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KCWC invites you to come and enjoy a lunchtime concert in Kensington, performed by Ángel Laguna.
An active concert artist, he frequently tours venues across Europe and UK.
Please register your attendance. No other ticket required.
Voluntary donations graciously accepted.
Programme: Works by Debussy, de Falla, Granados, Schubert
For any queries, contact Event Organiser Maria Puleio at music1@kcwc.org.uk
Calling all members, especially those in the neighbourhood!
(All post codes welcome of course)
Join us for a casual, fun meet-up of fabulous ladies from your hood and beyond. Make new friends and relax with familiar faces alike.
Life is always better when we’re laughing together!
Cheers!
For queries, please contact event organiser Dina McCormick at popup@kcwc.org.uk
You are welcome to an exceptional fundraisding event to be hosted by The Right Honourable Earl Spencer at Lambeth Palace, to be held in support of St Mary's Church in Battersea's 250th anniversary.
Earl Spencer is honouring this prestigious event by hosting it in the very room the Archbishop of Canterbury receives heads of state and international dignitaries.
The evening will include drinks and canapes.
Dress Code: Cocktail Attire
Cost/Pledge: The minimum pledge to attend is £125.00 per person and proceeds from the event will supoort the St Mary's 250th anniversary campaign to make major reparations to the building.
To reserve your place at this event and receive your official invitation, please follow this two-step registration process:
Step 1: Register here with a "free" ticket from KCWC for tracking and communication purposes.
Step 2: You must email event coordinator Laura Roberts at lr@robertsconsultinggroup.co.uk to actually purchase your ticket and secure your invitation to the special event.
For any queries, contact event organizer Laura Roberts at lr@robertsconsultinggroup.co.uk
Come and join us for a brisk Autumn 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 Autumn glory!
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
Join us for an autumnal stroll in beautiful Kew Gardens to see the changing leaves and to take in the Henry Moore sculptures which are currently exhibited throughout the gardens. We will look out for the "Old Lions“, the famous 5 trees planted in 1760 during the founding era of Kew.
On a rainy day we can concentrate on the Palm House before it closes for major renovation next year.
Afterwards we will go for lunch/refreshments to the Pavillion Bar and Grill on the Kew Gardens premises. (own tabs)
2-Step Ticket Process:
#1 - Purchase a "ticket" here with KCWC so the Activity Leader and other members can see who's going;
#2 - Before the event you will have to buy an online ticket to the gardens for £17. However we might be able to match you with a member who can take you in for free. You will be notified about the tickets closer to the time.
For any queries, contact Event Organisers Evelyn Jin Hipperson or Judith Neuling at GloriousGardens@kcwc.org.uk
If you sign up anonymously you must then contact the Event Organizer with your contact details in order to receive additionalinformation.
Come to a fabulous open house at Amanda's!
Sample some fizz while you get some early Christmas shopping done!
If you missed her vendor table at our General Meeting on October 15th, now is your chance.
Beautiful cashmere shawls from Scotland and Kashmir. Stunning cashmere sweaters from Apoil and Cocoa Cashmere. New season skirts, shirts and jackets from Whyci Milano. Chic shirts and tops from Danish company Gustav.
An array of exquisite new jewellery to suit all price ranges. Fun colourful beanies, gloves and scarves from Quinton + Chadwick. Plus, Christine returns to present her gorgeous evening bags.
Cedarwood, lime and orange blossom handwash, hand lotion and room spray by Caroline Fooks Interior Design. Delicious extra virgin organic olive oil from the Strakka Estate in Cyprus.
For any queries, contact Activity Leader Barbara Welch at fashion@kcwc.org.uk
Tech that Makes Life Easier
"I wish I had a personal assistant"
AI secrets: let an AI assistant help with emails, letters, plans and tech questions.
Zoom link: after you purchase a ticket here, the activity leader will email you the Zoom link to use on the day of the talk.
For any queries, contact activity leader Jenni Kravitz at travel@kcwc.org.uk
Join me for a discussion of the renowned French fashion designer and artist as he discusses his life and career, from the family boucherie to creating legendary fashions.
Roland Mouret recently launched his autobiography and will be signing his books post talk while we sip wine after the reception.
It sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Only 7 tickets available.
For any queries, contact event coordinator Barbara Welch at fashion@kcwc.org.uk
Our tailored British Museum tour this November is an invitation to cross oceans and roam the seas.
