If you haven’t already checked it out, Rest Less Events is our virtual community and events platform. All sessions are run through Zoom and cover a vast range of topics.
With around 100 monthly events, you’ll hopefully find something to pique your interest. Alongside our regular sessions, there’s plenty more to discover this month – from unique exercise classes to fascinating lectures on science and nature.
Here are some of the most exciting events coming up in April.
1. An introduction to starting a family tree
When? Tuesday 1st at 11:30am
Join Dr. Penny Walters for this engaging and informative session on compiling your family tree. Throughout the hour, we’ll learn about some traditional genealogical research techniques and how to incorporate DNA testing for deeper insights.
Attendees will also discover how to collect and organise family information, find helpful historical records, and use online resources to build their family trees. It’s perfect for anyone who’s already started looking into their family’s past or is interested in giving genealogy a go for the first time.
To learn more, why not sign up for Penny’s next event, which dives into the world of DNA testing?
2. Animals at War – The History of the Dickin Medal (The Animal VC)
When? Tuesday 1st at 4:00pm
Often considered the Victoria Cross for animals, the Dickin Medal is given to animals who’ve served with bravery and devotion in the military or emergency services.
This unique lecture from RAF veteran and ex-police officer Ash will introduce us to the award’s beginnings and share inspiring stories of animals who’ve received it over the years. You’ll hopefully walk away with a newfound appreciation for the dogs, horses, and other animals that have served at home and abroad.
3. An Introduction to Journaling
When? Wednesday 2nd at 4:00pm
Journaling is a fantastic tool for self-awareness and personal development, but it can also help us preserve precious memories to look back on in later years. Featuring guided exercises and writing prompts, this session provides a great springboard to launch your new journaling habit.
For more advice, why not check out our article: The power of journaling as a life habit?
4. An Introduction to Music Analysis
When? Thursday 3rd at 11:30am
For anyone interested in developing their music knowledge, pianist, signer, and composer Lorna brings us this introduction to music analysis.
The session will explore the basics of how music makes us feel emotions and physical sensations. Lorna will also play various musical extracts – so you can start testing your knowledge.
5. Tai Chi
When? Thursdays at 2:30pm
Beginning in 13th-century China, Tai Chi is one of the oldest recorded forms of exercise and martial arts. It’s a mindful, low-impact practice that can help lower stress, improve sleep, and reduce arthritis pain, among other things.
If you’d like to reap some of Tai Chi’s fantastic benefits, this weekly session from JT will show you the ropes.
6. The Jack the Ripper Mystery (The Whitechapel Murders)
When? Thursday 3rd at 4:00pm
Jack the Ripper is one of the most famous crime cases in history. But did you know that the list of possible killers has over one hundred names?
In this event, host Malcolm will explore the evidence and who it points to, all while revealing details about the grisly events you may not have heard before.
7. AI for Fun: Games and Quizzes with ChatGPT
When? Friday 4th at 2:30pm
Lots of the news coverage about AI is quite serious – but AI tools can add a bit of lighthearted fun to your day. In this workshop, Vicky (creator of the YouTube channel ‘3A-AI: AI for Third Agers’) shows us how to use ChatGPT to create custom quizzes, brain teasers, word games, and more.
This is a great event for anyone seeking to keep their brain sharp and provides a solid introduction to AI for beginners. As one member puts in: “I now feel confident to start experimenting with using AI.”
8. The Devil’s Horsemen
When? Fridays 4th and 11th at 4:00pm
In this two-part event, historian Jem Duducu introduces Rest Less to the terrifying armies of conquest that have gathered on the Eurasian steppe (a massive stretch of land going from Asia’s Pacific coast to modern-day Hungary) throughout history.
Drawing on his new book, The Devil’s Horsemen, Jem will teach us about empires like the Mongols and the Romans who, while seemingly disparate, have strikingly similar origins.
9. DISCOaerobics
When? Mondays at 12:00pm
If you’re looking for a new way to keep moving and love the funky, new-wave sounds of the 70s and 80s, this weekly DISCOaerobics event might be for you!
As well as combining fist-pumping tunes with a retro aerobics routine, instructor Carly makes adjustments for all levels – so almost anyone can follow along.
10. A Case of Artistic Opinion!
When? Tuesday 8th at 11:30am
In the late 19th century, an unusual trial took place between American painter James Abbott McNeill Whistler and eminent art critic John Ruskin. But what was the dispute that brought these two men to the Old Bailey court, and what was the outcome?
Join host Magaret for this fascinating look into a unique slice of art history.
11. Stars – cradle to grave
When? Tuesdays 8th, 15th, and 22nd at 4:00pm
Set off on a three-part journey through the cosmos with astronomy professor Malcolm Coe. Along the way, we’ll learn about large-scale star systems, enigmatic black holes, and how our understanding of the universe has changed over the last century.
