Things to do
STEPPING INTO STORIES: Book-loving youngsters are in for a treat at Stepping Into Stories, a literary festival in Herne Hill. Talks, workshops and an open mic night cover poetry, illustration, creative writing and other crafts, with special appearances by former Children’s Laureate and award-winning author and illustrator Chris Riddell and his daughter, illustrator Katy Riddell. Station Hall Herne Hill, £6 per event, book ahead, 4-9 February
PHOTO EXHIBITION: This month's free exhibition at Lauderdale House showcases work by London-based members of the Royal Photographic Society. There's no theme, just one image from each of the 58 members about whatever they like. Lauderdale House (Highgate), free, just turn up, 4 February-2 March
MAKE DO AND MEND: As part of current exhibition The Lost Girl, textile artist Angela Maddock runs a free make do and mend session. Pick up tips for mending and repairing your clothes as they get older, and learn skills such as darning, patching and button sewing. Bush House (Strand), free, book ahead, 12pm-2pm
WEBB VS HUBBLE: To mark the upcoming 30th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, Gresham College looks back at what we've learned from it so far, and looks forward to the future. Space scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock discusses the insights it has given us into the universe, and the promise of the James Webb Space Telescope, a successor due for launch next year. Museum of London, free, just turn up, 1pm-2pm
ABRAM GAMES: 20th century graphic designer Abram Games is celebrated in a free talk about his life and work. Hear about his 60-year career, during which he created posters and stamps, and was appointed Official War Poster Designer. Guildhall Library, free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
NIPPLE TASSELS: Crafting gets saucy at this nipple tassel workshop. Use the glitter, sparkles, feathers and other materials provided to create and decorate your own pair of nipple tassels in a relaxed environment. What you do with them once you leave is entirely your business... Drink, Shop & Do (King's Cross), £5, book ahead, 6pm
A MONSTER CALLS: The final Science On Screen film at the Francis Crick Institute is A Monster Calls. Timed to mark World Cancer Day, it's the story of a boy who seeks help from a tree monster to cope with his mother's terminal illness. Following the film, there is themed entertainment and discussions, and a free drink. Francis Crick Institute (King's Cross), free, book ahead, 6.30pm-9.30pm
SPACE ARCHITECTURE: What could buildings on other planets look like in the future? Architect and technologist Xavier De Kestelier heads up an expert panel about the future of architecture beyond Earth, and the constraints that have to be taken into account when designing structures for other planets. Design Museum (Kensington), £12, book ahead, 6.30pm-8pm
CHAPEL ROYAL: Hear Richard Chartres, retired bishop of the Church of England, talk about The Chapel Royal, the parish church of the Tower of London, and its role in the Reformation. It's part of a series of events celebrating the chapel's 500th anniversary. Tower of London, £20, book ahead, 7pm
THESE SILENT MANSIONS: Poet and essayist Jean Sprackland discusses her new book, These Silent Mansions. In it, she revisits cemeteries in the towns and cities she has lived in over the years, and unearths the fascinating histories of those buried there. London Review Bookshop (Bloomsbury), £10, book ahead, 7pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Do you share your birthday with a tube station? I'm guessing you never asked yourself that question, but now you're itching to know. Well, luckily I have a complete list of all 270 stations arranged by date of opening.
Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
Cody Dock, an area on Bow Creek near Canning Town, is looking for people to help out with its brickwork restoration project. No experience is necessary, all tools are provided, and volunteer sessions runs between February and April. Find out more and sign up.
What we're reading
- Chinatown to ghost town: the effect of coronavirus on London's Chinese quarter.
- Experience: I saved a woman who jumped in front of a train.
- How London was sold to a child fleeing war.
- Inside the hidden power tunnels of London.
