Sierra Club

A relaxed London book club exploring the most influential book in history. Whether you think it’s rubbish, holy, or you’re simply not sure what to make of it, you’re very welcome. We meet for two hours at a time. Our reading list includes books from the Bible — as well as some of the books that didn’t make it into most Bibles. The Bible has shaped culture, law, art and ethics for centuries, yet many people are personally unfamiliar with it. Each evening is structured but informal. The group chooses the book or books to read, and discussion takes place in small groups. No lectures. No pressure. No need to prepare anything in advance. The aim is thoughtful, respectful conversation. Plenty of people feel they know quite a bit about the Bible, yet struggle to read it. This is a space to explore it thoughtfully and honestly — in good company. This club is for: • Curious thinkers • Skeptics • Christians with questions • Anyone who wants to make up their own mind Our only rules? Be curious. Be honest. Be kind. And enjoy yourself. It’s also a chance to find a bit of community along the way. Photos may be taken during the evening to share on the Meetup page or social media to help others see what the group is like. If you prefer not to appear in photos, just let the organiser know at any time. We meet in a private room on the second floor of the Duke of Sussex pub. When you arrive, get yourself a drink, ask for The Book Club, and come on up.

The world is in crisis and many people think we've gone past the tipping point and the planet is doomed. However, there are those who have hope and faith in science that some can survive the polycrisis and get to live in a sustainable society and planet. But there's a problem... **There's no clear vision of what a sustainable society and planet should be**, and without that destination, how can we set out on the journey to get there? Please join like-minded people to discuss this. We'll agree an agenda at the start of the meeting. Bring an open mind, suggestions and perhaps a pad of paper. **Here are some topics to be covered.** Please use the comments/chat to suggest other areas for consideration *Depending on the mood of attendees, the frequency of further meetups can be agreed.* **WHAT DO WE WANT A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY AND PLANET TO LOOK AND FEEL LIKE?** · A planet with clean atmosphere, oceans and soil with systems in place to keep them that way · The abolition of poverty and hunger · Equality of opportunity for all to achieve a peaceful and contented life without fear of physical or other violence · Access to healthcare, hygiene and sanitation for all · Access to quality education for all · A more responsible system of financial structures which embraces the best of co-operative production, capitalism and other systems · A safe justice system for all · Societies which respect for the diversity of opinion, ethnicity, sexuality, religion · Respect for the natural resources and fragility of Planet Earth and their finite capacity · Societies where the more fortunate, stronger and healthier help those less strong, less fortunate or less healthy. · Peaceful co-existence between the varying communities of the planet **What Freedoms ?** · Freedom to travel anywhere · Freedom to worship (should there be limitation such as worship should not be based on destroying the existing system…??) · Freedom from violence · Freedom from hate · Freedom from poverty (how define?) · Freedom of speech · Freedom from anxiety about the future · Freedom from concentration of power · Freedom to preserve culture and arts · Freedom to make decisions about one’s body · Freedom to seek representation and to represent others · Freedom to be different · Freedom to be heard

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/hard-wood-treasure-box-15/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/hard-wood-treasure-box-15/) **⋆⋆⋆** This is a content rich three-day course in a very small class size which includes: * **Supervised use of woodwork machinery**. **(surface planer thicknesser, panel saw, table router, hand router and bandsaw.)** * **Learning how to use jigs and rods**. * **Solid wood carcass construction.** From a technical drawing and a length of timber to the final sanding of the completed box, expert furniture maker and tutor, Marcin Waszak will guide each learner through all the steps needed to create this hardwood treasure box. The box measures 330mm x 304mm x 180mm and can be used to store lots of special things and perhaps become an heirloom! The beautiful hardwood and veneers used for this project has been sourced and prepared from a sustainable woodyard. The course begins by explaining how to stay safe while using our professional and powerful woodworking machines. Marcin will talk you through the materials and tools you will be using and let you practice before beginning the project. We have created a cutting list so that each person can learn how to process the wood and begin making very quickly. If you hanker to use some big machines and learn how to use jigs and to work accurately from plans, this is a great course for you. **Steps to making your own Treasure Box:** 1. Student introductions, inspirations and knowledge. 2. Introduction to the project. 3. Health and Safety. 4. Understanding the materials and tools we will be using in this course (wood technology, proper usage of the tools, jigs). 5. Practice on how to use the tools and jigs in the workshop. 6. Cutting list. 7. Making. Marcin says: ‘I will approach the sessions with a solid introduction not only to Health and Safety but to give an understanding of materials and tools. I believe it’s important to understand the nature of different types of wood and how it reacts (i.e. depending on variety, cut or thickness) when handling it, glueing or using different tools. There will be a great focus on how to use tools and machinery in the correct way for best results. We will be starting from technical drawing explanation and introduction to the material and the design itself. I will love to know people’s backgrounds before we start the session so everyone will feel more comfortable and confident to work as a team. I will have prepared a cutting list to make things easier and so we can start making (and having fun) as soon as possible. I would like to make the sessions inclusive and provide a safe space for everyone. I always take people’s abilities into account and endeavour to be there for students that want to share their struggles in order to make the making experience something they can enjoy.’

