Writing

Dear Poetry enthusiasts, Newham Poetry Group focuses on amplifying marginalised voices, supporting young locals, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants and people from the global majority. We know poetry has the potential to change not only individuals' lives but also communities. **Full programme** available at [www.newhampoetrygroup.com](http://www.newhampoetrygroup.com/). We have a maximum capacity of 20 participants per session, so book early to secure your spot. **Event details** Location: The Gate Library, 6-8 Woodgrange Road, E7 0QH Date: Every Thursday Time: 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm Our sessions are free of charge. However, we welcome donations. Light refreshments are provided. We look forward to welcoming you to our poetry sessions and creating meaningful experiences together.

Please join us for our weekly run and social - a great (free!) way to meet new people! We meet at 7pm outside The Horatia ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/p1QnyurFQh3gywov6) and go to Highbury Fields together from there. We run 5km at an easy pace (about 6-7 mins per km), often 3 loops around Highbury Fields but we do change up the route from time to time. After the run, we will head to the Horatia pub for some drinks

FULL MOON WALK! FREE WALK, DOGS WELCOME - Beautiful Night Wonder of Hyde Park, day before BANK holiday Good Friday so PUB drinks after! Walk Info below the Moon info.. While we are on our Moon Walk, NASA's astronauts will be getting ready to orbit the moon for the first time in over 50 years since 1972! They leave our Planet Earth the day before our walk on 1st April and the Spaceflight is making History! It will be the first time a black astronaut (Mr Glover) and a woman (Ms Koch) are on a lunar mission and will orbit the moon. The first time ever folks, since humanity began! They are on a mission to see if humans can sustain life on the moon! So, in celebrating this wonderful event, we are hosting a free Moonwalk, not Michael Jackson but for this historical event! I was very lucky to personally meet Buzz Aldrin (Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story is named after him), and Buzz was on the same Apollo 11 spacecraft as Neil Armstrong, the first humans to walk on the Moon or any Planet in July 1969. Artemis II (1st April departure serves as the critical bridge to **Artemis IV** (currently planned for 2028), which is intended to be the first mission to land humans on the lunar surface since 1972. Please join us for a wonderful Full Moon 3 mile linear free night walk through Green Park, Bomber Command, Wellington Arch, Hyde Park, the Serpentine, Diana Memorial Fountain, ending at Hyde Park Underground Station! Please note this walk has not been tested before, something never tried so can not guarantee the moon! (weather permitting) and route should be fine as I walk through Hyde Park at midnight at Christmas 2025 and all was open, but we will find a way, whatever happens! BEER AND WINE AFTER SOCIAL DAY BEFORE BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY! Will be having drinks after at 3 or 4 historic pubs, dogs allowed in bar area only. There will be no seating as very busy pubs, maybe standing room only with no chance to seat eat, but plenty of drink and peanuts, ha! Hyde Park Grade I listed, it is the largest of the Royal Parks. The park was established by Henry VIII in 1536 when he took the land from Westminster Abbey and used it as a hunting ground. It opened to the public in 1637 and quickly became popular, particularly for May Day parades. The park's name comes from the Manor of Hyde and appears as such in the Domesday Book. The name is believed to be of Saxon origin and means a unit of land, the hide. Hyde Park was a popular duelling spot during the 18th century, with 172 taking place, leading to 63 fatalities. The Serpentine a 40-acre created in 1730 at the behest of Queen Caroline. Originally fed by the River Westbourne and Tyburn Brook in the 1730s, the lake's water was then pumped from the Thames in the 1830s. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain The design aims to reflect Diana's life, water flows as it cascades, swirls and bubbles before meeting in a calm pool at the bottom. The water is constantly being refreshed and is drawn from London's water table. The Memorial also symbolises Diana's quality and openness. Please meet outside the front of Green Park Station on the main road. The meeting area outside the station is directly next to Ritz Restaurant. When you arrive at Green Park underground station, please look for the Piccadilly (South Side) exit. The walk ends at Hyde Park Station if walk only and Victoria Station if doing all the 4 pubs! ABOUT OUR SECRET LONDON WALKS It is a 15-year fascinating journey together to explore the whole of beautiful, enchanting Secret London. The only walking group in the World offering this unique experience! The individual walks have been created from an original route several miles in length (usually on average about 40 miles) where we have checked every nook and cranny, every hidden alleyway, lane, lost cobbled path, cul de sac, avenue, road or street in that area for you! It is then shortened, to give back to you a magical walk with all the best bits of 'Lovely London', voted the best City in the World for the 10th year running! What is given back to you is the most scenic, healthy walk (usually 3-6 miles in length) with some of the walks containing hidden cobbled lanes, lost shops, secret gems, areas lost in time, wonderful views, idyllic Instagram photo shots and all sorts! Now and then some brief local info is mentioned or something of historical importance along the way. You will have plenty of time to chat and meet new friends whilst walking the amazing lost areas of London! So we welcome you to the colourful highlights of this fascinating City of London with simply wonderful things to see! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!

