Separated

For our second April meeting, we will read Jane Sanderson's 2020 novel, *Mix Tape*. The book is her fifth and was made into a television series in Australia that later aired on BBC2. This '[t]ouching, peppily nostalgic love story' set in Adelaide is a 'lovely novel, delicately drawn, with characters that really linger in the mind and memory.' 'You never forget the one that got away. But what if ‘what could have been’ is still to come?' -Book jacket https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45298339-mix-tape The meeting will be held at Milk Beach Soho. So join us for some Australian fare as we delve into this fun read. N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

This is a live session at The Mitre in Greenwich. The purpose of this meeting is to provide and receive critique on submitted extracts of members' creative writing, whether they're working on a novel, screenplay, poetry, a memoir or short story, etc. We share our extracts via email ahead of the meeting to give us all a chance to read the work in our own time and reflect upon it so as to be able to provide useful critique. If you want to submit an extract mail me at gpatrick66@hotmail.com to book a slot. If you are new to the group we ask that you participate in at least two of the Wednesday critiquing sessions before you submit work for review so that you get to know us and have a good understanding of how we operate. This will help you to get the most from a critique of your own work. Extracts should be approx 3,000 words and the full document (extract plus blurbs, questions etc) should not exceed 3,500 words in total. Extracts must be mailed to me (gpatrick66@hotmail.com) at the latest by 9pm on the Saturday before the session so that I can share your work with the rest of the group. We have a limit of 4 extracts per session to give adequate time to review work properly. Feel free to give guidance on any specific areas on which you would like feedback. E.g. Plot, pacing, structure or character development etc. (If you have not received the extracts by the Sunday before the session, mail me.) The group is friendly and relaxed, so please don't feel nervous about sharing your work! We will normally review extracts according to the order in which they are sent to me but if you need a particular slot let me know when you submit your extract and we will try to accommodate that. Please note that all phones MUST be switched to silent mode for the duration of the meeting.

**🥋 Feel Safer, Get Stronger, Train Smarter - Battersea Park Bandstand** Join our friendly, outdoor Kung Fu classes in Battersea Park, focused on practical self-defence, functional fitness, and calm under pressure — all taught in a relaxed, ego-free environment. These sessions are designed to help you build real martial skill, improve strength and mobility, and develop confidence that carries into everyday life. No prior experience needed. Many people stay on afterwards for a relaxed social at the Pear Tree Café, just a short walk away. \*\*\* **🧠 About the Classes** Whether your goal is to improve fitness, learn practical self-defence, reduce stress, or simply try something different, these classes are open to **all levels (ages 16+)**. Training blends **traditional Kung Fu methods** with a modern understanding of movement, wellbeing, and long-term health. You’ll learn how to: * Handle punches and common attacks effectively * Use footwork and positioning to avoid strikes * Improve flexibility, balance, and joint mobility * Condition the body safely and progressively * Practise breathing and mindful awareness for calm and resilience Sessions are **beginner-friendly**, taught at a sensible pace, and structured to help you build skill step by step — without intimidation or pressure. \*\*\* **📍 When & Where** 🗓 Saturdays 2:30–4:30pm 🗓 Wednesdays 6:30–8:30pm 📌 **Battersea Park — Central Bandstand** We train outdoors year-round. If it rains, we train under cover nearby. Sessions are adapted sensibly to conditions — part of building resilience and presence. The location is well connected and easy to fit into a normal working week. \*\*\* ## 💰 Pricing 🎟 **First Class (Intro Offer): £10** A one-time introductory session to try the class and see if it’s right for you. If you decide to continue within 48 hours of your first class, this £10 will be deducted from your first class block. *** 🥋 **Training Options** After your first session, training continues via class blocks: **5-Class Block — £75** *(most popular for beginners)* Valid for 2 months A great way to build a solid foundation and get a real feel for the system. **10-Class Block — £120 (best value)** Valid for 4 months Ideal for regular training and steady long-term progress. *** All sessions are 2 hours and designed to give you practical, progressive development each time. Classes are booked in advance. Blocks are non-refundable but flexible if you need to miss a session. **📩 Booking & Contact:** ✉️ [joe.cheung75@gmail.com](http://joe.cheung75@gmail.com) 📱 WhatsApp/text: 07914 411979 \*\*\* **🎒 What to Bring** * Loose, comfortable clothing. * Water. * An open mind - everything else is taught step by step. \*\*\* **💬 What Students Say** *"* *Joe makes everybody feel welcome, and more importantly, he is a great teacher. Rather than a one size fits all approach, he tailors the class to your strengths and weaknesses and he is extremely patient."* – Natalie, beginner *“A true gem for anyone searching for a holistic system to train strength and awareness.”* – Julius, beginner *“I strongly recommend his services for 16 year olds and over. If you are passionate about martial arts then this class will open your mind to many classical & practical Kung Fu styles.”* – George, White Sash \*\*\* **🔔 Important Info** * Please let me know in advance about any injuries or health conditions. * Classes are non-refundable. * Regular training builds confidence, skill, and resilience over time. \*\*\* **👤 About the Instructor** I’m Joe Cheung, a black sash instructor in Baji Zhandao Kung Fu. My martial arts background includes: * 12+ years Baji Zhandao Kung Fu (2nd Black Sash) * 10+ years Bujinkan Ninjitsu (2nd Dan Black Belt) * 2 years Urban Krav Maga Private one-to-one lessons are also available — just ask. \*\*\* **🧭 What Is Baji Zhandao?** Baji Zhandao means *“Battlefield Style”*. It blends over 10 powerful Chinese martial systems into one adaptable method: * Baji Quan * Yang Tai Chi Quan * Pigua Zhang * Tongbei Quan * Bagua Zhang * Xingyi Quan This system was developed by Grandmaster Chen Fu Sheng — a former Chinese Special Forces instructor with 50+ years of real-world martial experience. 🔗 More information: [bajizhandao.co.uk](https://bajizhandao.co.uk) \*\*\* **✅ Ready to Begin?** If you want to feel safer, get stronger, improve mobility, and train in a grounded, supportive group — you’ll be very welcome. Train outdoors. Build skill for life. Leave stronger than you arrived.

