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 AI workshops to immersive virtual tours.
Here are some of the most exciting events coming up in May.
1. Mindfulness for Stress Reduction: Eight-Week Course
When? Tuesdays at 8:00am
Starting this May, qualified mindfulness teacher Catherine is leading an eight-week course designed to improve sleep; reduce stress, anxiety, and depression; and generally boost wellbeing through mindfulness.
It’s a short version of the popular Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course, covering various topics – from breathing techniques to fostering self-compassion.
2. In the footsteps of Vikings
When? Tuesdays 6th-20th at 11:30am
Have you always been thrilled by tales of the Vikings or are you interested in Scandinavian culture? If so, this next series could be for you.
Over these three sessions, host Sandy follows in the footsteps of the Vikings, delving into the history, landscapes, and culture of three countries: Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. From Norwegian Nobel Prize winners to the legacy of Erik the Red, there’s something for everyone.
3. London Unveiled: Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Stories
When? Tuesdays from the 6th at 4:00pm
Join host Loona for this four-part tour around some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Along the way, we’ll unearth ancient treasures at the British Museum, discover hidden stories behind Trafalgar Square and the Strand, and explore the hallowed halls of the Houses of Parliament.
4. Introduction to Ink: Three-Week Course
When? Wednesdays 7th-21st at 9:30am
Often overlooked in favour of other mediums like oils, watercolours, and pastels, ink is a versatile and striking tool in any artist’s arsenal. But if you’ve never worked with it before, you may be hesitant to give it a try.
This three-week introductory course with Caitlyn from Barely Drawing will help you get to grips with the basics of ink. It’s suitable for all artistic abilities, so why not give it a try?
5. Strengthen & Stretch
When? Wednesdays at 11:00am
Building strength and balance in later life is one of the best things we can do for our health and wellbeing. Not only can it reduce our risk of falls and conditions like osteoporosis, but it can also help keep us in shape to continue doing the things we love.
This versatile weekly session from physiotherapist Helen involves bodyweight exercises with the option to incorporate hand weights, followed by stretching.
6. Amigurumi Crochet – Spring Flowers
When? Wednesday 7th at 5:15pm
Crafting queen Marlys is back this May with another seasonal tutorial. This time around, Rest Less Events members can learn how to make an assortment of crochet flowers.
These make fantastic spring decorations – whether displayed in a vase, made into a wreath, or given as a gift. Plus, because you can make them from small amounts of yarn, they’re a great project for using up leftover scraps.
7. Morocco: Mountains to Markets
When? Thursday 8th at 11:30am
From the serene vistas of the Atlas Mountains to the spice-lined alleyways of Marrakech, Morocco is as diverse as it is delightful.
In this one-off event, we’ll follow seasoned traveller Sue on a journey from Morocco’s wild interior to its captivating coast and lively cities. Along the way, we’ll discover some of its fascinating history and get a glimpse into its unique culture – with plenty of stunning imagery, too.
8. Cave Paintings and Prehistoric Carvings: Can We Really Call Them Art?
When? Thursday 8th at 4:00pm
Self-proclaimed ‘unconventional art historian’ Dr Geri Parlby delves into the mysterious world of prehistoric cave paintings and carvings in this next talk.
Throughout the hour, Geri will explore the purposes of these early expressions, what they mean, and whether they fit our modern definition of ‘art’. It’s a great event for lovers of art, anthropology, and everything in between.
9. The Power of Colour: Feng Shui Secrets for a Happier Home
When? Friday 9th at 11:30am
If you’re interested in interiors or looking to add a splash of colour to your home this spring, why not tune into this talk on the power of colour?
Hosted by feng shui expert Suzanne Roynon, this session will explore how different colours can boost the harmony of your home – as well as which ones are best avoided.
10. You & AI: Master Your Life with AI
When? Fridays 9th and 23rd at 1:00pm
These days, there’s plenty of talk about AI in the news, but it can be tricky to understand how this cutting-edge technology can fit into our daily lives.
If this sounds familiar, you might find these workshops helpful. Over two sessions, the 3 Discovery Team will try to demystify the world of AI, explore some of its practical applications, and share some tips for getting the most out of it.
11. V-E Day, an ending and a beginning
When? Friday 9th at 2:30pm
V-E (Victory in Europe) Day marked the end of the Second World War and it was a time of celebration for many.
In this unique talk, historical writer Simon Waterfield examines V-E Day through the eyes of his grandparents, Arthur and Ona. We’ll hear about their experiences during the war, as well as their hopes and plans for the future.
12. Castles and Their Keepers
When? Fridays at 7:00pm
From elegant dances and sumptuous feasts to dramatic acts of war and violence, castles have played host to some of history’s most interesting events. In this five-part series, tour guide Kelsey takes Rest Less Events members to some of the world’s most famous and fascinating fortresses.
Whether you’re interested in the regal ceremonies of Windsor Castle, the Shakespearean credentials of Kronborg Castle, or the samurai of feudal Japan, there’s so much to learn in this series.
13. Introduction to Calligraphy and Manuscript Illumination
When? Monday 12th at 2:30pm
This workshop from artist Joanna Cooke introduces Rest Less Event members to the art of calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts.
