Ancient Rome

**ISLINGTON EDGES.**............Brand new for 2025 On this tour we touch various parts of London from Islington to Camden, from Kings Cross to Bloomsbury from Clerkenwell to Angel. But central to it all is Islington so why not call it Islington edges ! London at its best with a complete mixture of subjects, from the death of a clown to a man made river, from a South African hero to Bob Dylan As usual there are blue plaques in abundance and a personal story that takes me back to my very early youth. Its a circular walk from Kings cross and back again taking over two hours but in that time we meet lots of the sort of characters and visit various places that helped make London the city we all love.

It’s glorious weather, so join us for a Bank Holiday drink at The Mayflower, Rotherhithe. The pub is by the Thames with an outdoor area. We may move to other pubs nearby. Will update any change of location in message discussion. ☀️ 🍻

**🥾Hike Details** **• Distance:** 26 km **• Hiking Time:** Approx. 6-7 hours **• Grade:** Moderate **• Ascent:** 360 m **• Pace:** Steady (we aim for 4 kms/hour) with breaks for lunch and photos **• Cost:** £33 per person (includes guided Hike & return train tickets) **👣 Hike Description** **Hertfordshire’s rolling countryside** takes centre stage on this beautiful circular hike through **chalk hills, ancient villages**, and peaceful river valleys just **west of Hitchin.** This varied route blends open farmland, shaded green lanes, woodland paths, and some of the most scenic landscapes in the Chilterns. We begin near the **historic market town of Hitchin,** known for its medieval roots, **Tudor buildings,** and long-standing market square. Soon after, we pass the impressive **St Mary's Church (12th century and largely developed during the 14th–15th centuries)** Hitchin, the largest parish church in Hertfordshire, before heading into open countryside and climbing gently towards the Chiltern edge. The route continues over farmland and along ancient paths before descending into the striking chalk landscapes of **Pegsdon Hills and Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve,** a designated **AONB** known for its flower-rich grasslands, rare wildlife, and sweeping valley views. In the afternoon, we follow the **historic Icknield Way** to the **village of Pirton,** where remnants of **a Norman motte-and-bailey castle** and a deserted medieval settlement reveal layers of local history. We then continue through Oughtonhead Common, a tranquil wet woodland reserve following the crystal-clear chalk stream of the River Oughton and back in Hitchin’s old town. **🌟Highlights:** * **Chiltern Hills views & rolling farmland** * **Pegsdon Hills chalk downlands NNR** * **Ancient Icknield Way & historic Pirton** * **St Mary’s Church (12th–15th century origins)** * **Hitchin medieval market town history** **📍⏰Meeting Point & Time** **Location:** London Kings Cross Rail Station next to main ticket office **Depart:** Meet us 08:50 am, we leave 09:10 am for 09:27 am train **Return:** 06:31 pm Back in London Kings Cross (commitment required until then). **Your guide:** Raj – local trail expert and experienced group leader **On-the-day contact:** 07788 839784 (available on hike day only) **🎒What to Bring** \- Sturdy hiking boots \- Water & packed lunch/snacks \- Weather\-appropriate clothing \(layers\, windbreaker\) \- Sun protection \(hat\, sunscreen\) \- Optional: camera\, walking poles **What not included:** Food and drinks, personal insurance, and any personal expenses. **By booking and attending this event, you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ATwisQ4GPE0KszBmFVy8wK4thfCKKlGF/view?usp=sharing)** **© 2026 Outdoorly Adventures Ltd. All rights reserved**

**Meet at Tottenham Court Rd tube outside exit 1.** **"Tottenham Court Road**, a market road, or street, leading from Oxford Street to the prebendal manor of Tothill, Totenhall, or Totenham Court, described in Domesday, and originally appertaining to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's. In 1560 the manor was demised to Queen Elizabeth for ninety-nine years, in the name of Sir Robert Dudley." In 1639, twenty years before the expiration of Queen Elizabeth's term, a lease was granted to Charles I., in the name of Sir Henry Vane. In 1649, being seized as Crown land, the manor was sold to Ralph Harrison, Esq., of London, for the sum of £3318 : 3: 11. At the Restoration it reverted to the Crown; and in 1661 was granted by Charles II., for the term of forty-one years, in payment of a debt, to Sir Henry Wood. The lease was next possessed by Isabella, Countess of Arlington, in the reign of Charles II., from whom it descended to her daughter, the Duchess of Grafton; and in this way was inherited by the family of the Fitzroys, Dukes of Grafton, descended from Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland, the notorious mistress of Charles II." **Check out the Flying Horse pub (1793) opposite the tube exit. Previously " The Tottenham", this is the only surviving pub in Oxford St. See pics below.** 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 Magnus Pyle, so turn up as something will be on regardless. If you’re new to Picture Hunts, check the previous weeks for winners and clue sheets. This time, the event will be centred around different buildings, shops and features on one side of Tottenham Court Rd, so there’s no crossing of busy roads. This road is not touristy like Charing Cross Rd opposite. 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 Magnus Pyke. 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. Pay on the day.** Contact number 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.**

🗓 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

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\.

