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 to discover this month – from Valentine’s-themed talks to language learning workshops.

Here are some of the most exciting events coming up in February.

1. The Story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs

When? Monday 3rd at 2:30pm

Kicking off the month, history writer Simon Waterfield tells us the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

In 1834, this small group of farm labourers organised a trade union to campaign for better pay and working conditions. But soon, they were arrested and sent to Australia as convicts – which ignited countrywide protests that have had lasting effects on UK society

2. Learn French: 6 Week Course

When? Tuesdays at 9:15am from the 4th

Language expert Sally-Jayne Braisby returns to Rest Less Events with this brand-new course, teaching us how to speak about ourselves and our families. Even if you’ve learned French with Sally-Jayne before, these six sessions will offer plenty of new knowledge.

Throughout the classes, we’ll learn different words for family members and how to describe them – plus how to speak about our pets and jobs and a little bit of grammar. It’s ideal whether you’ve got a French getaway coming up or you’re just looking to level up your language skills.

Learn French

3. Modern Day Smuggling

When? Tuesday 4th at 11:30am

‘Smuggling’ – it’s a word we might associate with Han Solo or rum-swigging pirates. But it’s something that happens regularly in modern society, often in increasingly bizarre ways.

This unique talk will take a look at the strange lengths organised crime groups have gone to smuggle drugs – from using tunnels and submarines to hollowed-out Buddhas.

4. Greek Astronomy

When? Tuesday 4th at 4:00pm

Host Martin takes us back in time to the days of ancient Greece when some of history’s great astronomical ideas were burgeoning. We’ll hear about radical theories from thinkers like Aristotle – plus, how they’ve impacted our perception of the universe and our place in it.

If you enjoy this presentation, why not check out Martin’s next talk on Arabic astronomy on the 11th?

Osteoporosis guidance, support groups & exclusive benefits*

Join the Royal Osteoporosis Society and be part of a community.

From just £2pm, you’ll receive ongoing advice and support from our bone health experts. Plus, exclusive member offers and benefits!

Join today*

5. Wildlife Photography (for Novices)

When? Thursday 6th at 4:00pm

Have you ever wanted to take exquisite snaps of flora and fauna on walks or in your garden? If so, this next event is a mustn’t-miss.

In this one-off presentation, wildlife photographer Stephen teaches Rest Less Events members how to take up his beloved craft in its simplest form. There’s no need for fancy equipment or intrepid excursions into the wilderness. This event will teach you how to use your mobile phone to capture the wondrous wildlife around you.

6. Aerobic Fitness

When? Fridays 7th-21st and Thursday 27th at 9:00am

Aerobics is an upbeat and dynamic way to stay fit and have fun – and with this event from qualified personal trainer Trinity Hadley, you can reap all the benefits from the comfort of your home.

With a mix of cardio, strength-based exercises, and traditional aerobics movements, this weekly session is designed to get your blood pumping. It’s a great way to start the day!

Aerobic Fitness

7. Spin The Sixties

When? Friday 7th at 2:30pm

Music maestro Clive hosts these magical mystery tours into the tunes of the 60s. He’s chosen his favourite hits from each year of the grooviest decade – but you’ll spin the wheel to find out which ones you’re going to listen to.

These random journeys down memory lane have been described by members as “magnificent” and “lots of fun”. Tune in, sit back, and immerse yourself in these super 60s sounds.

8. Romantic Journeys: Around the World with Chocolate, Wine, and Flowers

When? Fridays 7th, 14th, and 28th at 7:00pm

This February, world traveller Kelsey whisks us away on three romantic journeys celebrating the classic parts of any Valentine’s Day: chocolate, wine, and flowers.

From the chocolate shops of Belgium via the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the sprawling mosaics of Holland’s tulips, this three-part adventure is sure to add some romance to your day.

9. Orientalist Paintings: The Allure of the East

When? Tuesday 11th at 11:30am

During the nineteenth century, what was called ‘the Orient’ (Eastern regions such as Turkey and the Middle East) provided an alluring subject for European artists. Foreign dress, architecture, and customs inspired the imaginations of painters like Delacroix, Ingres, and Gérôme.

But did these paintings represent reality or were they products of pure fantasy? Join art historian Antonia Gatward Cevizli to find out.

10. The Schumanns and Brahms: Friends and Lovers

When? Wednesday 12th at 7:00pm

Much-loved musical couple Robert and Clara Schumann were powerhouses of the Romantic era. Not only were they successful composers and pianists in their own right, but they worked together to popularise each other’s music. However, the entrance of young virtuoso Johannes Brahms into their lives made everything a little more complicated.

Join Claire, a viola player in the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, to discover this fascinating story of love and friendship.