This month we will be reading/discussing ***[The Names by Florence Knapp](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217245618-the-names?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=YJn2SSyNrj&rank=2).*** If you have not read the book, you are more than welcome to join. Be aware, there will be spoilers! 18:30 - 18:45 - Meet, get drinks, get settled (at the back and upstairs) 18:45 - 19:45 - Discuss the book 19:45 onwards - pick book for next meet and socialize **The Venue: [Shinner and Sudtone](https://shinnerandsudtone.co.uk/)**[ ](https://shinnerandsudtone.co.uk/) A lovely little pub with a variety of craft beer. Usually quiet on a Monday and we get the upstairs area. They serve food and dogs are most welcome. **The Book:** ***[The Names by Florence Knapp](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217245618-the-names?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=YJn2SSyNrj&rank=2).*** In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register the birth of her son. Her husband, Gordon, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates.... Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora's last-minute choice of name. In richly layered prose, *The Names* explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities for autonomy and healing.

The Sylvans will hold a debate on the following motion: ***TBC.*** All are welcome to attend without pre-registration - we have new joiners all the time, and no experience is required. Attendees are welcome to participate or simply observe. The event will take place at Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet Street, simply turn up at 6:45 for a 7pm start. We will offer a hybrid online option for these longer debates. Please contact us to receive joining details. If the maximum 10 attendees on Meetup become filled, you are welcome simply to join on the night without registering. For more information please see [our website](http://sylvans.org.uk).

Ready to ditch the "umms" and conquer your fear of public speaking? 🎤 Then step right up to London Public Speakers (LPS) Toastmasters Club! 🎉 We're a community of awesome people, just like you, who are on a mission to conquer stage fright and unleash their inner speaking superstar! ✨ Think of us as your secret weapon against boring presentations and awkward silences. 🤫 We meet weekly, in person, armed with supportive smiles and helpful feedback, to help you find your voice and own any stage! 💪 We're known for being one of the friendliest and most accomplished clubs in the UK, but don't just take our word for it! Come see for yourself and be amazed 🤩 PLEASE!!! arrive 5-10min before 7:00pm⏰ and stay longer for networking 🍾🍻🥂🍞

**Full details and registration via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/24-week-woodwork-course/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/24-week-woodwork-course/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHky3gSwNvyY3gMX8-nzJPpYI54NC-41zxS9rUBqi2C-m0fWe4mJz--IcaBFI_aem_sDPCSmInHUug8trN3vRJZQ) **⋆⋆⋆** This is a content rich class and it will not be easy to catch up or redo a missed day, so please consider this when contemplating joining the course. **Suitable for:** This course is suitable for absolute beginners as well as those who have some previous experience. As much of the learning is transferred verbally, a good knowledge of English is required. We do not have minimum academic qualification requirements. **About:** If you would like to invest in yourself and learn practical skills for life, but are not interested in the academic study side of certification, this is a long woodwork course designed to take you from complete beginner to competent woodworker over 24 weeks. Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and some basic power tools, you will develop the confidence to build simple wood projects and take on many DIY and home improvement projects. Maximising your time with practical exercises, you will journey through the wonderful world of wood with an expert wood worker and tutor, who will enthuse and inspire you as you proceed. During your development, you will be able to adapt each project to suit your needs and as the number of people on the course will be small, you will have plenty of opportunity to personalise your craft skills. We keep our classes small so that a maximum of 8 students will ensure you benefit from close personal attention during your course.

