LETCHWORTH ARTS AND LEISURE GROUP March 2020
COUNTRY DANCING GROUP The Country Dancing group meets at the Cloisters each month. Dancing is led by Mandy Baldwin, front right. There is space for more members, so turn to page 23 for details.
ANNUAL QUIZ - 18 APRIL YEAR OF CULTURE Look inside for details of our ever-popular annual quiz. This month’s As always, there will be a fish & theme is chip supper half way through the ‘Accessing the Arts’. evening. Options available. Look inside for ideas such as: If you can’t make up a team of 6 Arts and Books - page 10 you’ll be teamed up on the night. Opera and Ballet - page 12 Turn to page 3 Plays and concerts - pages 5, and find out how 7, 9, 13 and 26 to book. Much more at hyoc2020.org.uk
To join any of our groups you should be a member of LALG
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LETTER FROM THE welcome to come along and observe us CHAIR OF LALG in action. We’re a friendly bunch and meet just one evening a month at Mrs In February we held our Howard Hall. annual Volunteers Evening to thank all group contacts Over the past few months I have and others who work behind the scenes attended some interesting and lively to help make LALG such a success. Members’ Open Meetings, held on the I would like to reiterate what I said to first Monday of each month at the them, a huge thank you to everyone Settlement. Attendance has grown who lends a hand. steadily (come early for parking at the venue or park in the public car parks on Welcome to three new committee Icknield Way), drawn, I think, by the members: Christina and Glen quality of the speakers, the warm Butterworth and Sheila George who welcome and a chance to meet other joined us at the January meeting. They LALG members. all have lots of experience to share and we look forward to working with them. Another big thank you to the social committee who organise these meetings But it’s farewell to Val Quieros who has and to those who provide the left the committee but will still be part of refreshments. Please email the group support team. Val was [email protected] previously our Treasurer and we thank if you have any suggestions for a her for all she has done over the years speaker that we can incorporate into the for LALG. So that leaves one vacancy programme going forward. on the committee. If you are considering joining please contact me: you are very Elaine Fox
Chair: Elaine Fox (01462 735642) [email protected] Secretary: Marian Adams (01462 683898) [email protected] Membership: Julie Bolter (01462 627378) [email protected] Treasurer: Alan Higbey (07540 618175) [email protected] Publicity: John Cox (01438 241043) [email protected] Data Protection Officer: Elaine Fox (01462 735642) [email protected] Safeguarding: Steve Green [email protected] Newsletter Editors: [email protected] Website Editors: [email protected]
FROM THE EDITOR Please note that all emails are The editor of this edition was acknowledged. If you do not get Bruce Balden. an acknowledgement please The deadline for the April chase us. newsletter is Tuesday 10 Please send your entry as soon March and the editor will as possible, don’t wait until the be Valerie Schmidt. deadline. Suggestion: set a Please send your entries to reminder for the 1st week of [email protected]. each month. Thank you!
Page 2 CONTENTS Chair and Committee ...... 2 Features ...... 22 Trips and Events ...... 3 General Groups ...... 23 New Groups ...... 8 Language Groups ...... 27 Arts and Books ...... 10 Social Groups ...... 28 Crafts and Gardening ...... 15 Sports & Games ...... 30 Food and Drink ...... 18 Walking Groups ...... 33 Discount Pull-out ...... 20 Linked Organisations ...... 36
COMMITTEE NEWS TRIPS AND EVENTS
The next meeting MEMBERS’ of the LALG OPEN Committee is on MORNING Wednesday 25 March at 7.30pm MEETING at Mrs Howard Memorial Hall. Letchworth Settlement, Nevells Road If there is anything you would like the Refreshments 10.15am for a 10.30am Committee to discuss, please contact start. £2.50 members, £3.50 non- the Secretary: members. No need to book. Marian Adams 01462 683898; Monday 2 March [email protected] The first speaker: Gilly Chegwyn from Approved minutes of past meetings, the ‘Extinction Rebellion Movement’. and details of future meetings are at: Main speaker: Jon Hill - 50 days in a lalg.org.uk/committeemeetings. red T-shirt - describes the challenge of walking the GR5 trail through the French Alps from Lake Geneva to THE ANNUAL LALG Menton on the Côte d’Azur, a total of QUIZ NEW DATE 700km with over 37,000m of ascent Saturday 18 April, 7pm and descent. His journey was in aid of Letchworth Settlement the Red Rubber Ball Foundation. Next meetings: £12 for LALG members, £14 non- members, includes a fish & chip Monday 6 April supper or vegetarian option; bring Stuart Sapsford and Chris West on your own drinks and glasses. The Eurovision Song Contest. Teams of up to 6 people. If you don’t Monday 11 May have a team still come along as we Heather Falvey on the life of can join you with others. Baroness Elizabeth Dimsdale Tickets from Discover Letchworth, Contact: Broadway from Friday 13 March until Maureen Strutt 01767 318117 Wednesday 15 April at 3pm. [email protected] Entrance by ticket only. lalg.org.uk/membersmeetings
Page 3 TRIPS AND EVENTS continued LONDON VILLAGES LONDON PLACES Wednesday 1 April Thursday 5 March Monday 27 April Guildhall Saturday 2 May Monday 18 May Fully Booked Rose Street and the Lamb and Flag Tuesday 5 May London Postal Museum and Mail Leader: Peter Moore Ride at Mount Pleasant An updated return after more than 9 years. With a rich history stretching Rail trip £13.50, Guided tour £10 plus back to Saxon times, Covent Garden £6.50 lunch optional. is in two different halves. Designed by The 2-3 hour visit will include a guided Inigo Jones and the Russell family, it tour of the Museum, a trip on Mail Rail has special significance as the birth- and a visit to the Mail Rail Exhibition. place of modern town planning and Descend into the former engineering the London Square. This visit includes depot of Mail Rail – the one-hundred- streets and alleys virtually untouched year-old Post Office railway – board a by the mass of tourists. miniature train for a 15-minute ride From Letchworth, on weekdays, catch into the original tunnels. the 9.30am train to Hitchin (Royston See the original and largely 9.18am, Baldock 9.27am); change at unchanged station platforms deep Hitchin to the 9.41am to Finsbury below Mount Pleasant sorting office. Park, calling at Stevenage 9.46am. Take in a theatrical experience that On Saturday, catch the 9.20am from travels back in time to the railway’s Letchworth; Royston 9.09am, Baldock lively 1930s heyday. See and hear 9.17am, Hitchin 9.26am, Stevenage the people who worked on it, 9.32am. No changes required. experience their lives below ground and glimpse hidden parts of the We meet on the platform at Finsbury railway that once kept the mail Park to continue by tube to Holborn. coursing through London for 22 hours Please buy an off-peak travelcard. every day. Booking from Monday 9 March: by As Mail Rail was designed to carry email: [email protected] mail sacks there are some restrictions (strongly preferred) or 01462 676166. and rules: for details please see Please give your LALG membership www.postalmuseum.org/visit/plan- number, email address and if possible your-visit/facilities/mail-rail-access a mobile phone number. We will travel off peak to Farringdon £3 each towards leader’s expenses. from where there is a 15-minute walk. Mobile on the day: 07795 691732 If you might be interested in this trip, please contact: Group Contact: Rosemary Read 01462 450494; Group Contacts: Elaine Fox/ [email protected] Tony Kuczys 01462 735642; [email protected] [email protected] lalg.org.uk/londonvillages lalg.org.uk/London_Places
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THEATRE & EXCURSIONS Booking from Monday 2 March, 9.30am FOLLOWING 2 SHOWS FULLY BOOKED Sunday 7 June (Afternoon) Saturday 16 May (Afternoon) LET’S FACE THE MUSIC ABIGAIL’S PARTY- Comedy at Watford Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Palace Theatre, Watford, Hertfordshire. London. Coach leaves Letchworth Station Bus With the Royal Philharmonic Stop opposite Barclays Bank 12.30pm. Orchestra Wednesday 1 July (Afternoon) Conductor: Richard Balcombe Presenter: Gary Wilmott CAROUSEL - Rodgers & Hammerstein Vocalists: Musical at Kilworth House Theatre, Christine Allado, Kerry Ellis, Ricardo North Kilworth, Leicestershire. Afonso and Bradley Jaden. Coach leaves Letchworth Station Bus Stop opposite Barclays Bank at 12 noon Join the Royal Philharmonic and four West End guest vocalists for a nostalgic celebration of some much- NOW BOOKING: loved songs and duets from classic musicals. Sunday 5 July (Afternoon) The programme will include songs MULLER ANNIVERSARY ATHLETICS and music from: GAMES Gypsy, Carousel, My Fair Lady, Olympic Athletics Stadium, Queen Anything Goes, Cabaret, Top Hat, Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma, Meet London Me in St Louis, Funny Face, Shall We This event always Dance, Sweet Charity, A Star is Born, attracts the very best Babes in Arms, ... and many more. names in world athletics. Cost £37 for LALG members (£38 non The Tokyo Olympics -members), which includes coach and start in late July 2020 a good seat in mid-arena. and so this will be an The coach leaves Letchworth Rail ideal warm-up event and enable us to Station Bus Stop opposite Barclays see the top stars in action. Bank at 12pm. Please note: To book - phone Malcolm King This visit could involve a reasonable from Monday 2 March, 9.30am on amount of walking and climbing of 01462 677329. steps to reach your seat. Cheques to be made out to ‘LALG’ Cost £25 (£26 non-LALG), includes and sent to an address that will be coach and seat in Olympic Stadium. provided when you book. Coach leaves Letchworth Station Bus Group Organiser: Stop opposite Barclays Bank at about Malcolm King 01462 677329 10am. Time to be confirmed when [email protected] individual event timings have been announced. lalg.org.uk/theatresandexcursions
