French Improvers
This class is for students who wish to build up their confidence and extend their language skills in conversation. We will also work on grammar and vocabulary using texts, articles, […]
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 […]
The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
An elegant short novel about Florence Green, a "small, wispy and wiry" widow who in 1959 is determined to open a bookshop in a small seaside town, against polite but […]
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 […]
Life Drawing
Drawing the human body is a wonderful way for anyone, from beginner to the more experienced, to improve their drawing skills. Using short and long poses, and a variety of […]
Creative Writing for Improvers
This course is for those with some basic knowledge and experience in creative writing who wish to continue to develop their skills in a supportive environment. It will focus on […]
A Journey through the most Beautiful Places in the Middle East
On this journey with Wafà, we will discover 25 of the most beautiful places of the Middle East. We will visit lush oases, endless deserts and UNESCO World Heritage sites […]
Contemporary Basketry Beginners
Sessions starting Nov 7th – 3D Traditional forms and contemporary twists This class, suitable for beginners, is an informal introduction to working with natural materials. We will make some simple contemporary […]
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 […]
Psychopathology
This course, open to beginners, will include an examination into phobias and the understanding of personality disorders such as: Bi-Polar Schizophrenia Narcissism Psychopathy Sociopathy
Exploring Opera
Using a combination of talk, live and recorded musical examples and video, this course will steer you through the joyous experience of opera whether you are already experienced, a complete […]
Woven Tapestry
Learn woven tapestry skills at your own pace. A course perfect for learning the basics in tapestry weaving and for further developing skills and woven tapestry knowledge. Choose from a […]
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 […]
Greek Myth – The Labyrinth of Myth
Greek Myth – The Labyrinth of Myth The first five sessions will illustrate the interconnectedness and labyrinthine nature of Greek myth: 1. Introduction: - What is Greek myth? - How […]
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 practising Chinese characters (good […]
Printmaking: Playing with Print
Let’s get printing! During this short course we will experiment with different types of printing techniques, gelli plate printing, silk screen, collograph, tetrapak, and lino using a variety of inks […]
Exploring Interior Design
This new course will develop your ability to visualise in three dimensions and make your Interior Design concept an exciting reality! You will learn how to measure, make a scale […]
Abstract Drawing
Join Callum Abbott in his first Settlement course in abstract drawing. Learn how to free your mind, and not simply draw what you see, but draw what you feel. We […]
Five Remarkable Women: in praise of pioneers
Five Remarkable Women: in praise of pioneers In this short series of two hour talks, our tutors offer their perspective on the lives and achievements of five extraordinary […]
Simply Sewing Focus on Technique
We will develop our construction skills and sewing processes through making small and jolly projects in a workshop style. Your tutor will be including skills such as topstitching, trimming and […]
The Wright Brothers and the Science of Flight
In 1903, the Wright brothers kick-started the modern era of high-speed travel by air. With practically no data to work with, they built up their own with painstaking experimental kites […]
Portraiture
Portrait painting is becoming increasingly fashionable in the art world. There are many painting styles that can render a stunning portrait. New Settlement tutor Komathy is introducing this portraiture course […]
Embroidery Coral Reef Mixed Media Textile Art
During this course we will create an intricate mixed-media piece of art inspired by coral reefs. We will use a variety of techniques to build up a textural 8-inch hoop. […]
Still Life Drawing Club
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 […]
Five Remarkable Women – Natalie Kalmus
Christopher Budd talks about Natalie Kalmus, the Dynamic Executive Head of the Technicolor Art Department. Natalie Kalmus was credited as ‘Colour Consultant’ of Technicolor films produced from 1934 to 1949.
