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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250515T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250515T210000
DTSTAMP:20250511T184718Z
CREATED:20250511T152249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250511T184718Z
UID:432-1747335600-1747342800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Israel and Palestine: Why is there so much conflict in the Middle East?
DESCRIPTION:This month\, Andrew (Adam) Smalley will be leading a discussion on the current situation in the Middle East.\n\n\n\nJews have been persecuted throughout the ages. ln response to a massacre of Israelis and the subsequent hostage taking\, Palestine is being attacked. Many people are protesting for a ceasfire\, and some are calling for a Free Palestine\, 100s of thousands across the UK in 2024 \n\n\n\nMany people will mix or confuse a desire for capitalism with cheap oil and gas from the Middle East\, exported to Europe and North America\, with the greed of Israel to land grab. As says the Bible\, “Why look for a speck in someone else’s eye when you have a plank in your own” \n\n\n\nThis presentation is to look at all the arguments that might support the underlying problems. Maybe it’s the power structures of Arabic countries and the West’s need for an ally in the Middle East\, or even a foothold to maintain low oil and gas prices. \n\n\n\nWhat can an average person do positively in response to the gradual destruction of Gaza and its people? How can they respond without offending a whole nation of people who\, on the whole\, are completely against what’s happening in Gaza\, just as many British people were against Tony Blair’s war in Iraq. \n\n\n\nSo join us for an interesting debate/discussion. All opinions are welcome\, we only ask that you respect the opinions of others and refrain from any abusive language. \n\n\n\nThe event is free under the priviso that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic beverages are available). \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGNUP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/israel-and-palestine-why-is-there-so-much-conflict-in-the-middle-east/
LOCATION:Lincolnshire Poacher\, Nottingham\, 161-163 Mansfield Rd\, Nottingham\, NG1 3FR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/05/highres_527519239.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250621T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250621T150000
DTSTAMP:20250513T210152Z
CREATED:20250511T153127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T210152Z
UID:437-1750510800-1750518000@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:That's Entertainment... Or is it?
DESCRIPTION:Most of us of a certain age can remember a childhood and adolescence spent ensconced in front of the TV\, watching our favourite shows. We only had four (disregarding sky/cable) channels to choose from up until the advent of digital television. \n\n\n\nHowever\, lack of quantity was certainly redeemed by the standard of most of the programmes. Even BBC and commercial radio stations (some of which often got you through a rough day at school/work) were of the highest calibre. \n\n\n\nSciptwriters\, actors\, directors\, entertainers\, DJs\, presenters… most were fantastic and worth their salt. Some of the programmes would often result in rib-achingly bouts of laughter and even saw people mimicking the actions and words themselves whilst in general conversation with others. \n\n\n\nUnfortunately\, there doesn’t seem to be the same euphoric feeling surrounding television\, radio\, and even cinema in 2025. Is Ofcom (the governing regulator) imposing such strict regulations upon broadcasters now that they actually fear a fine more than losing viewers/listeners? \n\n\n\nEveryone remembers Mary Whitehouse\, who relentlessly campaigned for better moralistic standards on television. But even her prudishness pales in significance to Ofcom\, which has become somewhat authoritarian in its mission to rid the entertainment sector of radical (funny) programming. \n\n\n\nWith Netflix\, Amazon\, and dozens more subscription package services now dominating the entertainment industry\, is it time for the BBC and other broadcasters to shut up shop? \n\n\n\nEven cinematic audiences are in mass decline\, and many accuse Hollywood of being more interested in pushing a message of virtue-signalling rather than producing really good movies that people want to watch again-and-again. \n\n\n\nSo join us for the usual debate/discussion. All’s we ask is that you respect the opinions of others and please refrain from using abusive language. \n\n\n\nThe event is free under the priviso that everyone buys at least one drink (non-alcoholic served) from the bar downstairs. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGNUP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/thats-entertainment-or-is-it/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/05/highres_527696229.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T150000
DTSTAMP:20260215T161632Z
CREATED:20250709T135145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T161632Z
UID:460-1751720400-1751727600@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Direct Democracy: Is it time for the UK to change our voting system?
