Sunday 1 November 2026
Hello!
Welcome to our weekly newsletter in which we give you all the latest updates, key highlights, and a look at what’s coming up next.
This week promises another wonderful programme of activities. We will explore the historic sites associated with the Great Fire of London, enjoy the acclaimed musical Kimberly Akimbo at Hampstead Theatre, share tea with the residents of Henderson Court and Age UK, and round off the week with our highly anticipated Traitors Night. We still have space available, so if you would like to join the intrigue and fun, we would be delighted to welcome you.
As we move into November, our thoughts naturally turn to the festive season and the events that bring our community together. We have a fun ornament exchange night scheduled on 8 December and we will be visiting the Christmas markets of Winchester on 19 December.
If you have not yet booked your place at our Christmas Lunch at The Roebuck on 4 December, we warmly encourage you to do so soon. Ticket sales close on 25 November, and menu selections, which can be found on our website, must also be submitted by that date. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
This year, as part of our Holiday Lunch, we are inviting members to help brighten the festive season for local children and young people by bringing an extra gift or two. Donations will be collected at the lunch and delivered to the Salvation Army headquarters in Chalk Farm for distribution through local schools and community organisations. Suggested gifts include soft toys, educational toys and books for younger children, and games, accessories or store vouchers for older children and teenagers. Any contribution, large or small, would be greatly appreciated.
Have a great week,
Joyce
Upcoming Events
Boardgames/Highlights - Traitors Night on 7 Nov at 18:00
Sip 'n Social - The Horseshoe Pub on 9 Nov at 19:30
Chicks n Flicks - matinee showing of Wicker at local cinema on 10 Nov
Wellness - Aging Well talk on 11 November at 19:00
HWC Speaker Series - Why the Arts are Important on 18 Nov at 19:00
Evenings Out - Anthony Hewitt at the 1901 Arts Club on 25 Nov at 19:00 4 TIX LEFT
HWC Christmas Festive Lunch at The Roebuck on 4 Dec at 12:30
HWC Christmas Ornament Exchange at member's home on 8 Dec at 19:00 NEW
Walkie-Talkies - John Constable walk on 14 Dec at 10:30 NEW
Highlights - Christmas Markets in Winchester on 19 Dec at 10:00 NEW
Click the button below for details about What’s On and to sign up. If an activity is full, you can join the waitlist — spots often open closer to the date. If you’ve signed up but cannot attend, please cancel as soon as possible (via our website or the Spaces app) so someone on the waitlist can take your place.
The Salvation Army's “Be a Star” Christmas Gift Appeal 2026
HWC Community Outreach is calling on Club members throughout Northwest London to donate new, unwrapped toys to the Salvation Army’s “Be a Star” Christmas Gift Appeal. These tough economic times mean that even more needy families will be turning to the organisation for support at Christmas.
Guests attending the Holiday Lunch at The Roebuck on 4 December are warmly encouraged to add an extra present or two to their holiday shopping and bring them to the luncheon. The donated gifts will be collected and transported to the Salvation Army headquarters in Chalk Farm, where they will be distributed through local schools and other community agencies to children and young people in need. Suitable gifts range from soft and educational toys for younger children to games, books, accessories and store vouchers for older children and teenagers.
Thanks in advance for your generosity.
Board Meetings
General Board Meeting
16 November at 18:00 via Zoom
This is for general board members only.
If anyone in the club has anything they would like added to the agenda or a topic that they would like us to discuss, please contact Claudine on president@hwcinlondon.co.uk.
Arts & Antiques
Renoir & Love
National Gallery
26 November at 11:15
Discover Renoir’s gift for showing love, friendship, and everyday emotion in this impressionist exhibition. Members should buy their own tickets directly. They are available to purchase now and likely to sell out fast. Standard ticket price £20.
Meeting point: inside the main entrance at the Sainsbury Wing at 11:00.
Sign up online to let us know you are coming!
Book Club
Lady Tan's Circle Of Women by Lisa See (352 pages)
Members house in NW3
23 November at 19:30
Taken from Goodreads: ‘According to Confucius, “an educated woman is a worthless woman,” but Tan Yunxian—born into an elite family, yet haunted by death, separations, and loneliness—is being raised by her grandparents to be of use. Her grandmother is one of only a handful of female doctors in China, and she teaches Yunxian the pillars of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations—looking, listening, touching, and asking—something a man can never do with a female patient.
From a young age, Yunxian learns about women’s illnesses, many of which relate to childbearing, alongside a young midwife-in-training, Meiling. The two girls find fast friendship and a mutual purpose—despite the prohibition that a doctor should never touch blood while a midwife comes in frequent contact with it—and they vow to be forever friends, sharing in each other’s joys and struggles. No mud, no lotus , they tell from adversity beauty can bloom.
But when Yunxian is sent into an arranged marriage, her mother-in-law forbids her from seeing Meiling and from helping the women and girls in the household. Yunxian is to act like a proper wife—embroider bound-foot slippers, recite poetry, give birth to sons, and stay forever within the walls of the family compound, the Garden of Fragrant Delights.'
Sign up opens 8 November.
Reading ahead:
December: Flesh by David Szalay (368 pages)
January: The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (327 pages)
Book Share
A few times a year, members get together to talk about our favorite books. Each member is invited to bring up to three books they’ve enjoyed, and we’ll chat about our choices over a hot drink and cake before swapping them with one another.
Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Chicks 'n Flicks
Wicker
local cinema
10 November matinee
The cinema and time will be posted on the website once cinemas announce listing information.
Olivia Colman gives yet another bravura performance in this delightfully offbeat comedy, playing an outcast from her village who orders herself a wicker husband.
Fisherwoman is unmarried, allegedly smelly, constantly teased by her small-minded neighbours and desperate to keep to herself. But when she decides to see what life would be like with a very particular kind of mail-order husband, what arrives (a statuesque Alexander Skarsgård) soon sparks jealousy and creates chaos. Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson’s wonderfully eccentric fable is, at its core, a gentle love story.
Chicks 'n Flicks meets once a month to catch the latest blockbuster or an art house film at one of our local cinemas during the day. Please note, everyone will purchase their own ticket at the cinema.
Sign up online.
Community Outreach
Tea with Age UK at Henderson Court
102 Fitzjohn's Ave, Hampstead NW3 6NS
6 November from 13:10 – 14:55
Henderson Court is a daytime activity centre for the elderly run by Age UK Camden. Please join us for an afternoon of cake and conversation with some of Hampstead older residents.
Sign up online.
Evenings Out
Pianist Anthony Hewitt at the 1901 Arts Club
7 Exton St, SE1 8UE
25 November at 19:00
Described by Alfred Brendel as "a young pianist of remarkable talent", Anthony Hewitt has has performed at major venues worldwide, including London's Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, and Carnegie Hall. Anthony will perform a broad repertiore of classical works in the intimate surroundings of the 1901 Arts Club near Waterloo. The Arts Club has a salon privee vibe, with limited seating. Recitals are held in a small room in this charming townhouse on a quiet side street. The concert starts at 7:30, duration 90 minutes, plus a 20 minute interval.
Tickets are £32,07 pp. Join us! Sign up is open. 4 TIX LEFT
Games Night
Traitors Night
at Members house in NW3
7 November from 18:00 – 22:00
Tonight the house becomes a closed arena of strategy and suspicion. Everyone walks in as equals, but not everyone plays the same game. A few guests will be working quietly against the rest, blending in, listening closely, and steering conversations just enough to stay hidden.
Throughout the night, you’ll take part in challenges, make alliances that may or may not hold, and try to read the room without giving yourself away. No theatrics — just social deduction, sharp instincts, and the pressure of knowing someone is lying straight to your face. Stay alert. Pay attention to what people say… and what they don’t. By the end of the night, only the most perceptive players will still be standing.
Based on the popular TV show. Together with Highlights of London.
Sign up online.
Golf
Hampstead Golf Club
82 Winnington Road, N2 0TU
Thursdays from 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for weekly golf lessons at Hampstead Golf Club. Whether you’re a beginner, returning to the game, or simply looking to sharpen your skills, it’s a wonderful way to stay active and connect with fellow members.
We are running coached sessions for beginners/intermediates from 1 October - 12 November. Cost per term: £280 (7 sessions)
Sign up is full.
Highlights of London
Winchester Christmas Market
19 December from 10:00
Date for your diary! Get into the Christmas Spirit and join fellow HWC members at the fabulous Winchester Christmas market.
We will be leaving from Waterloo Station. We will advise of the train time closer to the date. You will be responsible for buying your own train tickets. This event, other than your train ticket and what you wish to purchase on the day, is free.
Sign up opens 15th November.
Link Up
England's Lane Cafe
Belsize Park
18 November at 10:30
A casual and informal way for current and new members to get together, chat and socialise. For old members and new. Come join us!
Sign up is full. Join the waitlist.
London Bites
Lunch at Silverberry
14 Pond Street, Hampstead
19 November at 12:30
Immensely popular, European/Mediterranean menu with some innovative Xmas dishes, attention to detail, fresh ingredients mostly organic and locally sourced. While we wait for the food, Chad will tell us about the history and ethos of the restaurant. HWC members will also receive a complimentary cocktail at the lunch.
Every month members meet for lunch or dinner to support our local restaurants, chat and socialise. Join us! Sign up online.
Mahjong
The Bull & Bush Pub
North End Road, Hampstead
12 November at 15:00
Who’s up for a friendly game of Mahjong? Come and join Donna and Shirmilla for a relaxed afternoon of Mahjong, followed by dinner at 17:00 at this lovely pub. Looking forward to a fun afternoon of tiles, chatter and good company. Sign up online.
Musicals
Kimberly Akimbo
Hampstead Theatre
4 November at 19:30
We will meet at the Hampstead Theatre bar for a pre-show cocktail.
Sign up is full. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Pickleball
Royal Free Rec Club
Fleet Rd, London NW3 2QG
Wednesdays 13:00 - 14:30
Pickleball is a fast-growing, low-impact paddle sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Played on a small court with a low net, 2-4 players use solid paddles to hit a hollow, perforated plastic ball. It is accessible to all ages and skill levels, emphasising strategy, quick reflexes, and social interaction.