Have you ever wanted to be that person who sketches in a gallery but you're too nervous to have people look over your shoulder? Yea, I've been there. It's intimidating. You feel like you're in the room naked. I've also been the person to sit and sketch and it's one of the most rewarding activities you can do. Just you, the artwork, and a bunch of people wishing they could do the same. Come and join me on the first Friday of the month and let's go to a gallery. These will be small groups and free of charge. We'll visit a new gallery each month, hopefully free ones and we'll do an hour or so of sketching, followed by a cuppa tea afterwards. Make sure you register so I can send you all the information a few days before the event.

A chance just to work in company on your writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing or work stuff. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. WE FILL THE ROOM, so you MUST SIGN UP below AND ARRIVE BY 11.40 at the latest, or we can’t guarantee you a seat. And if you can't make it CHANGE YOUR RSVP to "not going" ASAP to give someone else a chance, thanks. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 11.00 - Café starts serving 11:30 - Host of the day will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 11.40 - Brief introductions for everybody - your name and what you’re working on 11:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 12:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER 11.45 - everyone will be quiet and writing. If there's no spare places ASK THE CAFE STAFF, they may be able to seat you in the adjacent restaurant section (without having to buy food). If not then there's sofas on the sales floors below as well as one cafe at the back of the ground floor and another in the basement. The hosts won't have any other alternatives to offer you. Please feel free to join us for the break and afterwards. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura and Anna

Join our group for under-represented writers who want more time to write, feedback on their work, and tips on developing their craft. \*\* Please come to the Reading Room on the 2nd floor at The Wellcome Collection and look out for the Writer's Corner sign \*\* The Writers' Corner is a peer support community for under-represented writers, with bi-monthly meet-ups both online and in-person. Join us if you want more time and space to write, get feedback on your work or to develop your craft. We welcome all writers who tend to get overlooked by the publishing industry, or struggle to afford the costs of other writing courses and groups. We'll let you self define, but we particularly welcome writers of colour, those from the LGBTQ+ community, disabled writers, unpaid carers, low income writers and anyone who self-defines as a woman. While we have done our best to pick venues that are accessible to all, if you have any specific accesss requirements please send us a message so we can discuss how we can meet your needs. That includes anyone feeling anxious about attending a group for the first time (very happy for you to come a bit early, before everyone else, if that helps). The session will work as follows: 1\. Introductions 2\. Warm up exercise 3\. Writing time \(work on your own project or get a prompt\) 4\. Feedback 5\. Set writing goals for the next month