DESCRIPTION:This month\, we are fortunate to have Neil Petrie lead the discussion on the topic of Direct Democracy. \n\n\n\nDirect Democracy has been used in Switzerland since the federation was established in 1848. It literally allows citizens to influence policies that directly involve their communities. \n\n\n\nImportant government legislation can be outsourced to the wider electorate\, using a series of referendums. This ultimately means that voters can decide on which acts are approved and then passed by Parliament. \n\n\n\nTo get some idea of how successful DD is\, the Swiss government has a 65% approval rating. The average is less than 30%. \n\n\n\nNeil Petrie represents a group called Direct Democracy\, details at www.ddrightnow.com. Direct Democracy is advocating electoral change in the UK based on the principles of the aforementioned Swiss system. \n\n\n\nAlongside this\, Direct Democracy also supports a digital Blockchain system. Each individual voter is issued with a unique identification number (akin to Bitcoin for politics)\, and then every vote that is added to the block can not be neither manipulated nor deleted. There are many people now saying that the traditional paper ballots are easily rigged. Blockchain voting is said to be successful in preventing fraud at this level. \n\n\n\nDirect Democracy has several members who have lived in Switzerland for several years themselves\, and therefore\, they have become advocates of political change in the UK\, hoping to promote a similar system. \n\n\n\nThe group is becoming successful as a political force and has even fielded several candidates at the local elections in May\, with growing enthusiasm. \n\n\n\nSo join us for a fact filled and free event (it will only cost the price of a drink at the bar downstairs). We are a friendly bunch and value everyone’s opinion. All’s we ask is that you also respect everyone else’s and refrain from any abusive language. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating/discussing this with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/is-it-time-for-the-uk-to-change-our-voting-system/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/07/ballot-box.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250830T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250830T150000
DTSTAMP:20250711T125822Z
CREATED:20250710T094802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250711T125822Z
UID:507-1756558800-1756566000@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Is Diversity\, Equity and Inclusion actually beneficial?
DESCRIPTION:A number of companies – led by US giants such as Google and Amazon\, but closely followed by UK businesses like BT\, are rolling back DEI initiatives\, and a number of parties now have manifesto commitments to scrap DEI posts\, particularly in our public services. If you find DEI/EDI to be problematic\, will these initiatives rid the UK of this ideology? Would this be progressive\, or perhaps regressive? \n\n\n\nHilary Salt will discuss the need to look beyond the “diversity industry” if we want to understand why these initiatives have taken hold in the UK and why it’s simplistic to think that sacking DEI officers alone will make a difference. \n\n\n\nThe Public Sector Equality Duty\, the Companies Act\, The Equality Act and Gender Pay Gap requirements all contain provisions that push this agenda. According to Hilary\, we need to unpick these requirements to get a better understanding of how to tackle the “DEI industrial complex.” She will look at these requirements using some everyday examples and offer real-world solutions. \n\n\n\nHilary Salt is an actuary and business leader. She was a founding partner of First Actuarial plc where she advised employers\, pension scheme trustees and trade unions. She is also a public speaker and has spoken at many local and national events and conferences. \n\n\n\nSo join us for another interesting discussion/debate where all opinions are welcome\, and we only ask that you respect the opinions of others. \n\n\n\nThis event is free of charge under the priviso that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic beverages are included). \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGNUP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/is-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-actually-beneficial/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/07/dei-talk-aug25.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250913T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250913T150000
DTSTAMP:20250911T160907Z
CREATED:20250831T161203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T160907Z
UID:607-1757768400-1757775600@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Is it time to have an ADULT conversation about The Internet?
DESCRIPTION:Twenty years ago\, parents warned their children to never give out their personal details on the Internet. Today\, our government tells us we must give out our personal details to keep children safe. And people face very real consequences for revealing who they are on the Internet. What changed? Is free speech possible when our names and IDs follow us everywhere? And how do we actually keep our children safe? \n\n\n\nSo join us for a lively debate once again. All opinions are welcome\, but as always\, please respect everyone else’s opinions and refrain from any abusive language. \n\n\n\nThe event is free\, but we would appreciate everyone purchasing at least one drink from the bar downstairs. Soft drinks are also available. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/is-it-time-to-have-an-adult-conversation-about-the-internet/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/08/highres_529396205.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251011T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251011T150000
DTSTAMP:20251009T105750Z
CREATED:20251009T105747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T105750Z
UID:618-1760187600-1760194800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Is Democracy likely to survive?
