Wild Birds

################# **If you missed this trip, we're repeating it on Saturday, February 7. Sign up via the link:** https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/312800438/ **We’ve created a list of [FAQs](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e4VGmwhurmCng2cY3ZJHOS4j9ZlWKaX1/view?usp=sharing) to help answer your questions.** ################# We’re off to Norfolk! The seals in Norfolk are truly one of Britain's most special sights. Without any doubt, they're an incredible WOW factor and one that you must see! On this day hike, we'll walk along the top of the sand dunes and enjoy stunning panoramic views across the North Sea. On our way, we'll pass the much-loved grey seal colony at Horsey Beach, which draws thousands of visitors each year, **particularly between November and March**, when the seals come ashore to breed. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of seals and their pups stretching for as far as the eye can see! The whole walk is in the Broads National Park – one of fifteen national parks in the UK. You'll discover its iconic windmills, navigable waterways and broads (man-made, shallow lakes). With over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, the Norfolk Broads have more miles of waterway than Venice or Amsterdam, and are an extremely popular boating holiday destination! Locals like to call the Broads “the Venice of the East”. 💪 This walk is **suitable for all abilities** – it is almost entirely flat and done at a very gentle pace to allow us enjoy the nature and take plenty of pictures. **HIKE HIGHLIGHTS** * Watch seals and their young from a close distance at Horsey Gap, home to one of the biggest colonies of grey seals in Britain. * Take a gentle stroll over the vast open expanse of the golden sand dunes of Winterton Beach – a Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is a veritable haven for birds and all kinds of wildlife and is widely regarded as having the best sand dunes in Norfolk. * See the spectacular Horsey Windpump – the youngest and largest windpump in the Norfolk Broads. It was built in 1912 to pump water out from the surrounding land so that it could be used for farming. * Discover Horsey Mere, often regarded as one of the most beautiful of the northern broads and famous for its internationally important wildlife. * Walk the newly opened stretch of the England Coast Path – a new National Trail around all of England's coast, which once completed will be the longest coastal walking route in the world (4,500 kilometres in length!). **DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY** Distance: 6 miles (10km). Ascent: 50m. Difficulty: [Easy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMjvqhAAdSeCdyzLPHs0z04_e2TiKdci/view). **ITINERARY** **07:45** Meet outside ibis London City – Shoreditch Hotel, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (near Aldgate East Station) **08:00** Sharp departure **11:15** Horsey Windpump to Hemsby hike via Winterton-on-Sea for a lunch stop **16:30** Departure **19:30** London, next to Bow Road Underground Station **TRANSPORT** As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus. **SAFETY** This hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader. **BOOKING** Please RSVP and pay by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Seals): Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited Sort Code: 20-17-20 Account Number: 63116514 We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the [attendees list](https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/312586739/attendees) of the event. Please allow up to 24 hours for the payment to arrive. **THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES** * Transport throughout the trip * Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver * Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader * Professional event organisation * Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders * Admin fee * 20% VAT **THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance) **HOW TO CONTACT US** For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours. Your guide will be Milena (07869815577, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip. **WHAT TO BRING** * Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support * Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers or a poncho (if there is a chance of rain) * Gloves/hat/cap * Water (min 1L) * Packed lunch **REVIEWS ⭐** We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an **average event rating of 4.8 out of 5**. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better! **JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA** This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next! [Facebook group link](https://www.facebook.com/groups/220802492121957) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/london_social_hiking/) **REFUND POLICY** You can check our refund policy [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ny-b2NmMzBlpCiKjzkqC2vJEisxlORpn/view?usp=drive_link).

