Wild Birds

A Rabble session is 1 hour of fun and social team games. Each game disguises high-intensity intervals within the rules, giving you an effective, all-body workout without even realising it. We play a bunch of different games at each session (like British Bulldog, Capture the Flag, Dodgeball, Frisbee and many more), and every class is different. Sessions are open to all, no matter your sporting ability. Each game is explained before we start, so there's no need to have played any of the games before. Come solo or bring friends! And stay at the end for the social part! Who knew getting fit could be this fun? **TO BOOK**: It's essential that you book onto sessions via our website, using the link below; due to restrictions on games and preparation times we cannot accept walk-ins, or late arrivals. [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) Use the code **FREEPLAY** to get your first game free! *** We play every: * Monday in Highbury & Islington (19:00 - 20:00) * Tuesday in Shoreditch / Haggerston (19:00 - 20:00) * Wednesdays in Elephant & Castle (19:00-20:00) * Saturday in Southwark Park (10:30 - 11:30) * Saturday in Finsbury Park (11:00 - 12:00) * Sunday in Clapham Common (12:00 - 13:00) If you have any questions, feel free to contact us on: hello@joinrabble.com We hope to see you playing soon! PS. We have a group of dedicated regulars, so numbers are usually much higher than meetup might suggest. Sign up at: [https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/](https://joinrabble.com/locations/london/) **Love Rabble**

[BOOK HERE](https://www.benita-yoga.com/schedule) A slower paced embodied yoga practice helping you to slow down, take a deeper breath and tune in a little more. You’ll be invited to find your own rhythm of the breath and connect with your inner-self via fluid and mindful movements. Eventually arriving to stillness, letting go of any tension to experience a deep relaxation. The busy thinking mind will slow down, nervous system will calm and your body will relax completely. This class is suitable for beginners. Please bring a mat. ###### Prices: – single class – £12 – 3 classpack – access to any weekly class, 30 days expiry from purchase date – \*£33 – 6 classpack – access to any weekly class, 60 days expiry from purchase date – \*£68 \*special events, like courses, Gong Baths, workshops etc not included Abut the venue: [The Wilds](https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Wilds+at+Barking+Riverside/@51.5253889,0.1243979,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x47d8a55bdd4a67bf:0xa9e132218dc5017b!8m2!3d51.5253889!4d0.1243979!16s%2Fg%2F11pxkgqys4?entry=ttu) is the community and ecology centre in Barking Riverside. Well connected with bike paths, public transport, buses or London Overground. Parking is also available.

Badminton Wednesday is a fun, friendly weekly session for badminton enthusiasts who are looking for regular competitive sessions. Our sessions are for players who can compete at intermediate to advanced level. We provide hybrid feather shuttles and games are organised to maximise competition and allow players to rotate partners. We have access to 4 courts and attendees must wear the appropriate footwear and clothing. **Venue:** School 21 Pitchford Street London E15 4RZ **General Play:** Costs for general play is £10 for a 2 hour session from 8pm - 10pm. **Racquet hire:** If you wish to hire a racquet, hire cost is £5 + £20 returnable deposit when the racquet is returned to us in it's original condition. We operate a pay and play policy so we ask that all members make payment either in advance or when you arrive for your session - see payments details below. Payable by cash or bank transfer to Christopher Butcher Monzo Bank Account Number : 73518191 Sort code :04-00-04 Please include your name and session day as reference eg Julie220223 **Disclaimer:** Shuttlers and School 21 do not accept any responsibility for any breakage, loss or injury during the session. The venue is based in Stratford, East London and offers male and female changing rooms, shower facilities and onsite parking. **Please do not attend this session if you have not joined the event on the Meetup group as demand is high and games cannot be guaranteed if you turn up without joining the event.** **If you RSVP to join an event and cannot attend the session, we kindly request that you amend your RSVP as soon as possible so that the spot is made available to other members on the waitlist.** We at Shuttlers look forward to welcoming you to the group. Members can contact Chris on 07565 790725 or Julie on 07956 957696 if you require further information.

