Sierra Club

## ✨ First Meet – What to Expect Join us for the **first meetup of East London Book Club** — a relaxed evening of conversation around ***The Sense of an Ending* by Julian Barnes**. This isn’t a lecture or a book report. We’ll explore ideas, share different takes, and let the conversation flow naturally. You’re welcome even if you didn’t finish the book — curiosity matters more than completion. *** ## 💭 Think About These (Optional) No prep required — just a few questions to spark thought: * Did you trust the narrator? Why or why not? * How reliable do you think memory really is? * Is the ending satisfying, frustrating, or intentionally unresolved? * Which character stayed with you the most — and why? * Did the book change how you think about past decisions? Bring your thoughts, questions, or just yourself. Please note this is a paid event with minimal payment to cover snacks and other material provided. [Amazon link to the book](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sense-Ending-Julian-Barnes/dp/0099564971)

**Welcome back to LCC's Trail Running Club! For our next outing we're finally heading east to take on Hackney Marshes and the parklands and canal towpaths of the QEII Olympic parks. We should be looking at a bit more evening daylight this time of year!** **This will provide us a nice flat trail run. We'll be looking at roughly 30-45 minutes, covering around 3km at a moderate pace, ideal for beginners and intermediate runners. Whatever your speed, our organisers will always keep you in sight!** We'll meet at Hackney Wick station - look for me in the neon-yellow vest! Meeting time is 6:30, we'll head off at around 6:45. We'll head from there north over Hackney Bridge, up the towpath to Hackney Marshes, and then make a loop around and back down, over the footbridge to the East Marsh, following the River Lea southwards through Alfred's Meadow and back up via the Olympic Stadium to return to the Wick. There are toilets at Hackney Wick and at cafes located around the QEII parkland paths. I'll also be bringing plenty of water along with me, so if you forget yours, fear not. I've got a few spare bits of kit as well - if you would like a running sleeve to put your phone in or a pouch belt for keys and things, just shoot me a message on here ahead of time! All are welcome - we're a mix of skill levels and leg lengths, so I'll be maintaining a relatively relaxed pace and will make sure no one winds up too far behind. Our standard bit of info about our running group and why it's good is provided below: \-\-\-\-\- Humans evolved to run and sprint; no wonder then that when we do it regularly (within moderation and with plenty of rest days), our brains as well as bodies thank us. Running has recently been shown to [improve neuroplasticity,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) heal [brain damage](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) in affected individuals, and foster [better mental health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running) including elevated mood at rest and enhanced task-switching ability. Doing all this in nature, as opposed to busy London roads dodging commuters and street cleaners, also helps deliver the well-known [benefits](https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/) of time spent in nature to mood, anxiety levels, cognition and memory. All these things matter a great deal in an age where burnout and exhaustion are a constant presence either in our own lives or those of the people we care about [who you should totally invite along]. It matters especially for people trying to eke out a percentage of their time and mental capacity for transformative social and political organising: the better we feel, the more we'll be able to do. In a nutshell, running is great for you and you should do it. Trail running is even better. Best of all is doing all this with a supportive group of comrades, especially one which includes knowledgeable folks who can provide some structure to what can be a puzzling sport to get started with if building up to something, like a 10k or half marathon, is your goal. Part of our running group's programming will be building a series of events aimed at building people up, slowly but surely, towards specific goals, using progressive programmes similar to the [NHS's Couch to 5k](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) system. \-\-\-\-\- Take care and see you on the trails!