Page 5 TRIPS AND EVENTS continued
MONDAY TO SPORTS FIXTURES FRIDAY GROUP & EVENTS
Women’s Football: Wednesday 25 March Sunday 5 April Ickworth House and Bury St Arsenal v Manchester Edmunds Utd, 2pm Kick Off. We start at Ickworth House, home of Venue - Meadow Park, Boreham- the Hervey family since the fifteenth wood FC. We will leave Letchworth at century, where a guided tour of the approximately 12.30pm, return Servants’ Quarters will show us what approximately 5pm. Cost per ticket £7 life was like for a servant in the (advanced and online), £3.50 1930s. concessions (65+, u16, disabled) Afterwards there will be an Future dates: Tuesday 19 May - opportunity to view the exciting new Huntingdon Horse Racing (evening exhibition of Ickworth’s art treasures. meeting - £11 tickets online) The Rotunda is currently undergoing a major conservation project to re-roof Thursday 23 July - The Hundred it, and dramatic lighting has been Cricket (replaced 20/20 blast). used to embrace the darkness that London Spirit v Northern Super- the scaffolding brings and enhance Chargers. Double header - Ladies’ the exhibits. match at 3pm, Men’s at 6.30pm. In the afternoon there will be free time Group Contact: Steve Green in Bury St Edmonds. Wednesday is [email protected] market day and there is much else to discover including St Edmondsbury lalg.org.uk/sportsfixtures_events Cathedral, the Abbey Gardens and ruins, Moyse’s Hall Museum, the TRAIN BUDDIES Atheneum and the Guildhall. Thursday 5 March, The cost is £21 for LALG members 11am who are also National Trust members, or £35.50 for non-National Trust Broadway Gallery Café, members. For non-LALG members The Arcade, Letchworth add £2. The coach will leave Baldock At this meeting we will be finalising (Market Place, bus stop C) at 8.30am travel arrangements for our first trip of and Letchworth (outside Letchworth 2020. This will be on 26 March to Station) at 8.45am. King’s Lynn. To book please phone Susan Mellor on 01462 456486 from 9.30am on We will also discuss our following two Wednesday 4 March. trips which are to Bury St Edmunds on 20 April and Kew Gardens on 28 Messages will be responded to but do May. not constitute a firm booking. All cheques should be made payable to Group Contact: Monday to Friday Group. Geoff Morse 07714 503671; [email protected] [email protected] lalg.org.uk/mondaytofriday lalg.org.uk/trainbuddies
Page 6 VISITING SHOW TIME CHURCHES Saturday 28 March, Wednesday 10.30am 22 April, 2.30pm Broadway Hotel bar Holy Saviour Church, Radcliffe Road, We are starting to plan Hitchin SG5 1QG this year’s show. Should it We start with a talk about the building be another revue or something more (architect: William Butterfield) and the enterprising? Come along to this open history of the immediate area. We will meeting where you will be welcome to then look round, seeing the ‘back-to- share ideas and perhaps offer some front’ windows, and optionally visit the help. If you are interested but can’t almshouses’ private garden opposite. make the meeting then please email William Armitage Book at Discover Letchworth, Broadway. LALG members £3, non- [email protected] members £4, all to go to the church. Parking is on-street or in Nightingale TOUR OF THE CLOISTERS, Road free car park next to the petrol WITH AFTERNOON TEA? station. Group Contact: Ann If you might be interested, please [email protected] leave your name at David's Bookshop, or email Val Quieros: lalg.org.uk/visitingchurches [email protected]
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Letchworth Chorale
Do you enjoy singing?
We are a friendly group of singers who perform a wide variety of music from Mozart to ABBA. We always welcome new members so why not come along. No audition required! We meet during term time at 7.30pm on Mondays at Letchworth Central Methodist Church Hall. Our Spring concert will be held on Saturday 28 March at 7.30pm at Howgills, Friends Meeting House, South View, Letchworth. www.letchworth-chorale.org.uk www.facebook.com/LetchworthChorale
Page 7 NEW GROUPS PIE AND MASH EVENING ANCIENT EGYPT Wednesday 25 STUDY GROUP March, 7pm - 9pm Monday 9 March, Poppin Pies and Bakery, 7.30 to 9pm Leys Avenue, Letchworth Broadway Hotel Bar (go in the main Seven traditional pies (with mash!) entrance and turn right). and six puddings to choose from, all Hieroglyphics - discussion home-made. Tea or coffee provided or you can bring your own beer etc. Tuesday 14 April: Pyramids £10 LALG members only. All welcome, just turn up. Book from Monday 2 March at Group Contact: David’s Bookshop. Please pay when Oliver Webb; 07929 058696 booking. [email protected] William Armitage 01462 643537; [email protected] BLITZ AN OPEN SPACE SHORTER Friday 20 March, 10.30am CYCLE GROUP to 12.30pm Sunday 15 March, Our first litter pick - along a 10.30am local path. Meet at the War (weather permitting) Memorial by the rail station. Bring suitable gloves and Meet at the Letchworth Par 3 Family clothes. Bags and pickers will be Golf Centre (Willian Way). provided. Meet in the car park by the Willian Later we hope to coordinate with Way entrance, but be aware of golfers other litter-picking groups. If you are driving into the car park. interested in helping, please contact: Distance: between 6 and10 miles at a Acting Group Contact: slow pace. All riders will know the William Armitage 01462 643537; route before we set off. [email protected] Return approximately 12 noon, when we could have a coffee at the Dimples LUNCH CLUB Café and chat about the way forward for this new group. We hope to reinstate this group in the If you intend to take part in the ride Spring. If you are please confirm attendance by email, interested, and especially if you could [email protected]. help with organising, please get in Please also read the safety guidance touch. at lalg.org.uk/cyclingsafety. Acting Group Contact: Acting Group Contact: William Armitage 01462 643537; Steve Green [email protected] [email protected]
Page 8 NIGHT WALK WITH SOCIAL HISTORY A FULL MOON This new group will Monday 9 March, appeal to you if you have 7.30pm Worm Moon a general interest in Meet at UK’s first roundabout at the British social history (not junction of Broadway and Sollershott. an academic interest). Booking essential by Tuesday 3 We may look at a period in history as March. Please contact: chosen by members of the group, for William Armitage 01462 643537; example the Victorians; how they [email protected] lived, worked and socialised. We may also visit places of interest. RECORDER FOR BEGINNERS We need six people to get this new This group could meet Wednesday group started. mornings. Suitable for beginners and people who haven’t played since If you are interested, please leave school. your name and contact details at Please get in touch by 11 March. David’s Bookshop or contact: Group Contact: Acting Group Contact: Rayna West 07415169511; William Armitage 01462 643537 [email protected] [email protected] ADVERTISEMENT
Page 9 NEW GROUPS cont. ARTS & BOOKS
SNOOKER ARCHITECTURE Thursday 19 March, AND HOUSING 2pm to 4pm STUDY GROUP A snooker afternoon for Thursday 5 March, LALG members at the refurbished 7.30 - 9pm ABC Snooker Club in Leys Avenue. Broadway Hotel Bar Cost is £3 entry plus shared cost of a full-size snooker table at £10 per We need input from members to plan hour. the next six months’ activities, e.g. visits, talks on the history of Times are either two hours from 2pm architecture and/or a debate on the (cost £13) or one hour from 3pm housing crisis. (cost £8). If you are interested please contact Steve as soon as Group Contact: possible (by email only). William Armitage 01462 643537; [email protected] Next month: Thursday 16 April lalg.org.uk/architecture Acting Group Contact: Steve Green [email protected] BRITISH HISTORY READING GROUP VILLAGE AND TOWN WALKS Thursday 19 March, WITH A GUIDE 7.30pm This group has been very popular in Broadway Hotel Bar the past. We will use a local historian Bronze Age Britain by Francis Pryor, from the village who will walk around chapters 9 and 10 the parish pointing out places of interest. Thursday 16 April We need one or two members to get Thomas Cromwell by Diarmaid the group re-started. William is happy MacCulloch to give assistance and ideas of Henry VIII’s hatchet man? places to visit and finding a guide. If you are interested in helping please Group Contact: contact William. Don Dowling 01462 678934; [email protected] William Armitage 01462 643537 [email protected] lalg.org.uk/britishhistory
VISITING PUBS AND BARS Considering starting a new group?
