What's On 8 June

Ellie Smith
June 08, 2025

Dear Reader,

The first thing the FANYs (First Aid Nursing Yeomanry) want you to know is that they’re not nurses – they’re teachers, techies, lawyers, linguists, they work for the foreign office or are fingerprint experts for the Met Police. And they’re all unpaid volunteers, trained for deployment in national emergencies: think Grenfell, Covid or helping the homeless into shelter when temperatures reach zero degrees. Formed in 1907 and rising to prominence for their heroic efforts in both World Wars as a link between front-line fighting units and the field hospitals, as well as intelligence work and much more, these women show the values that we all wish could be more front and centre, especially in these precarious times. Service, camaraderie, skills, resilience, bravery, teamwork, friendship – and, importantly, fun are what they love about being part of this tight-knit group. At 49, I’m annoyingly too old to become a volunteer (you have to be under 45), but if you’re looking for something that brings you close to an extraordinary, diverse group of women who can both be a first port of call in disaster but also know how to have the most incredible fun together, give them a call. Given the recent Strategic Defence Review, I think we could all be more Fany.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S ON MY MIND THIS WEEK

Ian McEwan Live In Conversation

The author’s latest book What We Can Know is out this September. It’s a fictional tour de force that reclaims the present from our looming sense of climate catastrophe and asks profound questions about who we are and where we are going. See him live in conversation with George Monbiot as part of our inaugural Chelsea Arts Festival. Book tickets here

Created by none other than Jamie Caring – one of the most influential voices in contemporary club development, Lighthouse Social is a new neighbourhood club serving Fulham and its environs. A cultural programme, workshops, wellness and a great food offering await. Get the full lowdown here.

Non-Sexy Self-Care Is The New Era Of Wellness

Forget scented candles and a silk eye mask, we’re talking menopause, insomnia, gut health and cancer care. It’s the great wellness revamp – and it’s getting serious.

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Get your tickets now for The Treasure House Fair, the Chelsea art show which brings together 70 exhibitors spanning fine art, furniture, jewellery, watches and classic cars. 26 June – 1 July

Get your hands on some snazzy new kitchenware at Le Creuset’s Covent Garden pop-up, which features rare items, one-of-a-kind creations and discontinued products. Until 3 July

Nancy Cadogan explores the emotional and environmental significance of trees in a new exhibition at the Garden Museum. 10 June – 20 July

If you happen to be in Italy this June, don’t miss the soil-to-fork lunch and writing workshop taking place at Livia Firth’s Umbrian farm, hosted by author Kamin Mohammadi. 28 June