KCWC upcoming events

Mahjong (20/07/2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

Book Group - "The Leopard" by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (20/07/2026)

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In the spring of 1860, Fabrizio, the charismatic Prince of Salina, still rules over thousands of acres and hundreds of people, including his own numerous family, in mingled splendour and squalor. Then comes Garibaldi's landing in Sicily and the Prince must decide whether to resist the forces of change or come to terms with them.

For any queries, contact event organizers Roopa Girard and Marika Carle at bookgroup@kcwc.org.uk

Photography & Glorious Gardens: RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show 2026 (21/07/2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Join us for a look at some amazing contemporary botanical art and photography from around the world.

The exhibition, in its sixth year, is presented across three galleries - we will walk around the exhibition at our own pace (not a guided tour) and gather at the end for a coffee or light lunch in the area.

Tickets cost £6.00 or £10.00. Please purchase your own at the link below. RHS Members and Saatchi Gallery Members go free on production of a valid membership card. Pre-booking is not required with membership.

1- Book your ticket on the Saatchi gallery website for Tuesday 21 July at 11:00am:

https://www.saatchigallery.com/product/rhs-botanical-art-and-photography-show-2026

2- Please book a free ticket on this page to be included in KCWC communications about this event.

For any queries, contact the organisers on photography@kcwc.org.uk

Bark in the Park - Kensington Gardens, Albert Memorial (24/07/2026)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:45:00 GMT

Come and join us for a mid-Summer's Walk in beautiful Kensington Gardens.

Enjoy a stroll around the Serpentine, finishing at the Colicci Serpentine Coffee House for a chat and catch up. Can't wait to see you in the sunshine!

As always, everyone is welcome to join us with or without a dog.

Meeting Point: Albert Memorial

For any queries, please contact Karen Kaldezar on +447973178737 or barkinthepark@kcwc.org.uk

Mahjong (27/07/2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

Drop-In Coffee Morning (28/07/2026)

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:30:00 GMT

You are Invited to a Drop-In Coffee Morning! Join us for a relaxed morning of coffee, conversation and connection!

Just drop in, purchase a cup, and enjoy some great company. Whether you’re a new member, catching up with familiar faces, or just fancy a cuppa, this is the perfect way to start your day!

It’s a great chance to meet friends, make new connections, and relax in an environment where everyone is welcome. Spread the word and bring along friends and family for a delightful morning filled with warmth, laughter, and good vibes.

Please confirm via email if you are bringing a guest. We can’t wait to see you there!

For any queries contact event organisers Karen Kaldezar and Maria Rologi dropincoffee@kcwc.org.uk

Mahjong (03/08/2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

Volunteer With Us At The Wandsworth Food Bank (04/08/2026)

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

You can make a difference by joining us for just 2 hours on the first Tuesday of every month.

KCWC supports the Wandsworth Foodbank by helping to sort, label and organise the food donations. You'll find that the 2 hours just flies by!

The Wandsworth Foodbank Warehouse is located at 9 Ferrier Street, Wandsworth, SW18 1SW, conveniently located 2 minutes walk from Wandsworth Town Station and easily accessed by many bus routes.

Make a difference by signing up and help KCWC and Wandsworth Foodbank to support those less fortunate!

If tickets are sold-out for this event, you are welcome to join the waitlist - please note that we typically only get to the first one or two members on the waitlist, so please don't be disappointed if you are not contacted.

Please email event organiser Christie Bachmann for any queries at charityvolunteers@kcwc.org.uk

*Note: If you're interested in regular volunteering, Wandsworth Foodbank are also looking for kind and compassionate people who can commit to volunteering once a week for a minimum of six months.

Mahjong (10/08/2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

Volunteer at Refettorio Felix Community Kitchen (10/08/2026)

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Join us at Refettorio Felix, St Cuthbert’s in Earl’s Court. Help us serve a restaurant-quality 3-course lunch in a decorative community kitchen!

Refettorio Felix proudly opens itself to people who struggle with many issues including loneliness, mental health difficulties, substance misuse, and rough sleeping. Their stated mission is “to bring dignity back to the table and promote a sense of community whilst tackling the dual issues of food waste and food poverty with our surplus food lunch service.”

We are looking for volunteers to assist with meal service, once per month. The three-hour shift begins at 11:00am with an induction followed by set up, lunch service, and table clearance. Afterwards, you are invited to join the staff for a lovely hot meal.

Please get involved in helping our shared community.

Signing Up: We request volunteers to sign up at least one week in advance to inform the organisers of all members of our group and review all guidelines. Should you be unable to attend, please notify us immediately so we can contact someone from the waitlist to replace you as the kitchen will depend on our KCWC commitment. If tickets are sold-out for this event, you are welcome to join the waitlist - please note that we typically only get to the first one or two members on the waitlist, so please don't be disappointed if you are not contacted.

Please email event organiser Dina McCormick for any queries at charityvolunteers@kcwc.org.uk

Mix'n Mingle Coffee Morning - Heidi Bakery Chelsea (11/08/2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:15:00 GMT

Please come and join us at the delightful Heidi Chelsea bakery and cafe.

Heidi Chelsea is located in the stunning Grade II listed Soane Stable Yard, part of the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea and home of the Chelsea Pensioners. This forty-cover bakery is within the historic horse stalls of the stable yard, which was built by Sir John Soane between 1814 and 1817.

The entrance is located opposite the Ormonde gate.

Please contact event organiser Lisa Woodcock for any queries at mixnmingle1@kcwc.org.uk

Mahjong (17/08/2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

Mahjong (24/08/2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

Drop-In Coffee Morning (25/08/2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:30:00 GMT

You are Invited to a Drop-In Coffee Morning! Join us for a relaxed morning of coffee, conversation and connection!

Just drop in, purchase a cup, and enjoy some great company. Whether you’re a new member, catching up with familiar faces, or just fancy a cuppa, this is the perfect way to start your day!

Please confirm via email if you are bringing a guest. We can’t wait to see you there!

For any queries contact event organisers Karen Kaldezar and Maria Rologi dropincoffee@kcwc.org.uk

Music Journeys - East "meats" West on the NLC Terrace (27/08/2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join us for East 'meats' West in a vibrant fusion music and menu.

Celebrate in the sunshine with friends, family, and fellow members as the kitchen serves freshly grilled favorites from around the world. Enjoy refreshing drinks from the Terrace Bar, along with lively music and games, for a truly unforgettable seasonal gathering.

A special price of £64 per person reserved for our members and their guests.

For any queries, contact event organiser Maria Puleio at music1@kcwc.org.uk

Mahjong (31/08/2026)

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

Volunteer With Us At The Wandsworth Food Bank (01/09/2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

You can make a difference by joining us for just 2 hours on the first Tuesday of every month.

KCWC supports the Wandsworth Foodbank by helping to sort, label and organise the food donations. You'll find that the 2 hours just flies by!

The Wandsworth Foodbank Warehouse is located at 9 Ferrier Street, Wandsworth, SW18 1SW, conveniently located 2 minutes walk from Wandsworth Town Station and easily accessed by many bus routes.

Make a difference by signing up and help KCWC and Wandsworth Foodbank to support those less fortunate!

Please email event organiser Christie Bachmann for any queries at charityvolunteers@kcwc.org.uk

*Note: If you're interested in regular volunteering, Wandsworth Foodbank are also looking for kind and compassionate people who can commit to volunteering once a week for a minimum of six months.

Foodies - Spanish Tapas (03/09/2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Join Helen from Cook'd London as she demonstrates how to prepare a selection of fabulous Spanish tapas/pintxos, inspired by a recent trip to Girona and San Sebastian.

We will make a proper tortilla, jamón and manchego croquetas, gazpacho and helado con Pedro Ximénez.

