Charity Groups London

The Thames Path, Part 5 (13 Miles/20KM)

**Do this walk because** \- it's a great way to see the River Thames and follow its flow from the beautiful Cotswolds towards London\. We plan to complete the 292 km distance in about 20 single-day walks over a 24 month period. Estimated completion is May 2028. We're doing this hike with [Variety is the Spice](https://www.meetup.com/variety-is-the-spice-meetup-group/) Meetup group. Carl R will lead the walk. **Walk facts (Stage 5)** **Form:** Linear walk from Oxford to Abingdon (finishes at Culham station). **Distance:** Approximately 13 miles / 20km **Duration:** Walking time circa 5 hours. **Grade:** Easy. During wet weather the paths can become muddy. **Donation to [GOSH](https://www.gosh.org/):** £5 cash on the day. **What to take**: A packed lunch and plenty of water. **Also, we're not insured, so please have your own insurance for this type of activity.** **Walk Description** We will be walking in the direction of flow of the River Thames. This walk carries us from Oxford’s historic spires into quiet riverside meadows, with long, peaceful stretches of the Thames guiding us to all the way to Abingdon. In the event that the River Thames is flooding an alternative walk will be offered. **Meeting at** Outside Oxford railway station. We'll be outside the station entrance at 10:10am. We'll start walking at 10:15am. **Travel to the start of the walk** There is a regular train service from Paddington to Oxford. **Travel home after the walk** There is a regular train service from Culham station to Paddington and other destinations. **KEY INFORMATION** YOU MUST READ THE THREE SECTIONS BELOW - if you join this trip, you're confirming that you have. 1. [The perilous bit](https://1drv.ms/w/s!Amm1USRcx4vIguYmnugrVTjSPTyGAQ?e=KEtxLW) 2. [Our FAQs](https://1drv.ms/w/s!Amm1USRcx4vIguYnTkTcg0qmj9tSzw?e=RtfXnP), including an explanation of Group save tickets which will save you money. 3. See here for [what to wear and take](https://1drv.ms/w/s!Amm1USRcx4vIguYkeUPX7cpM0ZrmIA?e=Bn1d7g). Specifically make sure you bring good hiking boots and that you are ready for muddy conditions . Please - no trainers, they are not suitable for walking in the wintry muddy conditions. **AND FINALLY** * We're raising money for [Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children](https://www.gosh.org/) We’ll deduct Meetup fees but all the profits will go to GOSH. After each hike, we’ll let you know exactly how much we’ve all raised. And if you’d like to join us and raise money by leading some hikes, please get in touch – the more the merrier 😊

GoodGym Haringey // Group Session // Do Good & Get Fit

**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.** **Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.** **📍 We meet at** **Blue House Yard, 5 River Park Road, London, N22 7TB** **at 6:45pm.** **🏃‍♂️ At 7:00pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.** **🏃‍♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 8:45pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?** It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇 — **BOOK ONTO THE SESSION** **To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions **You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins). The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out. p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session. — **FAQ** Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind. 70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍 What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours. Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤 What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org