DESCRIPTION:This month\, we will be joined by Gordon Dabinett\, who is a promoter of local steering group politics. This group has been growing in success in Sheffield recently\, advocating better public transport and infrastructure for local people. \n\n\n\nWe will discuss the increasing centralisation and technocratic mission creep of our supposed democratic society. \n\n\n\nThis month’s format will be slightly different\, in that we want a larger audience participation. I’m encouraging people to think up questions beforehand and then to put myself and Gordon on the spot in a quickfire round. Hopefully\, we will be able to answer these questions. If we can’t\, then our ‘facts’ will have been disputed successfully. \n\n\n\nAs always\, this is a free event. We only ask that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic beverages available). We’re also a friendly group that discourages offensive language and respects everyone’s opinions. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with you all. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/is-democracy-likely-to-survive/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/10/highres_528028363.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251122T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251122T150000
DTSTAMP:20251009T110355Z
CREATED:20251009T110352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T110355Z
UID:621-1763816400-1763823600@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:What is Consciousness?
DESCRIPTION:Few things define human experience quite like consciousness\, and yet it remains one of life’s great mysteries. Where does it come from? How did it evolve? Is it unique to humans — or even real at all? Philosophers and scientists have debated these questions for centuries\, and while we’ve gained insights\, definitive answers remain elusive. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence\, new questions are only multiplying. \n\n\n\nConsciousness shapes our moral intuitions and forces us to question the nature of reality itself. In this talk\, Robin Carling will guide us through the mainstream theories — with a glimpse of the fringe — before opening the floor to debate one of today’s most pressing issues: could AI ever be conscious? \n\n\n\nSo join us for an interesting debate/talk. Once again\, can I ask that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic included) as this event is free. As always\, please be cordial and allow everyone to have an opinion. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/what-is-consciousness/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/10/highres_530336773.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260117T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260117T150000
DTSTAMP:20251227T202052Z
CREATED:20251123T173550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251227T202052Z
UID:629-1768654800-1768662000@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:How Demographic Change is Reshaping Our Future
DESCRIPTION:This month\, Matthew Stanford has kindly agreed to lead the discussion on the topic of demographic changes reshaping our futures. \n\n\n\nFor the first time in human history\, more than half the world’s countries have birth rates below replacement level. Ageing populations will affect pensions\, healthcare systems\, the economy\, and even the existence of entire nations. \n\n\n\nMeanwhile\, some regions of the world\, such as Africa\, are booming with young\, expanding populations. This demographic divide will reshape the world as we know it. Ageing superpowers will be challenged by youthful nations with new economic and military strength. \n\n\n\nIn this talk\, we will discuss why birth rates are falling\, how they affect our future\, and if technology or migration can fill the gap. Expect insights\, discussion\, and a few surprises about the world’s demographic future. \n\n\n\nSo join us for the first debate/discussion of 2026. Once again\, all opinions are welcome\, and we only ask that you respect everyone else’s opinions whilst using decorum where necessary. \n\n\n\nThis event is free under the priviso that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar (non-alcoholic beverages also served). \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/how-demographic-change-is-reshaping-our-future/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/11/highres_531084756.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T150000
DTSTAMP:20260227T155617Z
CREATED:20251227T201915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T155617Z
UID:647-1772283600-1772290800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Does Intuition Influence Our Conscious State?
