Sunday 11 October 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.
As daylight hours shorten I find myself getting excited about another cosy autumn season. It's the time of year for colourful walks through fallen leaves, hot drinks with friends, candlelit dinners, and curling up with a wonderful new book on a rainy day. Autumn also brings the perfect excuse to gather together, whether for a social evening out, an inspiring talk, a favourite film, or simply a chat over coffee. With so many wonderful HWC activities ahead, there are plenty of opportunities to embrace the season and enjoy the warmth of friendship as the nights draw in.
This week offers something for everyone, beginning with our Walkie-Talkies walk across Hampstead Heath on Monday morning, followed by Sip 'n Social at The Alchemist on Monday evening for drinks, conversation and connection. On Tuesday afternoon, Chicks 'n Flicks heads to the Everyman Cinema to enjoy the new film adaptation of Sense & Sensibility. Wednesday evening brings our latest Speaker Series, with Nina Glass sharing practical tips and techniques to help us become more confident public speakers. On Thursday afternoon, join us for Book Share at Brad & Dills, where our members swap and discuss their favourite books and discover new reading recommendations. We round off the week with a friendly Mahjong session on Friday afternoon at a member’s home. We look forward to seeing you at one or more of these wonderful events!
Have a great week,
Joyce
Pssst, I don't want to mention the X-word just yet, but you can already secure your place for our festive lunch at the Roebuck on 4 December. Buy your ticket on our website or the Spaces app!
Upcoming Events
Evenings Out - The Comedy Store on 22 Oct at 19:30 1 TIX LEFT
Walkie-Talkies - Great Fire of London Trail on 2 Nov at 10:30
Musicals - Kimberly Akimbo at Hampstead Theatre on 4 Nov at 19:30 NEW
Boardgames/Highlights - Traitors Night on 7 Nov at 18:00 NEW
Theatre - The Standard of Living on 17 Nov at 19:00 2 TIX LEFT
Evenings Out - Anthony Hewitt at the 1901 Arts Club on 25 Nov at 19:00
HWC Christmas Festive Lunch at The Roebuck on 4 Dec at 12:30 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.
Board Meetings
Executive Board Meeting
27 October at 18:00 via Zoom
This is for executive board members only.
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
Highlighted Tour at V&A Museum
South Kensington
22 October at 10:30
Join the Highlights of the V&A guided tour, led by expert volunteer guides to discover the museum’s origins and most iconic treasures. The tour is free and lasts approx 45 minutes.
Meeting point: Cromwell Road Foyer at 10:20
Sign up online.
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
London Falling by Patrick Raddon Keefe (383 pages)
19 October at 19:30
Sign up is full.
Lady Tan's Circle Of Women By Lisa See (352 pages)
23 November at 19:30
Members house in NW3
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
Brad & Dills
Rowland Hill St, NW3 2AQ
15 October from 14:00 - 15:00
Please join us for coffee and cake, and bring along a few of your favourite books to lend or swap. 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.
Chicks 'n Flicks
Sense & Sensibility
13 October from 14:00 - 16:45
Everyman Hampstead
We will meet in the foyer at 13:40 to buy our tickets and stay aftter the movie for a drink and conversation.
An irresistible new take on Jane Austen's iconic Sense and Sensibility: a charming, witty, and deeply relatable story of love and sisterhood starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.
Shot across genuine historic houses in Dorset, Knebworth, and Devon, this version leans fully into the scale and stiff-collared formality of the period while keeping Austen's wit intact. Expect embroidery-perfect frocks hiding some seriously messy feelings, and a film unafraid to let its heroines' hearts run just as loud as their heads.
Running Time: 2 hours 11 mins
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.
Community Outreach
Tea with Age UK at Henderson Court
6 November from 13:10 – 14:55
102 Fitzjohn's Ave, Hampstead NW3 6NS
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
HWC Comedy Night at The Comedy Store
1a Oxendon St, SW1Y 4EE
22 October at 19:30
Featuring Justin Moorhouse, Peter Flanagan, Mike Gunn, Stephen Bailey and Sikisa — five world-class comedians bringing an evening of stand-up, laughs and great entertainment! 😂
Located right in the heart of London, The Comedy Store is the perfect place for a fun evening. 8 friends + 5 comedians + one fantastic London night = a winning combination! 🥂😂 Definitely one not to be missed! ❤️ Tickets are £23.25 per person.