**Whose knowledge is centred in design? Whose voices are heard, and whose are overlooked?** Join us for an interactive workshop that goes beyond surface-level inclusion to critically explore power, culture, and equity in design practice. **What’s the event about?** We want to create a space where we can talk honestly and practically about what it means to go beyond inclusive design — to question who design is for, how it’s done, and how we might do it differently. It’s not a lecture, nor is it about having the “right” answers. It’s about exploring the topic together in a way that’s open, hands-on… and a bit of fun too. This event will include an interactive activity designed to provoke thought and discussion about what it means to design beyond inclusivity, creating space for deeper shared reflection. **Who’s it for?** This is for anyone working in or around design — whether you’re in services, research, strategy, policy, or community roles. You might: •⁠ ⁠Be curious about the term “decolonising” but not sure where to start •⁠ ⁠Feel a bit disconnected from this kind of conversation •⁠ ⁠Be looking for a more grounded, less academic way in •⁠ ⁠Just want to meet others thinking about design and equity in new ways **What can you expect?** •⁠ ⁠A hands-on group activity inviting you to explore an unfamiliar world, challenge assumptions, and think differently about power, culture, and design •⁠ ⁠Facilitated group reflection and conversation on how we talk about — and act on — the idea of decolonising design in our work •⁠ ⁠Informal conversations and networking at the pub to follow What you’ll take away •⁠ ⁠A practical framework you can adapt or reuse in your own work •⁠ ⁠A more grounded sense of what “decolonising design” can mean in everyday practice •⁠ ⁠A chance to connect with others exploring similar questions Whether you're completely new to decolonising design or already working with these frameworks, you'll find space to reflect, learn, and connect with others navigating similar questions. **About the Ticket** The ticket cost is to hold your place and ensure commitment from attendees. **All participants who attend the event will be offered the option to request a full refund of their ticket price.** This approach helps us plan effectively while remaining accessible to those with financial constraints. Come ready to participate, question, and imagine design differently.

**Who We Are** Early Bird Speakers is one of London's best public speaking club for beginners and experienced speakers alike. Our fast-paced, engaging meetings help members develop confidence and refine their speaking skills in a supportive environment. **What to Expect** Each meeting follows a structured format with three key segments: * **Prepared Speeches** – Members deliver speeches based on projects that enhance skills like storytelling, persuasion, and vocal variety. * **Impromptu Speaking (Table Topics)** – Participants practice thinking on their feet with 1–2 minute speeches on surprise topics. * **Evaluations** – Constructive feedback is given to foster continuous improvement. **Why Join Us?** * A **diverse and welcoming** community, including professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and more. * **Energetic and engaging** sessions designed to make learning enjoyable. * A **structured yet fun** experience that builds confidence and skill. * Optional **post-meeting coffee or breakfast** for networking and socialising. * Each meeting is attend by 30-50 people **Whether you’re terrified of public speaking or already confident at the mic,** this club is the place to grow. From first-time speakers to experienced presenters — everyone has something to gain here. **Meeting Details** 📍 **Where:** Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ 🕖 **When:** Every Thursday at 7:00AM - 8:45 AM (Please try to be on time as reception downstairs will close shortly after the meeting has started) Join us for free as a guest! Feel free to sign up on Meetup or **simply show up on Thursday.** Whatever your speaking ability, you'll find a warm and supportive atmosphere to grow your skills. 📩 **Questions?** Send us a message on meetup, visit [www.earlybirdspeakers.com](http://www.earlybirdspeakers.com/) or e-mail us on membership@earlybirdspeakers.com