Lead by expert guide Muriel Carré, we will be looking at objects that reveal incredible sea-faring stories and that will help us understand why men have braved the elements to cross oceans in great voyages of discovery or conquest.
Our humble voyage will start with Odysseus’s long journey home, and we will then travel alongside Vikings, Spanish Conquistadores, traders of the East India Company, the crew of Captain James Cook, Darwin’s Beagle and many more seafarers and adventurers. Welcome aboard!
Note: We will be meeting at 2pm sharp at the Group entrance at the back of the British Museum (Montague Place entrance) for a 2.15pm start time. This entrance has a dedicated reception.
For any queries contact event organiser Geneviève Sentier at londonwalks@kcwc.org.uk
This event cost is £30.00; contact event organizer to pay.
NOTABLE presents “EMPIRE”
A new series of five storytelling concerts tracing the musical history of Central Europe, from imperial Vienna and Budapest to Prague, Trieste and Galicia.
Join virtuoso concert pianist and storyteller Pavel Timofeyevsky, together with an impressive line-up of acclaimed instrumentalists and singers, as they explore the intertwined cultures and histories of the peoples who shaped the extraordinary musical DNA of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Each concert takes place in the intimate setting of a private house in Chelsea and includes afternoon tea with homemade pastries.
*Please note that since this is an event sponsored by Notable: there is a 2-step process for signing up for the event and then paying for the ticket:
1) Use the normal KCWC process for signing up for a "free" ticket on this website.
Once you have registered in that way . . .
2) email the KCWC event coordinator at the email address below, and Alya will send you the link and discount code needed to purchase your actual ticket for £30
Note: if you are interested in bringing a guest, you are free to purchase their ticket at the regular Notable price once on their ticketing website.
For any queries, please contact the event coordinator, Alya Samokhvalova at opera1@kcwc.org.uk
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 17th 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
Join the extraordinary Prue Leith for a lively, candid and thoroughly entertaining conversation about growing older and making the most of life.
A much-loved food writer, restaurateur, author and television personality, Prue has become a familiar face on our screens. Now, in her latest book, Being Old, she turns her attention to something we all have in common: ageing.
With her trademark wit, warmth and refreshing honesty, Prue explores the challenges and taboos of getting older, while also celebrating the unexpected pleasures and opportunities that come with it. Part memoir and part reflection, Being Old is full of amusing anecdotes, thoughtful observations and practical wisdom.
Expect plenty of laughs, fascinating stories and an inspiring look at what it means to grow older with confidence, curiosity and a sense of fun.
As Delia Smith says:“Few people have aged so gracefully and enterprisingly as Prue. How she’s done it is a revelation, full of humour and practical advice.”
Don’t miss this chance to spend an entertaining and thought-provoking evening with Prue Leith.
TICKETS: £25 online (£20 with our KCWC discount code)
Step1 - sign-up on this KCWC site to reserve a spot and indicate your interest.
Step 2 - you will receive the link to the actual Kent House Series ticket site from the Activity Leader and can then purchase an actual ticket using the KCWC discount code provided in the email.
Doors open at 7pm, talk begins at 7:30pm
For any queries, contact Activity Leader Ina Messer at popup@kcwc.org.uk
Pub o'clock, Ladies!
Join us for a relaxed meet-up at The Washington, a Grade II listed Victorian public house in Belsize Park. We'll have our own cordoned-off corner, so come say hi, grab a drink and bring your best chat.
New faces welcome!
Remember - strangers are just friends who haven't had a G&T with us yet.
Closest Underground station: Belsize Park on the Northern Line
For queries, please contact event organiser Karen Sanger at popup@kcwc.org.uk
We are very excited to invite you to our November afternoon drinks at Kiyori underground cocktail bar. A bar that holds its history close.
Descend into the original bank vaults of Grande II-listed One Cavendish Square and the temperature of changes. Kiyori is a low-lit, subterranean cocktail bar in London shaped by designer Francis Sultana. Original artwork by Aiza Kadyri lines the walls. Mosaics by Bouke de Vries add quiet craft to every corner.
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
FIWAL (The Federation of International Women's Associations in London) is delighted to invite KCWC members and their partners to celebrate its 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Auction, in support of FIWAL initiatives.
Join us for a wonderful evening of dinner, entertainment and dancing, while celebrating 40 years of FIWAL!
