EDIT: Sadly I think it is the best thing to do to cancel the meetup tomorrow. Invite for Christmas is still open though!
Hello everyone!
I was in two minds about running this meetup given omicron, but I’ve decided to still go ahead with additional precautions. Everyone who’s coming please make sure you take a lateral flow test (or PCR) the previous evening or that morning
Obviously I will cancel if the situation changes or the rules change
18th December, 1pm, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX.
The venue has step free access and accessible toilets. The accessibility map is here.
We will be on Level 2 (the upper levels are closed to non-ticket-holders), but I don’t know exactly where on the floor. It will depend on where we can find a table. I will have my plush Chthulu which looks like this:
Please bring your masks/exemption lanyards, and obey any rules posted in the venue.
The food market outside (side opposite the river) is pretty good for all sorts of requirements, and you can also bring food from home, or there are lots of cafes on the riverfront.
No need to RSVP, but please let me know if you want me to keep an eye out for you!
Other things to bear in mind:
Please make sure you follow social distancing rules. This particularly includes respecting people’s personal space and their choices about distancing.We have all had a terrible time for the last year. Sharing your struggles is okay and is part of what the group is for, but we need to be careful not to overwhelm each other or have the conversation be entirely negative. Where I usually draw the line here is that personal struggles are fine to talk about but political rants are discouraged, but I may have to move this line on the day when I see how things go. Don’t worry, I will tell you!Probably lots of us have forgotten how to be around people (most likely me as well), so here is permission to walk away if you need space. Also a reminder that we will all react differently, so be careful to give others space if they need.
I will cancel this meetup if government guidance changes, so keep an eye on this space.
Also re Christmas:
I’m going to be in London this year, and I decided to host a Christmas dinner on the 25th for anyone else who would like to come. (Pandemic permitting, obviously.) If you’re interested in coming please get in touch via the below email address to discuss food needs etc.
Access notes: My house is in outer London, about 5 mins from the nearest bus stop, with three steps up to access the front door, and one step down to the toilet facilities. I have two cats and lots of houseplants. I can accommodate most food restrictions, but not kosher as the kitchen is not segregated.
kate DOT towner AT gmail DOT com
CaptainAwkward.com 
Hi – what’s an LFT? google tells me it’s a liver function test, which can’t be what you mean 🙂
Lateral Flow Test – a home Covid test.
Lateral Flow Test – it’s a type of covid test. In North America we are calling them rapid tests.
I absolutely love that you’re offering a place for people to go on Christmas Day. I hope it goes so so well.
Hello! What does LFT mean in this context? Google tells me it’s a liver function test, but I don’t think that’s what you mean 🙂
Have edited to clarify the ask for a lateral flow test (or PCR) before attending on Saturday
Note: really sorry but I am cancelling this – doesn’t seem like the best time to have a non-critical social
Christmas still on for now though?
Agh! For once I would have been at the right place at the right time!
Thank you for giving it so much consideration and thought anyway: pandemic decisions aren’t easy and it’s heartwarming to see fellow humans being mindful and caring.
❤