Crochet

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-weekend-40/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-weekend-40/) ⋆⋆⋆ If you would like to get stuck into a project a bit more traditional than the drop-in dining chair seat that we tackle in our [‘Intro to Upholstery](http://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/workshops/upholstery/)‘ workshop, this chance to make a footstool you will own forever is the very thing for you. Over two full days, an experienced upholsterer will fast-track you through the wonderful world of upholstery and help you build a fabulous footstool using traditional methods. Choose from our selection of top fabrics, or bring your own, and squeal with delight when you see the gracious cabriole legs that your footstool will be fitted with. Don’t worry about lugging a heavy piece of furniture around town, you can leave your work at The Goodlife Centre between classes if you choose. Plenty of guidance in a small group with a great tutor. To upholster your own chair see our project-based upholstery course – [Bring Your Own Chair to Upholster.](http://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/upholster-your-own-chair/) *All of our upholstery classes are for absolute beginners. It doesn’t matter which one you choose to take first. Each technique that is offered is part of all the processes that every upholsterer has to learn.* **KEY PROCESS: TRADITIONALLY BUILT AND SEWED** Before the advent of foam in the middle of the twentieth century, the only way to make wooden seats more comfortable was to build up layers using available materials. The small fabric footstool is built from layers of woven webbing, hessian, vegetable fibre, animal hair, and calico and is sewn with specialist needles and stitches. Although this method is more labour-intensive than the modern method of using foam, it is much longer lasting and preferred in more expensive pieces of furniture. Use fabric of your own, or use one of our luxurious upholstery fabrics at the centre. The use of all tools and materials is included. We also have a selection of tools and materials that we use in our workshops for sale at the Centre for you to continue your new hobby at home. Beginners welcome. **Course Dates:** This course is run over a weekend. Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm.

Join the London Women Chess Club (LWCC) for our weekly social chess session in a friendly, supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you are completely new to chess, returning after a break, or already playing competitively, you are very welcome. LWCC is an ECF award-winning community initiative dedicated to encouraging more women and girls to play chess, build confidence, and progress into competitive play if they wish. We are proud to see new members joining every month, with many progressing into league matches and tournaments. What to expect * Friendly social games * Opportunities to improve your chess * Informal group coaching and guidance to help members progress * Information about tournaments and league opportunities * A respectful and supportive environment * A growing community of women supporting each other through chess Who can join * Women and girls of all levels * Complete beginners are very welcome * Players returning after a break * Competitive players looking for a supportive community How to join LWCC To help us maintain a safe and well-organised community, we ask new members to complete our short membership form before joining our WhatsApp community. [Membership registration](https://form.jotform.com/241453653475359) [Group Coaching ](https://pci.jotform.com/form/241475449120353) Our WhatsApp group is shared with registered members so we can keep communication relevant and maintain a positive environment for everyone. About London Women Chess Club London Women Chess Club is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) focused on making chess more accessible to women and creating a positive pathway into competitive chess. We collaborate with libraries, chess organisations and the English Chess Federation to build a strong and sustainable women’s chess community in London. [Instagram!](https://www.instagram.com/londonwomenchessclub) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/london-women-chess-club/)

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-wood-stool-weekend-11/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-wood-stool-weekend-11/) ⋆⋆⋆ Suitable for absolute beginners. Enjoyable for everyone. One weekend workshop. 10am – 5pm. By popular demand – a content-packed two-day basic carpentry woodwork course spread over one weekend. Beginners will be given plenty of help and more experienced students may work at their own pace. Make your own pine wood stool and take it home with you to be admired by friends and family. This is a great starter workshop that introduces the skills of how to measure accurately, cut precisely, and join planks together using dowels. In addition to this, the legs- made from class broomsticks – are connected to the base using a ‘wedged through tenon’ which is a classic woodworking joint and produces a very strong and pleasing result. The tools used include handsaws, chisels, planes, and spokeshaves and you can even get a chance to try an old-fashioned ‘bit and brace’ drill if you choose. If you are contemplating our longer ‘[Carpentry for Beginners](http://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/beginners-carpentry/)’ course, this can be a great way to gain confidence. Beginners will be given plenty of help and more experienced students may work at their own pace. If your knowledge of woodwork is a feint but a fond memory of CDT or carpentry at school, you are in the right place. Our experienced tutor will guide a small group through the design and making of an elegant pine stool using traditional hand tools. The workshop focuses on jointing wood with dowels, using and caring for a plane and chisel, using spokeshaves, and drilling with an auger. Intrigued? Come and find out more. All personal protection and the use of tools and materials are included. This workshop takes place over one weekend: 10am – 5pm.

