Widows and Widowers

A fortnightly Monday evening play-reading group, led by a professional and experienced actress-directress-coachess, Downstairs at Megan's in Richmond upon Thames. You don't have to have any stage experience - only the love (suppressed or expressed) of reading out loud; and an interest in joining a friendly group of drama buddies, over a drink and some fun, poignant, poetic, expressive and interactive thoughts, against the beautiful backdrop of the cosy and private downstairs at Megan's. I will select the play a few days before the meet-up, according to how many members we have, confirmed, making sure that everyone gets to take part. Copies of the play / script will be provided and there is no minimum spend, curtesy of Megan's - the proud and generous supporters of the local community activities. (I'll be well up for a drink though.) When you get to the door, just say that you're there for the Play-reading Group, downstairs. Can't wait to read with you! Adna

Ready to turn your weekly workout into an adventure? RunBox Westminster is officially open for 2026! Proudly presented by the Westminster International Learning Academy, our programme blends fitness with fascinating storytelling. We don’t just pass by the sights; we dive into the history of the city's most iconic symbols, from Big Ben to the secret courts time forgot. Why RunBox? Expert Insight: Historical tours led with a fresh perspective. Inclusive Pace: Dedicated groups for both runners and walkers. Weekly Community: A new route and a new story every week Snack Included

*Since 2009, 15‑40 men meet in a warm, inclusive space near Leicester Square to meditate, relax and make friends. No experience needed – we guide you step‑by‑step, and seasoned meditators are welcome.* **Why gay‑men choose this space** * **Safety & belonging** – a private, affirming environment where you can be yourself without judgment, the core need identified by LGBTQ‑focused mindfulness programmes . * **Minority‑stress relief** – mindfulness reduces the chronic stress that many gay, bi and queer men face, boosting self‑acceptance and emotional regulation . * **Community‑driven growth** – connecting with others who share similar experiences lowers isolation and fosters resilience. [Click here to book](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) or simply turn up and pay at the door. **What you’ll get** * **Breath‑work & gratitude tools** – instant stress relief and mood lift. * **Guided meditations** that develop emotional intelligence, self‑compassion and resilience. * **Trauma‑informed compassion practices** – self‑compassion exercises and body‑scan work to ease reactivity and promote safety. * **A supportive peer community** – improve social skills and build lasting friendships. **Evening flow (7 pm‑9 pm)** 1️⃣ Grounding movement & body‑scan 2️⃣ First guided meditation (focused attention or self‑compassion) 3️⃣ 20‑minute tea break for informal chat 4️⃣ The second meditation changes week by week and follows a rotating weekly theme (loving‑kindness, self‑compassion, gratitude, etc.) **Practical details** * **When:** Every Monday (doors 6:45 pm, meditation 7 pm) – we run the session even if there are no Meetup RSVP. No booking required - just turn up. * **Where:** 52 Saint Martins Lane, WC2N 4EA (near Leicester Square/Charing Cross) * **Seating:** Chairs provided; mats & cushions available for floor sitting. **Teacher** Nick – 30 years of practice and 7 years as a Buddhist monk, teaching from a non‑reactive, freedom‑focused perspective. **Fees** * **First‑timer:** £10 * **Regular:** £16 per session * **Concessions:** £13 (students, low‑income, refugees, disability support – ask on arrival) **Join us** [Click here to book](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) or simply turn up and pay at the door. “The connection here is transformative – stress‑free, supportive, genuinely inclusive.” – member testimonial.

NOTE: the pub does not charge for our space on the understanding that we all purchase something from the bar. Please support them. I'll be there from around 7pm if anyone would like a social chat before we get started. **Please arrive in time for a prompt start at 7:30.** In some Christian circles there is an idea that in all of us there is a “God-shaped hole” - the idea that everyone needs God; those who seek Him find Him, but those who do not, vainly fill the “void” with other things. The origins of the idea appear to stem from Blaise Pascal, the 17th century French mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and Catholic writer. In his book *Pensées*, published posthumously in 1670, he suggests that we are all engaged in a futile search for a true happiness but that however much we have, we remain dissatisfied. This leads him to propose that “this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself”. In the 20th century Existentialist thought suggests that although the “hole” is real, it is not “God-shaped”. Instead, existentialists argue that the feeling of emptiness is the result of confronting the absurdity of a world devoid of inherent, preordained purpose. Rather than seeking to fill this void with a divine plug, existentialists believe in accepting the void and taking on the radical responsibility of creating one’s own meaning. American psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed his hierarchy of needs, the highest level being “self-actualisation”. Maslow describes this as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be. In later work he extended this idea to suggest that transcending the self and having a broader sense of purpose and connection to others, is the peak of human experience. Perhaps this is his approach to filling the "hole". What are our own personal experiences? Do we find ourselves searching in vain for some deeper meaning or purpose? If so, why? If not, what makes us feel adequately fulfilled? What is it, exactly, that we are searching for? How would we recognise it if we had it? To what extent has the development of scientific understanding filled any “God-shaped hole”, in the 350 years since Pascal’s writing? In what ways might some notion of “God”, possibly combined with belonging to some form of religious community, fill the “infinite abyss” we may feel? Even if a “God-shaped” solution doesn’t work for us, can we understand why it has been, and remains, so important for human societies? Is there a different sort of hole that isn’t “God-shaped”? Some optional prior reading: [Where does the concept of a "God-shaped hole" originate?](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/2746/where-does-the-concept-of-a-god-shaped-hole-originate) [Pascal’s ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es)*[Pensées](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es)*[ (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pens%C3%A9es) [Existentialism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism) [Maslow's hierarchy of needs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs) Café Philo discussions always try to be respectful of everyone’s point of view. This topic is potentially more controversial than some, so please be respectful of all points of view, even if you disagree. Hope to see you there.