Tickets cost £55.00 and include welcome coffee + Almendrados, demonstration, recipes + lunch.

Please book a free ticket here and email the organizer on foodies@kcwc.org.uk for payment instructions.

Glorious Gardens - Parham House and Gardens, Tea at Amberley Castle (04/09/2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Parham is an absolute gem of an Elizabethan House inhabited by the family that has owned it for generations. They are intimately involved with the preservation and upkeep of house and garden.

We will discover the beautiful, traditional gardens at their peak including a walled garden with its famous Wendy House, a rose garden, a stone maze, a vegetable and herb garden and romantic wide herbaceous borders with their tapestry of colours. The park predates the house, before the advent of landscape gardens.

There will be time to tour and experience the wow effect of this immaculate house and have a bite for lunch in the cafeteria.

Afterwards we will proceed by taxi to the beautiful, picture book village of Amberley where we will have a cream tea at the 12th Century Amberley Castle, which now houses a luxury hotel with beautiful grounds. From here it is short walk back to Amberley Station for our return trip to London.

2 Step Ticket Process:

#1 - Please book a "free" member ticket on this site. This will include taxis to and from Parham House and Gardens as well as the "Cream Tea" (scones, cream, jam) at Amberley Castle.

#2 - The activity leader will get in touch with you about how to make the actual £33.45 payment once you have signed up. You will be put in touch with another member who can no longer attend this event to make the payment transfer.

Additional Price Info you will purchase yourself separately:

Train tickets £33 (£21.95 with Railcard) to be booked and paid directly by you

Entrance to Parham House and Gardens is £16.25 (not included). Historic Houses and RHS members go free.

For queries, please contact the Event Organiser Judith Neuling at gloriousgardens@kcwc.org.uk

Mahjong (07/09/2026)

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

German Conversation (09/09/2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Come and practice your spoken and written German in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our meetings usually take place in one of the member’s home to discuss current affairs and read a topical text from a German magazine or newspaper.

So book your attendance to find out where the next meeting will take place.

Please contact Activity Leader Bianca Maclean if you have any queries at german@kcwc.org.uk

Antiques & Design - The Royal Collection: A Tea Time Talk with Nicholas Merchant (10/09/2026)

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Many of you will have seen the Kings Gallery centennial celebration of HM Queen Elizabeth's fashions or will be joining me there September 17. This lecture gives every KCWC member the treat of an exploration and explanation of the Royal Collection to which those clothes belong.

While inheriting masterpieces and residences battered after WWII, the late Queen spent her 70-year reign reversing this decline. She established the Royal Colletion Trust, appointing expert curators, restorers and archivists.

Join us to learn about one of the most renowned and privileged collections in the world, its prize pieces and its curatorship.

For any queries contact Mary Narvell at antiques1@kcwc.org.uk

Café Society - Coffee Morning at Claridges in MayFair (11/09/2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

We are very excited to invite you to our September Coffee Moring at Claridge’s Hotel in the heart of Mayfair. An Art Deco icon that has epitomised understated elegance since the 1850s. Renowned for impeccable service, timeless design, and inspiring dining.

Amanda and Catarina invite you to come and meet up with other members for some great conversation, delicious drinks of your choice (your own tab) in these wonderful surroundings.

Please register your interest by booking a free ticket below, as numbers are limited.

If the tickets are sold out, please join the waitlist, and the Activity Leaders will get in touch with you should a place become available.

Looking forward to seeing you again!

Please contact event coordinators Amanda Thompson and Catarina Granryd with any queries at cafesociety@kcwk.org.uk

Mahjong (14/09/2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

French Conversation (15/09/2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Welcome to the French Conversation Group! If you would like to maintain and improve your French, we will give you opportunities to practice this language amongst a pleasant group of international ladies.

Themes will be given in advance so you can prepare them at home before discussing with the group when we meet, every fortnight, at a member's home. A good level of French is required.

Meeting location details will be sent to registered participants before each meeting.

Please book a ticket below to indicate your intention to participate in this meeting. For any queries contact event organiser Genevieve Sentier at french@kcwc.org.uk

Contemporary Art - Anish Kapoor Private Tour at the Hayward Gallery (15/09/2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Join us for a private guided visit to the Anish Kapoor exhibition at the Hayward Gallery.

One of the most influential artists of our time, Kapoor is renowned for his monumental sculptures, immersive installations and works that challenge our perception of space, light and material.

This private guided visit offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the exhibition with an experienced guide, discover more about Kapoor’s work, and ask questions throughout the tour.

Whether you are already familiar with contemporary art or simply curious to discover more, we hope you will join us for what promises to be an enjoyable and enriching morning.

NOTE: Please respond rapidly, as we need to confirm at least 15 participants by July 30th to hold our private tour slot on 15 Sept.

2-Step Ticket Purchasing Process for the Guided Tour:

#1 - Book a free ticket on our KCWC site now to indicate your intention to attend the event.

#2 - Once the Activity Leaders confirm that there are enough members signed up for the private tour to go ahead, registered participants will be emailed instructions on how to make a payment of approximately £18 for the guided tour.

Please note that admission ticket to the Hayward Gallery is not included in the guided tour fee. Further information about exhibition tickets will be provided once the guided visit has been confirmed. Hayward Gallery members are admitted free of charge, while non-members will need to purchase an admission ticket directly from the Hayward Gallery (typically about £20).

For any queries, contact Event Organiser Anna Bianchi at contemporary1@kcwc.org.uk

Antiques & Design - A Private Evening Preview at Olympia Auctions (15/09/2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

KCWC Antiques and Design is honoured to have been invited by Olympia Auctions for a preview evening just for our members!

Welcomed by managing director Thomas del Mar and house experts, we will privately view London themed items in their inaugural London Sale alongside Jewellery and Watches all to be auctioned two days post viewing September 17.

Bring your spouse, partner, or friend to enjoy a glass of bubbly, canapés and luxury in what promises to be a special evening.

For any queries contact Mary Narvell at antiques1@kcwc.org.uk

Antiques & Design - A Private Evening Talk and View: Queen Elizabeth II - Her Life in Style (17/09/2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:30:00 GMT

To celebrate the centenary of the birth of HM Queen Elizabeth II, the Royal Collection Trust has organised at the King's Gallery the most comprehensive display of her fashion ever assembled. 200 items of the late Queen's clothing from her childhood through her decades' long reign will be on exhibit.

Preceded by a lecture, our private visit will allow you to see - without crowds - the coordinated ensembles designed to help eager onlookers spot Her Majesty on walkabouts. Special highlights will be jewellery, her 1947 Hartnell Wedding Dress, and one of her earliest outfits worn to the 1934 wedding of the Duke of Kent. Curator Caroline de Guiltaut explains the exhibit will "tell the story of a lifetime of thoughtful style choices - from HM's hands-on-role and understanding of the soft power behind her clothing to the exceptional craftsmanship behind each garment".

Join us for some English fizz, fashion fun, a 10% gift shop discount AND a pass for Free Gallery readmission through 16/9/2027!

NOTE: Please do NOT unclick "include name in list of event registrants" when purchasing your ticket as you may miss important communications about this event.

For any queries contact Mary Narvell at antiques1@kcwc.org.uk

Mahjong (21/09/2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

Book Group - "Caviar, Vodka, & Tears" by Stuart Bradford (21/09/2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

We are so fortunate to have Bianca Maclean in our book group who made it possible for us to enjoy the author’s company on the 21st of September.

About the Book: Partying until sunrise, baptism under ice, dead bodies on the street, treachery in business dealings – everyday life for an expatriate working in Russia.

"Caviar, Vodka and Tears" recounts the joys and frustrations of life and work in Russia over the period 2008 to 2022, through the eyes of the fictitious expatriate Keller family. The Kellers establish many deep friendships with ordinary Russians, and have many extraordinary adventures.