Dress Code: Evening or Traditional Wear
Cost: £95
Please note that there is a two-step booking process:
Step 1 - Register here to reserve a "free" KCWC allocated spot.
Step 2 - Complete the FIWAL Form & Payment form using the link below, including your dietary requirements:
https://us.list-manage.com/BM70ve7O41K?e=33315111a4&c2id=1a4d869a00fc8be6df129f345091d1cc
The FIWAL Treasurer will then contact you directly regarding the £95 per ticket payment.
IMPORTANT: Your place is not confirmed until payment has been made to FIWAL through the FIWAL Treasurer. Registering through the KCWC website or app alone does not secure your place.
Booking deadline: 1 November 2026
For any enquiries, please contact Barbara Welch at vp@kcwc.org.uk.
"I would love to make something that looks professional"
Canva: a free app that turns your own words and photos into invitations, cards and posters.
KCWC invites you to come and enjoy a lunchtime concert taking place in a beautiful Church in Kensington, performed by Italian pianist and composer, Antonio Morabito.
Programme: works by Chopin
Join Marcela Alatorre, founder of NOPAL®, for an engaging introduction to Opuntia ficus-indica (nopal), exploring how this extraordinary Mexican cactus has become a sustainable functional food for the future.
The experience will include a special tasting of Skinny Hot Chocolate, created in collaboration with London Chocolate, one of the UK’s leading bean-to-bar/bean-to-cup chocolate makers.
Two exceptional functional foods come together to create a delicious Skinny Hot Chocolate combining the natural benefits of pure cacao with cactus pad powder, providing fibre and calcium alongside the qualities of cacao.
Guests will enjoy:
- Skinny Hot Chocolate
- Green smoothie
- Mini chocolate tasting
- A tasting of baked goods made with cactus pad powder
Tickets: £40.00 per person.
Please book a free ticket here to indicate your interest and email the Activity Leader (foodies@kcwc.org.uk) for payment instructions.
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
This month's discussion will be on My Friends by Fredrik Backman (448 pages).
Twenty-five years ago, a group of teenagers found solace in each other during one unforgettable summer. Their friendship inspired a transcendent work of art, a painting that now mysteriously belongs to eighteen-year-old aspiring artist Louisa.
Driven to learn the story behind its creation, Louisa embarks on a journey to the seaside town where it all began. But as she gets closer to the painting’s birthplace, Louisa learns that happy endings do not always take the form we expect.
For any queries, contact Claudia on eveningbookgroup@kcwc.org.uk
After the Guest Speaker Address and for our first Hospitality lunch in Knightsbridge, please join us at San Carlo, located on Hans Road, directly adjacent to Harrods.
San Carlo Knightsbridge is one of the most refined Italian restaurants in Knightsbridge. The beautifully designed restaurant was a winner of the 2022 International Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.
We will be having a two-course lunch comprising a starter and main course.
Any side dishes, wine, coffee and dessert will be paid individually.
Please do not arrive earlier than the stipulated time of 1.15pm.
For any queries, please email Event Organisers Mimi Rolbant & Larysa Kotsiuba at hospitality@kcwc.org.uk
"How to make my mobile phone safe"
Phones: Learn how to keep your iPhone safe and secure
NOTE: Tickets need to be purchased by Oct 22nd
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a historic building designed by the architect Sir Christopher Wren. It is not actually a hospital caring for the sick, as we know hospitals are today. It is the home to nearly 300 army veterans who come from various backgrounds across the United Kingdom. It has a long history as it has been their home since 1692 when it was founded by King Charles II.
For the Chelsea Pensioners, life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea is full of tradition and activity. They live in their own accommodation, known as ‘berths,’ and enjoy access to a range of facilities and services designed especially for them. They participate in ceremonial duties and public events and engage in social and recreational activities. They are active and involved members of both the Royal Hospital community and the wider society.
We will be led on a 90-minute tour of the beautiful Hospital by one of the Pensioners who will give us an insider’s view of what it is like to live in this unique place.
After the tour we will go to Heidi Bakery which is on the premises for a delicious coffee and cake on our own tab.
For any enqueries, please contact event organiser Mimi Rolbant at british1@kcwc.org.uk
The Art Ecosystem Behind the Artwork
Go behind the artwork and discover the ecosystem of people, ideas and organisations that shapes artistic practice and brings contemporary art to life.