Join us for a weekly session of friendly and focused writing time. From 6pm every Friday: We'll be at the Auberge pub, across road from Waterloo. See full location info for how to find us. There'll be a sign at our table. \*(Please see full access info, further down.) ...... * We shut up for 1 hour of scheduled focus time - 6.30 to 7.30. ...Then time to chat or carry on at your preference. This is for writing of any description or experience level. Somewhere to get on with your own work, and connect with new people. Most importantly to not feel isolated in your pursuits, however big or small. i.e. If you're looking to further your writing interests; and for a comfortable social space; ...or just need somewhere to sit and focus before you go home on a Friday - you're welcome to stop by. Please RSVP to give us an idea of who is coming / how many. ........ **6:00pm - 6:30pm** * Find our table and grab a seat. Plus any food or drink. * We'll take 5-10 minutes to say who we all are, and welcome anyone new. * (No need to say what you're working on, but feel welcome to). **6.30pm - 7.30pm** * No talking. One hour. * You can leave the table at any point. * Anyone arriving late feel free to find a seat, we'll give you a silent wave. You won't get glared at! **7.30pm** Once 'Shut Up' time is over: * You are welcome to head off straight away, no pressure to stick around. * You are welcome to stay to chat with other members, as late as you wish. * Or you're welcome to just keep writing - if you're in the zone, no need to stop just because others have. The time is for you, to get the most benefit. . **FACILITIES / ACCESS** Mobility access is limited: There is a step to enter pub, from pavement (one entrance only) - Venue will provide ramp for step-free entry. Toilets are on ground floor. \*However there is no accessible or private toilet space. Apologies. (The closest are in the main station concourse, nearby.) Do contact if you would like clearer info before attending. **FOOD** There is food served all evening / including vegan options. You're welcome to eat whilst writing. **WI-FI** There should be working Wi-Fi, if you need it! 'Auberge Secure' PW: waterloo **DOG-FRIENDLY** Dogs also welcome. . If you have additional queries re. access or other requirements, do message us via Meetup or contact the Auberge directly. . **A note about the format** We don’t host readings and feedback. (But we can signpost to events that do). Whether you're writing for a professional goal, academic project, private thoughts and wellbeing, or purely casual enjoyment, (or still deciding!) - don't worry we won't be asking each other to share details. You can just arrive, make yourself comfortable with anything you need, and get on with whatever you decide. No-one will be reading your work or judging if you've met targets. We don't set group goals and deadlines: we're just here to help each other with our own - where needed. Or to switch off and talk about something else completely, if you need that instead! This is a social event and aimed at bringing new people together. Not just a co-working space. **Respect** Please also note our Code of Conduct: [www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct](https://www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct) ...And be aware this is an informal event open to adults of all ages and backgrounds. i.e. We expect everyone who attends will treat each other with appropriate respect and awareness, and feel able to interact comfortably. Any concerns don't hesitate to raise them with us. For a full view of events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com).

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** **Venue info:** this is a public café, so expect some noise around you. Please bring your headphones. While some plugs are available, they might not be free while we are there. Please charge your laptop beforehand. As this is a public café, and we're going to occupy a table for a while, *please buy something if you can* (even a cup of tea will do)! **IMPORTANT:** in the unfortunate case we are not able to find a table at this café, we'll need to move to another location close-by. The organizer will leave detailed info in the comment section of each event. Please check! **Travel info:** Closest public transport stops \- Finchley Road & Frognal \(Overground\)\, 1 min away \- West Hampstead Thameslink \(train\)\, 10 min away \- West Hampstead \(Overground\)\, 10 minutes away \- West Hampstead \(Underground\, Jubilee line\)\, 12 min away \- Bus stop FB \(bus 13\, 113\)\, 1 min away \- Bus stop FF \(bus 13\, 113\)\, 1 min away

**FREE FOR MEMBERS OR SIGN UP WHEN YOU ARRIVE** Hello music enthusiast, We're excited to invite you to our Songwriting Class held right here in the heart of musical Camden every Saturday at 2 p.m! Whether you're a budding songwriter or just looking to explore your creative side, this class is designed **for people under 30s and all skill levels.** Come be a part of our community!!! No matter your background or experience, all are welcome. Let's turn your musical ideas into real songs! If you want to know more information, text or call Thomas: 07310801741

We will revise the basic grammar of the Arabic language. The book, **Arabic Verbs & Essentials of Grammar**, by Jane Wightwick (Third Edition), can be purchased from Foyles or Waterstones or online. [https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/arabic-verbs-and-essentials-of-grammar-third-edition/jane-wightwick/9781260030990](https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/arabic-verbs-and-essentials-of-grammar-third-edition/jane-wightwick/9781260030990) We will cover chapter one. Level: beginners, but you must already be able to read the alphabet. This is a monthly event. Note: to make the most of this session, you should read the chapter before hand. Anything you do not understand, we can discuss during the session

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!