Rotary Club

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)' ❤️

**Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie** *Locked room mystery about a family reunited for Christmas, written by the "Queen of Crime"* In Hercule Poirot's Christmas, the holidays are anything but merry when a family reunion is marred by murder — and the notoriously fastidious investigator is quickly on the case. The wealthy Simeon Lee has demanded that all four of his sons — one faithful, one prodigal, one impecunious, one sensitive — and their wives return home for Christmas. But a heartwarming family holiday is not exactly what he has in mind. He bedevils each of his sons with barbed insults and finally announces that he is cutting off their allowances and changing his will. Poirot is called in the aftermath of Simeon Lee's announcement. \*\*\* Chapters & Conversations is a space for fiction lovers to connect over great stories and lively chats! Whether you’re into literary fiction, contemporary novels, or fantasy worlds, we’re here to explore it all together. We’re hoping to meet fellow bookworms who enjoy getting lost in a good story and are open to sharing thoughts, laughs, and recommendations. At each event, we’ll dive into a chosen book, chat about characters, themes, and twists - above all, it’s about community, curiosity, and a shared love of reading! Stasia and Yana:)

We have been to this event before and always made to feel very welcome. The congregation are always invited to sing. There are places to wait inside, but come early if you want to meet first so that we can sit together

**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.**

Come along on Sunday 21st December for a Carol Concert at All Souls Church in central London! **About the church** All Souls Church in Langham Place was designed in by John Nash, built of Bath stone and was consecrated in 1824. It is quite a well known church, sitting just off Upper Regent Street and as the church stands directly opposite the BBC, it often broadcasts from the church. All Souls Langham Place will be spreading Christmas cheer with a live choir and orchestra performing some of the nation’s most loved carols. The concert will last about 1 hour. It includes many well known carols. It starts at 5:30pm. There are also free mince pies at the end. **Cost** The carol concert is free! **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(email me – general@cultureseekers\.org for details\) \- 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 the concert, we will head to 'The Phoenix pub', 37 Cavendish Square from 6:30pm for a drink. Lookout for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign outside the church. We are meeting at 5:00pm and going in at 5:15pm to make sure we get seats. There will be a queue to get in. Look forward to seeing you there. Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@culltureseekers.org](general@culltureseekers.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/)***

Join us for a relaxed 5km & 10km run, with three pace groups to suit all levels, including a walk/jog option. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your pace! This is a FREE Muslim Runners Community event, open to all runners – regardless of pace or experience. Simply bring your smiles and good vibes, and we’ll take care of the rest! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/social-run-tickets-1978190082789?aff=ebemoffollowpublishemail&ref=eemail&utm_campaign=following_published_event&utm_content=follow_notification&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eventbrite

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

[The Board Walks](www.theboardwalks.com) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** **and join us for a 5-mile walk** (10,000+ steps!). **What to expect:** We walk as a group and dive into topics that go beyond small talk. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **Come prepared:** We ask that you bring a thoughtful topic with you. At the start of the walk, everyone shares their topic with the group, and these become the launching points for conversations throughout our 5 miles together. Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. Be a good egg and bring a topic that'd make people go "Oooh, interesting." **Important notes:** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). We want everyone to have a great experience, and this format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. **FAQs:** * We have multiple first-timers on each walk! We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are very welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **Logistics:** * **Arrive on time.** If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we kindly suggest that you skip the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and one of our goals is to create a "phone-free" space — which means everyone (including the host!) will be fully present. We can't answer messages during the event. * **Read our [Ground Rules](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules)**. Our host gives an overview of what to expect at the beginning of the walk. * **Share the magic**. If you enjoy the event, send **[this](www.theboardwalks.com)** to a friend. We're currently in 7 cities with more on the way (Austin, SF, NYC, Denver, Columbus, Boone, London). 🤠👋 **If you want to go deeper...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. * We're currently building our waitlist. Apply [here.](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board)

We meet at lunch each week and each meeting follows a fairly organized agenda. First all participants pass their business cards around. Then each member and guest is invited to give a one-minute overview of their company and what is a perfect referral for the week. We always have a 10 minute presentation from one of the members about their business in more detail. And finally we pass referrals. You're welcome to visit. Nobody is ever put on the spot. Bring plenty of cards!

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!