Please join me for a Sunday afternoon of open air music and pizza at the Fox and Firkin, one of Londons most active live music venues. **Theon Cross** is one of those rare musicians whose vision has redefined their instrument. The creative power and originality of Theon’s playing has reinvented the tuba’s place in modern music. Exploring the tuba’s possibilities in the light of diasporic bass culture, Theon has worked to develop the full sonic spectrum of his instrument, transforming it into a total 21st century sound-system, powered by breath. Theon released his first EP Aspirations in 2015 followed by his first album FYAH in 2019 and the Intra-I in 2021. He has He has featured on countless albums and contributed his version of Thelonious Monk’s Epistrophy to the Blue Note Re:Imagined series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4gAcqk7XV8 **Tickets:** £12 early birds - £15 second release, plus 10% booking fee. https://foxfirkin.com/event/theon-cross-open-air-31st-may-2026/ **When?** Doors open 2pm, Theon Cross 6.30pm, after party 8pm. **Where?** Fox and Firkin, 316 Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6JZ

Our Agbé beginners access 3 hour Sunday afternoon workshop covers the basic techniques and rhythms for Maracatu on the Agbé (Shekere). An Agbê is a large, dried gourd or calabash that has been cleaned, polished, and covered with a net of beads. It is played by shaking using both hands, and is accompanied by choreographed dance moves. No previous musical skills required. Instrument provided. Our community of percussionists (and dancers) is a friendly family of people from all over the world who have come together to meet new people and share a love for music, dance, and expression. Joining our classes is not just an opportunity to learn something new, it's a chance to meet a new group of people who regularly organise social events and perform together at events across London and the UK. 📅 Sunday 31st May ⏰ 2–5pm 📍 Dance Attic Studios, Fulham, SW6 1LY 🎟 £25 Maracatu is a traditional form of carnival percussion, that has deep roots in Afro-Brazilian traditions, and a major form of carnival in Recife, Brazil. It's the rootsy 'grandad' of Samba. **Find out more and book your place at:** **www.baquedeaxe.com/beginners-workshops**

**🦋 Virtual Speed Dating with Croydon Locals — Personality Matched** When the rounds start, you'll work through host-managed one-on-one rounds with Croydon locals age-grouped and personality-matched, while the host handles all the logistics. Prior to the event, a personality questionnaire is built into the sign-up — those answers are used to build your personal lineup of Croydon locals, making every round feel more natural from the first minute. After the final round, we reveal your mutual connections — only when both people made the same choice — and you take over from there entirely. **Your age group is your key — pick it below:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=501.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Croydon&groupurlname=genuine-bonds-formed-over-weekend-brunch&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=501.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Croydon&groupurlname=genuine-bonds-formed-over-weekend-brunch&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=501.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Croydon&groupurlname=genuine-bonds-formed-over-weekend-brunch&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=501.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Croydon&groupurlname=genuine-bonds-formed-over-weekend-brunch&ar=55+&face_v=4.0) **⚠️ Heads up:** Just clicking rsvp will not save your spot in the session, so follow the link for your age group, sign up, and complete the personality matching questionnaire — registration closes once spots fill so act fast, and your place is confirmed only once you have done both. --- **How the evening works** 1. **Book your spot** – via the link for your age group above, then answer the short personality questions, as both steps together confirm your attendance. 2. **Hop on** – using the video link shared before the session, works on any modern device with a camera, and everything runs on the host's schedule from that point. 3. **Enjoy the rounds** – back-to-back private Zoom rounds with Croydon singles curated for you by age and personality, with a host keeping rounds moving at a comfortable pace, knowing the matching already happened before you got on Zoom. 4. **See your results** – once it wraps we notify both sides of any mutual selection, with mutual-only sharing meaning no awkward one-sided messages, and the next step is entirely in your hands. **This works best for:** - Those near Croydon moving beyond the app treadmill that goes in circles and are ready for something that feels natural. - Anyone at all within Croydon leaving behind profiles that never convert to actual dates and are ready for something genuine instead. - Members in the Croydon area wanting to escape apps that waste evenings for no return and prefer structure over ambiguity. - Residents in the Croydon area leaving behind the app treadmill that goes in circles and are looking for real connection. **Event Details** - **Format:** Age-grouped over Zoom running short timed video rounds throughout, age and personality sorted before the event begins. - **Where:** Fully remote — on whatever device you prefer, the only requirement is a device with a camera and internet, and couch desk or spare room are all equally valid spots. - **Host:** A focused host steers the pace so nothing drags or feels rushed, which means nothing technical or logistical is on your plate — not a single logistical thing is left for you to manage. - **Vibe:** Genuinely enjoyable video speed dating rounds with Croydon locals who made the same choice you did, and most people book again after the first time. - **Duration:** Plan for around one hour to ninety minutes including the welcome, and the pacing keeps it fresh throughout. 💡 **Before you join:** grab a glass of water before you start, because good audio is just as important as good video, as the host manages the rest and all you need is working tech. --- ✨ Meet Croydon singles from home — book your spot above and we will take care of the matching before spots go. The evening starts the moment you register. 🌺 ✨