Keller’s business ventures meet initial success but become harder as relations with the West worsen and end in treachery and apparent disaster. However, when the conflict in Ukraine erupts in 2022, his failure is revealed as a godsend, and Keller is forced to reassess his past role in developing Russia’s energy industry.

For any queries, contact event organizers Roopa Girard and Marika Carle at bookgroup@kcwc.org.uk

French Conversation (22/09/2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Themes will be given in advance so you can prepare them at home before discussing with the group when we meet, every fortnight, at a member's home. A good level of French is required.

Meeting location details will be sent to registered participants before each meeting.

Please book a ticket below to indicate your intention to participate in this meeting. For any queries contact event organiser Genevieve Sentier at french@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Revisiting the Greats - Peter Paul Ruben: Part 1 (23/09/2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:30:00 GMT

This is the first lecture in a two part series where Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe will look at Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640), one of the most celebrated painters of the 17th century.

Rubens was a man of many skills, multilingual and highly intelligent. He worked for the rulers of Flanders, Spain, Mantua and England, employed both as a painter and as a diplomat. He was often under tremendous pressure from many of his patrons to produce multiple pictures for various schemes. He ran a large studio, creating paintings in huge quantities and of enormous size, yet without compromising on quality.

His paintings overflow with an exuberance and joy in life as he turned his eye to almost every subject during his career. As court painter, he created portraits, mythologies and massive schemes for palaces, as well as creating religious paintings for churches and convents. His domestic paintings – often made for his own enjoyment – include remarkable depictions of his family and the countryside he loved around Antwerp. The lectures will also look at the social context in which he lived – the values, customs and dress, as well as the joys and fears.

This lecture on the 23rd will cover his work in the court and church. (Part 1)

The lecture on 30th will cover him as a friend and family man. (Part 2)

Please come at 9:30 for a coffee or tea. The lecture begins promptly at 10:00 and we aim to finish by 12:15. Please remember it is a dress code at the club so please no jeans or trainers.

For any queries, please contact event organiser Susan Shriver at arthistory@kcwc.org.uk

German Conversation (23/09/2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Come and practice your spoken and written German in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our meetings usually take place in one of the member’s home to discuss current affairs and read a topical text from a German magazine or newspaper.

So book your attendance to find out where the next meeting will take place.

Please contact Activity Leader Bianca Maclean if you have any queries at german@kcwc.org.uk

Antiques & Design - A Private Tour of World-Renowned Theatrical Costumier Angels (24/09/2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Established in 1840, Angels has supplied award winning costumes to West End productions, movie and tv sets as well as Madame Tussauds’. Seven generations of family ownership have maintained this rich heritage. With over one million pieces organised over eight miles of hanging racks, a treasure trove awaits discovery on our private tour of the world’s largest costume house. As we visit multiple tailoring departments and warehouse spaces, join us for firsthand accounts of the actors and productions fitted out by Angels.

NOTE: irrespective of the theatrical vernacular “Break a Leg”, please don’t on this tour! It will involve about two hours of walking through a working business with few if any rest stops provided.

For any queries contact Mary Narvell at antiques1@kcwc.org.uk

Mahjong (28/09/2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

KCWC Mahjong Mornings welcome you to join us for 2 hours (10.30-12.30) every Monday at The Cooper's Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB

Prompt arrival at 10.30 is critical, as is registration (by purchasing a ticket below), by noon the Sunday prior each week to ensure we have enough mahjong sets and players.

While new players will be given instructional materials, regular players will need to purchase a Mahjong Book (c.£30) to bring to each meeting.

Please ensure you book a ticket for each date you wish to attend.

For any queries please contact Activity Leader Nicola Harayda at mahjong@kcwc.org.uk

French Conversation (29/09/2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Themes will be given in advance so you can prepare them at home before discussing with the group when we meet, every fortnight, at a member's home. A good level of French is required.

Meeting location details will be sent to registered participants before each meeting.

Please book a ticket below to indicate your intention to participate in this meeting. For any queries contact event organiser Genevieve Sentier at french@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Revisiting the Greats - Peter Paul Ruben: Part 2 (30/09/2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:30:00 GMT

This is the second lecture in a two part series where Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe will look at Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640), one of the most celebrated painters of the 17th century.

The lecture on the 23rd covered his work in the court and church. (Part 1)

This lecture on the 30th will cover him as a friend and family man. (Part 2)

Please come at 9:30 for a coffee or tea. The lecture begins promptly at 10:00 and we aim to finish by 12:15. Please remember it is a dress code at the club so please no jeans or trainers.

For any queries, please contact event organiser Susan Shriver at arthistory@kcwc.org.uk

Evening Speaker - "Quake, Wave, War" Illustrated Talk by Diana Penn (30/09/2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

We are invited to join members of The Rag to meet and hear from the lovely Diana Penn as she talks about her fascinating memoir Quake, Wave, War.

For 25 years Diana worked in international finance before making a life changing decision on her children leaving home, to change direction, gain the necessary experience and go on to work in overseas aid. The talk shares an understanding of the extraordinarily sensitive job that aidworkers on the ground undertake.

We shall see Diana’s own unique moment photography and hear readings from her diary entries and letters home, as we learn more of the vast challenges and even moments of joy in the lives being lived in very demanding circumstances.

Wine and soft drinks are included. Books available to buy.

For any queries, contact Activity Leader Bee Robb at eveningspeakers@kcwc.org.uk

Antiques & Design - An Exploration of Chinese Wallpaper (01/10/2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:45:00 GMT

The fashion for all things Chinese – Chinoiserie – is a hallmark of grand 18^th century British domestic style. Beyond lacquer furniture and porcelain, most noble residences had one room decorated with Chinese hand painted wallpapers.

First appearing for sale in 17^th century London as part of the East India Company trade, these sumptuous papers portrayed exotic subjects in rich colourways. Birds and Chinese figures were stunningly depicted in detailed garden backdrops of sinuous trees, flowers and pagodas.

Learn about this luxurious, sophisticated decorating trend from V and A lecturer and Orientalist expert, Anne Haworth. Glorious Gardens will love this too!

For any queries contact Mary Narvell at antiques1@kcwc.org.uk

After Six: Fine Dining in Chelsea (01/10/2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Join After Six for our first Welcome Back dinner at this charming restaurant in Chelsea!

Due to its success last year, we are returning to the elegant No. 50 Cheyne for a three course meal using fresh British ingredients. Service is included in the price and pre-orders will be taken.

Our events tend to sell out quickly but please do join the waitlist. See you after the Summer!

Please contact Activity Leaders Alison Wacker and Lisa Woodcock for any queries at aftersix@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Opera - Part 1 (02/10/2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The aim of this course is to give you new ways of listening to opera, whether you are getting to know the form for the first time or you are already familiar with it and looking for something unusual.

Together we will explore a wide variety of operas and their social and cultural contexts, ranging from the eighteenth century to the present day, catering to all tastes. If you are new to the genre, you will get to hear some of the most famous works in the form. If you are more familiar with opera, you will gain fresh perspectives on the works you already know, and will have the opportunity to discover some less well-known works as well.

The course will introduce the various elements of opera production in the first term, and will explore some of the more general ideas around opera in the second term (separate enrollment later). Each class takes a single opera as a case study and considers its composer, context, themes, and production through rich audio-visual material.

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

The tutor, Dr Bruno Bower (FHEA, FRSA), is a lively and enthusiastic tutor whose love of music is infectious. He is a musicologist, performer, composer, and music editor, as well as a highly experienced teacher. He currently teaches at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Imperial College London. He is also the principal oboist of West London Sinfonia and the cor anglais player for Chelsea Opera Group.

Lectures will take place on the following Fridays:

October: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

November: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #1: Please use the normal KCWC ticket purchase process in the "Tickets" section below (there is no charge, but we need you registered on the KCWC system for tracking and communication purposes).

