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 history lectures to virtual travel tours – you’ll hopefully find something to interest you.
Below, we’ve pulled together some of our most exciting events coming up in October.
1. The Fabulous 50s
When? Tuesday 1st at 11:30am
Turn back the clock this October to the 1950s. This talk will examine some of the decade’s most surprising events – including a famous kidnapping and car crash.
The nifty 50s were also when Rock & Roll was born, so we’ll also spend some time diving into the lives of musicians – from Doris Day to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
If you enjoy this event, be sure to check out our next one on the swinging 60s later in the month.
2. Explore Peru Virtually: Hidden Gems and Ancient Wonders
When? Tuesday 1st at 4:00pm
Want to set off on a journey from the comfort of your home? Then why not sign up for this virtual Peruvian adventure?
Host Vanessa will take Rest Less Events members from the misty mountains of Machu Picchu to the lively streets of Lima. Along the way, you’ll learn about Peru’s complex culture, delicious cuisine, fascinating history, and wondrous wildlife.
As well as visiting some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, you’ll also unearth plenty of hidden gems – perfect whether you’re looking for some travel inspiration or would simply like to learn something new.
3. The Texas Experience: Exploring the Lonestar State
When? Tuesday 1st at 7:00pm
Join virtual tour guide Kelsey for this journey around the Lone Star State, which features Texas’ biggest and most fascinating cities.
Starting in San Antonio, where Rest Less Events members can unearth the story of the Alamo, we’ll learn about space exploration in Houston, immerse ourselves in the rich musical heritage of Austin, and dive into cowboy culture in Fort Worth.
4. Enigmas: Mysteries in Classical Music
When? Wednesdays 2nd, 16th, and 23rd at 7:30pm
Who really wrote Mozart’s Requiem? Who was Beethoven’s ‘Immortal Beloved’? And what are some of the hidden messages in Shostakovich’s symphonies?
These are just a few of the mysteries that Cardiff Philharmonic viola player Claire will unravel in this new series. These puzzles are just as intriguing whether you’re a classical music fan or not.
5. Jane Austen: Her wit, wisdom, novels and background
When? Thursdays 3rd, 10th, and 17th at 11:30am
Famous for her wit and unparalleled powers of social observation, Jane Austen is one of English literature’s most enduring figures. Her six complete novels are continually read and frequently adapted into films and television series. But what makes Austen and her works so timeless?
This six-part series started in September, but there’s still time to catch the last three sessions in October. They’ll look at Austen’s later novels: Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion.
To learn more about the beloved scribe, check out our article; 18 things you might not know about Jane Austen.
6. Darjeeling and the last Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
When? Thursday 3rd at 4:00pm
In this talk, seasoned traveller Sue Ablett takes us on a trip to two hidden gems: Darjeeling and the last Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.
Through Sue’s pictures and stories, we’ll discover mist-shrouded mountains, precarious railways, and ornate temples clinging to cliff faces. It’s a unique side of Asia you might not have seen before.
To hear more from Sue, why not check out her article: 6 highlights from Sicily? And, for more Indian adventures, you can sign up for her event later in the month on Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan.
7. Microsoft Word: from Beginner to Pro
When? Fridays at 11:30am
Using Microsoft Word has become a staple skill for the workplace, but, work aside, there are plenty of other reasons to learn more about it. For example, it can help with writing projects, designing travel itineraries, making flyers, filling out forms, and more.
So why not check out this how-to series from tech whizz Ciaran? Over four sessions, you’ll go from an absolute beginner to a total professional, learning everything from basic navigation to how to create graphics.
8. Chemical Warfare (and Co-operation) in the Garden
When? Friday 4th at 2:30pm
Plants may look like they stand idly, but they constantly interact and communicate with the world. They can release chemical compounds to deter predators, attract pollinators, and even help other plants survive.
This talk from Dr Gwenda Kyd will explore what we know about these chemical compounds, how they work, and how humans interact with the plant world.
9. A short introduction to U.S. Politics
When? Saturdays at 3:00pm
Wherever you are in the world, U.S. politics dominates the headlines. But for those of us who haven’t grown up in America or spent much time there, their unique political system can be a bit baffling.
For example, you might find yourself asking questions like: What’s the Supreme Court? What’s the difference between a senator and a congressman? And what’s the point of the Electoral College?
