If you’ve spent any time on the Rest Less website, you’ll know that we’re passionate about helping people find new ways to stay healthy, connect with others, and learn new things. And one of the newest ways we’re doing this is through our Rest Less Events service.
Rest Less Events is a virtual community and events platform that runs various lectures, workshops, groups, and clubs over Zoom. From cooking demonstrations and fitness classes to monthly book clubs, you’re sure to find something to pique your curiosity.
Below, we take a look at some of the most exciting events coming up this June…
1. DISCOaerobics
When? Mondays at 12:00pm
Are you looking for a new way to keep fit? And do you love the funky, new-wave sounds of the 70s and 80s? If so, DISCOaerobics might be right up your street.
Combining fist-pumping tunes and classic aerobics moves, DISCOaerobics is a fun fitness class for almost anyone to get involved with.
2. Savour the Season: Picnic series with Shamal
When? Mondays at 2:30pm
Join chef Shamal Kumal for a four-part series of demonstrations this June. Each one will show you how to make a quick, easy, and delicious summer recipe that’s perfect for enjoying in the sun.
From mini lamb kofta burgers and saltfish fritters to herby potato salad and butter bean dip with za’atar croutons, there’s a recipe for everyone in this series.
3. Introduction to Crochet
When? Monday 5th June at 5:15pm
If you’re crazy about crafts, why not tune into this month’s introduction to crochet session?
Over the course of an hour, host Marlys will teach you how to make stunning blankets for babies and toddlers, as well as lapghans (small blankets for your lap)
4. Pilates (seated)
When? Tuesdays at 10:30am
Designed to exercise the whole body, Pilates is an accessible way to build strength, improve posture and flexibility, and more. So if you’re interested in new ways to keep fit, why not check out Helen Tudge’s online seated Pilates class?
The whole class takes place in a chair, which means it’s ideal for beginners and people with limited mobility. Helen also runs a mat-based session, as well as a morning stretching event every week.
5. Afrofusion Dance Fitness
When? Tuesdays at 5:15pm
Working out doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Join Kenzi Ireland every Tuesday for a fun-filled African Fusion Dance session that’s designed to get your heart pumping.
During the 45-minute class, you’ll be taken through a variety of routines that incorporate traditional and contemporary African dance. It’s a great way to stay fit while learning a little about another culture!
6. Tawny Owls: Coming to a Wood Near You
When? Wednesday 7th June at 2:30pm
If you have an interest in animals, then this could be the event for you. Brought to you by former vet and wildlife photographer Stephen, this hour-long presentation focuses on the lives of one of Britain’s most beloved and elusive species: the tawny owl.
7. Desert Island Discs
When? Wednesday 7th June at 4:00pm
Love talking music? Then why not check out Rest Less’ very own Desert Island Discs event?
Inspired by the beloved BBC Radio 4 show, this monthly session focuses on a specific theme – with this month’s being ‘Growing up/Getting older’ – and asks participants to come with a song that relates to that theme. Then, the group listens to each person’s song one by one and hears why they picked it.
Desert Island Discs is an interesting way to share memories and meet new people!
8. The Fizzical Experience: LIVE with Mr Motivator
When? Wednesdays at 6:30pm
If you remember Derrick Evans (aka Mr Motivator) from his appearances on breakfast TV during the 90s, you’ll know he’s got a talent for getting people moving.
Join him for his movement class every Wednesday. It’s aimed at all abilities and fitness levels – and you can choose to take part sitting down or standing up.
9. Mindfulness Meditation
When? Thursdays at 9:00am
Start your Thursday right with this weekly 30-minute mindfulness meditation session.
Designed to give you the opportunity to bring balance, calm, and clarity to your morning – and to help give yourself some precious ‘me-time’ – this event is ideal for seasoned practitioners and newbies alike.
10. Adding social context into your family history research
When? Thursday 8th June at 11:30am
We can often unearth the names of our ancestors relatively easily, but getting a good understanding of what their lives were like day-to-day can be a whole lot trickier.