***"The spectacle is the existing order’s uninterrupted discourse about itself, its laudatory monologue. It is the self-portrait of power in the epoch of its totalitarian management of the conditions of existence. The fetishistic, purely objective appearance of spectacular relations conceals the fact that they are relations among men and classes: a second nature with its fatal laws seems to dominate our environment."*** **\- Guy Debord\, *The Society of the Spectacle*** Welcome back readers! By popular request, we're bringing back (for a new generation of LMRG readers) an old favourite: the always-relevant Guy Debord and his masterful *Society of the Spectacle*. We'll kick off with the first three chapters. Find the next here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Often maligned as theorymaxxed nonsense but little-read, this slim volume is certainly dense with ideas - all of which carry as much relevance today as those half-forgotten postwar years when the Situationist International made its mark on the world, if not more. With the rise of the Internet and social media, the decline of literacy and the closing of the mass mind, the endless doom-loop of doomscrolling and bed-rotting, increasingly performative protest, the commodification of everything, the Epstein-approved culture war, and the theatre of spectacular cruelty that is imperialist colonial policy from Gaza to Venezuela, we really are living an age where everything that was once directly participated in has passed into representation. Every hand-grip one searches for to get some kind of grasp on the world seems to be a mirage; "participation" in anything, from politics to culture, has been reduced to fandom - limited to nothing more than expressing approval or disapproval through totally mediated social media platforms. Above it all stands an utterly corrupt, irresponsible elite class more and more transparent in how it relishes in conspiratorial play, power-games with unlimited stakes for us and no consequences for them. Such a world where power wears a shit-eating grin and keeps us off our balance by endlessly[ "flooding the zone"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_the_zone) (in Steve Bannon's terms) with distractions so intricate they short-circuit the collective brain is exactly what Debord not only predicted but described in frightening detail, with more than a little bit of humour. So let's dig in and find out: just what can we do to unplug from the spectacle? Is the spectacle even un-plug-from-able? Debord haters, cope and seethe: as a much more orthodox Marxist than he ever gets credit for, there really are some strategies in here. We just need to be creative. Take care and happy reading!

After Earth School continues the journey begun in My Earth School, focusing on how inner insight can be lived more fully. Drawing on diverse contemplative and contemporary practices, it offers reflective tools for gently questioning old assumptions about identity and limitations. After Earth School is a follow‑on to My Earth School for readers who have begun to declutter their inner lives and relate more gently to their own humanity, yet still feel that deeper change has not fully filtered into everyday experience. It focuses on how to recognise a quieter, more spacious sense of self and to live from that perspective in practical, grounded ways. Drawing on a range of contemplative and psychological approaches—from traditional teachings to contemporary tools such as artificial intelligence—the book introduces reflective exercises designed to question habitual assumptions about limitation and identity. Rather than promising a life without challenges, it encourages a different relationship with thoughts, emotions and “reality”, so that meaning, ease and joy become more available in ordinary life. Throughout, Leon Deith invites readers to consider themselves not only as individuals with personal histories, but also as expressions of a wider field of awareness, exploring what this shift in self‑understanding might look like in day‑to‑day living. ​ Whether you are navigating a crossroads, feeling stuck in old habits, or simply wanting to understand yourself better, After Earth School creates a calm, supportive space to step back, reset and move forward with a little more clarity and confidence.

Got a busy day this Thursday? How about starting the day grounded! If like me you would like to connect with nature and your senses more often during the week, join me for a short barefoot stroll in the park as we start the day afresh! We will mostly walk on grass, this will offer a refreshing and unique experience before starting the day Come solo or with friends — you’ll feel part of the group either way. Not ready to go fully barefoot? Bring sandals or barefoot shoes to ease in To help keep the group committed and avoid last-minute no-shows, we ask for a small contribution of £5 Thanks for reading — Looking forward to see you there 💚

They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on the event) : [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](http://www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) The video at the top was also a previous sunset Seven Sisters hike too. **DESCRIPTION** Sunset hike particularly for you late risers, and sea swimmers :) Bring your pillow for the train home! Please bring flip flops or sandals in yoir bag in case of river crossing Join us for this classic walk in the **South Downs National Park for the Sunset!!!**. This is one of the most magnificent and justifiably well-known **13-mile walk** along the **South Downs way**. This is the classic version of the Seven Sisters starting from Eastbourne ending in Seaford. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **20km** Ascent: c.**550 metres** Estimated Duration (approx): \*\* 6 hours walking\*\* Difficulty: **[Energetic](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)** Meeting Point: Meeting Point: **[London Victoria Station](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/meeting-places/)** (see pic in in link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are. Assembly time: 09:00 Move to departure platform: 09:15 Train leaves: 09:24 Train arrives at Eastbourne: 10:51 Sunset: 17:52 (Seaford side near start of Seven sisters) -We'll aim for the 18:53 train back to London to arrive at Victoria 20:36 **Cliffs** **The Seven Sisters Cliffs are surprisingly fragile and at constant risk of collapse. Please refrain from getting close to the edge (ideally 3 metres)** **Pricing Info:** * £30 per person – includes hike + train travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this £30 discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited £30 tickets left upon checking event. * Want to join for the hike only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £10 anytime. **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

