French Spanish Quiz
French and Spanish Quiz, with Marine and Maria, please come and join us for a lot of fun ! Maximum teams of 6 (one table) can be booked at £10 per head. Please book together to help us allocate seats. You will be able to join a table on arrival, if booking as an individual. […]
Art Jam! Mixed Media Sketchbook Club
Dive into the vibrant world of sketchbook play, where creativity knows no bounds! This exhilarating practice not only sparks your imagination but also unleashes your artistic potential. With each stroke, you’ll boost your skills in line work and color application while exploring fresh concepts and themes without the pressure of perfection. It’s a therapeutic escape […]
Stone-wrapping Workshop
Have you collected a few special stones, or pieces of driftwood from a particular walk or place - mementos connecting you to an event or time? Bring them along to this workshop and learn how to use cane and some beautiful Japanese wrapping techniques to embellish your chosen pieces. The workshop will be in three […]
Settlement Sessions: Edwina Hayes
Edwina Hayes, one of the finest female singer/songwriters this country has produced in years will be at the Settlement to play for us. Edwina learned her trade in the folk clubs of Yorkshire and has supported Jools Holland, Loudon Wainwright III and Nanci Griffith Edwina brings together English Folk, Americana and the rich Northern singer/songwriter […]
100 years of Letchworth Educational Settlement, an illustrated talk by Dr Kate Thompson
This is a Letchworth Garden City Society event. Opened in May 1920, it celebrated its centenary during the first Covid lockdown when its future was in jeopardy. Thanks to supporters, funds were raised to ensure the Settlement’s survival and this illustrated talk will describe how it grew and changed with the times, serving not only […]
Still Life Drawing Club: Fine-liners and Scratchy Nibs
March 29th - Fine-liners and Scratchy Nibs: drawing flowers in monochrome. Vanessa has been running a Still Life Drawing Club for the last three years in Newark on Trent and brings this monthly club to the Settlement. The club focuses on bringing out each person’s individual style by everyone working from a still life arrangement […]
Simply Sewing Focus on Technique – Pouch
Join Jane for a workshop style sewing session making something fun whilst developing your confidence and skills around your sewing machine. Stitch a cute little pouch...for your lipstick...tea bag...tablets. Learn how to scale it up for your phone and tablet. You'll be making a machine made buttonhole and a covered button for this project, as […]
The Other Brother: the life and death of Robert F. Kennedy
Nearly 60 years after his death, Robert F. Kennedy remains one of America’s most compelling political figures—and, perhaps, one of its most misunderstood. An icon of modern American liberalism, his life and death are entwined with the story of an American dynasty that never quite fulfilled its potential. This lecture will explore RFK’s life […]
Crochet for Beginners – Colourful Granny Squares
In this workshop you will learn how to crochet a colourful granny square using a selection of yarns. To create each granny square you will learn how to crochet: · Magic ring · Treble crochet stitch · Chain stitch · Slip stitch · How to change colour · How to join your squares I will […]
Write a Short Story
Whether you're already a writer of short stories, or would like to have a go at writing one, this is the workshop for you. With ideas and guidance from the tutor and feedback from the group, you will work on a story of your own. Why not make it a weekend and enrol on Paul […]
Weave a Textured Wall Hanging
A Freestyle weaving workshop with plenty of colour & texture. Pre-set loom provided along with a selection of suitable yarns. There will be a set pattern to follow in this class, with scope to make it your own by adding or removing elements of the pattern.
Spring Blooms: Print & Stitch Decorations
Combine the timeless art of block printing with delicate embroidery to create stunning spring-inspired decorations. In this workshop, you’ll print floral and botanical designs onto card and bring them to life with colorful embroidered details. Perfect for adding a handcrafted touch to your seasonal celebrations!
