Blogging Groups London

WRITE CLUB: one hour of silent writing (or reading) in the company of others

The first rule of WRITE CLUB is that you do not talk ***during*** WRITE CLUB. This very simple meetup is based on the premise that public and peer accountability enables more productive writing than sitting at home and getting distracted by the fridge. We will write/read for an hour in silence. (I will be writing thought experiments for my other meetup group: [THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS](https://www.meetup.com/thought-experiments-in-pubs)) If you'd like to hang out afterwards, or if you prefer just to hang out, I have another event immediately afterwards in the same place :-) You can find that here: [HANGING OUT AT THE SOUTHBANK](https://www.meetup.com/experimentsin/events/315825126) And if you'd like to finish the evening with a dance, there is a free social salsa meetup just outside The Southbank Centre just afterwards. More info [here](https://www.instagram.com/salserosfriends/). **This event will take place in the foyer of The Southbank Centre.** You can find us by looking out for: * A tote bag with WRITE CLUB sewn onto it * My T-Shirt, which will have HANGING OUT embroidered on the back of it * If I get away with it: a big red flag with THE SUNRISE CLUB emblazoned on it (though this clearly isn't THE SUNRISE CLUB! If you want to find out about that, you can do so [here](https://www.meetup.com/the-sunrise-club/).) * Other writers - who may be spread out across the centre. They will have white pieces of paper with the WRITE CLUB stamp at the top of the page. There are plenty of places to buy refreshments, but you can also bring your own if you prefer. [WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BpMwnRev0H237KMx4uPnek) [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/experimentsingroupwisdom) [SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) Looking forward to meeting and writing with you :-) Bonny

Practise Public Speaking at Bloomsbury Speakers London (Toastmasters)

This is our regular club meeting with prepared speeches, speech evaluations and "Table Topics" - a chance to practice impromptu speaking. Please arrive from 6:35pm for a prompt 6:45pm start. **Guests are always welcome and it's completely free**, but we do request that you buy drinks at the bar on arrival and during the break to support the venue. ABOUT BLOOMSBURY SPEAKERS Hello! Bloomsbury Speakers is a fun and friendly Toastmasters club near Farringdon in central London. We meet twice a month to improve our communication and public speaking skills by practising in a safe and supportive environment. New guests are always welcome and it's completely free. No need to book in advance (other than to receive a helpful reminder) - just show up on the evening! TYPICAL MEETING AGENDA A typical meeting agenda is as follows: 6:35 Doors open - meet and greet 6:45 Welcome from Club President 6:50 Introductions from Toastmaster and other meeting roles 7:00 Prepared Speeches (from club members) 7:40 Guest Introductions (a quick hello from the guests) Short break for refreshments 8:00 Speech Evaluations (of earlier speeches) 8:15 Table Topics (impromptu speeches of 1-2 minutes each) 8:35 Table Topics Evaluations 8:40 Reports and General Evaluation (of the meeting) 8:55 Awards (best speech, best evaluator, etc.) and announcements 9:00 Meeting close - retire to the bar! COME ALONG TO FIND OUT MORE! Visit our website for more information: https://www.bloomsburyspeakers.org.uk Toastmasters has helped thousands of people overcome nerves and improve their speaking confidence. Come along and find out how! Find your voice at #BloombsurySpeakers!

REGISTER INTEREST: ZINE MAKING with LESS STRESS PRESS: cultivate creativity

**Join our [MAILING LIST](https://thoughtexperiments.kit.com/59860c6d0d), if you'd like to receive invitations to future events (some of which will be hosted off of meetup).** What is a Zine and why should I make one? Zines are handmade booklets. They can be used to share information, ideas, stories, art (etc.). Zine making creates opportunities to: * spend time exploring ideas * hone in on something you love or care about: a cause, a message, a skill, a place (the possibilities are endless) * get creative with collage, drawing, writing, printmaking (etc.) * produce compelling and unique booklets that you can print cheaply and share with friends and strangers offline After lots of creative brainstorming of their own, Bonny and Ellie have landed on zine making as the perfect way to both open up space for playful, low stakes creativity, and focus their minds on bite sized projects. **Join our [MAILING LIST](https://thoughtexperiments.kit.com/59860c6d0d), if you'd like to receive invitations to future events (some of which will be hosted off of meetup).**

