check previous events for winners and clue sheets. This time, the event will be centred around different shops on one side of Praed St, Paddington, so there’s no crossing of busy roads. Please aim to turn up for 1:00-1:30 when teams are being arranged. The Hunt starts at 1:30. You're losing search time if you're late! Bring a pen please. As usual, portions of the road are split up into four areas where teams search for the locations of photographed items in the street, buildings or shop windows, and then record where they found them. Picture Hunts are a great new way to get up to speed with slices of London history while sleuthing around the area. Everyone is presented with twenty partial photos of objects around an area. Your team mission is to find them. Some well known, some well unknown! This makes Picture Hunts more interesting and challenging, bringing out the best of your teams detecting skills. You will also have a map of the area. It will be sub-divided into four sections, P, Q, R, S. Each photo will come from one of these. Four players max per team, but the lower number teams get a point per player start from the biggest team. For example, four teams of one, two, three and four. Four player team, no advantage, (the biggest and theoretically the more knowledge between them, except it doesn't always work like that). Three player team, one point start. Two player team, two point start. One player team, three point start. Scores are always close and around the 15-20 points mark. How many players do you want in your team? There's a dilemma! The clipboard holder enters one of the letters to note its area location. Dead simple, right? 90 minutes to do the hunt. We have the usual prizes of chocolate, including some great new varieties. There is also an equal prize for the funniest team name judged by Sue, my glamorous assistant. Names win prizes too! So there’s everything to play for. We mark up at the quiz finish point. The Wetherspoon Sir Alexander Fleming. Hunts are good fun and the proven experience so far is that members get to know each other better after working in teams as you all have to communicate. Great icebreakers. This is what Meetup is all about. Come and join us. There is a £7 cash/card charge for this event. Contact number on the day is 07422334411 if your transport is delayed. **If you can’t make it, please cancel using the “Edit RSVP Button”.** **Your consideration is greatly appreciated.**

Dive into The Brotherhood Games' Weekly TCG tournaments! Whether you're into Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, or One Piece, Lorcana, and more, our events are perfect for TCG enthusiasts of all levels. Join us for a day filled with strategy, trading, and friendly competitions. Embrace your inner tactician and showcase your skills in thrilling matches with fellow gamers. Check out what's happening every evening through our website's [Event Calendar!](https://www.thebrotherhoodgames.co.uk/event-calendar#flPtAG) These events are not just limited to TCG fans - board game lovers can also enjoy classics like Settlers of Catan and Backgammon Tournaments. Whether you're into Anime & Manga or a Disney enthusiast, there's something for everyone at The Brotherhood Games. Share your passion for gaming, connect with like-minded individuals, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere perfect for cafe lovers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of deck building games and strategy - see you there!

**Join us for another LoMAZ Unlimited event, this time visiting the 'Sufi Life and Art' free exhibition at the British Museum.** **Unlike our regular events (which often have waitlists), our Unlimited ones have no cap on numbers. They're a social for everyone, and a great way to see what we're about.** **❓ How do our Unlimited events work?** * We **meet in the museum cafe** first. * Then we **look** **around 1-3 rooms in the museum for around 50 minutes.** * You're free to wander around the rooms at your own pace or explore with other members of the group. * **This isn't a guided tour of the rooms.** We simply limit the number of rooms we visit so it's more manageable with a larger group than usual. Each event we choose a different theme or time period to explore. * **After this, we head to the pub!** **THE PLAN:** **2:00-2.40pm: MEET AND GREET IN BRITISH MUSEUM COURT CAFE** Look for the LoMAZ sign and hosts wearing LoMAZ badges. **2:40pm-3.30pm: GO TO 'SUFI LIFE AND ART' FREE EXHIBITION, ROOM 43a ON UPPER FLOOR** This can be found within The Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic world: *'This display will explore Sufi life and art through a selection of objects that represent Sufi communities in the Middle East, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, and northern India. This mystical movement, which first appeared in the Islamic world during the eighth century AD, has been defined as a pathway to a personal experience with God.'* **Read more** **[here](https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/sufi-life-and-art).** **Find the museum map** **[here.](https://www.britishmuseum.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/British_Museum_map.pdf)** **3.30pm: LEAVE MUSEUM TO WALK TO PUB** **3:45pm: PUB SOCIAL** We'll have some tables reserved at The Penderel's Oak pub. Address: 283-288 High Holborn, London WC1V 7HP [https://maps.app.goo.gl/1PF1LDymBw8Jcabn9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1PF1LDymBw8Jcabn9) **TICKETS:** **⚠️ ⛔️ There are now no more tickets left for this date.** The museum reached full capacity when we last visited and staff stopped anyone without a ticket entering. ***As we are attending on Easter Monday, if you don't have a pre-booked ticket or are not a member there is a good chance you won't be let in. ⚠️ ⛔️*** **GETTING THERE:** **Address:** British Museum, Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG Find more information **[here.](https://www.britishmuseum.org/visit#getting-here)** **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** As our Unlimited events can get quite busy, we'll have a WhatsApp group for this event to help you find the group on the day. ***The link will be posted in the event comments 2-3 days before the event.*** **FINALLY:** **Please change your RSVP to 'no' if you can no longer attend, so the hosts have an idea of numbers for the pub booking.** **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** Image: Ceramic tile, Türkiye, around 1700, from the collection.

