Crochet

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/traditional-and-modern-lampshade-making-74/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/traditional-and-modern-lampshade-making-74/) ⋆⋆⋆ If you aspire to the luxury and elegance of lampshades that ooze class like a dowager, this is the workshop for you. Even if you have never stitched in your life, Ian McQueen’s relaxed and friendly style of tuition will have you wishing you had taken to the sewing needle years ago. Ian is a City and Guilds trained craftsman who makes elegant traditionally built fine lampshades for interior designers and high-end shops. Some are sophisticated – lined with silk so light glows through, some are dramatic statements bejewelled with vintage adornments. All are hand stitched -not glued – so that they retain their shape and structure to give years of pleasure. During a one-day workshop, you will select a wire frame and transform it into a bespoke home accessory for all to admire in your home. We use a 10-inch diameter Drum shade and a 12-inch diameter straight Empire frame. You can select fabric from a few fabrics we have available but we recommend you bring along 1 metre of fabric to match your colour scheme. If you want to walk on the wild side, bring any fabric you want to give new life. Students have even transformed an old pair of jeans into a striking shade. The process is fun but meticulous so there is sometimes only the time to complete the stitching on one lampshade in a day. This will depend on your speed. What you will take home is some of the historical skills used by milliners and upholders. (They were the stitchers who hung the tapestries on medieval walls.) As well as the know-how and route to suppliers you will learn how to make your own lampshades at home. The tutor can demonstrate how to make simple trims in the same fabric. No special machinery is required and only a little help from a simple sewing machine is available at the centre. It does not matter if you have never used a machine before. Choices- 1. Make a firm drum lampshade. Using a supplied frame, you will learn how to stitch reinforced fabric onto a frame using a traditional stitch. 2. A pleated or unpleated lampshade. The lampshade fabric is stretched or folded directly onto a ‘Straight Empire’ frame. The lampshade can then be lined with a contrasting fabric. The use of all tools and materials are included. We have additional assorted frames for sale, as well as a small range of vintage trimmings for you to make more lampshades at home. Suitable for beginners. Enjoyable for all.

### 📍**CheckedIn London — Speed Networking for Real Connections** CheckedIn London is built for one thing: **helping you meet the right people faster—in real life.** We get you out from behind the screen and into the room, where real conversations happen. We show up at tech mixers, networking events, and industry gatherings across Leeds and use the **CheckedIn app** to turn quick introductions into meaningful connections—*on the spot*. ### 🚀 How Speed Networking Works with CheckedIn At each event, the CheckedIn app helps you: * Instantly connect with people you meet—no business cards required * Follow up later without awkward LinkedIn requests * Remember who you met, what you talked about, and why it mattered * Turn short conversations into real collaborations, fast Think of CheckedIn as the **spiritual successor to LinkedIn**— but built for **in-person moments**, not endless scrolling. No cold DMs. No forgetting names. Just tap, connect, and keep the conversation going after the event. Whether you’re a founder, operator, creative, or curious professional, this is a space for conversations that actually go somewhere. Come solo or bring a colleague. No pressure. No pitches. Just good people, efficient introductions, and momentum. *** ## 🌍 Help Us Grow CheckedIn CheckedIn is expanding, and we’re actively looking for **chapter organizers** to help run and grow chapters in cities around the world. If you enjoy: * Bringing people together * Hosting great events * Building real community We’d love to hear from you. 👉 Apply here: **[www.checkedIn.site/organizer-apply](http://www.checkedIn.site/organizer-apply)** *** ## 🌍 About This Chapter CheckedIn is a **chapter-based, community-driven network**. The Londonchapter is part of the wider CheckedIn community. On some occasions, the primary organizer may not be in attendance. These meetups are designed to be **self-led, welcoming, and participatory**—members take ownership of starting conversations, making introductions, and helping others connect. If you show up, you belong. If you tap in, connections start immediately. **Join us. Check in. Connect faster.** **CheckedIn — open the app and tap.**

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-altering-clothes-9/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-altering-clothes-9/) ⋆⋆⋆ 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/)

This Women’s Day, we’re making space at the board. Beginner-friendly chess training for all Queens who’ve always wanted to learn - from move one. Come join us to celebrate with some social chess, puzzles or just for some social connection. Join us at Bishops & Brews by Yas Queen! Chess Club for a relaxed Sunday afternoon of chess over a cup of tea! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, come hang out with us and enjoy some friendly games of chess in a queer friendly space 🏳️‍⚧️ We are generously supported by ODAC/Old Diorama Arts Centre/@olddiorama, our fantastic venue near Euston/Warren Street station. More about us on yasqueen.uk Instagram yasqueen.chessclub Yas Queen! Code of Conduct: We are an LGBTQ+ club. All allies are welcome. We reserve the right to exclude anyone from our events in case of any behaviour (at our events or otherwise) which does not support our aim of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ club members.

**Bookable via our website ➡️** [https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-basic-electrics-31/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/diy-in-a-day-basic-electrics-31/) ⋆⋆⋆ **Duration: 6 hours 10-1pm 2pm-5pm** **Fee: £210.00** **Next start date: check the table below** **Tutor: Moira Tighe** **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?

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This Women’s Day, we’re gathering for something simple and meaningful - a relaxed, walk-focused afternoon dedicated to celebrating small wins, good conversation, and the kind of growth that often goes unnoticed. This event is for women only. 📍 **Plan** We’ll meet at **Hermanos Colombian Coffee (Blackhorse Road area)** at **12:00pm**, settle in briefly, and then head towards **Walthamstow Wetlands (Forest Road entrance).** Walthamstow Wetlands is Europe’s largest urban wetland nature reserve and home to herons, cormorants, great crested grebes, and if we’re lucky… maybe even a kingfisher sighting. No promises, but eyes up 😉 The afternoon will be mostly walk-focused, with a gentle stroll through nature and a short reflective pause along the way - nothing intense, just a small intentional moment to mark the occasion. Depending on the weather and group energy, we may stop at the café inside the Wetlands for a short break. On our way back towards **Walthamstow Central**, we’ll make a light bakery stop before wrapping up around **3:00pm**. ⛅️ If London weather decides to be London weather, we’ll adapt the route and spend more time indoors while keeping the spirit of the gathering intact. Please Bring your ID as some Venues in London might request it at the entrance. Please Mind your social behaviour and personal belongings, the organiser accepts no liability. Thank you :)

**About Session** **Advanced** **4 courts for 4 hours** **High grade tournament shuttles (speed 77-78)** **£14 (bank transfer)** Please sign up to **ONLY ONE** of the concurrent Sunday sessions (this is the 4-hour Sunday session). Non-members should message the organizers their full-name via WhatsApp (Adrian Rabe, +447410463483) to arrange tryouts. Guests allowed but members will be prioritized over guests. Please message Committee members if you would like to add on a guest. Break the strings on 2 racquets, or break a racquet during the session and your session is *free*. Take a photo of the broken strings or racquet **DURING** the session, upload, and tag Broken Strings on Instagram to get the fee waiver. Cancellations < 24 hours before the event will be penalized the full fee. Please message organizer via WhatsApp for late cancellations or for potential slots. We will be discreetly speaking to players who may be struggling with the level of the session. **Free parking available within the school**. Note that the School will be opening and closing the gate **10 minutes before** and **10 minutes after** the beginning and end of the session. If you are locked out, please contact the organizers or other members to help let you in. Photographs and video recordings may be made during the session. Signing up to the session would **include consent for these recordings to be made and used by the club on its social media and other platforms**. **DO NOT PLAY** if you have fever, cough, colds, or other symptoms

A 3.5 mile walk through Central London Parks with daffodils in bloom.. **WALK START POINT: Lancaster Gate Station** (Central Line - Zone 1) WALK DISTANCE: Approx 3.5 miles. WALK END POINT: Lancaster Gate Station followed by a visit to a local Wetherspoons pub in Paddington . **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no afterwalk socialising!!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** Enjoy London! Get out and about and see your city in the company of new people! Explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some great new friends at the same time. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. 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. RISKS for all walks: Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, rights of way, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, preferably walking boots and take care as surfaces may be uneven, tree roots may protrude, there may be low overhanging branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion wild,domestic and farm animals may also encountered. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. 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/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://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. COST of EVENT: A £5 meetup organiser's contribution will be collected from attendees who do not hold the Ken's Events Membership Card. The walk is free for holders of this card. 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/Kens.events) RAIN POLICY: Our walks normally go ahead as planned even if it rains. Light rain is not usually a problem . However if torrentail rain is forecast, please check back to this webpage on the morning of the event around 10am for the latest update. Tell your friends you are going! When you arrive at the starting point look Ken with the 'KEN'S EVENTS'/MEETUP Flag or Badge.

