Sunday 13 September 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.
Are you ready? We’re officially kicking off our new season this week.
We begin with our Sip ’n Social at the Old White Bear on Monday, followed by our formal Kick‑Off Meeting at the Freemasons’ Arms on Tuesday morning. Our calendar is already filled with a wonderful variety of events and activities, with more being added regularly, so do keep an eye on the website and sign up as they open.
As we start the new season, our Secretary, Charlotte Murray, has sadly had to step down from her role due to unforeseen circumstances. We therefore now have an open leadership position for Secretary within the Hampstead Women’s Club. This role is open to all members, and we warmly encourage anyone who feels inspired to support the Club’s continued growth and community spirit. If you would like to be considered, please email Claudine at President@hwcinlondon.co.uk. The deadline for expressions of interest is 30 September.
Reminder on Bylaw Voting
You will all have received an email informing you that the Executive Board is proposing a change to the voting rules regarding bylaws and slate voting, reducing the required membership vote from 50% to 30%. In recent years, it has been extremely difficult to obtain votes from at least half of our members when electing new Executive Board members or making improvements to Club operations. The Board feels that a 30% threshold is more realistic and will allow us to move forward without constant follow‑ups.
We would also like to change the bylaws to require that a person running for a position can not be present at nominations committee meetings whilst their candidacy is being considered. If you have not voted yet, please do so by 25 September.
Click on the items below to view the associated documents:
Click Here to Vote
Have a great week. See you at the Kick Off!
Joyce
EMAIL SCAM WARNING:
We have been notified that some of our members are receiving fraudulent emails that appear to come from our web platform provider (WIX.com). These emails falsely claim there is an issue with your HWC account due to the auto renewal of your membership and asks you to settle the payment by clicking on a renew now button.
Please do not click any links or provide any financial information in response to these emails. This is a phishing scam. If you have received what you believe to be a scam email please email websitemanager@hwcinlondon.co.uk.
To protect yourself, please keep the following security facts in mind:
We will never ask for your credit card details, passwords, or personal identity verification via an unsolicited email.
Always verify the sender's email address before clicking any links, as scammers often use lookalike domains to mimic official platforms.
Log in directly by typing our official web address into your browser if you ever need to manage your account or billing, rather than using email links.
If you have already clicked a link in one of these emails and entered your credit card details, please contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report fraudulent activity and freeze your card.
The security of your information is our top priority, and we are actively investigating this matter with our platform provider. Thank you for your vigilance.
The HWC Executive Board
Upcoming Events
Chicks 'n Flicks - Bad Apples on 18 Sept matinee
Walkie-Talkies - Mom & Baby friendly walk on the Heath on 21 Sept at 10:30
Bookclub - The Loneliness of Sonia & Sonny on 21 Sept at 19:30
Wellness - Decluttering workshop on 22 Sept at 19:00
Arts & Antiques - V&A East Museum on 24 Sept at 11:00
Walkie-Talkies - Seven Sisters Hike on 27 Sept at 9:30
Walkie-Talkies - Frieze Sculptures and Rose Garden on 28 Sept at 10:30
London Bites - Lunch at Paradise on 30 Sept at 12:30
Evenings Out - Drag Quiz Night at Duke of Wellington on 30 Sept at 18:45
Community - Age UK Tea at Henderson Court on 2 Oct at 13:10
Board Games - Games Night on 4 Oct at 18:00
Walkie-Talkies - Chelsea Blue Plaque Tour on 5 Oct at 10:30
Wellness - Fearless: Women's Personal Safety Talk on 6 Oct at 19:00
Evenings Out - The Comedy Store on 22 October at 19:30 NEW
Theatre - The Standard of Living on 17 November at 19:00 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.
Kick Off Meeting
Freemasons Arms
15 September 10:00 - 13:00
You are invited! Come celebrate HWC, meet our interest group leaders and find out what they have planned for the year. Join in for the quiz and win fabulous prizes in the raffle. Sign up is still open if you have not already done so!
Arts & Antiques
V&A East Museum
24 September at 11:00
The V&A East Museum celebrates making and creativity’s power to bring change. Created with young people and rooted in east London’s heritage, V&A East Museum explores what’s shaping our world with the voices that lead contemporary culture.
After visiting the museum we can sit and enjoy a coffee at the local cafe.
Meeting point: Stratford Underground station at 11:00, 10 minutes walk
Sign up online. 1 SPOT LEFT
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
The Loneliness of Sonia & Sonny by Kirin Desai (670 pages)
21 September at 19:30
Members house in NW3.
Taken from Goodreads: An aspiring writer homesick for India, she turns to an older artist for inspiration and intimacy, a man who will cast a dark spell on the next many years of her life. In Brooklyn, Sunny is lonely too. A struggling journalist originally from Delhi, he is both beguiled and perplexed by his American girlfriend and the country in which he plans to find his future. As Sonia and Sunny each become more and more alienated, they begin to question their understanding of happiness, human connection, and where they belong.
Sign up online.
October: London Falling by Patrick Raddon Keefe (383 pages)
November: Lady Tan's Circle Of Women By Lisa See (352 pages)
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 books they’ve enjoyed, and we’ll chat about our choices over a hot drink and cake before swapping them with one another. See you in the autumn!
Chicks 'n Flicks
Bad Apples
18 September matinee at local cinema
The cinema and time will be posted on the website once cinemas announce listing information.