Blood on the Clocktower @Three Crowns, Stoke Newington

🩸 Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, packed with bold lies, sharp logic, and just enough chaos to keep everyone guessing. **Walk-ins are welcome.** **Please note that the event is NOT limited to 10 attendees.** We’ll be playing a Carousel Script: **Devout Theists.** For anyone new to the group, a quick note: being on the **waiting list** does not mean you can’t attend on the day. The event is currently capped at 10 people because the Meetup app limits attendance numbers on the free subscription plan. As always, our events are completely free, we don’t ask for donations or charge for attendance, but unfortunately the app restrictions mean we have to keep the listed capacity limited. 🧠 Beginner-friendly, queer-friendly, and neurodivergent-friendly. Want to know how it works? 🎥 Watch this intro video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-aZP47Nm9g&t=58s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-aZP47Nm9g&t=58s) Want to see the chaos in action? 👀 Watch real games here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xhk7UmR9Qs&list=PLQBGXhGots83LIf1qY4Zg0Mp9qU1Kr2Hv](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xhk7UmR9Qs&list=PLQBGXhGots83LIf1qY4Zg0Mp9qU1Kr2Hv) Come for the mystery. Stay for the lies. Trust no one. 😈🕰️

CRAP Talks #34 - Summer CRAP

We're back with our fourth event of the year and we couldn't be more excited. We'll stick to our usual format of 2 speakers and a fireside chat (with a twist this time). If you've not been to one of our events before then here is what you can expect. CRAP (Conversion Rate Optimisation, Analytics, Product) Talks is a cross-discipline event. We don't work in silos so why network and learn in silos. In the past we've had speakers from Data, Analytics, CRO, Product, Marketing, Data Science, Design and Research and so many more. If you work in tech, chances are you work cross-functionally, so come along and meet people doing amazing things in tech. **Hosts:** ThoughtSpot **Venue:** ThoughtSpot 26 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DS **Date:** 25/08/2026 6pm doors open Talks kick off at 630 Wrap up approximately 9:00pm. **Speakers:** TBC **Fireside Chat** TBC

Picnic at The Green Park | Unapologetically Childfree | London, England

**🌿 Unapologetically Childfree™️ Picnic in London! 🌿** Spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon with your favorite Unapologetically Childfree™️ friends. Whether you've been coming to meetups for years or this is your very first one, we'd love to have you join us for a relaxed afternoon of good food, good conversation, and meeting fellow childfree folks. 📍 **Location** **The Green Park. Use the link below find the exact space the group will meet.** [https://what3words.com/proper.shunts.actual](https://what3words.com/proper.shunts.actual) 🕒 **Time** **15:00 (3:00 pm)** Come when you can, stay as long as you'd like! 🚫👶 **Who's Invited?** **Anyone who is childfree:** locals, expats, travelers, newcomers, longtime members... everyone is welcome. 🧺 **What to Bring** **This is a Bring Your Own (BYO) picnic, so pack whatever you'd enjoy eating and drinking.** **Bring:** * Your own food & drinks * A blanket or chair * Plate/cutlery if you need them * Lawn games, cards, frisbees, bocce, or anything else you'd like to share * Your lovely childfree self 😊 📲 **Stay Connected** **Join the Lisbon Unapologetically Childfree™ WhatsApp community to:** * Find us on the day * See what others are bringing * Get updates if anything changes * Chat with other members before and after the picnic **To help keep our community free from bots and scammers, WhatsApp links are shared through my free email list:** **[https://maggiedickens.com/childfree-group-chat](https://maggiedickens.com/childfree-group-chat)** ☔ Rain Plan If the weather doesn't cooperate, we will meet instead at Mercato Metropolitano @ Elephant and Castle. An announcement of any changes both here and on whatsapp 🌧️🤔 **Unapologetically Yours** 🫶 **Maggie Dickens** **Host of the Unapologetically Childfree Community + Podcast** **Instagram: @MaggieGetsREAL** 📣 🚨 **Important: Event Participation Agreement** This Event Participation Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Maggie Dickens, owner of the Unapologetically Childfree™️ Community ("UCC"), and the Participant ("Participant"). By attending the event, the Participant agrees to the following terms: 1\. Disclaimer of Affiliation and Liability 1.1 No Affiliation with Third-Party Vendors: The UCC has no affiliation with third-party vendors at the venue. Participation in any activities or purchases from vendors is at the Participant's own discretion and risk. 1.2 No Financial Remuneration: No member of the UCC receives financial compensation from third-party vendors, and this is subject to change without notice. 1.3 Waiver of Liability: The Participant agrees to waive all liability and hold Maggie Dickens and the UCC harmless from any claims or damages arising from participation, including physical injuries, property damage, or financial loss. 2\. Voluntary Participation and Assumption of Risk 2.1 Participation is entirely voluntary, and the Participant assumes all risks, including any injuries or losses. 3\. Photography and Marketing Consent 3.1 The Participant consents to being photographed or recorded during the event for marketing purposes. 3.2 The Participant grants the UCC the right to use their likeness for promotion without compensation. 4\. General Provisions 4.1 The Participant is responsible for any costs incurred during the event. 4.2 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and can only be modified in writing. 4.3 This Agreement is governed by applicable laws.

