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 events running monthly – from language lessons to science lectures – you’ll hopefully find something to pique your interest.
Here are some of the most exciting events coming up in November.
1. We really need to talk about Vietnam…
When? Friday 1st at 11:30am
Vietnam is overflowing with gems, both hidden and famous – whether it’s the enchanting emerald waters of Halong Bay, the charming amber dwellings of Hoi An, or the bustling food markets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Join Hem Patel, CEO of Bespoke Getaways and one-time Vietnam resident, for a journey through this diverse and wonderful country. Along the way, you’ll witness some of Vietnam’s most iconic sights and learn about its unique customs and traditions.
2. Learn German: Taster Session
When? Tuesday 5th at 9:15am
Would you like to learn some basic German vocabulary ahead of a trip? Or perhaps you’d love to work toward fluency but want to give it a go before committing to lessons? Either way, this German taster session might be for you.
Throughout the hour, you’ll learn how to greet people, introduce yourself, and say where you live. Host Sally Jayne will also take you through numbers – and even some grammar. At the end of the session, you’ll have a chance to unmute and practise with others if you choose.
3. Stories from English Cathedrals
When? Tuesdays 5th and 12th at 11:30am
In this session, tour guide Ian leads us through the hallowed halls of two of England’s most fascinating cathedrals: Gloucester and Worcester.
From the days when Vikings marauded over the lands to the present, each of these stunning buildings is a treasure trove of captivating tales. We’ll also learn about their intricate architecture and some famous figures laid to rest there.
4. A Tour of Our Galaxy
When? Tuesdays 5th, 12th, and 19th at 4:00pm
Join Emeritus Professor of Astronomy Malcolm Coe for this three-part voyage to some ‘nearby’ locations in our universe.
Along the way, we’ll stop off at the Crab Nebula – a supernova that lit up the sky in 1054 AD – and the Magellanic Clouds – where stars are born and die. We’ll also travel into the very heart of the Milky Way, where a massive black hole lies, ready to swallow anything that ventures near.
5. Techniques for Drawing Texture
When? Wednesdays 6th and 27th at 9:30am
Capturing texture on paper can be tricky but it’s one of the most important aspects of bringing your artwork to life. With this in mind, Caitlin Heslop, founder of Barely Drawing, is bringing her two-session workshop ‘Techniques for Drawing Texture’ to Rest Less Events.
Throughout the classes, you’ll learn different mark-making techniques and how to combine different tones to create a range of textures. All you need to bring is a pencil, eraser, sharpener, some paper, and a few different textures to use as reference. These can be anything from a sponge to some carpet cuttings.
6. Healthy Ageing: Weight Management for Disease Control
When? Wednesday 6th at 4:00pm
Managing our weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of certain serious diseases. However, we all know that shedding even a few pounds (and doing so healthily) isn’t always straightforward.
In this session, ageing expert Nick talks about some of the latest thinking and which strategies can work.
7. Remembering the First World War
When? Thursdays 7th, 14th, and 21st at 4:00pm
This November marks 106 years since the end of one of history’s most devastating and costly conflicts, World War One. As we approach Remembrance Sunday, Chris Green (aka the History Chap) kicks off his three-part series on some little-known stories from the Great War.
Throughout the talks, Rest Less Events members can learn the stories of ‘The Unknown Warrior’, some of the very last men to die in the fighting, and a devastating disaster at a munitions factory on home soil.
8. History's Hidden Gems: Facts You Never Knew
When? Friday 8th at 11:30am
In these five-star rated monthly talks, author and historian Jem Duducu leads us into some of the darkest corners of history to discover rarely-told stories.
From tales of mad despots to still unexplainable events, each presentation will hopefully offer a fresh perspective on days past.
9. Meditation Workshops
When? Mondays 11th and 25th of November at 10:00am
Looking to add some mindfulness to your routine? These regular workshops from Buddhist practitioner Sinsi Ong combine meditation with ethics and wisdom to enrich and deepen our lives. Designed for beginners and seasoned meditation practitioners alike, you can drop in for a single session or keep coming regularly.
Sinsi’s November and December events focus on concepts of love, duality, compassion, and enlightenment.
10. Phone Photography: Android or iPhone Tips & Techniques
When? Wednesday 13th at 2:30pm
It used to be that we’d have to splash out for a clunky, expensive DSLR camera to take good photos. But nowadays, many of us have the power to capture professional-looking snaps in our pockets with our smartphones.
In this workshop, professional photographer Janine Kilroe will introduce you to some settings on your smartphone that can transform its image-taking capabilities. She’ll also cover basic photography techniques – including the famous rule of thirds. Just make sure you charge your phone before attending!
To learn more, check out our article; How to take better photos with your phone.
11. The Sights and Sounds of New Zealand
When? Thursday 14th at 11:30am
Join host Christopher for this whistlestop tour of New Zealand. From the geothermal wonders on the North Island to the staggering fjords in the south, this far-flung destination is home to some one-of-a-kind sights.
