Activities London

Escape Hunt: Journey to Atlantis

We are going to the escape room 'Journey to Atlantis' at Escape Hunt. Step aboard the mighty Nautilus submarine on its journey to the fabled city of Atlantis. A recent attack from a mysterious foe has left the ship severely damaged, and Captain Nemo badly injured. Taking to the helm, you have just 60 minutes to steer the ship to sanctuary and locate Atlantis. If you fail, Atlantis may go undiscovered for another two thousand years. ([Website](https://escapehunt.com/uk/london-oxford-street/games/journey-to-atlantis)) After the game, we could have brunch at Tampopo Fitzrovia nearby. Please pay £33, £3 for admin fee and £30 for the ticket. There will be no refunds but you could sell your ticket to another member if no longer able to attend.

Let's play Croquet!

Duckpin Bowling @ Hollywood Bowl (Uxbridge)

Time for another type of bowling event - introducing Duckpin Bowling! This will be at the Hollywood Bowl in Uxbridge as only a few branches do this type of bowling. Will be playing 2 games of duckpin bowling at the price of £11.55 per person. Payment will be required shortly after RSVP as I have to book you into the lane and as we get nearer the price might rise. Here's more information on duckpin bowling; Featuring smaller, lightweight balls with no finger holes and shorter, squatter pins, duckpin bowling is perfect for all ages and skill levels. I've personally never tried this before, so I'm looking forward to doing so with those of you who come!

Shuffleboard @ Boom Battle Bar (Watford)

Another shuffleboard event is here! Here's the details: We'll meet up outside Boom Battle Bar (located in the Harlequin) at 20:30. We'll head inside and play 55 minutes of Shuffleboard from 20:45 until 21:40. I'll make RSVPs free to sign up but I will ask for payment ahead of time to secure your place. It costs £9 each.

Indoor Karting

Screen Acting: Weekly Self Tape Practice

Weekly self tape practice for actors with Actorverse. www.actorverse.co.uk What do we do differently? In this Self Tape Practice we will explore and tape the scene section by section. This means we will break the scene down into units and tape each one. Reviewing and reflecting on choices openly, we will test new tactics and at the end of the process we record 2 full takes. This process allows actors to discover nuance rather than just receiving broad notes after a long read through. It's a more immersive, practical and actor-focused way of working that helps each actor truly unlock the scene. What to Expect: Live Coaching & Direction Reflect on choices, receive adjustments, and elevate your performance in the moment. On-Camera Practice Learn practical screen-acting techniques in a supportive, small-group setting. This is about growth and improving your skills as much as it is about walking away with a great tape. Professional Setup Film your scene using quality camera, good sound and right framing—no DIY guesswork, just results that look and feel professional. Receive Your Footage off-charge after the session Investment : £25 with own script (includes sent footage) | £29 with a provided script. Need help choosing your scene? – Please choose the right ticket option. We’ll provide a script that fits well for taping and showcases your ability. Simply let us know your playing age at the checkout and preferred genre. We encourage all actors to reflect openly on their work — what landed, what didn’t, and why. Optional Extra : Want a polished version of your best take? We offer professional editing that includes trimming, colour correction, and clean presentation (£10) Please arrive slightly earlier than the class start time so we begin on time. Thank you! www.actorverse.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: Actorverse_London

🔴🏞️ Day Trip & Hike: Cheddar Gorge (Private Minicoach) 🚌 [FULL]

Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge, stretching for three miles, with cliffs rising nearly 400 feet (122 meters) high. It was formed roughly 1.2 million years ago during the last Ice Age, carved out by melting glaciers and ancient river. In 1903, the oldest, almost complete human skeleton in Britain, the 10,000 year old "Cheddar Man" was discovered in Gough’s Cave. We are heading to the birthplace of Cheddar cheese! Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company still matures its cheese inside these caves today - you can even purchase some to take home. 💺 **Limited spaces (private minibus): Please initially add yourself to the waitlist > wait for message > make payment > you'll be added to going list.** 🏷️ **Please note:** Priority is given to regular and reliable/new attendees for such events. *Why? At Active Muslims, we place great importance on attendance records and active participation in our regular events, such as our regular walks and hikes. We believe these activities offer attendees the chance to form meaningful and strong connections with like-minded individuals. [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)].* ✊ *Reminder: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced hike (and not a stroll), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that [mindset](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw==).* HIKE: 🔴/🟠: TBC 📏 20-25km 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 500+m 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) 🚌 Private Mini coach, around 3+ hours drive there (same back). *Return time is approximate and depends on traffic.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 💳 £57/pp *Payment needs to be made promptly when the message/link has been sent to you. Send as friend & family - make sure I'm not charged a fee.* 📱 **[My WhatsApp](https://wa.me/+447799438148)** *Message via above if your meetup DM is not open for messages.* *(non-refundable - as need to pay minicoach company in advance*. *Price is based on a full van + parking - if this is not met we cannot secure the coach and you will be refunded)* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 📍 **[Clapham Junction Station (Back Exit) on Grant Road](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZkXfPbH3WrD8vNTdA)** ⌚ Meet from **8:01am**! We depart at **8:31am sharp!!!** 🧎 Prayer: If you are praying, make sure to have a little extra water for wudu if needed. 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes, packed lunch, water bottle (1.5-2L) & snacks to keep you going. 👕 Advisable to have layers. 🥾 Hiking boots recommended. 🧦 Hiking socks/double socks advised (reduces chance of blisters) 🔦 Headlight (winter) 📱 Fully charged mobile + portable charger ⛑️ Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times. Make sure to stay away from the edge of the cliffs and take extra care especially when descending. 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)* 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging We’ll be tackling a route offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the Gorge. Look out for the herd of feral goats that live on the cliffs! They help maintain the landscape, alongside rare Soay sheep. J.R.R. Tolkien visited here on his honeymoon and cited the caves as the inspiration for Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings.