**What does energy really mean for ordinary lives - for safety, dignity, education, and opportunity?** Few of us stop to ask why it matters so profoundly. In this thought-provoking talk, award-winning science communicator Zion Lights reveals the human story behind one of the most misunderstood forces in our world. Drawing from her new book Energy is Life, she explores how access to energy has lifted billions from hardship, empowered communities, and opened the door to human flourishing. Blending personal insight with scientific clarity, Zion challenges assumptions, demystifies modern technologies, and offers a hopeful, humane vision of our shared future. She examines why our intuitions about risk often mislead us, how cognitive biases shape public debates, and what we can do to think more clearly in an age of misinformation. Sharing her own journey from anti-technology activism to evidence-based advocacy, Zion makes a grounded case that science, reason, and abundant clean energy are essential to human progress and human flourishing. **Zion Lights** …is an award-winning Science Communicator and environmental advocate who makes complex science clear and compelling. She explores energy, climate, and technology through the lens of human challenges, showing how curiosity and evidence can shape a better future. Her work combines technical clarity with a sense of wonder, helping people see the big questions and the choices that define our civilisation. Zion is the author of the forthcoming book Energy is Life, which shows how science, technology, and the choices we make today can transform our energy systems and bring power to those who need it most. **To see more of Zion’s work visit her [website](https://www.zionlights.co.uk/). Zion blogs at [Everything is Light](https://zionlights.substack.com) and is active on [X](https://x.com/ziontree), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKy3KeTxmLKYtMnItja_ftg), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@zilovesscience), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/zion.lights/) and [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:whda7f6fim77kl26rnwga7lk).** **Pre-order her book [here](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Energy-Life-Environmentalism-Went-Nuclear/dp/1917458452/).** **Schedule** 6:30 PM: join for socialising and drinks 7 PM: presentation 7:45 PM: drinks break 8 PM: Q&A 8:30 PM: ends, moving on to postevent pub social **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [please click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

Hi everyone, in April our theme was a book c. <300 pages and relatively light and easy. The winner was The Wedding People. Synopsis below: The smash-hit international bestseller A Read With Jenna book club pick Winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction 'Best read of the year' THE TIMES 'Books as fun as this one are few and far between' GUARDIAN 'Sharp, funny and a joy to read' OBSERVER Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people - but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall Inn who isn't here for the big event. When the bride discovers her elaborate destination wedding could be ruined by a divorced and depressed stranger, she is furious. Lila has spent months accounting for every detail and every possible disaster - except for, well, Phoebe . . . Soon, both women find their best-laid plans derailed and an unlikely confidante in one another. Hilarious and moving, The Wedding People is an irresistible novel about love, friendship, dysfunctional families, and the unexpected paths that lead to happiness. 'As soon as I'd finished it, I wanted to read it all over again' RED 'Laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly moving' INDEPENDENT 'So funny and romantic . . . A perfect novel' CATHERINE NEWMAN 'Glorious . . . made me wish I had written it' JOJO MOYES 'Utterly charming . . . I loved it' PANDORA SYKES 'One of the few weddings I've attended that I didn't want to end' SAMUEL BURR See you there 🍾 Steph & Christina

The web is at the heart of our every day lives and we understand now it has enormous sustainability impacts. So what do we do as practitioners, teams and businesses building individual websites or apps? How do we have full confidence that our tech meets our sustainability claims? Adam Newman, Co-founder of Root & Branch is going to address these questions, demystify vendor claims and add some clarity to what it means to build, host and manage a sustainable web estate. Adam is the co-chair of the Green Software Foundation's "SCI for web" project, writing the spec for how to apply the latest ISO standard (ISO 21031:2024) to the web as well as the co-author of a paper on the energy and emissions measurement of websites and cloud applications. He is also a contributer to the W3C Web Sustainability Guidelines and a proud co-organiser of Green Software Brighton. Check out the Green Software Brighton [website](https://greensoftwarebrighton.co.uk/) for links to previous talks. Arrive from 18:00 for pizza and drinks. Event will start at 18:30. We always head for a drink and a chat locally afterwards too. --- ***Thank you to Runway East for use of their space to host our events and to Silicon Brighton and the Green Software Foundation for supporting us.***