Expect unique wildlife, picturesque towns and cities, and even a look at some of New Zealand’s neighbouring destinations – including Australia, the Cook Islands, and Singapore.
12. Spin The Sixties
When? Friday 15th at 4:00pm
Rest Less Events’ resident music maestro Clive takes us on a time-travelling journey through the grooviest decade of all: the 60s. In this ‘Spin the Wheel’ type event, we’ll hear and learn about some of the top hits of the era at random. And, of course, Clive will share plenty of interesting facts along the way.
13. The First World War
When? Saturdays 16th, 23rd, and 30th at 3:00pm
While our first World War One series (mentioned earlier) unearths some of the little-known stories of the conflict, this comprehensive, eight-part series takes a more sweeping approach.
Over the lectures, Dr Simon Gregor details the causes, course, and consequences of the war; using firsthand accounts to explore what it was like to fight in the trenches and some of the common myths surrounding it.
This series will be split into two parts. The first starts on November 16th and the second follows in January.
14. Music of the Silver Screen: A History of Movie Music
When? Sundays 17th and 27th at 7:30pm
From the stirring compositions of Hans Zimmer to John Williams’ timeless scores, some of the most iconic and emotionally affecting anthems have been created for the silver screen.
In this five-part series, Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra viola player Claire charts the history of movie music. Starting in the silent era and ending with modern blockbusters, we’ll learn about some of the unsung heroes of cinema and their contributions to our favourite films.
The first two sessions of this series run in November, followed by three more in December.
15. Face to Face with the Italian Renaissance: An Exploration of Portraiture
When? Tuesday 19th at 11:30am
Rest Less Events fan favourite host Antonia Cevizli is back this November with a new art history talk on portraiture during the Italian Renaissance, featuring icons like Titian and Leonardo da Vinci.
One of the fascinating things about studying portraiture is that we don’t just get the opportunity to learn about the art and artists, but the subjects too – from merchants and statesmen to noblewomen and courtesans.
16. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
When? Wednesday 20th at 2:30pm
Portsmouth Harbour has played a huge role in British maritime history since Tudor times. It was where Henry VIII’s favourite but ill-fated ship, the Mary Rose was built and launched in 1511. Over four hundred years later, thousands of Allied troops set off from here across the Channel ahead of the famous D-Day landings in World War Two.
Today, it’s open to the public and filled with famous ships and museums for history buffs to explore – including the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. In this virtual tour, host Ginny will show us around.
17. Understanding Your Old Photos and What They Tell Us
When? Thursday 21st at 11:30am
Do you have plenty of old family photos hidden away somewhere? Perhaps in dusty albums or boxes in the loft? If so, this could be a fantastic event for you.
Throughout the hour, professional photographer and photo-restorer Steve Gill shares tips for finding interesting hidden details in our old photographs. It may help us see our ancestors and their lives in a whole new light.
18. Upcycle with Decoupage: Illuminated Glass Jar Ornaments
When? Monday 25th of November 2:30pm
Looking for a cosy way to illuminate your living space during the dark winter months? Or perhaps you’re searching for handmade Christmas gift ideas for your loved ones? If so, you might want to check out this decoupage workshop.
After a brief introduction to the history of decoupage, host Janine will teach Rest Less Events members how to create decorated lamps from jam jars. Other than the jars themselves, you’ll need a few other items to take part. You can find out what to bring using the button below.
19. The Vatican City – The Smallest Country in the World
When? Tuesday 26th at 11:30am
Nestled in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, covering just over one hundred acres. But its size doesn’t do justice to its historical and political importance.
In this talk, host Sandy will dive deep into the Pope’s kingdom; including how it came to be and some of its most stunning landmarks.
20. Colours Throughout London: a celebration of colour and place
When? Tuesday 26th at 4:00pm
While some might say that London isn’t colourful compared to places like Barcelona and Jaipur, perhaps they’re just not looking in the right place.
In this one-off event, Blue Badge tour guide Andrew takes us on a colourful tour of our capital. We’ll see the superb shades of some of our most iconic buildings and hear stories bursting with all the colours of the rainbow – including how the first fuchsia was discovered and how Granny Smith apples appealed to The Beatles.
21. Tony Hancock – Radio and TV Star
When? Friday 29th at 2:30pm
English comedian and actor Tony Hancock was most famous for his radio and TV series Hancock’s Half Hour. It was so popular that people say the UK’s streets would suddenly empty as millions of people dashed into their homes to watch it on television.
However, the man behind the performer is equally interesting. From his service in the RAF during World War Two to his tragic demise in 1968, host Steve Short sets out to shine a light on this legend of British show business.
Final thoughts…
From wellbeing workshops to history talks, we hope this list gives you an idea of what Rest Less Events are running this November.
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?
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). Or, for unlimited access to everything Rest Less Events offers, you can upgrade to our premium membership for just £6.99 per month.
Are you a Rest Less Events member? If so, which ones have you enjoyed? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.