The Educational Philosophy of the Settlement
What was the Settlement Movement? What were its goals for adult education? Does the Letchworth Settlement have the same goals today? What are the goals of adult education likely to […]
The Art of Architecture – 20th Century
Come and explore the history of architecture from its beginnings in the ancient world to the present time. This three lecture overview with James Willis will take you to ancient […]
Quiz Night
It’s that time of year when our Quiz Setters come along to the Kincaid Hall to tease us with another of their fiendish but fun quizzes. Maximum teams of 6 […]
Straw stars: Traditional Scandinavian Decorations
Join us for a cozy workshop where you’ll learn to create beautiful, handmade straw star decorations, perfect for adorning your home and Christmas tree. Inspired by the timeless tradition of […]
Christmas Wreath
Start the festive season with a fabulous handmade long lasting, hanging wreath ; if you would rather create a circular table piece that is also fine, just let your tutor […]
Fused Glass Christmas Decorations
Personalise your tree or make a wonderful gift with hand-crafted fused glass decorations. During this workshop you will use pre-cut glass pieces to make your chosen design of decoration. You […]
Sustainable Christmas Tree
Make this contemporary looking willow Christmas Tree complete with its’ own star and add twinkling lights of your choice when you get home. The tree will be approximately 1m tall […]
Christmas Table Centrepiece
You will learn all the tips and techniques to create a beautiful, long lasting elongated festive table centrepiece including candles and festive décor. A lovely session to follow the morning […]
Tin treasures: Embossed folk art decorations
Join us for a festive workshop at The Settlement in Letchworth Garden City, where you’ll learn the art of embossing tin to create beautiful folk art decorations. In this hands-on […]
Five Remarkable Women – Leonora Carrington
Join Louise Lahive for a talk about Leonora Carrington. In May 2024 Leonora Carrington’s work ‘Les Distractions de Dagobert’ was sold for £22.5 million at Sotheby's auction house in New […]
Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair
Free Entry to Fair. Events include Raffle, Tombola, Tea, Cakes, Music and Mulled Wine.
The Beertles Saturday 7th December
The Beertles in Letchworth! Following the success last year of this fabulous Beatles tribute band, the Settlement presents, The Beertles in Letchworth live in the Kincaid Hall on Saturday 7th […]
A Hard Day’s Night
Come and relive all the fun, excitement, and chaos of Beatlemania at our special 60th anniversary screening of A Hard Day’s Night. Packed with classic Beatles songs written and recorded […]
The Beertles Sunday 8th December
The Beertles in Letchworth! EXTRA SHOW DUE TO PUBLIC DEMAND! Following the success last year of this fabulous Beatles tribute band, the Settlement presents, The Beertles in Letchworth, an extra show […]
Five Remarkable Women – Constance Lytton
Hear Craig Angus, Assistant Archivist at Knebworth House, Park & Gardens talk about the life of suffragette, Lady Constance Lytton of Knebworth, using photos, letters and family documents from the […]
Willow Christmas Decorations – Angels, Stars, and Reindeer
Learn how to make some lovely festive decorations in this workshop suitable for beginners. You can make as many of each as time allows. Choose from cute angels, star wands, […]
Le Club de Culture Francaise
Come and join us for 2 hours of fun that will include a presentation of different aspects of French culture. There will be books magazines and DVD that you can […]
A Christmas Carol – A Reading
A Christmas Carol – A Reading Living Theatre, the group that stunned the Letchworth Festival earlier this year with their performance in Howard Park, is set to appear at the […]
Block Printing Workshop
Woodblock-printing or block-printing is a great technique for printing text, images, or patterns, and is used widely throughout East Asia, having originated in China. Learn and experiment with block printing […]
Classic Albums: The Elvis Christmas Album & Phil Spector’s A Christmas Gift for You
Join us for the next in our series of talks about the most influential LPs in music history. In a seasonal special, Stephen Barnard and Christopher Budd reveal the stories […]
Pete and Mike’s Christmas Cracker
What better way to get into the spirit of Christmas than to join Peter Chapman and Mike O’Neill for their programme of your favourite Christmas songs, carols and seasonal readings. […]
Five Remarkable Women – Dusty Springfield
Join Stephen Barnard as he talks about Dusty Springfield, a true pioneer of blue-eyed soul music and arguably the first female pop singer to take control of her own career.