For another tale of romance and creativity, why not tune into Tammy Nantais’ talk on Victorian poets Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett on the 13th?

The Schumanns and Brahms: Friends and Lovers

11. Pilates (standing)

When? Fridays at 10:30am

Whether you’re interested in improving balance and flexibility, building strength, or bolstering your mental health, Pilates is an excellent way to keep our bodies and minds healthy.

With these sessions run by chartered physiotherapist Helen, you can get a weekly dose of fitness without having to get down on the floor (as in many Pilates classes). However, Helen also runs seated, mat-based, and hand-weight sessions – so there’s a Pilates class for everyone.

12. Television Goes Pop

When? Friday 14th at 2:30pm

In this nostalgia-provoking presentation, host David looks back on all our favourite pop music shows – from The Tube and The Six-Five Special to Top of the Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test.

13. Valentine’s Day Quiz – All Things Romantic

When? Friday 14th at 4:00pm

Join us for this one-off Valentine’s Day quiz from host Angela. Containing 30 general knowledge questions on the topic of love, it’s sure to test your brain and warm your heart!

14. Shakespeare and Women

When? Monday 17th at 2:30pm

From Juliet and Cleopatra to Rosaline and Desdemona, Shakespeare created some of the most enduring female characters in literary history. But what was the Bard’s attitude towards women in life, and what roles do they play in his literature?

In this talk, Shakespeare scholar and theatre practitioner Anna delves into these questions and more.

Shakespeare and Women

15. Tapeando through Spain

When? Tuesdays 18th and 25th at 11:30am

Are you craving a travel talk with a twist? If so, check out this next event. Over two sessions, historian Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez leads us through the culinary history of Spain.

While exploring this tasty tapestry, we’ll learn about the impact of religion, war, and conflict on Iberian flavours – and even demystify the true meaning of tapas. It’s sure to get you thinking about a trip to Spain (or your closest Spanish restaurant).

16. Tricks of the Trade: Spying in the First World War

When? Tuesday 18th at 4:00pm

Join Melanie King, author of The Lady is a Spy*, for this look into the shadowy world of espionage during World War One. Drawing on the memoirs of real-life spies, Melanie will explain some of the weird and wonderful ways agents collected and passed on intelligence.

Expect answers to the questions you never knew you had. For example: can a message really be hidden inside a dead fish? And why were the British so concerned about laundry in Belgium?

If you’d like to learn more about the underbelly of intelligence gathering, Melanie returns on the 25th for her event: Shadows and Silk: The World of the Female Spy.

Osteoporosis guidance, support groups & exclusive benefits*

Join the Royal Osteoporosis Society and be part of a community.

From just £2pm, you’ll receive ongoing advice and support from our bone health experts. Plus, exclusive member offers and benefits!

Join today*

17. Lunch Club

When? Wednesdays at 1:00pm

Interested in meeting new, like-minded people and engaging in thoughtful and interesting discussions? If so, perhaps our weekly lunch club is for you.

Bring your lunch and join host Mahalia for this supportive community club every Wednesday afternoon.

18. Incredible edible (and drinkable) plants

When? Thursday 27th at 11:30am

We all know that eating lots of plants is good for us – but do you know exactly why? This two-part talk from chemist and writer Dr Gwenda Kyd explores the nutritional and medicinal benefits of plants.

We’ll also hear about some of the main ways plants can add flavour, colour, and texture to our favourite drinks and foods – and ponder the question: To cook or not to cook?

Incredible edible (and drinkable) plants

19. Margaret Rutherford, a less than blithe spirit

When? Thursday 27th 4:00pm

Known for her comedic roles and portrayal of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, Dame Margaret Rutherford is a legend of stage and screen. But did you know that her personal life was marred with tragedy – including suicide and murder?

Join host Judy for this peek behind the curtain at one of Britain’s showbusiness icons.

20. A Brief History of Tattoos

When? Friday 28th at 2:30pm

From ancient Siberian nomads to Pacific Islanders, cultures around the globe have used tattoos throughout history for various reasons – whether to signify status or religious beliefs or simply for aesthetics.

In this one-off talk, host Janine explains the history of tattoos, drawing on the designs she saw while working in prisons.

And if you’re interested in getting your first tattoo in later life, why not check out our article on the subject?

21. Peter Sellers – Radio and Film Star

When? Friday 28th at 4:00pm

Peter Sellers is often lauded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. But, beyond his show-stealing roles in films like Being There, Doctor Strangelove, and The Pink Panther – how much do you know about him?

Steve Short returns to Rest Less Events with another deep dive into the life and career of an entertainment icon.

Final thoughts…

As you can see, there’s plenty to get excited about this February on Rest Less Events. So whether you want to stay fit, learn a new language, or discover more about nutrition, there’s something for everyone.

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.