June 5-9 The Heart of Italy: Gran Sasso NP. Mountains, Castles, Wine & Caves

There is a place for 1 more person. We have a bed in a female twin, or a bed in a male twin, left, or a single room. **Join Us for an Epic 5-Day Adventure in the Italian Apennine Mountains!** **Explore the Majestic Gran Sasso National Park and Conquer Corno Grande (2,914m)** We’re excited to bring back this unforgettable journey to the heart of the Italian Apennines! Successfully run in [September 2025, see the photos here](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1557850025656248&type=3)[.](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1509216103852974&type=3) This adventure is now a reality again, and we can’t wait to experience the stunning beauty of Gran Sasso with you. **All questions to [aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk](http://aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk/)** **What to Expect** AAA has hosted Hiking Weekend events for over 17 years. Check our [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAALondonGroup/reviews) & [TripAdvisor ](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html)Reviews This adventure is a perfect mix of **exhilarating hikes, sightseeing** breathtaking landscapes, and immersive **cultural experiences** in the heart of the Apennines. Explore alpine-like mountains, medieval villages, castle ruins, crystal-clear lakes, and spectacular views that have been the backdrop for many popular movies shot at Gran Sasso (Jean-Jacques Annaud's The Name of the Rose, Arnold Schwarzenegger's Red Sonja, Ladyhawke, King David, Keoma and The Barbarians). With plenty of **local wine & food sampling**, history, and scenic moments, this trip is a dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. **This trip is for a wide range of abilities, so there will be 2-3 guides and an opportunity to go on the cable car ;).** **HIGHLIGHTS** * **Hike to the Top of Corno Grande** – Weather permitting, we’ll reach the highest peak in Gran Sasso (2,914m) * **Visit Santo Stefano di Sessanio** – One of Italy’s most beautiful villages * **Rocca Calascio** – Wander around a spectacular castle ruin with panoramic views * **Cable Car Ride to Campo Imperatore Plateau** – * **Wine Tasting** – Sample fine wines from the Abruzzo region, including Montepulciano and Cerasuolo * **Tour L’Aquila** – Explore the historic capital of the Abruzzo region * **Light Aircraft Flight** – Take a 30-minute scenic flight over the local area (optional) **SPECIAL OFFER** You can combine this trip with our [June 11-16 Sardinia East](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/events/312185500/?eventOrigin=attendee_list) event and have a FREE ferry journey to Sardinia. What a marvellous combination of the mountains and seaside with famous Italian beaches. **STAY INFORMED** **[Join the AAA Hiking Mailing List for our Special Offers.](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/newsletter-signup)** **HIKE GRADES** There will be at least 2 experienced hike leaders plus a local guide for the most challenging hikes. **Our hikes range from [moderate to challenging](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade), so there’s something for everyone!** Depending on the weather, we plan to hike from the morning until mid or late afternoon, with a refreshing stop at a mountain hut along the way. The **energetic and challenging** group can expect to **ascend between 800-1300 meters**, while the **moderate group will enjoy hikes with a more manageable ascent of 500-700 meters**. On clear days, you’ll be able to spot the Adriatic Sea from the highest peaks, and with perfect air quality, you might even glimpse the Croatian coastline! **MORE INFO** We are building the website. Here's more info: [https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/european-events/the-heart-of-italy-gran-sasso-mountains](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/european-events/the-heart-of-italy-gran-sasso-mountains) KIT LIST [Check what kit is required ](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists/hiking-kit-list-summer)and more ACCOMMODATION **Our Hotel** is a family-run mountain hotel, managed by the same property since 1974 and built with a **fully anti-seismic structure**. Located just **steps from the cable car station**, it is perfect for our stay. The hotel offers an **on-site restaurant serving traditional local cuisine and cable car tickets**. In summer, guests can enjoy **free bike rental** and relax on the **shared mountain-view terrace**. A **wellness area with sauna and Turkish bath** is available for relaxation, and mornings start with a **buffet breakfast with sweet and savoury options**—ideal for an active day in the mountains. ROOM UPGRADE **There are only 3 single rooms for £290 extra for a trip**: email [aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk](http://aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk/) to book one well in advance! COST **The price includes:** * **4 nights B&B in twin hotel rooms** * **2 set-menu 4-course dinners of a variety of regional dishes** * **Airport & local transfers** * **Choice of Guided Hikes by Experienced Hike Leaders** * **Knowledge of the local - Fabio, he is originally from L'Aquila** * **Financial Consumer Protection according to Package Holidays and Tours Regulations 2018** * **Tourist Tax** **The price does not include:** * Flights * Lunches, alcoholic drinks, cable car & cave tickets and other incidentals. PRICE: The trip is **£679 per person.** **MAKE YOUR BOOKING:** Click Attend and confirm your place with a deposit of £179 or in full, £679 to Name: **AAA LG Ltd** Account No.: **69543038** Sort Code: **60-09-02** Add Ref: **260605** (Please include your meetup profile name) The £500 balance is to be paid by 30.03.26. TRAVEL DETAILS Transfers are arranged for Ryanair flights: **Fri, 05/06**: 08:25 London Stansted → 11:50 Rome Ciampino (FR 2672) **Tue, 09/06**: 17:25 Rome Ciampino → 19:05 London Stansted (FR 2509) POSSIBLE TRIP EXTENSIONS: * **[Sardinia East trip](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/events/312185500/?eventOrigin=attendee_list)**[ on June 11-16](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/events/312185500/?eventOrigin=attendee_list) * **Rome:** You may stay a few extra days for sightseeing. * **The Adriatic Coast:** There are several seaside resorts on the coast where you can spend a few days sunbathing. Direct bus transfers from Pescara to Rome Airports are also available. IMPORTANT NOTES **Everyone in the group has to obtain appropriate insurance.** If you have a question, [check out our FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) Details for cancellations and selling your space can be found in the [Terms & Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) **[More photos from the summer 2025 exploration trip taken by the organisers.](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1509216103852974&type=3)** © AAA London Group Ltd 2025. Errors and Omissions Excepted.

🗣️ Arabic Practice Circle: Social & Structured Session

A regular meetup for those committed to practising and improving their Arabic. It is designed for those who know the very basics and want a structured opportunity to practise reading, listening, speaking, and building confidence. If you're still learning the very basics but want some motivation to keep going, you're very welcome to join. Note: This is a practice group facilitated by a native speaker - not a formal teacher or taught class, and not a Quran teaching session. 📚 SESSION FORMAT: ⏱️ 30 mins Intro & Social: We'll go around and introduce ourselves in Arabic. Feel free to prepare 2-3 sentences beforehand if you don't like being put on the spot! 🗣️ 60 mins Structured Practice: A focused session practising together with guidance : ◾ Taking turns reading passages aloud ◾ Listening to excerpts from an audiobook ◾ Working together to translate and understand the text 💬 Continued Socialising: Feel free to stick around afterwards for more informal chat and connection. ✊ Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a practice session requiring mental engagement and active participation (and not just a social), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and purpose. 📍 LOCATION: Barbican ⌚ MEET: By the cafe G Level (Benugo) ⏱️ TIME: Meet from **11:00am** for intros and socialising. The practice session starts promptly at **11:30am** insha'Allah. 🎒 What to bring: 📚 Any Arabic texts you would like to read 🎧 Headphones (optional, if you prefer listening privately) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to free up your spot for someone on the waiting list. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)*

