Home Decorating

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodwork-set-of-steps-8/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/woodwork-set-of-steps-8/) ⋆⋆⋆ This timeless classic is taken from our favourite 1910 vintage woodwork book. It is a brand new project for our Carpentry for Beginners courses. Take home a fabulously useful set of steps, beautifully crafted with ‘Through tenons’ and ‘shoulder’ joints. Measurements are: 53cm H x 50cm W and 55cm D when open. Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, experienced craftsman Len Conway will guide and inspire you as he teaches age-old techniques in carpentry. As you begin learning how to make traditional wood joints in seasoned redwood, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and marking gauges. Len is an experienced carpenter and teacher. He conveys his skilful practical experience with light-hearted humour. Learners will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence. Over 5 specified days, we will cover many aspects of traditional carpentry tuition. There will be lots of practical exercises in each session while making a small set of steps that you will take home. **We will get familiar with some tools of the trade:** * Introducing basic tools. Equipping a toolbox for home carpentry. * Timber selection/marking out and cutting. Cutting accurately with a hand saw * Using a plane, different types of planes. Sharpening tips and practice. * Using a chisel and its uses. Sharpening tips and practice. **You will use planes, chisels and marking tools:** * Simple joints and why we use them. * Half joints, lap joints. Practice using chisels and planes. * Bridle joints and a mortise and tenon **You will make a simple project to take home:** It’s fast-paced but with the support of Len, you will complete your own project to make a small set of steps. * Work from selected pine and measure, mark and cut pieces. * Choose and make joints, assemble and secure with adhesive or screws. * Sand and smooth to a stage where your project is ready for staining or waxing and taken home with pride. All personal protection, the use of tools and basic materials are included. **This course is suitable for beginners**

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-wednesday-eve-21/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/upholstery-bring-your-own-chair-wednesday-eve-21/) **⋆⋆⋆** KEY PROJECT: RE-UPHOLSTERING YOUR OWN CHAIR. Suitable for beginners and fun for advanced learners. This workshop is led by Krasmira Nikolova, an experienced upholsterer. We provide the use of all upholstery tools and equipment including compressed air staple guns. Basic upholstery materials that you require for your project will be moderately charged on a pay-as-you-use basis and will be dependent on each chair’s requirements. We can advise you on the purchase of your top fabric and we have a lovely library of fabric samples to help make up your mind. The Goodlife Centre sells all the basic tools and materials for use on projects worked on at home. This is a fantastic chance to up-cycle and personalise a family piece you have at home or a junk shop find and a great way to immerse yourself into the wonderful world of upholstery. The course is suitable for both beginners and those who have a basic knowledge but little experience who wish to extend their expertise. **Choosing a suitable chair** If you are a newcomer to upholstery, there are a couple of pointers to help you choose a chair to work on. Choose something that has one or two flat planes – a seat and a back – as curves and arms are more complex and take longer to achieve. If you are a complete beginner, you could bring something more simple such as an upholstered footstool. More experienced upholsters can bring more complex pieces. Your chair can be traditionally built or modern, but be aware that some modern pieces have been constructed using machinery and are difficult to recreate by hand. [Click here for a detailed PDF of suitable chairs.](https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2r8UvbQtaH5RTVKUjlBdkhDX3c/view?usp=sharing) **Please email info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk with a photo of your chair prior to the course so we can answer any suitability questions and advise if your chair is suitable**. We have very limited storage at the centre, so we can only store smaller pieces during the course. Please make sure the total dimensions are less than 1000mm high by 750mm wide, with a depth of 750mm. The use of tools and machinery is included. All materials will be charged at nominal rates. Some materials will not be kept in stock but can be ordered. Approved projects can be stored at the centre. We cannot offer additional time to work on your project outside of workshop times.