Our visit to Gasworks will offer a unique insight into an organisation dedicated to supporting artists through its residency programme, creative exchange and the development of new work. A member of the Gasworks team will introduce us to the organisation and its residency programme, before guiding us through Disco Inferno, Paloma Contreras Lomas’ first solo exhibition in Europe. We will discover the ideas and research behind the exhibition and how her work developed during her residency at Gasworks.
We will also have the rare opportunity to meet a residency artists in their studios, gaining a glimpse into the environment where new ideas and projects are taking shape.
As the studio space can accommodate only a limited number of visitors, places for the visit will be limited.
Whether you are already familiar with contemporary art or simply curious to discover more, this visit offers a rare opportunity to look beyond the finished artwork and discover the people, ideas and creative journeys that shape contemporary art before it reaches the public.
For any queries, contact Event Organiser Anna Bianchi at contemporary1@kcwc.org.uk
You're Invited to our Drop-In Coffee Morning!
Start your day with great coffee, friendly conversation and the opportunity to connect with others in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re a new member, reconnecting with familiar faces, or simply looking for a relaxed morning and good conversation, we'd love you to join us. Just drop in, purchase a cup of coffee, and enjoy the company!
It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people, build connections and enjoy a delightful morning together in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
We look forward to welcoming you for a morning of coffee, conversation and connection!
For further information, please contact the event organisers Karen Kaldezar and Maria Rologi, at dropincoffee@kcwc.org.uk
One of the BBC’s most respected journalists joins us to talk about his extraordinary life and career. An award-winning broadcaster and writer, Fergal Keane began his career reporting on ‘the Troubles’ in Northern Ireland and for more than three decades has been a witness to conflicts around the world, including the Rwandan genocide, the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, the war in Ukraine, and the Israel - Palestine conflict.
Please join us for our annual visit to Chelsea Physic Garden’s Christmas Fair. For the Christmas Fair, the garden is transformed into a festive wonderland with over 100 stalls featuring independent businesses selling a range of gifts - from wreaths to clothing, accessories to homewares and specialty food and drink. You can indulge in festive treats, hot chocolate and mulled wine at the stalls and their cafe.
We will have a coffee/tea get together at their cafe after we’ve had time to peruse all the wonderful stalls.
Two Step sign-up process:
1) Please buy your ticket directly from Chelsea Physic Garden website for the 10:00am time slot via the link below. Please DO NOT sign up for this activity on the KCWC site until you have purchased an actual ticket as the tickets can sell out quite quickly.
https://chelseaphysicgarden.seetickets.com/event/chelsea-physic-garden-christmas-fair/chelsea-physic-garden/3707884
2) Sign-up a for a ticket here on the KCWC website so we can track who is coming
For any queries, contact Event Organiser Evelyn Jin Hipperson at GloriousGardens@kcwc.org.uk
We invite you to our very special lunchtime concert, taking place in a beautiful Church in Kensington featuring extraordinary international musicians, such as Geoffrey Silver (violin) & Alberto Portugheis (piano).
They will perform an amazing programme celebrating Beethoven’s 256th Birthday.
Please register through KCWC website. No other ticket required.
Programme to include the famous Spring’ Sonata:
Beethoven …………… Sonata for Violin & Piano No. 3 in E flat, Op.12
Beethoven …………… Sonata for Violin & Piano No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24, “Spring”
Bring your jingle and jangle to ‘The Holland’ Gastro pub in Kensington for some Holiday Cheer!
The Holland has been ranked as one of the top 50 Gastro pubs in London, specialising in fresh, sustainable British ingredients. We won’t really need pre-orders as we will be sharing a variety of four starters and two mains (Turkey/ Venison and sides ). However, pescatarians and vegetarians can opt for their own mains.
We have our own private room upstairs to enjoy ourselves and break bread with our KCWC friends. The evening includes two courses and drinks on your own tab.
Please contact Activity Leaders Alison Wacker and Lisa Woodcock for any queries at aftersix@kcwc.org.uk
Come and join us for a late Autumn walk in Battersea Park.
Enjoy a stroll and catch up as we make our way towards Battersea Power Station to treat the doggies and ourselves with refreshments and some browsing.
Meeting Point: Chelsea Gate
"How to organize you life with a spreadsheet"
Excel: Lay out the projects you are involved in, from membership lists and course registers to a simple cash book.
