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 exercise classes – there’s surely something to interest you.
Below, we’ve pulled together some of our most exciting events coming up in September.
1. Learn Italian
When? Tuesdays at 9:15am
Have you got an Italian getaway on the horizon and want to brush up on your vocabulary? Or maybe you’d like to take your learning further and become fluent? Either way, this five-week course is a perfect starting point.
Throughout the lessons, host Sally-Jayne will lead you through the basics – including typical tourist phrases, how to order in restaurants, and even some bite-sized grammar.
2. Jane Austen: her wit, wisdom, novels, and background
When? Tuesdays 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 takes a deep dive into the life and works of this Hampshire local. First, host Margaret will explore Jane’s life beyond the page, before looking at each of her novels. Hopefully, even the most fanatical Austen fans will learn a thing or two.
3. London and crime writers: fiction reveals truth that reality obscures
When? Tuesday 3rd at 4:00pm
If you prefer gritty tales of murder and mystery to stories of English gentry, look no further than this virtual tour of London. Throughout the hour, Blue Badge tour guide Andrew will lead us to spots related to some of our best-loved crime writers.
Along the way, we’ll discover the house where PD James wrote his Adam Dalgliesh novels, the office that inspired Dorothy Sayers’ Murder Must Advertise, and many more literary corners of our capital.
4. A beginner's introduction to PowerPoint
When? Wednesday 4th at 10:00am
When we hear the word ‘PowerPoint’, our minds may conjure images of suits and boardrooms. However, while it’s a great tool for the professional world, there are many other handy uses for Microsoft’s presentation software – for example, creating a slideshow of your holiday snaps or flashcards for learning.
So, why not tune in to tech wizz Ciaran’s introductory guide to PowerPoint? He’ll walk you through the basic functions and show you how to put together your own presentation.
Or, if you’re more interested in learning how to use Google’s free alternative (Google Slides), Ciaran’s also running a beginner’s session later in the month.
5. Vikings in the Western Mediterranean
When? Wednesdays at 2:30pm
From the UK to Baghdad, the Vikings sailed all over Europe between the late eighth and 11th centuries, trading, raiding, and plundering. In this series, host Sandy delves into some of the seafaring Scandinavians’ exploits in the Western Mediterranean.
From their siege of Paris to their encounters with Muslims in Spain and Portugal, we’ll learn about some of their major achievements and figures – including Rollo the Walker and the fabled Ragnor Lodbrok.
6. Conservation & adventure: exploring a changing world and how we all have a role to play
When? Thursday 5th at 2024
If you’re interested in sustainability and the natural world, tune into this talk from conservationist and adventurer Tom Hicks.
Drawing on his travels and first-hand experiences, Tom explores how our world is changing, how people are working to preserve it, and what part we can play. Throughout the talk, Tom will take us to various places around the globe – from Zambia and Zimbabwe to Thailand and Vietnam.
7. The birth of British Rock 'n' Roll
When? Thursday 5th at 4:00pm
Turn back the clock to the 1950s and discover the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Britain. Host David will walk us through some of the big names and iconic venues (like Soho’s 2i’s Coffee Bar). He’ll also explain how the scene paved the way for The Beatles, The Stones, and everything that’s come since.
8. From page to screen: literary adaptations and how you can’t please everyone!
When? Friday 6th at 11:30am
Adapting beloved books for the silver screen isn’t an easy feat. From Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy to the BBC’s famous Pride and Prejudice mini-series, even the best adaptations miss the mark in some ways.
In this one-off talk, host Pete will examine some of the best, worst, and most memorable literary adaptations.
9. South Africa – "a world in one country"
When? Friday 6th at 2:30pm
World traveller and Rest Less favourite Sue Ablett is back this September with another adventure – this time to sunny South Africa. Sue originally set off on the trip back in 2008 – visiting destinations like Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town – but now, she’s retracing her steps for Rest Less Events.
In this virtual tour, we’ll learn about South Africa’s unique history, geography, and culture – including insights into the country’s one-of-a-kind wine and wildlife. Perfect for those looking to get a taste of travel from the comfort of their homes.
10. "You’re nicked!" – forty years catching smugglers
When? Thursday 12th at 11:30am
Over his 40-year career, ex-customs officer Malcolm Nelson had his fair share of interesting experiences – including finding the largest quantity of drugs by weight in a single suitcase. And, now, he brings tales from the front line to Rest Less Events.
Throughout the session, we’ll hear various stories – including what happens when prohibited drugs are found in a passenger’s bag. Expect twists because, as Malcolm explains, when it comes to customs, nothing is as straightforward as it appears.
11. Buxton’s ‘Blue Birds’: Canadian nurses recovering from shell shock
When? Thursday 12th at 4:00pm
Buxton is one of two places in England with naturally hot mineral water. That’s why, during World War One, the Derbyshire spa town welcomed wounded soldiers with ailments like stiff limbs and rheumatism to come for treatment.
However, it wasn’t just soldiers who arrived for the healing waters, but Canadian nurses who were either injured or shell-shocked. Tune in to this one-off event from Melanie King, author of The Secret History of English Spas, to hear their forgotten stories.
12. Making love during the menopause
When? Thursday 12th at 7:30pm
Unfortunately, for many, the menopause is still a taboo subject – especially when it comes to sex. However, the women who put this event together believe that “the best way to smash a taboo is to talk about it” – and so do we.
