Civic Groups London
Engage in London's vibrant civic scene

GREEN 🌲🌱🌿 💧£5 WALK - OSTERLEY PARK and GRAND UNION CANAL
Sun, Jun 28, 1:30 PMENJOY AN UNIQUE WALK IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. The above photo is of the magnificent Osterley House. This is a relativity new route from Osterley Park through to Hounslow. Discover a different side of West London on this scenic walk through historic parks, waterways, and grand estates. We begin at Boston Manor Station before heading to Elthorne Park, a peaceful retreat with tree-lined paths and open fields. Strolling along the Grand Union Canal, we’ll take in tranquil waters, colourful canal boats, and glimpses of local wildlife. Our journey continues to Osterley Park, a vast National Trust estate with sweeping meadows, ancient woodland, and the magnificent Osterley House, one of London’s best-preserved Georgian mansions. We’ll finish the walk at a lively pub near Hounslow Central Station, the perfect spot to unwind and socialise. **WALK START:** Boston Manor Station (Piccadilly Line) **WALK ROUTE:** This route takes us from Boston Manor through the green spaces of Elthorne Park before following the Grand Union Canal. We then explore the vast landscapes of Osterley Park, passing its historic Georgian mansion, before finishing at a pub near Hounslow Central Station. **WALK DISTANCE:** Approx 6 miles **WALK FINISH:** Large pub close to Hounslow Central Station (Piccadilly Line) **STOPOUT POINT:** We are near bus and tube points during the walk. **Please scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each (CASH ONLY) to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** Social Event: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. WE ALWAYS END THE WALK AT A PUB WHERE THE SOCIALISING CAN CONTINUE. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. Facebook page: [[http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events)] Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join and post and view photos. [[http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents)] When you arrive at the station look for Mimi with the red jacket. RAIN POLICY: Our walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the morning of the event around 10am for the latest update. **NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:** Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions. Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk. These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches. **In these walks we cross busy roads, and it is obligatory that each attendee will only cross all roads at designated pedestrian crossing points at all times.** We use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The host and walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route. Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer.

Debait - civil debate and respectful disagreement over divisive issues
Sat, Jun 27, 4:00 PM**Debait - a modern public square that promotes respectful disagreement.** **We offer a much needed alternative to social media "debating".** We are anti-ragebait and shouting. Just thoughtful discussions about issues shaping society. We facilitate an in-person session **on the last Saturday of every month at 259 Goswell Road, London, between 5pm-7pm** All our sessions are limited to a **maximum of 20 attendees** which guarantees that everyone will get ample opportunities to engage. **Tickets are £15 per person and must be booked in advance via our website at [www.debait.co.uk.](http://www.debait.co.uk./) The ticket price includes tea / coffee and a small Scandinavian fika treat, thanks to our event sponsors Scandi Soul Food ([www.scandisoulfood.co.uk](http://www.scandisoulfood.co.uk/)).**
GIN Pride 2026 - Urban World
Sat, Jul 4, 9:00 PM
Novice | 10-12pm June 27 Vortex upstairs
Sat, Jun 27, 9:00 AMupdate: full for all instruments and vocals **Please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-10-12pm-june-27-vortex-upstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) There will be a delay in the attendee list here being manually updated - please always check tickts.co.uk link above which is always up to date for what instruments are available. full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sat June 27)** * Sonnymoon for two in Bb (Sonny Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCzV9PxGS30 (can attempt the solo breaks) * St Thomas in C (Sonny Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStOzl51cbw * Footprints in Cm (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-rrt8IYhe0 * Yesterdays in Dm (Paul Jeffrey) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgDT7s6d3UQ Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books) **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat July 4)** * Blue bossa in Cm (Art Farmer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4FcsB_WXmI * Afternoon in Paris in C (Sonny Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3kjGMK5GXc * Doxy in Bb (Davis, Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWreJOSbIQQ * Chameleon in Bbm (Herbie Hancock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqomTAiRnVM **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Playing well together** The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group * Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending) * Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification) * After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including: \*\* Can everyone hear themselves? \*\* Are the drums too loud? \*\* Can everyone hear the bass? \*\* Is the guitar comping too loud? \*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up) \*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs * For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc. **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Percussion** Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion". **Vocalists** Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

GREEN £5 WALK 🌳🌲:- WALTHAMSTOW WETLANDS 💧💦
Sun, Jun 21, 1:30 PMA Green Walk through scenic Walthamstow Wetlandsand on to the Olympic Park **WALK START: Tottenham Hale Station** (Victoria Line and National Rail - Zone 3). When you arrive at the start look for Ken with the Meetup/ 'KEN'S EVENTS' Flag/Sign/Badge. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 6.5 miles. WALK ROUTE: Walk through Walthamstow Wetlands, Walthamstow and Hackney Marshes, along the River Lea to the Olympic Park and Westfield Stratford. WALK FINISH: Stratford (and Stratford International) Station. (Elizabeth Line, National Rail, Jubilee Line and Central Line and DLR- Zone 2/3) WALK STOPOUT POINTS: Never far from London bus routes. **ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK.** **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks. Enjoy London! Get out and about and see your city in the company of new people! Explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some great new friends at the same time. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. Social Event: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. WE ALWAYS END THE WALK AT A PUB WHERE THE SOCIALISING CAN CONTINUE. RISKS for all walks: Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, rights of way, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, preferably walking boots and take care as surfaces may be uneven, tree roots may protrude, there may be low overhanging branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion wild,domestic and farm animals may also encountered. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer. COST of EVENT: A £5 meetup organiser's contribution will be collected from attendees who do not hold the Ken's Events Membership Card. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) If weekday and evening walks are your thing, then you should join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. Click here for more information. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) RAIN POLICY: Our walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the morning of the event around 10am for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going! [https://secure.meetup.com/LONDON-MEETUP-SOCIAL-GROUP-KENS-EVENTS/invite/](https://secure.meetup.com/LONDON-MEETUP-SOCIAL-GROUP-KENS-EVENTS/invite/) When you arrive at the starting point look Ken with the 'KEN'S EVENTS'/MEETUP Flag or Badge.

Novice | 12-2pm June 27 Vortex upstairs
Sat, Jun 27, 11:00 AMupdate: full for piano, guitar, lead instruments **Please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-12-2pm-june-27-vortex-upstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) There will be a delay in the attendee list here being manually updated - please always check tickts.co.uk link above which is always up to date for what instruments are available. full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sat June 27)** * Sonnymoon for two in Bb (Sonny Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCzV9PxGS30 (can attempt the solo breaks) * St Thomas in C (Sonny Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStOzl51cbw * Footprints in Cm (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-rrt8IYhe0 * Yesterdays in Dm (Paul Jeffrey) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgDT7s6d3UQ Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books) **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat July 4)** * Blue bossa in Cm (Art Farmer) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4FcsB_WXmI * Afternoon in Paris in C (Sonny Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3kjGMK5GXc * Doxy in Bb (Davis, Rollins) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWreJOSbIQQ * Chameleon in Bbm (Herbie Hancock) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqomTAiRnVM **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Playing well together** The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group * Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending) * Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification) * After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including: \*\* Can everyone hear themselves? \*\* Are the drums too loud? \*\* Can everyone hear the bass? \*\* Is the guitar comping too loud? \*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up) \*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs * For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc. **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Percussion** Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion". **Vocalists** Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!
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