Sunday 24 May 2026
- Hampstead Women's Club
- 3 days ago
- 11 min read
Hello!
Welcome to this week's newsletter in which we give you all the latest updates, key highlights, and a look at what’s coming up next.
Summer has decided to make an early entrance this weekend, with record‑breaking heat expected on Bank Holiday Monday. It’s so hot, in fact, that we’re pressing pause on Monday’s walk — even we have our limits. But the rest of our line‑up is very much alive and sparkling. On Tuesday we’ll gather at Brad & Dills to chat about the books we can’t stop recommending, followed by a mid‑week dose of theatre with Please Please Me at the Kiln. Wednesday brings an intimate musical evening with Guy Chambers at the Circle and Star Theatre in Hampstead, and on Thursday we’ll wander the Serpentine Galleries to soak in the bold, brilliant worlds of Cecily Brown and David Hockney. A week of culture, conversation, and sunshine — the very best kind.
Have you bought your ticket for our annual garden party? With a gorgeous garden setting and a fully catered dinner, it’s set to be a wonderful evening. Bring your husband, bring your friend, everyone is welcome! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, now’s the perfect moment. Your early booking helps us finalise catering numbers and make sure everything is beautifully set for a fabulous night together.
Have a great week,
Joyce
A Word From Our Website Manager
Good news - we have been able to resolve the payment issue and can now allow members to pay for events without having to sign in to a PayPal account. Word of warning: if you pay via your mobile phone and already have a PayPal account it may not give you this option. If you do run into this problem then it's best to use a computer/laptop or tablet to book any paid events by selecting 'Pay with Debit or Credit Card'.
Upcoming Events
Musicals - Please Please Me at Kiln Theater on 26 May at 19:30 1 TICKET LEFT
Arts & Antiques - Serpentine Galleries on 28 May at 11:00 1 SPACE LEFT
Walkie-Talkies - Primrose Hill & Regents Park QEII and Rose Gardens on 1 June at 10:30
Chicks n Flicks - Finding Emily on June 3 matinee
Community - Age UK Tea at Henderson Court on 5 June at 13:10
Walkie-Talkies - Roman London on 8 June at 10:30 NEW
Sip & Social - King William IV Pub on 8 June at 19:30
Speaker Series - My career in Dentistry by Diana on 17 June at 19:00
Evenings Out - Zoo Nights at London Zoo on 19 June at 18:00
Book Club - Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan on June 22 at 19:30 NEW
Arts & Antiques - Tate Modern Museum on 25 June at 11:50 NEW
Theatre - Some Women at the National Theatre on 20 October at 19:30 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.
Annual Garden Party
Manisha's Garden in NW2
3 July 19:00 - 22:00
We’ll be gathering in a gorgeous garden setting for an evening of sunshine (hopefully), laughter (definitely), and a fully catered dinner that promises to be delicious from start to finish. All you need to bring is your brightest smile… and something pink. Pale pink, hot pink, floral pink, accidental‑laundry‑disaster pink — it all counts.
Partners and non-members are welcome. Ticket numbers are limited so get yours today!
Ticket Prices (includes dinner & drinks) :
Board member £25
Regular member £30
Non-member/Partner £35
Sign up and buy your tickets online.
Arts & Antiques
Serpentine Galleries
Kensington Gardens
28 May at 11:00 - 13:00
The Serpentine Galleries are currently hosting highly praised, concurrent solo exhibitions by two major painters: Cecily Brown at Serpentine South and David Hockney at Serpentine North. Both shows invite viewers to slow down and immerse themselves in nature, utilising entire different visual language.
We will visit both exhibitions followed by a catch up at a local cafe. Join us!
Guided Tour at Tate Modern Museum
Bankside, London SE1 9TG,
25 June at 11:50 (45 minute tour starts at 12)
We will learn about the art in Tate Modern with a guided tour around part of the gallery. Each tour is different and packed with fascinating insights, information and stories. Afterwards we will catch up in the museum cafe.
Sign up online.
Book Club
Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan
members house in NW3
22 June at 19:30
Taken from Goodreads: Campbell Flynn, art historian and biographer of Vermeer, always knew that when his life came crashing down, it would happen in public ― yet he never imagined that a single year in London would expose so much. Entangled with a brilliant student, he begins to see trouble brewing for his family and friends. All his worlds collide―the art scene and academia, fashion and the English aristocracy, journalism and the internet―as dangerous forces enter his life and Caledonian Road gives up its secrets.’
Sign up online. (sign up opens 7 June)
Please vote for your top 15 books for us to discuss next year. The straw poll vote can be found here https://strawpoll.com/B2ZB9rMNxgJ . You can vote only once! The poll closes on the 1st June at 11pm. A list of the books to vote on and summaries of them can be found here https://claudinescomments.wordpress.com/2026/05/01/books-to-vote-on-for-2027/
Book Share
Brad & Dills
Rowland Hill St,NW3 2AQ
26 May from 14:00 – 15:30
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.
Sign up online.
Chicks 'n' Flicks
Finding Emily
location tbc
3 June matinee
Time and location will be posted when cinemas announce their show times.