Arranging a visit in April, Discuss your idea with the suggestions welcome. Group Support Team; William Armitage 01462 643537; see their details on page 35. [email protected]
Page 10 BROADWAY CRIME AND MURDER BUDDIES MYSTERY BOOK Tuesday 31 March, GROUP 10.30am Monday 30 March, 7.30pm Meet at David’s Café to Broadway Hotel, Letchworth discuss a proposed Elegy for Eddy by Jacqueline change of format to a social group, Winspear. where we could go together to any London, 1933, a gentle soul, Eddy film and meet occasionally to get to Pettit is murdered. Costermongers know each other over coffee. If you who knew and loved him are sceptical are unable to attend but would like to and ask Maisie Dobbs to investigate. go on the list please leave your But, as she starts to dig deeper, contact details at David’s Bookshop powerful financial and political forces or with William. try to stop her getting to the truth. Then Tuesday 31 March, 11am We meet at 7.30pm on the last Broadway Cinema Monday of the month, including Bank Eighth Grade (15) Dir. Bo Burnham Holidays. 50p charge per meeting. 2019 New members always welcome. Kayla Day, an eighth grader, is Group Contact: introverted but also posts videos Jenny Gosling 01462 895878; about self-confidence on the Internet. [email protected] Later, she realises she is not the lalg.org.uk/crimebookgroup person she is pretending to be and overcomes her fears. DAYTIME BOOK Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer 2019. GROUP Group Contact: Monday 9 March, William Armitage 01462 643537 1.30pm [email protected] Premier Inn café lalg.org.uk/broadwaybuddies As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie Lee. CHILDREN'S Monday 6 April LITERATURE Brave new World by Aldous Huxley Thursday 19 March, We are a friendly group with a 7.30pm capacity of 12. Please get in touch if Broadway Hotel bar you would like to join our waiting list. You will get a warm welcome. The Sheep Pig by Dick King Smith. Please look at the LALG website for Thursday 30 April details of books we have read The Diamond of Drury Lane recently. by Julia Golding Group Contact: Group Contact: Angela Patchett Hazel Irwin 01462 730498;
[email protected] [email protected] Full
lalg.org.uk/childrensbooks lalg.org.uk/daytimebook
Page 11 ARTS & BOOKS cont. LETCHWORTH WRITERS GROUP FAIRFIELD BOOK First Tuesday of each GROUP month, 7.30 to 9.30pm First Thursday of Mrs Howard Memorial each month, 7.30pm Hall, Norton Way South Fairfield Community We are a friendly and varied group. Hall, SG5 4GY We write 2 or 3 pages in advance Thursday 5 March inspired by a specific topic or genre. Transcription by Kate Atkinson. We then share our work (optional) Thursday 2 April before the meeting, and discuss it on Normal People by Sally Rooney. the night. We also write together using writing exercises as a stimulus. We charge £2 to cover costs (hall hire, refreshments, book loan). Newcomers are very welcome to come along. Group Contact: Elaine Fox 01462 735642; £4 for LALG members, £5 for non- [email protected] members. The first visit is free. lalg.org.uk/fairfieldbookgroup Please also visit our website at www.letchworthwriters.com. FILM APPRECIATION Group Contact: Diana Newson (Discussion group) [email protected] Tuesday 3 March lalg.org.uk/writersgroup at Peter’s house. The Personal History of David OPERA AND BALLET Copperfield (2019) dir: Iannucci. Tuesday 24 March, 7.15 pm Currently on general release at Letchworth Settlement various cinemas. We shall watch 3 short scenes Group Contact: from 3 different operas. The first Peter Griffiths 01462 671679 comprises terrific music, singing, and [email protected] theatre, the second is one of great lalg.org.uk/filmappreciation beauty, and the third, the Queen of the Night’s aria, you are very likely to POETRY FOR recognise but do you know the words PLEASURE and what it is about? Tuesday 17 March, After our interval we have Act 2 of the 7.30 to 9.30pm. ballet Giselle, a unique 1991 Bolshoi performance, with one of the Our theme will be Something Irish. Bolshoi’s all-time finest ballerinas as If you would like to join our waiting list Giselle. Do not miss it! please contact: £2.50 LALG, £3.50 non-members. Group Contact: Group Contact: Diane Maybank 01462 459505; John Cox 01438 241043; [email protected] Full [email protected] lalg.org.uk/poetry lalg.org.uk/operagroup
Page 12 PLAY READING 1 PLAY READING 2 Monday 16 March, Wednesday 1.30 to 4.30pm 25 March, Premier Inn cafe, Station 1.30 to 4.30 pm Road, Letchworth. Morrison’s staff training room, Brief Suspicion by Patricia Gordon. Broadway, Letchworth. We make a small annual charge to Group Contact: cover hiring the play sets. Helen Williams 01462 633093
[email protected] Full Please contact Ann if you would like lalg.org.uk/playreading2 to be added to our waiting list. Group Contact: Ann Gibson 01462 680995; Interested in a group that’s full? [email protected] Full Why not call and ask to lalg.org.uk/playreading1 go on their waiting list.
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Page 13 POETRY IN THE SCIENCE BOOK EVENING GROUP Thursday 19 March, Wednesday 18 March, 7.30pm 7.30pm Broadway Hotel bar Hosted by Jean Doney. The theme will be The Human Body. Six Impossible Things: the ‘Quanta of Group Contact: Solace’ and the Mysteries of the Mike Mannion 01462 674580; Subatomic World by John Gribbin [email protected] The Sunday Times calls it 'An accessible primer on all things lalg.org.uk/poetryevening quantum'. READERS’ CHOICE Quantum physics is strange: a cat BOOK GROUP can be both alive and dead at the same time and a particle can be in Thursday 5 March, two places at once. 7.30 to 9pm Spirella Building, Bridge Road Astrophysicist John Gribbin describes six of the leading interpretations of In Cold Blood, Truman Capote, quantum mechanics - and he warns, Penguin, 2018 some are more crazy than others! Theme: Investigative Writing. The book is available via Herts Thursday 2 April Libraries and David’s Bookshop. Snow Country 1935/47 Yanusari Kawabata Penguin 1971/81 If you have not finished, or even Theme: Cultural Expectations. started the book, still come along! There is no charge. Group Contact: Anne Castling 01462 835132; All members are welcome. [email protected] Group Contact: Ann lalg.org.uk/readerschoice [email protected] lalg.org.uk/sciencebookgroup READERS’ GROUP Thursday 26 March, 8pm to 9.30pm SELF- Spirella Buiding, DEVELOPMENT Bridge Road SPIRITUAL Warlight by Michael Ondaatje BOOK GROUP We discuss one book a month in an Alternate informal atmosphere. Wednesdays, 1 to 3pm To check if there is a place available, Meetings are at the organiser’s home members of LALG should contact: in Hitchin. Group Contact: Group Contact: Megan Stacey 01462 683074; Irmtraut French [email protected] [email protected] Full lalg.org.uk/readersgroup lalg.org.uk/selfdevbookgroup
Page 14 SHAKESPEARE CRAFTS & GARDENING STUDY GROUP Wednesday 4 March, CLOCK GROUP 10.30am to 12 noon Wednesdays, 7 to 9.30pm Broadway Hotel bar Mrs Howard Memorial Hall Romeo and Juliet (free parking after 6pm) An informal get-together on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss We service and repair our interest, knowledge and questions clocks under our tutor on Shakespeare’s work and life. Richard Edwards with the assistance All welcome, just turn up. of Bernard Bailey. Group Contact: Lorraine Gregory Sessions begin with a short 07708 580308; presentation on theory followed by [email protected] practical work on members’ own lalg.org.uk/shakespeare mechanical clocks. The autumn term is now underway SKETCHING IN and we have a few vacancies, so if THE ENGLISH you are interested please contact Richard, or just come along and see COUNTRYSIDE us in action. Beginners and more Meetings will start again in April. experienced horologists are welcome. Group Contact: Group Contact: Celia Lord 01462 623589; Richard Edwards 01462 683030; [email protected] [email protected] lalg.org.uk/sketchingcountryside lalg.org.uk/clockgroup ADVERTISEMENT FLOWER DAVID’S BOOKSHOP EVENTS ARRANGING Tuesday 17 March, 7.30pm £6 The Cloisters. Matt Rendell, cycling Mondays 2, 16 and journalist and broadcaster will talk 30 March, about his book, Colombia Es Passion! 2pm to 4pm Wednesday 18 March, 7.30pm The Cloisters, David’s Bookshop. Lars Mytting – top Barrington Road, Letchworth bestselling Norwegian author with his We are a very enthusiastic group who great novel, The Bell in the Lake. £6 enjoy making pretty arrangements. Monday 23 March, 7.30pm David’s Our skills vary from complete novices Bookshop. Sylvia Topp, biographer to almost professional. and journalist with her biography of The group is almost full, but if you are George Orwell’s first wife Eileen, The interested in joining please contact Making of George Orwell. £6. Angie. Tuesday 24 November, 7.30pm Group Contact: David’s Bookshop. Award-winning Angie Lockyer 01462 893441; Guinevere Glasfurd with her climate [email protected] catastrophe novel, A World Without Summer. £6. lalg.org.uk/flowerarranging
Page 15 GARDENING GARDENS FOR TEA AND TIPS 1 ALL We are enthusiastic Thursday 19 March, gardeners who visit each Fenton House, other’s gardens to share Hampstead expertise and swap plants, We will be travelling by train to Fenton whilst also enjoying coffee and cake. House, Hampstead, a 17th century Tuesday 10 March, 10.30am venue National Trust property with to be advised. interesting collections and a walled garden, which is full of colour and Tuesday 24 March, 10.30am Kay’s. interest all year round. Please phone or email to book in. New members are always very Group Contact: welcome to join this friendly group and
Annie Hankin 01462 685511 you don’t need a garden to belong. Full [email protected] Answerphone bookings are not lalg.org.uk/GardeningTT1 accepted. Group Contact: GARDENING Susan Mellor 01462 456486; TEA AND TIPS 2 [email protected] lalg.org.uk/gardensforall Friday 20 March, 2pm This will be hosted by Bob & Angela. LEARNING AND Please let them know a few days in PRACTISING LIP advance if you wish to attend. We meet monthly to view a garden READING and discuss gardening topics Thursdays, 10.30am over refreshments. This group is full but if you are Group Contact: interested why not start another? Valerie Williams 01462 624439; [email protected] Full The Group support team will help you for the first few meetings until your lalg.org.uk/GardeningTT2 group is established. Find their details on page 35. PATCHWORK GROUP Group Contacts: Thursday 5 March, Jean Watson 01462 679687 or 11am to 1pm Veronica Jones 01462 451174 [email protected] Full Premier Inn, Station Road We meet on the first lalg.org.uk/lipreading Thursday of the month. New members always welcome. If the group you want to join is full, Group Contact: leave details and your contact info at Zena Truscott 01462 627253; [email protected] David's Bookshop. With enough lalg.org.uk/patchwork interest we can start another group.
Page 16 PHOTOGRAPHY TEXTILE OUT AND ABOUT ENTHUSIASTS We are a small group AND WEAVERS of photographers who enjoy digital Tuesday 31 March, photography as a hobby. 6.30 to 8.30pm Our monthly photoshoots are held We meet once a mid-week. We then review some of month to take part in a textile-related our photos during an afternoon at a activity or craft. member's house to share ideas and At this month’s meeting the workshop knowledge. We are full at present but will be ‘Sashiko’, which is a Japanese if you are interested in joining or running stitch used for decorative finding out more, please contact: purposes. Group Contact: We will be working in white stitches on
Pat Rumpus 01438 557529; Full indigo-dyed cloth in traditional [email protected] patterns. lalg.org.uk/poa The meetings, which include all PLAYING THE RECORDER materials and equipment as well as refreshments are £4 per person. FOR FUN New members welcome. Wednesdays, Please email Amy to book your place. 10am to 11.30am Central Methodist Church We have recently relocated to a new 109 Pixmore Way SG6 3TR studio in Baldock: please contact Amy We are a friendly and sociable group. for the address. We enjoy making music together and Some free parking is available outside often have coffee afterwards. Some the studio and there is also a experience of recorder playing and/or designated car park close by. reading music would be useful. Group Contact: See our beginners group on page 9. Amy Wilson 07917 542405; Group Contact: [email protected] Rayna West 07415 169511; lalg.org.uk/textileandweavers [email protected] lalg.org.uk/recorder TEXTILES GROUP SEWING GROUP We are a small group who 1st & 3rd Thursdays, share ideas regarding all 2pm to 4pm elements of textiles. We cover most forms of We meet at one of our members’ needlework. There is sometimes homes. space for a new member so please New members most welcome. get in touch if you are interested. Group Contact: Group Contact: Linda Carson 07990 748583; Joan Goodall 01462 682469 [email protected] [email protected] lalg.org.uk/sewing lalg.org.uk/textiles
Page 17 KNITTING GROUP FOOD & DRINK Monday 9 March, Daphne’s. FIRKIN CLUB Monday 23 March, Tuesday 10 March, Pauline’s. 8pm Group Contact: Crafty’s, The Beer Shop,
Annie Hankin 01462 685511; Full Leys Avenue, [email protected] Letchworth, where we lalg.org.uk/knittinggroup are promised a good selection of real ales. UKULELE GROUP We meet monthly to sample real ales Thursdays, 1 to 3pm and to put world affairs into a personal perspective, viewed through We play, sing and a pint glass. New members welcome. socialise. Group Contact: Group Contacts: Grant Cameron 01462 679569; Jacky Elliott 07725 110692; [email protected] Val Patterson 07789 428191; lalg.org.uk/firkinclub David Flower 01462 683939; [email protected] MALT WHISKY Beginners Ukulele Group APPRECIATION Thursdays, 11.30am to 12.30pm Friday 20 March, 8pm Both groups meet at If you are interested in St Thomas Church Hall, sampling, comparing and 103 Bedford Road, generally enjoying fine malt whisky, Letchworth SG6 2BL come along to this meeting when fine The beginners group is going well examples will be presented for with 15 members. New members members’ pleasure. always welcome. You don't need any Group Contact: musical knowledge. Grant Cameron 01462 679569; Group Contact: [email protected] David Flower 01462 683939; For whiskies we have sampled before [email protected] see lalg.org.uk/maltwhisky lalg.org.uk/ukulele
WILD FLOWERS FOOD AND COOKERY This group will GROUP recommence in the Spring via email. Please contact Keith to go on our waiting list. Group Contact: Group Contact: Sheila Rhodes 01462 678911;
Keith 07917 446044; Full [email protected] Full
[email protected] lalg.org.uk/wildflowers lalg.org.uk/foodcookery
Page 18 PUDDING CLUB VEGETARIAN AND This is a fun way of VEGAN GROUP trying new recipes. Tuesday 24 March, We take it in turns to 7.30pm provide a pudding Vutie Beets, The Wynd (bought or home-made) and we pay £1 each to the person who has Harry will be entertaining us once provided the pudding. We have again. Snacks available. Your ideas space, so please do get in touch. are needed for future meetings. No need to book, just turn up. Group Contact: Jean Morley 01462 459889; Group Contact: [email protected] [email protected] lalg.org.uk/puddingclub lalg.org.uk/vegetarianandvegan
SUPPER CLUB WINE APPRECIATION Tuesday 10 March, 7pm GROUP ONE The Fisherman, Fishers Green, Stevenage Friday 6 March, 8pm Letchworth Settlement A three-course meal in our own private room at this attractive A presentation of wines from family-run restaurant/pub. £28 Australia, New Zealand and South (including service). Contact Linda to Africa chosen by John Wilburn. book. Final payment and menu Why not come along and find out choices by Tuesday 3 March. what it’s all about, beginners to Group Contact: experts, all are welcome. But please
Linda King 01462 677329; check with one of our contacts first. Full [email protected] Group Contacts: lalg.org.uk/supperclub John Raines 01462 893059; George Barnes 01462 673710; WINE GROUP 3 [email protected] lalg.org.uk/winegroup1 Tuesday 17 March, 7.30pm Our hosts will be Dave WINE DISCOVERY and Sue who will be Friday 20 March, 8pm presenting an interesting selection of ‘Bin Ends’. We are a social group This month we will have who enjoy trying out new wines from a variety of presenters, different regions in a relaxed as some of our members environment. We meet on the third bring along their favourite Tuesday of each month at 7.30 pm. wines to share with us. Group Contacts: Group Contacts: Moira and Nigel Rigby
Teresa Baker 07947 008242 Full [email protected] Graham Wood 01462 676927 Full lalg.org.uk/winediscovery lalg.org.uk/winegroup3
Page 19 BUSINESSES OFFERING DISCOUNTS TO LALG MEMBERS
A M Optometrists 29 Leys Avenue 486123 10% on complete glasses Alexander Lewis Estates 9 Arena Parade 510881 20% off fee for sales Arena Stationers 5 Arena Parade 480223 10% over £5 including inkjet cartridges Bamboo Turtle, the zero 5 The Arcade 07880 986635 10% on household liquids waste shop Beautiful Bathrooms 53 Leys Avenue 484477 10% on bathroom products Broadway Gallery Café Broadway Studio, The 476110 20% off hot drinks Bar Arcade Cooks Boutique 22 Leys Avenue 01708 691322 10% off purchases over £10
Countryside Ski and 118-120 High Street, 01438 353086 10% Climb Stevenage
David Stern Optician 10 Arena Parade 683045 10% excluding eye test David's Bookshop 12-14 Eastcheap 684631 10% on sales over £5, some David's Music 12 Eastcheap 475900 exceptions Diane Badstevener Beautician and 07899 924487 10% Holistic Therapist Eric T Moore Books 14 Cherry Trees, Lower 450497 10% order by phone Stondon Esquires Coffee House 27 Leys Avenue 678017 10% on all orders Evolve Life @ 607 Works Road 486444 10% off Chiropractic & sports Evergreen massage/ therapy Fairhaven Wholefoods Unit 27 Jubilee Trade 675300 5% on all products Centre, Jubilee Rd Garden City Crafts 5 The Wynd 686869 10% on craft materials Garden City Florist 6 Arena Parade 685370 10% except teleflorist Icas-Vilas Fine Art 8-10 Leys Ave 677455 10% framing only Isabelle Estates 45 Station Road 487877 10% on sales fees Jay Matthew Computers Alban Rd 07786 733774 10% Discount Jewellery Box 1 The Arcade 675707 10% excl. watches Joules etc. Gifts 3 The Wynd 07415 281930 10% on sales over £10 Just for me 30 Leys Ave 676688 15% Letchworth Aquatics 66 Leys Avenue 337326 10% on livestock Manor Pharmacy 42-44 Broadway 685915 10% non-medical Martins Furniture 62-64 Leys Avenue 351610 10% Max Spielmann 36 Broadway 672264 10%
For each entry the town is Letchworth and the phone prefix is 01462 unless otherwise stated. For the latest details, see www.lalg.org.uk/discounts
Page 20 BUSINESSES OFFERING DISCOUNTS TO LALG MEMBERS
Michael Hall 507 Broadway 674767 10% (Probate Services) Miss Green Fingers 2-4 Eastcheap 337970 10% off café items Nanny Julie's Children's 8 The Arcade 337805 10% North Herts Chiropody 46 Leys Avenue 684358 10% on full treatments On Your Travels 65 Station Road 677111 Discounts on tours & cruises Pampered Pets 9 The Arcade 07432 440104 25% off a full groom Past and Present 47 Leys Avenue 351610 5% Professional Dry Cleaners 25 Eastcheap 682571 10% dry cleaning onsite only Prontaprint 59 Leys Avenue 674674 10% R & E Family Butchers 31 Leys Avenue 681221 5% on all cuts of meat Realign Massage 39 Leys Avenue 07969 334945 10% Redfin Models 9 Howard Pk Corner 619543 5% on all kits Revive the Beauty Salon 4 The Wynd 674888 10% Shades Of Gray 38 Broadway 686578 10% for over 60s Sitting Pretty 23 The Wynd 07833 984091 10% System Restore UK 2 The Wynd 339101 10% on all labour T Brooker Unit 7 Bilton Rd, 434501 Trade discount where Hitchin applicable The Cakey Lady HQ 19 The Wynd 337980 20% off 2 or more cakes The Kitchen Café Pixmore Avenue 504054 10% on meals The Letchworth Clinic 17 Station Road 670900 10% podiatry Mon-Fri The Little Hair Boutique 18 The Wynd 674579 10% on bookings The Little Ironing Shop 23 The Wynd 339128 10% The Secret Wardrobe 1 The Wynd 07921 869771 10% on full price scarves The Shoe Box 45 Leys Avenue 683190 10% on all shoe repairs The Uniform Monkeys 6 The Arcade 07828 148179 10% on first order Tom Badstevener Gas Safe 44 Maltings Close, 07970 958483 10% off labour Engineer Baldock Trisports 48 Station Road 683615 5% Bicycles, 10% Accessories, 10% clothes Venus Hair & Beauty 65 Leys Avenue 682770 10% on hair and beauty treatments Vutie Beets vegan café 24/25 the Wynd 337930 10% on all sales W R Lewis Garden 20 Rook Tree Close, 07966 676416 5% off labour Services Stotfold Walkwel Clinic 13 Eastcheap 682526 £2 off non-sale footwear over £30
You will be asked for proof of your LALG membership. To suggest a new discount supplier, contact Maureen Strutt on 01767 318117
Page 21 FEATURES
LETCHWORTH FESTIVAL 2020 LETCHWORTH OPEN GARDENS Saturday 20 June to Sunday 5 July Sunday 28 June, 11am to 5pm 29 gardens will be open across the Garden City as part of Letchworth Festival, covering every aspect of Friday 26 June Wine Festival gardening with vibrant flower borders, (founded by LALG) abundant vegetable plots, water features and sculptures. Saturday 27 June Long Distance Walkers ‘Dawn to Proceeds to be shared between the Dusk’ walk. The Greensand Ridge British Red Cross and Garden House walk from Leighton Buzzard to Hospice. Gamlingay (40 miles). Details in May and June newsletters. Would you like to help LALG to take Mike and Sheryl Hann part? Email [email protected] [email protected] For details of other events, see letchworthfestival.org For a calendar of LALG events, see [email protected] lalg.org.uk/calendar
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Page 22 GENERAL GROUPS ALL THINGS FEATHERED ACTION FOR POULTRY SOCIETY HAPPINESS Calling all keepers of poultry and waterfowl! A movement for positive social change using We meet on alternate months and activities to improve wellbeing, e.g. you would be very welcome to join us. mindfulness, gratitude diaries, You will meet some delightful hens identifying personal strengths, being and fellow keepers and enjoy some near nature etc. light refreshments. We are currently searching for a new For further information please contact: venue but hope to be up and running again soon. For further information Group Contact: contact Chris. Claire Bunyan 07788 153500; [email protected] Group Contact: Chris West 07932 195463; lalg.org.uk/chickens [email protected] Full BLACK SQUIRREL lalg.org.uk/actionforhappiness INVESTMENT CLUB ALL THINGS After 19 years of superb analysis and uncanny MILITARY intuition we remain Thursday 19 March, competitive with the FTSE 100!! 8pm Join us for a pint or a glass of wine Mrs Howard Memorial while recommending the latest high- Hall, Letchworth flying company to your new friends. This month’s talk will be given by Group Contact: Peter Hull who will talk about his Graham Pointon 01462 670004 father’s life, in particular his service in [email protected] minesweepers during WW2. lalg.org.uk/investmentclub All are welcome. No need to book. The fee per meeting is £3 and this COUNTRY DANCING includes tea or coffee before the Tuesday 24 March, 7pm evening's events get underway. The Cloisters, Barrington Group Contacts: Road, Letchworth John Scully 01462 456661 Alex Peters 01462 685230 A fun session led by [email protected] Mandy Baldwin. See some of our dancers pictured on the front page. lalg.org.uk/allthingsmilitary All are welcome to join this group. Acting Group Contact: When you have finished with this Val Quieros 07787 512580; newsletter, please pass it to a friend [email protected] who might like to join LALG. lalg.org.uk/countrydancing
Page 23 COMPUTER USERS LETCHWORTH Friday 6 March, LOCAL HISTORY 2pm to 4pm RESEARCH GROUP Premier Inn café, Tuesday 24 March, 7pm Station Road, International Garden Cities Letchworth Exhibition, 296 Norton Way This is a self-help group for non- South, SG6 1SU. experts who, through their own Our new project is a study of the experiences, try to solve computer origins of Letchworth road names. issues raised by other members of Much of the research could be done the group. from home so don’t be put off contributing even if you can’t get to Drop in for help with any computer- meetings. related problems over a coffee. All levels of expertise welcome. Group Contact: Limited spaces available. Philippa Parker 01462 686828; [email protected] Group Contact: Graham Taylor lalg.org.uk/localhistory [email protected] lalg.org.uk/usingcomputers MEDITATION This is not a computer support line GROUP Tuesdays, 7pm to 9pm EVERYTHING St Christopher School, EUROPEAN Barrington Road, Letchworth. Wednesday 18 March, 7.30pm Gently guide the mind to cultivating a quiet awareness and stillness that The Brunt Room, arises with taking your attention Letchworth Settlement within. This is a secular practice. Influential Women in Europe and Suitable for all levels. Beginners Beyond welcome. Speakers so far: Wafa Tarnowska, We have a cuppa after each session. and others tbc There is a charge to cover costs. Your Please note, we are changing our guide is Neelam Taneja. group's name to EUROPE & Group Contact: BEYOND from April, to cover wider Sunil Vilas 01462 677455; topics. [email protected] LALG members £3, non-members lalg.org.uk/meditation £4. Refreshments available. Group Contacts: Mandy Baldwin 01462 339438; Praful Soneji Group contacts: looking for a policy, [email protected] a form or guidance on something? lalg.co.uk/everythingeuropean Visit lalg.org.uk/groupsguidance
Page 24 OCCASIONAL QUIZ TEAM EVENING TALKS This month we are planning Friday 20 March, 7.30pm to attend the following: Mrs Howard Memorial Hall, Thursday 5 March, Norton Way South 7.45pm Historical Perspectives in Market Theatre, Sun Street, Hitchin. Assisted Reproduction/IVF Teams of 6. £2pp Wednesday 11 March, 8.30pm Speaker: Dr Kay Elder, MD, PhD Millstream, 97 Cambridge Road, Kay has over 30 years’ experience in Hitchin. Teams of 6. £2pp reproductive biomedicine research in IVF, including many at Bourn Hall Monday 16 March, 8pm clinic. £2 for LALG members, £3 non- Cultivo Lounge, Leys Avenue, members. Letchworth. £2pp No need to book, just turn up. Saturday 21 March, 7.30pm Group Contact: Rotary Club fundraiser, St George's Katka Kessler 01462 685645; Church Hall, Norton Way North, [email protected] Letchworth. Teams of 8. £14pp incl. lalg.org.uk/occasionaltalks supper PHILOSOPHY FOR Tuesday 24 March, 7.30pm NON- Radcliffe Arms, 31 Walsworth Rd, PHILOSOPHERS Hitchin. Teams of 6. £2pp. DAYTIME If you would like to join in, contact: The first Thursday of Group Contact: each month, Andrew Dear 10am to 12 noon [email protected] Training Room, Morrisons, Broadway We meet on the first Thursday of lalg.org.uk/quizteam each month. Please come along and help this new group to form its future. Group Contact: TRANSPORT AND John Blakey 07511 683591; INDUSTRIAL [email protected] HERITAGE lalg.org.uk/philosophydaytime Tuesday 3 March, 8pm The Old Library, Jackman's PHILOSOPHY FOR Community Centre, SG6 2NL NON-PHILOSOPHERS We look forward to a talk by Nick Hill The third Monday of on the history of the Leighton Buzzard each month, 7.30 to 9pm Narrow Gauge Railway, from the start of WW1 to the present day. Spirella Building, Bridge Rd. This is a lively group which questions No need to book, just turn up. life, the universe and everything. Group Contact: Group Contact: Richard Hamilton 01462 434828; Anne Sparrowhawk 07711 145736; [email protected] [email protected] lalg.org.uk/philosophy lalg.org.uk/transport
Page 25 WEATHER WOMEN’S STUDIES REPORT GROUP Broadway Hotel bar, go in Do you record local main entrance and turn right. weather statistics? If so, Monday 9 March, 7.30 to please get in touch! 9pm Group Contact:. Our discussion topic this month is: Keith Taylor 01462 670749; [email protected] International Women’s Day - what does it mean to you? lalg.org.uk/weather International Women's Day is celebrated on 8 March every year. It is a focal point in the movement for Membership of LALG entitles women's rights. But what does it everyone in your household mean for you? to attend as many groups and There is no need to book, just turn up. activities as they want, Group Contact : Amelia Sherwood; space permitting. [email protected] lalg.org.uk/womensstudies
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Page 26 LANGUAGE GROUPS GERMAN GROUP 1 CONVERSATION Tuesday evenings in FRANÇAISE members’ homes. Lundis soirs 20.00h-22.00h Everyday conversation with Conversation pendant deux an opportunity for items of heures. 50p par réunion. special interest. Pour le moment il nous est No formal tuition but we have native impossible d’accepter de nouveaux speakers willing to help. membres. Cependant comme les Group Contact: circonstances changent constamment Martin Sproat 01438 226044; vous pouvez à tout moment vous [email protected] ajouter à une liste d’attente. Group Contact: lalg.org.uk/german1
John Gregory 01462 674639 Full [email protected] lalg.org.uk/french1 GERMAN DAYTIME DUTCH CONVERSATION Wednesdays, 2pm Once a month on This group meets in Wednesday mornings in each other’s homes or a local café. members’ homes. Hosting is not essential for anyone Would you like to share wishing to join this group. your thoughts on the arts, politics, weather, travel, sports, gardening, or People on the group’s email list will anything else of interest? Join our receive a weekly update. small group of (more or less) Dutch This new group is thriving but more speakers. members would still be welcomed, Group Contact: particularly native speakers. Corrie Swain 01462 742542; [email protected] Group Contact: lalg.org.uk/dutch Sheila Hogan 01462 743578; [email protected] DAYTIME FRENCH lalg.org.uk/germandaytime Thursdays 5 and 19 March, 2.30pm ITALIAN Dimples café, Par 3 Golf course, CONVERSATION 1 Willian Way. We meet at members’ Group contact: Sheila Rhodes homes, usually on Thursdays 12 & 26 March 2.30pm Fridays, 7.30 to The Broadway Hotel. 9.30pm. Group Contact: Val Quieros Group Contact: If you would like to attend either Alan Fraser 01462 685448; group, please email: [email protected] Full [email protected]
lalg.org.uk/italian1 lalg.org.uk/DaytimeFrench
Page 27 ITALIAN RUSSIAN CONVERSATION 2 LANGUAGE Alternate Wednesday РУССКИЙ ЯЗЫК evenings at members’ Thursdays, 2pm to 4pm homes. To find out more or to join the waiting list We try to resurrect oral please contact Gloria. and aural skills for part of the session. Group Contact: We also translate items, sometimes
Gloria Tirelli 07503 495952; Full news downloaded from Правда, [email protected] Известя, Би-Би-Си etc, but more lalg.org.uk/italian2 often short stories. Currently we are reading Таман лермонтове ITALIAN CONVERSATION 3 Some knowledge of Russian needed. We do need new members. Incontriamo ogni lunedì pomeriggio a numero 12 Group Contact: Sheila Hogan Leys Avenue alle 2.30. Siamo un [email protected] gruppo di più o meno 8 persone, con lalg.org.uk/russian competenza variabile in italiano. All members are welcome each week. SPANISH Group Contact: CONVERSATION
Val Quieros 07787 512580; Full [email protected] Thursdays, lalg.org.uk/italian3 7.45 to 9.30pm Meetings are usually at the homes of LATIN Letchworth members. They are part general conversation, part reading Alternate Monday with translation and discussion about evenings at members’ various topics. We are always open homes. For those with to new ideas. some knowledge of Latin. Group Contact: Group Contact: Carl Raybold 01767 223167; Ginny Morris 07944 777862; [email protected] [email protected] lalg.org.uk/latin lalg.org.uk/spanish
WELSH LANGUAGE SOCIAL GROUPS AND CULTURE Byddwn yn cyfarfod pob BUS BUDDIES Mercher olaf yn y mis am Wednesday 4 March, 7.30pm. Siaredir Cymraeg a 1pm Saesneg a chawn trafod rhywbeth diddorol bob tro. Clwb Cymraeg y fro. Meeting at David’s café. Cysylltwch efo Rosalie. Group Contact: Group Contact: Annie Hankin 01462 685511 Rosalie Lamburn 01767 640930; [email protected] lalg.org.uk/welsh lalg.org.uk/busbuddies
Page 28 50+ SINGLES MEET FOR COFFEE 1 DROP-IN 1 We meet fortnightly. Fridays from 8pm, Group Contacts: Cultivo Lounge, Mary Gibb 01462 671190;
Leys Avenue Jill Sells 01462 684289; Full We gather at tables in the bar area [email protected] near the door. A relaxed and informal lalg.org.uk/coffee1 way to make new friends and maybe SINGING FOR to suggest an event that you would like to attend so it can be added to PLEASURE our calendar and others can go with (Around the piano) you. There will be other singles there Howard Garden Day to greet you, or call Anne in advance. Centre Thursdays 12 & Be brave! 26 March, 7.30 to 9.30 pm Group Contact: Anne Sparrowhawk 07711 145736; If you enjoy singing in a relaxed [email protected] atmosphere just for pleasure, then please come and join our group. With lalg.org.uk/50plussingles1 over 500 songs to choose from our sessions are very varied and informal. 50+ SINGLES We are open to all voices and would DROP-IN 2 especially invite any men to join us as Thursdays, 7 to 9pm we are low on male voices which add a great depth to the sound. The Orchard Restaurant, Fairfield SG5 4JJ. Do you live alone but enjoy We are a very friendly group who just meeting people? Are you reluctant to enjoy a relaxed sing-song. go out on your own? Don't be - come Group Contact: Amanda MacKnight and make new friends. Our group is 01438 750974 or 07733 133299; new, but in time we hope to be able to [email protected] arrange social events, theatre trips, lalg.org.uk/singingforpleasure etc. Looking forward to meeting you. Group Contact: WHAT THE MEDIA Jane Roberts IS SAYING [email protected] Tuesday 17 March, lalg.org.uk/50plussingles2 10.30am to 12noon Broadway Hotel Bar MEET FOR COFFEE 2 Note new time and venue We will look at anything that has Mondays 9 & 23 March, caught the eye of members, from 11am social media, online news, TV, radio, The Gardeners’ Retreat Restaurant, magazines, newspapers etc. Hitchin Road (formerly WYEVALE). No need to book, just turn up. Group Contact: Acting Group Contact: Maureen Huckle 01462 638099 William Armitage 01462 643537; [email protected] Full [email protected]
lalg.org.uk/coffee2 lalg.org.uk/papers
Page 29 SPORTS & GAMES GAMES CLUB Mondays 2, 16 & 30 March BADMINTON 1 7.15 to 9.30pm Norton Methodist Church Hall, Mondays, 8pm to 10pm North Avenue, Letchworth. We play at Letchworth We are friendly and help each other. Tennis Club. At the moment Played recently: Sagrada, Rummikub, we do have some vacancies. Kingdomino, Splendor, Amazonas, Group Contact: Azul, card games: Hearts, Five [email protected] Crowns, 4-player Jaipur, Skyjo. Our collection of games is always lalg.org.uk/badminton1 growing. There is parking at the front, and BADMINTON 2 entry to the hall is down the right- hand side. £3 entry includes tea and Mondays, 7pm to 8pm at biscuits. The first visit is free. Fearnhill School. Group Contact: We play mixed doubles on Cathy Watts 01462 894073; a rotational basis. 07523 763 358 Please contact us if you have played [email protected] before but need to refresh your skills. lalg.org.uk/gamesclub Group Contact: Sue Bresnahan 07801 345595; POOL [email protected] We meet at Osinskys (Hitchin) to play on lalg.org.uk/badminton2 bigger than average pub pool tables. All arranged on WhatsApp. Email your BRIDGE CLUB name and mobile phone number to: Tuesdays and Fridays, Acting Group Contact: 1pm to 4.30pm Steve Green [email protected] The Friends Meeting lalg.org.uk/pool House, Howgills, 42 South View, Letchworth. 50/9 GOLF SOCIETY If you arrive earlier just join a table On Wednesday mornings and start playing; and if you need to, we play nine holes at you are welcome to leave early. Stevenage, Mount Pleasant, £2.50 per session. Chesfield or Letchworth Golf Club. The green fee is from £9 to £15. Beginners and improvers are always Our games are social; we have mixed welcome – we play very friendly abilities, and we enjoy meeting in the Rubber Bridge. clubhouse after the game. Please get Come and have a smile with us. in touch to go on the waiting list. Group Contact: Group Contact:
Gill Cheaney 01462 686806; Stanley Bonin 01462 672178; Full [email protected] [email protected]
lalg.org.uk/bridgeclub lalg.org.uk/50_9golf
Page 30 GARDEN CITY MAH JONG WHEELERS We meet once or twice Thursday 19 March a week at members' homes where we play We will meet in The the game for pleasure. Three Magnets, (Wetherspoons), Leys Avenue, Letchworth for a The game and the way we play it 10.30am start, weather permitting. lends itself to both the beginner and the more advanced. This month we will ride to St Pauls Walden having lunch in The Group Contact: Strathmore Arms. This ride has some Valerie Williams 01462 624439; hills. We will cycle at the pace of the [email protected] Full slowest rider doing a return mileage lalg.org.uk/mahjong of approximately 22 miles. If you need further information or intend to join a ride for the first time PAR 3 GOLF please contact Stuart on the number Mondays, 11am or email below. Par 3 Golf Centre, Group Contact: Willian Way, Letchworth Stuart Collins 07710 507069; [email protected] Nine holes ranging in length from 53 yards to 104 yards. There is a lalg.org.uk/GCWheelers comfortable clubhouse serving light refreshments at reasonable prices. To join this group LALG membership GENTLE is essential. There is a small charge. EXERCISE AND Group Contact: Paul Wilkinson YOGA GROUP [email protected] Full
