The News from Nowhere Club meets the first Saturday evening of every month to listen to talks, socialise and eat.


The Leytonstone-based group was founded in 1996 by Ros Kane of the Care Free Kids charity.


It is named after a book by Victorian designer and writer William Morris, who grew up in Walthamstow, and takes inspiration from his socialist ideals and oft-quoted saying “fellowship is life”.
 

The club sets itself apart from others in Waltham Forest thanks to the diversity of its programme.
 

Along with local history, lectures scheduled for this year include everything from talks on the National Jazz Archive to Tony Hancock.


In March there's a performance of Irish folk poetry, while November will feature a first-hand account of the Occupy! protests by participant and university professor Alexandra Stein.


The club, which states its main aim as “challenging the commercialisation and isolation of modern society”, meets at the Epicentre community centre in West Street, Leytonstone.


Ms Kane founded the group after previously trying to establish other events to bring people together in Leytonstone, such as a community canteen and regular afternoon tea parties.


She said: “I think it is unique locally. In the Victorian era there were lots of radical and literary clubs in London where people could meet, and News from Nowhere is a little remnant of that tradition.


“It's an alternative to sitting in the pub or watching TV at home all evening – we always have very interesting people come to talk to us and a lot of friendships have been made.”


Each of its events begins at 7.30pm with a buffet – which attendees can contribute to – followed by a talk at 8pm and socialising afterwards.


Ms Kane said: “A key thing is that it's very informal.


“You can sit by yourself, and some people do, or you can socialise, but there's no pressure to do either.


“Similarly, it is free but we welcome donations, but realise not everyone might be able to give anything, which is fine.”
 

The club regularly attracts several dozens people to its monthly meetings, but does hold occasional larger events.


These have included talks by poet Michael Horovitz and veteran political campaigner Tony Benn, which attracted more than 150 people.


It keeps going with funding from Waltham Forest Council, Cann Hall ward forum and donations.


News from Nowhere is always on the look-out for interesting speakers and new members, and hopes to expand its online operation with year with a revamped website.


Email mail@newsfromnowhereclub.org, visit  www.newsfromnowhereclub.org or call 0208 555 5248 for more information.