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-opera-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Classical Music - Part 1 (05/10/2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

On this course join Dr Bruno Bower on a journey to discover new ways to understand classical music, without any of the obscure jargon. Knowing who, how, and why people created, played, and listened to music makes it much easier to relate to the deeper levels of texture and structure that lie behind the sounds we hear.

Each session will focus on different musical concepts, structures, genres, and historical periods, guiding learners through a rich and engaging exploration of the Western classical tradition.

The course is suitable for people with or without previous knowledge of classical music. You will gain fresh perspectives on famous works of classical music, and discover lesser-known pieces along the way.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Lectures will take place on the following Mondays:

October: 5th, 12th, 19th

November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

December: 7th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-classical-music-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Revisiting the Greats: Peter Paul Ruben at the National Gallery (11am Tour) (06/10/2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:45:00 GMT

Following on from our two lectures in September, we will visit the National Gallery and look at some Ruben Paintings up close.

Meet promptly at 10:45 in the Sainsbury Wing - the tour will begin at 11am.

Please make sure you come to one lecture before you sign up for this event. Susan Shriver

For any queries, please contact event organiser Susan Shriver at arthistory@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Revisiting the Greats: Peter Paul Ruben at the National Gallery (12:15pm Tour) (06/10/2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Following on from our two lectures in September, we will visit the National Gallery and look at some Ruben Paintings up close.

Meet promptly at 12:00 in the Sainsbury Wing - the tour will begin at 12:15 pm.

Please make sure you come to one lecture before you sign up for this event. Susan Shriver

For any queries, please contact event organiser Susan Shriver at arthistory@kcwc.org.uk

Volunteer With Us At The Wandsworth Food Bank (06/10/2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

You can make a difference by joining us for just 2 hours on the first Tuesday of every month.

KCWC supports the Wandsworth Foodbank by helping to sort, label and organise the food donations. You'll find that the 2 hours just flies by!

The Wandsworth Foodbank Warehouse is located at 9 Ferrier Street, Wandsworth, SW18 1SW, conveniently located 2 minutes walk from Wandsworth Town Station and easily accessed by many bus routes.

Make a difference by signing up and help KCWC and Wandsworth Foodbank to support those less fortunate!

Please email event organiser Christie Bachmann for any queries at charityvolunteers@kcwc.org.uk

*Note: If you're interested in regular volunteering, Wandsworth Foodbank are also looking for kind and compassionate people who can commit to volunteering once a week for a minimum of six months.

Theatre - "Sinatra: The Musical" (06/10/2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:30:00 GMT

It is New Year’s Eve 1942, a skinny 27- year-old Italian-American singer is about to step onto the stage of New York City’s Paramount Theatre and give a performance that will change music history. But as Frank Sinatra’s voice captures a nation, his heart is torn between his wife, Nancy, and movie goddess, Ava Gardner. When a scandal and a hostile press send his career into a tailspin, the young crooner fights back and stages the greatest comeback in show business history.

Featuring over twenty classic hits, including “That’s Life”, “One for my Baby” and many others, don’t miss Sinatra: The Musical. It is the most revealing portrait ever told about the legendary singer!

“You only live once and the way I live, once is enough.” Frank Sinatra

NOTE: There will be an optional Pre-Theatre Dinner at your own expense. Details will be emailed from the Activity Leader closer to the event to the KCWC members who have purchased a ticket to the musical.

For any queries contact event organiser Viola Hindley at theatre@kcwc.org.uk

German Conversation (07/10/2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Come and practice your spoken and written German in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our meetings usually take place in one of the member’s home to discuss current affairs and read a topical text from a German magazine or newspaper.

So book your attendance to find out where the next meeting will take place.

Please contact Activity Leader Bianca Maclean if you have any queries at german@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Opera - Part 1 (09/10/2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

Lectures will take place on the following Fridays:

October: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

November: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-opera-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Classical Music - Part 1 (12/10/2026)

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

Each session will focus on different musical concepts, structures, genres, and historical periods, guiding learners through a rich and engaging exploration of the Western classical tradition.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Lectures will take place on the following Mondays:

October: 5th, 12th, 19th

November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

December: 7th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-classical-music-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

French Conversation (13/10/2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Themes will be given in advance so you can prepare them at home before discussing with the group when we meet, every fortnight, at a member's home. A good level of French is required.

Meeting location details will be sent to registered participants before each meeting.

Please book a ticket below to indicate your intention to participate in this meeting. For any queries contact event organiser Genevieve Sentier at french@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Know Before You Go - "Painting the French Riviera": Part 1 (14/10/2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The story of how the Côte d'Azur dazzled modern art's great innovators.

To Monet, it was like "swimming in blue air." To Braque, a "joyful revelation." Derain compared its cerulean hues to "sticks of dynamite . . . primed to discharge light."

The radiance of the French Riviera left an indelible mark on artists. It roused the imaginations not only of the 19th and 20th centuries' greatest painters - among them Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Renoir and Klein - but giants of literature, cinema and fashion, whose works helped define the carefree glamour and eternal romance of the Côte d'Azur.

From the 1870's, the azure seas and sapphire skies of the French Riviera beckoned artists, writers, intellectuals and aristocrats searching for an escape from their drab and crowded industrial cities. What they discovered was the landscape of their dreams - one that propelled the Impressionists, Post-Impressionists and Modernists to new creative heights.

In these two lectures, Jo Rhymer will discuss the exhibition at the Royal Academy "Painting The French Riviera" from 2 October 2026 - 31 January 2027, which looks at how the French Riviera supported the rise of modern art - and later became a travel destination and film location that epitomised midcentury sophistication.

Immerse yourself, just as these artists did, in a Mediterranean paradise.

Please join us from 9:30am for coffee.

For any queries, please contact event organiser Susan Alloun at arthistory1@kcwc.org.uk

October 2026 Guest Speaker Address - Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini (15/10/2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Our guest speaker for October is Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini, MBE, the founder and CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) in 2006.

Sanam has three decades of experience as a peace strategist working globally on conflicts, crises, violent extremism and peacebuilding with civil society, governments and the UN. Throughout her career, she has led groundbreaking initiatives in research, thought leadership, policy and practice relating to peacebuilding, human security and social cohesion. This includes being a civil society architect of the seminal UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security, director of the Women Waging Peace Policy Commission in 2002-2004 with design and delivery of the first multi-country research initiative on the evidence of women’s contributions to peace processes encapsulated in her book, Women Building Peace: What They Do, Why it Matters (Rienner, 2007).

In 2011 she was appointed the first Senior Expert on Gender and Inclusion by the UN’s Standby Team (SBT) of Mediation Experts working in Somalia, Libya, Syria and Sudan among other countries. Since 2018, she has been an adjunct Professor at the Columbia University School of International Public Affairs (SIPA). From 2020 to September 2022, Sanam served as Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Centre for Women, Peace and Security, working to deepen links between scholarship, policy and practice as part of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. In 2024, Sanam became a Richard von Weizsacker Fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy. Sanam has served on numerous boards including the UK’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and Prevention of Sexual Violence Board, the Commonwealth’s Panel of Experts on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), and the Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth Steering Committee.

Her media appearances include Channel 4 News, CNN’s Amanpour, and Al Jazeera. She has published numerous articles in Foreign Affairs, Le Monde Diplomatique and the UK’s Observer. Sanam is host of the podcast, If You Were in Charge: People, Power and Possibilities currently in its third season, with guests Abigail Disney, Steven Walt and Professor Dame EJ Milner-Gullner. She was the recipient of the 2014 Washington DC UN Association Perdita Huston Award for human rights and the 2016 Greeley Peace Scholar at the University of Massachusetts. Sanam was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2020 in recognition of her combined services to international peacebuilding and women’s rights. In 2022, she was the first Andrew Mellon Fellow at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, US.