**Welcome back to LCC's Trail Running Club! This is our beginners' session in which we'll be training from the ground up, building strength and endurance in line with the NHS-approved [Couch to 5k programme.](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/)** Beginners' training sessions are all about what's right for you, so we won't be following a fixed route or a set pace. We'll aim to do around 1km, alternatively jogging and walking, based on how we feel. Everyone is welcome no matter how little running you've done in your life so do come along and invite your friends, we'll be making sure no one gets left behind. There are [toilet facilities in Hyde Park](https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/hyde-park/faqs) which cost 20 pence (£0.20) to access; contactless payment cards are accepted but cash is not. If you haven't got a card but need the loo, don't worry, we got you. I'll also be bringing plenty of water along with me, so if you forget yours, fear not. I've got a few spare bits of kit as well - if you would like a running sleeve to put your phone in or a pouch belt for keys and things, just shoot me a message on here ahead of time! Our standard bit of info about our running group and why it's good is provided below: \-\-\-\-\- Humans evolved to run and sprint; no wonder then that when we do it regularly (within moderation and with plenty of rest days), our brains as well as bodies thank us. Running has recently been shown to [improve neuroplasticity,](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) heal [brain damage](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148340/) in affected individuals, and foster [better mental health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running) including elevated mood at rest and enhanced task-switching ability. Doing all this in nature, as opposed to busy London roads dodging commuters and street cleaners, also helps deliver the well-known [benefits](https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/mental-health/the-mental-health-benefits-of-nature-spending-time-outdoors-to-refresh-your-mind/) of time spent in nature to mood, anxiety levels, cognition and memory. All these things matter a great deal in an age where burnout and exhaustion are a constant presence either in our own lives or those of the people we care about [who you should totally invite along]. It matters especially for people trying to eke out a percentage of their time and mental capacity for transformative social and political organising: the better we feel, the more we'll be able to do. In a nutshell, running is great for you and you should do it. Trail running is even better. Best of all is doing all this with a supportive group of comrades, especially one which includes knowledgeable folks who can provide some structure to what can be a puzzling sport to get started with if building up to something, like a 10k or half marathon, is your goal. Part of our running group's programming will be building a series of events aimed at building people up, slowly but surely, towards specific goals, using progressive programmes similar to the [NHS's Couch to 5k](https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/) system. \-\-\-\-\- Take care and see you on the trails!

This Women’s Day, we’re making space at the board. Beginner-friendly chess training for all Queens who’ve always wanted to learn - from move one. Come join us to celebrate with some social chess, puzzles or just for some social connection. Join us at Bishops & Brews by Yas Queen! Chess Club for a relaxed Sunday afternoon of chess over a cup of tea! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, come hang out with us and enjoy some friendly games of chess in a queer friendly space 🏳️‍⚧️ We are generously supported by ODAC/Old Diorama Arts Centre/@olddiorama, our fantastic venue near Euston/Warren Street station. More about us on yasqueen.uk Instagram yasqueen.chessclub Yas Queen! Code of Conduct: We are an LGBTQ+ club. All allies are welcome. We reserve the right to exclude anyone from our events in case of any behaviour (at our events or otherwise) which does not support our aim of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ club members.

