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The next date is:Thursday 30th July 2026 · 6:30–10.30pm |
| The Olive Tree, Sutton Green Road, Sutton Green GU4 7QD |
| What is Beyond the Screen? |
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At Beyond the Screen, we believe connection doesn't begin with adding another activity—it begins with removing a distraction.
Our brains are constantly adapting to interruptions. Every notification, vibration and glance at a screen competes for our attention. A screen-free evening removes those demands.
In the absence of constant notifications, endless scrolling and the pressure to always be available, attention can settle in one place, conversations become richer, moments are experienced rather then documented and genuine human connection has room to grow.
We’re not asking people to give something up for an evening—we’re inviting you to experience what becomes possible when the digital noise falls silent.
If we're honest with ourselves many of us find it hard to sit without our phones for a few hours. Even if we don't intend to use it, constant pings and notifications lure us back in over and again. For many this is starting to have a detrimental effect on our mental health, particularly so for young people. Something needs to change and we felt it was time to start modelling it for the younger generation.
Beyond the Screen meets on the last Thursday evening of each month. |
| What's on offer? |
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We have welcoming private space at The Olive Tree pub. There are no rules as to what might occur when the phones are away, anything can happen! We have all kinds of things on offer, its up the individual what they’d like to do. We have some conversation starters if you need help to get chatting and there are some short snappy fun games for those feeling playful. Sometimes Kimberlina, an extremely tongue in cheek tarot reader makes an impromptu appearance. Sometimes we have a loose theme and may have quizzes and fun activities to match. Feel free to bring your own favourite game to share, or a creative project. Perhaps you’d like the floor to say something? Or make a case for an important topic? If you’d just like quiet time alone there is plenty of space. We’re a friendly bunch and are open to making the space what people want.
By the end of the evening, you may experience mild symptoms of connection: lighter mood, increased sociability, an inexplicable desire to attend again. Your phone, neglected but loyal, will still be there. Beyond the Screen isn’t anti-technology. It’s just boldly pro-people.
The Olive Tree is a lovely country pub with a warm welcome. Food and drink is available to purchase from the main bar. Last orders for food is 8.30pm. The small booking fee covers our costs and any extra goes to local charities! |
| Who is it for? |
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Anyone who wants a bit of a digital detox. Families with children 12+, groups of friends, folks on their own are all welcome. We promote inclusivity — everyone is welcome!
Feedback has been great from the evenings we’ve run so far
Come along and see for yourself what its all about, we guarantee you’ll leave with a smile on your face! |
| Why? |
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If we're honest with ourselves many of us find it hard to sit without our phones for a few hours. Even if we don't intend to use it, constant pings and notifications lure us back in over and again. For many this is starting to have a detrimental effect on our mental health, particularly so for young people. Something needs to change and we felt it was time to start modelling it for the younger generation. More and more research is coming out about our addiction to our phones and its not good news - it is taking over our lives and damaging our mental health. What is it going to take to make us realise it’s not doing any of us any good? Even more worrying research is out there about the younger generation.
Changing things begins with adults modelling good phone habits, so let’s start the ball rolling! We’d love to see families coming along with their 12+ kids to show them how to have a good time without a screen! Buy them a burger to tempt them in! |
| Last thing! It helps me so much to plan and organise the evening if I have numbers, so please buy a ticket ahead of coming along! THANK YOU! |
| Book your tickets here |
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£3 per person
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