Tentative schedule for the day:

9:30am - 10:45am - Registration, tea/coffee, Activity Leader and vendor tables

10:50am - Members to take their seats in the auditorium

11:00am - Introductions

11:10am - Guest Speaker

12:05pm - Q&A

12:30pm - Meeting conclusion

For any queries, contact Katy Cooke at programmes1@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Opera - Part 1 (16/10/2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

Lectures will take place on the following Fridays:

October: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

November: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-opera-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Book Group - "The Nuremberg Women" by Natalie Livingston (19/10/2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Nuremberg Women tells the story of eight women: a brilliant American lawyer, three pioneering journalists, two German, one British, an iconoclastic artist, a beautiful refugee aristocrat, a dauntless survivor of Auschwitz, and a young Russian translator.

From the major stories about justice, gender, and politics at a pivotal moment in the twentieth century to the smaller, daily intimate tales of the women’s affairs and bar-room disputes, The Nuremberg Women shows the most famous trial of the twentieth century in a new light—making a brave new case for it having been a more diverse and democratic exercise than has often been recognized.

They reveal a Nuremberg that is more intimate, human, and haphazard; one that was lower paid and less publicized. They demonstrate that the trial was remarkable not because it was perfect but because, against all odds, it happened. Thanks to these women and many others, justice was served.

For any queries, contact event organizers Roopa Girard and Marika Carle at bookgroup@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Classical Music - Part 1 (19/10/2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

Each session will focus on different musical concepts, structures, genres, and historical periods, guiding learners through a rich and engaging exploration of the Western classical tradition.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Lectures will take place on the following Mondays:

October: 5th, 12th, 19th

November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

December: 7th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-classical-music-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

German Conversation (21/10/2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Come and practice your spoken and written German in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our meetings usually take place in one of the member’s home to discuss current affairs and read a topical text from a German magazine or newspaper.

So book your attendance to find out where the next meeting will take place.

Please contact Activity Leader Bianca Maclean if you have any queries at german@kcwc.org.uk

Antiques & Design - An Evening Tour and Reception at the College of Arms (21/10/2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:30:00 GMT

BADA Friends invites us to this exclusive evening made special by our guide: Dr Clive Cheesman, officially titled Norroy and Ulster King of Arms and Earl Marshal’s Secretary. No one is better placed to explain the august profession of herald officer of arms, the practice and laws of heraldry and the modern work of the College. Founded in 1484, the College is part of the Royal Household creating/registering arms and maintaining pedigrees under Crown Authority.

Light refreshments follow the tour exploring rooms and documents not usually on view.

For any queries contact Mary Narvell at antiques1@kcwc.org.uk

London Walks - Passport to Pimlico (22/10/2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

This overlooked neighbour to Belgravia is a delight!

Not only was it home to four special women - an innovative fashion designer, a progressive dancer, an author recently honoured with a Blue Plaque, and a nursery school teacher who married a future king - there are two iconic housing estates that illustrate different ways of designing well thought-out, high-density blocks. If that is not enough, you have the inventor of lawn tennis, Larry O, public art, mention of Pimlico on film (this is a Rachel Kolsky tour after all!) and a statue commemorating the first rail fatality.

Note: We will be meeting inside the Pimlico tube station

For any queries contact event organiser Geneviève Sentier at londonwalks@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Opera - Part 1 (23/10/2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

Lectures will take place on the following Fridays:

October: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

November: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-opera-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

French Conversation (27/10/2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Themes will be given in advance so you can prepare them at home before discussing with the group when we meet, every fortnight, at a member's home. A good level of French is required.

Meeting location details will be sent to registered participants before each meeting.

Please book a ticket below to indicate your intention to participate in this meeting. For any queries contact event organiser Genevieve Sentier at french@kcwc.org.uk

Theatre - "The Cherry Orchard" (27/10/2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Kristin Scott Thomas is starring in Chekhov's final master piece that captures a world in delicate, inevitable transition - and remains as timeless and resonant as ever.

When Lyubov Ranevskaya (Scott Thomas) returns to her childhood estate after years abroad, she finds her family home and beloved cherry orchard under threat. As old loyalties falter and new ambitions rise, a world of privilege begins to crumble. Can Lyubov embrace the future, or will the pull of memory prove impossible to escape?

Don't miss this deeply moving portrait of love, loss and letting go . . .

NOTE: There will be an optional Pre-Theatre Dinner at your own expense. Details will be emailed from the Activity Leader closer to the event to the KCWC members who have purchased a ticket.

For any queries contact event organiser Viola Hindley at theatre@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Know Before You Go - "Painting the French Riviera": Part 2 (28/10/2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The story of how the Côte d'Azur dazzled modern art's great innovators.

To Monet, it was like "swimming in blue air." To Braque, a "joyful revelation." Derain compared its cerulean hues to "sticks of dynamite . . . primed to discharge light."

Immerse yourself, just as these artists did, in a Mediterranean paradise.

Please join us from 9:30am for coffee.

For any queries, please contact event organiser Susan Alloun at arthistory1@kcwc.org.uk

After Six - Buon Appetito (28/10/2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Join the After Six Crew for a modern Italian meal a stone’s throw away from Sloane Square.

Azzurra is part of the Aqua Group ( Aqua Shard) and has restaurants in major global cities. The Chelsea eatery maintains their high standards, whether it be the sustainable fresh fish or the homemade pasta, the food is delicious. The setting is equally impressive, with an elegant coastal theme running throughout, and a striking 16 metre bar as you enter.

There will be a choice of two courses with ample selection of a main, and either a starter or dessert. Pre- orders will be taken closer to the date. The price includes service and table water, but all other drinks are on your own tab.

A presto or see you soon!

Please contact Activity Leaders Alison Wacker and Lisa Woodcock for any queries at aftersix@kcwc.org.uk

Foodies - Day of the Dead Celebration Lunch (29/10/2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Day of the Dead is not intended as a sad or macabre day - it’s meant to celebrate your loved ones' lives and all the good they brought into the world when they were here with us.

Come and share happy memories whilst learning how to cook some Mexican dishes, then sit down to a simple feast and a spicy margarita (non alcoholic also available).

Ticket costs £60.00 and includes mini cookery demo, cocktails, recipes and sit down lunch.

Please book a free ticket here and contact the organizer on foodies@kcwc.org.uk for payment instructions.

CANCELLED: Evening Speaker - The Battle of Isandlwana, a Talk by Douglas Rattray (29/10/2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

The Battle of Isandlwana, A Talk by Douglas Rattray

Experience a vivid, moving account of the Battle of Isandlwana from both the English and Zulu perspectives. Douglas Rattray—son of the internationally renowned Anglo-Zulu War expert David Rattray—brings the courage of desperate soldiers and the gallantry of proud Zulu warriors to life, capturing the events of 22 January 1879 with passion and brilliant storytelling.

Anyone who has heard Douglas speak on the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift knows his deep knowledge, passion, and wonderful ability to captivate an audience.

Douglas Rattray, from Fugitives’ Drift Lodge near the Anglo-Zulu War battlefields in South Africa, continues his father’s legacy with authority and warmth.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of history and storytelling! Refreshments included. This event is open to partners and guests.

TICKETS: £31.05 online with our KCWC 20% discount code provided by the Activity Leader.

Step1 - sign-up on this KCWC site to reserve a spot and indicate your interest.

Step 2 - contact the Activity Leader at eveningspeakers@kcwc.org.uk to request the link and KCWC Discount Code you will need to actually purchase your ticket through the Royal Geographical Society.