Unleash your creativity by making and then painting your own pottery! Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this course offers a one-of-a-kind experience that's both enjoyable and enriching. Bring your own bottle (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) /**BYOB Make and then Paint your own Pottery** \- Dive into the world of pottery making and painting with our Ultimate BYOB session\, where you'll experience the joy of creating your own pottery masterpiece\. Tickets: £50 Admin fee: £2 *If interested please RSVP - please note this is a provisional date and time.*

[BOOK HERE](https://www.benita-yoga.com/gong-bath-at-the-boathouse-in-barking) spaces are limited !!! Don’t predict anything that can happen in the gong bath, please bring an open mind with no expectations. This is an adventure. Just relax and drift off where the sound takes you 🙂 What to expect in Gong Bath? You simply submerge in the sounds, in the ocean of sounds. All you do is lie comfortably on a mat, close your eyes and slow your breath. Just like during the relaxation after our Yoga class. You prepare yourself to become the receiver of sound. In the place of stillness you become more open and aware of each sound that comes in. Then I create the soundtrack… Your mind, body and soul is bathed with the tones of the Gongs and other instruments. The aim is to go into a deep state of relaxation, taking you to a space of neutrality, a space of bliss where the body’s natural healing process begins… It’s all about opening the passage of energy flow throughout the body to make you healthy and happy. When you awaken, you are ready to come back to the outer world, revived, calm and full of energy. What’s behind this technology of sound vibrations? Sound has been used in various cultures for thousands of years to move us from a place of imbalance to a place of balance. The sound vibrations, confirmed by scientific research help return your body to a natural state of harmony. Sound helps to facilitate shifts in our brainwave state. Our fluctuating brainwaves are synchronised with a stable frequency which the brain can attune to. By using rhythm and frequency it becomes possible to down-shift our normal beta state (normal waking consciousness) to alpha (relaxed consciousness), and even reach theta (meditative state) and delta (sleep; where internal healing can occur). We experience our brainwave balancing to clear the mind, release stress from the nervous system and allow us to feel a deeper inner sense of peace, balance and vitality.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carving-a-wooden-bird-13/ ⋆⋆⋆ **Carving a Wooden Bird** **10am – 5pm** This one-day workshop is designed for those interested in learning the art of carving a small three-dimensional object. You will learn about the tools required for carving, the types of wood and techniques for carving and finishing a simple wooden bird. By following a step-by-step process of carving a 3D object, from the selection of a suitable wood to the final stages of sanding and finishing. Participants will gain knowledge of carving techniques of carving in the round. The course will be taught by experienced woodworker Jon Hall who will provide personalised guidance to everyone, and give them tips and tricks to improve their carving skills. At the end of the day, learners will have a finished wooden bird that they can be proud of and can display in their homes or give as a gift. No prior experience in carving or woodworking is required for this course. Beginners welcome. All necessary materials, including the wood block, the use of carving tools, and finishing supplies, will be provided.

**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

Join Hannah, Rob and London Wildish Club for a steady winter ramble through one of London’s largest and most varied green spaces. We’ll **start at Hainault Station** and walk just over a mile to the edge of the forest before diving into the glorious green. Along the way we’ll visit Woodhenge, pop up onto Dog Kennel Hill (a small rise of around 80m), and stop by the Hainault Visitor Centre for toilets and a few nature facts. From there we’ll explore a mix of wide plains and woodier areas, before picking up Cavill’s Walk and looping back to the station together. This is a longer, steady-paced walk of around **7.8 miles / 12.5 km** — perfect for warming up for spring and the longer days ahead. Expect mud and puddles in places, crisp winter air, friendly people, and pauses for seasonal noticing along the way. We’re starting a little earlier than usual to make the most of the daylight. Any questions, just give us a shout. **What to bring** • Sturdy footwear (mud-friendly trainers or walking boots recommended) • Warm layers + waterproof jacket • Water + snacks/lunch • Your best seasonal nature facts • A dog friend, if you have one *** **Route info** • Loop route, starting and finishing at Hainault Station • Distance: 7.8 miles / 12.5 km • Terrain: mostly flat, woodland paths, open plains and one small hill • Likely muddy in places • Toilets available at the Hainault Visitor Centre • We’ll walk rain or shine — come prepared 🌦️ **More Info about Wildish Club** You can learn more and [join the club here](https://www.thewildishclub.co.uk/) (it’s free to join). The Wildish Club is place for outside people. Bringing awesome people together across the UK to do interesting stuff outdoors. It's a bit like Cubs, but for adults. When you join the club [via our website](https://www.wildishclub.co.uk/join-the-club) you will gain access to our WhatsApp community. This is where we share events and keep everyone up to date with what’s going on.

