sharing your life stories

[Follow this link for more info, no tickets needed](https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/the-coming-of-age) ‘The Coming of Age’ explores experiences and perceptions of ageing, from adolescence to later life, and asks how societies can adapt for us all to age better. Across the globe, people are living longer. One in ten children in the UK are expected to live beyond the age of 100. But who gets to live longer and ‘age well’? This exhibition explores how experiences of age are shaped by our environment, culture and society. ‘The Coming of Age’ features more than 120 artworks and objects, including historical artefacts and works by contemporary artists. We will join the free intro tour at 14:15 if it's running, then visit by ourselves and you can also check the 'Being Human' permanent exhibition afterwards. When you finish, meet us at the cafe to socialise, if full we will go to a venue nearby. _See comments below for updates_

**A gem of a life drawing session in our secret hideaway - a good vibes intimate sit down drawing session with wonderful models and lighting** Vaulty Towers really is a very special venue with a wonderful atmosphere- walk through the main bar with its glittery décor and down the little staircase into the twinkly hideaway downstairs where the life drawing magic happens! As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. **Please don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com** Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick **Sunday Secret Sketch** **Every Sunday** **3.30-5.30pm** **£15 / £10 students and under 25's** **We also run [Saturday Secret Sketch session](https://londondrawing.com/buy-tickets-for-saturday-secret-sketch-including-session-information/)** **11-1pm Every Saturday** **And a second Sunday Secret Sketch** **1-3pm every Sunday** **Drop in and pay cash or paypal on the door** **PayPal link:** **[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)** Or buy tickets here: [BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunday-secret-sketch-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426778555147) **Venue:** **Vaulty Towers** **34 Lower Marsh** **London** **SE1 7RG**

🟤 THE FIRST 10 TICKETS ARE **£4.50 ONLY** 🟢 REMAINING TICKETS ONLINE ARE **£9.50 ONLY** 🟣 TICKETS AT THE DOOR ARE **£15** **Click The Link Below To Buy Tickets**: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712106337](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712106337) In this workshop Ryan explains how conversations function, how to make them flow with brain training exercises that can be practiced to get sharper at conversations. This also helps conversations to be more engaging for everyone involved including yourself. 🟡 - Get rid of awkward silences in your conversations 🟤 - Make your conversations flow smoothly ⚪ - Make your conversations more engaging for everyone involved including yourself 🔴 - Indirectly benefit other areas of your social skills because if you’re not thinking about how to keep the 🟢 - conversation flowing you have more free thinking space to focus on other areas like humour or body language 🔴- Decrease your nervousness in social situations as often nervousness comes from not knowing what to say 🟣 - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🟡 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together Ryan has been coaching people social skills full time for over 10 years. As a quiet & shy person he wanted to work on his own social skills & after making huge improvements plus understanding how social situations work & how to improve he developed a process to help others for every area of social skills. He has helped thousands of people over the years to improve & now has a huge following including over 180000 followers on TikTok. More info on Ryan & Social Shortcuts can be found on the website [www.socialshortcuts.com](https://www.socialshortcuts.com) After workshops we spend time hanging out together, a great opportunity to practice the workshop content & make new friends. Plus Ryan is happy to answer any questions you want to ask one to one. 🟢After this, the next workshop is: **How To Initiate Interactions With New People** Sun, Jun 14, 2026, 5:45 PM - IN LONDON **[Click to purchase ticket](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712118373)**[ - eventbrite.com/e/1984712118373](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712118373) In this workshop Ryan explains why people often have emotions blocking them (usually nervousness) in social situations & how to deal with this to not miss out on opportunities. In the 2nd half he explains how to smoothly start a conversation & make it flow. 🔵 - Understand why people get nervous in social situations or have other emotions blocking them from socialising 🟣 - How to reduce & overcome nervousness or other emotions blocking you from socialising 🟠 - How to start a conversation easily in almost any situation 🟢 - How to use positioning & body language to make starting a conversation much easier 🔵 - How to get a conversation flowing after starting it ⚫ - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🔴 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together In person workshops are at 40 Store St. - Store Street Espresso: London. For any questions feel free to contact Ryan or Gabriel. Please don't contact the other group organisers as they are not involved in running the event & won't be able to provide much help:
 ✉ **Ryan**: info@socialshortcuts.com
 ✉ **Gabriel**: gabrielsocialshortcuts@gmail.com **OTHER EVENTS LINED UP** 🟡 Developing Humor And Quick Thinking In Social Situations
 🟢 Persuasion Workshop
 🟤 How To Manage Emotions Workshop 5 minute documentary on our workshops - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rlbCYdeaws We have a score of 4.9 out 5 on Trustpilot - https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/socialshortcuts.com Our WhatsApp chat where we discuss social skill, give updates about our events & you can ask questions - https://chat.whatsapp.com/H3mLsvkNJwpCcOELRX28nQ For one to one coaching on social skills and also our free trial session - [ http://www.socialshortcuts.com We have over 180000 followers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialshortcuts.com Our video courses - [https://social-shortcuts.teachable.com/p/conversation-course DISCLAIMER
This workshop is intended for educational and or entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. **Follow us on the sites below also**:
 http://www.socialshortcuts.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/socialshortcuts
http://www.facebook.com/socialshortcutsofficial
http://www.Instagram.com/socialshortcuts **📜 Judith Orloff** 📜 How you react emotionally is a choice in any situation