For any queries, contact Event Organiser Ina Messer at eveningspeakers@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Classical Music - Part 1 (02/11/2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

Each session will focus on different musical concepts, structures, genres, and historical periods, guiding learners through a rich and engaging exploration of the Western classical tradition.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Lectures will take place on the following Mondays:

October: 5th, 12th, 19th

November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

December: 7th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-classical-music-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Volunteer With Us At The Wandsworth Food Bank (03/11/2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

You can make a difference by joining us for just 2 hours on the first Tuesday of every month.

KCWC supports the Wandsworth Foodbank by helping to sort, label and organise the food donations. You'll find that the 2 hours just flies by!

The Wandsworth Foodbank Warehouse is located at 9 Ferrier Street, Wandsworth, SW18 1SW, conveniently located 2 minutes walk from Wandsworth Town Station and easily accessed by many bus routes.

Make a difference by signing up and help KCWC and Wandsworth Foodbank to support those less fortunate!

Please email event organiser Christie Bachmann for any queries at charityvolunteers@kcwc.org.uk

*Note: If you're interested in regular volunteering, Wandsworth Foodbank are also looking for kind and compassionate people who can commit to volunteering once a week for a minimum of six months.

German Conversation (04/11/2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Come and practice your spoken and written German in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our meetings usually take place in one of the member’s home to discuss current affairs and read a topical text from a German magazine or newspaper.

So book your attendance to find out where the next meeting will take place.

Please contact Activity Leader Bianca Maclean if you have any queries at german@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Opera - Part 1 (06/11/2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

Lectures will take place on the following Fridays:

October: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

November: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-opera-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Classical Music - Part 1 (09/11/2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

Each session will focus on different musical concepts, structures, genres, and historical periods, guiding learners through a rich and engaging exploration of the Western classical tradition.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Lectures will take place on the following Mondays:

October: 5th, 12th, 19th

November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

December: 7th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-classical-music-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

French Conversation (10/11/2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Themes will be given in advance so you can prepare them at home before discussing with the group when we meet, every fortnight, at a member's home. A good level of French is required.

Meeting location details will be sent to registered participants before each meeting.

Please book a ticket below to indicate your intention to participate in this meeting. For any queries contact event organiser Genevieve Sentier at french@kcwc.org.uk

London Walks - Crossing the Seas at the British Museum (10/11/2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Keep The Date . . .

Guide: Muriel Carre

additional information coming soon!

Note: We will be meeting at 2pm sharp at the Holborn tube station

For any queries contact event organiser Geneviève Sentier at londonwalks@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Know before you go: Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, The Bloomsbury Group's Most Famous Duo (11/11/2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

To mark the opening of Tate Britain’s major exhibition on the 12th of November, Cindy Polemis delves into the lives of two of Britain’s most famous artists of the early 20th century: Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant - core members of the non-conformist Bloomsbury Group, the circle of British intellectuals and artists famed for their unconventional lives and intense partnerships. They were described by the American writer Dorothy Parker as ‘living in squares, painting in circles and loving in triangles’ and had a pivotal influence on the course of art, design and literature. Bell and Grant had an extraordinary artistic and emotional partnership which spanned more than fifty years which was to mark a crucial moment in the history of modernism in British art.

Please come at 9:30 for a coffee or tea. The lecture begins promptly at 10:00 and we aim to finish by 12:15. Please remember it is a dress code at the club so please no jeans or trainers.

For any queries, please contact event organiser Susan Shriver at arthistory@kcwc.org.uk

Antiques & Design - The Huguenots: A Tea Time Talk with Nicholas Merchant (11/11/2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The story of migration is as old as time itself. But for Europe, the migration of thousands of Protestants from France in the latter part of the 17^th century was to have a profound impact that reverberated through Europe and beyond.

Known as Huguenots, these religious refugees influenced decorative arts from silk to silver, primarily enriching England as the land to which they exited France in droves.

Nicholas Merchant will tell us the story behind this exodus and the rich artistic patrimony that accompanied it.

For any queries contact Mary Narvell at antiques1@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Opera - Part 1 (13/11/2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

Lectures will take place on the following Fridays:

October: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

November: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-opera-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Book Group - "Washington Square" by Henry James (16/11/2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On New York City's Washington Square lives Catherine Sloper, a shy and plain young woman who is tyrannized by her wealthy, overbearing father. When young Morris Townsend begins to court her, Dr. Sloper distrusts his motives, believing that the young man could not possibly love his daughter.

Both lovers are obstinate in their affections; but when Dr. Sloper threatens to disinherit Catherine, Townsend disappears, leaving Catherine to humiliation, heartache, and lonely spinsterhood. Years later, after her father's death, Townsend returns, and Catherine must make up her own mind about his intentions.

For any queries, contact event organizers Roopa Girard and Marika Carle at bookgroup@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Classical Music - Part 1 (16/11/2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

Each session will focus on different musical concepts, structures, genres, and historical periods, guiding learners through a rich and engaging exploration of the Western classical tradition.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Lectures will take place on the following Mondays:

October: 5th, 12th, 19th

November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

December: 7th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-classical-music-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Making Sense of Early Christian Art: the Virgin Mary in Icons (18/11/2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

In this lecture we will be focus on the icons of the early church, mostly at the Virgin Mary in early icon images. The Virgin Mary has such a large range of artwork. We will be looking at the key figures, style, and context of the work against the background of history and conflicts.

We have a new lecturer for you. Elisa Stafferini, art historian, has been highly recommended by one of our members. She specializes in Renaissance and early modern Italian art. Her research interests encompass early modern visual culture, iconography and iconology, gender and politics in art, and the relationship between word and image. She has delivered lectures on Renaissance art and iconography in both Italy and the UK and taught the module “Art in London before 1600” at University College London.

Please come at 9:30 for a coffee or tea. The lecture begins promptly at 10:00 and we aim to finish by 12:15. Please remember it is a dress code at the club so please no jeans or trainers.

For any queries, please contact event organiser Susan Shriver at arthistory@kcwc.org.uk

German Conversation (18/11/2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Come and practice your spoken and written German in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our meetings usually take place in one of the member’s home to discuss current affairs and read a topical text from a German magazine or newspaper.

So book your attendance to find out where the next meeting will take place.

Please contact Activity Leader Bianca Maclean if you have any queries at german@kcwc.org.uk

November 2026 Guest Speaker Address - Julie Weston (19/11/2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Our guest speaker this month is Julie Weston, the Executive Director of the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond following her appointment in July 2025. The theatre is highly acclaimed and is noted for its artistic excellence including high quality, intimate productions that combine new plays, bold revivals and rarely seen classics. It was named Joint Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards in 2025.

Julie is an experienced leader in the arts and not-for-profit sectors, with a career dedicated to organisational development and change. She has held senior leadership roles with a variety of cultural and arts organisations including that of Administrative Director at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, at the Audience Agency, Wac Arts and Cardboard Citizens. Julie has a track record of creating values-led, resilient organisations and environments where people feel empowered to take responsibility.

She will tell us about the successful running of the Orange Tree Theatre and how to stage a play, including the programming and liaison with the actors. In spite of an environment which receives no financial support from the Arts Council or the government, Julie will explain how the theatre has managed to achieve consistent commercial and critical success.

Tentative schedule for the day:

9:30am - 10:45am - Registration, tea/coffee, Activity Leader and vendor tables

10:50am - Members to take their seats in the auditorium

11:00am - Introductions

11:10am - Guest Speaker

12:05pm - Q&A

12:30pm - Meeting conclusion

For any queries, contact Katy Cooke at programmes1@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Opera - Part 1 (20/11/2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

Lectures will take place on the following Fridays:

October: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

November: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-opera-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Classical Music - Part 1 (23/11/2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

Each session will focus on different musical concepts, structures, genres, and historical periods, guiding learners through a rich and engaging exploration of the Western classical tradition.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Lectures will take place on the following Mondays:

October: 5th, 12th, 19th

November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

December: 7th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-classical-music-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

French Conversation (24/11/2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Themes will be given in advance so you can prepare them at home before discussing with the group when we meet, every fortnight, at a member's home. A good level of French is required.

