What's On in Letchworth - 9 to 16 January 2020

Your guide to some of the events happening over this coming week in the Garden City, compiled by Discover Letchworth, also available in The Comet. 

Art & Exhibitions

Who Lived at My House? Uncovering the hidden past in early Letchworth homes:  Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11. Throughout 2019, ​‘Who Lived at my House’ has sought the hidden histories of the working men and women who came to the town and helped to build its communities. Children from Pixmore and Hillshott schools have learned about the history of their homes over one hundred years ago. This exhibition showcases their work and findings of the wider public who came to an event in August to trace the history of their homes. (If you are keen to trace your house history why not join us on the 11 February where we will be helping you to trace the history of your home, from 11am – 4pm). At The International Garden Cities Exhibition, 296 Norton Way South. Open Fridays and Saturdays 10am – 5pm. For more information visit www​.letch​worth​.com.

After the Rain: Saturday, January 11. Eastcheap space invites you to our artist in residence Lucie Macgregor’s opening exhibition ​‘After the rain’. Lucie a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design has been offered the opportunity to spend time in Letchworth Garden City learning and researching about the original ethos of town and the ​‘Garden City Movement’. Lucie has created a series of artworks ranging from ceramics to mix media. To coincide with Lucie’s exhibition, on the second floor, Eastcheap open studios consists of nine artists, ranging from painting, sculpture, jewellery and film. Eastcheap Space, Eastcheap House, Central Approach, SG6 3DL. From 12pm to 4pm.

Parade — A Celebration of Contemporary Art Textiles: On now until Sunday, February 16. Inspired by the banner Foursquare our City, designed by Edmund Hunter in 1903 to celebrate the founding of Letchworth. Bringing together 15 acclaimed international artists Parade is presented as a survey and acclamation of recent developments in visual art textiles, showcasing the many ways in which threads and fabrics are being used by contemporary artists. At Broadway Studio and Gallery, 2 The Arcade. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. For more information call 01462 476110 or visit www​.broad​way​-letch​worth​.com.

Tremble | Tromos – Katherine Roberts and Sian Wilson: On now until Sunday, February 16. Tremble | Tromos is a collaboration between multidisciplinary artist Katherine Roberts and sound artist Sian Wilson exploring themes of birth and transformation. In response to Roberts’ poem Tromos the artists have created sculptural work, drawing and soundscape. At Broadway Studio and Gallery, 2 The Arcade. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. For more information call 01462 476110 or visit www​.broad​way​-letch​worth​.com.

Spa Songs – Fay Zmija Nicolson: On now until Sunday, February 16. Spa Songs is a musical performance composed and choreographed by artist, Fay Zmija Nicolson. Working only with voices, the musical element of this work draws from harmonic relationships found in Early Music, along-side the DIY and anti-establishment energy of folk and punk traditions. At Broadway Studio and Gallery, 2 The Arcade. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. For more information call 01462 476110 or visit www​.broad​way​-letch​worth​.com.

The Broadway Plinth – Anna Reading – Flock: On now until Sunday, February 16. We’re pleased to announce that the 2019 Mark Tanner Sculpture Prize winner, Anna Reading, will be exhibiting a new work with us this December as part of our Broadway Plinth programme. This new work continues the artist’s exploration into the absurd relationship between the organic and the synthetic. At Broadway Studio and Gallery, 2 The Arcade. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. For more information call 01462 476110 or visit www​.broad​way​-letch​worth​.com.

Health & Wellbeing

Forty Plus Cycling Club: Thursday., January 9. This week’s ride is to Mangrove Green, with lunch at The King William IV. Next week’s ride is to Gt Offley, with lunch at The Red Lion with GCW. Meet at 10.30am. At The Three Magnets, 18 – 20 Leys Avenue. For more details call Geoff, the ride’s organiser on 07770 600370.

Kingfisher Club: Thursday, January 9. Howard Cottage Housing Association runs this weekly club for local people who have low to moderate dementia or are socially isolated. Fun activities and games, plus light refreshments and a two course, nutritious lunch. At Macfadyon Webb House, Norton Way North. From 10am – 3pm. Cost is £15. For more information call 01462 683307.

Kingfisher Club: Monday, January 13. Howard Cottage Housing Association runs this club for local people who have low to moderate dementia or are socially isolated. Fun activities and games, plus light refreshments and a two course, nutritious lunch. At the Kingfisher Court, Southern Way. From 10am – 3pm, cost is £15. For more information call 01462 683307.

Herts Health Walks: Monday, January 13. Enjoy the countryside and local green spaces, with these free walks led by qualified volunteer leaders. Chose a stroll or a two mile walk. Meet at Three Magnets, Leys Avenue. At 10.30am. For more details visit www​.hert​ford​shire​.gov​.uk/​h​e​a​l​t​h​walks or call 01992 588433. No booking required, just turn up.

Active Letchworth – Gentle Exercise: Monday, January 13. Gentle seated exercise to music. Accessible for all abilities. At the Kingfisher Court, Southern Way. From 10.45am — 11.30am. To find out more and to book sessions call 01462 474838.

T’ai Chi sessions with Ian Deavin: Monday, January 13 and Friday. T’ai Chi is an ancient form of gentle stylised movement well known for its ability to strengthen leg muscles, improve balance, still the mind and enhance general health. At The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road. Monday 12.30pm – 1.30pm, Friday 9.45am – 10.45am. Cost £6 per session. For more information visit www​.letch​worth​cen​tre​.org.