DESCRIPTION:This month’s debate/discussion will be hosted by Julie Tasker. \n\n\n\nDo you appreciate your own intuitive abilities?How might you develop your intuition to improve your life experiences? \n\n\n\nIntuition is the ability to understand or know something instinctively\, without conscious reasoning or needing an explanation. What does that mean in everyday life? \n\n\n\nOften\, intuition is called a “gut feeling”. Most people will know they’ve experienced a “gut feeling” at some time in their life – perhaps you have felt that something was wrong but didn’t know what; and then you heard of something adverse that’s just happened\, or someone rings or contacts you in some way that confirms your earlier feelings. These intuitive feelings could also be something positive\, though this isn’t generally talked about as often in our society. \n\n\n\nUnfortunately\, life tends to have closed down your intuition\, such as through much of our education system and other life approaches. Thus\, the potential considerable benefits of developing your intuition tend not to usually be emphasised in our daily lives. \n\n\n\nYet we can all develop our natural intuitions which is where we are aiming in the presentation which will include some tools to develop intuitions\, and also discussion to share people’s previous experiences and during / after the different intuitive exercises. \n\n\n\nPlease attend with an open mind\, and share your thoughts respectfully knowing that everyone has had different experiences and may have different beliefs. \n\n\n\nAs usual\, this event is free of charge\, and it will only cost you the price of a drink from the venue (non-alcoholic beverages are available). \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/does-intuition-influence-our-conscious-state/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/12/consciousness.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260328T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260328T150000
DTSTAMP:20260128T165421Z
CREATED:20260128T165421Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T165421Z
UID:658-1774702800-1774710000@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:A Healthier Lifestyle or UPFs? An update on the latest nutrition developments
DESCRIPTION:Recently\, RFK Junior has caused a raucous by turning the food pyramid upside down. \n\n\n\nThe American Health Department is looking likely to abandon 40 years of research\, which has promoted a high carb diet that is rich in seed oils and other nefarious ingredients. \n\n\n\nIt now seems they will revert to promoting a diet rich in tallow fats and dairy. Are the days of Ultra Processed Foods numbered? \n\n\n\nThis is a follow-up to our discussion early last year\, based on new developments. \n\n\n\nSo join us for an interesting debate/discussion. All’s we ask is that you respect everyone’s opinions and refrain from using offensive language. \n\n\n\nThis event is free and will only cost the price of a drink from the bar (non-alcoholic beverages are available). \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/a-healthier-lifestyle-or-upfs-an-update-on-the-latest-nutrition-developments/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2026/01/highres_532337528.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T150000
DTSTAMP:20260224T113029Z
CREATED:20260224T111340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T113029Z
UID:700-1777122000-1777129200@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Beauty - Is this the aim of Art or an outdated Idea?
DESCRIPTION:This month’s debate/discussion will be hosted by Jo Herlihy. \n\n\n\nThink of a piece of art – a painting\, a piece of music\, or maybe a building – that you love. Would you say that it was beautiful? And if yes\, what makes it so? \n\n\n\nThe introduction for this meeting will offer an overview of the history of beauty in art – how it has been understood\, defined\, and redefined by key thinkers over time. This should help us think about whether the idea of Beauty is relevant today – for what is produced and valued. \n\n\n\nThe idea of beauty in art has been\, and continues to be\, debated. The question is far from settled and has implications for how we think about art (whether as an artist or as a viewer) and for the institutions teaching about it and for those who look after artistic creations. \n\n\n\nSo join us for another fact-filled\, lively discussion/debate. As always\, we only ask that you respect everyone’s opinions and be cordial. This event is always free of charge and will only cost you the price of a drink from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic available). \n\n\n\nBefore the April MeetUp\, we’d love to hear your views on Art and Beauty through a short 2-minute survey. Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts\, and hopefully\, we’ll see you on April 25th. \n\n\n\nArt and Beauty – https://forms.office.com/r/aqADcfREQq \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/beauty-is-this-the-aim-of-art-or-an-outdated-idea/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2026/02/highres_532897211.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260523T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260523T150000
DTSTAMP:20260408T200206Z
CREATED:20260408T200201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T200206Z
UID:740-1779541200-1779548400@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Religion and spirituality in the modern world: Is God still relevant?