This is a ticketed event. Not a FREE EVENT. **The only Meetup Group with access to a private 5 star 🌟 Luxury 52 Seater Brand New Coach for these types of trips. To save you both time and money compared to using public transport such as trains and taxis** **Saves you 3 hours of travel time compared to using public transport.** **\-\-\-\-\-\-** **🦭✨ A Magical Day Trip to See the Baby Seals at Norfolk Beach! 🌊🐾** **Coach Trip from London** **Bring Your Best Camera with you and a drone is most welcome and useful too.** ***🦭🐾 Let’s go seal the day together! 🌊💙*** **\-\-\-\-\-\-** **If its full join the waitlist and we will move you to going list after you contact us to make a seat reservation via WhatsApp on 07590 919391.** **🗓️ Date & Time** 📍Meeting point: Outside Stratford Station (near the bus station). WHATSAPP GROUP FOR EXACT Location. 🕗 Departure: 8:05 AM sharp 🕚 Arrival at Norfolk: Around 11:00 AM 🍽️ Pub lunch: 4:00 PM (optional but highly recommended!) 🚌 Return departure: 5:30 PM 🏙️ Arrive back in London: Around 8:30 PM (traffic depending) \-\-\- **🌟 Event Overview** We’re heading to the beautiful beaches of Norfolk to witness one of nature’s most heartwarming sights — hundreds of adorable baby seals! 🦭💙 Every winter, between November and February, the beaches between Horsey and Winterton become home to more than 5,000 Atlantic grey seals, making Norfolk one of the best and largest seal-viewing spots in the world. You’ll see fluffy newborn pups, playful young seals, and giant males lounging on the sand. 🐾 Volunteers will be nearby to answer questions and help ensure everyone enjoys this special wildlife experience safely. After our gentle 6–7 mile easy coastal walk, we’ll head to a local country pub at 4:00 PM for a well-deserved late lunch and a chance to relax, chat, and share photos before heading back to London. 🍻🥧 \-\-\- ***📸 What to Expect*** **✨ Up-close (but respectful!) encounters with baby seals. Close Encounters not always possible. For health and safety reasons. Keep minimum distance of 10 meters for safety reasons.** **🏖️ A scenic beach and dune walk through the Broads National Nature Reserve.** **🌾 Stunning coastal views and charming nearby villages.** **🌤️ A relaxed, friendly group atmosphere with nature lovers like you.** **\-\-\-** ***🦭 A Little History & Fun Facts*** The Atlantic grey seals of Norfolk are one of the largest breeding colonies in England. Each year, female seals return to the same beaches to give birth — and the pups, born with white fur, stay close to their mothers for about three weeks before heading into the sea. In recent years, conservation efforts have helped the population thrive, turning this quiet stretch of coast into one of Britain’s most treasured wildlife spectacles. 🌍💚 \-\-\- **🚶‍♀️ Hike Details** **Distance**: 6–7 miles (easy and mostly flat) **Difficulty**: 🟢 Easy – suitable for all fitness levels **Terrain**: Sand dunes, grassy paths, and beach sections **Duration**: Around 3 hours (including photo stops and breaks) ***Please note: The seals are wild animals — if they approach you, do not touch them. Their mothers may abandon them if they smell human scent.*** **\-\-\-** ***💷 Cost & Payment*** 🎟️ £61 per person Includes: ✅ Return coach transport from London. ✅ Guided coastal hike with a qualified and fully trained and experienced Hike leader. ✅ Organising costs and group coordination **💰 *£1 deposit required to reserve your seat — this event always sells out fast!*** ***All payments are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by us.*** \-\-\- **🍱 Food & Refreshments** ***🥪 Bring your own packed lunch and water, as there are no shops on the beach.*** ***🍻 Optional pub meal at 4:00 PM (bring cash/card just in case).*** ***\-\-\-*** **🎒 What to Bring** Waterproof hiking shoes or boots 🥾 Warm, weatherproof clothing 🧥 Packed lunch + snacks 🍎 Water bottle 💧 Camera or phone for photos 📸 Good vibes and curiosity! 😄 \-\-\- ***☔ Weather & Safety.*** We go rain or shine! 🌦️ Please dress appropriately — it might be breezy or muddy in places. Even if the forecast shows rain, it’s often just for a short while. Your host is first-aid trained. You are responsible for your own health and safety during the event. The Host is qualified and Experienced Hiking and Mountain Leader. \-\-\- 📱 **How to Book** **📩 Message the host on WhatsApp: 07590 919391** 💷 Pay your £1 deposit to reserve your seat (first come, first served) Once you’re confirmed, you’ll be added to the event WhatsApp group for all travel details and updates. \-\-\- **🚍 Why Coach Travel?** Travelling by coach makes the journey cheaper, faster, and more social! You’ll sit back, relax, chat with fellow adventurers, and arrive together right at the beach — no confusing train changes or long walks from stations. Last year’s trip was an incredible success (we did it 5 times!) and everyone loved it. 💬✨ \-\-\- **⚠️ Terms & Conditions** *This is a social, non-profit hobby group event.* *Participation is at your own risk. Please ensure you have suitable personal or travel insurance if needed.* *Refunds are only issued if the event is cancelled by the organiser.* \-\-\- **💚 Join Us for One of the Most Magical Days of the Year!** There’s nothing quite like seeing hundreds of baby seals up close in their natural habitat — a truly unforgettable experience! Spaces are very limited and this event sells out fast every year, so book your spot early! 🎟️✨ **🦭🐾 Let’s go seal the day together! 🌊💙** \-\-\-