**This event is full! [Here's the next one](https://www.meetup.com/thought-experiments-in-pubs/events/314193821).** A special event to share the creative practice of writing thought experiments. **In a nutshell, writing thought experiments creates opportunities to:** * investigate ideas (old and new) * work your imagination * write creatively and playfully * produce compelling conversation starters that you can share with friends and strangers to provoke great discussions Over the past 3 years, I've written over 200 thought experiments and learned a lot along the way. [Here's a bit more about why I enjoy the practice.](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/p/writing-thought-experiments) **In this workshop,** I'll share my process and together we'll create new thought experiments by: * Identifying areas of interest * Gathering ingredients for thought experiments * Imagining scenarios * Constructing narratives * Generating relevant, thought provoking questions * Participating in a round of small group discussions - you can volunteer your new thought experiment, or if you'd rather, you can pick one out of the hat. **By the end of the evening** **we'll have** * had some thought provoking conversations * become familiar with a new method for creative thinking * written our own original material for future group discussions :-) Although we’ll be learning a new technique we'll also be aiming to have **an enjoyable evening, with good humour and fun**. This will be less like school and more like a fun TEiP night out with an additional creative twist. **Who should come:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts, it is about thinking creatively together and learning new ways to develop and communicate ideas. **Tickets** Space is limited to 15-20 people and tickets are £15. I'd like to make this event accessible, so if cost is a barrier, please send me a DM. **Where we'll meet:** The Fitzroy Tavern in Fitzrovia. The nearest Tube stations are Goodge Street and Tottenham Court Road. We'll be upstairs in the Private Dining Room. Looking forward to meeting & talking with you! Bonny **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) -** newsletter and further reflections on these events **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D13LHw5BV3rEtUtO3ORklC)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** & **[FACEBOOK](www.facebook.com/thoughtexperimentsinpub)** \- see what we look like **[WEBSITE](www.alltogether.one)** \- everything else #philosophyinpubs #inclusivity #openmindedness #creativewriting #community #newskills

Join Brush Party, the UK’s ‘Paint and Sip’ experts – Get creative and experience a great night out that you’ll be talking about for weeks! **Advanced booking is essential. Tickets are available from £33 at:** https://brushparty.co.uk/event/the-bootlegger-vault-richmond-blooming-nora-29-04-2026 It’s all about fun! Get yourself a drink from the bar, settle down to your canvas and unleash your inner Van Gogh! It doesn’t matter if you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since school, our artist will walk you through creating your masterpiece. You’ll be delighted as your blank canvas transforms in just a few hours, made all the better by good company, music, and a glass of wine or two! You don’t need to bring anything apart from yourself … We provide everything… A quality canvas, all the paint you need, brushes, aprons, and the environment for you to have a great night out. We are not sticklers, we are all for you mixing it up a bit – If you feel confident, you can interpret our instruction any way you wish – Maybe you’d like to change the colours to suit your décor? We love it when you go ‘rogue’, we might even learn a few tricks! The events start at 7.00pm but please arrive at least 15 minutes early to get your seat and any drinks you may want etc. Our evenings usually last about 3 hours but times may vary. Although we provide aprons, it might be worth wearing old clothes (just in case). We look forward to seeing you for a great night out! **Tickets available from £33 at:** https://brushparty.co.uk/event/the-bootlegger-vault-richmond-blooming-nora-29-04-2026 Your ticket price does not include food or drinks. Drinks can be purchased from the venue and food is also available up to 9pm. Bringing your own food and drink to the event is strictly prohibited. A Brush Party is not a traditional painting class – Music is played throughout the event. Our events are recommended for anyone over the age of 16. However, please contact us if you are booking for anyone under the age of 18 as each venue has licensing conditions that can restrict attendance of minors.