Join us for an engaging and inspiring life drawing sessions at the Toynbee Art Club in Aldgate Shoreditch, London. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner looking to explore your creative side, this session welcomes all skill levels. Our friendly and talented life models will strike poses for you to sketch and paint in a nurturing and supportive environment. This is a great opportunity to refine your drawing skills, meet like-minded individuals, and immerse yourself in the world of art. Beginners are especially encouraged to attend as guidance will be provided for those that request it. Come unleash your creativity with us! Poses are 1min to 50min. All materials provided.

**Do you enjoy discussing life's big questions?** Then this group is for you! Open for three weeks only. **Christianity explored** is an informal and relaxed three-week discussion group. We will read a short book (21 pages) from the famous book, the Bible and have discussions. It's for anyone who wants to think about the meaning of life. **If you are open-minded and want to discuss life questions from a new perspective, then come join us!** Come ready to listen, ask, laugh and enjoy socialising and chatting in a relaxed environment at our beautiful venue free of charge. No knowledge of Christianity or the bible is required to attend. **You can ask any questions**, or simply sit and listen. You will not be asked to read, pray or speak. Join us if you would like to meet others and be part of this three-week reading group. Dates: Every Tuesday for three weeks Venue: Inspire St James Church, EC1R 0EA \*\*Lunch will be provided from the lovely Noodle Brat restaurant \*\* £5 donations suggested. Look forward to see you!

**A gem of a life drawing session in our secret hideaway - a good vibes intimate sit down drawing session with wonderful models and lighting** Vaulty Towers really is a very special venue with a wonderful atmosphere- walk through the main bar with its glittery décor and down the little staircase into the twinkly hideaway downstairs where the life drawing magic happens! As with all our drop in classes- expect professional tutors and models in an inspiring and unique space. With poses from 30 seconds to one hour- there is something for everyone. This is a general life drawing class with tuition for beginners and advice for those who are more experienced, all designed to encourage you to develop your own style and approach. **Please don’t come to class if you feel ill- you can rebook to another date- just email info@londondrawing.com** Materials available to buy, or bring your own- Paper 20p per sheet, charcoal 25p per stick **Sunday Secret Sketch** **Every Sunday** **1-3pm** **£15 / £10 students and under 25's** **We also run [Saturday Secret Sketch session](https://londondrawing.com/buy-tickets-for-saturday-secret-sketch-including-session-information/)** **11-1pm Every Saturday** **And a second Sunday Secret Sketch** **3.30-5.30pm every Sunday** **Drop in and pay cash or paypal on the door** **PayPal link:** **[PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/LondonDrawing)** Or buy tickets here: [BUY TICKETS HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sunday-secret-sketch-weekly-drop-in-life-drawing-waterloo-tickets-426778555147) **Venue:** **Vaulty Towers** **34 Lower Marsh** **London** **SE1 7RG**