**[Circe](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35959740-circe) by Madeline Miller** 📖 393 pages Genre: Greek Mythology • Retelling • Literary Fiction **Summary:** Banished to a lonely island for daring to defy the gods, Circe grows up in the shadow of power she was never meant to wield. From the halls of Olympus to the shores of her exile, she encounters legendary figures, monsters, and mortals alike, slowly discovering her own strength in a world ruled by cruelty, pride, and divine politics. Richly atmospheric and deeply human, *Circe* reimagines Greek myth through the eyes of a woman finding her voice. It’s a story about transformation, loneliness, love, and choosing your own fate, even when the gods would rather you stay small. *** **Join Our Book Club Bingo! 🧿📚** For April, we’re diving into something mythic, emotional, and quietly powerful. Expect gods behaving badly, magic lessons gone wrong, and plenty of moments perfect for ticking off your Bingo card. **How It Works:** 🧿 **Grab Your Bingo Card:** Filled with gods, monsters, curses, banishments, and iconic mythological moments. ✅ **Mark Your Cards:** Check off squares as we discuss characters, themes, favorite scenes, and retellings of familiar myths. 🎉 **Shout “Bingo!”** Be the first to complete two rows, columns, or diagonals. 📚 **Win a Book:** Two readers will leave with a new addition to their TBR pile! Expect witches, legends, morally questionable immortals, and one woman rewriting her story. 📍 **The Dog on Surrey Street, Croydon** 📅 **15th of April** at **7:00 PM**

Hike only event, the recommended train tickets are further below in the description. They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) **DESCRIPTION** Embark on an invigorating journey through the charming countryside and coastal beauty of West Sussex. This hike takes you from the historic town of Arundel, with its imposing castle and serene riverside, through Littlehampton’s picturesque seafront, and finally to the seaside. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of tranquil rural landscapes, vibrant waterfronts, and the invigorating sea breeze. Starting in Arundel, the route meanders along the River Arun, offering views of rolling hills and ancient woodland. As you reach Littlehampton, the coast unveils itself with golden sands and a welcoming promenade—an ideal spot for a quick rest or a bite to eat. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **17KM** Ascent: c.\*\* 27 metres\*\* Estimated Duration (approx): **6 hours walking** Difficulty: **[Moderate](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)** Meeting Point: Meeting Point: Arundel station Assembly Time: 10:00 **Pricing Info:** * £10 Recommend train tickets: An off-peak return from London Blackfriars to Angmering via Arundel (which you can specify in the app) leaving London Blackfriars 08:29 (which arrives at Arundel 10:04 which where we will meet) The return leg leaving from Angmering 16:13 back London (but can take any return time on off-peak return tickets) **HIKE INCLUDES** * Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training. * PayPal fees **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs (unless you selected that payment option) * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * Souvenirs * Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup * Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit. **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[full list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)** * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Water [2L recommended] * Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino * Camera & Phone * Picnic lunch and snacks **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the event, please message the host and update your RSVP status on MeetUp to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the event sells out, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', please email us on [info@aaalondongroup.com](info@aaalondongroup.com) after the event date, requesting a refund, including your PayPal email address, so we can locate the payment. Unfortunately, as PayPal retains the original transaction fee, we cannot refund this. If the hike is not full, we are sorry, we are unable to issue a refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA Hiking Terms and Conditions. [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/) © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

'Active Hope' Part 4 - The final session of the book club 'Cherishing the Earth' led by Alison Bybee and David Carter. Join us for insightful discussions over tea and cake, as we explore a book that celebrates and reflects on our planet, searching for a spiritual response to the ecological crisis that confronts us all. We will meet on the 3rd Sunday of every month for four months. The book, *Cherishing the Earth – Nourishing the Spirit*, edited by Maria Curtis, presents a range of Unitarian responses to the global environmental crisis. Contributors include ministers, lay people, and children, writing from diverse theological and ethical perspectives, exploring what it might mean to live in right relationship with the Earth. Their insights range from the prophetic and political to the practical and intensely personal, but all share a sense of gratitude for the sacred gift of life. Maria Curtis asks what changes we need to make in ourselves and in our society if we are to work towards healing the Earth and restoring balance to the global ecosystem: *“We need to re-imagine what a healthy relationship between humanity and the natural world might look like, one conducive to the flourishing of all beings onEarth.”* Rev. Dr Maria Curtis is a Unitarian minister with a background in education and psychology. Our four book club sessions: **18th January: Prophetic Voices** **15th February: Honouring the Earth** **15th March: Changing Hearts and Minds** **19th April: Active Hope and Young Voices** Each session will be standalone so that you can attend all, several or just one..

