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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Free Thinkers
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251011T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251011T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
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:20250913T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250913T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
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:20250830T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250830T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
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:20250814T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250814T220000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
CREATED:20250730T090650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T092008Z
UID:597-1755198000-1755208800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Free Thinkers Social Evening
DESCRIPTION:Due to requests from several members of the group\, we have arranged a purely social get-together. This is just for general conversation or debate if anyone wants to (no speakers\, no slides). So just bring yourselves along and be prepared to buy a drink or two. \n\n\n\n\nSIGN UP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/social-evening-aug-25/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Social Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/07/drinkie-poos.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
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:20250621T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250621T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
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:20250515T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250515T210000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
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:20250426T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250426T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
CREATED:20250215T164725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250303T103336Z
UID:392-1745672400-1745679600@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Benefits of Health Kinesiology\, including Self Healthcare with Julie Tasker
DESCRIPTION:Health Kinesiology \n\n\n\nEach of us naturally holds acupressure points during our life\, such as holding your chin whilst thinking\, which enables you to release stress and think more clearly. \n\n\n\nHolding your forehead when feeling stressed\, which releases other stresses\, helps to cope better with life. \n\n\n\nJulie’s presentation will give you some background about Health Kinesiology as well as\, if you wish\, you may learn some basic ways for self-help\, such as Emotional Stress points\, in order to gently hold your head more effectively and thus\, efficiently release stress rather than just holding your head specifically. \n\n\n\nKinesiology – the study of movement that may often be unconscious movement. \n\n\n\n‘Kinesis’ movement – often unconscious movement. \n\n\n\nHealth Kinesiology (HK) combines ancient wisdom of the Traditional Chinese Medicine\, together with the modern technique of muscle testing. This was developed by Jimmy Scott PhD. in the 1970s. \n\n\n\nHealth Kinesiology is ‘muscle response testing’ to access your body and energy system for what it really needs in order to be healthy and release stress. \n\n\n\nThe focus of this is to enable a smooth\, healthy process. Unfortunately\, counselling and other similar therapies may open up your memories of experiences in your life and underlying beliefs. Whereas Health Kinesiology and other similar therapies are guided by muscle response testing\, particularly as we have established which acupressure points to hold the stress as you think and/or discuss. \n\n\n\nAs Jimmy Scott stepped back into retirement\, he allowed Health Kinesiology to be overseen by Natural Bioenergetics (NB)\, which involved changing its name\, though Julie still uses the term Health Kinesiology\, rather than NB\, as she sees this as more understandable as it is to support people’s health with muscle response testing. \n\n\n\nFor further information\, check out the links to Health Kinesiology that have been posted on the Group Chat. \n\n\n\nLook forward to seeing everyone. Once again\, please be aware that we get this venue free of charge\, so be honourable and purchase a drink or two from the bar (non-alcoholic beverages are served). \n\n\n\nAnd please respect each others’ opinions as we will expect everyone to respect yours. No offensive language is accepted. \n\n\n\n\nSIGNUP AT MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/the-benefits-of-health-kinesiology-including-self-healthcare-with-julie-tasker/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/02/600_526190351.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250315T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250315T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
CREATED:20250209T230412Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T104458Z
UID:382-1742043600-1742050800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bitcoin\, Other Crypto Currencies\, CBDCs and Fiat: What's the Difference?
DESCRIPTION:How will these affect our future spending\, savings\, and credit ratings? \n\n\n\nJoin us this month for a discussion led by Nik Mitev\, who has kindly volunteered to share his knowledge of CBDCs and crypto. \n\n\n\nHe will give everyone an overview of how money really works – fiat\, BTC\, and CBDCs. This will be followed by a question and answer session. \n\n\n\nLong gone are the days when fiat money (£$¥€) was backed by gold. Today\, any state with a sovereign currency can print as much as it wants. They did exactly this in 2008 and again during COVID. It would appear that every time they need money to pay for a larger war. This printing then results in inflation\, which impacts the poorest the most. The value of all fiat currencies decreases over time. \n\n\n\nBitcoin was the first cryptocurrency that gained traction\, and it was announced in 2008 as an alternative to endlessly devalued fiat. Its main feature is that it is not controlled by any authority\, and there’s a cap on the maximum BTC that can be created. As of late\, it was valued at $1.86 trillion\, and\, for comparison\, all gold in existence is valued at around $18.24 trillion. \n\n\n\nAfter Bitcoin\, numerous other cryptos were launched. Some of them have features and functionality with great potential. Others\, based on ideas that are flawed and unfortunately\, even scams. \n\n\n\nCBDCs are the establishment’s take on crypto currencies and\, unfortunately\, the ultimate tool for control. Nearly all governments around the world have related projects that are at various stages. Some are still at the research level\, others have been piloted\, and they are even deployed. \n\n\n\nAs usual\, we encourage everyone to take part\, but please respect the opinions of others and refrain from 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 drinkers are also catered for. \n\n\n\nLook forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nsignup with meetup
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/bitcoin-other-crypto-currencies-cbdcs-and-fiat-whats-the-difference-2/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/02/Crypto.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250208T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250208T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
CREATED:20250116T100014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250116T101113Z
UID:355-1739019600-1739026800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Left Wing or Right Wing? How do we interpret these opposing ideologies?