🟤 THE FIRST 10 TICKETS ARE **£4.50 ONLY** 🟢 REMAINING TICKETS ONLINE ARE **£9.50 ONLY** 🟣 TICKETS AT THE DOOR ARE **£15** **Click The Link Below To Buy Tickets**: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712106337](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984712106337) In this workshop Ryan explains how conversations function, how to make them flow with brain training exercises that can be practiced to get sharper at conversations. This also helps conversations to be more engaging for everyone involved including yourself. 🟡 - Get rid of awkward silences in your conversations 🟤 - Make your conversations flow smoothly ⚪ - Make your conversations more engaging for everyone involved including yourself 🔴 - Indirectly benefit other areas of your social skills because if you’re not thinking about how to keep the 🟢 - conversation flowing you have more free thinking space to focus on other areas like humour or body language 🔴- Decrease your nervousness in social situations as often nervousness comes from not knowing what to say 🟣 - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🟡 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together Ryan has been coaching people social skills full time for over 10 years. As a quiet & shy person he wanted to work on his own social skills & after making huge improvements plus understanding how social situations work & how to improve he developed a process to help others for every area of social skills. He has helped thousands of people over the years to improve & now has a huge following including over 180000 followers on TikTok. More info on Ryan & Social Shortcuts can be found on the website [www.socialshortcuts.com](https://www.socialshortcuts.com) After workshops we spend time hanging out together, a great opportunity to practice the workshop content & make new friends. Plus Ryan is happy to answer any questions you want to ask one to one. 🟢After this, the next workshop is: **How To Initiate Interactions With New People** Sun, Jun 14, 2026, 5:45 PM - IN LONDON **[Click to purchase ticket](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712118373)**[ - eventbrite.com/e/1984712118373](https://eventbrite.com/e/1984712118373) In this workshop Ryan explains why people often have emotions blocking them (usually nervousness) in social situations & how to deal with this to not miss out on opportunities. In the 2nd half he explains how to smoothly start a conversation & make it flow. 🔵 - Understand why people get nervous in social situations or have other emotions blocking them from socialising 🟣 - How to reduce & overcome nervousness or other emotions blocking you from socialising 🟠 - How to start a conversation easily in almost any situation 🟢 - How to use positioning & body language to make starting a conversation much easier 🔵 - How to get a conversation flowing after starting it ⚫ - Brain training exercises designed to increase sharpness at this area of social skills 🔴 - A challenge at the end to bring everything from the workshop together In person workshops are at 40 Store St. - Store Street Espresso: London. For any questions feel free to contact Ryan or Gabriel. Please don't contact the other group organisers as they are not involved in running the event & won't be able to provide much help:
 ✉ **Ryan**: info@socialshortcuts.com
 ✉ **Gabriel**: gabrielsocialshortcuts@gmail.com **OTHER EVENTS LINED UP** 🟡 Developing Humor And Quick Thinking In Social Situations
 🟢 Persuasion Workshop
 🟤 How To Manage Emotions Workshop 5 minute documentary on our workshops - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rlbCYdeaws We have a score of 4.9 out 5 on Trustpilot - https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/socialshortcuts.com Our WhatsApp chat where we discuss social skill, give updates about our events & you can ask questions - https://chat.whatsapp.com/H3mLsvkNJwpCcOELRX28nQ For one to one coaching on social skills and also our free trial session - [ http://www.socialshortcuts.com We have over 180000 followers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialshortcuts.com Our video courses - [https://social-shortcuts.teachable.com/p/conversation-course DISCLAIMER
This workshop is intended for educational and or entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition. **Follow us on the sites below also**:
 http://www.socialshortcuts.com
http://www.youtube.com/c/socialshortcuts
http://www.facebook.com/socialshortcutsofficial
http://www.Instagram.com/socialshortcuts **📜 Judith Orloff** 📜 How you react emotionally is a choice in any situation