For the answers to these questions and plenty more, why not sign up for this four-part series on American politics? With the elections coming up, it’s the perfect time to learn something new or brush up on your knowledge.
10. Quick and Cosy Autumnal Meals
When? Mondays 7th, 4th, and 11th at 2:30pm
As the temperature drops, the nights draw in, and the leaves start to fall, many of us find ourselves reaching for comforting food. But sometimes it’s tricky to find something satisfying that doesn’t take hours to make.
To give you a helping hand, Chef Shamal is running three sessions to teach you how to make warming dishes that’ll hit the spot this season. These include a vegan squash and chard curry, a Brussels sprout and bacon pasta, and a one-pan autumn veg and chicken traybake with couscous.
11. Uganda, the Pearl of Africa
When? Thursday 10th at 4:00pm
As an ecologist, Jenny Bowen has set up numerous conservation projects and led expeditions into the African wilderness. And, now, she’s bringing her experience and expertise to Rest Less Events.
In this talk, she’ll introduce audiences to the diverse landscapes and fascinating fauna of Uganda – a perfect mix of wildlife and wanderlust!
12. Sammy Davis Jr. – Mr Show Business
When? Friday 11th at 2:30pm
As a star of stage and screen, Sammy Davis Jr. was a true multi-hyphenate talent. He excelled at several entertaining skills – from singing and dancing to acting and comedy. But he also displayed astonishing fortitude in the face of atrocious racial prejudice early in his career to become one of the world’s biggest stars.
In this talk, host Judy takes a look back at Sammy David Jr.’s sensational life.
13. Introducing the Tudors with Nursery Rhymes
When? Friday 11th at 4:00pm
Are you interested in learning about the Tudors but find traditional history sources a little dry? If so, this next event could be for you.
In this session, host Sandy introduces us to Britain’s most notorious dynasty through the medium of nursery rhymes, many of which were written during the Tudor period.
14. Inside The Mind of Adolf Hitler
When? Mondays 14th, 21st, and 28th at 2:30pm
Join ex-police officer Steve for this journey into the mind of history’s most notorious figure, Adolf Hitler. Using insights from psychologists – including secret wartime reports – Steve explores what made the Nazi leader who he was and why millions of people followed him.
During the event, Rest Less Events members will receive copies of the secret wartime reports, as well as a free book by psychologist Walter Langer.
15. Dining with Great Writers
When? Mondays 14th and 28th at 4:00pm
Many literature lovers will have imagined which writers they’d invite to their dream dinner party, but have you ever stopped to think about which dishes they’d bring?
In this four-part series presented by history and literature teacher Judith, you’ll gain valuable insights into the history of British food through some of our most beloved writers. Each session will focus on a different scribe – from William Shakespeare and Samuel Pepys to Jane Austen and Charles Dickens – and the tasty (and not so) treats of their era.
The first two instalments of this event take place in October, with the final two following in November.
16. Singapore: A Tale of Two Gardens
When? Tuesday 15th at 11:30am
Did you know that Singapore is home to two of the most stunning gardens in the world?
Within the city’s Botanic Gardens (which are 165 years old), you’ll find a smaller garden with over 1,000 species of orchid and 2,000 hybrids – more than a few for every shade of the rainbow. Then, of course, there’s the awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay, the iconic, 260-acre urban park with over 1.5 million plants and astounding architectural features.
Check out this talk with host Rosemary to learn more.
17. Palaces of Europe
When? Tuesdays 15th and 22nd at 4:00pm
From the dizzying spires of the Château de Chambord to the elaborate mosaics of the Alhambra, Europe is home to the most impressive palaces in the world. But what makes these stately buildings so unique?
In this two-part lecture, Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez introduces us to some of the continent’s grandest palaces and investigates the role they’ve played in history. Along the way, Rest Less Events members will learn about some of the key architectural features of palaces and the larger-than-life characters that called them home.
18. Gardening For Wildlife
When? Thursday 17th at 4:00pm
Making your garden wildlife-friendly isn’t just about encouraging animal visitors (though this is, of course, a big plus), it’s about restoring habitats that have been lost to urbanisation and other human activities.