From diffuse nebulae (the stellar cradles of the galaxy) to misnamed planetary nebulae (graveyards of White Dwarfs), Malcolm will chart the life cycles of stars – with plenty of jaw-dropping photographs (and no confusing scientific jargon) along the way.
12. Amigurumi Crochet – Easter Eggs
When? Wednesday 9th at 5:15pm
Are you looking for a new crafting project? In this workshop, needle art enthusiast Marlys shows Rest Less Events members how to create colourful easter eggs from scraps of yarn. They can be used as decorations, or even to stage an easter egg hunt at home.
This class is open to all skill levels – from absolute beginners to crafting experts. Check out the event description for a list of the materials.
13. Tasmania and South Australia
When? Thursday 10th at 11:30am
Back in February 2016, avid traveller Sue set off on a journey around Tasmania and South Australia. In this talk, she looks back on her trip, giving us a taste of the wondrous wildlife, stunning scenery, and fascinating cultural experiences she encountered along the way.
As well as showing us plenty of interesting images, Sue will offer insights into some of the region’s unique history – from the origins of iconic highways like the Great Ocean Road to stories of convicts deported from Britain for petty crimes.
14. The First Six Presidents of the United States
When? Saturdays from the 12th April at 3:00pm
With the recent changes in the White House, what better time for Dr Simon Gregor’s new lecture series, which focuses on the first six American Presidents?
From George Washington to John Quincy Adams, Simon will give us a glimpse into their times in office and wider biographies, examining how each helped mould America into the modern superpower it is today.
15. Expressing Grief Through Rituals: Honouring Those We Loved
When? Monday 14th at 1:00pm
In this new event, art therapist Sarah explores how rituals can help us process grief – an emotion that all of us will encounter at some point in our lives. She’ll introduce us to death rituals from various cultures across the world and encourage us to reflect on some of our own rituals around loss.
16. I Wish I Was a Spaceman
When? Tuesday 15th at 11:30am
The mid-20th century was a time of exciting possibilities for space travel; Yuri Gagarin became the first person to travel to outer space in 1949, just over a decade after the first monkey made the trip. This enthusiasm was reflected in all kinds of media – from comic strips like Rick Random Space Detective and BBC radio dramas like Journey into Space.
Join host David for this talk about how space travel influenced popular culture in the 50s and 60s.
17. The Life and Times of Hélène de Montgeroult: Playing For Her Life
When? Wednesday 16th at 7:00pm
Join Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra viola player Claire for this talk on musical maestro: Hélène de Montgeroult. A contemporary of Haydn and Mozart, Hélène was a composer, pianist, and teacher – considered by many to be one of the best improvisers of her time. Yet, sadly, she’s been largely forgotten over time.
Alongside the facts of de Montgeroult’s life – including how she risked the guillotine during the French Revolution – we’ll also hear some of her beautiful music.
18. Tutankhamun's Tomb: Past, Present and Future
When? Tuesday 22nd at 11:30am
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb is often hailed as one of the most monumental moments in archaeological history. But how much do you know about the legendary pharaoh and how Egyptologist Howard Carter came across his resting place?
Join archaeology enthusiast Jo for this talk to learn more.
19. From Barbers to Surgeons: The History of Victorian Medicine
When? Thursday 24th at 11:30am
The Victorian era was a time of rapid development in many fields – not the least in healthcare. In this lecture, Dr Richard Marks charts the progression of British medicine during this time – including how surgery evolved from barber shops and the influences of the Industrial Revolution.
20. Spanish Club
When? Thursday 24th at 1:00pm
This monthly community club celebrates all things Spanish – from the language to the food, history, and customs. Members can share their experiences of learning the language, living or travelling to Spanish-speaking countries, or anything else that’s related.
Each session will focus on a country submitted by members beforehand. Have your say through the form in the event description.
21. Writing Group
When? Friday 25th at 2:30pm
Are you an amateur scribe looking for some helpful opinions on your work? Or perhaps you’re considering trying your hand at writing but haven’t dipped your toes in the water yet. If so, this monthly writing group could be for you.
In each session, the group reads and discusses each others’ work. There are no restrictions on form or genre – you can submit anything from poetry and prose to an excerpt from your screenplay. Plus, the atmosphere is welcoming and supportive.
22. Michael Caine – Not Many People Know That!
When? Tuesday 29th at 4:00pm
Steve Short returns to Rest Less Events this April with another look at a showbusiness icon: Sir Michael Caine. We’ll hear about everything from his early school plays in Suffolk to his legendary roles in Zulu and The Italian Job and, finally, his retirement in 2023.
As well as being knighted by the Queen, Caine has received countless accolades throughout his career and appeared in over 160 films.
Final thoughts…
As you can see, there’s plenty to look forward to on Rest Less Events this April – from astronomy lectures and travel talks to unique monthly clubs.
However, with around 100 sessions running monthly, we couldn’t possibly cover them all here. So why not browse our calendar to discover what else is coming up?
Are you a Rest Less Events member? If so, which events have you enjoyed? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.