✨ Belgium, France & Holland Cruise – 6‑Night European Escape ✨ ✨ Secure your spot early for the best availability and value ✨ 📅 Travel Dates: 6 April 2026 🛳️ Ship: Ambition (Ambassador Cruise Line) 🚢 Departure Port: Portsmouth 💷 From £449pp (based on 2 sharing, Inside Cabin) 🌅 Intro Discover the canals, culture and charm of four incredible European destinations on this unforgettable 6‑night cruise aboard Ambition. Explore Bruges’ medieval streets, Antwerp’s art and architecture, the Dutch port of Ijmuiden, and the picturesque harbour of Honfleur. 🗺️ Route & Highlights \- Zeebrugge\, Belgium – Maritime history\, seaside cafés & North Sea views \- Antwerp\, Belgium – Historic squares\, world‑class art & vibrant culture \- Ijmuiden\, Netherlands – Bustling harbour & gateway to Amsterdam \- Honfleur\, France – Quaint streets\, charming harbour & inspiring art 🛳️ Itinerary \- Day 1 – Portsmouth\, England \| Departure \- Day 2 – Zeebrugge\, Belgium \| For Bruges \- Day 3 – Antwerp\, Belgium \| Cruise River Scheldt \- Day 4 – Ijmuiden\, Netherlands \| For Amsterdam \- Day 5 – At Sea \| Relax onboard \- Day 6 – Honfleur\, France \| Explore the harbour town \- Day 7 – Portsmouth\, England \| Return 💎 Price Advantage From £449pp depending on cabin type and booking time Booking early gives you the widest choice of dates, rooms and value options. 💷 Prices & Cabins \- Inside Cabins from £449pp \- Oceanview Cabins from £575pp \- Balcony Cabins from £899pp \- Suites from £999pp ✅ Inclusions \- 6‑night cruise on Ambition \- Full‑board dining \(excluding speciality restaurants\) \- Onboard entertainment\, shows & activities \- Access to lounges\, leisure facilities & daily programme ❌ Exclusions \- Travel insurance \- Drinks packages \- Optional excursions \- Port parking or transfers 📩 Booking & Enquiries 👉 Bespoke Travel Request Form: https://soultogethertravel.com/bespoke-travel-booking 📧 Email: contact@soultogethertravel.com Check More Tours: soultogethertravel.com/handpicked-tours-2026-2027 ⚠️ Important Note Subject to availability and pricing at the time of enquiry. Meetup date/time is not the travel date — please ignore.

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!! WE WILL PERFORM THE SHOW FROM 6TH-11TH JULY AT NETWORK THEATRE WATERLOO. 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\.

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!! WE WILL PERFORM THE SHOW FROM 6TH-11TH JULY AT NETWORK THEATRE WATERLOO. 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](http://Email:actinggymnasium@gmail.com/)]

**One quick note on how the community works** **L Community is member-funded.** The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding. If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time. Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](http://www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now) **What this is** A relaxed Sunday afternoon book club for lesbian and bisexual women, meeting in person. This is our first event and we will discuss which book we plan to read. It’s low-pressure, calm, and easy to settle into the event. Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most sessions are a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person coming for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make the space feel easy rather than awkward. If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first book club and end up staying longer than they expected. **Important** This is a female-only lesbian space. That boundary is clear and upheld at events. If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/book-club/](https://thelcommunity.com/book-club/) **Arriving and support** The table booking is under the name Jenny. If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point – days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you. **WhatsApp Jenny** WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019** Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number. **Staying connected** Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community. If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/register](http://www.thelcommunity.com/register)

Come along on Sunday 12th April for lunch before the guided walk. **About the event** Once a month at lunchtime before the guided walks, we will be having lunch in a local cafe or pub in the area the walk is in. It's a chance to chat and get to know people in the group in a quiet relaxed setting. Each month's place will be in a different part of London and different cafes or pubs. The lunches are open to all, whether you come on the walk or not. Lookout for the 'London Cultureseekers' group signs on the tables when you get to the cafe. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

I don't know if this recurring event still happens. I suspect not, but I have never had any enquiry about it, or heard of anyone going on it. For details - contact Nick [dot] Davies [at] lbbd [dot] gov [dot] uk (Nick.Davies@lbbd.gov.uk). Map pin on Meetup does not show location of park.

