Teachers

I am a native, qualified teacher of English and this is a session designed for you to go over any particular issues that you have in English - grammar, exam preparation, pronunciation, vocabulary and so on - as well as to practise your conversational skills discussing current topics. Just let me know if there is anything you would like me to cover during the session. The fee of £3 can be paid on the day in cash or in advance online. Thanks, Keith

THE TRIP IS NOW FULL, IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, ADD YOURSELF TO THE WAITING LIST AND I WILL CONTACT YOU IF A PLACE BECOMES AVAILABLE. Come along on Saturday 23rd May to visit two pretty market towns, a picturesque view in Gloucestershire and see some steam trains in action as part of the Cotswolds Festival of Steam! **About the day** Gloucestershire is a historic county to the south west of London, its a predominantly rural area which is bisected by the river River Severn. Part of Gloucestershire sits in the Cotswolds and has lots of honey-coloured pretty towns & villages. **Broadway-Cheltenham Train Route** Steam trains will be running along the Broadway-Cheltenham route on this day as part of the Cotswold Festival of Steam weekend. Its very expensive for a ticket - £37 plus per person, so instead we will be viewing the steam trains in action at various vantage points along the track for free at: \- Stanton Viaduct \(looking up as steam trains come over the viaduct\) \- Hailes Bridge \(looking down from the bridge as steam trains go under\) \- Winchcombe Greet Bridge \(as trains go into and out of a tunnel\) **Winchcombe** Winchcombe is a charming, less-crowded market town known for its authentic, medieval honey-coloured stone architecture and its independent shops and cafes. It was originally an Anglo-Saxon settlement, although the [Belas Knap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belas_Knap) Neolithic Long Barrow on Cleeve Hill above Winchcombe, dates from about 3000 BCE. **Painswick** Painswick is often regarded as a "hidden gem". Its known for its stunning 18th-century, grey-stone architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and the unique Rococo Garden, it offers a charming, less-crowded alternative to other Gloucestershire towns. It's church; St. Mary's is famous for having 99 Yew trees. **Painswick Beacon** Painswick Beacon is a 283-metre (928-foot) high Iron Age hill fort dated 400-100 BC offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Cotswolds, the Severn Vale, the Malvern Hills, and the Welsh Mountains. The beacon is only 1 mile from the village of Painswick, but we will use the coach to take us to the bottom of the hill, it'll then be a 10 min walk up the hill to see the view. **Coach seating** * If you wish to reserve a seat on the coach in advance, after you pay please look at the seating plan in the photos [here](https://www.meetup.com/coach-day-trips-out-of-london/photos/35948263/533880330/) and then email me - [general@cultureseekers.org](http://general@cultureseekers.org), with the seat number/s you wish to reserve. Its first come first served. * The seat you sit on when you board the coach is yours for the day. If you wish to change seats on the coach during the day, you will need to get permission from the individual who is seated there. **Cost** Cost is £33 per person. After you RSVP: You will need to make payment (its not automatic), so either: \- send a bank transfer: TSB Bank plc\, sort code: 77\-66\-65\, account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers \- Pay via credit card in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO)) \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), ‘send a payment’ to general@cultureseekers.org and click on the ‘Goods & Services’ option and change it to ‘Friends & Family’, as this avoids a charge from PayPal. Once you RSVP and then pay, I will confirm your place. **Food & drink** Its up to you whether you wish to bring your own food and drink or purchase items whilst there. If you can't see us on Tothill Street, please text. Please note, we only wait for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. The coach has to leave at a specific time. Look out for the 'Coach Day Trips' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org)

**Free English Class – Join Us This Saturday!** Are you looking to improve your English? We’re offering a free English conversation class this Saturday in the Canary Wharf area! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this class is open to all levels. Details: 📅 When: Every Saturday ⏰ Time: 2pm 📍 Where: 3 Glengall Grove Come along and practice English in a friendly, supportive environment. Meet new people, improve your language skills, and have fun! RSVP now to secure your spot or for more information, just reply to this message. We hope to see you there! Any questions contact Tales 0 7883 860218

**Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned master, join Our Chess Enthusiast Group for Social Fun and Friendly Matches** **This is the perfect opportunity to socialise, make new friends, and engage in the intellectually stimulating and entertaining world of chess.** **Our chess group is a diverse and inclusive community, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels. We believe that chess is a game that transcends age and gender, uniting people in the pursuit of strategic brilliance and camaraderie. Whether you're a novice looking to learn the ropes or a grandmaster seeking challenging opponents, our group is the ideal place for you.** **When and Where We Meet** **We gather every Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at a convenient and accessible location:** **Venue: 245 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 8PW** **Our chosen venue is not only a clean and safe space but also secure, ensuring that your chess sessions are enjoyable and worry-free.** **Additionally, there is an indoor cafe on-site, so you can relax with a refreshing beverage and delicious snacks between matches.** **What to Expect** **When you join our chess enthusiast group, you can look forward to a variety of chess-related activities:** 1. **Engage in chess matches with players of varying skill levels, providing a perfect opportunity to improve your game or showcase your expertise.** 2. **Connect with fellow chess enthusiasts who share your passion, fostering new friendships and a sense of community.** 3. **If you're a beginner, our more experienced members are always willing to offer guidance and tips to help you grow as a chess player.** 4. **We occasionally organise chess tournaments and special events, allowing you to challenge yourself and compete for prizes.** **Reserve Your Space** **Due to space limitations, we kindly request that you reserve your spot before attending our chess gatherings. This ensures that we can accommodate everyone and maintain a comfortable atmosphere for all participants. To reserve your space or inquire about the group, please reach out to us via email magdyelalfy@gmail.com** **While we do provide chess sets at our venue, we encourage members to bring their own if they have one. Personalising your chess experience with your preferred set can add a unique touch to your games.** **Join us at 245 Hammersmith Road, London, W6 8PW, and be a part of a vibrant and engaging chess community. Whether you're in it for the love of the game, the social interactions, or both, our chess enthusiast group offers a fantastic platform to indulge your passion for chess and make new friends along the way. We look forward to welcoming you into our fold and sharing the joy of chess with you.** **For reservations, Click attend on the meetup App.** **Come and make your next move with us – both on the chessboard and in your social circle!**

All levels are welcome and a great way to share knowledge, practice your Mandarin or English, socialise and make friends. Games that help to develop linguistic skills are very welcome, such as flash cards, cross words, puzzles, scrabble and bananagrams etc. More than 2 guests are welcome. Nearest Tube stations: • Goodge Street Station • Tottenham Court Road Free event (But you should buy a drink to keep the pub happy 😊) For more information please contact Alistair.

Team Chase London is a new and exciting game to play with friends, strangers, and everything in-between! You can now [register to join this event](https://teamchaselondon.com/product/play-2may2026/) on 23 May! I am running two slots, one at 10am, and the other at 10:30. It's a game made up of runners and chasers. The runners' objective is to earn coins and evade capture. The chasers' objective is to catch the runners by tracking their location and hunting them down. Join this event for just £5 and have a go, make some news friends, and have plenty of fun!

Join us for a deliciously fun time at our Cheese Club! Each meeting is all about discovering new cheeses, exploring creative pairings, and enjoying great conversations. Parents, take a break and unwind in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Our Cheese Club is designed for families or parents to connect, learn about the world of cheese, and bond with other families. Every Saturday, 11.00am-12.00pm Silas: +44 7719 733103