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. […]
Italian Intermediate
A friendly class for students who already have a few years of learning and a good grasp of the language. Plenty of opportunity to practice and enhance spoken Italian, listening […]
Traditional Upholstery Morning
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 […]
Spanish Beginners
This class is for complete beginners who have no or very little knowledge of Spanish. We will be covering common expressions used in everyday situations as well as the basics […]
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 […]
Perceiving the World
This course will explore the psychology involved in our interpretation and misinterpretation of the world around us. It will cover a range of topics including why we are taken in […]
Spanish Post Beginners
This is a friendly class for students who already have a knowledge of basic Spanish vocabulary and the present tense. We will covering further vocabulary topics as well as grammatical […]
German Beginners
This course is for those who are learning German from scratch, or who want to go back to basics. Using a course book and other materials, you will acquire the […]
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 […]
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 […]
Traditional Upholstery Afternoon
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 […]
French Improvers
This class is for students who have a basic knowledge of French. The aim of the course is to extend vocabulary as well as grammar to develop further the experience […]
German Beginners Plus
This course is for those who are learning German from scratch, or who want to go back to basics. Using a course book and other materials, you will acquire the […]
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 […]
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 […]
Drawing for Beginners EMAIL COURSE
This beginners course will take you through the basics of learning how to draw. The aim is to give you the basic tools with which to practice and progress your […]
Drawing for Improvers EMAIL COURSE
This improvers course will give you the opportunity to further practise those skills learnt through the beginners’ course. Your Tutor will send you information and a video tutorial on the […]
Italian Improvers
A friendly and engaging class for students who already have a good general knowledge of the language and wish to improve and progress to a higher level. We will develop […]
Spanish Upper Intermediate
This is a class for those who have studied Spanish for several years. We will revise and consolidate all the indicative tenses and will begin learning the imperative and the […]
Patchwork and Quilting
A relaxed, informal class to learn the skills of machine patchwork and quilting and add a little design pizazz along the way! A range of techniques will be covered including […]
Get Writing for All: Morning
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 […]
Chinese Brush Painting Techniques
Suitable for Beginners and improvers. The Chinese have developed a very different approach to landscape painting to that adopted by the west. In this module we will look at Chinese […]
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 […]
Introduction to Geology
In this course we will explore how the Earth formed and how its surface details have changed throughout geological time as a result of plate tectonics, weathering and erosion, and […]
Expressive Watercolours – Intermediate ONLINE
Watercolour is an exciting and versatile medium. During this course we aim to explore this versatility playing with colour and a host of different techniques such as laying washes, wet-in-wet, […]
Spanish Intermediate
This is a friendly class for those who have already studied the present, past and future tenses and can use them in conversation. We will use a textbook and a […]
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 […]
Italian Beginners Plus 1
A welcoming class for students with a basic knowledge of Italian who are looking at progressing to a higher level and becoming more confident speakers. The aim is to improve […]
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 […]
Spanish Pre-Intermediate
This class is for students who already have a knowledge of Spanish, are familiar with the present and future tenses and have started to learn the different past tenses. Using […]
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 […]
Woven Tapestry
Learn woven tapestry skills at your own pace. A course perfect for learning the basics in tapestry weaving and for further developing skills and woven tapestry knowledge. Choose from a […]
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 […]
Neighbours and Enemies: War for the Holy Land
This small patch of land, between the Mediterranean Sea and the River Jordan, holy for three world religions, has been fought over for three millennia. This course takes a long […]
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 […]
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 […]
French Intermediate
A very friendly class for those who wish to focus on improving their conversation skills, we work on vocab and grammar as well as using texts articles videos and quizzes […]
Expressive Watercolours
Watercolour is an exciting and versatile medium. During this course we aim to explore this versatility playing with colour and a host of different techniques such as laying washes, wet-in-wet, […]
French Advanced Conversation: Morning
Come and join us in an informal friendly lively group of students to converse with ease about a wide range of topics, sample and share French language and culture.
The Poets of the Second World War
While the poets of the 1914-18 War are justifiably well known and celebrated, those writers who covered the 1939 conflict are less well known. This five-week course will address that! […]
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 […]
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 […]
Life Drawing
Drawing the human body is a wonderful way for anyone, from beginner to the more experienced, to improve their drawing skills. Using short and long poses, and a variety of […]
French Advanced Conversation: Afternoon
Come and join us in an informal friendly lively group of students to converse with ease about a wide range of topics, sample and share French language and culture.
Spanish Advanced
This friendly class is for students who have a significant knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and feel confident using the present, past and future tenses in a variety of contexts, having […]
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 […]
Patchwork and Quilting
A relaxed, informal class to learn the skills of machine patchwork and quilting and add a little design pizazz along the way! A range of techniques will be covered including […]
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 […]
Creative Writing for Improvers
This course is for those with some basic knowledge and experience in creative writing who wish to continue to develop their skills in a supportive environment. It will focus on […]
French Intermediate
This is a friendly stimulating class working on conversational skills by sharing interests and ideas on all sorts of topics. Working through texts videos and different activities to reinforce grammar, […]
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 […]
French Beginners Plus
This class is for students who have a basic knowledge of French. The aim of the course is to extend vocabulary as well as grammar to develop further the experience […]
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 […]
The Arab Israeli Dispute since c1900
Unfortunately conflicts and hatreds in the Middle East are very much in the news. This course focuses on developments from the last years of the Ottoman Empire, through the creation […]
