Sunday 12 April 2026
- Hampstead Women's Club
- 1 day ago
- 12 min read
And we're back!
This week we'll be learning more about England's legal system on our walk through "Legal London", drinking a cocktail or two at The Alchemist, going to see Shadowlands at the theatre (so good!) and we take a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster. Debra will give a talk on the National Garden Scheme and the secrets to having a green thumb at the Camden Garden Centre. There are a few spaces left for some of these events if you'd like to join. Tennis and pickleball also have a couple of spots free for this new term.
Thinking about having a spring clear‑out? Once again, our HWC Community Outreach team is inviting Club members who are attending our Annual Spring Meeting to bring along donations of gently used workwear and accessories for Dress for Success (DFS) Greater London.
DFS, a network partner of the US‑based Dress for Success Worldwide, has been supporting women’s economic empowerment for nearly three decades. Their mission is to help women facing disadvantage return to work by providing professional clothing, interview coaching, and ongoing support. Thanks to this approach, around 80% of women referred to DFS successfully secure employment.
We’ll be collecting clean, wearable blouses, skirts, trouser suits, and blazers, as well as handbags, shoes, and other accessories at the Freemasons Arms in Hampstead. All donations will then be delivered to the DFS London headquarters near St James’s Park.
Thank you in advance for your generosity — your support really does make a difference.
Finally, below is a friendly reminder to cancel your rsvp if you are unable to make an event you signed up for. You can do this via the website or via the Spaces by Wix App. It will automatically alert those on the waiting list that a spot has opened up, ensuring the events are fully attended and no one misses out unnecessarily.
Have a great week,
Joyce
P.S. Click on this link if you woud like to join the Spaces app to make signing up for HWC events easier on your mobile. You will be able to join without the QR code.
Cancelling Events
Recently, we’ve had a few events that were not fully attended, even though there were people on the waiting list. That’s a shame, as it means some members missed out on events they would have really enjoyed.
If you cannot make an event, please remember to cancel your place via the website or the Wix Spaces app. This automatically frees up your spot and lets everyone on the waiting list know that a space is available. It’s quick, easy, and means we don’t have to rely on activity leaders to spot messages and pass the info on manually.
We understand everyone is still getting used to the new website and the App, so consider this a friendly reminder of the updated cancellation process. Thank you for your consideration.
To cancel from the website, click on your events list in the member area and hit Cancel RSVP.
Or to cancel from the Spaces by Wix app, click on the events list in the My profile area (bottom righthand side of screen) and hit the Cancel RSVP button.
Upcoming Events
Sip & Social - at The Alchemist Victoria on 13 April at 19:30 2 SPACES LEFT
Speaker Series - at Camden Garden Centre on 15 April at 11:30 2 SPACES LEFT
Walkie Talkies - Woolwich (from Embankment via Riverboat) on 20 April at 10:30
Chicks n Flicks - Father Mother Sister Brother on 22 April, time and place tbc NEW
Arts & Antiques - Brown Collection in Marylebone on 23 April at 11:20 1 SPACE LEFT
Wellness - Nordic Walking from the Spaniards Inn on 24 April at 10:30 6 SPACES LEFT
Evenings Out - Olympic Park guided walk & dinner on 28 April at 16:00 6 SPACES LEFT
Link Up - England's Lane Cafe in Belsze Park on 29 April at 10:30 NEW
Theatre - Copenhagen at Hampstead Theatre on 30 April at 19:30 1 TICKET LEFT
Theatre - Grace Pervades at Theatre on 6 May at 19:30 1 TICKET LEFT
Sip & Social - The Spaniards Inn on 11 May at 19:30 NEW
Evenings Out - Voices with Guy Chambers in Hampstead on 27 May at 20:00 3 TICKETS LEFT
Theatre - Black Comedy at Orange Tree Theatre on 16 June at 20:00 NEW
Click the button below for more details about What's On our activity calendar and to sign up. If the sign up is full, there is often a wait list to which you can be added. Life is unpredictable and spots may open up nearer the time. If you signed up but cannot make it, please cancel it as soon as possible (via our website or Spaces App) so we can give your spot to someone who may be waiting.
Arts & Antiques
Brown Collection
1 Bentinck Mews, London W1U 2AF
23 April at 11:20
Nestled within a four- storey, meticulously restored mews house in Marylebone, The Brown Collection was founded by British artist Glenn Brown and houses his art and archive, alongside his curious and eclectic collection of old masters, modern and contemporary works. Join us to learn about the artworks in this gallery on a private guided tour.
NEAREST TUBE: Bond Street
COST: Free
Please note we’re meeting at 11:20 in the gallery before the tour start at 11:30.
This gallery is located the Ivy Cafe at Marylebone lane. Afterwards we can all catch up at a local cafe.