With this in mind, why not start turning your garden into a wildlife sanctuary this autumn? In this event, host Chloe (who has years of experience in ecological restoration) will teach us the key principles of gardening for wildlife, so we can start applying them to our own outdoor spaces.
Even if you don’t have a garden, you’ll still learn a thing or two about conservation.
19. What the Tudors did for us
When? Friday 18th at 4:00pm
When we think of the Tudor period, our minds often go straight to Henry VIII’s devious martial antics, but this era was full of fascinating revolutions that changed the course of history. In this one-off talk, host Sandy will look at some of the most impactful.
We’ll learn about the printing press and how its invention changed how we communicate. We’ll also find out about the beginnings of modern science and how the nature of exploration changed during this period.
20. What is Mannerism?
When? Tuesday 22nd at 11:30am
Between the Renaissance and Baroque eras, a unique artistic style emerged in Italy called Mannerism.
Mannerism prioritised style over realism. For many mannerist artists, it was more important to showcase their intellectual and technical talent over presenting realistic depictions of their subjects, which resulted in some truly strange, and often unsettling, art.
To learn about this bizarre chapter of art history, tune into this one-off lecture with Dr Antonia Gatward Cevizli.
21. Battle of Trafalgar
When? Thursday 24th at 4:00pm
The Battle of Trafalgar is one of the greatest victories in British military history. After meeting a joint fleet of Spanish and French ships off the coast of Spain in the Napoleonic Wars, Admiral Horatio Nelson commanded his outnumbered fleet to victory without losing a single ship.
However, the victory was bittersweet because Nelson was unfortunately shot and killed by a sniper. But his triumph paved the way for Britain’s seafaring superiority for the following century.
Sign up for this talk from Chris Green (aka The History Chap) to learn more.
22. The Riddle of Chung Ling Soo
When? Friday 25th at 2:30pm
In the early 20th century, a mysterious Chinese performer called Chung Ling Soo appeared on the magic circuit, captivating audiences with his astonishing act. However, audiences soon learnt that it wasn’t just his tricks that were illusions but his identity.
This month, host Steve dives deep into the life of this little-known entertainer, including his surprising career and very public death.
23. Witches in Tudor Times
When? Friday 25th at 4:00pm
Though we might associate the witch trials with the 17th century, the truth is the craze started a century before when Henry VIII made witchcraft a crime punishable by death in 1542.
This event (the third in host Sandy’s trilogy of Tudor talks in October) will examine how the witch craze began to take hold during the 1500s.
24. The Founding Fathers and 21st Century America
When? Tuesday 29th at 4:00pm
In the summer of 1787, a group of men met in Philadelphia to draft a document that would give birth to one of the most powerful and influential nations of the modern era. The document was the American Constitution – and it outlined the country’s fundamental laws, many of which (for better or worse) are still in use today.
Join host Chris for this talk on the Founding Fathers who wrote the Constitution. From George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, you’ll learn about their individual lives, views, and hopes for America’s future.
25. Learn to Crochet: Autumn Leaves
When? Wednesday 30th at 5:15pm
Rest Less Events’ resident crafting queen Marlys serves up this seasonal workshop. Throughout the hour, attendees will learn how to create charming croquet leaves, which can make perfect autumnal decorations.
To take part, just sign up and bring a 5.0mm hook and some yarn. You don’t need much yarn for this project, so avid crocheters can use leftovers from past projects.
26. Monsters and Devils – at the National Gallery
When? Thursday 31st at 11:30am
Kicking off a double feature of spooky events this Halloween, art lecturer Jacqui Ansell takes us on a virtual tour of the National Gallery. We’ll seek out all the monsters and devils lurking in the artwork here, whether in medieval masterpieces or Renaissance classics.
27. Hollywood Monsters
When? Thursday 31st at 4:00pm
Nothing stirs our imagination and inspires our nightmares more than a horror film. So, to celebrate Hollywood’s spooky pedigree, horror writer and tour guide David Turnbull takes us on a whistle-stop tour of some of the silver screen’s classic monsters and their British connections.
From Dracula to Frankenstein, we’ll learn about the British actors, directors, and writers who made these staples of scary cinema possible.
Final thoughts…
From seasonal cooking tutorials to Halloween-themed talks, we hope this list gives you an idea of what Rest Less Events you can join this October.
However, with around 100 sessions running monthly, we can’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.