Arabic Through Literature and Current Affairs One Thousand and One Nights & Contemporary Arabic Discussion Lesson Duration 2 hours per session • Hour 1: Literary Arabic (Reading & Translation) • Hour 2: Modern Arabic (Conversation & Debate on Current Affairs) ⸻ HOUR 1 — Arabic Literature (60 minutes) Objectives • Develop reading fluency in classical/standard Arabic • Understand literary structures and stylistic devices • Produce accurate and elegant translations Structure 1️⃣ Context & Vocabulary (10 min) • Brief cultural or historical background • Key vocabulary (classical, rare, idiomatic) 2️⃣ Guided Reading (20 min) • Reading aloud by teacher and students • Grammatical and stylistic explanations • Focus on: • Verb patterns • Sentence rhythm • Narrative connectors 3️⃣ Analysis (15 min) • Themes and moral lessons • Character roles • Narrative techniques • Links to broader Arabic literary traditions 4️⃣ Translation Workshop (15 min) • Collective translation • Discuss: • Literal vs literary translation • Register and tone • Alternative renderings HOUR 2 — Current Affairs Conversation (60 minutes) Objectives • Build spoken fluency in Modern Standard Arabic • Learn contemporary political, social, and media vocabulary • Express opinions clearly and confidently Structure 1️⃣ Warm-up & Vocabulary (10 min) • Key terms from: • News headlines • Social media discourse • Political or cultural debates 2️⃣ Listening / Reading Input (10 min) • Short news clip or article (Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, etc.) • Identify main ideas and key arguments 3️⃣ Guided Discussion (30 min) Possible formats: • Open discussion • Structured debate • Role-play (journalist / analyst / public opinion) • Comparison with students’ countries Discussion skills: • Expressing agreement/disagreement • Clarifying opinions • Polite debate language 4️⃣ Reflection & Correction (10 min) • Correct common mistakes • Reformulate students’ answers in refined Arabic • Highlight strong expressions Homework (Light & Effective) Meeting at Pret A Manger 252 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7RB

Join the London Women Chess Club (LWCC) for our weekly social chess session in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you are completely new to chess, returning after a break, or already playing competitively, you are very welcome. LWCC is an ECF award-winning community initiative dedicated to encouraging more women and girls to play chess, build confidence, and progress into competitive play if they wish. We are proud to see new members joining every month, with many progressing into league matches and tournaments. What to expect * Friendly social games * Opportunities to improve your chess * Informal group coaching and guidance to help members progress * Information about tournaments and league opportunities * A respectful and supportive environment * A growing community of women supporting each other through chess Who can join * Women and girls of all levels * Complete beginners are very welcome * Players returning after a break * Competitive players looking for a supportive community How to join LWCC To help us maintain a safe and well-organised community, we ask new members to complete our short membership form before joining our WhatsApp community. [Membership registration](https://form.jotform.com/241453653475359) [Group Coaching ](https://pci.jotform.com/form/241475449120353) Our WhatsApp group is shared with registered members so we can keep communication relevant and maintain a positive environment for everyone. About London Women Chess Club London Women Chess Club is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) focused on making chess more accessible to women and creating a positive pathway into competitive chess. We collaborate with libraries, chess organisations and the English Chess Federation to build a strong and sustainable women’s chess community in London. [Instagram!](https://www.instagram.com/londonwomenchessclub) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-women-chess-club/)

Flamenco Dance Classes for Beginners at Danceworks every Sunday! We will work on the placement of the body, the perception of the rhythm, clapping, footwork, movements of arms and head. Choreography depending on the level: Alegrías, Bulerías, Tangos, etc. We will learn or perfect the four Sevillanas. If you have dancing shoes and clothes, bring them. Otherwise, don't worry, just feel comfortable to dance! When? **Every Sunday** Time: **12:00 - 13:00** Where? **Danceworks** 16 Balderton St, London W1K 6TN Studio 4 Nearest Tube stations: **Bond St.** Marble Arch Cost? £13 per class. **Book here:** https://danceworks.com/london/classes/timetable/ Class bookings become available 7 days in advance. Online bookings close 15 minutes before the class starts but you can book in person up to the start time. **Waiting lists are available.** ***About Maika:*** Maika is a flamenco and Spanish dance teacher with more than 17 years of experience, teaching adults and children in Spain, the United States of America, Mexico, Canada and UK. She also led flamenco classes at Rey Juan Carlos University from 2013 to 2018. Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), she began studying ballet and Spanish dance from the tender age of nine. Maika studied at Karen Taft Dance Academy and Flamenco Centre “Amor de Dios”, majoring in Spanish Dance at Conservatory of Dance in Madrid. In 2003, she was awarded a certificate in Teaching Methodology Applied to Spanish Dance and then focused her career on dance education. Maika has continued her professional training alongside teachers including Antonio Canales, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Rojas and Rodriguez. Maika co-founded the company Spanish Flamenco Tour, based in Miami (USA), a business dedicated to promoting flamenco and Spanish culture, to a local audience. Adding more strings to her bow, Maika embarked on a Master´s Degree in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects at Institute of Dance “Alicia Alonso”, Rey Juan Carlos University. Her final master’s project was based on the promotion of Spanish dance, receiving a First-Class Degree. Maika’s classes are designed to extract every student’s natural ability to dance and show them how wonderful and fun, this art form is.