WELCOME A supportive, growing community for writers and readers. I organise and gently hold the space — and it’s been beautiful watching this become a regular place to focus and connect. ⸻ WHAT TO EXPECT Focused co-working for writing or reading. All levels welcome. No critiques. No pressure. No one reads your work. Arrive anytime before 6:45pm to settle in. Quiet session begins 7pm (write – short break – write). Finish around 8:30pm, optional chats after. Venue closes at 9pm — we must be fully out by then. Please pay upon ordering. ⸻ VENUE We sit in the Literacy Lounge area (far right). Food and drinks available to purchase. Wi-Fi sign-in appears automatically. Located near Angel & Highbury & Islington stations. Free street parking after 6:30pm (check signs). ⸻ ABOUT ME I create from lived experience — rooted in care, healing, and meaningful connection. I try to greet everyone, even if I can’t linger long. You are warmly welcomed. ⸻ See you soon, Sara x For full event listings: ShutUp&Write!

YES , OUR FAMOUS SUMMER BOAT PARTIES ARE BACK ! STARTING ON SATURDAY 2ND MAY and continuing every 2 weeks on a Saturday night throughout the summer . **No age restrictions : everyone is welcome . Come and meet other singles , mingle , make new friends and enjoy the buzz !** The Tattershall Castle is a permanently moored boat on the Thames at Embankment . It is also a floating nightclub and one of our favourite Saturday night venues . Summer nights aboard the Tattershall are absolutely sublime - there is simply nowhere else in London quite like it . The event takes the form of a social gathering/mixer with introductions in the earlier part of the evening . Fingers crossed it will be mild enough by May for the DJ to start playing music on deck and we can dance til 11 pm and then continue with more dancing in the clubroom downstairs til 2 am . I have a table reserved on deck (usually this is the first table on your right as you walk down the ramp onto the boat , but if you can't find me please ask a member of staff .) . This will be our base whilst we are chatting , having a drink , dancing on deck , til 11pm , then we move down to the clubroom , where I have reserved another table for us . \*\* Event Fee : £7 for 1 person £10 for 2 Buy your ticket online from : [https://fatso.ma/3vuM](https://fatso.ma/3vuM) You are also free to use the bar/ward room below deck . This is a nice cosy refuge if it's chilly on deck and the windows provide an amazing view of all the coloured lights which illuminate the famous icons on the opposite side of the river (London Eye , City Hall , Southbank Centre , etc). PLEASE NOTE that this event begins at 8 pm - **arrive before** **9 pm to avoid paying an entrance fee directly to the venue** , as well as to me . THE BOAT MAY START CHARGING AFTER 9 PM . I look forward to welcoming you on the night ! Please also bring photo ID (the venue's rules , not mine). Please buy your ticket in advance from : [https://fatso.ma/3vuM](https://fatso.ma/3vuM) **NB You must have your ticket ready** on your phone to show me on arrival , or have **£7 in cash** ready to pay me (Lynn). Thank you .