Our Fall term starts 30 September and ends 9 December, with a break for half-term.
10 coached sessions at £170 pp.
Sign up is full.
Sip & Social
The Horseshoe Pub
Hampstead
9 November at 19:30
November's Sip 'n Social will be held at the Horseshoe Pub on Heath Street. Established in 2006, The Horseshoe became the birthplace of Camden Town Brewery when founder Jasper Cuppaidge started out by making beer in the pub basement for fun. By 2010 he moved the brewing underneath the railway arches of Kentish Town West, where it still is. The Horseshoe is the first of Camden Town Brewery's three pubs, and serves simple, great food.
Sign up online.
Speaker Series
Why the Arts are important by Madeleine Hodgkin
Member's house in NW3
18 November at 19:00
The talk is free and there will be nibbles and drinks provided prior to the talk. Sign up online.
Upcoming topics include Calligraphy, Numerology, Rural Sustainability and others. If there is a topic that you think you would like to talk about next year at our Speaker's Series, please contact Claudine.
Tennis
Globe Lawn Tennis Club
190A Haverstock Hill, NW3 2AL
Come join us for weekly tennis lessons at the Globe Tennis Club in Belsize Park. Coach led lessons combine warm ups, drills, cardio games and match play adjusted to meet the needs of each group. Whether you are new to tennis, a bit rusty or a regular player it's a great way to combine exercise with meeting fellow members!
Tues, Wed or Thurs from 10:00 to 11:30
Globe Lawn Tennis Club (190A Haverstock Hill, NW3 2AL)
Cost per term: £275 (11 sessions)
Intermediate – Tuesdays
Beginner – Wednesdays
Mixed – Thursdays
Sign up online or contact us via e-mail at
Theatre
The Standard of Living
Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
17 November at 19:00
Can you put a price on happiness, beauty and love? Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham attempts to answer that question in The Standard of Living - a world-premiere play directed by Nicholas Hytner, starring Rory Kinnear and Royal Ballet principal Natalia Osipova in her West End debut.
Sign up is full.
If you have any questions, please contact Madeleine at
Walkie-Talkies
Walkie-Talkies is an interest group that meets up every Monday morning for walks and chats over coffee. The walks take place across London and we visit parks and interesting areas of London.
Monday, 9 November:
Jennifer will lead our autumn colours walk across Hampstead Heath to Kenwood House.
Meeting point: GAIL's Bakery at 10:30
Monday, 16 November:
Rescheduled river walk from Battersea Park to Fulham Palace.
Meeting point: Battersea Park Station at 10:30
Monday, 23 November:
Sian will lead a Blue Plaque walk through Chelsea and the Embankment
Meeting Point: Sloan Square Station at 10:30
Monday, 7 December:
Jennifer will lead a walk on the Heath and Parliament Hill
Meeting point: GAIL's Bakery at 10:30
Monday, 14 December:
John Constable inspired walk around Hampstead with artist Estelle Lovett
Meeting point: Whitestone Pond at 10:30
Sign up online.
Wellness
Aging Well
11 November at 19:00
Member's home in NW3
Join physiotherapists from Boost Physio for a free talk on aging well. Come and learn about the importance of strengthening and resistance training, especially for women as we get older. Research shows its impact on bone density and reducing risk of falls as well as general deterioration. Sign up online.
Wellness meets up monthly for an event focused on nurturing our mind, body and spirit.
Hampstead Men's Society
The Hampstead Men's Society (for partners of HWC members) meets on one Thursday a month at a pub in Hampstead. To participate, have your partner text Patrick on 07827 604148 to join the WhatsApp group.
FIWAL
FIWAL’s aim is to broaden friendship, understanding and communication amongst international women in London. Over the years, we have achieved this through FIWAL’s own events as well as the wonderful events organised by our members where all FIWAL Members have the opportunity to connect, share and celebrate. Besides the social value of these events, funds are often raised to assist with charitable causes relating to their homeland or their local communities here in the UK. Members of HWC can join any activity organised by other FIWAL members.
Click here to view their latest newsletter.
2025-26 Executive Board
President - Claudine Goldingham
Executive Vice President - Nina Glass
Vice President of Communications - Joyce Moeller
Vice President of Membership - Susan Kennedy-Scott
Vice President of Programs - Helen Linfield
Secretary - Emma Goldman
Treasurer - Maureen Clark-Darby
Website Manager - Jane Talbot
Standing Committee Chairs/Co-Chairs
Arts & Antiques - Afsaneh Yasreby, Minoo Tuffield
Community Outreach - Caroline Smith, Sian Jones
Evenings Out - Rita Patel, Louisa Martin, Shirmilla Julka
Highlights of London - Donna Lewis, Emma Goldman
Hospitality - Sian Jones
Link-Up - Pauline Seow-Hellinikakis
Theatre - Madeleine Hodgkin
Courtesy Reminder
If you are not able to attend an event for which you've signed up, whether it's a free or paid activity, please cancel your RSVP on our website or the Spaces App. Many of our activities have waiting lists, so no-shows and last-minute cancellations could prevent another member from participating. Thank you!