Join our Sunday Improvers Flamenco Classes at Danceworks with Maika Jimenez Blanco — a welcoming and energetic space to continue developing your flamenco technique, artistry and confidence. These classes are designed for students who already have some flamenco experience and would like to deepen their understanding of flamenco technique and choreography in a supportive and encouraging environment. Each session includes: * Footwork technique (zapateado) * Arm and hand technique (braceos y floreos) * Turns, coordination and posture * Flamenco rhythm and musicality * Choreography work * Expression, confidence and performance skills We work on traditional flamenco styles while also building strength, elegance and stage presence. The atmosphere is friendly, motivating and inclusive, with attention to both technique and enjoyment. Current choreography work includes Tangos de Triana and other exciting flamenco repertoire throughout the year. Whether you want to improve your dancing, reconnect with your creativity, or simply enjoy the passion and energy of flamenco every Sunday, you will be very welcome. 👠 Flamenco shoes recommended. 💃 Taught by internationally experienced flamenco teacher and founder of Flamenco with Maika, Maika Jimenez Blanco “Flamenco for everybody” ✨ When? **Every Sunday** Time: **11:00 - 12:00** Where? **Danceworks** 16 Balderton St, London W1K 6TN Studio 4 Nearest Tube stations: **Bond St.** Marble Arch Cost? £13 per class. **Book here:** https://danceworks.com/london/classes/timetable/ Class bookings become available 7 days in advance. Online bookings close 15 minutes before the class starts but you can book in person up to the start time. **Waiting lists are available.** ***About Maika:*** Maika is a flamenco and Spanish dance teacher with more than 19 years of experience, teaching adults and children in Spain, the United States of America, Mexico, Canada, and UK. She also led flamenco classes at Rey Juan Carlos University from 2013 to 2018. Born and raised in Madrid (Spain), she began studying ballet and Spanish dance at the tender age of nine. Maika studied at Karen Taft Dance Academy and Flamenco Centre “Amor de Dios”, majoring in Spanish Dance at the Conservatory of Dance in Madrid. In 2003, she was awarded a Teaching Methodology Applied to Spanish Dance certificate and then focused her career on dance education. Maika has continued her professional training alongside teachers including Antonio Canales, Alfonso Losa, La Lupi, Rojas and Rodriguez. Maika co-founded the company Spanish Flamenco Tour, based in Miami (USA), a business dedicated to promoting flamenco and Spanish culture, to a local audience. Adding more strings to her bow, Maika embarked on a Master´s Degree in Leadership and Management of Cultural Projects at the Institute of Dance “Alicia Alonso”, Rey Juan Carlos University. Her final master’s project was based on promoting Spanish dance, receiving a First-Class Degree. Maika’s classes are designed to extract every student’s natural ability to dance and show them how wonderful and fun, this art form is.

Kick off your week with music, movement, and great vibes. Come solo or with friends—no partner needed! **Schedule (This Sunday):** • 6:00 PM – Free Bachata Taster • 6:30 PM – Bachata Classes (3 Levels) • 7:30 PM – Salsa Classes (3 Levels) • 8:30 PM–23:00 AM – FREE Social Dancing (Salsa, Bachata, a touch of Kiz) **What to expect:** • Friendly teachers, clear level splits, and lots of practice time • Great music and a welcoming crowd for all levels—absolute beginners to improvers • Central location, easy transport, and good vibes all night **Why social dancing is good for you:** Social dancing is a fun workout that boosts your cardio, coordination, and posture—without feeling like “exercise.” It reduces stress, fires up your brain with musical timing and footwork patterns, and improves confidence through gentle challenges and quick wins. Dancing with different partners builds connection, empathy, and communication skills (you literally learn to “listen” with your body). It’s also an incredible way to make friends and feel part of a community—one song at a time. Good to know: • No partner or experience required • Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and arrive a bit early for level check-in • Classes start right on time—don’t miss your warm-up! Price: £10 one class £15 two classes 6:00 PM class is FREE intro to bachata RSVP now so we can plan levels and floor space. See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