Join us for an exclusive evening at the stunning 12th-floor rooftop bar at the Hilton London – Tower of London. With breathtaking skyline views, a chic indoor lounge, and an outdoor terrace, this stylish venue sets the perfect scene for a night of socialising. **[Tickets can be purchased here](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cocktailsconversation/2138139)** **The Experience:** Your evening begins in our private rooftop bar, where **60 guests** can take part in a relaxed yet engaging speed dating session. Enjoy a series of fun, **three-minute mini-dates**—an easy way to meet new people in a casual setting. The best part? **Everyone in the room is single!** *(Speed dating is for ages 26-45.)* From 8:00 PM, the event opens into a rooftop mixer & after-party, welcoming an additional 50 guests (open to all ages) for a vibrant social scene. That’s **100 like-minded city professionals** in one incredible setting! Our friendly hosts will be on hand to introduce guests and spark conversations, ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable experience. The **outdoor terrace** offers a lively yet stylish atmosphere, while our private indoor space is reserved exclusively for **Cocktails & Conversation** guests. As the night progresses, a **DJ** will take over from **9:30 PM** *(located in the main bar)*, setting the mood for those who want to continue the night with music, cocktails, and new connections. **Event Schedule:** 🕕 6:30 PM – Arrival & Check-In 💫 7:00 PM – Speed Dating (Ages 26-44) in our exclusive covered bar 🍸 8:00 PM – Rooftop Mixer & Social (Mingle with up to 100 guests, open to all ages) 🎶 9:30 PM – DJ & Dancing (Enjoy the music and city views into the night!) This is a stylish event designed for professionals who want to expand their social circles in a fun yet sophisticated environment. [Purchase ticket here ](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cocktailsconversation/2138139)

Social spikeball session for lower intermediate players and above. We play near Victoria park bandstand. Exact location: https://good.gl/maps/hYNjYG7GrczMRsAz5 We'll have 2/3 spikeball sets and will be running a friendly round robin format with a warm-up at the start. Rules: Casual spike ball rules (no worries if you don't know them). Please be on time. I'll give a rundown of the rules at the start so no need to worry if you're not clear on anything.

Hi Everyone **Book now for Singles Social Afternoon in London! ✨ Drake & Morgan, at King's Cross** **Sunday 3rd May** **2pm-5pm (or longer if you wish!)** (\*All ages but mostly 40 & 50s plus for this afternoon event) Tickets are £9.95 for the singles afternoon mixer SUNDAY May 3rd - Day before Bank Holiday Monday! [contactsingles.co.uk/singles-social-afternoon](contactsingles.co.uk/singles-social-afternoon) A lovely afternoon of singles mingling, music playing in the background, a relaxed atmosphere ✨ Make the afternoon a sociable one - come and join us! Coming alone? Our friendly host(s) are on hand to welcome you and make introductions (if required). Our reserved area at the ground level bar is perfect for this type of event\*. **Drake & Morgan, at King's Cross** **6 St Pancras Square** **London N1C 4AG** **Once you book this afternoon social, please post your RSVP beside the event for SUNDAY May 3rd 2026.** This will help you to be found after the event. **You need to book via payment link on our site** [contactsingles.co.uk/singles-social-afternoon](contactsingles.co.uk/singles-social-afternoon) **Text full name with YEAR of birth to 07809 709099 once you book.** (Or via the link attached to this event on Meetup, but they may charge an extra fee) Everyone who books can write their names and contact details on the cards provided by us at the venue (if you wish), which you can then pass on to anyone you would like to stay in touch with after the singles social afternoon. **In the heart of London, a few moment's from King's Cross underground & St Pancras stations, Drake & Morgan at King's Cross with inviting, show stopping bars and extensive year-round outside space.** **Our reserved area at the ground level bar is perfect for this type of event.** We have the most cosmopolitan mix of sociable singles from London and the surrounding counties. Why not come along and maybe meet that someone special to share your life with! Our events are also a great way to make new single friends. If female and coming alone we can put you in touch with other ladies on the female networking who are also coming alone (and/or at our events). We send these contacts before our events. See you soon! Maria x Contact Singles 07809 709099 [contactsingles.co.uk](contactsingles.co.uk) [contactsingles.co.uk/singles-social-afternoon](contactsingles.co.uk/singles-social-afternoon) Bookings come via promotions on Skiddle, Eventbrite, All Events, Facebook, Instagram (contact.singles) and our other Meet Up groups apart from this one. Contact Singles started in 1994 and members are also kept informed about upcoming events.

Join us for an exclusive Cocktails & Conversation evening at **Maison Close**, one of **Mayfair’s newest and most talked-about hotspots** — intimate, atmospheric, and effortlessly chic. [Purchase ticket here ](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1987314007694?aff=oddtdtcreator) For the first part of the evening, the venue will be **open exclusively to our guests from 8:00pm**, creating the ideal setting for relaxed introductions, meaningful conversations, and stylish mingling in elegant surroundings. ### What to expect 🥂 **Welcome drink** on arrival (8:00–8:30pm) 🎶 Soft, carefully curated music to keep the atmosphere warm and social 💬 Friendly C&C hosts subtly make introductions and help conversations flow Expect around **120 discerning guests**, all there for the same reason — to meet like-minded people in a refined, comfortable environment that feels far removed from apps or awkward mixers. From **10:30pm**, Maison Close opens to their invited guests. You’re very welcome to stay on as the energy lifts, the lights dim slightly, and the night evolves into a **lively Mayfair soirée**, complete with house music and a stylish late-night crowd. ### Good to know ✨ **Age guide:** 24–46 👗 **Dress code:** Smart & stylish (this is Mayfair — effortless polish encouraged) 🪪 **Photo ID may be required** As always, Cocktails & Conversation events are about **quality over quantity** — beautiful venues, well-matched guests, and an atmosphere where mixing and mingling feels natural, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable. [purchase ticket here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1987314007694?aff=oddtdtcreator) We look forward to welcoming you for an evening that begins with conversation… and ends wherever the night takes you 🍸✨