🌸 Aikido — Free Trial for Beginners! 🌸 Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on harmony rather than force. It’s suitable for all ages, genders, and fitness levels, and anyone can start at their own pace. ✨ First class FREE! Perfect for beginners — we teach the basics step by step. Aikido helps improve posture, relieve stress, and develop effective self-defence skills. 🔹 Monthly fee: £30 🔹 Open to: beginners, students, working adults, and women 🔹 Training includes: body movement, breathing, throws, and safe falls 🔹 What to bring: comfortable clothes — no uniform needed for your first class Discover yourself and improve your balance, confidence, and calm through Aikido. Come and join us — visitors and trial lessons are always welcome!

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

Come hang out with fellow child-free women, swap stories, make new connections, and have a laugh over some lighthearted games. Let’s celebrate freedom, friendship, and fun!

**SUMMER NIGHTS ARE HERE AND THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO BE THAN ON THE TATTERSHALL CASTLE** YES , OUR FAMOUS SUMMER BOAT PARTIES ARE BACK ! WE'LL BE ROCKING THE BOAT ON SATURDAY 23RD MAY and continuing every 2 weeks on a Saturday night throughout the summer . **No age restrictions : everyone is welcome . Come and meet other singles , mingle , make new friends and enjoy the buzz !** The Tattershall Castle is a permanently moored boat on the Thames at Embankment . It is also a floating nightclub and one of our favourite Saturday night venues . Summer nights aboard the Tattershall are absolutely sublime - there is simply nowhere else in London quite like it . The event takes the form of a social gathering/mixer with introductions in the earlier part of the evening . Fingers crossed it will be mild enough by May for the DJ to start playing music on deck and we can dance til 11 pm and then continue with more dancing in the clubroom downstairs til 2 am . I have a table reserved on deck (usually this is the first table on your right as you walk down the ramp onto the boat , but if you can't find me please ask a member of staff .) . This will be our base whilst we are chatting , having a drink , dancing on deck , til 11pm , then we move down to the clubroom , where I have reserved another table for us . \*\* Event Fee : £7 for 1 person £10 for 2 Buy your ticket online from : [https://fatso.ma/3v32](https://fatso.ma/3v32) You are also free to use the bar/ward room below deck . This is a nice cosy refuge if it's chilly on deck and the windows provide an amazing view of all the coloured lights which illuminate the famous icons on the opposite side of the river (London Eye , City Hall , Southbank Centre , etc). PLEASE NOTE that this event begins at 8 pm - **arrive before** **9 pm to avoid paying an entrance fee directly to the venue** , as well as to me . THE BOAT MAY START CHARGING AFTER 9 PM . I look forward to welcoming you on the night ! Please also bring photo ID (the venue's rules , not mine). Please buy your ticket in advance from : [https://fatso.ma/3v32](https://fatso.ma/3v32) **NB You must have your ticket ready** on your phone to show me on arrival , or have **£7 in cash** ready to pay me (Lynn). Thank you .

BOOK YOUR TICKET 👉🏼 [HERE](https://itsadate.club/event/speed-dating-in-the-city-158/). Join London’s #1 dating events team for a fun Friday night at The Moniker—36 outgoing single guests, relaxed vibes, and the chance to spark real connections. The Moniker is a contemporary, classy, and comfortable bar with a seasonal drinks menu, relaxed atmosphere, and super-easy access. Add an energetic *It’s a Date* host and 36 eligible guests, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a memorable evening—newfound friends and maybe even a spark or two in the City! So, what do you say? Ready to make some relationship magic happen? Great—book your spot to join us! Our host will be at the venue ready to welcome you at 19:30. Please arrive on time for registration, to grab any drinks from the bar, and receive a summary of how things will work. You will be given an optional name sticker, a pen, and note card to keep track of everyone you’ve met. Ladies will be seated on tables adequately spaced, discreetly numbered, and arranged in a comfortable area of the venue. When speed dating commences, gents will join ladies for 5-minute dates to get to know one another. Your host will notify all guests at the end of each date, signalling for gents to move to the next table in ascending numerical order. During table rotations you will have a moment to record on note cards your feelings towards the previous date and intention to reconnect, for your reference only. Mid-way through the evening, your host will indicate a 15-minute comfort break to use the rest room, head to the bar, or socialise with new connections. Dating will then resume for the second half of the evening. At the end of the speed dating the bar will remain open for more socialising. You can then access the event listing in your dashboard to enter feedback on dates and await your matches. If you have any questions on the event or how things will work, please get in contact with Ollie on 07517 065 492 or ollie@itsadate.club

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.

Do you sometimes feel like you do well in life then something happens and you slide back, never quite getting ahead. At this Meetup you'll find out how to identify what actually causes the lows, the highs and everything in between. More importantly you’ll get the secret of how to gain control over your life so the highs are higher and the lows go away. Wouldn’t it be nice to stop the wild roller coaster ride for good? Or at least make it a fun roller coaster ride, with more ups and downs. There is a hidden factor that will be going over and you’re going to be quite surprised what it is and how much it affects your life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is hosted at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

You can also join the meeting by Conference Call at (518) 263-8851.