Discover the beautiful art of **castanets (castañuelas)** and add a new dimension to your flamenco 💫 This **6-week introduction course** is open to all levels, including complete beginners. We will build technique step by step, focusing on coordination, rhythm, and musicality. ✨ What you will learn: • Hand positioning and basic technique • Coordination and independence between hands • Rhythm patterns and musicality • Integration into simple flamenco sequences • Posture, arms, and expression This course is also accessible if you prefer or need to participate seated. 📅 **Dates:** Sundays, 19 April – 24 May ⏰ **Time:** 10:00 – 11:00 📍 **Location:** Danceworks London ⚠️ **Please bring proper castanets (not decorative ones)** 👉 **Booking is essential via Danceworks (link below)** https://www.danceworks.com/courses/ Limited places available ✨ If you have any questions, feel free to message.

**Saturday - Lower Intermediate+ @ George Green's** Come and join our friendly badminton club for a fun and competitive doubles session at George Green’s School in Tower Hamlets! 🏸 **How it works** * Book your spot here on Meetup – spaces are limited. * Pay by bank transfer before the session – bank details are provided below. * Bring your own racket and non-marking indoor shoes. Feather shuttles are included. 🎯 **Level** This is a **Lower Intermediate+ session**. You should be able to play clears, smashes, drops, drives, and net shots consistently in games. All players **must be at the right level** for this session. Badminton levels vary between clubs, so we strongly recommend checking out our **Instagram page** to see what *we* class as **Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, and High Intermediate** before booking. We always use the **first game as a level check**. If it becomes clear during that game that the standard isn’t the right match for this session, **you won’t be able to continue beyond that point**. As a **small community club**, we’re unfortunately **unable to offer refunds** in these situations. 👉 Please **only book a session if you are happy to accept these conditions**. 💬 **Stay connected** We have a club WhatsApp group for updates, photos, and extra playing opportunities. Message Peter on **07561 100 413** after you've played at your first session and we’ll add you! 📍 **Venue** * Where: George Green’s School, 100 Manchester Road, E14 3DW (nearest tube: Island Gardens DLR). * On arrival: Let reception know you’re here for the Tower Hamlets Badminton Meetup. 💷 **Price** £12 per session, payable in advance. Bank transfer details: **Badminton Go Ltd** Sort code: 60-83-71 Account: 78644858 (Use your name + date as ref)

Click Here For More Videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17bwkttXhV/ *********************************** Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve Every Tuesday Night to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

**✅ Bachata Mondays with Todd Smith!** **👉 Beginner Bachata Class** **$15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm … Registration 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm … Beginner Class **👉 Intermediate Bachata Class** **= $15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm Registration 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Intermediate Class **👉 If You Take Both Bachata Classes** **= $25 In Advance / $35 At the Door** **👉 Buy Advance Tickets Now at:** https://columbussalsadancing.com/bachata-mondays-dance-class-tickets/

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!

**✅ Salsa Wednesdays with Todd Smith!** **👉 Beginner Salsa Class** **$15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm … Registration 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm … Beginner Class **👉 Intermediate Salsa Class** **= $15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm Registration 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Intermediate Class **👉 If You Take Both Salsa Classes** **= $25 In Advance / $35 At the Door** **👉 Buy Advance Tickets Now at:** https://columbussalsadancing.com/salsa-wednesdays-dance-class-tickets/ **👉 Questions? Text Todd @ (614) 774-8146**

Happy Birthday to all June birthday people! I put this on the schedule because it's my birthday month, and this is my favorite place; it's also Dave Koczur's (MAFIA meetup leader) birthday on June 8; if you who are reading this have a June birthday as well, tell us in the Comments! For anyone off work or with a flexible schedule, come to Pistachio Vera in German Village for a tea and pastry. We will try to get a table outside. If convenient, you could put a fold up chair in your car in case we can all sit outside but we run out of chairs. https://www.pistaciavera.com/

Bring your work or your hobby, hang out, and code with us. Follow @buckeyecocoa for more information.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."