Taisoken Sword Fitness classes are formulated to sculpt your whole body, build lean muscle and focus the mind. Based on traditional Japanese sword movements (‘Taisoken’ literally means ‘exercise sword’ in Japanese) the class blends cardio and light weight resistance training to burn fat and build long lean muscles. We make use of traditional Japanese training swords (called ‘Bokken’) to tone our arms and strengthen our cores. No prior training or martial arts experience is required, the class is completely non-contact and suited to all levels of fitness. Come and join us every second Sunday for a strong work out - most weeks be pop to the local pub/café for a quick coffee or cake (and let’s be honest, sometimes both!) Meetup Cost: £10 Please bring the payment with you on the day and pay directly to Taisoken or you can make a bank transfer on the day. Classes are for ladies only. Back ground Info: Taisoken Sword Fitness has been developed and is led by Jeff Humm, who has been studying studying the use of the Japanese sword for over 45 years together with other traditional martial arts. He holds a Masters degree in Traditional Japanese Martial Arts and a 7th Dan in Japanese fencing (Kendo). The movements are authentic cutting actions, some dating back more than 3 hundred years when your life depend on how well you wield the Sword. By taking authentic Japanese sword movements of attack and defence, these actions have been formulated into practice routines which work and sculpt the full range of the body’s muscles. Additionally the routines require participates to focus and visualise their actions leading them to seeking perfection in application which in turn empowers the mind and develops greater body and mind equilibrium. The Japanese sword is sharp and slender, renowned and admired across the world for its beauty and image; those that can weld it effectively are held in great esteem and revered. They are resilient and tranquil, with poise and grace they move without effort, mind, body and sword as one. Please bring the payment with you on the day and pay directly to Taisoken.

I am proud to announce that we having our jam at the Temple Of Art & Music in Elephant & Castle!! Chord Flow: A structured improvisation session where players explore a shared chord progression and key, creating music organically in the moment. Lineup (on stage together): • 2 guitarists • 1 bass • 1 drummer • 1–2 singers • 1 additional instrument (sax, trumpet, percussion, etc.) How It Works: 1. A simple chord progression and its key are written on a whiteboard opposite the stage. 2. The group has 5 minutes on stage to explore the progression together. 3. Tempo, time signature, style, and chord changes are left open — the music’s direction is determined by the group. 4. When the timer starts, the music begins. Musicians respond to each other in real time, building the flow organically. 5. No planning or discussion — focus on listening, reacting, and creating a shared musical experience. 6. After 5 minutes, the group rotates and a new set of musicians begin. The Temple Of Art and Music is a live music venue and bar in Elephant & Castle so I encourage anyone attending to bring friends as it will be great fun for them even if they are not playing. The venue has a PA system, drum kit, mics and guitar/bass amps. There is no guarantee that there will be cymbals or drum accessories with the drum kit at the venue. Drummers please being your own if you can. Like all our other jams it will be a chance to jam with other musicians playing the music that you love in a gentle environment with no judgement and no pressure. This jam also uniquely gives the opportunity to play in front of a crowd! Tickets are **£10 online** message us let us know what instrument you play and we will confirm if there is space and send you the Eventbrite link for the jam. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information about this jam and London Jam Sessions. At London Jam Sessions we have an active community on WhatsApp where we all discuss the upcoming jams and future events. Everyone in the community is encouraged to ask questions and bring forward new ideas. Dm me and I can add you to our Whatsapp group.

🌙 Another opportunity to walk to Regent's Park Mosque and participate in their free Iftar, pray Maghrib and then walk to the Ramadan Lights which is in it's 5th year in London 🏮 **Important:** We need to arrive 30-40 minutes before Maghrib prayer to collect our iftar parcels, after breaking fast, we pray Maghrib, then exactly 25 minutes after Maghrib Fard prayer ends, we meet outside for the walk to the Ramadan lights. Alternatively you can stay at the mosque for Tarweeh. *There is also a restaurant in the basement where you can purchase additional food.* 🟢 **WALK:** 📏9km (5.6 miles): 🕌 ➕ 📏 3.5km (2 miles): 🏮 💓 Av.Pace 5km/h ✊ *Note: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced walk (and not a stroll), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that mindset, intention and [purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw%3D%3D).* ⏳ Meet from **2:50pm** 📍 Outside **Angel Station** (Northern Line) ⌚ Walk starts **3:11pm** **sharp insh'Allah** *(Magrib: 5:56pm)* ↪️ Start: **Angel Station** 🕌 Iftar: **Regents Park Mosuqe** ↩️ Ends: **Leicester Square / Piccadilly Circus** ➡️ Covers: Regent's Canal > Camden > Primrose Hill > Regent' Park, Regent's Park Mosque / > Ramadan Lights 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes. At least some food to open fast (in case food parcels are short/we are late) 🚻 Regent's Park Mosque ⛑️ You are responsible for your own safety and your own belonging at all times. 🗂️ "No shows" for previous events may be moved to the waitlist to prioritise reliable attendees / new joiners - ***when there is a waiting list, priority is given by attendance records / new joiners.*** 📊 [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)] 🌐 [@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims/) *(Follow for latest events updates)* ``` 🚦 Walk/Hike Levels: 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging ```

We will meet in the food court area at a table or on the couch and chairs Can't wait to see you all!