June 11-16 Eastern Sardinia, Famous beaches, Easy walks, Culture, Snorkelling

AAA Hiking are excited to announce our second trip to this stunning island! **We invite you to explore the best beaches in Italy, easy-moderate scenic hikes of 5-8 km with coastal views and 360-degree summits, unique Sardinian culture, and tasty local food!** The middle of June is an ideal time for the trip when the sea is already warm, the air is not too hot for walking, and the tourist boats are running to the famous beaches. Some of them are not easy to reach on foot unless you hike for a long time on the rocky limestone terrain. **[Here are the October 2025 event photos](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1572050270902890&type=3)** **Discover the Untamed Beauty of Eastern Sardinia with AAA Hiking.** Stretching for kilometres along the turquoise embrace of the Mediterranean, the eastern coast of Sardinia is a breathtaking blend of golden cliffs and secluded, low-lying beaches. Here, nature reigns supreme. In the heart of the Supramonte mountains, goats, sheep, donkeys, and wild boar roam freely through forests of strawberry trees, holly oaks, and ancient oaks. Overhead, the majestic royal eagle soars, nesting on the highest peaks and guarding this pristine paradise. We will be exploring this beauty on foot and by boat. **HIGHLIGHTS** • Experience the beauty of the **National Park of the Bay of Orosei and Gennargentu**, its coastline, when the sea is warm, and the air is about 25-27 °C. • Easy/Moderate **Coastal Walks**, around 5-8 km a day, inhaling a **healing mix of sea and juniper trees' air**. • A new destination, a **tailor-made event**, based in Cala Ganone town, a getaway for the boat trips. • **Experienced Hike Leaders, who pre-walked the routes**. • Optional **water activities**: SUP, sea kayaking, open sea swimming, snorkelling or even scuba diving if you dare. • An optional boat trip to **the most charming and evocative coves and beaches in the Gulf of Orosei**, observing the splendour of **Cala Goloritzé**, a rocky, dazzling turquoise bay. Stopping and swimming at **Cala Luna** and others. • Visit the **largest ethnographic park-museum** in Sardinia - The S'Abba Frisca (fresh water), with its farm, where you'll meet the various animals that inhabit the park. • Dinner at **Nuraghe Mannu Farmhouse**, **traditional Sardinian 4-course menu** with wine and mineral water (optional, not included) **All questions to** *[aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk](mailto:aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk)* Organisers took all the photos during their exploration. **STAY INFORMED** **[Join the AAA Hiking Mailing List for our Special Offers.](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/newsletter-signup)** **ITINERARY** The event starts on Thursday, 11 June, at the Olbia airport at 11:30 and finishes there on Tuesday, 16 June, at 17:30. The ancient Greeks called it **olbìa - ‘happiness’**. It is the gateway to the island and the driving force behind the economy of the Gallura area. Many flights arrive there, and it is a good town to stay in and explore before or after the trip. After the pick-up, we will take you to the Porto Taverna beach for your first swim and lunch. There is a high chance you may see flamingos there in the freshwater lakes, located close to the beach. We will make our way to the accommodation in Cala Ganone in the afternoon. The exact itinerary of the following days features the highlights listed above and will be shared with attendees closer to the day. Every day is planned with care and adjusted according to the most recent weather forecast. **LOCATION** We will be based in Cala Gonone, a seaside town, rising up from the Golfo di Orosei. It is located on a steep hill at the foot of the extinct volcano Codula Manna and slopes down to the gulf. From here you can go on to discover numerous beautiful bays, such as Cala Ziu Martine, Cala Fuili, Cala Cartoe and Cala Luna, a beautiful pale blue bay dominated by steep, lunar grey rock walls. Cala Luna is one of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting beaches. Graced with a beach of almost powdery sand and surrounded by blooming oleander trees, it was the setting for the Lina Wertmüller cult **film *Swept Away***. We can immerse ourselves in the idyllic peace of Cala Luna, marvel at the wild nature of Cala Mariolu, and observe the crystal-clear waters of Cala Goloritzé. **WHAT TO EXPECT** AAA has hosted Hiking trips for over 17 years. We have a wealth of experience that will ensure you enjoy great hikes and food. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAALondonGroup/reviews) & [TripAdvisor ](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html)Reviews. **KIT LIST** [Check what kit is required](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists/hiking-kit-list-summer)[ ](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)and more **ACCOMMODATION** We will be staying in a small and charming, family-run 3-star hotel, located right on the seafront. It was carefully selected from many by the organisers during our investigation trips. The 1st group member loved it in October 2025. This is why the bigger hotel option was declined by the organisers. As always, accommodation is chosen for its comfort, authenticity, and proximity to key locations on our itinerary. You may go for a swim before breakfast ;). This hotel has only a few rooms, and they are of different types with different prices! We anticipate a small, intimate group. **The first people to book will have a choice. Those booking later may have to pay for more expensive rooms.** Single rooms tend to sell out quickly, so if you would like to reserve one, please contact us as soon as possible at *aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk.* There are only 3 single rooms! **AIRPORT TRANSFERS** We will have local airport transfers arranged for these British Airways **flights:** **Thursday 11.06. Heathrow 07:55 - 11:20 Olbia** **Tuesday 16.06. Olbia 19:35 - 21:00 Heathrow** There are also Ryanair and EasyJet flights, arriving/departing a day earlier/later, if you’d like to spend more time in Sardinia and explore Olbia town. **COST** **The price includes:** * **5 nights in standard twin shared rooms (cheapest**) * **5 buffet breakfasts** * **Airport and other transfers** * **2 dinners in a hotel restaurant** * **Guided Walks by experienced hike leaders** * **Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations includes financial protection.** **The price does not include:** * flights * Alcoholic drinks, lunches, 3 dinners, boat trips, cave and museum tickets and optional activities. **PRICE** The trip is £689 per person in a twin share. **MAKE YOUR BOOKING** Click 'Attend' and confirm your place with a deposit transfer of £189 or in full, £689, to the bank details below. Name: **AAA LG Ltd** Account No.: **69543038** Sort Code: **60-09-02** Add Ref: **"260611"** Then, email aaalondongroup@yahoo.co.uk to advise us that your payment has been made. The balance of £500 is to be paid by 01.03.26. **ROOM OPTIONS** A single standard room is £300 extra - SOLD OUT A single room with a sea view is £400 extra - SOLD OUT A single room with a sea view & a balcony is £460 extra - SOLD OUT A bed in a twin room with a sea view is £50 extra - SOLD OUT A bed in a triple room (twin FEMALE occupancy) with no sea view is £75 extra - SOLD OUT A bed in a Junior Suite twin room with a sea view is £130 extra, to be confirmed. Please clarify the room you'd like when booking. IMPORTANT NOTES If you have a question, check out our **[FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions)** Details for cancellations & selling your space can be found via the **[T&C](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/termsandconditions)** © AAA London Group Ltd 2025. Errors and Omissions Accepted.