We’ll discover the tools used to create elegant lettering, when/how they’re used, plus some of the most common lettering styles (calligraphy hands). At the end of the session, we’ll also get to put what we’ve learned to the test with some calligraphy exercises.
14. City break in Budapest
When? Tuesday 13th at 6:00pm
Escape to the dazzling banks of the Danube with this virtual city break to Budapest with historian Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez.
Throughout the hour, Lillian will introduce us to some of the city’s most famous architecture and cultural activities, and delve into important moments from Hungarian history through the city’s monuments.
15. Gods of the Andes: Pre-Hispanic Mythology
When? Thursday 15th at 4:00pm
Pre-Columbian Andean cultures like the Incas, Moches, and Nazcas had deep spiritual connections with nature. Gods and other mythological beings governed every aspect of life – from Viracocha, creator of the universe, to the Apu mountain spirits.
In this webinar, Vannessa – a tour guide and cultural ambassador of Lima, Peru – leads us into this mystical world. Through oral traditions and archaeological artefacts, we’ll learn about some of these divine deities and the myths surrounding them.
16. Spring Plants: folklore, myth, and meaning
When? Monday 19th at 2:30pm
Throughout the ages, different plants have carried different meanings; some play parts in traditional folktales while others are key to cultural customs.
In this seasonal seminar, host Sarah steps into the vibrant world of springtime plants to investigate the different associations they’ve had throughout the ages. Whether you’re a gardener or nature lover, or you’re curious about traditional seasonal wisdom, this event is sure to give you a new appreciation for the flora around us at this time of year.
17. All Ability Chair Yoga
When? Monday 19th at 4:00pm
This seated yoga session with teacher Julie is designed for anybody to take part. As well as building strength and flexibility, it’s aimed to help participants become more mindful and forge a stronger mind/body connection.
18. Visiting Krakow: beyond the Holocaust
When? Tuesday 20th at 6:00pm
Krakow is often associated with the horrors of the Holocaust. And while remembering the devastating events of the Second World War is an important part of any visit here, there’s so much more to the former Polish capital than its painful past.
Join historian Dr. Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez for this virtual tour of one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
19. Astrology Discussion Group
When? Thursday 22nd at 10:00am
In this monthly discussion group, Rest Less Events members come together to discuss everything astrology: from the planets and zodiac signs to astrological houses.
If you wish, your birth chart can even become part of the conversation – just send your exact time, date, and place of birth to host Jeanie via the form on the event page.
20. Topkapı Palace in Istanbul: Power, Intrigue and Opulence
When? Thursday 22nd at 11:30am
Once the administrative centre and residence of the Ottoman court, the dazzling Topkapı Palace in Istanbul is now a museum exhibiting treasures from the empire’s heyday.
In this talk, Antonia Gatward Cevizli takes us through the Topkapı Palace’s opulent halls and luxurious gardens. We’ll get a glimpse into the lives of the sultans who lived there, discover how its design communicated ideas of power, and much more.
21. Cooking For One: Small-Batch Recipes
When? Friday 23rd at 11:30am
When cooking for just ourselves, seeking out great small-batch recipes can be really handy. Not only can they help prevent food waste, but they’re generally easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.
For some inspiration, tune into this relaxed cooking workshop from chef Justina from Vegetarian for Life to learn how to make three tasty, vegan small-batch recipes for one.
22. AI in genealogy – transforming research, transcription, and writing
When? Tuesday 27th at 11:30am
Dr Penny Walters returns to Rest Less Events this May to bring us another fascinating genealogy event. This time, she’s exploring how AI technology has transformed how we can trace our family history.
This event is perfect for anyone who’s looking to take their family tree research to the next level.
23. The Night Sky
When? Tuesday 27th at 7:00pm
Join astronomer Martin for this monthly look to the stars and find out what to spot in the night sky this June.
As well as stars and constellations, Martin shares some myths and legends connected to them – plus any planets and meteor showers visible this month. Expect some of the latest news stories from the world of astronomy, too.
24. Demystifying the Menopause, Mood, and Cognition
When? Wednesday 28th at 7:30pm
Here at Rest Less, we’re excited that more and more people are talking openly about menopause. However, some aspects of it remain more taboo than others – particularly its effects on mood, cognition, and mental health.
In this interactive and informative workshop, My Menopause Centre’s co-founders Dr Clare Spencer and Helen Normoyle delve into this often misunderstood side of menopause. They’ll cover why we need to reframe attitudes, some ways to manage these symptoms, and much more. There will also be time for questions at the end.
Final thoughts…
There’s plenty to look forward to on Rest Less Events this May – from unique art history lectures to inclusive exercise classes.
However, with around 100 sessions running monthly, we couldn’t possibly cover them all here. So, why not browse our calendar to see 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.
* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.
Rethink retirement with Richmond Villages
We offer thoughtfully designed living options tailored to suit individual’s needs. From complete independence right through to on-demand care, our one- and two-bedroom properties are finished to the highest quality.
Want to experience the lifestyle? Take a few days to try before you buy in our Assisted Living Apartments.
Join the discussion
Read our full commenting guidelines here – and if you spot anything that doesn’t follow them, please email us at [email protected].