Please join us for our first ever Christmas party, where we will be playing a murder mystery role play game over lunch at a member‘s house.
A murder has occurred at the theatre. Everyone is a suspect……..
You will be allocated a role in this mystery beforehand and will have to use tactics and cunning to find out which member of the group is the murderer, while also defending yourself against accusations by the others.
You will be given clues and a character description to help immerse yourself into your role.
This is just spontaneous fun where you can try out your acting skills in a friendly group during lunch!
If you register as anonymous, you must please inform the activity leader of your name and contact details in order to be included.
For any queries, please contact event organiser Judith Neuling drama@kcwc.org.uk
Join Jimmy Wales, the visionary entrepreneur and founder of Wikipedia, for a fascinating and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most important issues of our time:trust.
Best known for creating Wikipedia, the world’s largest and most widely read reference work, Jimmy Wales has transformed the way we access and share information. Now, in his latest book,The Seven Rules of Trust, he explores why trust matters more than ever in a world where misinformation, uncertainty and declining confidence in institutions are increasingly part of everyday life.
Drawing on his extraordinary experience of building Wikipedia from a revolutionary idea into a globally trusted source of knowledge, Jimmy explores the principles that make trust possible – and why they matter not only online, but in our businesses, schools, families and wider society.
Expect an insightful, lively and engaging evening with one of the internet’s most influential pioneers, as Jimmy considers how we can rebuild trust and what it takes to create a more trustworthy future.
ALLEN JONES RA: The Art of Provocation at GAZELLI ART HOUSE Exploring one of the most provocative voices of British Pop Art - and the changing way we see the body.
The Exhibition A leading figure of British Pop Art, Allen Jones has spent over six decades challenging perceptions of the human figure, sexuality and the boundaries between art, fashion and spectacle. His striking imagery continues to fascinate, unsettle and provoke debate.
In Town Tonight brings together a substantial body of new work alongside significant works from across his career.
Jones's work is held in major museum collections, including Tate, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The Conversation What makes art provocative? How have shifting social attitudes changed what we consider provocative? And who decides where the boundaries lie?
Join Paul Luckraft, Head of Programme at Gazelli Art House, to explore the ideas behind Jones's work and consider how our own perspectives shape the way we see it.
Art that Challenges - Images that Provoke Beyond the image lies a conversation about art, society and the boundaries of provocation.
The gallery will kindly provide refreshments for the group during the visit.
We are very excited to invite you to our Christmas Coffee Moring at The Promenade at Dorchester Hotel, often described as "the drawing room of Mayfair". It offers an elegant, vibrant setting for dining, cocktails, and its world-famous afternoon tea.
If the tickets are sold out, please click the "Join Waitlist" button, and the Activity Leaders will get in touch with you should a place become available.
Join us for a festive celebration overlooking Kensington Gardens!
Our annual Christmas luncheon is a wonderful chance to share the KCWC spirit with those closest to you. Bring along your husbands, partners, family and friends to celebrate inclusively, while offering guests a taste of what KCWC is all about and helping us grow our vibrant community. Beyond fine food, wine and music, it's about reconnecting, sharing laughter and embracing the joy of the season together.
Arrival at 12:30pm Lunch served at 1pm
Included: a glass of Prosecco on arrival, a three-course Christmas lunch with a choice of dishes, coffee and mini mince pies.
Wine: not included in the price, available to buy on the day
✨ Christmas raffle and Festive surprises ✨
For any queries, please contact Event Organiser Alya Samokhvalova at events@kcwc.org.uk
Ahead of Christmas we all need a bit of sparkle, and sparkle galore awaits us at the London Silver Vaults!
Our tour will start with a 30-minute walk along the picturesque medieval brick walls and the Victorian neo-Gothic arches of Lincoln’s inn Fields before we head underground through Fort Knox-style security doors, and wow!
The Silver Vaults are a unique hidden gem where some thirty specialised antique dealers showcase their treasures: from the grandest baroque centrepieces to the much more affordable English teapots, napkin rings or elegantly-curved ladles, everything is for sale, and this is where our guide Muriel Carré does her Christmas shopping!
We’ll talk hallmarks, solid and plated silver, Georgian and Art Nouveau style in a fun and informative way, and who knows, you may head back home with bags full of Christmas gifts!
Note: We will be meeting at 10.15am for a 10.30am sharp start
Join us for a fun morning sculpting sugar and decorating with edible icing and glitter.