National Brick Events - Basildon https://www.nationalbrickevents.co.uk/event/basildon https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-brick-events-basildon-tickets-1769326255459 Overview From rare retired sets for sale to awesome builds on display there is something for every LEGO fan at National Brick Events National Brick Events comes back to Basildon! Calling all LEGO lovers of all ages! National Brick Events are the ultimate destination for anyone who loves the joy of building with bricks. Prepare for a day filled with creativity, nostalgia, and pure LEGO magic! Here's what awaits you: 🧠 Unleash your inner builder: Dive into massive brick pits overflowing with LEGO bricks! Let your imagination run wild and build anything your heart desires. 🤯 Explore awe-inspiring creations: Be amazed by incredible life-size LEGO builds, like our very own HMS National Brick submarine and HUGE LEGO Lion! Climb on and snap a memorable photo. You'll also find amazing MOCs (My Own Creations) from talented builders, showcasing their creativity and passion for LEGO. 🧩 Help build a mosaic: Join in with our interactive mosaics! Build a square using LEGO bricks and contribute to a collaborative masterpiece. 🔎 Hunt for rare retired sets: Explore a vast selection of rare and retired LEGO sets from our dedicated traders. You might just find that missing piece to complete your collection! Whether you're a seasoned collector, an AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO), or simply looking for a fun-filled family day out, National Brick Events have something for everyone! Tickets: Early Bird entry is from 10am. Standard Entry is from the time indicated in the ticket description. Family Tickets include entry for 2 Adults & 2 Children (aged 5-12) Under 5s gain admission for free (with a paying adult). Please note: Only Early Bird Entry gains access from 10am. All Standard tickets gain entry to the show from the time indicated in the ticket description.

Join us for a nautical winter walk along the banks of the River Thames from Rotherhithe to Greenwich. A pleasant walk of approximately 5 miles (8km) through London's dockklands and parklands along the Thames path. This is great chance to stetch your legs and get to know some of our members, as well as for existing members to catchup on this pleasant walk taking in the following sights: ✅ The Mayflower Pub : London's oldest riverside pub ✅ Southwark Park : Opened in 1869 and covering 63 acres ✅ Greenland Dock : London's oldest riverside dock ✅ The Golden Hinde Dry Dock : Where the famous boat was built ✅ Cutty Sark : Last surving extreme clipper boat ✅ Greenwich : Original homes of Britians navy & observatory **Walk Starting Point, 12.00pm** At The Mayflower Rub in Rotherhithe Google Maps [https://maps.app.goo.gl/MtucCPHsfHq4sjN38](https://maps.app.goo.gl/MtucCPHsfHq4sjN38) What 3 Words [///wells.sides.bits](https://w3w.co/wells.sides.bits) **Walk Ending Point, 14.30pm (approximately)** The Yacht Pub in Greenwich Google Maps[ ](https://sundowners.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=87b55c43f10f44342ae6682f5&id=b84874794a&e=14528e2950)[https://maps.app.goo.gl/SAFVd1DqGG25NdWE8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/SAFVd1DqGG25NdWE8) What 3 Words [///hooks.store.copy](https://w3w.co/hooks.store.copy) **The Route:** The route is on paved paths – it is all pretty flat. **Dogs**: Well behaved dogs are welcome. The walk is dog friendly as is the pub at the end. Dogs will need to be kept on leads at certain places. **Cost:** Free, Nada, Nothing, Gratis. ***If you would like to eat with us in the pub at the end of the walk please ensure to email us so that we can reserve you a space: info@sundowners.org.uk*** Can't find us on the day? Give Ben a call on 07852 184129.

Ready to ditch the boring tours? Join us for the **Unconventional Friend-Maker Tour**—your guaranteed pathway to **laughter 😂, making new friends from around the world 🌍**, and seeing London like a true local! **Important**: please register on this [page](https://www.meetup.com/your-london-exploration-family-of-fun/events/312296041/?recId=192b19e1-8a4b-4ad9-abe3-dfa3a03b2392&recSource=event-search&searchId=4d0daa5b-e84e-4382-aab8-dfd7f70c0bbb&eventOrigin=find_page%24all) (please click on the URL for the original event page). We are **unlike any other tour provider**; this is an active, social, and creative daytime adventure designed for connection. Don't just take our word for it: **our clients are 100% happy!** Please message either Jingyi: +44 &487 832243 or Avi: +44 7391 692387. 👏On this tour, you'll get to experience: * ✴ **Outernet:** Know the latest digital art piece. * 🎡 **London Eye:** Stroll along the iconic riverside, * **Big Ben:** Uncover the history of the famous big clock and feel the **vibrant, romantic energy** surrounding London’s most famous landmark. * 🥂 **Trafalgar Sqaure:** Immerse yourself in **London’s artistic elegance**, surrounded by grand architecture, lively culture, and the charm of the city’s sophisticated heart. \#\#\# 🎲 Games Designed for Friends & Fun This tour is built around interaction to ensure you leave with new connections: * 🤝 **Icebreaker Trivia Titans:** Test your London knowledge as we hit iconic spots! Expect **hilarious, interaction-based questions** that require you to **collaborate closely** with your teammates. * 📸 **The Ultimate Global Photo Challenge:** Forget stiff selfies! You'll receive a set of highly **creative photo prompts** for each neighbourhood. Capture amazing memories *with* your new international friends. * 🗺️ **Urban Treasure Hunt Twist (The Collaboration Catalyst):** Scattered clues and secret missions lead you between districts, forcing you to **team up and collaborate** with new friends to unlock the next stage of our journey. This is a high-energy, cross-cultural puzzle where teamwork means success! 🥳 This unique experience is **10 pounds,** payable on site. We believe in making our tours accessible to everyone while ensuring our passionate guides can continue to share their love for London. For those who can't join us in person, the journey will be recorded 🎥, so you can still be part of the adventure! 😎 Lace up your walking shoes 👟, bring your appetite and **waterproof jacket** in case of rain, and get ready for a memorable adventure that celebrates the best of London's diverse and delicious neighbourhoods.