This seminar from Dr Penny Walters aims to take your historical study beyond famous figures and once-in-a-lifetime events. It’ll hopefully show you how learning about social contexts can bring the experiences of your ancestors to life!
This is a great event for history lovers who have traced, or are currently tracing, their family tree.
11. Morecambe and Wise – Memories of a much-loved comedy partnership
When? Friday 9th June at 2:30pm
Fans of this wisecracking duo won’t want to miss out on this talk from Steve Short – which takes you through how Morecambe and Wise met, all the way up to how they became Britain’s favourite double act.
12. Dru Yoga
When? Sundays at 6:00pm
Dru Yoga is a style of yoga that focuses on movements that flow gently from one to the other. It’s a calming practice that can help to boost mental and physical health.
So why not join Pippa Hazeldine for her calming Sunday session for beginners?
13. Meditation workshops
When? Monday 12th June 10:00am and Monday 26th June 10:00am
These workshops from Sinsi Ong combine meditation with ethics and wisdom, to help us consider fresh outlooks towards ourselves and others.
Containing guided meditations, contemplations, and discussions, each interactive session addresses a specific theme. The two in June are…
- Beyond philosophy: dying, death, and after
- Working with emotions
14. 'What Ever Did the Romans Do For Us?’: Bathing for Health and Pleasure
When? Monday 12th June at 4:00pm
From gladiator battles to the godly names that adorn the planets in our solar system, Roman culture isn’t just interesting and complex, but it’s had a profound impact on our modern civilisation.
If you’re a history buff who’s into the daily intricacies of bygone times, then join Melanie King as she unpacks one of the most fascinating quirks of Roman life: bathing!
15. Drawing Workshop: Celebrating Colour
When? Monday 12th June 5:45pm
Every month on Rest Less events, London-based artist Caitlin Heslop takes participants through a drawing workshop that focuses on a specific theme – with June’s session focusing on the celebration of colour.
Fun for all abilities, this event will suit those looking for something practical and creative.
16. Writing a Memoir: Workshop
When? Tuesday 13th June at 4:00pm
Have you ever wanted to write about your life but didn’t know where to start? Brought to you by Sunday Times bestselling author Kathleen Jones, this memoir-writing workshop will help you to choose stories from your life and tell them as compellingly and vividly as possible.
17. Art History Group
When? Wednesday 14th June at 4:00pm
If you’d like to learn about art in an interactive and laid-back way, check out Rest Less Events’ monthly Art History Group.
During these one-hour sessions, participants will choose a piece of artwork that they think fits the monthly topic to discuss with one another. It’s a fun way to discover new art and artists, and meet like-minded people.
18. Bollywood Dance
When? Saturday 17th June at 10:00am
If pilates and DISCOaerobics aren’t your things, you could try Vidhi Shah’s Bollywood Dance class.
Bollywood dance is a popular dance style that originated in Hindi films, and like most other dance styles, it can provide a great workout.
During this session, you’ll be guided through a series of routines that are equally enjoyable and physically fulfilling. This class welcomes people of all abilities, so if you’re interested, you can sign up today!
19. The soothing season: relaxation and art-making
When? Monday 5th June at 10:00am and Monday 19th June at 10:00am
If you’re interested in the healing and soothing power of nature, this workshop might be for you.
Combining relaxation techniques with art-making, these sessions aim to connect us to the natural world via creativity and visualisation.
This isn’t a workshop to develop your technical art skills, but rather to help you foster a relationship with nature through the act of creation.
20. Rhythms at Home
When? Monday 19th June at 11:15am
Have you always wanted to learn the drums but didn’t have a set to do it on? Well now’s your chance! With Rhythms at Home, you can get an introduction to drumming with just a set of drumsticks!
21. Guide to the Summer Sky
When? Thursday 15th June at 4:00pm
Many of us enjoy the simple pleasure of stepping outside and looking at the vast mosaic of stars up above on a clear night. But have you ever wanted to learn more about what you’re looking at? If so, why not join host Martin on a guided tour of the summer sky?