**​Founders Running Club (FRC)** brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. ​9:15 Bag drop at the Regent's Bar and Kitchen, Regent's Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmZdAVM8yXT9euKc7 ​9:30 Warm Up starts at the Inner Circle & York Bridge, South Gate: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6) 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 27 cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats)** **Stay updated:** **Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/)** **Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/)** **LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/)** **Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC)** **Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)**

It's Herschel's birthday (1792). Not William, who discovered Uranus & various moons around it and Saturn, or Caroline who found a few comets. John, continuing the family work completed mapping of the Southern Hemisphere sky, and named the discovered moons - in Saturn's case, after Titans in Greek mythology. First stop along this Wealden walk will be his home at The Moor, a quintessential English village complete with green where cricket was played in Herschel's day, church, and the Eight Bells. The church houses a very unusual relic, delivered in 1944. Next in our orbit is Bewl Water, the largest stretch of water in SE England, described as unlike anywhere else. [Bewl Water - The Ultimate Destination for a Family Day Out](https://www.bewlwater.co.uk/) Final stop is Ticehurst, with chocolate box cottages. Further details: [Best places to live: Ticehurst, Sussex | Muddy Stilettos | Muddy Stilettos](https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/sussex/best-places-to-live-ticehurst/) And when taking photographs along the walk - who coined the word 'photography' which he helped develop? Yep, John Herschel. Outward Travel: Take the train departing 9.24 AM from London Bridge to ETCHINGHAM. The return train fare with a Network Card or GroupSave is £17.00. Gather outside the ticket office at London Bridge to arrange group tickets. Walk start: 10.31 AM from Etchingham rail station. Bring a packed lunch. Village / pub stops. Orbital walk. *How to join?* * The walk is entirely free of charge; * You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses; * Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part); * Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ *What to bring* * Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended * Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk * Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case * Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy * Spare socks * Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-) * Yourself... * ...and your camera! * Cash for train ticket * Cash for pub at the end of the walk? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section! IMPORTANT Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-) By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer. Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered. As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.

**GRADE 🥾🥾🥾🥾Level 4/5** —— **📖SUMMARY:** 24km \(15mi\) \| Point\-to\-point \| Ascent: 584m **🚊Train:** London Waterloo **⇆** Bentley (Hampshire) \*via Farnham ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Waterloo train station \- Opposite platform 15 \| **08:45** (Train at 09:04) **2-** Bentley \(Hampshire\) train station \| **10:20** ⚠️This is a **Point-to-Point (not circular)** Hike **🏁Hike** **start:** Bentley \(Hampshire\) train station \| **10:25** **🔚Hike** **finish:** Farnham \| approx\. **\~17:00** —— **📕ABOUT:** This is a ***new*** ⭐️gorgeous *point-to-point* countryside adventure **from Bentley to Farnham**, weaving through the peaceful trails of **Alice Holt Forest**. We’ll take our time under **towering pines and woodland paths**. After lunch, we continue into a stunning stretch of open woodland and heathland—a **cinematic landscape** that’s been used as a filming location for major productions including **Gladiators, Thor and Napoleon**. Expect big skies, wide sandy tracks, and that “wait… are we on a film set?” kind of vibe . We will also pass **The Devil’s Jump** (eerie-beautiful ridge-top site made up of prehistoric burial mounds (Bronze Age). A relaxed, scenic finish brings us into Farnham, with plenty of chances for photos, good chats, and forest-bathing energy along the way. ✨ —— **⭐️HIGHLIGHTS:** * **Point-to-point adventure**: Bentley (Hampshire) to Farnham (proper journey feel, not a loop) * **Deep pine forest immersion** through Alice Holt Forest – tall pines, soft trails, proper woodland atmosphere * **The Devil’s Jump:** Named after local legend, this ridge is actually a prehistoric cemetery — a neat row of Bronze Age barrows. It’s a cracking viewpoint and one of the most atmospheric “hidden history” spots on the route. * **“Gladiator woods” vibes:** open woodland/heath-style scenery used as filming locations (big, cinematic landscapes) * **Varied terrain:** shaded forest tracks → wider sandy paths → open clearings * **Great for photos:** pine corridors, dramatic open woodland, golden light through the trees —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— ️🚊**TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get: **🎟️Sunday Out \*Return\*** ticket \| **London Waterloo ⇆ Bentley (Hampshire)** \*via Farnham with a Network Railcard is £14.65 (instead of £22). * **➡️Outbound:** London Waterloo **09:04 → 10:20** Bentley (Direct) * **⬅️Inbound:** Farnham **any Off-Peak time →** London * If you’d like to join other hikers using a Network Railcard, please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people. * Visit **[National Rail](https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)** for details —— **🎒WHAT TO BRING:** * 1-2L 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 —— **🚨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.