Intermediate Crochet – Springtime Infinity Scarf
Learn how to crochet a lightweight springtime infinity scarf using a variety of stitches. To create your scarf, you will learn how to: · Crochet in the round · Half double crochet stitch · Cluster stitch · Bobble stitch · Moss stitch · Slip stitch You will be able to continue your scarf at home […]
Fused Glass Lantern
With us all spending so much time in and around our gardens, enhancing them with something you made adds a real sense of style and personality. In this course we will be making the glass panels to fit into a white garden lantern. The design can be floral, abstract, coastal - anything that fits in […]
Edit and Improve Your Short Story
In this workshop you will receive valuable editing tips and feedback to finish a story you may be working on, or perhaps have begun the previous day, Saturday 5th April. All stories created during these weekend workshops can be submitted for the next Settlement Anthology, which will be published on Amazon towards the end of […]
Floral Impressions: Metal Embossed Spring Decorations
Learn the art of metal embossing and create beautiful spring-themed decorations with a floral twist. Discover how to add intricate textures and designs to metal sheets, perfect for making unique ornaments or display pieces that shine with seasonal charm. All materials provided
Springtime Tetrapak Printing
Join us for a vibrant and hands-on 2-hour workshop where you'll learn the art of tetrapak printing, inspired by the colors and energy of spring! This fun and eco-friendly workshop will guide you through the process of upcycling tetrapak containers into unique prints. Create beautiful spring-inspired designs - flowers, butterflies, and birds. Materials Provided: • […]
Woven Landscapes
Learn how to blend fibres and colours to create a woven tapestry landscape. From mountains to meadows, sea to sky, learn colour blending tapestry weaving techniques with wools and cottons to create your own mini landscape. This workshop is suitable for beginner weavers and those wishing to further develop their skills. Lucy will have designs […]
Easter themed Gelli Plate Printing
Gelli printing is a very fun and simple way of monoprinting with acrylic paint without a press. This will be a very informal relaxed workshop where we can share Easter ideas and find inspiration for our gel printing projects. Suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced gelli printers! We will experiment with different […]
Britain’s Victorian Maritime Power
This single session will act as an introduction to the Royal and Merchant Navies in Victorian Days. Designed as an enticing taster for a possible longer course to follow, this session will briefly consider some of the following aspects: • Ship design and development • Oceangoing travel • Hazards at sea • Emigration to Australia […]
Lino Cut Spring Flowers
Learn to use simple linocut tools in a relaxed and inspiring workshop in which you’ll create a collection of beautiful spring flower themed cards, gift bags, tags and prints of your own design.
Patchwork and Quilting Binding Techniques
Getting a smart finish on the edges of your quilt really makes a difference. And there is more than one way to bind a cat – woops, sorry, Quilt!! Join me on this day to try out a variety of finishing techniques including binding, facing, piping, prairie points and so much more. We will create […]
Block Printing on Fabric
Print your own colourful tote bag or tea towel, with matching cards and gift tags in this fun workshop. You’ll carve your own geometric design from lino and repeat print it onto the fabric, making something beautiful and useful.
Machine Embroidered Easter Card
An introduction to simple machine embroidery -Make a card for Easter! Learning how to use your sewing machine for simple embroidery techniques and using simple applique shapes to make a delightful Easter card. Bring your sewing machine and manual; foot pedal, electric lead and sewing machine accessories (feet etc, even if you don't know what […]
The Hapsburgs: A Family Affair
The story of the Hapsburg dynasty is more extraordinary than any novelist or script-writer could invent. From a few estates in the Swiss Alps a thousand years ago, the family rose to rule over much of Europe and the first global empire by the 16th century – and all by marriage and inheritance, and sheer […]
Easter Table Flowers
Make a super Easter wreath ring for the table using long lasting and fresh spring flowers and blossom, foliage, eggs and a few twigs. No knowledge of flower arranging required. You will learn tips for spring materials and how to care for your design. Note: please let us know of any plant allergies or medical […]
Willow Plant Supports (5ft)
This beginners willow workshop will teach you two weaving techniques and a style of binding for making useful structures for your garden. You will make a 5ft wigwam style support ideal for creating height in pots or garden borders. These supports work brilliantly with plants such as climbing nasturtium, sweet peas, and clematis. N.B. For […]
Pilates: Exercise for Life for Beginners
Pilates is an anti-aging, lifespan-enhancing method of safe and effective body conditioning, developed by Joseph Pilates, where exercise is simplified as required, according to ability. Pilates himself declared "...in ten sessions you feel the progress, in twenty sessions you see the progress, in thirty sessions, it will change your life." However, learners will need to […]
Pilates: Exercise for Life – Intermediate
Pilates is an anti-aging, lifespan-enhancing method of safe and effective body conditioning, developed by Joseph Pilates, where exercise is simplified as required, according to ability. Pilates himself declared "...in ten sessions you feel the progress, in twenty sessions you see the progress, in thirty sessions, it will change your life." However, learners will need to […]
Unravelling the Architecture of Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the world’s most famous churches, images of its interior beamed into television sets around the world during royal weddings, funerals and coronations. But how much do you know about the Abbey and its fabric? In this two-hour talk, medieval art historian Katherine Alcock will take us on a journey through […]
Portrait Sketching
Join Komathy, for this portrait sketching workshop, where you will learn the principles of portrait composition, proportions and achieving a likeness.