This is a ticketed event. Not a FREE EVENT. **The only Meetup Group with access to a private 5 star 🌟 Luxury 52 Seater Brand New Coach for these types of trips. To save you both time and money compared to using public transport such as trains and taxis** **Saves you 3 hours of travel time compared to using public transport.** **\-\-\-\-\-\-** **🦭✨ A Magical Day Trip to See the Baby Seals at Norfolk Beach! 🌊🐾** **Coach Trip from London** **Bring Your Best Camera with you and a drone is most welcome and useful too.** ***🦭🐾 Let’s go seal the day together! 🌊💙*** **\-\-\-\-\-\-** **If its full join the waitlist and we will move you to going list after you contact us to make a seat reservation via WhatsApp on 07590 919391.** **🗓️ Date & Time** 📍Meeting point: Outside Stratford Station (near the bus station). WHATSAPP GROUP FOR EXACT Location. 🕗 Departure: 8:05 AM sharp 🕚 Arrival at Norfolk: Around 11:00 AM 🍽️ Pub lunch: 4:00 PM (optional but highly recommended!) 🚌 Return departure: 5:30 PM 🏙️ Arrive back in London: Around 8:30 PM (traffic depending) \-\-\- **🌟 Event Overview** We’re heading to the beautiful beaches of Norfolk to witness one of nature’s most heartwarming sights — hundreds of adorable baby seals! 🦭💙 Every winter, between November and February, the beaches between Horsey and Winterton become home to more than 5,000 Atlantic grey seals, making Norfolk one of the best and largest seal-viewing spots in the world. You’ll see fluffy newborn pups, playful young seals, and giant males lounging on the sand. 🐾 Volunteers will be nearby to answer questions and help ensure everyone enjoys this special wildlife experience safely. After our gentle 6–7 mile easy coastal walk, we’ll head to a local country pub at 4:00 PM for a well-deserved late lunch and a chance to relax, chat, and share photos before heading back to London. 🍻🥧 \-\-\- ***📸 What to Expect*** **✨ Up-close (but respectful!) encounters with baby seals. Close Encounters not always possible. For health and safety reasons. Keep minimum distance of 10 meters for safety reasons.** **🏖️ A scenic beach and dune walk through the Broads National Nature Reserve.** **🌾 Stunning coastal views and charming nearby villages.** **🌤️ A relaxed, friendly group atmosphere with nature lovers like you.** **\-\-\-** ***🦭 A Little History & Fun Facts*** The Atlantic grey seals of Norfolk are one of the largest breeding colonies in England. Each year, female seals return to the same beaches to give birth — and the pups, born with white fur, stay close to their mothers for about three weeks before heading into the sea. In recent years, conservation efforts have helped the population thrive, turning this quiet stretch of coast into one of Britain’s most treasured wildlife spectacles. 🌍💚 \-\-\- **🚶‍♀️ Hike Details** **Distance**: 6–7 miles (easy and mostly flat) **Difficulty**: 🟢 Easy – suitable for all fitness levels **Terrain**: Sand dunes, grassy paths, and beach sections **Duration**: Around 3 hours (including photo stops and breaks) ***Please note: The seals are wild animals — if they approach you, do not touch them. Their mothers may abandon them if they smell human scent.*** **\-\-\-** ***💷 Cost & Payment*** 🎟️ £61 per person Includes: ✅ Return coach transport from London. ✅ Guided coastal hike with a qualified and fully trained and experienced Hike leader. ✅ Organising costs and group coordination **💰 *£1 deposit required to reserve your seat — this event always sells out fast!*** ***All payments are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by us.*** \-\-\- **🍱 Food & Refreshments** ***🥪 Bring your own packed lunch and water, as there are no shops on the beach.*** ***🍻 Optional pub meal at 4:00 PM (bring cash/card just in case).*** ***\-\-\-*** **🎒 What to Bring** Waterproof hiking shoes or boots 🥾 Warm, weatherproof clothing 🧥 Packed lunch + snacks 🍎 Water bottle 💧 Camera or phone for photos 📸 Good vibes and curiosity! 😄 \-\-\- ***☔ Weather & Safety.*** We go rain or shine! 🌦️ Please dress appropriately — it might be breezy or muddy in places. Even if the forecast shows rain, it’s often just for a short while. Your host is first-aid trained. You are responsible for your own health and safety during the event. The Host is qualified and Experienced Hiking and Mountain Leader. \-\-\- 📱 **How to Book** **📩 Message the host on WhatsApp: 07590 919391** 💷 Pay your £1 deposit to reserve your seat (first come, first served) Once you’re confirmed, you’ll be added to the event WhatsApp group for all travel details and updates. \-\-\- **🚍 Why Coach Travel?** Travelling by coach makes the journey cheaper, faster, and more social! You’ll sit back, relax, chat with fellow adventurers, and arrive together right at the beach — no confusing train changes or long walks from stations. Last year’s trip was an incredible success (we did it 5 times!) and everyone loved it. 💬✨ \-\-\- **⚠️ Terms & Conditions** *This is a social, non-profit hobby group event.* *Participation is at your own risk. Please ensure you have suitable personal or travel insurance if needed.* *Refunds are only issued if the event is cancelled by the organiser.* \-\-\- **💚 Join Us for One of the Most Magical Days of the Year!** There’s nothing quite like seeing hundreds of baby seals up close in their natural habitat — a truly unforgettable experience! Spaces are very limited and this event sells out fast every year, so book your spot early! 🎟️✨ **🦭🐾 Let’s go seal the day together! 🌊💙** \-\-\-