Balancers Community Volunteering - Clothing Distribution

Hi Balancers, We believe community is about more than meeting new people. It's also about showing up for those who need support. As part of our ongoing partnership with Refugee Community Kitchen, we're inviting you to join us for a different kind of volunteering session. This time, we’re joining **Refugee Community Kitchen (RCK)** at their Goodge Street service to provide essential clothing to people who need it. 👕 **HOW IT WORKS** We’ll meet at **6:00 PM in front of the Dominion Theatre**. From there, we’ll cross the road to Primark and split into small groups. Each group will be given a few essential clothing items to find and buy. Once we’re done, we’ll walk about **5 minutes to Goodge Street**, join the RCK service and distribute the clothing while their team serves food. ♻️ **HAVE CLOTHES YOU DON’T USE ANYMORE?** You’re also welcome to bring a **small amount of clean, good-condition clothing** that you no longer use and would be happy to donate. Please only bring a few items, as we have **very limited storage space** and may not be able to take large bags of clothes. **🍻 AFTER VOLUNTEERING** For anyone who wants to stick around, we’ll head to a nearby pub for a drink after the session. A chance to relax, chat and get to know each other a little better. 💷 **CHIPPING IN** We’ll collect contributions from the group and use the full amount to buy the clothing that evening. If you can, **bring some cash** — but there’s absolutely no pressure to contribute much. Even **£1 helps**, and you’re just as welcome to volunteer regardless of how much you contribute. 💬 **Join our Volunteer WhatsApp group for updates and coordination:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hzm7P7Tr0QD92MnwmpHTVK?s=cl&p=a&ilr=1](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hzm7P7Tr0QD92MnwmpHTVK?s=cl&p=a&ilr=1) 🤝 **NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED** We’ll explain everything on the day. Just bring yourself and be ready to help. **Good to know:** 📍 Meet: In front of the Dominion Theatre ⏰ 6:00 PM 👕 Primark is directly across the road 🚶 Goodge Street is around 5 minutes away As always, Respect, Kindness and Authenticity come first. We’re there to support people with dignity and without judgment. Let’s keep showing what our community can do when we act with heart. See you there 💛

Sighthound Sundays - Finsbury Park

Abstract Strategy Games at Otter Chaos

We are a casual group of abstract strategy game enthusiasts who meet roughly once a month. We always bring a selection from our own collections for anyone to try, but you are very welcome to bring your favorites too! By "abstract strategy games," we generally mean 2-player games with minimal luck and near-perfect information. Some examples are: *Hive*, *Quoridor*, the *GIPF* series, *Boop*, *Azul*, *Oware*, *Othello*, or *Onitama,* but we also have many other niche gems! We like games quick to learn and play that also scratch that puzzle-solving itch. All skill levels are welcome :) The Venue charges £5 for entry.

Heartwarming Winter Yoga Gathering with Nina and Tuesday

**A short and sweet invitation to join [Nina McKellar](https://letsgoyoga.com/) and [Tuesday McNeill](www.heart-twickenham.co.uk) on Sunday November 15th for a Heart Warming Winter Yoga Gathering. Nina will lead a deeply nourishing yoga session and Tuesday will offer meditation, chanting for world peace and relaxation.** **Afterwards there will be time to socialise, enjoy tea and snacks and browse our [Heart Kovalam](https://www.heart-twickenham.co.uk/community) Corner Shop, full of beautiful and useful Indian gifts and handicrafts to raise funds for the village community in Kerala.** **All money raised from the class and shop sales goes directly to the Kovalam community, supporting them with life's essentials - education fees and medical expenses, home and vehicle maintenance and business start-ups.** **Heart Warming Winter Gathering** **Sunday November 15th 3.00 - 5.00 pm** **Twickenham United Reformed Church Hall** **First Cross Road** **Twickenham** **TW2 5QA** **Investment £20** **Please bring your own mat** **For more information or to book email tuesdaymcneill@yahoo.co.uk** **May all beings be happy.** **with love** **Tuesday and Nina x**

Diwali Celebration with Isha London

Join us to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with an afternoon of live music, children's activities, home cooked food and good company. Whether you've celebrated Diwali all your life or this is your first time, you're warmly welcome. Bring your family and friends! Across India, Diwali is a time when homes and streets glow with light and people come together to share food and joy. As the London evenings draw in, it's a lovely moment to gather and celebrate together. Sounds of Isha: Live music Potluck Dinner: Bring a vegetarian dish to share (no meat, fish or eggs) Children's Activities: Games, arts & crafts, storytelling and lots more **About us:** This celebration is run by Isha Foundation volunteers in London. Isha is a non-profit, volunteer-run organisation offering yoga and meditation programmes worldwide. Everyone is welcome, no experience needed, just come as you are.