Meeting location details will be sent to registered participants before each meeting.

Please book a ticket below to indicate your intention to participate in this meeting. For any queries contact event organiser Genevieve Sentier at french@kcwc.org.uk

Theatre - "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" (24/11/2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Gillian Anderson and Billy Crudup star in a new revival of Edward Albee’s Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf? at @sohoplace.

In the early hours of the morning on the campus of an American college, Martha, much to her husband George’s displeasure, has invited the new professor Nick and his wife Honey to their home for some after-party drinks. As the alcohol flows and dawn approaches, the young couple are drawn into George and Martha’s toxic games until the evening reaches its climax in a moment of devastating truth-telling.

Edward Albee’s drama remains one of the most powerful and unflinching portrayals of marriage ever written. Brutal, funny and deeply human. "Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf?" continues to shock and captivate audiences long after its debut.

For any queries contact event organiser Viola Hindley at theatre@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Opera - Part 1 (27/11/2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

Lectures will take place on the following Fridays:

October: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

November: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-opera-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Classical Music - Part 1 (30/11/2026)

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

Each session will focus on different musical concepts, structures, genres, and historical periods, guiding learners through a rich and engaging exploration of the Western classical tradition.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Lectures will take place on the following Mondays:

October: 5th, 12th, 19th

November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

December: 7th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-classical-music-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Volunteer With Us At The Wandsworth Food Bank (01/12/2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

You can make a difference by joining us for just 2 hours on the first Tuesday of every month.

KCWC supports the Wandsworth Foodbank by helping to sort, label and organise the food donations. You'll find that the 2 hours just flies by!

The Wandsworth Foodbank Warehouse is located at 9 Ferrier Street, Wandsworth, SW18 1SW, conveniently located 2 minutes walk from Wandsworth Town Station and easily accessed by many bus routes.

Make a difference by signing up and help KCWC and Wandsworth Foodbank to support those less fortunate!

Please email event organiser Christie Bachmann for any queries at charityvolunteers@kcwc.org.uk

*Note: If you're interested in regular volunteering, Wandsworth Foodbank are also looking for kind and compassionate people who can commit to volunteering once a week for a minimum of six months.

Pop Up: Festive Trip to Prague (02/12/2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

There are few cities that conjure up the image of Christmas more than Prague. We are offering a festive trip to Prague, staying three nights from December 2-5th. Hotel Josef (4/5*) will be our base, conveniently situated in the heart of the historic old town.

The trip provides a perfect balance of guided tours and free time to meander around this historic city. Tour One is a six hour day trip which entails a guided walking tour of the city, entrance to St. Charles Bridge museum, a traditional Czech lunch, and a boat cruise on the River Vitava. The following morning , a three hour guided tour of the various Christmas markets is offered, with a free afternoon to explore on your own.

There are only ten places on this trip so be sure to register soon. A £3 registration fee will be charged, and then we will send you a link to pay your deposit to the travel company. See details below . . .

Trip Includes:

Round trip air flights with British Airways to Prague (one suitcase)
Round trip airport transfers to Hotel Josef
Daily breakfast
Guided tour of the old city, lunch and a boat ride with refreshments
Guided morning tour of Christmas markets
unless specified above, all other meals on your own tab

Costs:

The price is £875 pp if sharing with a KCWC friend in a twin bedded room OR the price is £1225 pp for a private Superior king bedroom
A £300 non- refundable deposit must be made to ensure your place. A link for the payment to the travel agency will be sent to you.
The remainder of the payment will be made at a later date and is subject to a refund 8 days or more in advance of the start date. (minus the deposit)

After purchasing your spot here on the KCWC site, please contact event organisers Ina Messer and Alison Wacker at popup@kcwc.org.uk It's going to be magical!

German Conversation (02/12/2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Come and practice your spoken and written German in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our meetings usually take place in one of the member’s home to discuss current affairs and read a topical text from a German magazine or newspaper.

So book your attendance to find out where the next meeting will take place.

Please contact Activity Leader Bianca Maclean if you have any queries at german@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Opera - Part 1 (04/12/2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Discussions will range across music, staging, characterisation, plot, and performance traditions, enabling learners to critically engage with the opera as both an art form and a social product.

Lectures will take place on the following Fridays:

October: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd

November: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

December: 4th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-opera-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Discovering Classical Music - Part 1 (07/12/2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Are you baffled by Brahms? Perplexed by Prokofiev? Stumped by Strauss?

Each session will focus on different musical concepts, structures, genres, and historical periods, guiding learners through a rich and engaging exploration of the Western classical tradition.

Held in association with the Kensington and Chelsea Women's Club, this course is open to everyone, with no previous experience necessary. All welcome!

Lectures will take place on the following Mondays:

October: 5th, 12th, 19th

November: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th

December: 7th

Cost: £200

Two-Part Ticketing Process: This is a unique joint venture between KCWC and Imperial College, so there is a two part ticketing process:

Step #2: Please make your actual payment directly to Imperial College using the link below. You must use the "Internal rate (Friends & Family)" to get the £200 price.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/winter-courses-list/discovering-classical-music-daytime/

For any queries, please contact activity leader Eve Mitleton-Kelly at opera@kcwc.org.uk

Theatre - "The Lives of Others" (07/12/2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Listening changes everything.

1984. East Germany. A writer and an actor are placed under state surveillance. From the attic above their apartment, a Stasi man listens for evidence of subversion. But . . . what was first an operation to prove guilt becomes a story about empathy and complicity. To observe a life is to risk changing your own.

Olivier Award-winner Robert Icke (Oedipus, Oresteia, Romeo & Juliet) adapts and directs this first stage version of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s acclaimed film , starring:

Keira Knightley (Black Doves, Atonement, The Misanthrope)

Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones, The Tunnel, Vigil)

Luke Thompson(Bridgerton, Dunkirk, Oresteia)

"The Lives of Others" revisits a story that has only grown more contemporary over time. Living in a culture shaped by surveillance, technological identification, and loose definition of freedom, this play asks us to ponder what lives on when our thoughts and speeches are captured, even in our most intimate moments, and what the cost of humanity means.

For any queries contact event organiser Viola Hindley at theatre@kcwc.org.uk

French Conversation (08/12/2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Themes will be given in advance so you can prepare them at home before discussing with the group when we meet, every fortnight, at a member's home. A good level of French is required.

Meeting location details will be sent to registered participants before each meeting.

Please book a ticket below to indicate your intention to participate in this meeting. For any queries contact event organiser Genevieve Sentier at french@kcwc.org.uk

London Walks - London's Silver Vaults (09/12/2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 10:15:00 GMT

Keep The Date . . .

Guide: Muriel Carre

additional information coming soon!

Note: We will be meeting at 10.15am sharp at the TBA

For any queries contact event organiser Geneviève Sentier at londonwalks@kcwc.org.uk

Antiques & Design - The Lady Lever Collection: A Tea Time Talk with Nicholas Merchant (10/12/2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The story of the famed Lever Art Collection began with the simplest of household items – soap. William Hesketh Lever (1851-1925) built a fortune from Sunlight Soap and, with it, built one of the biggest and most varied artistic collections of the 19^th century. When his wife died in 1913, Lever created the Lady Lever Gallery in her beloved memory filling it with furniture, sculpture, ceramics and paintings.

Join us to learn about this philanthropist aesthete and the industrial wealth that fueled his passion for collecting.

For any queries contact Mary Narvell at antiques1@kcwc.org.uk

Book Group - "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans (14/12/2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is an acclaimed epistolary novel told entirely through letters and emails.