They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) **DESCRIPTION** This hike is both for beginners and advanced as there is an option. We will all walk from Arundel to Amberley village together past the castle markets to the roof top lounge in Amberley for lunch (about 9km) Option 1: Some can stay on the roof top and relax for the afternoon. Option 2: From the rooftop some of us can do the afternoon circular hike, another 10km. Option 3: another option If you like, you could just join us for the afternoon circular hike from the rooftop. This picturesque hike takes you through the heart of the South Downs National Park. The trail offers a blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and stunning vistas, making it a rewarding experience for walkers of all levels, passing along the Arun river. In this glorious hike we will aim for a late lunch and mooch around the Amberley village **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **10km - 20km** Ascent: c.**192 metres** Estimated Duration (approx): **3-6 hours walking** Difficulty: **[Moderate](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: 08:30 Move to the departure platform at 08:45 The train departs at: 09:05 The train arrives at 10:32 at Arundel station We'll aim for train back from Amberley station at 16:48 to arrive Victoria for 18:15 **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

Join fellow Queer birders on February 22nd for birding at Pickerington Ponds Metropark. No expertise required!

**Summary** For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world. During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia. **The date and time of this tour** We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes. **What you need to do to attend** Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour). Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect. **Attendance cap** There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else. If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you. **Additional notes on attendance** I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went. If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience. **Tickets and pricing** [Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event. Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds. Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour. **Cancellations and refunds** Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.* You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org. **Waiver of liability** After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete. **Where we'll meet** We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time. The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour. **GPS / Getting to The Wilds** The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County. Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave. The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi. **Carpooling?** If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can. **The weather** Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes. Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is. **After the tour** Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them: *Within walking distance -- 120 feet away* * [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs) * The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food) *Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)* * [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300 * [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900 * [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000 * [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126 * [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100 If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.

November Book Club: Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane This is a book about finding healing, purpose, and a path to activism through birdwatching after the trauma of Hurricane Katrina. The memoir follows O'Kane, a former investigative journalist, as she transitions from a life focused on human rights to becoming a passionate birder and environmental educator, weaving together personal narrative, the science of bird life, and grassroots community organizing to save a local par

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Good Cafe](https://goodcafeeaston.com/)!

Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back. Optional lunch at Trolley District.