Strengths That Make a Difference: International Men’s Day Event

**The Future is Everyone** What does it mean to make a positive impact? What are the different ways you can use your strengths for good? How often do you contribute to something bigger than yourself? To celebrate International Men’s Day, join us for a conversation about: * the qualities, values and strengths that men can bring to their families, friendships, workplaces and communities * how to create a more positive future for everyone **This is a free in-person 60-minute seminar.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

The Social - Thanksgiving Party

CLH Book Group 📚 Life After Cars by Sarah Goodyear

November's Book: Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile by Sarah Goodyear, Doug Gordon and Aaron Naparstek From the hosts of The War on Cars podcast, a searing indictment of how cars ruin everything—and what we can do to fight back When the very first cars rolled off production lines, they were a technological marvel, predicted to make life easier and better for all Americans; yet a hundred years later, that dream is running on empty. Instead of unbounded freedom, the never-ending proliferation of automobiles has delivered a host of costs, among them the demolition of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities to make way for car infrastructure; an epidemic of violent death; countless hours lost in traffic; isolation from our fellow human beings; and the ongoing destruction of the natural world. Globally, SUVs alone now emit more carbon than the nations of Germany, South Korea, or Japan. That’s why we need Life After Cars. Through historical records, revealing interviews, and unflinching statistics, Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, hosts of the podcast The War on Cars, and former host Aaron Naparstek unpack the scale of damage that cars cause, the forces that have created our current crisis and are invested in perpetuating it, and the way that the fight for better transportation is deeply linked to the fight for a more equitable and just society. Cars as we know them today are unsustainable—but there is hope. Life After Cars will arm readers with the tools they need to implement real, transformative change, from simply raising awareness to taking a stand at public forums. It’s past time to radically rethink—and shrink—society’s collective relationship with the automobile. Together, let’s create a better Life After Cars. The meeting starts at 7:30. Shortly after 7.30, we will break up into small groups. Those familiar with the CLH Book Group meeting know how this works: in each group we take turns introducing ourselves and giving our 1 minute thoughts on the book. It's important not to go over a minute and not to interrupt other people's minute so that everyone gets a chance to participate. After this first round, each group discusses for another 20 minutes or so. We then shuffle the groups so as to talk to as many different people as possible and in the new groups repeat our introductions and 1 minute thoughts. We'll do this a couple of times before coming all together at the end in one last big group. While we are very social and welcoming, the book group's primary focus is on discussing books. Feel free to turn up if you haven't managed to finish this month's book but note that the group works best when we have all read at least half of the book and are prepared to share our opinions. *** £3 per person to attend. If it's your first time, come and try us out for free! Pay at the event with cash or card. We encourage dialogue, debate and sharing of information on our site but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any views expressed here are those of the individual posting them and may not reflect those of CLH.

The Wilful Choir

The [Wilful Choir ](www.wilfulchoir.com)is one of the longest-running community choirs in Kingston - a friendly, fun singing community with an inspiring range of songs, for everyone from complete beginners to experienced singers. All songs are taught by ear, so nobody needs to read music. We sing a wide variety of styles from many eras and cultures around the world, including Folk, Jazz, Gospel, Latin and more. Not just a place to sing - a place to create Members are welcome to share original songs and custom arrangements, and to teach and lead the singing themselves, in a supportive and nurturing setting. Recently one of our members led us in circle singing, completely improvised on the spot. It was glorious! No auditions - your first session is free please contact for term dates and costs surya@wilfulchoir.com We meet on Monday evenings, 7.30-9.30pm in term time, at the lovely Canbury Pavilion, Canbury Gardens, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5AJ. Come along to any session and try us out. We often sing for charity, too - including the Canbury Pavilion, Shooting Star Children's Hospices, Papyrus and the John King Brain Tumour Foundation.

Self-Care for a Happier You

Self-care isn’t an indulgence, it’s an investment. It isn’t selfish, it’s self-respect. It’s how you nourish yourself to flourish. Then you’ll give the world the best of you, not what’s left of you. This session explores simple and smart strategies for how to: * make self-care a priority in your busy life * power down to power up, and be a better, happier you **This is a free in-person 60-minute seminar.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.