The story follows Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired attorney in her 70s living in Annapolis, Maryland, who is grappling with aging, declining eyesight, and a tragic family history—most notably the childhood death of her son. Over the course of a decade (2012–2022), she uses her lifelong habit of writing letters to connect with a wide variety of people

For any queries, contact event organizers Roopa Girard and Marika Carle at bookgroup@kcwc.org.uk

German Conversation (16/12/2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Come and practice your spoken and written German in a friendly and supportive environment.

Our meetings usually take place in one of the member’s home to discuss current affairs and read a topical text from a German magazine or newspaper.

So book your attendance to find out where the next meeting will take place.

Please contact Activity Leader Bianca Maclean if you have any queries at german@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Know Before you go - Van Eyck "The Portriats" (13/01/2027)

Wed, 13 Jan 2027 09:30:00 GMT

Jan Van Eyck’s portraits will all be together for the first time at the National Gallery. Portraiture as we know it begins with Van Eyck. His vision and skill launched painting into a new era of unrivaled realism.

Van Eyck captured his subjects in all their intimate details. Though these people sat for their portraits 600 years ago, they feel alive today.

Breathing life into Van Eyck’s world, the exhibition introduces the men and women he spent his life around. They are not kings, queens and aristocrats; they are successful craftsmen, merchants and the artist’s relatives. This is a story of people. This is the moment when access to art widened.

The exhibition marks the first and only time these works can be brought together. And this incredible display can only happen here, at the National Gallery. We are very lucky to have Chantal Brotherton-Radcliff lecture for us on the exhibit.

Please come at 9:30 for a coffee or tea. The lecture begins promptly at 10:00 and we aim to finish by 12:15. Please remember there is a dress code at the club, so please no jeans or trainers.

For any queries, please contact event organiser Susan Shriver at arthistory@kcwc.org.uk

2027 Guest Speaker Address - TBA (21/01/2027)

Thu, 21 Jan 2027 09:30:00 GMT

Information on our Guest Speaker will be added shortly.

Tentative schedule for the day:

9:30am - 10:45am - Registration, tea/coffee, Activity Leader and vendor tables

10:50am - Members to take their seats in the auditorium

11:00am - Introductions

11:10am - Guest Speaker

12:05pm - Q&A

12:30pm - Meeting conclusion

For any queries, contact Katy Cooke at programmes1@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Art in 18th Century Britain in 5 Parts: Part 1 (27/01/2027)

Wed, 27 Jan 2027 09:30:00 GMT

Part 1: Hogarth and His World

Eighteenth-century London was squalid, drunk, foul-mouthed, and dominated by scandal. It was also a great place to achieve success whether in business, trade, entertainment, or art.

In London and elsewhere, new stately homes and townhouses needed decoration, and both old money patrons and the nouveau-riche vied to demonstrate their status and good taste by buying art.

By the end of the eighteenth century, a recognisably British style in landscape and portrait painting had developed, and the foundation of the Royal Academy of Arts set the seal on the prestige of British art.

In this series of five lectures, Julia Musgrave - an Art Historian many of you are familiar with - will look at some of the social, political, philosophical and scientific background to these changes, and the impact of the Grand Tour on art, architecture and the decorative arts.

Together we will explore the work of William Hogarth, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough, as well as their competitors and colleagues, George Romney, and Joseph Wright 'of Derby'. We will also look at the continuing contribution of non-native artists: from Germany, Switzerland, America and Ireland, many of whom were Royal Academicians.

There will be FIVE sessions on:

Wed 27 January: Part 1 "Hogarth and His World"

Wed 10 February: Part 2 "Defining a British Style - from St Martin's Lane to the Royal Academy"

Wed 24 February: Part 3 "A Mirror of Society - New Patrons, Portraits and Satire"

Wed 10 March 2: Part 4 "Influences from Abroad - The Grand Tour and Other Travels"

Wed 24 March: Part 5 "Imagination, Introspection and Industry - How the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution Shaped British Art"

Please join us from 9:30am for coffee.

For further information, please contact activity leader Susan Alloun at arthistory1@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Art in 18th Century Britain in 5 Parts: Part 2 (10/02/2027)

Wed, 10 Feb 2027 09:30:00 GMT

Part 2: Defining a British Style - from St Martin's Lane to the Royal Academy

Eighteenth-century London was squalid, drunk, foul-mouthed, and dominated by scandal. It was also a great place to achieve success whether in business, trade, entertainment, or art.

In London and elsewhere, new stately homes and townhouses needed decoration, and both old money patrons and the nouveau-riche vied to demonstrate their status and good taste by buying art.

There are 4 sessions left in the 5 part series on:

Wed 10 February: Part 2 "Defining a British Style - from St Martin's Lane to the Royal Academy"

Wed 24 February: Part 3 "A Mirror of Society - New Patrons, Portraits and Satire"

Wed 10 March 2: Part 4 "Influences from Abroad - The Grand Tour and Other Travels"

Wed 24 March: Part 5 "Imagination, Introspection and Industry - How the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution Shaped British Art"

Please join us from 9:30am for coffee.

For further information, please contact activity leader Susan Alloun at arthistory1@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Art in 18th Century Britain in 5 Parts: Part 3 (24/02/2027)

Wed, 24 Feb 2027 09:30:00 GMT

Part 3: A Mirror of Society - New Patrons, Portraits and Satire

Eighteenth-century London was squalid, drunk, foul-mouthed, and dominated by scandal. It was also a great place to achieve success whether in business, trade, entertainment, or art.

In London and elsewhere, new stately homes and townhouses needed decoration, and both old money patrons and the nouveau-riche vied to demonstrate their status and good taste by buying art.

There are 3 sessions left in the 5 part series on:

Wed 24 February: Part 3 "A Mirror of Society - New Patrons, Portraits and Satire"

Wed 10 March 2: Part 4 "Influences from Abroad - The Grand Tour and Other Travels"

Wed 24 March: Part 5 "Imagination, Introspection and Industry - How the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution Shaped British Art"

Please join us from 9:30am for coffee.

For further information, please contact activity leader Susan Alloun at arthistory1@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Art in 18th Century Britain in 5 Parts: Part 4 (10/03/2027)

Wed, 10 Mar 2027 09:30:00 GMT

Part 4: Influences from Abroad - The Grand Tour and Other Travels

Eighteenth-century London was squalid, drunk, foul-mouthed, and dominated by scandal. It was also a great place to achieve success whether in business, trade, entertainment, or art.

In London and elsewhere, new stately homes and townhouses needed decoration, and both old money patrons and the nouveau-riche vied to demonstrate their status and good taste by buying art.

There are 2 sessions left in the 5 part series on:

Wed 10 March 2: Part 4 "Influences from Abroad - The Grand Tour and Other Travels"

Wed 24 March: Part 5 "Imagination, Introspection and Industry - How the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution Shaped British Art"

Please join us from 9:30am for coffee.

For further information, please contact activity leader Susan Alloun at arthistory1@kcwc.org.uk

Art History - Art in 18th Century Britain in 5 Parts: Part 5 (24/03/2027)

Wed, 24 Mar 2027 09:30:00 GMT

Part 5: Imagination, Introspection and Industry - How the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution Shaped British Art

Eighteenth-century London was squalid, drunk, foul-mouthed, and dominated by scandal. It was also a great place to achieve success whether in business, trade, entertainment, or art.

In London and elsewhere, new stately homes and townhouses needed decoration, and both old money patrons and the nouveau-riche vied to demonstrate their status and good taste by buying art.

This is the last session in the 5 part series on:

Wed 24 March: Part 5 "Imagination, Introspection and Industry - How the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution Shaped British Art"

Please join us from 9:30am for coffee.

For further information, please contact activity leader Susan Alloun at arthistory1@kcwc.org.uk