Looking for love and finding chaos. Angourie Rice and Spike Fearn star in FINDING EMILY, from the producers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Love Actually.
The Manchester-set charmer of a romantic comedy follows musician Owen, who's plunged into lovesick plight when he's given the wrong number for his dream girl. He teams up with a driven psychology student to find her, and together, they spark a hilarious, campus-wide frenzy that tests their own hearts and ambitions along the way.
Sign up online.
Community Outreach
Henderson Court
5 June 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
Zoo Nights at London Zoo
Outer Circle, Regents Park
19 June at 18:00 - 22:00
This will be our third annual trip to Zoo Nights at London Zoo. Friday nights in the summer are for adults only where there are food trucks, live music as well as lots of animals to visit, all in a relaxed setting. Feel free to bring a partner or friend.
Sign up online so we know you are coming.
Please buy your tickets (priced at £23.50 each) directly through this link, choosing the 19th June: https://www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/zoo-nights
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.
Hampstead Street Fair
Heath Street, Hampstead
5 July 12:00 - 17:00
Heath Street will be closed to traffic and will be lined with over 110 stalls selling artisan crafts, designer fashions, and international food and drink. Give yourself plenty of time.
We suggest you come hungry as this street food is to die for.
It's a fantastic day out for the whole family with entertainment for everyone including a funfair, the Sport Zone, and a Circus School for children. All this to a background of great live music on THE BIG STAGE - you may want to dance in the street!
Free entry.
HWC will have a stand at the fair. Come find us to say hello and help recruit new members.
Highlights of London
Trouping of the Colours: The Colonel's Review
6 June at 10:30
This event is full. Please contact Claudine at claudinee@yahoo.com to be placed on the waiting list.
Ladies Day at Royal Ascot
18 June at 12:30
This event is full.
Link Up
A casual and informal way for current and new members to get together, chat and socialise. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
London Bites (formerly Pub Lunch)
London Bites meets up about once a month to explore new and local restaurants. Check our calendar for upcoming events.
Musicals
Please Please Me
Kiln Theatre
269 Kilburn High Rd, NW6 7JR
26 May 2026 at 19:30
Come see the critically acclaimed new musical, Please Please Me, about Brian Epstein and the Beatles. Playing locally at The Kiln Theatre, Please Please Me is the electrifying story of the hidden struggles of Brian Epstein – the unsung, gay legend and ‘Fifth Beatle’.
We can meet at the Kiln bar before for a pre-show drink and chat.
1 TICKET LEFT!
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.
Sip & Social
King William IV Pub
77 Hampstead High St
8 June 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.
The month's Sip and Social will be held at King William IV in Hampstead. It is in the heart of Hampstead Village and a Hampstead institution. Their walls are dedicated to the people of Hampstead with over 100 portraits throughout the pub walls. They state that they offer the best Drink Deals in the village, along with serving award winning traditional pub food 7 days a week! We will have a table at the back of the pub in The Garden.
Sign up online.
Speaker Series
My Career in Dentistry
by Diana
17 June at 19:00
Our ninth speaker series talk will be given by Diana who will present her career journey in dentistry, from being a just-qualified and inexperienced dental surgeon to a serial practice owner, overcoming impostor syndrome, and having fun!
Sign up online.
If there is a topic that you think you would like to talk about next year at 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
Beginner – Wednesdays
Mixed – Thursdays
Theatre
Some Woman
National Theater, London
20 Oct at 19:30
‘I don’t want to be this woman’
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?
Anne-Marie Duff (Bad Sisters) is Julie in this provocative new play from Helen Edmundson (Small Island), directed by Blanche McIntyre (Tartuffe).
If you have any questions, please contact Madeleine at theatre@hwcinlondon.co.uk
Tickets are £52 pp. Sign up online.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO REFUNDS
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.
1st June - Primrose Hill and Regent's Park QEII and Rose Gardens
Meeting Point: 10:30 outside Swiss Cottage Tube station beside the Hampstead Theatre
Sign up opens 24th May
8th June - Roman London
Meeting Point: 10:30 outside St Paul's Tube station
Sign up opens 31st May
15th June - No walk
22nd June - Osterley Park and Gardens (National Trust property)
Meeting Point: 10:30 outside Osterley Tube station
Sign up opens 14th June
See Osterley Park and House | London | National Trust for details of prices for access to garden (may be free to you depending on membership). The house is shut on Mondays - we'll be visiting the park and garden.
29th June - Mayfair to Soho
Meeting Point: 10:30 outside Marble Arch Tube Station
Sign up opens 21st June
Maria, who has done the most amazing job of leading the Walkie-Talkies group for the last 7 years, is stepping down to focus on her research of Brompton Cemetery next year. I am sure you join me in extending to her our thanks for the commitment and dedication she has shown. Her walks have always been fascinating and a lot of fun.
If anyone would like to lead this group next year, please contact Claudine at claudinee@yahoo.com. Please do consider stepping up to lead this fantastic group. A volunteer club like ours relies on the participation of its membership.
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.
See our calendar for upcoming events.
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).
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!