Saoirse Ronan (The Outrun, Lady Bird, Little Women) is brilliant in this sharp, darkly entertaining thriller-comedy.
Maria, a primary school teacher doing her best to inspire a class of 10-year-olds, is stifled by one unruly and chaotic student. With her career in question and the child's behaviour spiralling, she makes a series of bad decisions that lead to her accidentally taking and locking this "bad apple" in her home. Maria tries desperately to backtrack, but when the class starts flourishing and the staff and parents are thrilled with the improvement, she finds herself in a very complicated predicament.
Sign up online.
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.
Community Outreach
Tea with Age UK at Henderson Court
2 October 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.
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 out our calendar for upcoming events.
Evenings Out
Drag Quiz Night
Duke of Wellington Westminster
30 September at 18:45
Join us for an unforgettable night of brain-teasing fun at Duke of Wellington, Westminster. Compete against other teams for fantastic prizes. Enjoy a lively atmosphere, delicious drinks and tasty pub snacks. Secure your spot with a £20 refundable deposit. Further details are on our website. Sign up online.
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 up opens 13 September.
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 opens on 11 October.
Games Night
Board Games
at Members house in NW3
4 October from 18:00 - 20:30
Join us for a fun evening filled with friendly competition as we play an array of board games - from party games to high-strategy ones. Don't worry about knowing the rules beforehand, we have got a huge collection to pick from and we'll explain everything so you can jump right in and play without getting bogged down in reading. It's going to be a blast!
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 online.
Highlights of London
Buckingham Palace State Rooms
26 September at 10:00
The 19 State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are the lavish public areas where the monarch and Royal Family entertain guests for official functions and ceremonies. They open to the public during the summer and we will have afternoon tea in the Palace gardens after the event. FULL
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 online.
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!
London Bites
Paradise
South End Road, Hampstead
30 September at 12:30
A wonderful family restaurant owned since 1969. Authentic North Indian Cuisine cooked to order. It also has Vegan and gluten free options.
HWC members get exclusive complimentary poppadums and hot drinks at the lunch.
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.
Musicals
See our calendar for upcoming events.
See you in the autumn!
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.
We have one court booked but could open a second if we have 4-5 more members interested in playing regularly. Sign up online or email us at
Sip & Social
The Old White Bear Pub
Hampstead
14 September 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 Old White Bear Pub in Hampstead. Located on the edge of Hampstead Heath and within an easy walk of Hampstead High Street, they’re proud to be one of the last truly independent pubs in the area.
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 its a great fun venue.
Sign up online.
Speaker Series
Mah Jong
by Pauline
Freemason's Arms
23 September at 19:00
Our first speaker series talk of the new year will be given by Pauline on the game Mah Jong, a tile-based game of strategy, skill and luck. Usually played by three or our people, the goal is to draw and discard tiles to be the first to build a winning hand - typically four sets of three or four tiles plus a pair (source: Wikipedia). We will have a crash course to learn the basics and then have opportunity to play. The talk is free, however drinks and food are purchased at your own expense.
Sign up is full. Waiting list is full. We are looking into adding Mah Jong playing sessions.
Upcoming topics include Public Speaking, Supporting the Arts, 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 on claudinee@yahoo.com.
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 3 SPACES LEFT
Mixed – Thursdays 3 SPACES LEFT
Sign up online or contact us via e-mail at
Theatre
Golden Boy
Almeida Theatre, London
29 September at 19:30
1930s New York, at the height of the Depression. Joe Bonaparte is a young violinist with extraordinary talent, until a chance at fame and fortune lures him into the brutal world of professional boxing.
SOLD OUT
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.
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, 21 September:
Jennifer will lead a Mom & Baby-friendly walk on Hampstead Heath
Meeting Point: Big Tree near Gail's in Hampstead at 10:30 AM
Sunday, 27 September:
Jennifer & Garth will lead the Seven Sisters Coastal Cliff Hike (short loop) near Eastbourne
Meeting Point: Victoria train Station at 9:30 AM
Monday, 28 September:
Claudine will lead a tour of the Freize sculptures and Regent's Park
Meeting Point: Swiss Cottage tube station at 10:30 AM
Monday, 5 October:
Sian will lead a Blue Plaque tour around Chelsea
Meeting Point: Sloane Square tube station at 10:30 AM
Sign up online.
Wellness
Decluttering Workshop
Member's home in NW3
22 September at 19:00
During this free 60‑minute workshop, Marine will explain the six rules of Marie Kondo’s world‑renowned tidying method and illustrate how to implement them effectively at home to achieve the greatest impact. Partners are welcome.
Sign up online.
Fearless: Women's Personal Safety Talk
Member's Home in NW3
6 October at 19:00
Join Mark Saunders, founder of Jujitsucise, for an engaging personal safety talk designed to help you feel more confident, aware and better prepared in everyday situations.
The session will explore:
Situational awareness and recognising potential risks
Trusting your instincts
Simple personal safety strategies
Boundaries and assertiveness
Managing situations calmly under pressure
Building confidence in everyday life
Please note, this is not a practical self-defence session. There will be a small amount of light movement towards the end, but no preparation, sportswear or gym clothing is needed.
Stay Safe. Stay Strong. Stay Fearless.
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.
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 - Open
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 - Bao Ha, 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!