Past Events

Spirituality without the Supernatural – Can a person be spiritual without being religious?

Date: 20 April 2019
Location: Ely Library

Is it possible to be spiritual and yet not believe in the supernatural (i.e. Gods)? Can a person be spiritual without belonging to a religious group or organization?  Basing his thoughts on the book  ‘Spirituality for the Skeptic’, by philosopher Robert Solomon, our co-chair David will lead a discussion based on the model of a vibrant, fulfilling spirituality that embraces the complexities of human existence and acknowledges the joys and tragedies of life…but without the need for the supernatural parts of religion. 

Mike Flood – ‘Life in the Information Age – What threat is ‘fake news’?’

Date: 16 March 2019
Location: Ely Library, The Cloisters, Ely, CB7 4ZH

Mike runs a grassroots campaign called Fighting Fake, (https://www.criticalinformation.org.uk/) where he raises awareness of the threat posed by half-truths, deception and disinformation and he is also the Chair of MK Humanists. This fascinating talk will highlight the issues fake news raises and will be followed by a Q&A and open discussion on the subject

A discussion on ‘Faith Schools’ and their danger to our children

Date: 16 February 2019
Location: Ely Library, The Cloisters, Ely CB7 4ZH

Our co-chair David Williams will lead an open discussion on ‘Faith Schools’ and why he thinks they are a danger to our children – We welcome all perspectives on this subject and encourage respectful and positive debate – we are all here to share and learn!

January 19th 2019 – My name’s Mel and I’m a Transsexual

Date: 19 January 2019
Location: Ely Library
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Mel will share her experiences of being a transsexual and how it has affected her life. In particularly, sharing the correct language that should be used when discussing transsexual and transgender people and how people have reacted to her own transformation. An inspirational session for humanists everywhere!

December 1st 2018 – Talk on Sapiens: A Brief History Of Humankind

Date: 1 December 2018
Location: Ely Library
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Brief talk on “Sapiens; A brief history of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari. The talk will be followed by a Q&A and informal social with festive refreshments. Entry £2.

The book can be found here – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/1846558239

November 3rd 2018 – Uganda Humanist Schools Trust (UHST)

Date: 3 November 2018
Location: Ely Library
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Talk discussing the schools that have been set up in Uganda by the Uganda Humanist Schools Trust (UHST). There are two secondary and two primary Humanist schools currently being supported by the UHST. The secondary schools now have 600 students. The talk will be followed by a Q&A and informal social with refreshments. Entry £2.

October 6th 2018 – The Development of Humanist Pastoral Support

Date: 6 October 2018
Location: Ely Library
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PLEASE NOTE – the library lift will be unavailable on this day.

Talk by Simon O’Donoghue, Head of Pastoral Support for Humanists UK, discussing the support offered to non-religious people in settings such as hospitals and prisons.

Followed by a Q&A and informal social with refreshments. Entry £2.

September 1st 2018 – Ely Humanists – Moving Forward + AGM

Date: 1 September 2018
Location: Ely Library
Babylon Bridge

Talk discussing the future of Ely Humanists – what we’ve achieved this year and our plans for next year. Also some discussion of our partnership with Humanists UK and some projects/events they’re running. Following the talk, we will have our annual AGM with refreshments. Entry £2.

BBQ at Malcolm & Gilian’s

Date: 4 August 2018
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BBQ at Malcolm and Gilian’s house. Please see the email from James, which gives their address. We suggest parking near the country park (Fisherman’s Car Park), or at Fore Hill Car Park, and walking from there.
If you have dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free), then please feel free to bring some food with you. If you’d like to bring a drink, or some fresh cherries/raspberries, then that would also be much appreciated.

** Please RSVP via email before 2nd August. **

July 18th 2018 – Ely Tree Trail Walk

Date: 18 July 2018
Location: Ely Tourist Information Office
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The Ely Tree Trail Walk was designed by one of our members (Malcolm, who will lead the walk). It starts and finishes at the Ely Tourist Information Office at Oliver Cromwell House. The walk takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. We suggest parking at St Mary’s Car Park and walking back up St Mary’s Street to Oliver Cromwell House and the Tourist Information Office (near St Mary’s church). The group will meet there at 6:30pm and walk together. There will be a break at a pub for drinks at the end of the walk.


CONTACT US:

Meeting Room Address (not for mail):
6 The Cloisters, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4ZH.
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ElyHumanists
Email:
elyhumanistssec@gmail.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/ElyHumanists