Sign up online. 1 SPACE LEFT
Book Club
All Fours by Miranda July
20 April at 19:30
members house in Edgware
Taken from Goodreads: A semi famous artist announces her plan to drive cross-country, from LA to New York. Twenty minutes after leaving her husband and child at home, she spontaneously exits the freeway, beds down in a nondescript motel, and immerses herself in a temporary reinvention that turns out to be the start of an entirely different journey.
Sign up is full.
Reading Ahead:
18 May – The Master by Colm Toibin (sign up opens 3 May)
22 June - Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan (sign up opens 7 June)
Please send suggestions for next year's reads to Claudine at claudinee@yahoo.com by the 30th of April.
Book Share
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 or four books they’ve enjoyed, and we’ll chat about our choices over a drink and a snack before swapping them with one another.
Check our calendar for upcoming activities.
Chicks 'n' Flicks
Father Mother Sister Brother
22 April
matinee at local cinema
The cinema and time will be posted on the website once cinemas announce listing information.
Winner of the Golden Lion Best Film prize at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, Father Mother Sister Brother is the eagerly-awaited new film from Jim Jarmusch. Funny, tender and astutely observed, this is an intimate exploration of the universal intricacies of family dynamics. Starring Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Charlotte Rampling, Cate Blanchett, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat.
Told in the form of a triptych divided into chapters set in New Jersey, Dublin, and Paris, each story concerns the relationships between adult children, their somewhat distant parent (or parents), and each other. Blending remarkable performances from its ensemble cast with Jarmusch’s wry and idiosyncratic observations of everyday life, the iconic indie director’s latest serves as a timely reminder that you can choose your friends and your lovers, but you can’t choose your family.
Sign up online.
Community Outreach
Henderson Court
1 May from 13:15 - 15:00
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.
Craft & Chat
Join us for craft and chat (and wine and cake!). People wishing to learn to knit or crochet welcome and materials will be provided for you to learn with. Check our calendar for upcoming events
Evenings Out
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park guided walking tour & dinner
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
28 April at 16:00 - 20:30
Join us for a two-hour guided walking tour by a Park Champion, followed by dinner at Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen restaurant.
Cost £10 pp. Please note, no refunds given.
Buy your ticket and sign up online. 6 SPACES LEFT
Games Night
Join us for a fun evening filled with friendly competition as we play an array of board games. Don’t miss our next gathering—let’s keep the games rolling! No prior experience or expertise required - we play games that are easy to learn!
Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Highlights of London
Trouping of the Colours: The Colonel's Review
6 June at 10:30
Sign up is full.
Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
18 June at 12:30
Sign up is full.
Link Up
England's Lane Cafe
Belsize Park
29 April 10:30 - 12:00
A casual and informal way for current and new members to get together, chat and socialise. Join us for some coffee, tea, pastries or breakfast and good company. Each member pays for their own drinks and food.
Sign up online.
London Bites (formerly Pub Lunch)
London Bites meets up approx once a month to explore new and local restaurants. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Musicals
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.
New term starts 15 April (12 coaching sessions - £192).
JOIN THE WAITLIST - We regularly have spaces available if anyone would like to sub in or just give the sport a try.
Sip & Social
The Spaniards Inn
Hampstead
11 May at 19:30
Sip & Social is a great and relaxed way of meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones. Feel free to order drinks and food (at your own cost) or just come for a chat and a catch up. If you are new to the club it is a great way of finding out what we have on offer and what we do as well as meeting some of the older members who are a wealth of advice and knowledge.
This month's Sip & Social will be held at The Spaniards Inn on Spaniards Road, Hampstead. Built in 1585 by two Spanish brothers, the iconic Grade II listed London pub served as inspiration to the great Charles Dickens and John Keats. Close to Hampstead Village and Parliament Hill. You may still bump into a modern-day celebrity or two, enjoying the beautiful garden. You might even spot Dick Turpin roaming the hallways – this is one of the most haunted pubs in London. We have secured us a covered outdoor table. There is parking on site or the 210 bus (which connects to the 268 at Whitestone pond) stops just outside.
Sign up online.
Speaker Series
Secrets to Having a Green Thumb
by Debra Craighead
The Camden Garden Centre
15 April at 11:30
We generally meet at a member's house in NW3. The speaker will give a talk for half an hour followed by half an hour of discussion. We will then go to Must Wine Bar where management have given us discounts on food and wine.
This speaker's series will be held at the earlier time of 11:30am and we will be meeting at the Camden Garden Centre where Debra will discuss the National Garden Scheme and the secrets to having a green thumb. The talk will be followed by coffee (at your own expense) in the garden centre cafe. Please note we will not be going to Must Wine Bar.