Evening critiquing session

Saturday afternoon cuppa.

Join me in this beautiful hotel garden for an afternoon cuppa/drink.

In person meetup to critique work submitted by members.

This is a live session at The Mitre in Greenwich. The purpose of this meeting is to provide and receive critique on submitted extracts of members' creative writing, whether they're working on a novel, screenplay, poetry, a memoir or short story, etc. We share our extracts via email ahead of the meeting to give us all a chance to read the work in our own time and reflect upon it so as to be able to provide useful critique. If you want to submit an extract mail me at gpatrick66@hotmail.com to book a slot. If you are new to the group we ask that you participate in at least two of the Wednesday critiquing sessions before you submit work for review so that you get to know us and have a good understanding of how we operate. This will help you to get the most from a critique of your own work. Extracts should be approx 3,000 words and the full document (extract plus blurbs, questions etc) should not exceed 3,500 words in total. Extracts must be mailed to me (gpatrick66@hotmail.com) at the latest by 9pm on the Saturday before the session so that I can share your work with the rest of the group. We have a limit of 4 extracts per session to give adequate time to review work properly. Feel free to give guidance on any specific areas on which you would like feedback. E.g. Plot, pacing, structure or character development etc. (If you have not received the extracts by the Sunday before the session, mail me.) The group is friendly and relaxed, so please don't feel nervous about sharing your work! We will normally review extracts according to the order in which they are sent to me but if you need a particular slot let me know when you submit your extract and we will try to accommodate that. Please note that all phones MUST be switched to silent mode for the duration of the meeting.

A Sci Fi/Fantasy Feedback Session

Join us at Craft Beer Co. Brixton for our structured Sci-Fi & Fantasy Feedback Session. A supportive, focused space where writers can share their work and receive constructive, thoughtful critique. These sessions are designed not only to help authors refine their writing but also to strengthen our community. Giving feedback is as valuable as receiving it: by learning to critique effectively, we sharpen our own editorial instincts and deepen our understanding of craft. Whether you’re submitting work or attending as a reader, this is a collaborative, growth-focused environment. **FOR THOSE SUBMITTING WORK** **We select up to 4 submitted pieces for feedback each month. In order to submit please RSVP and send your submission to** **scififantasyauthors@gmail.com no later than the Friday prior to the session** to give organisers time to review submissions and arrange critique groups in advance. *Priority for submission slots is given to those who have attended a previous session.* To ensure quality and fairness, submission guidelines are as follows: * **A short introduction (2–3 paragraphs max.) explaining:** * The context and status of the piece (early draft? polished?) * What kind of feedback you’re looking for * **A novel chapter or short story of up to 4,000 words** * Novel chapters do not necessarily need be the first chapter - just whatever you feel like would be most informative to receive critique! **FOR THOSE PROVIDING FEEDBACK** * Please RSVP and read the “How to Give Feedback” document that will be shared prior to attending. * You will be split into small groups and assigned one of the submitted pieces to provide feedback on. * Make sure to bring a device suitable for reading. A QR code to gain access to the pieces selected for feedback will be provided on the day. * There is no expectation to read anything in advance. All reading takes place during the session itself. We begin with dedicated silent reading time, ensuring that everyone engages with the piece equally and no one feels pressure to prepare outside the session. Just show up ready to read, think, and contribute. **SCHEDULE** Attendees will be placed into small critique groups of 4-5 people, each with an experienced facilitator to guide discussion and manage time. **6:30–6:45pm** – Arrival, drinks & group seating **6:45–7:30pm** – Silent reading & note-taking **7:30–8:00pm** – Structured feedback delivery **8:00–8:30pm** – Open roundtable discussion & author questions Each participant will have up to 5 minutes to share feedback during the structured critique section. Authors listen without interruption, with space for clarifying questions later in the roundtable. Whether you’re looking to polish a chapter, test an opening, or strengthen your editorial instincts, these sessions are an opportunity to grow together. RSVP early, as places are limited to ensure productive group sizes. If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP.

