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Speaking on Saturday, April 11, 2026, we have :

1st: Steve Foreman – Maasai Memories

Steve Foreman lived in East Africa for 30 years, spending much of that time working in the safari tourism sector.

He became involved with the Maasai people in Tanzania while managing a luxury tented camp perched on top of the Rift Valley Escarpment overlooking Lake Manyara National Park. On a regular weekly supplies trip to Arusha, he gave a young Maasai woman and baby a lift to the hospital there.

Taking her back the next day to the manyatta where she lived led to Steve growing close with the Maasai community there, learning about their culture, customs, and traditional way of life. He took part in several activities with the warriors in the bush and the elders eventually granted him honorary moran status, which permitted him to have a Maasai girlfriend.

He chose Marita, with the elders’ agreement, and stayed overnight with her on several occasions. Marita, like many adult Maasai women, was circumcised. Steve briefly addresses female genital mutilation (FGM) – a practice he firmly believes should be eradicated – and recounts a funny but slightly alarming incident that occurred when the warriors discovered that he himself was not circumcised.

Steve will also speak about his broader experiences in the manyatta – sitting around the fire at night, drinking fresh milk and cow’s blood, and one occasion when he became so ill that he had to be driven for treatment all the way to Nairobi, Kenya.

When his son Zak came to visit, Steve – and two Maasai warrior friends – also climbed Ol Doinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s only active volcano, situated out on the Maasai Steppe. Ol Doinyo Lengai means ‘Mountain of God’ in the Maasai language and is sacred to them. Although his warrior friends had heard of the mountain, they had never seen it, and Steve describes some of the delightful incongruities of the experience—such as the warriors later staying in his house, watching television, and sleeping on the floor with their swords beside them.

Steven James Foreman is an HM Forces Veteran (Army). In Africa for over 30 years, he worked as a safari guide, camp manager, and mountain and expedition leader throughout East Africa and Botswana. Now retired, he lives back in the UK with his teenage daughter.

Steve is an elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS). He has written articles for many magazines including BBC Wildlife, Soldier, SCUBA, African Travel Review magazine, Land Rover World, The Dar Guide (Tanzania), and the Daily Mail.

His website is: https://bushleader.com/

Steve’s book Nomads and Volcanoes: The Shahsevan and the Maasai – and Their Sacred Mountains is a lively and often humorous memoir in which he explores the traditions and daily life of these two nomadic peoples. Through vivid storytelling, he reveals striking parallels between the groups, showing that time and geography have done little to diminish their shared ways of living. After the talk, Steve will be happy to sign copies of his book.

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2nd: DAMIEN GABET – Details to be announced.

Details to be announced.

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Date & Time: [meetingdate]

Doors open at 14:15 in London and on Zoom with the talks starting around 14:45 (London see Event Time Announcer for local times), please arrive before 14:45 and switch your phone to “do not disturb” or silent.

We would ask that anyone with respiratory symptoms participate via Zoom.

Admission costs:

• £7 for members. (Members can access a ticket code below or from the members area.)
• £10 for non-members. (save £3 if you join at this meeting)
• a recording to watch later will be available to members and non-member ticket holders.

Please sign up for meeting updates to get notifications for future meetings.

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Tickets go on sale just before the meetings.

Speaking on Saturday, March 7, 2026, we have :

1st: Russell Maddicks – Chihuahua

Come to Chihuahua with travel writer Russell Maddicks on the trail of Mexico’s Raramuri runners in the deep ravines and craggy clifftops of the spectacular Copper Canyon.

Russell Maddicks is a travel writer, author and co-author of guidebooks covering the Balearic Islands, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and Venezuela. His latest book Culture Smart! Costa Rica was published on 22 January. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @LatAmTravelist. 

Unfortunately the previously advertised talk by Dom Joly has had to be postponed.

2nd: Jon Beardmore – The Galapagos Postman: Reconnecting the world one letter at a time.

Jon Beardmore is an adventurer, storyteller and accidental postman who spent a year travelling the world on a mission sparked by love, legacy and a handful of handwritten letters. Blending humour, heart and human connection, he explores what happens when you say yes to the unknown — and how a single letter can change everything.

The Galapagos Postman Challenge is an unforgettable tale of adventure, human connection, and purpose. After discovering the centuries‑old postbox on Isla Floreana — where sailors once left letters to be carried home by strangers — Jon set out torevive the tradition in a modern, global way. His mission: hand‑deliver 50 letters around the world.

Find out more: 

• https://www.instagram.com/bigoadventures
• www.galapagospostman.com

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Date & Time: [meetingdate]

Doors open at 14:15 in London and on Zoom with the talks starting around 14:45 (London see Event Time Announcer for local times), please arrive before 14:45 and switch your phone to “do not disturb” or silent.

We would ask that anyone with respiratory symptoms participate via Zoom.

Admission costs:

• £7 for members. (Members can access a ticket code below or from the members area.)
• £10 for non-members. (save £3 if you join at this meeting)
• a recording to watch later will be available to members and non-member ticket holders.

Please sign up for meeting updates to get notifications for future meetings.

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For in person Tickets at the hall:

For Zoom online tickets:

Speaking on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, we have :

1st: Jo Bradshaw – Mountains of Patience – Climbing Everest and The 7 Summits. 

As the famous saying goes ‘All good things come to those who wait’ and this is particularly relevant to Jo and her 7 summits project. She will take you on a whistle stop tour to all 7 continents, from the jungle to the polar regions and everywhere in between whilst following in the footsteps of the first woman to climb all 7, Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei. What makes each mountain so unique and why on earth did she take on this monumental project whilst raising funds and awareness for children’s mental health charity Place2Be.  

Find out more at these links:

• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/_jobradshaw/
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jobradshawadventurer/
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-bradshaw-keynotespeaker/
• 7 summits web page – https://www.jobradshaw.co.uk/7-summits

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2nd: Maria Hickey – Japan Unfolded: A Cultural Journey with Maria Hickey

Join Maria Hickey (aka Sakura) on Saturday 3rd May for a unique cultural experience through Japan!

Maria, a passionate photographer, will offer you an exclusive look at Japan, showcasing its beauty through her lens. From lesser-known festivals to ancient temples framed by delicate cherry blossoms (sakura), you’ll explore a side of Japan that few get to see.

Having spent approximately three years living and working in Japan with programmes like the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, the Ship for World Youth Programme, Peace Boat and the GET Programme, Maria brings a wealth of authentic experiences. She’s even participated in the Queen Himiko contest!

As an avid artist with a love for crafting, Maria will also lead you in a hands-on demonstration of making an origami heart to take home. All you’ll need is a square piece of paper if you’d like to join in.

We encourage you to submit any questions for Maria in advance for the Q&A session.

• Facebook: sakura.154356
• Instagram: sakura_crafts_mh

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Date & Time: [meetingdate]

Doors open at 14:15 in London and on Zoom with the talks starting around 14:45 (London see Event Time Announcer for local times), please arrive before 14:45 and switch your phone to “do not disturb” or silent.

We would ask that anyone with respiratory symptoms participate via Zoom.

Admission costs:

• £7 for members. (Members can access a ticket code below or from the members area.)
• £10 for non-members. (save £3 if you join at this meeting)
• a recording to watch later will be available to members and non-member ticket holders.

Please sign up for meeting updates to get notifications for future meetings.

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For in person Tickets at the hall:

For Zoom online tickets: