Creative Women

Our women-only badminton sessions are open to players of all abilities, from beginners to more experienced players. This session is designed to be friendly, inclusive, and supportive, providing a comfortable space to play, learn, and improve at your own pace. Cost : £7 per session Rackets are available but please bring your own and wear appropriate shoes. Free parking available Pay before you play, please join our WhatsApp community for more details. https://chat.whatsapp.com/HDfdoIcvxmD66kMVeWBpm8

**One quick note on how the community works** **L Community is member-funded.** The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding. If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time. Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](http://www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now) **What this is** A relaxed Sunday afternoon book club for lesbian and bisexual women, meeting in person. This is our first event and we will discuss which book we plan to read. It’s low-pressure, calm, and easy to settle into the event. Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most sessions are a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person coming for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make the space feel easy rather than awkward. If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first book club and end up staying longer than they expected. **Important** This is a female-only lesbian space. That boundary is clear and upheld at events. If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/events/book-club/](http://www.thelcommunity.com/events/book-club/) **Arriving and support** The table booking is under the name Jenny. If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point – days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you. **WhatsApp Jenny** WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019** Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number. **Staying connected** Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community. If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/register](http://www.thelcommunity.com/register)

Discover a unique chess community where we’ve created a friendly, positive environment for playing and learning chess, quite different from the ordinary, male-dominated clubs. This is a place to feel at home, connect with like-minded people, and enjoy developing your chess skills within a supportive community. What to Expect: ♟ Friendly games and casual play ♟ Coaching sessions for beginners and intermediate players ♟ Socialising with fellow chess lovers ♟ A welcoming and inclusive atmosphere Ad exciting news: Series of Group Coaching on started on 15th November and a few more: [sign up here](https://pci.jotform.com/form/241475449120353) At London Women Chess Club, we’re passionate about empowering women in chess. Our non-profit community is dedicated to creating a safe and engaging space for women and juniors to develop their skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the game. Let’s celebrate the contributions of women in chess and build a vibrant, dynamic community together. Come and be part of something We can’t wait to see you there! [Join Us!](https://form.jotform.com/241453653475359) [Instagram!](https://www.instagram.com/londonwomenchessclub)

**Join us for a visit to see the extremely popular Marie Antoinette Style exhibition, at the V&A** “A complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette's timeless appeal is defined by her style, youth and notoriety. Explore the lasting influence of the most fashionable (and ill-fated) queen in history – with over 250 years of design, fashion, film and art.” [https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/marie-antoinette](https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/marie-antoinette) **Please note: due to high demand you will need to book your ticket early, as many slots are selling out weeks, if not months in advance!** **MEET DETAILS:** **From 2.45pm: Optional pre-meet. MEET AT THE V&A MAIN CAFE ON LEVEL 0** **Address:** Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL **3.30pm ENTER THE EXHIBITION (galleries 38 and 39, V&A South Kensington)** **5.15pm- Late: PUB SOCIAL (Optional)** The Zetland Arms 2 Bute St, South Kensington, London SW7 3EX **TICKETS:** **Please book your ticket [here](https://www.vam.ac.uk/shop/ticket?cgid=443) for the 3.30pm slot, or as close to this time as possible. ** Full price tickets are £22, various concessions are available including £11 for entry with art fund pass, and free entry to those on universal credit. **GETTING THERE** ** Underground stations: South Kensington (5-minute walk), Gloucester Road (10-minute walk). Step-free: Knightsbridge (14-minute walk) Victoria Station (35-minute walk) Bike-hire is available at Exhibition Road and Thurloe Place Several bus routes stop at V&A South Kensington To find parking nearby see: [parkopedia](https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/attraction/victoria-and-albert-museum-london/?) **EVENT WHATSAPP GROUP:** **If you are on the 'Going' list only,** please join the event WhatsApp group to help you find the group on the day. **The link will be shared in the Event Comments below at least 48 hours before the event.** *Joining this WhatsApp group will make your phone number visible to other members in the group.* **IMPORTANT NOTE:** * LoMAZ events are run by volunteers. We have an attendee limit to help the host manage the event. We prefer a smaller, friendlier group. * Once all the spaces are taken, Meetup adds you to the Waitlist. If someone drops out, waitlisted attendees are automatically moved to the 'Going' list by Meetup in order of priority. * **If you can no longer attend, please change your RSVP to 'Not Going' as soon as possible.** Then someone on the waitlist can take your place. **We remove members from the LoMAZ Meetup group who:** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then do not show up three times in a row.** * **RSVP as ‘Going' but then change their RSVP to 'No' five times in a row.** * **Are on the Waitlist or who have not RSVPd, but turn up anyway.** **Thank you! — The LoMAZ Admin Team** [📸 ](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/)**[Follow LoMAZ on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/londonmuseumsatoz/)** Image credit: Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun. Marie-Antoinette in Court Dress, 1778. Oil on canvas, 107 ½ × 76 inches. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-altering-clothes-8/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-altering-clothes-8/) ⋆⋆⋆ Learn to refashion your fashion and save it from landfill. A one-day weekend workshop learning to re-love your wardrobe. Frustrated by all those simple alterations you have to take to the dry cleaner to fix? Taking up hems? Repairing a jacket lining? No, you will soon be able to tackle those jobs yourself – even if you have never used a sewing machine. Do you have a favourite shirt with a rip in it? Do you have a skirt that doesn’t quite fit anymore? In an age that encourages us to buy less clutter, learning how to keep clothes going for longer can mean more than just a tiny spot of darning. Spend the day learning to give your clothing a new lease of life and personalising them with your individual style. Bring your outgrown but loved clothes to this beginner-friendly day workshop and re-create them into something special again. Maybe things look a bit dated and could be converted to a new style or you just want to know how to turn charity shop finds into well-fitting couture. As everyone will undoubtedly bring something different to work on, you will learn and be inspired from each other’s projects too and therefore be able to go home and refashion even more items to give them a new lease of life. Expert clothesmaker Deborah Andrews will guide this small class through the day working on your individual projects. We have easy-to-use sewing machines for everyone as well as a small selection of scrap fabrics you can use as embellishments or patches. Bring any old or new materials you want to use too. **About Deborah** Deborah graduated from Camberwell College of Arts with a BA Hons in Illustration. Over the years she has developed her own practice of drawing and illustration to combine machine embroidery with digital imagery and a bit of old-school pen and paper for good measure. Her clients include The Guardian Newspapers, The Barbican, Latitude Festival, Danny Boyle’s Shuffle Festival, Vital Arts and The Big Draw. She has been teaching drawing, fashion & clothes making, and creative textiles for over 20 years. [www.deborahandrews.co.uk](http://www.deborahandrews.co.uk/)