AWS AI In Practice #5

Welcome to our June event. We're delighted to welcome [Marina Kim](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinawebdev/), Tech Lead, Vidatec and [Damien Jones](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdamienjones/), AWS Consultant, Steamhaus You've seen the AgentCore demos. **Marina** has taken them into production, and lived to tell the tale. Tonight she's giving us the engineering reality behind building AI agents on AWS with Amazon Bedrock and tooling: what breaks, what costs you, and what actually ships. Five weeks. A brand new business. A Crufts deadline. **Damien** didn't whiteboard this one - he shipped it. Tonight he's walking us through every decision that made it possible: AWS CDK, Amplify, Q Developer, and Kiro working together under real pressure. A big thank you to our sponsors [Cloudscaler](https://rebrand.ly/cloudscaler), [Rayo](https://rebrand.ly/rayo-cloud) & [The Scale Factory](https://rebrand.ly/scalefactory) Programme: 18:00: Arrival, registration 18:15: Talks start 20:00: Networking with food and a drink provided by the generosity of our sponsors. Talk 1: ***AgentCore vs Reality: Lessons from Building AI Agents on AWS with Marina Kim*** In this talk, I will explore the reality of what happens when you try to build an AI agent on AWS using Amazon Bedrock and tool calling, inspired by still new and emerging AgentCore patterns. Through a live demo and practical examples, I’ll walk through what worked, what didn't work, and the unexpected challenges that appear when moving from theory to implementation, including hallucinations, incorrect tool usage, and trade-offs around cost and latency. The goal is to give a realistic, engineering-first perspective on building agentic systems today, and help developers understand where these patterns are useful and where they still fall short. By the end of this talk, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to approach building AI agents on AWS, what pitfalls to expect, and how to make informed decisions when applying agentic patterns in real-world systems. **Learning Takeaways** * How to approach building AI agents on AWS using Amazon Bedrock and tool calling, with focus on emerging AgentCore patterns * What actually happens when you move from theory to implementation, including common failure modes like hallucinations, incorrect tool usage, and overconfident decisions. * How to iteratively improve an agent by testing, identifying issues, and introducing guardrails and constraints * How to evaluate trade-offs between autonomy, reliability, cost, and latency in agentic systems **Marina** is a Tech Lead at Vidatec working with web, mobile, MS Teams and AI solutions across multiple industries. She has significant experience working with AWS services, managing deployments and maintenance across multiple production workloads. Marina is a founder of Catbytes - online community for women in tech and a co-organiser of AWS UG UK and AWS AI In Practice community events Talk 2: ***Best in Show: Building a Crufts-Ready AWS Business Platform in 5 Weeks with Damien Jones*** A new dog training business is launched. You have 5 weeks to develop a new production-ready platform before Crufts: the world's biggest dog show. Could you deliver? In this talk, I'll share the real-world journey of building WolfieAndFriends on AWS. We'll review my architectural choices, "build vs buy" decisions and the trade-offs made during those hectic early days. You'll learn how to use AWS serverless, IaC and AI services to enable rapid delivery, shorten development times and transform a greenfield project into a professional, scalable platform that pays the bills. Whether you're a startup founder or an enterprise dev, you'll walk away with a blueprint for rapid delivery without sacrificing long-term stability. Expect Amplify, CDK, Q Developer, Kiro and more! **Learning Takeaways** * How to make fast, defensible architectural decisions under genuine time pressure. * How to use AWS CDK, Amplify Gen 2, Q Developer, and Kiro as an integrated rapid-delivery stack. * Practical "build vs buy" trade-offs: what to own, what to delegate, and how to decide. * How serverless IaC enables safe iteration from greenfield to production. * A reusable blueprint for going from zero to a scalable, paying platform in weeks — not months. **Damien** is an AWS consultant, data specialist, and cloud enthusiast with a strong record of designing, building, and optimising cloud-native solutions. He has extensive knowledge of data engineering, DevOps and cloud architectures, fueled by a passion for using emerging technologies to solve complex problems and support data-driven decision making. Damien is also active in the cloud community, serving as a content creator, user group leader and public speaker. **Do you have a story to share?** If you are interested in speaking at one of our events, please check out our [call for papers here](https://awsuguk.org/call-for-papers/). We are advocates for greater inclusion & diversity in UK Tech and are especially keen to receive talk submissions from people in underrepresented groups. If you are interested in speaking at a future meetup but would like to discuss what to expect or need assistance, please contact our Inclusion & Diversity Lead Natalie Gray - graynataliej@gmail.com or DM her [@natjgray](https://twitter.com/natjgray) Check out our [website](https://awsuguk.org/) for more information about our community and our code of conduct. Remember to follow us [@AWSUserGroupUK](https://twitter.com/AWSUserGroupUK) and on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aws-ug-uk) for the latest updates, and you can find videos of our past meetups [here.](https://awsuguk.org/our-videos/)

An evening riverside ramble from Carshalton to Colliers Wood

Join us for a fun early summer evening jaunt along the River Wandle as a perfect way to walk off the working week, breathe some fresh spring air, and enjoy good company before the last day of the week. The route is flat and gentle, following the river through peaceful green spaces and quiet paths. We’ll end at Abbey Mills, where we can toast our efforts with a well-earned drink (or two) before heading home easily by tube. **SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)** **Distance**: 8km/5 miles linear route **Duration**: 2 hours walking **Ascent**: Virtually none **Grade**: Beginner – flat, along good paths. **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £8 **Hike start**: 6.20pm Carshalton Train Station **Hike finish:** 9pm Colliers Wood Tube Station / Pub at Abbey Mills **Both stations are in the Oyster/Contactless Zone** **Recommended train from London** 17:41 Dep: London Victoria (via Clapham Junction) 18:09 Arr: Carshalton or 17:36 Dep: London Blackfriars (via Elephant & Castle) 18:13 Arr: Carshalton **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** * Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[complete list](www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Packed lunch and snacks * Water - 2 litres recommended * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events over the last 10+ years without significant incident, achieved partly through thorough planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted [FAQs](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions) \| [Terms and Conditions](www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews)