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HMS Belfast versus London Gateway
Where would you point the guns of a massive warship in London? Chances are your first thought wouldn't be a service station on the M1. Yet apparently this is in fact where any ammunition would be headed in the unfortunate event of live shelling. Accident or deliberate malice? Discover the history of this unlikely animosity.
Things to do
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OXFORD HOUSE:
Bethnal Green's Oxford House wants to know what you think of their new £1.9m heritage project. From today, the exhibition From Victorian Gap Year To Community Hub presents their plans for the future of the building and teaches about the history of the area. Free, just turn up, 10am
CLAPHAM FRINGE:
Edinburgh has one, Camden has one, and from today south London gets its own Fringe Festival, too. Proceedings kick off with family-friendly panto, Jest a Story (it's not just for Christmas) and a darker evening bill of off-Broadway drama from award-winning American playwright Lanford Wilson. Both from today until Thursday 10 September, £7 and £8/£5, respectively, prebook, 5pm and 7.30pm
RAF TALK:
Find out about the Vickers Wellington, the only RAF bomber to serve throughout the Second World War, at the Royal Aeronautical Society. RAF vet and City University professor Dr Steve Bond elucidates the life and uses of this historic aircraft. Free, prebook, 6pm
ANIMATED SHORT FILMS:
The 10th edition of The Smalls Film Festival continues this evening with a celebration of short animated works. Fatherhood, felines and football are a sampling of the myriad themes explored at Hoxton Arches, and a free drink should help shape your own creative response. £7, prebook, 6pm
SPEED QUIZ:
Bring your brainiest friends to the Phoenix Artist Club in Soho for a pub quiz with extra buzz. Don't let the free drink put you off your game — there are prizes to be fought for. £5, prebook, 6.30pm
READING GROUP:
The people at Rich Mix have realised that reading groups, worthy as they sound, can be a chore — racing to finish the chosen novel before a deadline or doing a quick scan on Wikipedia somewhat defeat the point. Instead, join in this alternative Reading Group to read a short story and poem, discuss fresh ideas, and hear from professional writers. Free, just turn up, 7pm
BEYONCÉ DANCE CLASS:
Upgrade your dance routine from the usual bobbing-and-flailing number to something worthy of the great Beyoncé herself. In two hours at Drink, Shop, Do in King's Cross you'll have swapped two left feet for the official dance routine to Crazy In Love. Wear comfy clothes. £10, prebook, 7pm
KNIT WORKSHOP:
Another offering from Drink, Shop, Do gives you the chance to stitch up a high-end clutch bag with I Make Knots and New York knitting brand Manuosh. Materials included, £40, prebook, 7pm * This workshop is now taking place on Sunday 13 September
FENCING TASTER:
Ever feel your life lacks the drama of swordplay? Rectify this with a no-experience-needed introduction at the Central London Fencing Club in Victoria. Equipment provided but wear comfy clothes and shoes. £14, prebook, 7pm
COMEDY:
Invisible Dot kicks off a week of shows featuring some of the more interesting performers from this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Tonight, see David Elms, Daphne, Lolly Adefope, Mae Martin and Natasia Demetriou and Ellie White. £10/£9, prebook, 7.30pm
CITY OF GOD:
Don't miss the chance for the last outdoor screenings of the summer before the usual English weather sets in for the next seven months. City of God is a spectacular film from Brazil's favelas, screened on the terrace at Oval Space, Hackney. Tonight and Wednesday, £14 with food, £7 without, 8pm
MEAN GIRLS:
The Press Play rooftop summer series offers another iconic (and immensely quotable) film for Londoners who can't get enough outdoor cinema, this time at Broadway House, Chelsea. So fetch. £15, prebook, 9pm
Good cause of the day
Support The Sick Children's Trust at a sporting afternoon, All Out For Cricket in The City. The Trust enables families with seriously ill children to stay with them in hospital so that parents can be on-hand during these difficult times. The Trust team battle it out against the Authors Cricket Club with a little help from pros Matthew Hoggard, Alex Tudor and Min Patel. Catch the action at the Honourable Artillery Company, Moorgate. £12.50/£6, prebook, 1.30-6pm
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