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-plant-holder-38/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-plant-holder-38/) ⋆⋆⋆ A good woodworker has a number of basic joints in their virtual toolbelt that they can use for any project. We have devised a lovely one-day introduction to woodwork skills which is a homage to the not-so-humble mortise and tenon joint – one of the essential joints required if you are looking to create sturdy pieces of furniture that can be fitted together like a beautiful 3D puzzle. A mortise (or mortice) and tenon joint connects two pieces of wood mainly when the adjoining pieces connect at right angles. In its most basic form, a mortise and tenon joint is both simple and strong and comprises two components, the mortise hole and the tenon tongue. The tenon, formed on the end of a piece of wood generally referred to as a rail, fits into a square or rectangular hole cut into the other, corresponding piece of wood. The tenon is cut to fit the mortise hole exactly. It usually has shoulders that seat when the joint fully enters the mortise hole. The joint may be glued, pinned, or wedged to lock it in place. Over the course of this hands-on, practical day the tutor will give you careful direction in the use of using traditional tools. You will learn how to measure and cut accurately, how to use a chisel to make four ‘mortise and tenons’, how to use a plane to shape and apply a smooth finish to edges, and how to slot it all firmly together. The result will be a strong, standing plant pot holder that will proudly support a plant to brighten up a corner of any room and stand as a lasting testament to your joint making skills. An elegant 20cm white pot is included for you to take home with your new plant pot holder – we’ll leave it to you to decide how to fill it. This workshop is suitable for all ages. Small class size = plenty of attention. All personal protection and use of tools and materials are included. Suitable for beginners.

**Start the New Year Creatively: Nature Journals Workshop** Kick off the new year by personalizing your very own notebook! Explore **nature-themed stamping and stitching techniques** to create a unique journal that reflects your style and inspiration—perfect for capturing your goals, thoughts, or sketches in 2026. But this evening isn’t just about crafting—it’s about **connection**. Come solo or with a friend and enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can meet new people while making something meaningful together. Most attendees come alone, so you’ll be in great company! ### 🛠 What’s Included: * All tools & equipment ✂️ * A friendly, festive atmosphere to meet new friends ✨ * Step-by-step tutorial videos * A welcoming host to guide you Feel free to join our whatsapp group chat to get to know some friendly faces before the event. [Join using this link :)](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ky87VTJ4u8ZFcsfVUeAzfB) 📍 **Perfect for:** Anyone who is looking to meet new people, sustainability, and building community. ⚠️ **Please note:** Tickets are non-refundable.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-drills-336/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-drills-336/) **⋆⋆⋆** Learn the basics at this fast-paced but relaxed one-day workshop. A perfect starter for all those annoying jobs around the house that you feel you should be able to tackle…if only you knew how. We know it’s frustrating to wait for it to be done and then get charged for it and we understand it can be a bit daunting to head into a wall with a power drill. Pick up the skills to hang curtains, blinds, and simple shelves on any wall. Learn to drill into wood, brick, tiles, or hollow walls with confidence. We will show you how to judge what is behind the walls before you drill. An enjoyable ‘ hands-on’ one-day workshop that covers many of the common aspects of basic DIY. If you have just bought your home and have realized it didn’t include a landlord to fix stuff, or just don’t want to rely on someone else, this day is for you. There is plenty of time to practice on several exercises over the day. The workshop also covers hanging pictures and heavier objects like mirrors, cupboards, and flat-screen TVs. You will learn how to hang a hook, fix a baton, and then a pair of level shelf brackets. Finish off the day learning how to fit shelves into awkward alcoves – a handy skill you can use to fit work surfaces too. Learn how to select the correct drill bit, wall fixing, and screw to secure things confidently. The day will also include a chance to fill small and medium holes in wood and walls to prepare your surfaces for painting. Along the way, we show you how to remove old wall fixings and what to do with the ones you can’t. This a fun fast day with plenty of tools to try and lots of advice on which tools to have in a basic toolkit. If you are thinking of upgrading your drill, you can test all of the ones we use and feel more knowledgeable about what you want to buy. This course is especially suitable if you are not handy or if you are able, but not that confident, about tackling small but important tasks in your home. We will also suggest how to tell if a task is appropriate for DIY or GSI (Get Someone In). You will take home a set of skills that will last a lifetime. All tools and materials included. Perfect for beginners.

Following on from a really great previous meet-up here in 2024 we're returning for a relaxed Sunday Meet-Up at the Young V&A (formerly the museum of childhood). There is absolutely loads for children to do here, from construction toys, to a mini theatre, to drawing in moving sand. It's the perfect place for the children to let off some energy when the weather is not on our side. The activities would easily entertain children aged 0 to 11. The museum is a 2-minute walk away from Bethnal Green underground station, or a 5-minute walk from Cambridge Heath Overground. Buses 106, 254, and 388 stop nearby. There is minimal parking for cars, but good bike parking out the front of the museum. Entry to the museum is free. Meet in the big hall as you walk in, just on the left. Look for the pride flags on the buggy/bag.

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **OPEN AI CREATIVITY LAB - DROP-IN WORKING SESSION** This is an open, low-pressure creative lab for people curious about working with AI rather than using it as a tool. There's no presentation and no requirement to arrive on time or stay the whole session. Some people work quietly. Some observe. Some ask questions. I'll be working on my own creative projects using AI as a thinking partner—you're welcome to do the same, or simply watch how the process unfolds. **NOTE**: This is the first time I'm running this format. I've scheduled two hours for this inaugural session to give plenty of room for settling in, orienting newcomers, and genuine working time. I'll be here working on my own projects regardless of attendance. If you show up, great. If not, I'm still getting work done. **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle. **(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**

MindShift Gym has graciously offered to host our January meetup again! This event is technically free, but donations are strongly encouraged. MindShift has granted us access to their space at no cost to us, but at meaningful cost to *them*. Please consider helping them out a little, as you're able. For those of you who'd like to continue playing after this event is over, you'll have the option to stay for an additional (free) open gym session. To help MindShift get a sense of how many folks intend to come (and so that we can get your waiver taken care of ahead of time), please register for this event here: https://mindshiftgym.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=260B7229-A645-43A9-BBE3-D768DEC17B16 We're looking forward to seeing you! This meetup is non-binary inclusive and open to all ability and skill levels. Whether it's your first time trying parkour or you've been training for years there will be fun challenges for everyone.

Join us for our first meetup! We will have a discussion on Fiat vs Bitcoin, a little bit of learning and discussions that are important to the group. This a social group so bring your questions and curiosity, prepared to listen and share. Too often, women are left out of the conversation while they prepare to live longer, care for more people and are the heart of any community. Wouldn't it be great if we could be more educated on ways to beat inflation, have more choices, and be prepared for the changes to come? Please bring your questions, so that we can plan topics for future meet-ups.

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 7pm-7:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 7:15pm-8:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 8:45pm-9pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)