Bark Harvesting Workshop
This workshop will teach you about the satisfying task of harvesting willow bark from fresh wood and storing it for later use. This is a versatile material that can be cut, sewn and formed in many ways. We will try some simple projects using pre-prepared bark that will be provided. Please be aware that learners […]
Mini Marine Textile Workshop
Following on from our popular ‘Coral Reef’ Textile Course, ‘Mini Marine’ is a one day workshop for beginners. Using a variety of fabrics, threads, stitches and beads, you will learn the techniques to create your own beautiful marine inspired piece of textile art.
An introduction to Classical Studies
An introduction to Classical Studies: the Ancient History and Civilisations of the Greeks and Romans from the perspective of many different disciplines, including architecture, archaeology, art, drama, literature, philosophy, politics, religion, social history, and much more.
Galileo and the Telescope
In 1610, Galileo turned a telescope of his own making to the night sky and saw things no one else had seen since the beginning of time. The discoveries he made shook the Western world. We will explore how he managed to achieve what he did, and the decidedly mixed reception that greeted him. Pen, […]
Settlement Sessions: Rhys Wilson
Our second artist has already graced the Kincaid Hall, appearing last year as a well-liked support act for Cut the Mustard, who will be back later in the year. For now, Rhys Wilson will return on Friday 11th April to treat us to his own material as well as covers from well-known artists such as […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Chinese Brush Painting People, Birds and Animals
Suitable for beginners and improvers. We will be looking at the techniques for painting Cinese freestyle people, birds and animals.
Tai Chi & Qigong
This course will continue to cover the basic principles and practical movements of both Tai Chi and Qigong (Dao Yin Yang Sheng Gong). Exercise involves: Physical Movement, Breathing, Mental understanding and attention.
Applied Arts
This Art Club focuses on experimentation with a wide range of materials and mixed media. Taught by Chantelle Stephenson, a local artist and established tutor at the Settlement. She will provide inspiring ideas and direction on technique. Each class begins with demonstrations, and you are then encouraged to develop ideas and allow your work to […]
Botanical Art
A five-week course looking at the Botanical World. Using plants, fruits, feathers, finds, and all things Botanical, Jill will give demonstrations and guidance on the techniques used to achieve success with a variety of mediums from pencils, coloured pencils, watercolours, and pen and ink. Jill will give advice on anything that needs to be brought […]
Traditional Upholstery Evening
Come along and learn traditional upholstery skills in a friendly and informal setting. Whether you are a beginner or have more experience these classes provide the ideal environment to work at your own pace on your own project with the support and guidance of an experienced upholsterer. Advice will be given about suitability of projects […]
Life Drawing with Collette
This is an excellent opportunity to work in a friendly and diverse group. Working directly with a different model each week, you will be able to develop and explore your own unique style. From beginners to professional artists and illustrators, these sessions are structured to enable you to practice and experiment, allowing you to broaden […]
Get Writing for All with Adrian Poynton – Evening
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Contemporary Basketry Improvers
This course, suitable for improvers, builds on techniques learnt last year. We will use a variety of natural materials to further explore form and surface whilst learning some Japanese basketry techniques and considering the sculptural use of multiples.
The Sketchbook
The Sketchbook course is an ideal course for anyone wishing to explore an idea or theme in greater detail. The course will allow you to develop drawings, prints and painting studies in an array of different mediums and techniques all guided by the tutor throughout. You will be given a hardback concertina sketchbook to develop […]
Philip Larkin’s Later Poetry
Philip Larkin was an important figure in the poetry of the second half of the twentieth century. His work explores the human condition in an occasionally bleak, often witty and invariably interesting way. We will look at his last two collections: ‘High Windows’ and ‘The Whitsun Weddings’. We will explore and discuss individual poems as […]
Yoga
This yoga class will serve as an introduction, each week building on what is learned. Sessions will consider the underlying philosophy for up to 15 minutes, continue with an exploration of poses and flow, and end with a relaxation.