DESCRIPTION:This month\, Matthew McVeagh has kindly volunteered to lead a discussion on this controversial topic. \n\n\n\nIn a world that has become so polarised of late\, how do we view our political alignment? Many people would consider themselves as either ‘left wing’ or ‘right wing’. \n\n\n\nMany others would either view themselves as ‘centrist’ or merely ‘apolitical’. Up until the last 10 years\, this preference of political persuasion was mostly cordially accepted across the board. \n\n\n\nHowever\, since the mid-2010s\, an overwhelming surge of populism on both the left and the right of the political spectrum has saturated the mindset. \n\n\n\nMany people will now group themselves into opposing factions. Some will even refuse to associate with their neighbours\, work colleagues\, or even family members if they believe them to hold a different political mindset to their own. \n\n\n\nSo please join us for an interesting and often vocal debate/discussion. As always\, all opinions are welcome\, and we only ask that you refrain from using abusive language whilst also respecting the opinions of others. \n\n\n\nThe event is free of charge under the condition that everyone buys at least one drink from the bar (non-alcoholic beverages included). Look forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\nSIGNUP WITH MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/left-wing-or-right-wing-how-do-we-interpret-these-opposing-ideologies/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/01/600_524944562.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250118T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250118T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
CREATED:20250116T095717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250116T101136Z
UID:352-1737205200-1737212400@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:We are what we eat? Ultra Processed People
DESCRIPTION:Recently\, there has been much controversy surrounding Arla\, and a state of anxiety over additives in processed foods. \n\n\n\nCattle are now allegedly being fed with Bovaer (an additive that is supposed to reduce their methane output). This controversial product is also potentially health hazardous to humans. \n\n\n\nWith more and more UPF on the market\, are we now seeing the results of too much artificial interference? Are we at the juncture where we face a food crisis similar to BSE? \n\n\n\nMaybe the supermarkets are unwilling to take action in fear of losing profits. Is it time that the FSA investigated these products more thoroughly? \n\n\n\nJoin us for another indepth discussion and debate. Once again\, all opinions are welcome\, and we only ask that you respect everyone else’s opinion. Please also refrain from offensive language. \n\n\n\nThe event is free\, but as always\, we would appreciate you purchasing a drink or two from the bar downstairs (soft drinks count). \n\n\n\n\nSIGNUP WITH MEETUP
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/we-are-what-we-eat-ultra-processed-people/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:https://static.freethinkers.org.uk/uploads/2025/01/600_525079599.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241221T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241221T170000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
CREATED:20241031T175600Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T162418Z
UID:329-1734786000-1734800400@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Freethinkers Christmas Party
DESCRIPTION:Christmas party!
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/freethinkers-christmas-party/
LOCATION:The Hop Merchant\, Nottingham\, 64-68 Upper Parliament Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 2AG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Social Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241026T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241026T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
CREATED:20241014T112040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250511T155737Z
UID:287-1729947600-1729954800@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Is the UK about to run out of power?
DESCRIPTION:We are constantly being reminded by the MSM and various government agencies\, such as Ofgem\, that Net Zero is the ultimate panacea in order to combat climate change. \n\n\n\nHowever\, recent independent analysis has suggested that the rush to decarbonise the electricity grid could lead to energy shortages in the future. \n\n\n\nThe last UK coal fired power station\, Radcliffe-on-Soar\, just down the road off the A453\, was decommissioned last month. Work is still ongoing to construct a new nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point in Somerset\, which won’t come online until after 2030. \n\n\n\nThe new Labour government is 100% committed to maintaining the UN sustainability goals and therefore ensuring that all electricity generation in the future will be Net Zero. \n\n\n\nFusion generators are many years (if not decades)\, away from becoming viable. Gas is becoming scarce and extremely expensive. No further licences have been approved for fossil fuel drilling in the North Sea. \n\n\n\nOur only short-term option is to rely on our vast network of onshore/offshore wind turbines and the proliferation of solar farms. Recently\, these methods of power generation provided less than 50% of our energy needs. \n\n\n\nWith more and more electrical products\, including EVs\, being purchased by consumers\, not to mention 1.5 million extra houses being built in the next five years\, will the National Grid possibly be able to take the strain? \n\n\n\nJoin us for our monthly discussion/debate. All opinions are welcome. Please respect the opinions of others and refrain from using abusive language. \n\n\n\nThe venue is free on the condition that everyone purchases at least one drink from the bar downstairs (this doesn’t have to be alcoholic). \n\n\n\nWe look forward to debating with everyone. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nsignup with meetup
URL:https://www.freethinkers.org.uk/event/is-the-uk-about-to-run-out-of-power/
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/2024/10/pylons.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20240914T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20240914T150000
DTSTAMP:20260531T233107
CREATED:20241014T165324Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250511T155713Z
UID:304-1726318800-1726326000@www.freethinkers.org.uk
SUMMARY:Policing 21st Century Britain: Do We Need to Rethink?
DESCRIPTION:As requested by a few members\, this month’s discussion will focus on recent activities. \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\nMany have questioned whether bias exists within police services. Are Police Crime Commissioners effective? Or are they just another layer of needless bureaucracy? Do we need more bobbies on the beat? Do we need more engagement with local communities to stop further 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-21st-century-britain-do-we-need-to-rethink/
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/2024/10/600_522747006.webp
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