Every Thursday, 6.30 to 7.45pm lalg.org.uk/par3 St. Christopher School, Barrington Road, Letchworth. PÉTANQUE Gentle exercise and Yoga help Wednesdays, 2pm improve wellbeing and quality of life. This programme helps you work on all Par 3 Golf Centre, the joints and muscle groups of the Willian Way body, flexibility and balance. Previous We have only three lanes available experience is not essential. and so we have closed the Julie Zirngast of Yoga Breath and membership list for a while. Body guides the class supported by Please feel free to come and watch or Neelam Taneja. A small charge is get in touch to find out more and join made to cover costs. the waiting list. Group Contact: Sue Boys 01462 410351; Group Contact: Maureen Flower 01462 683939; [email protected] Full [email protected]
lalg.org.uk/yoga lalg.org.uk/petanque
Page 31 RUMMIKUB SOCIAL CYCLING Wednesdays, Sunday mornings 10am to 12 noon, twice a month Thursdays, 1 to 3pm at the A social, leisurely ride for Broadway Gallery Café, The Arcade. around 10-15 miles on cycle tracks and quiet roads, ending New members very welcome. with a coffee stop. Group Contact: We welcome new riders. Maureen Huckle 01462 638099; [email protected] Group Contact: lalg.org.uk/rummikub Robin Ghisi 01462 482400 or 07850 340780; SCRABBLE [email protected] lalg.org.uk/socialcycling Alternate Wednesdays, 2.30pm Broadway Gallery Café, TABLE TENNIS The Arcade, Letchworth. ON TUESDAYS For details please contact: @ TEN AM Group Contact: Tuesdays, 10am Eileen Creak 01462 632692; [email protected] Letchworth Tennis Club, Muddy Lane. lalg.org.uk/scrabbleclub Bats and balls supplied. To check for availability contact: SHORT TENNIS Group Contact: Thursdays, 10.30am Stanley Bonin 01462 672178;
Indoors at the Letchworth [email protected] Full Tennis Club, Muddy Lane.
lalg.org.uk/tabletennis10 Short tennis is played in doubles on a smaller court with a soft ball. Easier than lawn tennis but still good fun. To WHIST join the waiting list please contact: Thursdays, Group Contact: 7.15 to 10pm at the Andy Gordon 01462 685366; Full Free Church Hall, [email protected] Gernon Road, Letchworth. lalg.org.uk/shorttennis A lively group where members of all TABLE TENNIS skill levels are welcome. FOR FUN Group Contact: Thursdays, 7.30 to 9.30pm David McGuire 01462 636373 We play on four tables at the [email protected] Central Methodist Church Hall, lalg.org.uk/whist Pixmore Way, Letchworth. Group Contact: Uschi Groves 01462 684742; Personal insurance is the [email protected] responsibility of the individual. lalg.org.uk/TableTennisFun
Page 32 WALKING GROUPS EARLY MORNING WALKS ALTERNATIVE Wednesdays 11 & 25 RAMBLERS March, 7 to 8.40am Sunday 8 March Meet at the UK’s first roundabout on Broadway. No need to A varied walk of 5 miles book. Well-behaved dogs welcome. through Brocket Park and We go whatever the weather. along the river Lea to Waterend, and Group Contact: then back along Ayot Greenway and William Armitage 01462 643537; past Ayot Green, with one steep [email protected] slope down and another on the way lalg.org.uk/earlymorningwalks back up. It could be muddy in places. LONG DISTANCE Meet at The Sun, Lemsford, Welwyn WALKERS Garden City, AL8 7TN at 10am to order lunch ready to start walking at Sunday 15 March, 10.15am. 8.30am To book the walk, and lunch if Meet at Sollershott East required, please email Carol Stokes Green for car-sharing. at [email protected] or A 15-mile walk: Charlton to Great phone 01438 353666, by Monday 2 Offley, Tea Green, Breachwood March. Green, Kings Walden, Preston and Mobile on the day 07813 800874 back to Charlton. Please bring food and drink. Walk leader Nigel Carrick Group Contacts: 01462 672428 or 07952199989. Anthony and Mary Wakeman 01462 337588; Sunday 26 April, Ashridge Estate [email protected] Walk leaders: Tony and Katie Maynard-Smith. Details in the April lalg.org.uk/alternativeramblers newsletter. 2020 Trail Week - early July. The DOG WALKING Yorkshire Wolds Way, from the end of Wednesdays 11 and the Cleveland Way at Filey to Hessle, 25 March, 10am to the north of the Humber Bridge. A highlight is the deserted medieval We will meet at the village of Wharram Percy. 6 walking junction of Westmill Road and Burford days at an average of 13½ miles Way, Hitchin SG5 2XP for a circular each. Cost around £750 for sharing a walk of approximately 4 miles. room; £850 for non-sharing. 20% No need to book, just turn up. All dog deposit when booking. Contact Kate lovers are welcome. Thompson on 01462 621248 or [email protected] Group Contact: Marian Cowdrey 07854 678952; Group Contact: [email protected] Mia Matheson 01462 490070 [email protected] lalg.org.uk/dogwalking lalg.org.uk/longdistancewalkers
Page 33 LONDON WALKS MIDWEEK Saturday 16 May AMBLERS/ RAMBLERS Hampton Wick to Teddington Lock Thursday 19 March A fairly leisurely walk is A 5-mile ramble from The Five Bells, proposed, about 8 miles High Street, Henlow SG16 6AE through Bushey Park through Langford and Henlow. and Hampton Court Entirely on the level, mainly on well- gardens and then along the Thames walked paths with a small amount of Path via Kingston to Teddington Lock. road walking, but some parts will be muddy. No stiles. Further details of train times and meeting to follow in April and May Meet at 10am to pre-order lunch for newsletters. a 10.15am start. Group Contact: Peter Briercliffe To book please contact walk leader 01462 637349 or 07760 474926; Keith Montague by Monday 16 March [email protected] on [email protected] (preferred) or 01462 450852. lalg.org.uk/LondonWalks Mobile on the day: 07900 868180. MIDWEEK Next walk: Friday 24 April WALKERS Group Contact: Carol Stokes 01438 353666; Thursday 5 March [email protected] Walk leaders: Katie lalg.org.uk/midweekambleramble and Tony Maynard-Smith Meet at Sollershott Green by 9.30am for car sharing (fuel contributions to NORDIC drivers please). WALKING Parking will be at the Recreation A whole-body Centre, free car park behind the exercise that church at Great Offley SG5 3DU. harnesses the This is a 10-mile circular walk via Ley benefits of walking with the use of Green and Preston which has one Nordic walking poles. Learn how to steep hill returning to Offley. walk with ease, becoming faster and walking further, whilst also having fun. Lunch is at the Red Lion in Preston. Please book in by Tuesday 3 March Alternate Mondays and Tuesdays and say where you will be meeting. with optional Saturday and evening Contact 01462 623201 or walks. [email protected]. A taster session is required to ensure Mobile on the day: 07815 198216 you will get maximum benefit. Group Contact: Group Contact: Christina Jess Peyton Jones 01462 458397; Butterworth 01462 634437; [email protected] [email protected] lalg.org.uk/midweekwalkers lalg.org.uk/nordicwalking
Page 34 SLOWER WALKERS SUNDAY Tuesday 10 March, RAMBLERS 10.15am Sunday 1 March The Rising Sun, 11 Everton Barton area: a 9-mile Road, Potton SG19 2PA circular walk. A walk of 3 miles using tracks and Meet at the Arena car park at 9.30am roads around the Potton area walking for car sharing. Bring a packed lunch. from The Rising Sun. For those wishing to go direct to Barton meet at Old Road MK45 4LB Pre-ordering of lunch is required by which is first left after Church Road the pub so please choose from the after passing Arnold Academy School lunch or main menus on the pub on the right. website and let Brian/Shirley know Please let Robin know if going direct. your choices when booking the walk Walk leaders: Roger and Shirley by email (preferred) on: Shirley: 01462 630957 [email protected] or on 01767 651758. Group Contact: Robin Edmett 01462 636085; Meet at the pub by 10.15am for a [email protected] 10.30am start. lalg.org.uk/sundayramblers Bookings for the walk by Friday 6 March please. WALKING BUDDIES Mobile on the day: 07484 111657 Wednesday 4 March, Next walk Thursday 9 April (note 1pm day and date change). Meeting at David’s café. Group Contact: Group Contact: Charlie Sams 01438 359026; Annie Hankin 01462 685511; [email protected] [email protected] lalg.org.uk/slowerwalkers lalg.org.uk/walkingbuddies
TRAIL WALKERS GROUP SUPPORT TEAM Tuesday 10 March If you need help with a new or Circular walk - Panshanger existing group, please ring one of the and Cole Green area, a total following team members: of 9 miles. George Barnes 01462 673710 This walk will take us to the oldest oak tree in Hertfordshire. We will Ronnie McInerney Gilbert cross the River Mimram and continue 07809 100647 along the disused Welwyn to Hertford Steve Green (away in March) railway line. Val Quieros 07787 512580 Group Contact: Shirley Whitworth 01462 630957 William Armitage 01462 643537 [email protected] Full Or you can email the team at lalg.org.uk/trailwalkers [email protected].
Page 35 WEEKEND LINKED ORGANISATIONS STROLLERS Saturday 14 March, BROADWAY 10.30am GALLERY Standalone Farm café (outside) Bit Rot by Bob Bicknell-Knight Wilbury Road, Letchworth We don’t A Garden Futuricity by John Vincent walk fast and no more than 3 miles. This Muddy Eden by Hannah Brown We should finish by noon then an & Christopher Orr optional visit to the café. If wet, we will have a longer visit to the café! Forest by Rory Menage No booking required. All welcome. www.broadway-letchworth.com/ studio-gallery 01462 476110 Next walk: Saturday 18 April Group Contact: FORTY PLUS CYCLING William Armitage 01462 643537; CLUB [email protected] Every Thursday, 10.30am lalg.org.uk/weekendstrollers A 25 to 40-mile ride to a pub lunch, mainly on quiet lanes. All ages and WILD WALKS experience welcome. MOSTLY Stuart Collins 07710 507069; MOUNTAINOUS [email protected] Geoff Perry 07770 600370; Thursday 5 March, 8pm [email protected] Our monthly social in Garden City Brewery. We have two trips to Wales currently in the planning stages. The first is to Bethesda in April and the second is in May from Abergavenny. The contacts for more information are Geoff Smith and Phil Sayers respectively or the group contact. Group Contact: Sheila George 07807 827490; [email protected] lalg.org.uk/wildwalks LALG PUBLICITY LETCHWORTH We are planning to publicise LALG at CENTRE FOR the following weekend events : HEALTHY LIVING Baldock Festival 23 May Complementary Food & Drink Festival 30/31 May therapies, counselling plus new classes and workshops – all in the Letchworth Festival 27 June new winter brochure. If you are able to help on a stall or if Tel: 01462 678804 or book online you can offer plants for sale, please www.letchworthcentre.org email [email protected]
Page 36 LETCHWORTH LETCHWORTH DIST GARDENERS’ MODEL RAILWAY ASSN SOCIETY Start the gardening year Mondays & Wednesdays, by taking out an LDGA membership; 7.30 to 10pm at Standalone Farm it’s only £6 per household per year and comes with lots of benefits Do some modelling, track laying, including access to our Trading Store. woodworking, electrical work; exercise your own rolling stock and/or Visit ldga.org.uk for all the details or help with our 4 main layouts including email [email protected] N, OO and G Gauge. Contact: [email protected] LETCHWORTH or visit www.letchworthmrs.org.uk FILM CLUB LETCHWORTH NATURAL Broadway Cinema HISTORY SOCIETY Sunday 1 March, 7.45pm Tuesday 10 March, 7.30pm Cul-de-sac, Dir. Polanski (UK 1966) Two wounded gangsters find refuge Kincaid Hall, The Settlement. in the castle of a feeble man and his The Beauty of Butterflies wife; but nothing is what it seems. Local expert Wilf Powell on the life Sunday 15 March, 7.45pm and times of our butterflies. Lean on Pete, Dir. Haigh (UK2017) Adults £2.50 (LALG members with Group Contact: membership card £2), under 16s free. Peter H Griffiths 01462 671679 LETCHWORTH LETCHWORTH SETTLEMENT GARDEN CITY Monday 16 March, 2pm SOCIETY A special talk entitled Monday 11 May, 7.30pm ‘Hungary 1944-56’ by Mihaly Saar ‘100 not out: Letchworth Settlement’s who made a dramatic escape from Centenary’, an illustrated talk by Dr the country as the Soviet forces Kate Thompson on its early days. £5 moved in. or £4 for LGCS and LALG members. Tickets are £8 via Philippa Parker 01462 686828 [email protected] www.letchworthsettlement.org.uk
LETCHWORTH JAZZ LETCHWORTH APPRECIATION SUSTAINABILITY SOCIETY FORUM Conservative Club, Birds Hill, Letchworth, SG6 1PH We are developing ways to help low- income families save money and cut For details of forthcoming both costs and carbon footprint. events, contact: If you have relevant expertise to Bernard Pritchard share, please contact us at 01763 248421; [email protected] www.letchworthjazz.org.uk
Page 37 LORDSHIP RAINMAKERS THEATREGOERS INTERNATIONAL FOLK Discounted top tickets DANCE GROUP for West End and Milton We meet most Fridays, Keynes shows. No travel included. 8 to 10pm in the Parish Hall, West End – musicals & plays Broadway, Letchworth. Milton Keynes – mostly matinees New members welcome, on your own Free to join: please email or with a partner. [email protected] Contact: Mark on 01462 454210; Latest availability on Facebook at www.rainmakers.org.uk ‘Lordship Theatregoers’.
MEN IN SHEDS RAMRUGGE CLOG MORRIS We meet once a month on Wednesday Wednesdays, 8pm mornings over coffee/ Gt Wymondley tea and biscuits to plan Village Hall, SG4 7ET acquiring suitable premises. New members, dancers or musicians, All welcome! welcome. Cherry Carter 01438 724919; ask Paul at David’s Contact Astrid on 07762 439201 or [email protected] [email protected] www.Ramrugge.org.uk
NORTH HERTS 50+ LETCHWORTH Thursday 19 March, 2pm SCALE MODEL at the Mrs Howard CLUB Memorial Hall, Letchworth Wednesday 18 March, A talk about ‘Avoiding 7.30 to 10pm Falls by Joseph Tainsh from HCPA, The Club Room, Icknield Centre, Herts Care Provider Association Icknield Way, SG6 1EF FREE IT courses for ALL levels and Metals In Modelling including AFVs, interests. Courses soon fill up! Aircraft, vehicles and figures. Contact: Sheila 01462 743578; Rod Johnson 01438 814225; [email protected] letchworthsmc.yolasite.com
NORTH HERTS TRANSITION TOWN SPEAKERS LETCHWORTH First and third Tuesday 10 March, Wednesdays, 7.30 to 9.15pm 7.30 to 9pm Mrs Howard Memorial Hall, Norton Normally at the Sun Hotel, Hitchin. Way South, Letchworth, SG6 1NX The Proposed Transport Strategy for All visitors can attend free and after North Central Hertfordshire. Free, but 6pm parking is free behind the hotel. a £2 donation is welcome. Contact: John Kendall 01462 [email protected] 684036; www.toastmasters.org www.transitionletchworth.org
Page 38 WILLIAN BOWLS SPINNERS, CLUB WEAVERS & DYERS LETCHWORTH 1st & 3rd Thursdays Open from Sunday 19 April in term time, All LALG members welcome. Tuition 7.45 to 9.45pm and equipment provided. Also any Letchworth Settlement, 229 Nevells Tuesday at 2pm. Road SG6 4UB. Enquiries: David: 01462 642790 [email protected] www.willianbowlsclub.org www.craftingtogether.wordpress.com
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Page 39 MEMBERSHIP OF LALG Annual Enquiries: Julie Bolter 01462 627378; or [email protected] membership
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