Participation in group travel is optional. You may attend the hike using your own transport. The hike itself is free of charge. If you are attending this hike event: \-\-\- **EVENT** South Downs Hidden Gem and Bluebell - 23km (free walk) [**[LINK](https://www.meetup.com/freehiketogether/events/312607146/)**] \-\-\- **DATE** Saturday 18 April 2026 \-\-\- **🚨ANYONE WHO HAS SIGNED UP TO GROUP TICKET BUT HAS NOT PAID WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE EVENT TO ALLOW OTHERS WHO ARE READY TO PAY TO TAKE THEIR PLACE.** \-\-\- **THIS OFFER APPLIES TO YOU IF** * You want to pay a £13 total travel cost for the entire day * You are happy to travel in a group of four * You understand that individual tickets cannot be issued * You will be travelling from **London Bridge** to **Falmer** and returning from **Falmer** to **London Bridge** \-\-\- **HOW IT WORKS** You pay the organiser £13 in advance. The organiser will purchase group tickets once a full group of four has been confirmed. If a group of four is not confirmed, your payment will be fully refunded and you will need to arrange your own travel. \-\-\- **REFUNDS** If a group of four is not confirmed, your payment will be fully refunded and you will need to arrange your own travel. Once tickets have been purchased from National Rail, refunds are not possible. \-\-\- **❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS** **Q: What if I want to leave the group and travel on my own later?** A: You cannot. You must remain with your group of four for the entire journey. **Q: Will the organiser give me an individual ticket?** A: No. The ticket issued is a group ticket and is valid only for four people travelling together. **Q: Will the organiser give a group of four people a ticket?** A: Yes. A group ticket will be provided as long as all four people stay together and travel together. **Q: Who holds the group tickets, and how do we get through the barriers?** A: The organiser will hold and present the tickets. We will pass through the barriers together as one group. **Q: How much will it cost me on the day if I buy a return ticket with a Network Railcard?** A: Around £24.95, so you will save about £12. \-\-\- **PAYMENT** Use payment link **[https://monzo.com/pay/r/hike-together_TvPQtLWj1t9Idj](https://monzo.com/pay/r/hike-together_TvPQtLWj1t9Idj)** OR Adrian Barnett trading as Hike Together Account number: 79677613 Sort code: 04-00-05 \-\-\- After completing payment, please send a private message to AdrianB confirming that payment has been made. Include your transaction ID and Meetup profile name so your bank account display name can be matched to your Meetup profile. \-\-\- **CLOSING DATE** Sales close on **Tuesday 14 April at noon,** when the tickets will be purchased. \-\-\- **CONTACT** AdrianB: +44 (0) 7438 812 663 \-\-\- 📍 **LONDON MEETING POINT - GROUP TRAVEL** 07:50 Meet at the London Bridge ticket office 08:05 Leave the meeting point and board the train 08:21 Catch the train towards Eastbourne 09:26 Change in Lewes 09:42 Catch the train towards Brighton 09:49 Arrive at Falmer (7 minutes) Walk to hike start meeting point: Stanmer Park main entrance, in front of **[Circa in the Park cafe](https://what3words.com/beard.post.fuel)** at 10:00 \-\-\- You may also join the group on the train at an intermediate station, such as Clapham Junction or East Croydon, to avoid travelling all the way to the main meeting point. However, you must first purchase a valid ticket to pass through the barriers at those stations when entering and exiting. \-\-\- **IMPORTANT** Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point on time. If you are not there when we leave to board the train, the group will proceed without you. \-\-\- **GROUPS** Adrian - Paid Ana - Paid Ashvin - Paid Barbara - Paid \-\-\- Eve - Paid Roni - Paid Lenie - Paid tbc \-\-\- **NOTE** If you prefer to arrange your own group travel, you can purchase tickets directly from National Rail **[HERE](https://ticket.southernrailway.com/daysave/2026-04-18/VIC/4/)**.

Interested? Contact Preston Moore k.preston.moore@gmail.com 614-300-5989 ———————————— Engaging in men’s work is the new way to forge friendships while being open-minded to personal growth. Many men experience healthier relationships, personally and professionally, by engaging in this work. Open Men’s Group is a container for men to share vulnerably without receiving judgment or feedback. We believe that emotionally mature, powerful, compassionate, and purpose-driven men will help heal some of society’s deepest wounds. We support the powerful brilliance of men and we are willing to look at, and take full responsibility for, the pain we are also capable of creating – and suffering. We care deeply about men, our families, communities, and the planet. Visit ManKind Project USA to discover more. https://mkpusa.org/

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

5th annual Earth Day Celebration! This year (2026) the Celebration is scheduled for April 25th with activities running from 10am-2pm. This is a non-ticketed event. Everyone is welcome! We will have food trucks, Birds of Prey, kids crafts, live music, raspberry plants, apple trees, and of course NATIVE PLANTS! Where: Lynd Fruit Farm, 9399 Morse Rd, Pataskala Ohio 43062 Time: Activities will be from 10am- 2pm. The Market will remain open until 5pm.

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! 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! 📖

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831