Sign is open. 1 TICKET LEFT
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.
Sign up is open.
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
Churchill War Rooms
28 October at 10:30
The Churchill War Rooms is a museum in London and one of the five branches of the Imperial War Museum. The museum comprises the Cabinet War Rooms, a historic underground complex that housed a British government command centre throughout the Second World War, and the Churchill Museum, a biographical museum exploring the life of British statesman Winston Churchill.
Tickets £34 each. No refunds after purchase.
Sign up is full. If you wish to join please contact highlights@hwcinlondon.co.uk - there may still be a chance to buy a ticket directly from the venue.
Link Up
England's Lane Cafe
Belsize Park
21 October 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.
London Bites
Mimmo La Bufala
South End Road, Hampstead
23 October at 12:30
Family owned for over 20 years serving authentic South Italian cooking.
HWC members will receive a complimentary soft drink at the lunch.
Every month members meet for lunch or dinner to support our local restaurants, chat and socialise. Join us! Sign up online. 1 SPOT LEFT
Mahjong
16th October
15:00 – 17:00
Members home in NW3
Who’s up for a friendly game of Mahjong? Come and join Donna and Shirmilla for a relaxed afternoon of Mahjong, wine and snacks. 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
Join your fellow HWC friends at the Hampstead Theatre for the five-time Tony Award winning musical - KIMBERLY AKIMBO.
Synopsis: Kimberly Levaco is excited to celebrate her upcoming sweet 16 – never mind the fact she looks 74, due to a rare genetic condition prematurely ageing her about four times faster than her friends. Whilst her heart may be biologically ahead of its time, it’s starting to beat a little quicker after meeting Seth at the ice rink…. When her ex-con aunt shows up with a get-rich-quick scam, Kim’s all in – illegal or not. Can she pull off the heist, find first love and have the great adventures she’s been dreaming of?
We will meet at the Hampstead Theatre bar for a pre-show cocktail.
Ticket price: £65 Sign up online.
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 Alchemist
Victoria
12 October at 19:30
October's Sip & Social will be held at the Alchemist in Victoria, a vibrant cocktail bar that also serves excellent food. Think cocktails that change colour, smoke or bubble. The drinks and food are reasonably priced for London, and it's a great fun venue.
The Horseshoe Pub
Hampstead
3 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
Public Speaking and Toastmasters
by Nina Glass
14 October at 19:00
Nina will be sharing her experiences with Toastmasters and give us tips on Public Speaking Skills. Sign up online. Just a couple of spots left.
Why the Arts are Important
by Madeleine Hodgkin
18 November at 19:00
You can register online for this event after the 14th of October.
The talk is free and there will be nibbles and drinks provided prior to the talk. 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 1 SPACE LEFT
Beginner – Wednesdays 1 SPACE LEFT
Mixed – Thursdays 3 SPACES LEFT
Sign up online or contact us via e-mail at
Theatre
Some Woman
National Theatre, London
20 October at 19:30
Julie Robson is used to being overlooked. At work, at home, everywhere in between.
But when an encounter on a station platform goes wrong and all eyes are suddenly on Julie, something shifts within her and she feels compelled to make a stand.
What happens when an ordinary woman pits herself against the forces that shape the world? What happens when she refuses to be quiet?
SOLD OUT
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.
Alive with music, dance, desire and debate, this thrilling new play tells the story of rebel economist John Maynard Keynes. Tickets are £102 pp. No Refunds.
Sign up online. 2 TIX LEFT
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, October 12:
Jennifer will lead a hearty Hampstead Heath walk.
Meeting point: outside Gail's Cafe in Hampstead at 10:30
Monday, 26 October:
Sian will lead a walk from Battersea Park to Fulham Palace River.
Meeting Point: Battersea Power Station tube station at 10:30
Monday, 2 November:
Claudine will lead us on a historical walk following the Great Fire of London Trail
Meeting Point: Bank Tube 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
Sign up online.
Wellness
Wellness meets up monthly for an event focused on nurturing our mind, body and spirit. Check our online calendar for upcoming events.
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!