What's On in Letchworth - 17 to 24 January

Here’s our round-up of some events over the coming week, compiled by the Local & Tourist Information Centre, also available in The Comet. For more information visit the Local & Tourist Information Centre’s website here.

Little Smashers: Today, Thursday. A weekly music and French Parent and Toddler Group. At St Francis College, Broadway. From 9:15 – 10:00. Cost is £2 per child or £1 per sibling. For more information call 01462 670511.

Letchworth Ark: Today, Thursday. A Community Drop-in Centre for homeless and vulnerable people. Offering practical and emotional support, including hot drinks, food, clothing and toiletries. At The Salvation Army, Norton Way North. From 9.30am – 11.30am. For more details call 01462 677263.

Forty Plus Cycling Club: Today, Thursday. This week’s ride is to Gt Offley, with lunch at The Red Lion, including GCW. Next week’s ride is to Gustard Wood, with lunch at The Cross Keys. Meet at 10.30am. At The Three Magnets, 18-20 Leys Avenue. For more details call Geoff, the rides organiser on 01582 618196.

LALG Whist Club: Today, Thursday. Join this Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group for a friendly and fun weekly whist drive. New members of all levels welcome. At Letchworth Free Church Hall, Norton Way South. Starts 7.15pm. For more details call David on 01462 636373.

What is Buddhism?: Today, Thursday. A session for newcomers which will introduce the fundamentals of Buddhist philosophy and how it can give us a different perspective on life. At Howgills, 42 South View. Starts 7.30pm. All welcome. Free admission. For more details visit www.buddhismandmeditation.co.uk/letchworth.

Letchworth Corner Bridge Club: Today, Thursday. Please note the club now meets at the Masonic Lodge, The Cloisters, Cloisters Road every Thursday starting at 1.15pm. There is plenty of parking at the back of the building and homemade cakes and other refreshments are available every week.  We would warmly welcome players with some experience of playing duplicate Bridge to join our club. Please contact John on 01462 433393 for more details.

From Tots to Teens: Friday, January 18. Why Children's Literature is so important. Panel Discussion, Q&A and Book Signing with Gillian McClure, Pippa Goodhart & Rosemary Hayes. At the Settlement, 229 Nevells Road. Starts at 7.45pm. Admission £10. For more information visit www.letchworthsettlement.org.uk/events/settlement-events/.

Farmers Market: Saturday, January 19. The monthly Farmers Market selling locally produced meats, vegetables and other foodstuffs. In Leys Square. From 9am to 1pm.

Get into Teaching: Saturday, January 19. Meet Hertfordshire Teaching School Alliances face to face, where you will be able to find out in workshops about ‘Training to Teach and how to apply’. Also listen to personal experiences of recent graduates in ‘My School Direct Journey’. At Fearnhill School, Icknield Way. From 9.30am – 1pm. To register for this event visit www.teachin herts.com.

Saturday Stories in the Library: Saturday, January 19. The stories chosen are aimed at toddlers and preschool children. At Letchworth Library, Broadway. From 11:00 - 11:30. Free event.

LALG Barn Dance: Saturday, January 19. Barn dance and light supper (the bar will be serving real ales). At the Cloisters, Barrington Road. Starts at 7pm. Admission £10 LALG and £12 for non-members. Tickets from Letchworth Garden City Tourist Information Centre, 33 – 35 Station Road.

Letchworth Sinfonia New Year Concert: Saturday, January 19. Beethoven – Coriolan Overture, Faure – Pelleas et Melisande & Brahms – Serenade No. 1, Conductor – Rowan Baker and Leader – Janet Hicks. At the Letchworth Free Church, Norton Way South. Starts at 7:30pm. Tickets £10, 18’s and under £5 available from Letchworth Garden City Tourist Information Centre, 33 – 35 Station Road. Tickets can also reserve at info@letchworth-sinfonia.org.uk.

The New Finance: Sunday, January 20. Andy Day and Steve Burton will be presenting ideas around the adoption of bitcoin and blockchain technology as the inevitable next step forward in the financial system. At The Third Place, Eastcheap House. From 7pm – 9pm. Free event.

The Creation Station - Baby Discover: Monday, January 21. Baby discovery is a unique baby learning & development experience with inspiring creative play & treasured artworks. At Mrs Howard Memorial Hall, Norton Way South. From 9.45am – 10.30am. Booking required as places are limited. For more details and to book call Chantal Craig on 07787 171546 or visit www.the creationstation.co.uk/chantalcraig.

Baby Rhyme Time: Monday, January 21. Baby Rhyme Time’s are fun sessions of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers of all ages. At Letchworth Library, Broadway. From 10.30am – 11am. Free event.

Herts Health Walks: Monday, January 21. Enjoy the countryside and local green spaces, with these free walks led by qualified volunteer leaders. Chose a stroll or a 2 mile walk. Meet at Three Magnets, Leys Avenue. At 10.30am. For more details visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks or call 01992 588433. No booking required, just turn up.

Post-Natal Yoga and Baby Massage: Monday, January 21. Learn to massage your baby and provide a loving, fun and positive interaction that has been proven to nurture a baby’s health and development. One hour of post-natal Yoga will follow to exercise and strengthen your core muscles and ease tightness in your shoulders and upper back. The class includes relaxation, refreshments & chat.Wear an old t-shirt, bring a towel and an organic base oil such as grapeseed, olive, or sunflower (avoid nut oils). At The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road. From 10.45am -12.30pm. Course costs £51. For more details visit www.letchworthcentre.org/classes/post-natal-yoga-baby-massage/.