**Metropolitan Walkers is part of the Ramblers, Britain's walking charity. All welcome for 3 'taster' walks, after which please join the Ramblers - info on the [Met Walkers website](https://www.metropolitan-walkers.org.uk/how-to-join/)** London is now a sprawling city of 607 sq miles; however, tonight we'll step back in time to the 0.5 sq miles Roman city of Londinium! We are charged with carrying out a perimeter check of the Roman wall, built in the 2nd century to fortify our bustling commercial centre from marauding Celts and Saxon pirates. En route, we will stop by the Fort to pick up supplies and see the place where chariots from the ends of the empire gather. Please report to Centurion Rayus at the hour of VII where the Flumen Flutana meets the Tamesis (at the Blackfriars North Bank). Loyal Roman citizens may seek refreshment inside the city wall after completion of the perimeter. **Leisurely \| 3\.5 miles / 5\.6 km** **Start: Blackfriars Train Station** **Please report to Centurion Rayus at the hour of VII where the Flumen Flutana meets the Tamesis (at the Blackfriars North Bank). @ 07:00 pm** Postcode: EC4V 4DY **End: Tower Hill Train Station** Postcode: EC3N 4DJ

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/)]

**What this is** In-person speed friending night for women who want to meet other women without apps or awkward small talk. You’ll have short one-to-one chats that rotate every few minutes, followed by time to stay and talk with anyone you click with. Most women come on their own. That’s normal here. The format takes the pressure off and makes it easy to settle in, even if you’re a bit nervous at first. This is friending first. Anything else happens naturally. It’s a standing event with short conversations, followed by open social time. You don’t need to prepare anything or know what to say. You won’t be put on the spot, and you won’t be left awkwardly standing around. If you’ve been wanting to meet more women in real life, this is a good place to start. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/speed-friending/](https://thelcommunity.com/speed-friending/) The venue will be released on the week of the event. **Arriving and support** The 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 won’t go through on this number. **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. **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/go](www.thelcommunity.com/go)

Come along on Saturday 30th May for treasure hunt around the historic area of Southwark! The treasure hunts are a good way to get to know an area of London whilst meeting new people. **About the area** In around 200AD the Romans built a bridge between Londinium (now the City) and a group of islands directly opposite across the Thames. The area has been inhabited since and was called *'Suthringa Geweorche'* (which means Southern Defensive Work) by the Anglo Saxons, we know it today as Southwark. In the middle ages, the area became known as the place of 'entertainment', with theatres, bear & bull baiting pits, taverns and brothels. It also had notorious prisons like the Clink and Marshalsea. **How it works** Come along at 1:30pm and you will be randomly divided into teams of 3 people (or you can choose your own team beforehand). For fairness, any London Guides or Blue Badge Tour Guides won't be allowed to take part. Then each team will be given 15-20 written clues which you have to find the answers for. It's up to your team to work together to find the answers. The answers will be found on blue plaques or statues. You can answer them in any order and you will be provided with a map of the area to help you. It's not a race, so you can take your time getting to know Southwark. **Prizes** The team to get the most correct answers and then return to base (a local pub or cafe) will win book vouchers for Waterstones bookshops of £10 per person. If more than one team gets the top score, there will be a tie break question back at the pub. A £5 gift voucher per person will be given to each member of the team coming in second place and prizes will be given to each member of the team with the best team name. **Cost** Its £7 per person to take part (payable by cash or credit card on the day), apart from Full Members where it is free! **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 Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) We will be marking the scores back at the pub at 4:30pm, so it should all be over by 5:00pm. Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign/flag. If you can't see us, please text. Look forward to seeing you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](http://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/)***

Come along on Sunday 31st May for a guided walk/hike, walking the route of one of London's lost rivers - the River Walbrook! **About the walk** We will walk the entire length of the river (about 2 miles), from its source to where it enters the River Thames. The Walbrook is unfortunately completely covered and is now part of sewer system since the 1860's. The walk is part hike/part guided, so starting at its source in Shoreditch, we will follow its route and on the way I will show you points of interest which would have been on the banks of the River Walbrook and tell you more about them. **The River Walbrook** The meaning comes from *'weala broc'* meaning '*brook of the foreigners'* which is what the invading Romans took to mean the native Britons. Despite being one of the shortest rivers to flow through London, the River Walbrook is counted as a major waterway, as it carved a route right through Roman Londinium. The exact location of the source of the river is of great dispute, although evidence suggests it is somewhere on Holywell Hill in Shoreditch. It was an important part of the Roman city providing fresh water to the Roman citizens. We will walk about 2 miles, so sensible shoes are advised. The terrain is pavements. The walk finishes near Cannon Street Station. **Payment** Full Members of the group will be free, everyone else the cost is £7 per person (payable by cash or credit card on the day). **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](mailto:general@cultureseekers.org), using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Afterwards** After, we will head to the 'Sir John Hawkshaw pub' (a Wetherspoons pub) on the concourse of Cannon Street Station for a chat over a drink. If you can't see us outside the station, please text. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) ***On the day, if you can’t make the trip, 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/22974682/531979527/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/)*

**MEET:** for tea at 10.45 at Costa Coffee 44-46 Greenwich Church St or just outside at 11.15 for the start of the walk. **My number** is 07815009191 in case you are late; please do not send me a message but call if you need to contact me. It's where time begins but only because of the ravens in the Tower. Find out why the Astronomer Royal's wife was furious, why the observatory was almost destroyed by terrorism. See where Ann Boelyn doomed herself, where Elizabeth I played as a child, where Nelson lay in state as part of a massive propaganda exercise and the site of the country's Sistine Chapel. There's plenty more on this walk packed with naval and royal history. Please pay £12. You can pay cash on the day or transfer to my account sort 090128 acct 75471878.

**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**!

**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 ❤️---

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan