Things to do
FORGOTTEN VICTIMS: The Wiener Library launches a new exhibition, Forgotten Victims, focusing on the genocide carried out against the Roma and Sinti communities in Europe during the Nazi era. The 'forgotten Holocaust' resulted in the persecution and murder of up to 50,000 people, and documents, photos and eyewitness accounts are used here to tell their stories. Wiener Library (Russell Square), free, just turn up, 30 October-11 March
UNF*CK OUR RAINFORESTS: Browse and buy prints by more than 30 artists at this exhibition and pop-up shop. There's an environmental slant to the works, with money raised going towards rainforest conservation. You can also claim a free beer courtesy of Crate Brewery to enjoy while you browse. 71A London (Shoreditch), free entry, book ahead, 5pm-10pm
50 YEARS OF THE INTERNET: In October 1969, a message was sent between two computers for the first time, marking the birth of the internet. At this free talk, hear from a series of experts (including the man who gave the Queen her first email address) who look back over the last half a century, and what the future is likely to look like. Plexal (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park), free, book ahead, 6pm-8pm
GALAPAGOS DAY: The Galapagos Conservation Trust hosts an evening about the bird and reptile species found on the world-famous Galapagos Islands, the threats they face, and what can be done to protect them. Wildlife expert Mark Carwardine hosts, and there’s a chance to peruse an exhibition of photography from the islands. Royal Geographical Society (South Kensington), £20/£15, book ahead, 6pm-10pm
WILD ENCOUNTERS: Hear from photographer, artist and conservationist David Yarrow, who has dedicated his life to chronicling the Earth’s wild cultures and species. He chats to LBC presenter Matthew Stadlen about his work across the jungles, tundras and poles of the earth, and shows off some of his latest pieces. Copies of his new book are available to buy, with proceeds going to conservation charities. Emmanuel Centre (Westminster), £30, book ahead, 6.45pm-8pm
MUSEUM LATE: As always on the final Wednesday of the month, Science Museum stays open late, and this time there's a Halloween theme. Debunk myths about ghosts and zombies, learn about creepy crawlies from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and get involved in an immersive pandemic. Science Museum (South Kensington), free, book ahead, 6.45pm-10pm
THAI CAVE RESCUE: Back in summer 2018, a young football team and their coach got trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand, and an international team was called in to free them. Josh Bratchley MBE was on the rescue team. Hear the British exploratory cave diver talk about the experience — his first rescue mission — including the challenges the team faced. Park Crescent (Regent's Park), £15, book ahead, 7pm-9pm (sponsor)
SCREAM25: Local cinema Screen25 throws an 80s-themed Halloween event. Don your spookiest costume for a screening of 1982 sci-fi/horror film The Thing, preceded by a quiz, and followed by music and cocktails. Harris Academy South Norwood, £8.50/£7/£5, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
SUNRISE TO MOONLIGHT: Dulwich Picture Gallery puts on a double bill of film screenings, curated to show how Old Master painters like Rembrandt influenced the world of cinema. 1927 film Sunrise: A Song Of Two Humans is considered an early cinematic masterpiece, while 2016 film Moonlight is a dreamlike exploration of what it means to be black and gay in modern America. Peckham Levels, £5, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
DECOLONISING HISTORY: The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) continues its work around ‘decolonising history' with a performance of two new audio dramas on the topic. The writers were given unlimited access to SOAS's history department, and based the work on the institution's own uncomfortable past as a training college for officers of the British Empire. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm
NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON: Neil deGrasse Tyson — dubbed 'the most popular scientist in the world' — offers an illustrated talk answering some of the questions he gets asked most, covering subjects including God, death, aliens and the history of science. Eventim Apollo (Hammersmith), from £41.25, book ahead, 7.30pm
BREWERY BANTS: Head to south London's Small Beer Brewery for a free night of comedy. Expect a mixture of professional comedians trying out new material, amateur comedians trying to up their game, and first-timers looking for support. Beer, wine and snacks are available to buy. The Small Beer Brewery (Bermondsey), free entry, just turn up, 8pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
It's often said that the first journey on London's underground occurred on 24 May 1862, when Chancellor (and future Prime Minister) William Gladstone took a jaunt along the tracks in an open-top carriage. Here's the much-seen photo:
The journey took place eight months before the line opened to the public. It wasn't the first documented underground ride, however. This took place on 28 November 1861. A group of unnamed journalists took the short trip from Paddington to Chapel Street (Edgware Road) as part of a press junket. The delegation then walked through the tunnels to Euston Square, where they caught another train to King's Cross. According to one reporter: "The tunnels, instead of being close, dark, damp, and ill-smelling passages, are wide, spacious, clean, and excellently well lit, resembling more well-kept street by night than a subterranean passage through the very heart of the metropolis".
On a related note, the answer to yesterday's cryptic puzzle "P(BR) to FS" was, of course, the route of the first underground line. What we now know as the Metropolitan line first opened in January 1863 between Paddington (Bishop's Road) and Farringdon Street.
Follow Barry on Twitter @HeckTube.
Good cause of the day
The beautiful Fitzrovia Chapel is looking for people to 'fund our floor'. The delicate mosaic floor has become damaged due to the large amount of footfall the building receives, so a campaign has been launched to restore a panel of tiles which has become loose. £5,000 is needed for the conservation work — find out more and make a donation.
What we're reading
- London park attendants, cafe workers and cleaners to strike on Halloween.
- Campaign to save concrete 'magical kingdom' in Westbourne Park.
- Holborn information kiosk could be replaced by digital screens.
- Southwark Cathedral's feline mascot is retiring.