Letchworth Heritage Bridge Club: Monday, January 21. Already a player. This group meet on Monday at 1pm. All players welcome, members £2.50, visitors £3.50. Also a relaxed learning group for beginners and improvers on Fridays at 9.30am. At Fortescue Hall, Pixmore Way. For more details call Marion Watkins on 01462 730289.

Rosehill Community Singers: Monday, January 21 and Tuesday 22. Rosehill Community Singers will meet every Monday and Tuesday. From 2pm – 3pm, with time to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat afterwards. At Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Rosehill Hospital, Hitchin Road. £4 per person. No need to book, simply drop in and enjoy this friendly singing group. For more details contact Jaqui Derrick 01462 678804, jaqui@letchworthcentre.org or www.letchworthcentre.org.

Letchworth Chorale: Monday, January 21. Join this friendly group of singers performing a variety of music. No audition required! At Central Methodist Church Hall, Pixmore Way. Starts 7.30pm. Just turn up on the night. For more details visit www.letchworth-chorale.org.uk.

Ceroc Classes: Monday, January 21. Ceroc is a fusion of many dance forms and a great way to meet people and keep fit too. Beginners’ lessons are at the start of the class. Starts 7.45pm. At Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road. Sessions £8 plus £3 membership fee for first timers. For more details contact Alma Neville on 07710 409167 or email alma@cerocspirit.co.uk.

Vintage Swing Dance Classes: Monday, January 21. Learn to swing dance, jitterbug and jive! Whether you are an absolute beginner with 2 left feet or a seasoned pro, these weekly swing dance classes have something for everyone. No partner or pre-booking required. At Brotherhood Hall, Gernon Road. From 8pm – 11pm. Admission £10 includes 2 classes, social/practice time and refreshments. For more details visit www.jiveswing.com.

Letchworth and Hitchin Sugarcraft Club: Tuesday, January 22.A workshop to share ideas of cupcake decorating for children (please bring your own resources along with your ideas). At the Central Methodist Church, Norton Way South at 7.15pm.Visitors are very welcome whether you are a beginner experienced or just curious. Cost £5.50 per person.

Yoga for Busy Mums: Tuesday, January 22. Join this friendly yoga class for busy mums who need a bit of time to relax, restore and re-connect. At Norton Parish Hall, Common View. From 9.30am – 10.30am. For more details and to book call Jodie on 07902 012598 or email info@yoga-bliss.co.uk or www.facebook.com/northhertsyogabliss/

North Herts - Volunteers Fair: Tuesday, January 22. Various volunteer organisations promoting their roles, visit their stalls and discuss volunteering opportunities. At Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road. Drop in anytime between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. If you book a ticket beforehand on Eventbrite you will receive a 10% discount voucher to use at the Nourish Café on the day.  For more information visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteer-fair-new-year-new-you-tickets-53146787472.

An exciting balance bike course for young children: Tuesday, January 22. A six week fun course aimed at helping children (aged 3+) to gain confidence and to learn the basic cycling skills to enable a smooth transition to pedal bikes. At Letchworth Free Church, Norton Way South. From 4pm – 4:30pm. £35 per child for 6 week course (ends on 5th March – no session on February 26th).

The Queen of Spades: Tuesday, January 22. Tchaikovsky’s most ambitious opera contains some of his greatest music and is a powerful study of destructive obsession. At Broadway Cinema, Eastcheap. Starts 6.30pm. Tickets £17 includes a complimentary drink on arrival. For more details and to book call 01462 681088 or visit www.broadway-letchworth.com.

Be a Legion Member: Tuesday, January 22. Support the Armed Forces Community. Letchworth Branch meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday monthly at Letchworth Free Church Hall, Norton Way South. From 7.30pm. Just turn up or call on 07388 876229.

Free impartial energy advice: Wednesday, January 23. The Citizen Advice Bureau are hosting an energy advice session, with advice on how to understand your energy usage, cut your fuel bill and get the financial support you are entitled to. At the Letchworth Library, Broadway. From 10am – 4pm.

Herts Health Walks: Wednesday, January 23. Enjoy the countryside and local green spaces, with these free walks led by qualified volunteer leaders. Chose a stroll, 1 - 2 mile or 3 mile walk. Meet at St George’s Church Hall, Common View. At 10am. For more details visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks or call 01992 588433. No booking required, just turn up.

Gentle Yoga and Meditation Class: Wednesday, January 23. Enjoy a gentle and relaxing yoga practice followed by a guided meditation. At St Michael’s Parish Hall, Broadway. From 10.30am – 11.45am. For more details and to book call Jodie on 07902 012598 or email info@yoga-bliss.co.uk or www.facebook.com/northhertsyogabliss/

Toddler Tales: Wednesday, January 23. Toddler Ttales is a mixture of lively stories and rhymes. Aimed at toddlers and pre-school children. At Letchworth Library, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City SG6 3PF. From 2.15pm – 2.45pm. Free event.

Yin Yoga: Wednesday, January 23. A weekly class which is slow, calming and meditative, an excellent antidote to a busy lifestyle. At Howgills Friends Meeting House, 42 South View. From 7pm – 8.30pm. Booking essential. For more details and to book call Rachel Williamson on 01462 643424 or email: yogateacher@ahimsayoga.co.uk.