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-basic-electrics-35/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-basic-electrics-35/) ⋆⋆⋆ **Suitable for absolute beginners** A one-day introductory workshop to help learn the first principles of DIY electrics in the home. This short home electrics workshop covers the most common requests that homeowners, landlords and tenants want to know more about in their homes. Explained in simple terminology, and with practice on fiddly -but unplugged in – electrical fittings, learners can leave feeling less wary about this familiar but invisible energy and confident about safely tackling the essential electrics at home, without requiring any ‘Part P’ certification. First principles are explained in a clear and simple way, without complicated formulas or equations. Learn how to assemble a simple lighting circuit with an inline switch, using inexpensive hand tools. This forms the basis of understanding how the wiring behind your switch plates and ceiling roses fit together. See how to test and avoid faulty wiring when performing simple repairs at home. Look under the ‘bonnet’ of your consumer unit (Fuse box) and understand what it’s connected to and how to turn the supply off and on. Understand the basic wiring system in your home. Practice changing switches to dimmers, look behind socket plates and understand how to change ceiling pendants. Stay safe in your home by finding out what you can and can’t do yourself without any certification. If coming to our workshop in Central London is not possible, then why not try our on-demand basic electrical course online?

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/49603 **Game Description:** Come and join a mid intermediate session in Canning Town 🚨Directions🚨 📍Enter via Morgan Street 🚶‍♂️5 minute walk from Canning Town Station🚗 Free car parking on site 🚿 Showers, changing rooms, water fountain & toilets are present **Rules** \- 3 teams of 6 \- Games to 15 points \- Max 2 games in a row \- Please be kind and respectful to all players 🧡

Inviting all women and non-binary NSLondoners to a relaxed Sunday morning coffee social ☕️😌 Feel free to bring an app or code project to show and talk about, but no pressure if you’d rather just come along for a chat and to meet others in the community! Please RSVP on Meetup if you’re planning to come. Looking forward to seeing you there! All attendees are expected to follow our [code of conduct](https://nslondon.com/coc.html).

* We will meet outside the Hamilton Hall Pub, Liverpool Street Station, Bishopsgate Exit. * We will then make our way via Spitalfields and Brick Lane, where we will explore the history and diversity of East London with truly amazing street art photo-ops, a part of the London Mural festival. The road is also a home to numerous independent Victorian shops. * We will then proceed to Columbia Road Market, which is London's principal flower market devoted to selling plants, flowers, garden fittings and gardening equipment. We will reassemble at the end of the market. * We will then return via Hoxton and Spitalfields to Liverpool Street station. Optional drinks/lunch at the end of walk at Hamilton Hall (Wetherspoons). If people prefer street food from the Brick Lane market, or indeed from the famous bagel shops, they can always join us for a drink at the pub later. The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's Meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash/card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). What to bring: Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) '***No Show' Policy:*** *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organiser on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

COSTAL WALK followed by SOCIALISING with CHEAP FOOD and DRINKS in a convivial pub atmosphere. **WALK START POINT: HASTINGS Station** (National Rail). Look for Ken with the Kens Events/Meetup Flag/Badge outside the station. WALK ROUTE: Hastings Station to Bexhill on Sea primarily along the coast. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 5 miles. WALK END POINT: A large pub in Bexhill on Sea (The Picture Playhouse) near Bexhill Station WALK STOP OUT POINT: Always close to bus routes. **After today's (Sunday 31 May) walk, some members will return to Hastings and stay overnight at the Travelodge in Hastings, in order to join our 7 mile (approx.) circular Saxon Shore Way hike and Hastings Country Park on Monday 1st June.** BREATHE FRESH AIR: Give up the city streets for a day and improve your overall fitness levels on a green or coastal walk. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. *Be sure to join us in the pub for the whole experience!* COST: Free for members (who show their Ken's Events Membership card). For others there is a £5 fee for this event. Scroll down to bottom of page to see disclaimer and notice of risks. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group and only post photos of other members with their consent. Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents) For weekday and evening walks join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) RAIN POLICY: Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the day of the event around 3 hours before the start for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going! Unfortunately no large dogs and small children are permitted on these walks. **NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:** Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions. Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk. These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches. In these walks we cross busy roads, use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route. Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. **DISCAIMER** All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer.

**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45754 **Game Description:** Come and play in a casual 6 aside game on a Sunday afternoon ⚽️ It’s a beautiful pitch with larger goals 😍 💦 Showers, changing rooms, water fountain and toilets available. **Directions:** 🚶‍♂️1 minute walk from Poplar DLR station 🚗 No designated car parking **Rules** \- Change keeper every 6 minutes \- Classic 6 aside rules \- No slide tackles\, play safe \- Respect everyone on the pitch

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room B, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

5:45-7:45 in Conference Room A, Library lower level. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. If you plan to attend, please RSVP yes. If you can’t attend, please change your RSVP to no. This helps anyone who is waitlisted and it allows me to have an accurate count of attendees as our space is quite limited. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

12:45-3:45 in the Meeting Room, Library lowest leve, by the drinking fountain. Bring your yarn projects, meet new friends. Plenty of parking in the lot, in the overflow lot across the street, and on the street. See you there!

**Let’s kick off our very first CBUS Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Karl Road Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, working with yarn, this is the group for you. Meet new friends, bring your projects, learn from others.
We normally meet a few times a month during the week from 6-8pm. We will occasionally meet on weekends during daytime hours.

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

This is a time where players of all ages, and skill levels can gather and enjoy a nice Sunday full of Chess!