Get some great tips and tricks for elevating your Christmas table whilst you enjoy a few nibbles and a glass of fizz to help inspire creativity!
Cost: £40.00 per person (includes all materials, a welcome drink and snacks)
Please contact the Activity Leader for payment instructions or for any queries on foodies@kcwc.org.uk
KCWC is invited to the The Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea’s Charity Christmas Carols.
A wonderful festive evening at St Mary’s Church, The Boltons, in Kensington, with special guest readers starting at 6:30pm.
Refreshment and mulled wine will be served at 7:30pm
Meet-up: the nearest tube station is Earls Court (11 min walk to the church) We can meet at Earls Court tube station at 5:45pm and walk 11 minutes together or meet directly in the Church at 6:00pm to start at 6:30pm.
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 Event Organisers Maria Puleio and Bee Robb at Eveningspeakers@kcwc.org.uk
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 19th 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.
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
Dear ladies,
Welcome to join us for some Christmas drinks and nibbles at The Duchess of Kensington. We thought it would be a nice way to end a year of many interesting book meetings. We are fortunate to have the author, Felice Hardy, who will join us and make a presentation of her book “The Tennis Champion Who Escaped the Nazis”.
The story is based on the dramatic escape of Felice’s grandparents and mother from Nazi-occupied Vienna in the months before the Second World War. Her grandmother, Liesl, came from a wealthy family of distillers and was a celebrated athlete. Tennis Champion of Austria in 1930, she was still ranked No. 2 in 1937, when her Jewish heritage forced her to stop competing.
By contrast, Felice’s grandfather David was one of eleven children from a desperately poor family in rural Slovakia. He left home at fifteen for Vienna, where he began work as a butcher. By twenty-one, he owned a major textiles company manufacturing silk stockings.
Still in his twenties, David became president of the largest sports club in Europe. He took its football team to London, where they beat West Ham 5–0 at Upton Park – the first foreign team to defeat a British league side. On the journey home, he rewarded his players with a weekend in Paris and, at the Louvre, met Liesl, his social opposite.
Their daughter Dorli, Felice’s mother, was twelve when the family left everything behind to escape to Britain, with David crawling eighteen miles through the snow across the Czech-Polish frontier.
Once safely in London, Liesl resumed her tennis career. She beat Tim Henman’s grandmother to qualify for the 1939 Wimbledon Championships, where she played singles and doubles. After the war, Liesl and Dorli played competitive tennis together. In 1946, they became the only mother and daughter to have played doubles together at Wimbledon. Dorli went on to compete there for six consecutive years and also played at the US Open.
The book also reveals the terrible fate of the relatives they left behind, including Liesl’s elder sister, who joined the resistance in Slovakia.
Woven through the story is Felice’s search for her own identity. Born and raised in London by a British father and refugee mother, she grew up in a family scarred by survivor’s guilt. Her mother and grandparents buried their pre-war lives beneath a blanket of silence that concealed their dead relatives, their religion and their origins. For half her life, Felice knew little of her roots. Only after her mother and grandparents had died did she begin the journey to discover who she really was.
One of the BBC's '100 Novels that Shaped our World'
Romantic, heroic, comic and tragic, unconventional schoolmistress Jean Brodie has become an iconic figure in post-war fiction. Her glamour, unconventional ideas and manipulative charm hold dangerous sway over her girls at the Marcia Blaine Academy - 'the crème de la crème' - who become the Brodie 'set', introduced to a privileged world of adult games that they will never forget. Muriel Spark's The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was adapted into a successful stage play, and later a film directed by Ronald Neame and starring Maggie Smith.
Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the 8th Countess of Carnarvon, is an author, historian and custodian of one of England’s most celebrated country houses. As the wife of George Herbert, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, she lives at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, the magnificent Victorian country house that has become internationally renowned as the filming location for Downton Abbey. Through her books, writing and public engagements, she has brought the history of Highclere and its inhabitants to audiences around the world.
Educated at the University of St Andrews, Lady Carnarvon began her professional career as an auditor with Coopers & Lybrand before establishing her own clothing business in the 1990s. Her move into life at Highclere introduced her to an extraordinary historical archive and a living heritage that would become the foundation of her work as a writer.
Lady Carnarvon’s fascination with the people who lived at Highclere inspired her first major historical book, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey. The book became a New York Times bestseller.