Low Stakes Comedy is a weekly stand-up night in Streatham Hill. Every Wednesday at The Hamlet, a mix of new and experienced comedians perform short sets in an intimate basement room. 📍 The Hamlet 10 Streatham High Road London SW16 1DB 🕖 Doors 7:00pm 🎤 Show 7:30–9:30pm 🎟 Free entry at the door — limited capacity £2 to reserve a seat 👍 Reserve here: lowstakescomedy.eventbrite.co.uk What happens at Low Stakes Comedy stays at Low Stakes Comedy. 🍅

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-basic-wood-joints-74/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-basic-wood-joints-74/) ⋆⋆⋆ A beginner's course that goes straight to the heart of woodworking. This five-week evening course will focus on timeless variations of wood joints that can be used for an endless amount of woodwork projects. Develop your skills with a saw, chisel and plane so that you can measure and mark out your work, cut, fit and glue joints accurately, ensuring your woodwork is strong, durable and darn good-looking. Learn these classic wood joints while you hone your making ability, and set free your ideas for furniture, box-making and all things fabulous. During the course, you will learn the uses and advantages of each joint as you construct a framework of sample joints. This project is a classic learning method. The **half-lap joint** can be used to make frames for pictures, perimeter door frames for panel or glass doors, dust dividers in cabinets and in many other situations. Because the half-lap does not add any thickness to the pieces of wood being joined, there are virtually no limitations for using it. The **mitred half** lap is an elegant yet strong corner joint, with its diagonal cut constructed with an internal half lap, The **tee halving** is a versatile joint which is often used in internal cabinet frames and simple framing and bracing. The **half dovetail** is a very strong type of joint because of the way the ‘tails’ and ‘pins’ are shaped. This shape makes it difficult to pull the joint apart and virtually impossible when glue is added. This type of joint is used in box constructions such as draws, jewellery boxes, cabinets and other pieces of furniture where strength is required. All use of tools and materials included. Perfect for beginners.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-6-weeks/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/clothes-making-altering-workshop-6-weeks/) **⋆⋆⋆** Do you want to jump into making your own clothes but have never used a pattern? Do you wish to copy a beloved piece of clothing? Would you like to learn how to adjust your own pattern to fit just you? Learn how to take body measurements, read and alter a commercial pattern to fit, lay out and cut fabric and construct a finished garment to a high standard using one of our Janome 525s or Bernina 1008 series sewing machines. During the sessions of this small group of learners you will gain confidence and improve any sewing skills you already have. If you have never used a machine, we can guide you through making a simple garment from a purchased pattern. Bring your own pattern or use one of our small selection. If you have sewing experience but want to start creating your own patterns, you can learn how to create a bespoke piece of clothing. You can also bring a piece of clothing to alter or fix. We supply the basics and the calico you will use to make a ‘toile’ (an inexpensive mock up) to save you ruining your chosen final fabric. Along the way, talented tutor and seamstress will teach you lots of techniques and tips to ramp up your sewing passion. This is a perfect class if you have been teaching yourself so far, or if your last project was made a long time ago at school. **Suitable for:** Suitable for beginners, enjoyable for those with experience. A good level of English and basic math skills are useful. **Next start date:** Check our website for more dates: [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/clothes-making-altering/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/clothes-making-altering/)

**FREE FOR MEMBERS, REGISTER WHEN YOU ARRIVE!** English conversation group for non-native speakers. Join us for 1 hr 30 minutes of varied, interactive, fun and creative English conversation practice. This is a free group which runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Living Room Club Glendale Grove. You will have the opportunity to meet new people, build friendships and improve your spoken English. For further details contact Neide at 07585 560 345