In this webinar, you’ll hear from doctors and experts in the menopause space about common symptoms (such as vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive) and how to manage them. From sex toys to mental health, this panel of women have plenty of knowledge to share.
13. Danny Kaye – the King Jester
When? Friday 13th at 4:00pm
Danny Kaye was a lively, motor-mouthed entertainer known for films like White Christmas and The Court Jester. A master of mimicry, accents, dancing, and rapid-fire singing, he was a star of Hollywood and Broadway. However, his exploits outside of the limelight are just as interesting as those on the stage and screen.
In this one-off talk, host Judy introduces us to some little-known sides of Kaye’s life – such as his time as a jet pilot, Chinese chef, symphony orchestra conductor, and baseball team owner.
14. Hormonal health after 50: safe, healthy ageing strategies for men and women
When? Monday 16th at 4:00pm
Our hormone levels change with age. We begin to make more of some and less of others, which can affect our health and quality of life. For example, many men over 60 have a testosterone deficiency, which can lead to symptoms like decreased energy and bone mineral density.
However, there are treatments and preventative measures available to combat these kinds of issues – such as exercise, the right nutrition, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In this session, Nick – an expert in ageing issues – talks about some of these options, including common myths and misconceptions surrounding them.
15. Tycho – the astronomer with the golden nose
When? Tuesday 17th at 4:00pm
Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe led an eventful life, to say the least. When he was at university, he got into a duel with another student over who was the better mathematician, which resulted in him losing his nose. Brahe had it replaced with an artificial one, supposedly made of silver and gold.
After university, he went on to make some groundbreaking discoveries, which would also make him some enemies. So, when scientists examined his remains 300 years after his death and claimed to find mercury, rumours that he was poisoned began to swirl.
Tune in to ‘Tycho – the astronomer with the golden nose’ to learn more.
16. Chicago: a walk in the windy city
When? Tuesday 17th at 7:00pm
This September, seasoned traveller Kelsey takes us on a virtual tour of her home town: Chicago.
As we stroll through the city’s famous windy streets, she’ll introduce us to some of its most famous landmarks – including the Chicago Riverwalk and the iconic art installations of Millenium Park. We’ll even take in the views from the Skydeck, a stunning observation deck, and learn a little about the city’s culture – including how a traditional deep pan pizza is made.
17. The life and times of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor – ‘The Black Dvorak’
When? Wednesday 18th at 7:30pm
This talk from Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra viola player Claire takes a look into the tragically short life and works of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (not to be confused with the author Samuel Taylor Coleridge).
As Claire explains, while Coleridge-Taylor was often compared to white musicians like Dvorak and Mahler, to do so does a disservice to his unique voice, which earned him the title of ‘musical genius’. While this talk is a must-not-miss for classical music fans, you don’t need any prior knowledge to enjoy it.
18. The Renaissance in black and white
When? Thursdays 19th and 26th at 11:30am
When we think about the Renaissance, our minds might go first to grand paintings and sculptures. However, during this fruitful period of creativity, other art forms – such as drawing and printmaking – flourished. For example, drawing evolved from an early drafting stage in the artistic process to a celebrated discipline in its own right.
In these two sessions, art historian Antonia explores the drawing and printmaking of the Renaissance.
19. Exploring Spain
When? Thursdays 19 and 26th at 4:00pm
Set off on a Spanish adventure this September with these two talks from historian Lillian. The first part explores some of the key historic and cultural locations in the country’s northern regions – from Galicia to Navarra. Unlike the sunny Mediterranean climate in the south, this is a land of rugged, windswept shores and mist-covered mountains.
For part two, Lillian takes us south to little-known areas with diverse heritage and culture – like Extremadura and Castilla La Mancha. So, whether you’d like to hear about the Romans or Don Quixote, there’s surely something to interest you.
20. The forties, songs of war
When? Tuesday 24th at 11:30am
Described as a ‘classy touch of nostalgia’, this event revisits some of the popular music of the Second World War. Spanning both sides of the Atlantic, Rest Less Events members can expect interesting facts and amusing anecdotes about the artists who kept soldiers and civilians entertained.
21. Cherry blossoms and iconic monuments: a walking tour of Washington, D.C.
When? Tuesday 24th at 7:00pm
As America’s capital city, Washington D.C. is full of fascinating history and stunning sights, especially the cherry blossoms, which thread between the landmarks like veins of luminous pink.
This virtual tour of D.C. from U.S. native Kelsey pays special attention to this springtime spectacle while visiting some of the city’s famous sights – including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.
22. Street Wisdom: wander your way to insight, ideas, and intention
When? Friday 27th at 9:00am, 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm
Join creative walking non-profit Street Wisdom for their big annual day of walking workshops (or ‘Walkshops’). These guided sessions are designed to help us find insight, ideas, and inspiration from our surroundings as we walk, or even from the rooms in our homes.
Spread over a day, you can join these four Walkshops as you stroll from your phone or on Zoom at home. So you don’t need to leave the house to enjoy the benefits. Hopefully, you’ll walk away with a whole new perspective.
Final thoughts…
From art history lectures to sleep clinics, we hope this list gives you an idea of what Rest Less Events you can join this September.
However, with around 100 sessions running monthly, we can’t possibly cover them all here. So why not check out 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.