She continued exploring the family’s history in Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey, examining the lives of the people who inhabited Highclere during the 1920s, 1930s and the Second World War. Her interests also extend beyond the castle’s domestic history. In The Earl and the Pharaoh, she explores the life of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and his association with archaeologist Howard Carter in the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.
Today, Lady Carnarvon occupies a distinctive place between historical writing and the living world of the English country house. Her books preserve the stories of previous generations, while her work at Highclere helps ensure that the castle remains a place of discovery for contemporary audiences. Her contribution lies not only in revealing the history of a famous house, but in showing how its stories continue to resonate with the world beyond its doors.
Tentative schedule for the day:
9-30 am - Coffee and pastries along with presentations by Activity Leaders
10-50 am - Please take your place for the welcome by the President
11-00 am - Announcements;
11-05 am - Introduction of the Guest Speaker
11-15 am - Address / Interview with our Guest Speaker
11-55 am - Q and A
12-20 pm - Closing remarks
12-30 pm - Meeting conclusion.
For any queries, contact activity leader Nina Giani at Programmes@kcwc.org.uk
Has it been a dream to travel to South East Asia?
Make your dream a reality as KCWC is now offering a private luxury tour to three countries for our members through Ambercrombie and Kent Travel Agency this winter.
The trip is 13 days/12 nights and is for 6 members (including partners). Internal flights, transfers, accommodation, and private guiding/activities are included. External return flights from London to Asia are to be arranged on your own or through the travel agent.
Some of the many highlights include:
Vietnam:
* Hanoi historic tour, and cycle tour through the Old Quarter
* Ha Long Bay: luxury boat cruise for one night with balcony room
* Hoi An: traditional house, temple and calligraphy experience and a separate cooking class
Cambodia:
* Sunrise at Angkor Wat (world famous Unesco World Heritage Site)
* Private boat cruise to Tonie Sap
* Houses on water
* Cambodian Circus VIP seats
Laos:
* Luang Prabang: gem of a city with temples, authentic night market
* Mandalao Elephant Family Rescue visit
* Private sunset cruise on the Mekong River - stunning backdrop
* Give alms in the morning to the hundreds of monks walking the streets
COST:
£5318 pp double occupancy room
£6342 pp single occupancy room
Deposit of 15% payable before 20th October to secure place
DATES: 28 January to 8 February 2027
REGISTRATION STEPS:
#1) "buy" a free ticket on this site to indicate your interest
#2) email Manjula Rai, a member of KCWC who is kindly organising the bespoke trip, at travel1@kcwc.org.uk and she will send you the full itinerary and instructions on how to pay the travel agency a deposit to officially reserve your spot.
Come and join us in Kensington Gardens for a New Year walk in a beautiful park. Everyone is welcome - whether you have a dog or not.
We’ll enjoy a gentle one-hour walk through the park, making our way to Colicci’s Serpentine Coffee House for refreshments.
A great way to add activity steps, catch up with friends and create new memories!
If you would like to bring a guest give me a call.
*WINNER OF THE COSTA BIOGRAPHY AWARD*
Edmund de Waal uncovers the history of a family through a turbulent century through 264 objects.
264 wood and ivory carvings, none of them bigger than a matchbox:
Edmund de Waal was entranced when he first encountered the collection in his great uncle Iggie's Tokyo apartment. When he later inherited the 'netsuke', they unlocked a story far larger and more dramatic than he could ever have imagined.
From a burgeoning empire in Odessa to fin de siecle Paris, from occupied Vienna to Tokyo, Edmund de Waal traces the netsuke's journey through generations of his remarkable family against the backdrop of a tumultuous century.
'You have in your hands a masterpiece' Sunday Times
'The most brilliant book I've read for years... A rich tale of the pleasure and pains of what it is to be human' Daily Telegraph
*ONE OF THE GUARDIAN'S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE 21st CENTURY*
PLEASE HOLD THIS DATE . . . MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
Join Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer, the much-loved couple behind London’s Honey & Co., for a delicious and entertaining evening celebrating the joy of everyday food.
Since opening their first restaurant in 2012, Itamar and Sarit have become renowned for their warm hospitality and vibrant Middle Eastern cooking, creating food that is generous, flavourful and full of character. Alongside their restaurants, they have written five acclaimed cookbooks and host the popular podcast Honey & Co: The Food Sessions.