DESCRIPTION:We literally have over 2\,000 different religions being practised all over the world today. However\, particularly in western society\, the largest growing demographic is those who have rejected any kind of faith or spiritual practise. They prefer a life of secularism\, and even atheism. \n\n\n\nReligion has been practised (mostly polytheism) since around 10\,000 years ago\, when the very first communities began to form. Every culture in existense has performed various rituals and practises\, in order to honour a higher power. \n\n\n\nIn the UK today less than 6% of the population attend regular church services. We have also become multitheistic\, witnessing other faiths besides Christianity becoming more widespread. \n\n\n\nWhat is the future of faith in our society? Why has the spread of atheism become so prominent? \n\n\n\nI have also set a multiple choice question for everyone to answer if they could please. This will give us some kind of an idea as to the make-up of our members who are attending this event. \n\n\n\nLooking forward to debating with everyone. As always\, we are a friendly group that encourages free speech and we also respect all opinions\, within reason. This event is free of charge and all that we ask is that you honour our friends in the pub by buying at least one beverage from the bar downstairs (non-alcoholic alternatives are available). \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/religion-and-spirituality-in-the-modern-world-is-god-still-relevant/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2026/04/religions.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260620T150000
DTSTAMP:20260506T110449Z
CREATED:20260506T110347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T110449Z
UID:744-1781960400-1781967600@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Education in the 2020s: How we learn in the age of A.I.
DESCRIPTION:As a change to our usual schedule\, we will be doing el fresco meetups throughout the summer months\, before resuming our usual pub meetups in the autumn. \n\n\n\nThis month’s theme has been suggested by Julie Tasker\, who has worked in the education sector\, and is becoming increasingly concerned about the way in which children are being taught. \n\n\n\nDo we need to concentrate on more practical subjects for certain students? Is university necessarily the go-to option for 50% of the population? \n\n\n\nIs it time that the National Cirriculum and the entire examination system was revamped? Why are there so many S.E.N.D. schools now? \n\n\n\nIs Artificial Intelligence actually the answer? Will traditional learning techniques eventually be superseded by technology? \n\n\n\nJoin us for a relaxed debate\, and also a nice drink and snack on a summer’s day in the open air (weather permitting\, we do have a backup plan just in case). \n\n\n\nAs always\, we encourage all opinions and respect everyone’s views. Please refrain from any offensive terminology though.
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/education-in-the-2020s-how-we-learn-in-the-age-of-a-i/
LOCATION:Forest Recreational Ground Cafe\, The Homemade Cafe\, Nottingham\, NG7 6QH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260704T150000
DTSTAMP:20260621T103118Z
CREATED:20260602T095414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260621T103118Z
UID:756-1783170000-1783177200@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:America at 250. Is the Dream of Life\, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness Over?
DESCRIPTION:The United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday on this very day. This is the day that the Declaration of Independence was drafted by the founding fathers in 1776. \n\n\n\nEven the biggest critic has to agree that America has had an extraordinary two and a half centuries. Progressing from a backwater\, primarily agricultural outpost of the British Empire\, to an industrial and military giant. \n\n\n\nThe nation’s leaders have sold the notion of ‘Life\, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ to millions of immigrants who have flocked there from places as far afield as Ireland and Russia throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. \n\n\n\nThe great 1849 gold rush saw a vast expansion westwards and many Native Americans lost their lands and their culture during the relentless profiteering of this era. \n\n\n\nAmerica twice came to Europe’s aid during both World Wars. Uncle Sam then became Europe’s protector during the Cold War. \n\n\n\nSince then the nation has become the world’s principal economic and military superpower. It has dominated the global geopolitical scene being the principal funder of the World Bank\, the UN\, NATO and many other NGOs. \n\n\n\nAmerican popular culture has also been dominant through the media of music\, films and television. Then we have the F.A.N.G.S. which have hegemony of the internet\, all listed on NASDAQ and developed from start-ups in Silicon Valley \n\n\n\nHowever\, recently the American Dream and the perception of ‘Land of the Free’ has sunk to new depths of despair. The re-election of Donald J. Trump as president\, as well as the increasing multipolar political sabre-rattling has seen America lose a lot of respect. \n\n\n\nThis month we will debate this issue. So please join us and all’s we ask is that you are respectful of other people’s views\, whilst refraining from abusive language. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/america-at-250-is-the-dream-of-life-liberty-and-the-pursuit-of-happiness-over/