NO ROOM FOR ZOOMS! Love shooting at night but tired of dragging your tripod around? This session is about learning a set of techniques to shoot using a single, fast prime lens (e.g. 50mm, 35mm f/1.2, f/1.4, f1.8) You know that small, lightweight, inexpensive but beautiful lens that sits quietly in your camera bag? Tonight you’ll put it to good use! WHAT YOU WILL LEARN · Using a fast aperture to allow hand holding at night · Create bokeh for beautiful shallow depth of field · Getting depth of field in your shot · Tips for getting sharp shots whilst handholding at night EXPERIENCE * All levels welcome! EQUIPMENT * Any camera * 50mm f1.8 - any lens will work but a fast lens (f1.8-f2.8) is recommended * No tripods needed * We'll be wandering around so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. TRAVEL As usual check the TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey. CONTACT Alex 07956 264049 UPCOMING EVENTS https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/calendar

This is a walk, through the Chilterns open countryside and fields with a stop at **Rothschild's Waddesdon Manor , A french renaissance-style chateau,** we will have time to explore the gardens and stop for lunch before we continue the hike going through Aythrope beautiful views. **By train** 8:27 Chiltern Railways from London Marylebone reaching Aylesbury Vale Parkway at 09:35 meet at 8:10 at Marylebone ticket office for a group saver ticket if you don't have a network railcard, please check if any one from London wants to join with you for the group saver ticket feel free to use the chat to arrange this. **Train Tickets** **Ticket Type -** Off-peak Day Return 1/3off with rail card or group save discount **By Car** 9:35 Aylesbury Vale Parkway station The organiser will meet at this location 09:40 Hike Start time Location, Aylesbury Vale Parkway station [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6fM57vkn25CkuawX6?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6fM57vkn25CkuawX6?g_st=ic) Length around 15 km Altitude around 170m Grade – Easy/Moderate good fitness level required. Hike Starting/Ending Point:- Aylesbury Vale Parkway station **Food Drinks** Break around 12:00 At Waddesdon Manor gardens with the option to bring own food for a picknick or buy lunch at the Stables Café At the end of the walk for those interested there is an option for a pub stop **What to bring:** You must bring a backpack with Waterproof Jacket , a picnic lunch hiking foot wear and 1.5 L water. **Note :** Paths can be muddy at this time of the year. Dedicate entire evening for the hike as return time cant be guaranteed. **Note: There is a 1 pound fee to cover the running costs, collected on the day.** **⚠️Disclaimer⚠️** **Please note that I am NOT qualified as a hike leader or first aider.** This is just a self guided gathering of like minded people. The event is purely based on hobby. Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Hiking and hill walking are activities with a danger of personal injury. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.

Walk length 11miles/17km approx. Circular. A scenic circular hike from Goring across a mixture of landscapes from fields and woodland using a number of sections of the Chiltern Way which is a waymarked national long-distance footpath. There is also a small section of the Thames path close to Goring. A MODERATE HIKE WITH A NUMBER OF HILL CLIMBS AS WELL AS FLATTER SECTIONS CLOSE TO THE RIVER. Lunch and Finish Please bring a snack lunch and water for the walk. The walk should finish before 4.30pm and include a 30 min snack lunch stop and pub at the end, however the time may be earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace. We may have lunch at Woodcote that has a village green close to a pub. Transport and meeting Meet Outside Goring station for the hike to start at 10.50am (after the train from London arrives). By train: The 9.36am train from Paddington gets to Goring & Streatley for 10.48am. From London it is suggested you meet from 9.00am at Paddington to give you time to get a group save/buy tickets (see photo below). The organizer will not be catching the train from London but will meet you at Goring. £7 cash payable on the day guided walk & meetup costs. You can do paypal ([colin45@hotmail.co.uk](mailto:colin45@hotmail.co.uk)) please use friends and family with paypal to avoid charges. Bank transfer if you prefer, please contact the organizer. Train price should be approx. £20 return with a groupsave or national railcard discount. Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681. Walking Safety Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/Terms_and_Conditions/) COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