Their latest book, Honey & Co. Daily, is all about making everyday cooking more enjoyable – from a quick lunch or Tuesday-night supper to a cake baked simply because you fancy one. The recipes are designed to be easy, achievable and full of flavour, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Expect an evening filled with stories, inspiration and plenty of ideas for bringing a little more flavour and joy to your everyday table.
Come and join us for a winter walk in Battersea Park.
Enjoy a stroll and catch up as we make our way towards Battersea Power Station to treat the doggies and ourselves with refreshments and some retail therapy.
If you would like to bring a Guest, let me know
This saga brings alive the world of the 10th century AD when the Vikings raided the coasts of England.
Acclaimed as one of the best historical novels ever written, this engaging saga of Viking adventure in 10th century northern Europe has a very appealing young hero, Orm Tostesson, whose story we follow from inexperienced youth to adventurous old age, through slavery and adventure to a royal marriage and the search for great treasure. Viking expeditions take him to lands as far apart as England, Moorish Spain, Gaardarike (the country that was to become Russia), and the long road to Miklagard.
The salt-sea spray, the swaying deck awash in slippery blood are the backdrop to fascinating stories of King Harald Blue Tooth, the Jomsvikings, attempts to convert the Northmen to Christianity, and much else. Like H. Rider Haggard, Bengtsson is a master of the epic form.
Come and join us in Kensington Gardens for a walk in this beautiful park. Everyone is welcome - whether you have a dog or not.
A once-in-a-generation debut from a major new talent, The Names is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark.
THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER and WINNER OF THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS DEBUT NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2026
'I've just been blown away by the best debut novel in years... A genius idea for a book' - Sunday Times
'Wildly original and emotionally profound' - Observer
'An unadulterated success: moving, evocative and utterly convincing' - - The Times
OVER HALF A MILLION COPIES SOLD
It is 1987, and in the wake of a great storm, Cora sets out with her young daughter to register the birth of her son.
Her husband expects her to follow tradition and call the baby after him - but is it right for her child to inherit his name from generations of domineering men? Her choice will shape the course of their lives.
Seven years later, her son is Bear, a name chosen by his sister, hoping he will grow up to be brave and big-hearted.
Or he is Julian, the name his mother set her heart on, keen for him to become his own person. Or he is Gordon, named after his father and raised in his cruel image - but is there still a chance to break the mould?
Powerfully moving and full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark.
An ‘enthralling’ tale of a nineteenth-century beauty whose heart – and hormones – ruled her head.’ (Harpers and Queen)
A celebrated aristocratic beauty, Jane Digby married Lord Ellenborough at seventeen. Their divorce a few years later was one of England s most scandalous at that time. In her quest for passionate fulfilment she had lovers which included an Austrian prince, King Ludvig I of Bavaria, and a Greek count whose infidelities drove her to the Orient. In Syria, she found the love of her life, a Bedouin nobleman, Sheikh Medjuel el Mezrab, who was twenty years her junior.
Bestselling biographer Mary Lovell has produced from Jane Digby's diaries not only a sympathetic and dramatic portrait of a rare woman, but a fascinating glimpse into the centuries-old Bedouin tradition that is now almost lost.
THE UNMISSABLE BESTSELLER INSPIRED BY THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF MIDWIFE MARTHA BALLARD
Inspired by the life of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into history.
For fans of OUTLANDER and WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
'These markings of ink and paper will one day be the only proof that I have existed in this world. That I lived and breathed' Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death.
As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town's most respected gentlemen-one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.
Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon's newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.
The Sultan secretly commissions a great book: a celebration of his life and the Ottoman Empire, to be illuminated by the best artists of the day - in the European manner. In Istanbul at a time of violent fundamentalism, however, this is a dangerous proposition. Even the illustrious circle of artists are not allowed to know for whom they are working. But when one of the miniaturists is murdered, their Master has to seek outside help. Did the dead painter fall victim to professional rivalry, romantic jealousy or religious terror?
With the Sultan demanding an answer within three days, perhaps the clue lies somewhere in the half-finished pictures ...
From Turkey's winner of the Nobel Prize and author of Istanbul and The Museum of Innocence, this novel is a thrilling murder mystery set amid the splendour of Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire. Part fantasy and part philosophical puzzle, My Name is Red is also a stunning meditation on love, artistic devotion and the tensions between East and West.
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