Covering the names of constellations to the myths and legends associated with different stars, this event is sure not to disappoint those with an interest in astronomy.
22. Children's Literature Group
When? Monday 19th June at 2:30pm
From Winnie-the-Pooh to Peter Rabbit, the effect that literature can have on us when we’re growing up can’t be understated. So if you’re interested in taking a trip down memory lane, this children’s literature book club might appeal.
In June, the group is each bringing one of their favourite books from their childhood to read from and discuss. Sign up and get ready for some feel-good nostalgia.
23. Antoni Gaudi
When? Tuesday 20th June at 11:30pm
If you’re interested in architecture or Spanish culture – or even if you’re just looking to learn something new – then tune in to this presentation on one of the boldest and most pioneering architects of the last century: Antoni Gaudi.
Host Malcolm will take you through Gaudi’s most famous works, including the Park Guell and the Sagrada Família, and talk about his lasting influence on architecture.
24. Get a Handle on Your Hormones: Demystifying the female and male menopause
When? Tuesday 20th June at 7:30pm
Despite being something that half of humans go through, menopause has traditionally been treated as a taboo subject – something which has made coping with body changes and symptoms much more difficult.
Featuring a panel of experts, this event is part of a recent renaissance dedicated to informing people about what menopause is and how they can better manage the symptoms, no matter how they identify.
25. People and Plants: Molecules, Medicines and Mischief
When? Wednesday 21st June at 2:30pm
Plants have been integral to the survival of our species for millennia – finding use as food, medicine, and shelter, among many other things.
In this talk, Dr Gwenda Kyd explores our relationship with plants; past, present, and future.
26. Windrush Through the Generations
When? Thursday 22nd June at 11:30am
Another great event for those with a passion for history, Windrush Through the Generations is an exciting talk that explores the history of the Windrush Generation and the hardships they faced. It also explores the remarkable contribution they’ve made to the culture of our country.
27. Get playing the Ukulele: Jamming Session
When? Friday 23rd June at 2:30pm
Are you a seasoned ukulele player or simply interested in giving it a go? If so, this ukulele jamming session is worth a try.
You can share some of your favourite songs to play, have a noodle around and improvise, or get some tips from some of the more experienced players. It’s sure to be a good time!
28. The Real History of the Crusades (part 1)
When? Monday 26th June at 5:00pm
For such a significant historical event, many of us know very little about the Crusades.
In this two-part series from published historian Jem Duducu, you’ll learn some of the lesser-known facts about the Crusades and the significance they have in the larger narrative of world history.
29. Awakening to Colour: Matisse and Derain in the South of France
When? Tuesday 27th June at 11:30am
Join scholar Antonia Gatward Cevizli as she takes you deep inside the work of two of France’s most trailblazing artists: Henri Matisse and André Derain.
In this talk, Antonia discusses this pair’s use of vibrant colours and expressive brushwork in their vivid pieces, and the lasting impact they’ve had on modern art.
30. Feel-Good Club
When? Wednesday 28th June at 4:00pm
There’s nothing more important than feeling good! So why not join the Feel-Good Club where members share positive memories and moments that are linked to a monthly theme?
From stories and poetry to songs and visual art, you can share your feel-good moments however you want. This is a safe space to swap positive vibes.
31. Music of the Sixties – A Four-Act Drama (Act 1)
When? Friday 30th June at 2:30pm
From the height of the Vietnam War to the hippie movement, the 60s were a time of struggle and conflict, as well as radical social change and bold colours – and the music of the time reflected its turbulence, as well as its creativity and innovation.
Starting on the 30th of June and continuing weekly, this four-part session explores the ups and downs of the sixties through its music.
Final thoughts…
And there we have it! From dancing sessions and music groups to history classes and writing workshops, there’s plenty to sign up for this month on Rest Less Events. To see what else is on, you can check out our events calendar here.
Our free membership offers users two events per month (and if you miss the ones you sign up for, you can always watch the recordings afterwards). But if you’d like unlimited access to everything that Rest Less Events has to offer, then you can upgrade to our premium membership for just £6.99 per month.