**\*Please note we had to increase the session fees to £14 due to increase in court hire and shuttles.** Sunday Morning Badminton Date: 18 January 2026 Time: 10 am to 12 Noon Courts: 4 courts available Shuttles: Feather (quality feathers) Session Fee: £14 per person. TWO HOURS OF BADMINTON - £14, Venue: Somers Town Community Sports Centre 134 Chalton Street, London NW1 1RX Free Street Parking Available. This session is for those that are intermediate and above (strictly no beginners/ improvers/ Low Intermediates). We want to ensure the quality of play while controlling the standard of the club, this means that players who are not quite up to the standard may be asked politely to leave. PLEASE PAY BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE SESSION EITHER VIA BANK TRANSFER/ PAYPAL. IMPORTANT: OUR TERMS! Coronavirus: Stay Safe, Play Safe https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Badminton-Club/boards/thread/52704882 Badminton Tactics: https://www.meetup.com/Central-London-Badminton-Club/messages/boards/thread/52043613 \*PLEASE NOTE: LATE CANCELLATIONS (AFTER 8PM ON SATURDAY) OR NO-SHOWS WILL INCUR A PENALTY CHARGE OF £14. YOU WILL NEED TO PAY THE PENALTY CHARGE BEFORE BEING ALLOWED TO RSVP AT THE NEXT AVAILABLE SESSION. • You are responsible for your own well-being and we and the sports facility representatives will not be responsible for any injury, stolen or damaged property or any other occurrences during our sessions. • Organisers: Mohammed (mr. nice guy), Vin (the merciless) and Moynul (the dark side of badminton)

Details Session open to all members to attend up to 8 players intermediate or advanced player looking to play to get a game and fit. Feather shuttlecocks will be available to play with. Bring your own racket too. When you RSVP make payment 2 days inadvance by PayPal personal account on PayPal website akifedar2001@yahoo.com. or through direct bank account A.A.Dar SC.40-47-59 Account no.71022237

Highbanks boasts a lovely indoor birdwatching lounge, so join us for hot drinks and donuts. We may venture outside if the weather complies! [Please register for details closer to the event](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOAdQlIaKro1dFCgfp26IcwsaxQjzbYMZVQ7mLg3dViQDrsQ/viewform?usp=preview).

For January, we’re reading Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. For fans of Flight Behavior and Station Eleven, a novel set on the brink of catastrophe, as a young woman chases the world's last birds--and her own final chance for redemption. Franny Stone has always been a wanderer. By following the ocean's tides and the birds that soar above, she can forget the losses that have haunted her life. But when the wild she loves begins to disappear, Franny can no longer wander without a destination. She arrives in remote Greenland with one purpose: to find the world's last flock of Arctic terns and track their final migration. She convinces Ennis Malone, captain of the Saghani, to take her onboard, winning over his eccentric crew with promises that the birds will lead them to fish. As the Saghani fights its way south, Franny's dark history begins to unspool. Battered by night terrors, accumulating a pile of unsent letters, and obsessed with pursuing the terns at any cost, Franny is full of secrets. When her quest threatens the safety of the entire crew, Franny must ask herself what she is really running toward--and running from. Propelled by a narrator as fierce and fragile as the terns she is following, Charlotte McConaghy's Migrations is both an ode to our threatened world and a breathtaking page-turner about the lengths we will go for the people we love.

We'll hike about 2.5 miles on the Scioto Audobon Trail and can extend the distance as the group prefers. Will ask one of the faster regulars to take the front (about 16 minute miles) and I’ll bring up the rear at about 19 minute miles. No one left behind. Those who wish can join for lunch at Nocterra after the hike. Note: There is a $5 gift card on the Nocterra site if you provide your email and birthdate.

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

Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. If trail conditions are poor, we will use the Multipurpose Path.