April's book: Anywhere but Here: How Britain's Broken Asylum System Fails us All by Nicola Kelly **What is it like to arrive on our shores with nothing and be pushed to the margins of society?** **Who stands to gain from an asylum system that is intentionally hostile?** *Anywhere But Here* is a powerful exposé of Britain’s broken asylum system and how it fails us all. Each year tens of thousands of people risk their lives to cross the Channel in small boats hoping to find safety in Britain. Yet the very system designed to protect them has all but collapsed. With unique and unparalleled access, award-winning journalist and former Home Office insider Nicola Kelly takes us behind the scenes of the small boats crisis for the first time. We follow the under-resourced coastguard overseeing search and rescue operations in the Channel. The decision-makers hired from McDonald’s and Aldi to conduct ‘life and death’ asylum interviews. The immigration barristers securing last-minute reprieves for deportees who narrowly escaped death. And we step inside the Home Office corridors as ministers and advisors respond to emerging crises and scandals, from Windrush to the Rwanda plan. At its heart are the stories of war-torn arrivals, lone teenagers and trafficked women attempting to settle in cities, towns and villages across the UK. We travel to meet them, exploring where they have fled from and why, and the response of local communities to their new neighbours. **Situated on the beaches and the ports, in the hotels, the courtrooms and the detention centres where the futures of those affected unfold, this is a searing investigation into one of the most urgent issues and shocking injustices of our time.** The meeting starts at 7:30. After starting the group, we will break up into small groups. Those familiar with the CLH Book Group meeting know how this works: in each group we take turns introducing ourselves and giving our 1 minute thoughts on the book. It's important not to go over a minute and not to interrupt other people's minute so that everyone gets a chance to participate. After this first round, each group discusses for another 20 minutes or so. We then shuffle the groups so as to talk to as many different people as possible and in the new groups repeat our introductions and 1 minute thoughts. We'll do this a couple of times before coming all together at the end in one last big group. While we are very social and welcoming, the book group's primary focus is on discussing books. Feel free to turn up if you haven't managed to finish this month's book but note that the group works best when we have all read at least half of the book and are prepared to share our opinions. *** £3 per person to attend. If it's your first time, come and try us out for free! If you prefer, you can [pay online, by clicking here](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZWCNRJ25BDL96). We encourage dialogue, debate and sharing of information on our site but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any views expressed here are those of the individual posting them and may not reflect those of CLH.

**To book onto this trip please follow the link below which will take you directly to the website page..** [May Bank Holiday 2026](https://travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk/trip/stockholm-may-bank-holiday-2026/) If you would like to view the full itinerary for the trip please follow the link below... [Full itinerary of the trip.](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTyRLqfBSbFwQURY5Mx97L5HHjPQPgFSnG0dWlijZj9nYanct4quCeVs2d2Q10M8-3QjLOcEQbhsZgr/pub) If you are using the app and are unable to open the link please go directly to our website where you will be able to book onto the trip.. travelbuddiesholidays.co.uk

Tickets are now on sale!🥳We also will have lunch before. At the Rusty Bucket in Easton which is posted separately. 😊 Park in the East Garage.The restaurant is across the street then we can walk back together to the movie! 🥳

**Optional movie afterwards**

**Tickets are on Sale now $22.00 curtainplayers.org** **please list your seat number in comments . Purchase in E .We also will meet for lunch if interested which is posted separately 😊**

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

**PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT NOTES:** 1. The dates listed for this series are about 95% reliable. We are finalizing our 2026 schedule, so minor adjustments are still underway. 2. Each class in this series has an attendance fee, on a first-come, first-served basis. 3. Each class, from BOTH a sign-up and fee perspective, is a separate entity. **Introduction:** **The breakdown of the six-class series is as follows:** **Class 1: TBD** **Class 2: TBD** **Class 3: TBD** **Class 4: TBD** **Class 5: TBD** **Class 6: TBD**