Simply Sewing Afternoon
Construct an item of clothing with a commercial pattern and gain confidence to enjoy sewing in a group and at home on your own. Lots of support will be provided by the tutor, for you to develop your sewing skills to achieve a professional finish with zips, facings, hems, gathers, darts, pressing and more. Come […]
Life Drawing with Collette
This is an excellent opportunity to work in a friendly and diverse group. Working directly with a different model each week, you will be able to develop and explore your own unique style. From beginners to professional artists and illustrators, these sessions are structured to enable you to practice and experiment, allowing you to broaden […]
Simply Sewing Evening
Construct an item of clothing with a commercial pattern and gain confidence to enjoy sewing in a group and at home on your own. Lots of support will be provided by the tutor, for you to develop your sewing skills to achieve a professional finish with zips, facings, hems, gathers, darts, pressing and more. Come […]
Portraiture
Portrait painting is becoming increasingly fashionable in the art world. There are many painting styles that can render a stunning portrait. Settlement tutor Komathy is introducing this portraiture course to teach how to sketch and paint portraits. Komathy will provide guidance as you start your own painting. She will teach quick painting methods, how to […]
Contemporary Basketry Beginners
This course, suitable for beginners, will introduce working with willow and other natural materials. We will make some simple forms on which to explore a range of basic basketry techniques and material processes.
Oil Painting
The afternoon Thursday oil painting group is a lively, approachable and unique class. Students are encouraged to build and respond to their own natural strengths and focus on building their own unique style within the painting process. Each student shall shape a diverse narrative from their own sources of inspiration, from their own sketches, photography […]
Landscape in Acrylics
Acrylic paint is one of the most exciting and versatile mediums for creating art. In this course, suitable for improvers, students will explore a variety of techniques and methods of application through tutor demonstration and practice. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to experiment and develop their own personal style of painting culminating in […]
Simply Sewing
Construct an item of clothing with a commercial pattern and gain confidence to enjoy sewing in a group and at home on your own. Lots of support will be provided by the tutor, for you to develop your sewing skills to achieve a professional finish with zips, facings, hems, gathers, darts, pressing and more. Come […]
Friday Flowers
Create wonderful, seasonal floral designs and learn tips to get the best from your cut stems. With a range of floral designs from vintage to contemporary, you will try something different each week to enjoy fresh for the weekend. The course is at beginner to intermediate level but is not entirely suitable for absolute beginners, […]
Chinese Intermediate
This course is for those who have a good basic knowledge of spoken Mandarin and Chinese characters. We will be following a textbook and lots of videos for conversation and vocabulary building. We will also be having fun practising more Chinese characters (excellent for mindfulness), reading simple Chinese books and news headlines, and following the […]
Chinese Beginners Plus
This course is for those who have a basic understanding of Mandarin Chinese, including Pinyin. We’ll be extending your vocabulary, learning from everyday conversations, having fun practicing Chinese characters (good for mindfulness), reading simple Chinese books, and finding out about Chinese culture and customs. By the end of the course, you should be able to […]
Art Jam! Mixed Media Sketchbook Club
Dive into the vibrant world of sketchbook play, where creativity knows no bounds! This exhilarating practice not only sparks your imagination but also unleashes your artistic potential. With each stroke, you’ll boost your skills in line work and color application while exploring fresh concepts and themes without the pressure of perfection. It’s a therapeutic escape […]
Crochet for Beginners
Discover the relaxing craft of crochet, ignite your creativity and learn how to make blankets, scarves and hats, as well as baskets and decor for the home. In this 5-week course you will begin your crochet journey by learning how to select the best yarn, hook and basic stitches. New stitches and techniques will be […]
Exploring Interior Design
Exploring Interior Design will develop your ability to visualise in three dimensions and help make your ideas an exciting reality! Key skills, such as measuring, making scale plans, using the colour wheel, compiling mood boards, and working within budgets, will be focused upon, and revisited over time as appropriate, along with other relevant topics. Learners […]
Watercolours
This opportunity is for anyone wishing to explore watercolours, from beginner to the more experienced painter. We will be looking at different theories, and practical applications, exploring this versatile medium. We will find our preferred technique and develop our personal style. From portraits to florals, landscapes to botanical, we will delve into subjects working from […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Abstract Painting
Each lesson begins with an approachable practical experiment that is later developed using various materials such as acrylic paints, watercolours, pen and ink and collage. All will be demonstrated to understand how the materials can be used in each session and constant guidance will be given throughout the course. Contemporary artists are introduced and discussed […]
Writing your Memoirs
Have you thought about writing your life story but are concerned that you will not know how? If so, this course is for you. In a supportive atmosphere, you will be offered suggestions designed to give you confidence in writing even if you have never done anything like this before. You may find that this […]
French Beginners
This class is for complete beginners with no or little knowledge of French or for those who would like to go back to the basis. With audio visual interactive activities which makes learning a language a fun and enjoyable experience.