THE 7AM SUMMIT: meet while the city sleeps for a tiny adventure, community & ☕

Meet fellow early birds. Get a big dose of nature: wild sky, abundant green space, and occasional wildlife. And then warm up in a nearby cafe. Conversations fuelled by early morning light and coffee tend to be good ones. **The plan:** * meet at 7AM at the top of **PRIMROSE HILL** * take in the view for a little while (depending on how cold it is) * walk to a local café on Regents Park Road * warm up with coffee Become part of our community of regulars, or just drop by for a one off experience. We meet frequently to create and sustain community. New people are always welcome :-) **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DPkYXvrP6IhFrSRDiQACLC)** to keep up to date **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thesunriseclubetc)** to see what these meetups look like **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** for the newsletter and occasional extras **[WEBSITE](http://www.alltogether.one/)** for all other groups We will be easy to find because we will be at the top of the hill looking out for early birds. If you would like to further support these meetups, please [subscribe to our substack](https://bonnyastor.substack.com/) and [follow us on instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thesunriseclubetc/) :-)

#WPLDN - August 2026: Summer Social & 18 Years of #WPLDN

Eighteen years ago, in August 2008, a small group met in London to talk about WordPress. We haven't stopped since. This month we're putting the talks aside and marking the occasion properly with the #WPLDN Summer Social: the return of the WordPress Pub Quiz, the Golden Ticket draw, and a room full of the people who've made this community what it is. Come for the quiz, stay for the company. 📅 **Date:** 27 Aug. 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 6:00 PM 🎟️ **Cost:** Free (Registration Required) **The WordPress Pub Quiz** It's back. Teams form on the night, so turn up alone or bring your colleagues. Expect questions on WordPress history, the wider web, and a few that will make you question whether you really know the platform as well as you think you do. Bragging rights are the prize! **The Golden Ticket Draw** Every Golden Ticket entered so far this year goes into the hat, and we'll draw one winner on the night. That winner walks away with a Stream Deck and a standing desk. You need to be in the room to claim it! **Wanted: Two Teams for the AI Speed Build** We're running a live build challenge, and we need players. Two teams, one very vague brief, and a "customer" (that's us) who keeps changing their mind between quiz rounds. You'll have AI on your side and roughly ten minutes at a time to respond before we move the goalposts again. No preparation, no expectations, and absolutely no judgement about what ends up on screen. If you fancy it, say so in the comments or drop us a message. **Schedule:** 🔹 **6:00 PM** – Doors Open & Networking 🔹 **6:30 PM** – Welcome & 18 Years of #WPLDN 🔹 **6:45 PM** – Pub Quiz, Round One 🔹 **7:15 PM** – Break & Networking 🔹 **7:30 PM** – Pub Quiz, Round Two 🔹 **8:00 PM** – Quiz Results 🔹 **8:15 PM** – Golden Ticket Draw 🔹 **8:30 PM** – Social & Wrap-Up 📢 **RSVP Now!** Eighteen years of this community deserves a proper celebration. No slides, no agenda to keep to, just good people, a competitive quiz, and not one but **two prizes waiting for one lucky attendee**. Registration is free and takes seconds. We'll see you at The Bridge. 🎉 \-\-\- **Venue Information** **The Bridge** is a charity supporting women to make positive choices and encouraging improvements to fitness, health, and wellbeing. The venue features a plant-based café (supplied by Girls Who Grind Coffee) and is just a 5-minute walk from London Bridge Station. \-\-\- **Massive thanks to our sponsors who make these free events possible:** [Filter](https://filter.agency/), [Kinsta](https://kinsta.com/), [Mollie](https://www.mollie.com/gb/integrations/woocommerce), and [PodcasterPlus](https://www.podcasterplus.com/?utm_source=wpldn&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=partnership). \-\-\- If you're interested in being a featured speaker at an upcoming event, we'd love to hear from you at [https://wpldn.uk/speak](https://wpldn.uk/speak). **🎥 - Media Release Terms** By attending, you understand and accept that portions of the event may have audio/photo/video-recorded and/or live-streamed and may be used by the organisers. You agree that the organisers have the right and permission to use and publish such media for any purpose in any format, including online and offline, now and ever after, without further compensation, permission, or notification. You understand that all official recordings from the event are the exclusive property of the organisers, available under the Creative Commons Attribution­ShareAlike license for general use, and you do not ask for nor expect compensation or notification of the use of official recordings or photographs in which you appear or speak. Please inform an organisational team member at the event's start if you do not wish to appear in photos or videos.