Sign up is full. Sign up to the waiting list.
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 JOIN THE WAITLIST
Beginner – Wednesdays 1 SPACE AVAILABLE
Mixed – Thursdays 1 SPACE AVAILABLE
Theatre
Copenhagen
Hampstead Theatre
30 April at 19:30
In 1941, in the middle of the Second World War, the great German physicist Werner Heisenberg made a strange trip to Copenhagen to see his Danish counterpart Niels Bohr. They were old friends, and their brilliant collaboration in the twenties had begun to lay bare the mysteries at the heart of the atom. But now Denmark was under German occupation, the meeting was fraught with danger and embarrassment - and Heisenberg was burdened with a terrible secret. Why he went to Copenhagen and what he wanted to say to Bohr are questions which have exercised historians ever since.
Tickets are £65 pp 1 TICKET LEFT
Grace Pervades
Theatre Royal Haymarket
6 May at 19:30
Grace Pervades tells the extraordinary story of Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, the greatest stars of the Victorian stage, and Ellen's troubled and brilliant children - Edith Craig and Edward Gordon Craig - who made their own profound contribution to the development of British theatre. Ralph Fiennes gives a career defining performance as Sir Henry Irving.
Tickets are £125 pp 1 TICKET LEFT
Black Comedy
Orange Tree Theatre
16 June at 20:00
An uproarious piece of slapstick vaudeville!
Young sculptor Brindsley Miller is on the brink of success. He is expecting a visit from an influential art collector, whose approval could secure his future. He is determined to present himself as sophisticated and successful.
The problem? His flat is sparsely furnished, most of the contents borrowed without permission from his neighbour. But when a sudden power cut plunges the building into darkness, Brindsley sees an opportunity. In the absence of light, he believes his deception will go unnoticed. Unbeknownst to him, the audience can see everything.
As friends, rivals, lovers and unexpected guests arrive, the situation spirals rapidly out of control, and Brindsley’s desperate attempts to influence events only make matters worse.
Tickets are £53 pp
Sign up online.
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. If you would like to join the WhatsApp Walkie Talkies group, please contact Maria via email below.
13 April - Legal London
Meeting Point: 10:30 outside Holborn Tube Station
Sign up online.
20 April - Woolwich via riverboat through the Thames Barrier
Meeting Point: 10:30 at Embankment Pier (Thames Clipper / UberBoat station) to catch the 10:39 service to Woolwich (Royal Arsenal)
Sign up opens 12th April
27 April - The Azaleas of the Isabella Plantation
Meeting Point: 10:30 outside Richmond Station
Sign up opens 19th April
Wellness
Wellness meets up monthly for an event focused on nurturing our mind, body and spirit. Led by Dr. Summya, GP & wellness leader, this group is all about making health fun, friendly, and achievable.
Nordic Walking by WALX Total Body Walking
24 April at 10:45 - 11:45
The Spaniards Inn
WALX Total Body Walking is a complete exercise with poles with a focus on posture, core engagement and aerobic fitness, all without the impact of running. Very much NOT a bootcamp, WALX classes incorporate strength, balance and bone health exercises outdoors for physical, psychological and social wellbeing. This is an exercise class with a fair amount of talking and a lot of laughter!
WALX Hampstead – your exercise club at the pub – is based at the 400-year-old Spaniards Inn, with free car parking available for clients. From here, the class will head out into the woods for an hour’s introduction to Total Body Walking. Martin will provide the poles, so you just need to be dressed for the weather and the terrain – walking shoes, boots or outdoor trainers are best. All fitness levels are very welcome.
Tickets are £12pp. Sign up online.
Men's Auxiliary of HWC
The Men's Auxiliary of HWC 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.
APPI Physio & Pilates
HWC is proud to partner with APPI Physio & Pilates!
All HWC members enjoy 15% off all services for the duration of their time at appi (excluding special offers and memberships).
MUST Wine Bar
MUST Wine Bar sponsors our speaker series. They passionately believe wine is to be enjoyed, explored and experienced by everyone and with more than 70 wines by the glass from over 20 countries and 18 fine wines, they truly are a wine lover or enthusiasts dream...all in a totally relaxed, cozy and welcoming wine bar environment.
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.
Click here to view their latest newsletter.
2025-26 Executive Board
President - Manisha Walia
Executive Vice President - Michele Higgins-Glazer
Vice President of Communications - Joyce Moeller
Vice President of Membership - Susan Kennedy-Scott
Vice President of Programs - Claudine Goldingham
Secretary - Bridget O’Donovan
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 - Marilyn Kendall, Louisa Martin, Pauline Seow-Hellinikakis
Highlights of London - Cathy Herbrand
Hospitality - Michele Higgins-Glazer
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!