*“It's all make-believe, isn't it?”* (Marilyn Monroe) Join us at **Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery** to explore the life, career and legacy of Marilyn Monroe through portraits created by some of the greatest photographers and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Bringing together works by Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, Marlene Dumas, James Gill, Rosalyn Drexler and Audrey Flack, alongside over 20 era-defining photographers, including Cecil Beaton, Philippe Halsman, Bernard of Hollywood, Sam Shaw, Richard Avedon and George Barris, the exhibition will foreground Monroe’s collaborative approach to image making and her creative agency. The exhibition will also include personal belongings such as books, scripts and clothes to enrich understanding of the woman behind the image. From the earliest ‘cheesecake’ pin-ups made when she was a young model named Norma-Jeane, to the most poignant final photographs taken on the beach in Santa Monica in 1962, Marilyn Monroe was one of the most photographed people in the world. A defining presence in popular culture, she captivated audiences with performances in much loved films such as *Some Like it Hot*. **Read more here:** **[https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/marilyn-monroe-a-portrait](https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/marilyn-monroe-a-portrait)** **MEET DETAILS:** **FROM 1.45pm: MEET AT AUDREY GREEN CAFE** Address: Ground Floor, NPG, St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE **2.30pm: ENTER THE EXHIBITION** Address: Ground Floor, NPG, St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE **4.30pm-Late: PUB SOCIAL at the BREWMASTER (optional)** We'll head to a local pub for a social chit chat over drinks. Address: 37 Cranbourn St, London WC2H 7AD **TICKETS:** **You will need to purchase your own ticket for this event.** **Please book [here](https://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/exhibitions/2026/marilyn-monroe-a-portrait#dates)** and choose the **2.30pm slot** (or thereabouts). Ticket: £27 Ticket with Art Pass: £13.50 Members: free, no need to book **GETTING THERE:** **See 'Visit' page of website [here.](https://www.npg.org.uk/visit/?_gl=1*3jbiem*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..*_ga*MTQ1NjE5NDQwOS4xNzc0ODEwNTQ1*_ga_3D53N72CHJ*czE3NzQ4MTA1NDUkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzQ4MTA1NDUkajYwJGwwJGgw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm6POBhCrARIsAIG58CLQ-vKfzVdSiI57rKFMPG4RbqxNc4GHPHsyuuN-_JtcWj_9JEqV_X0aArUQEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAA9abo5aycXhzScHgcm4chfCVMAqJ3)** **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** Please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. The link can be found in the Event Comments for those on the 'Attendees' list. *NB* *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **PLEASE READ:** LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. This event has an attendee limit as we prefer a smaller, friendlier group. If you RSVP but can no longer attend, please change your RSVP as soon as possible, **otherwise you will be marked as a 'no show'.** We remove members from the group who: * repeatedly sign up for events then 'no show'. * repeatedly change their RSVP to 'No'. * are on the event waitlist or have not RSVPd but turn up anyway. Please see the **[About Us section](https://www.meetup.com/london-museums-a-z-for-30s-40s/)** for more information about the group and how it works. **Thank you for your interest in the group & being part of LoMAZ.** 📸 Follow LoMAZ on **[Instagram.](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/)** Image credit: *Marilyn Monroe, Ballerina Sitting*, 1954, by Milton H. Greene, Milton H. Greene © MHG Collective, LLC.

Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Streatham Common to Wimbledon park. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 5. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy Starting point: Streatham Common station Ending point: Wimbledon Park station Walking length: 9.6km Duration: 3 hours at most Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Streatham common to Wimbledon Park WHEN - 2pm - 5:30pm MEETING POINT - Outside Streatham Common Station NEAREST STATION - Streatham Common Station REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

Routes & Roots is a weekly social for all Black and POC Climbers! 💪🏾 Expect great music, vibes, and an evening of climbing and community! ⏱️Sundays at 6pm! (Launch Party on the 15th of February!) 📍Stratford City Bouldering Entry: £9.50 including shoes! Members - Free! Make sure to book on in advance: https://www.citybouldering.co.uk/booking/routes-roots

⛰️ Petersfield Curcular via the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve, a beautiful area which has been called Little Switzerland due to its wooded hills. The name Hanger comes from the Old English Hangra, meaning "wooded hillside". This lovely farmland and woodland trail that takes you along scenic paths where you can take in the views and keep an eye out for wildlife between the trees and in the fields! 🔴 **HIKE:** 📏 26km (16 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: **800m** 💓 Av. Pace: 5.2km/h *✊ **Pace & Purpose:** Active Muslims is about focusing on the actual activity. These are **paced walks and hikes (not strolls)**, so please join us with that* ***[active mindset and purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DBhPWpdIMKq/)*** *in mind.* 📍 **Meet at:** **Waterloo: Opposite Platform 3** 🔄 **Start/End:** **Petersfield Station /** [Waterloo] ⌚ **Meet from:** 9:31, the train departs at **10:03** *[arrives 11:40 at Petersfield \ Return train aimed at 6:24pm.]* **🚆 Travel & Tickets** All our regular walks & hikes are free to join. You are welcome to arrange your own travel or meet us at the destination station. **Option 1: Buy Your Own Ticket** We recommend buying on the day. Use a **Network Railcard** or a **GroupSave** discount where possible. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ **Option 2: Group Ticket (3+ People)** I can help purchase group tickets to save costs, **BUT you must arrive at the station before the platform is announced to collect your physical ticket.** To join this: 💳 **[PayPal Here (£19.70)](https://paypal.me/mubasher001/19.70)** or 💳[ ](https://revolut.me/mubashermalik?currency=GBP&amount=1970)**[Revolut Here (£19.70)](https://revolut.me/mubashermalik?currency=GBP&amount=1970)** *Please send via Friends & Family and make sure no **fee is charged*** **⏳Deadline**: Saturday 7:01pm 📱 **Confirmation**: Message on **[WhatsApp](https://tinyurl.com/5n68255b)** with your **Meetup Name** once paid *ℹ️ No refunds once tickets are purchased.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Waterloo, on-board train **🎒 Essentials:** * **Gear:** Hiking boots (recommended), hiking socks (or double socks), and layered clothing. * **Food/Water:** Packed lunch, snacks, and 1.5–2L of water. * **Tech:** Fully charged phone + portable power bank. * **Safety:** Emergency whistle + Headtorch (winter). * **Prayer:** If you are praying, please ensure you have **wudu** beforehand. Be ready to join the group promptly to keep us on schedule **📋 Attendance Policy:** When an event has a **waiting list**, priority is given to new joiners and those with a reliable attendance record - *previous "No-Shows" may be moved to the waitlist to ensure spots go to reliable attendees [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)]* ⛑️ **Disclaimer**: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times. 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging **Follow us for updates:** 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)**