LOCATION:Forest Recreational Ground Cafe\, The Homemade Cafe\, Nottingham\, NG7 6QH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260815T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260815T150000
DTSTAMP:20260720T180218Z
CREATED:20260625T155708Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T180218Z
UID:809-1786798800-1786806000@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Sebastian Moore - SDP Candidate in Gorton & Denton By-election
DESCRIPTION:‘The Crisis is Coming. The Only Solution is Nationbuilding.’ \n\n\n\nAcross the political spectrum\, there is broad agreement that Britain is in trouble. The NHS is barely functioning. Small boat crossings remain high. Businesses are struggling with rising costs. Theft and petty crime has become commonplace. Over a million young people aren’t in work or education\, and key institutions appear incapable of performing their purpose. \n\n\n\nIs this a series of individual policy issues or is there something more going on? \n\n\n\nBeneath the headlines\, lies a deeper issue: the gradual erosion of the nation itself. As our shared identity weakens\, politics becomes more divisive. Compromise is replaced by moral condemnation\, and fellow citizens begin to be viewed as enemies rather than neighbours. Common institutions lose credibility\, separate communities arise\, and governments become more inclined to use censorship and force over consent. \n\n\n\nIf Britain is to recover\, addressing individual policy failures will not be enough. But how do we find a shared sense of purpose that would allow us to restore the social bonds and political culture that make a functioning democracy possible? \n\n\n\nSebastian Moore argues that the challenge facing Britain is not just one of economics or culture\, but of nationhood. To navigate the coming crisis\, we must reinvent the nation.
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/sebastian-moore-sdp-candidate-in-gorton-denton-by-election/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T150000
DTSTAMP:20260819T080816Z
CREATED:20260819T080702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T080816Z
UID:831-1789218000-1789225200@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Policing in the 21st Century: Do We Need to Rethink?
DESCRIPTION:The result of our AV poll saw members put this topic ahead for our monthly discussion. \n\n\n\nThe world’s first Police Service was founded 1829 in Britain. Bobbies took their nickname from the Prime Minister of the day\, Robert Peel (they were also known as Peelers in the early days). \n\n\n\nBefore this time\, local sheriffs/magistrates or Constables were responsible for maintaining order. Any riots or mob activity would be suppressed (often quite brutally) by the armed militia\, as in the Peterloo Massacre of 1819. \n\n\n\nLuckily\, we’ve moved on quite a lot from these dark times\, and by the mid 20th century\, the modern police force was respected by many citizens. Since this time\, several Acts of Parliament have been passed in order to further modernise the Police. \n\n\n\nHowever\, over the past few years\, we’ve witnessed an epidemic of demonstrations\, some peaceful as in road blockages by JSO and others quite violent as with the recent attacks. \n\n\n\nPeople from working-class communities are beginning to ask serious questions about two-tier policing. Many now believe that bias exists within our police forces. Are Police Crime Commissioners effective? Do we need more engagement with local communities to stop further violent clashes? \n\n\n\nAre politicians to blame? Are they merely abandoning our Police Service to its own devices? During Lockdowns\, many police officers were bemused as to ‘what regulations they should enact’. \n\n\n\nAre the Police just being used as scapegoats in a political arena that has become toxic and with no accountability from the Home Office. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a lively Saturday afternoon debate\, all’s we ask is that you respect the opinions of others\, and we expect everyone to respect yours. Also\, we don’t condone the use of inappropriate language. \n\n\n\nThe bar downstairs serves drinks (a lime cordial only costs 50p)\, so we’d appreciate it if you were curtious enough to buy a beverage or two. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. Please bring along any evidence you may have as regards the topic.
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/policing-in-the-21st-century-do-we-need-to-rethink/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T180000
DTSTAMP:20260925T090509Z
CREATED:20260925T085642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T090509Z
UID:854-1791648000-1791655200@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:How Can We Rebuild A Nation In Britain?