Still Life Drawing Club: Inky Loveliness
May 3rd - Inky Loveliness: still life drawing with different types of inks. Vanessa has been running a Still Life Drawing Club for the last three years in Newark on Trent and brings this monthly club to the Settlement. The club focuses on bringing out each person’s individual style by everyone working from a still […]
Settlement Sessions: Emily Slade
Emily is one of Britain's foremost female fingerstyle guitarists, carving out a staggering reputation amongst fellow musicians and support at grassroots level from the audiences at her concerts, which has led to her supporting Folk icons such as Phil Beer, and having been a member of his band. The partnership between her intricate guitar playing […]
Acrylic Floral Mini
This a two-part short acrylic painting course with two 2-hour sessions on two consecutive Saturday mornings. We will be painting a small 8x8 inch mini acrylic floral painting together. In the first session we will discuss choosing references, colour palettes, composition and lay down our background, along with an outline sketch for the following week. […]
Art Jam! Mixed Media Sketchbook
Dive into the vibrant world of sketchbook play, where creativity knows no bounds! This exhilarating practice not only sparks your imagination but also unleashes your artistic potential. With each stroke, you’ll boost your skills in line work and color application while exploring fresh concepts and themes without the pressure of perfection. It’s a therapeutic escape […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Applied Arts
This Art Club focuses on experimentation with a wide range of materials and mixed media. Taught by Chantelle Stephenson, a local artist and established tutor at the Settlement. She will provide inspiring ideas and direction on technique. Each class begins with demonstrations, and you are then encouraged to develop ideas and allow your work to […]
Botanical Art
A five-week course looking at the Botanical World. Using plants, fruits, feathers, finds, and all things Botanical, Jill will give demonstrations and guidance on the techniques used to achieve success with a variety of mediums from pencils, coloured pencils, watercolours, and pen and ink. Jill will give advice on anything that needs to be brought […]
Get Writing for All with Adrian Poynton – Evening
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
The Sketchbook
The Sketchbook course is an ideal course for anyone wishing to explore an idea or theme in greater detail. The course will allow you to develop drawings, prints and painting studies in an array of different mediums and techniques all guided by the tutor throughout. You will be given a hardback concertina sketchbook to develop […]
Oil Painting
The afternoon Thursday oil painting group is a lively, approachable and unique class. Students are encouraged to build and respond to their own natural strengths and focus on building their own unique style within the painting process. Each student shall shape a diverse narrative from their own sources of inspiration, from their own sketches, photography […]
Still Life Drawing Club: Collage & Drawing
June 7th - Collage & Drawing Combined: made patterned papers and mixed media drawing. Vanessa has been running a Still Life Drawing Club for the last three years in Newark on Trent and brings this monthly club to the Settlement. The club focuses on bringing out each person’s individual style by everyone working from a […]
Settlement Sessions: Gary Stewart
Gary is a Scottish singer/songwriter with four albums to his name and a strong following in his adopted home of Yorkshire. He will entertain us with a set of his own songs mainly about paranoia, love and resilience, with a second set of early songs by Paul Simon. Expect to hear many of Paul’s classic […]
Introduction to Watercolours
This 2-hour workshop is aimed at those who have never used watercolours before or those who want to start with some basic skills. We will discuss how to choose between the materials: paper, brushes and paints. We will cover 8-10 different skills, making a reference swatch pad that you can refer to at home as […]
Still Life Drawing Club: Dramatic Black Paper
July 5th - Dramatic Black Paper: working with vibrant colours on black paper. Vanessa has been running a Still Life Drawing Club for the last three years in Newark on Trent and brings this monthly club to the Settlement. The club focuses on bringing out each person’s individual style by everyone working from a still […]