SCIENTOLOGY **TOOLS** **FOR LIFE** What if you had simple tools which you could use to improve your relationship with others? What if a step-by-step procedure could help you achieve your goals in life? What if you could learn the secret to mastering any subject you wanted to master? Come and find out!

**Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾Level 3/5** —— **📖SUMMARY:** 🥾23\.5km \(16mi\) \| Ascent 394m \| Descent 429m \| Max Elevation 115m **🚊Train:** **1- Outbound:** *Single Ticket* **London Liverpool Street ➡️ Chingford** **2- Inbound:** *Single Ticket* **Cheshunt ➡️ London** 😁This is a *Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip*. No advance tickets are needed. ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Liverpool Street train station \- Information desk \(Opposite Platform 10\) \| **10:10** (Train is at **10:31**) **2-** Chingford \- Outside train station \| **10:55** ⚠️This is a **Point to Point (not Circular)** Hike **📍Hike** **start:** **Chingford** train station \| **11:05** **🔚Hike** **finish:** **Cheshunt** train station \| approx\. **\~18:00** —— 🚊**TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get: 🎟️This is a **Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip**, both for the outward and return journeys. There’s no need to buy tickets in advance, as fares are paid directly by tapping in and out at the stations. * **➡️Outbound:** London Liverpool Street **10:31 → 10:57** Chingford * **⬅️Inbound:** Cheshunt **→** London —— **📕ABOUT:** \- A proper London\-edge adventure that strings together two of the capital’s most underrated wild spaces in a single walk — ancient Epping Forest and the lakes and waterways of the Lee Valley\. \- We start at Chingford\, where Queen Victoria opened the Forest to the people in 1882\, then head straight in past Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and pretty Connaught Water\. \- From there it’s miles of rolling\, knobbly oak and beech woodland — some trees as old as the Anglo\-Saxons — climbing gently to the High Beach ridge at 115m\, the day’s high point\. \- A long\, lovely descent through Sewardstone drops us out of the trees and into the Lee Valley: marshes\, lakes\, reedbeds\, and the calm of the Lee Navigation towpath all the way into Cheshunt\. —— **⭐️HIGHLIGHTS:** * **Chingford & Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge:** 1543 Tudor grandstand on the edge of the Forest. * **Connaught Water:** peaceful early-morning lake, popular with herons and swans. * **Epping Forest ancient woodland:** 5,900 acres of veteran oaks, beeches and hornbeams; some trees as old as the Anglo-Saxons. * **High Beach ridge:** the day’s high point, classic Forest views. * **Sewardstone:** the Forest’s quiet western edge, opening into farmland. * **River Lee Country Park:** lakes, wetlands and excellent birdwatching. * **Lee Navigation towpath:** tranquil canal walking right into Cheshunt. —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— 🎒**WHAT TO BRING:** * 2L Water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN:** * Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. * For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. * We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. —— **🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE:** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. —— **☯️STAYING TOGETHER:** A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. —— ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER:** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Do you want more Self Confidence, less Self Doubt, more Happiness, less Anxiety, and more Love? This event is an introduction to how to handle irrational emotion. How often are yours or another's emotions out of control? What is that about??? I have asked these questions and after much search have found answers and am sharing. Maybe you have suffered a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? After that, you try to move on but you just can't. Possibly you have a thought or emotion that hangs around for days and you just can't shake it. What is all this stress, anxiety, depression, and self doubt? It's just crazy! It's not the real you. You can find out what is at the root of all this. This is a local event. Areas you can change with the right information: * Control of unwanted emotions * Lack of confidence * Grief * Anxiety * Anger management * Creating ideal relationships * Memory * and more... This is a local meeting that can start you on the way to a better life, more confidence and less negativity. All the happiness you have lies within you. Let's find it! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

[The Board Walks](http://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!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. 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?" 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. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *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. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this 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 welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). 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. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **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. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.