We hold two pub evenings a month on the first and third Wednesdays, with all the other Wednesdays being Zoom pub evenings. We also normally have a monthly quiz on the last Wednesday of the month, during the Zoom evening, at about 9pm, where a different member of our group prepares the questions and answers to be used each month. This means that tonight is an actual pub evening. We are meeting at the Moon and Stars in Penge High Street, near the Sainsbury supermarket. The pub is a Wetherspoon establishment so we all know what to expect! We usually try to sit towards the back of the pub, possibly in one of the booths on the right hand side. Look for the IVC name on one of the tables. If you cannot find us, phone (but not text) Roland on 07761 265 390.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-piped-cushion-61/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/make-a-piped-cushion-61/) **⋆⋆⋆** For everyone who would love to make their own cushions for seats and sofas. The perfect way to fit out your camper van or jazz up your shed. Whether it’s a square scatter cushion or an elegant piped boxed cushion, learn the process in our one-day weekend workshop. If you are not confident with a sewing machine, we suggest you make the square scatter cushion. During the day you will be able to sew your creation to make either a 40cm piped, square cushion or a square 3” deep 35cm piped boxed cushion to take home. An expert upholsterer will guide you through the process of cushion-making to ensure a crisp fitted result. Master the techniques of measuring, marking and cutting accurately to maximise fabric use and how to pattern match. Learn how to make piping using bias-cut strips and piping cords. We will also show you how to fit a zip along one side so you can take your cover off for washing. All materials (including hypoallergenic cushion pad or foam pad) are provided and you will be able to choose your fabric from a small selection we have at the centre. You may bring a metre of your own soft furnishing fabric if you choose. Please make sure to avoid velvets, stretch or satin as these are more suitable to an advanced learner. A linen-weight fabric is ideal. We have well-maintained domestic Janome and Bernina machines to learn on. These workshops are kept to a small number and everyone has a dedicated machine. If you would like to build up confidence with a sewing machine first, we suggest our one-day ‘[Intro to Machine Sewing](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-machine-sewing/)’ workshop. Book early to ensure your space.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-modern-upholstery-weekend-39/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-modern-upholstery-weekend-39/) **⋆⋆⋆** **KEY PROJECT: MODERN FOAM with DEEP BUTTONED CONSTRUCTION FOOTSTOOL** *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.* We have created a wonderful project to learn the classic form of deep buttoned upholstery – but made with a time-saving modern method using sheet foam. Banish those fuddy-duddy club chair ideas and say hello to upholstery with a new twist; bright colours, shiny fabrics and funky feet. One of the modules that professional upholsterers are examined on is the process of deep buttoning. The correct height of foam is selected and applied to a base. Holes are made in the base and foam. We have a traditional button press you will use to make your own buttons in whatever fabric you choose, in the same fabric as your footstool or bring 10cm of a contrasting colour. The top fabric is then folded and pleated and the button is knotted to hold the folds together. It is fitted with ‘Cabriole’ legs to complete the project. You will learn enough know-how to take away a skill to make your own headboard, banquette (I love that word) or anything else you can imagine. It’s easier than it looks and comes together in such a satisfying way. The dimensions for our footstool are 540mm x 360mm and we have allowed enough time and materials to make 9 deep buttoned holes. This size is about the smallest unit possible to learn the process of deep buttoning as an upholstery technique. We provide everything for the workshop, from the wood frame to the set of natural beech wood legs that are included for you to paint or stain as you wish. We will give you guidance if you want to know different techniques for the wood. Bring about a metre by a metre of 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 Goodlife Centre for you to continue your new hobby at home.

We use MeetUp to advertise our shows. Please grab your tickets through the [link here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hoopla-comediasians-and-friends-tickets-1989837788390). # 💃 June 2026: Comediasians & Friends🥳 # Silly fun 😉 with heart in both short and long form improv and also a jam featuring YOU 🫵 (only if you want to of course) 🎭🎹🫶 Come party with us at our home away from home \-\-\- Grab your tickets through the [link here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hoopla-comediasians-and-friends-tickets-1989837788390). *Ticket:* £8.75 + BF *Time: **Doors open 7:45 pm** / Show at 8pm* *Where: Hoopla Impro, 96 Snowsfields Road, London Bridge, SE1 3SS.* *Tube: London Bridge.*

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-54/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-54/) **⋆⋆⋆** Ideal for everyone with a hankering to ‘make’ rather than ‘assemble’ something in wood with traditional hand tools. This one-day workshop is a great introduction if you lack time or commitment to take a longer course. In this safe and friendly workshop, you will learn how to plan your work, where, and how to buy suitable wood for use in making simple projects at home. You will use the tools you will need to build a basic kit and the day includes a demonstration on keeping your tools sharp. Using easy-to-follow directions in this ‘hands-on’ practical day, you will learn how to measure and cut accurately, how to use a chisel to make a classic wood joint and how to use a plane to make your wood smooth. You will drill the holes to glue and screw your work together. Everyone works with a complete set of tools and makes their own project, under the guidance of an experienced tutor. During the day you will make two ‘gallows style’ brackets and attach them with wood-plugged screws to a 50cm shelf. This is fitted with simple hardware to hang and display your work. This workshop is suitable for all ages. Small class size = plenty of attention. For those aged between 10 and 18, an older guardian can accompany them on the course if required. Please contact us if you intend to do this. If you enjoy the peace that comes with traditional skills, this day can build into a lifelong pastime. This workshop always sells out fast. All personal protection and use of tools and materials are included.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-38/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-traditional-upholstery-evening-38/) ⋆⋆⋆ **KEY PROJECT: TRADITIONALLY STITCHED AND SEWN EDGED FOOTSTOOL** *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.* 6-week workshop. Thursday nights. 6:30pm – 9pm. A perfect course for a beginner. Jumpstart your knowledge of traditional upholstery skills and methods. Over six Thursday evenings, experienced upholsterers will guide you through the wonderful world of upholstery and help you build a fabulous footstool using traditional methods. You can leave your project at the centre in between classes. 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. Our small fabric footstool (above) 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. This is the method used in many traditional chair seats, so once learned, you can apply this method to your own projects. We provide everything for the workshop, from the wood frame to the set of natural beech wood legs that are included for you to paint or stain as you wish. Choose from our selection of top fabrics, or bring your own. You will need about a metre of fabric and you will not need it until the final class. The use of all tools and materials is included. We also have a selection of specialist upholstery tools and all the materials that we use in our workshops for sale at the Goodlife Centre for you to continue your new hobby at home. Beginners welcome. This course is run on a Thursday evening over 6 consecutive weeks. 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Calling all foodies and gardening enthusiasts! Join us for an exclusive **Sip and Learn** event where you'll get to taste fresh, live herbs while learning how to grow your own food indoors year-round. 🌱 **Clift** will demonstrate how easy it is to grow more than **75 pounds of food** every year using **LED grow lights**—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, this event will show you how you can maximize small areas to grow delicious, pesticide-free produce. ### **What to Expect**: * **Live Herb Tasting**: Sample fresh herbs like basil, mint, and thyme, and discover their flavorful uses in your favorite dishes or drinks. * **Grow 75+ Pounds of Food**: Learn how you can grow your own fresh food year-round indoors with minimal setup. * **Indoor Gardening Benefits**: From saving on grocery bills to having pesticide-free herbs and vegetables at your fingertips, we’ll cover the perks of indoor gardening. ### **Why Attend?** * **Perfect for small spaces**—no backyard needed! * Gain expert tips on indoor gardening and sustainable food production. * A fun, engaging way to explore the benefits of fresh herbs and veggies for your meals. * Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about urban farming and sustainability. **How to Join**: Simply RSVP here to secure your spot! Bring your favorite drink or meal to pair with our live herbs. 🌿 Don’t miss out on this chance to sip, taste, and learn! Visit **[indoorgardenmarket.com](https://iwantagreenthumb.com)** to learn more, and RSVP now for a fun afternoon of herbs, learning, and indoor gardening! Thank you, Clift --- Chief Community Grower at indoorgardenmarket.com

Join us for a peaceful and inspiring Saturday morning at Glenstone on Saturday, June 20 at 10:00 AM! Nestled in Potomac, Maryland, Glenstone is a unique destination where art, architecture, and nature blend together in a beautifully designed space meant for reflection and exploration. **Admission tickets are reserved; please only RSVP if you are committed to attending and arriving on time. The ticket entry time is 10 AM.** We’ll spend the morning wandering through the indoor galleries, outdoor sculpture installations, serene walking paths, and landscaped grounds. Expect a relaxing mix of modern and contemporary art, peaceful scenery, and thoughtful conversation with fellow attendees. The campus is quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Many visitors spend 2–4 hours exploring the grounds and exhibits. If people are interested, we can go to lunch afterward. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- If you have Instagram, you can check out our account at asiandiningandadventuregroup for photos and announcements of group outings!

**NOTICE: The park is open until 8:45 PM for Sunset Closing** **This is copied from the website:** Savor the beauty of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in the soft glow of twilight. During these special extended hours, the gardens remain open until 8:45 PM, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting to unwind, take an evening stroll, or simply enjoy the changing light as day turns to dusk. **Admissions will end at 8:15 PM,** and the gardens will close promptly at 8:45 PM. Regular garden admission ($5–$9) and memberships apply. We will meet at the visitor center. Bring Water, a tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace. Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y For dinner, after the field trip around 8:00 PM, we will head to The Virginian Restaurant, 169 Glyndon St SE, Vienna, VA 22180 Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

**Please note that pre-registration and payment are required to participate: [Register here.](https://paypal.me/akashicrecords612?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)** A Journey to Remembrance *Reconnecting with the wisdom, wholeness, and truth* *that already lives within you.* Beneath all the noise, the patterns, and the pain, your soul has never stopped whispering. It holds the memory of every choice, every wound, every triumph across time. This vibrational archive—your **Akashic Records**—awaits you. And within them: clarity, healing, and a return to the Divine spark of who you truly are. Let’s take a breath and reflect: * Have you been feeling like you're moving through life in a loop—taking one step forward, only to be pulled back again and again? * Does life feel like an ongoing storm of confusion, struggle, or emotional unrest? * Do you long for heartfelt, soul-level connection—but feel it remains just out of reach? * Are you living the life your heart calls you to…or the one others expect? If you’ve felt this, take comfort: you are not broken. You are awakening. You’ve been guided to this moment for a reason. Your soul knows it's time to return home to your truth. \*\*Welcome to the Akashic Records—\*\* a timeless sanctuary of compassion, wisdom, and love. In this deeply healing workshop, you're invited not just to explore your story—but to rewrite its energetic imprint. Guided by the compassionate presence of **Bill Sanda**, you'll step into a space where healing is not only possible, but inevitable—when met with an open heart. This isn’t just another offering. This is a soul-remembrance. During our time together, you will: **Uncover the hidden patterns of your past**, including the emotional echoes, ancestral threads, and past-life imprints that continue to influence your present reality **Liberate yourself from repetitive cycles** of fear, doubt, or stagnation, so you can move forward in alignment with your soul’s highest expression **Receive healing directly from your Akashic Records**, reconnecting to your innate wisdom and Divine blueprint **Remember who you are beyond this lifetime**, as insights from past incarnations help you navigate your current path with grace **Experience the sacred sound of Light Language**—a celestial, soul-coded vibration that speaks beyond the mind, clearing density, activating remembrance, and harmonizing your energy at the DNA level Bill’s sacred gift of channeling the Akashic Records—woven together with the high-frequency transmission of Light Language—creates a multidimensional space for profound transformation. You’ll also receive personal attention during the workshop through mini-healing sessions, and we'll culminate in a group integration, inviting a collective shift in vibration and consciousness. **Here’s what others have shared about their experience:** *“Bill is exceptionally gifted… It seemed that everyone had erased years... looking so much younger and so much more relaxed and at peace than before the session. The shift happening for each person was actually physically visible.”* — *Cindy W.* *“Finally, I understand what has been causing the sabotaging behaviors. Two days later, I’m clearer and more spiritually connected than I’ve ever been. Thank you, Bill, for your healing gifts.”* — *Wendy W.* \*\*\* ***About Bill Sanda*** *A lifelong seeker and heart-led healer, **Bill Sanda** walks with humility, clarity, and deep reverence for the sacred. His journey has led him to study with some of today’s most respected spiritual masters, but it was through divine revelation that his ability to work within the Akashic Records and transmit Light Language fully emerged.* *Bill now offers this work as a gift of service—to support others in awakening to their truth, releasing what no longer serves, and remembering the wholeness that has always been within.* *His mission is simple and powerful: to support your healing on all levels—**emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual**—so you can live more aligned, more free, and more fully alive.* \*\*\* **If you feel the call, trust it. Your soul has already said yes.** **Please note that pre-registration and payment are required to participate: [Register here.](https://paypal.me/akashicrecords612?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)**