Tomorrow is 'International Picnic Day' (celebrated on the 18th June every year). This is a day to enjoy in nature, with your near and dear ones. So the question for the chat in the cafe page is: What would be your perfect picnic location and who would you take?
Medieval lotions and potions.
17th June 4.00 to 5.00pm
Medieval medicine often conjures up images of bubbling potions and dubious cure-all ingredients like snails, said to heal anything from nosebleeds and headaches to spleen pain. With recipes passing between communities, across borders and down the generations, many herbs found in medieval remedies such as ginger and lavender are still commonly used today. But could there also be some medical merit behind many of the seemingly bizarre ingredients?
Britain’s Regional Hip Hop pioneers
17th June 6.00 to 7.00 pm
Hip hop culture truly arrived on our shores in 1983, a decade after its origins in New York City. Although many defining events, artists and recordings demonstrate the spread of the genre in the UK, these are almost exclusively urban. In fact, forms of hip hop expression were also developing in provincial areas, connected to, but distinct from the well-documented sounds.
A series of fortunate events
Thursday 17th June 8.00 to 9.00pm
Why is the world the way it is? How did we get here? Does everything happen for a reason or are some things left to chance?
People have pondered these questions for millennia, but startling scientific discoveries over the past half century are revealing that we live in a world driven by chance. Like every other species, we humans are here by accident. But it is shocking just how many things - any of which might never have occurred - had to happen in certain ways for any of us to exist. From an extremely improbable asteroid impact, to the wild gyrations of the Ice Age, we are all here through an astonishing series of fortunate events. And chance continues to reign every day over the razor-thin line between our life and death. Join Sean for an entertaining and thought-provoking account of one of the most important but least appreciated facts of life. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-series-of-fortunate-events-tickets-151360801231
Tattoos are a significant and permanent act of Remembrance in the British Armed Forces.
18th June at 2.00 - 3.00 pm.
Tattoos are a significant and permanent act of Remembrance in the British Armed Forces. Inked onto the skin, they commemorate friends who have served, illustrate personal sacrifices and mark the lasting bonds formed between men and women who live, train and fight together. Military tattoos are full of meaning and symbolism, telling stories of personal sacrifice, Remembrance and belonging. These symbols have a range of origins; some are ancient while others are new; many are timeless whereas others are specific to a generation. By deciphering the tattoos of those who serve, you will uncover personal stories of Remembrance that are as moving as they are visually beautiful.  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/military-ink-tattooing-and-the-british-army-tickets-146314439427?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch
A complimentary guided meditation with Heather Bleasdell for the Summer Solstice.
19th June 2.00 to 4.00pm.
Begin by exploring a theme, coupled with some light energy work to connect more deeply to our bodies & natural intuition and end with a journey. No experience is required and novices are always welcome. This event lasts 75 - 90 minutes. A quiet, comfortable place where you won't (likely) be disturbed, Journal or unlined paper and basic art supplies (pen, crayons, etc)
Once you sign up, you will be given the call-in details.
Here three crime writers give a talk about Murder and witches in English history.
Drop in anytime for a virtual session of our popular art-making series and experience The Met collection through creative challenges.
Sunday 20th June
This week, celebrate the natural beauty of summer by experimenting with line, colour, and whimsy. This exercise is based on a 16th-century illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Flower Studies. Check out the inspiration image here, grab a pencil and paper, and get started whenever you're ready. Watch on YouTube or Facebook. Note: No login required.
The Loyalty of the Poet
Tuesday 22th June 7.00 to 8.00 pm
The Loyalty of the Poet is rooted in the work of sixth-century Arabian warrior-poet Adiya, whose work has long been admired by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. And as a mentor to younger writers, Souad Mohammed al-Sabah (Kuwait) is a dominant figure in the cultural and intellectual life of the Arab world. Her poems bring sharp focus to women’s causes and human rights. Together these works explore themes of love, longing, separation, and the enduring power of poetry. Watch on Facebook or YouTube. Note: No login or account required.
This Pride Month
Enjoy two short films: 'Double Life', from Leo and Hyde’s electronic musical GUY, created with More Music, Lancaster Culture Co-op and LGBTQIA+ young people ​from across Lancashire; and highlights from Darren Pritchard's Vogue Masterclass for Yorkshire Dance's Dance On – supporting older people shielding at home during the first lockdown.
The Forgotten Empress!
In our newest Encore Series feature, revisit The Forgotten Empress! Presented in partnership with En Acte Arts, this performance combined classical kathak dance, live music, multimedia, and theatre to tell the extraordinary story of 17th century Mughal Empress Noor Jahan.
Enjoy a selection from this production featuring kathak artist Farah Yasmeen Shaikh and created in collaboration with director Matthew Spangler and music director Salar Nader.
Also ... June 20th is the Summer Solstice which heralds the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It's the day with the most hours of daylight. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins at this time. And June 20th is also Father's Day this year (UK) so however you spend your week; may it be well!
Thanks for listening, best wishes to all and see you next week
Corinne