Mindful Meditation with Neelam Taneja: Monday, January 13. These weekly drop-ins offer a very special opportunity to experience great peace and stillness with a master of meditation. There is no fixed fee, but a donation is suggested– which goes to support our charitable work to fund young people’s Mindfulness programmes. At The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, Hitchin Road. From 12.45pm – 1.30pm. For more information visit www​.letch​worth​cen​tre​.org.

North Herts Road Runners: Tuesday, January 14 and Thursday 16. North Herts Road Runners is a lively, friendly and sociable running club with around 150 members that meet every Tuesday and Thursday. Meet at Spirella Building Reception, Bridge Road (Car Park entrance off Icknield Way). At 7.15pm. For more information visit www​.nhrr​.org​.uk or secretary@​nhrr.​org.​uk.

Herts Health Walks: Wednesday, January 15. Enjoy the countryside and local green spaces, with these free walks led by qualified volunteer leaders. Choose 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​.hert​ford​shire​.gov​.uk/​h​e​a​l​t​h​walks or call 01992 588433. No booking required, just turn up.

Kids & Families

Who Let the Dads Out: Saturday, January 11. A group for Dads, Grandads and Father Figures to enjoy with their under 6’s. Pop along and enjoy a bacon roll, coffee and biscuits. Make some crafts and have a comfy seat! Usually ends with a story. Every second Saturday monthly. At St Paul’s Church, Pixmore Way. From 10am – 11.30am. For more details call Peter on 07986 709199. 

Baby Rhyme Time: Monday, January 13. Baby Rhyme Time is a fun session of songs and rhymes suitable for babies and toddlers of all ages. At Letchworth Library, Broadway. From 10.30am – 11am. Free event.

Toddler Tales: Wednesday, January 15. Toddler tales is a mixture of lively stories and rhymes. Aimed at toddlers and pre-school children. At Letchworth Library, Broadway. From 2.15pm – 2.45pm. Free event.

Talks, Lectures & Tours

Letchworth Garden City Womens Institute: Tuesday, January 14. Visitors are very welcome to join us for an interesting and informative talk about quilts and quilting, presented by Sally Ritchie. At Letchworth Free Church Hall, Gernon Rd, at 7.30p.m. The WI meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For enquiries contact the Secretary on 01462 623587.

Transition Town Letchworth Tuesday Talks – What’s Your Carbon Footprint?: Tuesday, January 14. If your New Year’s resolution is to reduce your carbon footprint then this talk would be a good first step. Join us to find out about the strengths and weaknesses of different online tools which you can use to estimate your carbon footprint and find out what makes the biggest impact. At Mrs Howard Memorial Hall, Norton Way South. From 7.45pm – 9.15pm. Admission free, but a donation of £2 to cover costs is appreciated. For more information visit www​.tran​si​tion​letch​worth​.org.

Letchworth and District Family History Group: Wednesday, January 15. Jill Campbell, archivist at Knebworth House, will give a talk to the Letchworth and District Family History Group on ​‘Seeking servants at Knebworth House’. At Upper Hall, Mrs Howard Memorial Hall, Norton Way South. Starts 8pm. Entry £4 non-members, £2 members. For more information visit www​.ldfhg​.org​.uk.

Theatre, Film, Music & Dance

The Recorded Music Society: Friday, January 10. Featuring AGM and members choice. At The Settlement, 229 Nevells Road. Starts at 7.30pm. Guests £2.50. New members and visitors welcome. For more details call Judie on 01462 632171.

Saturday Night Dance Dates: Saturday, January 11. Ballroom, Latin & Sequence – music by Janice. At Spirella Ballroom, Bridge Road. From 7.30pm until 10.30pm. Cost £8 per person. For more details call Janice on 01462 628247.

The Sleeping Beauty: Thursday, January 16. Royal Opera House: A classic of Russian ballet, Sleeping Beauty established The Royal Ballet both in its new home after World War II and as a world-class company. At Broadway Cinema, Eastcheap. Starts at 7pm. Tickets £18 includes a complimentary drink on arrival. For more information and to book call 01462 681088 or visit www​.broad​way​-letch​worth​.com.

Town & Community Events

Ark: Thursday, January 9. A weekly 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.

The Royal Naval Association: Monday, January 13. This group provides comradeship, support and welfare assistance to serving and ex-serving members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Merchant Navy and their families. At Letchworth Rugby Club, Legends Lane, Baldock Road. Every 2nd Monday. Starts 7.30pm. Anyone with an interest in the aims of the association are welcome, to which associate membership is available. Why not come along and enjoy the company of shipmates to ​“swing the lamp” and take part in planned social events?

Citizens Advice North Herts — Energy Clinic: Wednesday, January 15. It is now easier than ever to choose the best energy deal. Find out how by bringing your bill to this weekly drop in clinic and be switched to a better deal. At Citizens Advice, 49 Station Road. From 1pm — 3pm.

NH50+Group Monthly Forum: Thursday, January 16. Tracey Webber from the Community Well-being Team/​Adult Care Services at Herts County Council will talk about the Connecting Lives Project and latest information about adult social services. Friendly Advisor from the HertsHelp Team will be there to talk through the range of support on offer, to make sure you get the help you need and answer your questions. Enjoy free refreshments and raffle after the talk. At St Faith’s Church Hall, Woolgrove Road, Hitchin. SG4 0AS.From 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Free entry for members and £3.00 for non- members and £2.00 for LALG members, or why not pay £8.00 and join our Group. For more details visit www​.nh50​plus​.org or call 01462 623515.

Coming soon.….

After the Rain Exhibition