DESCRIPTION:Join Philip Cunliffe and Emily Jones to explore the national interest from contemporary and historical perspectives\, asking what it might me \n\n\n\nThe national interest has been conspicuously absent from British politics for decades. While governments of both Left and Right prioritised frictionless trade and stronger global alliances\, domestic industries disappeared\, along with many of the social and political institutions around which British national life had been built. \n\n\n\nToday\, amid growing concern about energy costs\, broken supply chains\, failing defence and industrial capacity\, politicians are once again invoking the national interest. But what does it mean\, and who gets to define it? After decades of decline\, is there still a ‘British people’ with the solidarity and sense of common interests needed to assert shared priorities? \n\n\n\nBritain has faced such questions before. In 1945\, a Labour government set out to build a ‘New Jerusalem’ from the rubble of six years of total war. A century earlier\, Disraeli\, later mythologised as the founder of One Nation Conservatism\, famously described a country divided into ‘two nations’\, rich and poor. Both traditions emphasised national unity and obligations across class divisions. \n\n\n\nCan these national stories and traditions offer inspiration today\, or is it the responsibility of every generation to imagine the nation anew? \n\n\n\nPhilip Cunliffe and Emily Jones explore the national interest from contemporary and historical perspectives\, asking what it might mean for British people to think and act as a nation once again. \n\n\n\nPhilip Cunliffe is an author\, academic and podcaster known for his work in international relations\, particularly in the areas of sovereignty\, international order\, conflict management and global politics. He is an Associate Professor of International Relations at the Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction at University College London. \n\n\n\nAuthor of The National Interest: Politics After Globalization (Polity\, 2025) and Taking Control: Sovereignty and Democracy After Brexit (Polity\, 2023\, co-authored with George Hoare\, Lee Jones\, and Peter Ramsay) \n\n\n\nEmily Jones is an author and academic at University of Manchester who has written and reviewed for the Financial Times\, the New Statesman\, and History Today\, and provided various radio commentary\, including for BBC Radio 4\, ABC Australia\, and ORF Austria. The Disraeli Myth: The Making of a Conservative Tradition\, provides an authoritative account of the afterlives of Benjamin Disraeli and the highly significant construction of a socially minded brand of Conservatism following his death in 1881.
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/how-can-we-rebuild-a-nation-in-britain/
LOCATION:Pendulum Hotel\, Sackville Street\, Manchester\, M1 3BB
CATEGORIES:Talk
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261017T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261017T150000
DTSTAMP:20260917T090624Z
CREATED:20260917T082200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T090624Z
UID:842-1792242000-1792249200@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Geoengineering and Cloud Seeding: 'Should we be worried?'
DESCRIPTION:Julie Tasker will be hosting this event. \n\n\n\nWhat affects the weather? \n\n\n\nHistorically\, different communities have done various things to influence the weather and its effects\, such as Native American Rain Dancing; and church buildings installed with lightning conductors (often made of copper or aluminium tape / lead components). \n\n\n\nMore modern times have enabled technology to be accessed to change the weather; and apparently it is even possible to pay to have potentially good weather for a wedding\, and / or presumably other event(s). \n\n\n\nGeoengineering\, weather modification\, and weather manipulation\, such as Cloud Seeding\, are some of the terminology used for such human influences to influence the weather. \n\n\n\nWeather modification is said to have started in the 1940s – though historically there have been human influences on the weather much before that. \n\n\n\nThe concept of the ownership and regulation of Cloud-Seeding Activities is supposed to be to National Discretion. Who decides on National Discretion? \n\n\n\nDid you know there were extremes of weather during World War 1? \n\n\n\nWhat might have instigated such World War 1 weather extremes? \n\n\n\nHopefully this presentation and discussion will help you to consider: \n\n\n\nHow might we develop truly ethical approaches to how we live our lives\, including the many different influences that are happening to affect weather? \n\n\n\nAs time allows:Please share what your own ‘weather’ experiences have been; and any ideas you might have as to what you feel Your ‘Discretion’ is regarding the Technological Influences on Weather\, such as Cloud Seeding\, and beyond that to You experiencing other Influences in your Daily Life which may enable Positivity … Or … Perhaps seem to be for the ‘good’ of certain individuals; and without genuine care and compassion for the majority of us. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/geoengineering-and-cloud-seeding-should-we-be-worried/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2026/09/highres_535723605.webp
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