Things to do
LIBRARY TOUR: Have a peek at some of the more unusual items kept at Wellcome Collection's Library, on a free 30-minute tour. Find out how the library works, and hear about some of its more surprising treasures. Wellcome Collection (Euston), free, just turn up, 11.30am
HENRY BLOFELD: Retired sports journalist and cricket commentator Henry Blofeld is at Waterstones, signing copies of his new book, My A-Z Of Cricket. In it, he tells some anecdotes from his 50+ years working in the industry, and explains some of the sport's more puzzling terminology. Waterstones Leadenhall Market, free entry (book RRP £20), just turn up, 12.30pm
POOR LAW: Hear about some of the newly discovered ‘pauper archive’ of letters and petitions written by the poor, and what they tell us about the history of 19th century 'poor law'. Find out what help was offered to the poor before the 20th century welfare state was introduced, and hear about specific case studies. National Archives (Kew), free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Just when you thought London's Christmas lights were all aglow, Paddington throws another set into the works. Head to the Pocket park in Merchant Square for free mulled wine and mince pies, and to see the Paddington Basin lights switched on. Merchant Square (Paddington), free, just turn up, 6pm-9pm
WOMEN & THEIR BODIES: Gabrielle Jackson, author of Pain & Prejudice, heads up a panel discussion of women's health experts. The audience are invited to ask their own questions about women's bodies and female specific health issues for the panel to discuss. Waterstones Gower Street, £10-£13, book ahead,6.30pm
WESTMINSTER CHRISTMAS: The Parliament Choir lead the festive celebrations at St John's Smith Square with a performance of choral works and festive readings, and invite the audience to join in with carols. Find details of other carol concerts in London this month. St John's Smith Square (Westminster), £15-£30, book ahead, 7.30pm
ACOUSTIC LATES: Enjoy the atmosphere of Natural History Museum's ice rink at a free evening of acoustic music. While others do the hard work on the ice rink itself, sit back and enjoy a programme of acoustic acts at the rinkside cafe bar. Natural History Museum (South Kensington), free, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
SKATE LATES: Experimental pop band Stealing Sheep provide the entertainment at tonight's Skate Late at Somerset House. We're promised a 'surreal disco experience' from the all-female trio — enjoy it as you do laps on the ice, or from the comfort of the rinkside Skate Lounge. Somerset House, £17, book ahead, 8pm
CLUB A CAPPELLA: Enjoy a night of familiar tunes performed entirely by the human voice at Club A Cappella. Focus is particularly on boyband and girlband hits, with a range of a cappella groups lined up to perform. The Other Palace (Victoria), £15-£25, book ahead, 8pm
WIZARD OF OZ: We're off to see the wizard... but we're hearing from Kerry Ellis first. The West End star introduces a special screening of 1939 film The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland, to mark its 80th anniversary. BFI Southbank, £6-£13.75, book ahead, 8.40pm
Tube ponderings with Barry Heck
Our resident tube fancier dishes out daily thoughts on the London Underground.
Time, once again, to play my special patented game. It's called 'Name that tube station based on a cryptically oriented screengrab from Google's Street View'. (I need to work on the title.) Today's puzzle is taken from the exit to a well-known station. But where? The first person to tweet the correct answer to @HeckTube wins an empty tube of toothpaste that I've been pondering how to recycle.
Good cause of the day
Govia Thameslink Railway has partnered with several homeless charities to launch the Great Sock Appeal. Tomorrow (5 December), a donation point will be set up at Blackfriars railway station for one day only, where members of the public can donate a new pair of socks for those who need them as the cold winter weather arrives.
What we're reading
- Are London's art galleries now hopelessly overcrowded?
- A plaque featuring a Dead Man's Penny has been unveiled by Woolwich Crossrail station.
- Ken Livingstone filmed holding up a tube train.