Every day you look at the news on your phone and you are shown a perspective on multiple events, vivid pictures, videos, and explanations that decide for you what to think. When you come out of your bubble and try to talk to others, you realise they have the wrong perspective. You assumed they saw the same undeniable evidence you did, with the same explanations. But each person is shown a perspective tailored to them, believable and convincing from where they stand. We moved from relying on our own eyes, to gossip, to the printing press, to radio and TV, and now to news customised to each individual. We moved from Plato's Cave, where we were all chained side by side experiencing the same shadows, to isolation, each of us with our own unique shadows. In Plato's Cave they were wrong together. Are we more lost being wrong alone? Is your bubble protecting you or trapping you? Can we build a shared world if we can't share a shared reality? Learn more about [the allegory of the cave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allegory_of_the_cave). \*Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comment section\* #======# Donation! Thank you for being a member. I have made a donation page for those who want to help with the costs. [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) #======# Group chat We have a telegram group chat and here is a link for the front door: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) #======# The Examined Life, "Let's Discuss..." session is an open discussion. The format of this event will be: 13:15 - Free flow group discussion about the topic. 14:00 ish - We will be splitting into smaller groups for more engaging discussion about what interests each of you. 16:00 - End of the official meetup. Most often attendees stay and continue discussing up to around 18:00. #======# Please RSVP if you can commit to attending and change your RSVP if something comes up. Inaccurate RSVPs can keep potential attendees on the waiting list and makes it difficult to plan for room sizes and bookings. Art work: Platos Allegory of the Cave 1604 by Jan Saenredam

Come along on Sunday 12th April for a Blue Badge Guided Walk around Blackheath! Blue Badge Guides know London better than anyone. They have trained intensively for two years and passed the highest Tourist Guiding qualification in the UK. **About the walk** Many people visit historic Greenwich but very few venture to its more attractive but lesser known neighbour. The name is recorded in 1166 as *'Blachehedfeld'* and means the "dark coloured heathland". It is formed from the Old English 'blæc' and 'hǣth' and refers to the open space that was the meeting place of the ancient hundred of Blackheath. Blackheath really does deserve the title of "village" with its unique shops and delightful houses. Hear of the historic gatherings on the Heath, the first game of golf in England, the secret caves and a Queen who fell out of favour. We'll see historic 17th century almshouses, a pagoda and an elegant 18th century crescent where two ladies scandalised Blackheath's polite society. The walk is a private walk for the group, we will be guided by Blue Badge guides [Diane Burstein](https://www.guidelondon.org.uk/guides/dianeburstein/) and [Rachel Kolsky](https://www.itg.org.uk/register-of-guides/rachel-kolsky). Rachel will be starting at 2:15pm and Diane at 2:30pm, so on the day, just come along at your chosen time. **Getting there** Blackheath is in Zone 3 and trains run there from Victoria. Trains take about 26 mins and depart at 1:33pm, 2:03pm. **Payment for the walk** Full Members of the group will be £11, everyone else the cost is £13 per person (payable via cash or credit card on the day or in advance via PayPal or Bank Transfer). If you wish to pay in advance: \- send a bank transfer: TSB Bank plc\, sort code: 77\-66\-65\, account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), ‘send a payment’ to general@cultureseekers.org and click on the ‘Goods & Services’ option and change it to ‘Friends & Family’, as this avoids a charge from PayPal. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809, Account name: Cultureseekers) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option **Afterwards** After we will head to 'The Crown' pub, 49 Tranquil Vale for a chat over a drink. We finish close to Blackheath Station. If you can make it, please come to the pub afterwards, as it’s a great way to meet and get to know others after the visit. Please note, we will only wait at the station for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time so please be early or on time. Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign outside the station. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (text only) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

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

Join us for pizza and conversation at Vick’s Gourmet Pizza! 🍕 Good slices, good stories, and plenty of laughs around the table. Come hungry, bring your best conversation, and let’s enjoy a relaxed evening with great company. Extra cheese and extra chatter encouraged! 😄

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

Someone told me about Due Amici and I hear it has some of the finest Italian food in town mangia bene, vivi felice! (eat well, live happy). Let’s enjoy the great food, the conversations, and most importantly the amazing company we keep, guys.