Participation in group travel is optional. You may attend the hike using your own transport. The hike itself is free of charge. **GROUPS** Adrian - Paid Angela - Paid Emily - Paid Lenie - paid \-\-\- Ranji - paid Stephen - paid Sunil - Paid Pavel - paid \-\-\- Stavros - Paid Raquel - Paid Sohpie - Paid Navraj - Paid \-\-\- Ana - Paid Sneha - Paid Cristina - Paid Niko - Paid \-\-\- ⚠️ **Anyone who has signed up but hasn’t paid will be removed from the event, to allow others who are ready to pay to take their place.** ⚠️ **£13 payments must be sent to the organiser by noon Tuesday 03 MAR** **EVENT:** From Chalk Ridges to Salt Air: Amberley to Shoreham-by-Sea [**[LINK](https://www.meetup.com/freehiketogether/events/312487786/)**] **DATE:** 07 MAR 2026 **LONDON MEETING POINT - GROUP TRAVEL** AdrianB will be at the meeting point holding the group tickets. 08:00 - **[London Victoria](https://w3w.co/gear.deputy.orbit)** ticket office 08:15 - Leave meeting point and board the train 08:35 - Train departs London Victoria 09:58 - Train arrives at **[Amberley](https://w3w.co/cries.exact.goat)** **NOTE:** We will return to London from **[Shoreham-by-Sea railway station](https://w3w.co/skimmers.warmers.securing)** . The DaySave group ticket covers this cost, as it allows unlimited travel anywhere on the Southern Railway network. ❗ **IMPORTANT:** Please ensure you are at the meeting point on time. If you are not there when we leave to board the train, we will go through the barrier without you. **✅ 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 groups of four people * You understand that individual tickets cannot be issued * You will be travelling from **London Victoria** to **Amberley** and returning to **London Victoria** from **Shoreham-by-Sea** **⚙️ HOW IT WORKS** You can pay the organiser £13 in advance. The organiser will purchase group tickets only once a full group of four people 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. **PAYMENT** Closed After completing the payment, send a private message to AdrianB confirming that payment has been made. Please include your transaction ID and Meetup profile name so your bank account display name can be matched to your Meetup profile. **WhatsApp:** AdrianB: +44 (0) 7438 812 663 \*\* REFUNDS\*\* If a group of four is not confirmed, your payment will be fully refunded, and you will need to arrange your own travel. After tickets have been pre-purchased from National Rail, a refund is not possible. **❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS** **Q: What if I want to travel on my own?** A: You cannot. This arrangement requires all participants to travel in groups of four. **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 to the train guard. We will go through the barriers together as one group. **NOTE:** If you want to arrange your own group travel you can buy the tickets from **[HERE](https://ticket.southernrailway.com/daysave/2026-03-07/VIC/4/)**

This will be the first ever Book Club Meet up for this group! * We will be discussing Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (if you would like a free EPUB copy of this book to read on kindle, message me & I can send you the ebook) * ***Changed the book from Daggermouth due to it being independently published and hard to find in print**** * Feel free to attend even if you haven't started or finished the book ◡̈ ! * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! * Even if the meetup event shows full, you are welcome to come. If you can no longer attend the event, no worries, just please try to update your status on meetup for it.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Our March speakers are Molly Gaines and Zack Parrish, co-organizers of the Secular Education Association: They will share their story of how a small group of Ohio parents grew into a national organization tracking released-time religious instruction and other church–state issues in public schools. The presentation will cover SEA’s early wins and hard lessons, what we’re seeing nationally right now, and how local advocates can play a meaningful role in protecting public education. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the landscape — and practical ways to get involved. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

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/

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

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