2017
Opening Doors London is supported by:
Events
April
Opening Doors London Events
www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk
020 7239 0400
Can you help?
Info@openingdoorslondon.org.uk
Hello lovely ODL members!
twitter.com/OpeningDoorsLdn
Thank you so much for regularly attending our Opening Doors London events and for helping to make them the active and vibrant older LGBT* spaces they are.
facebook.com/openingdoorslondon
Highlights in April Wednesday 12th April: The return of the ODL pub night! Pub Social at Her Upstairs Thursday 13th April: ODL Book Club The launch of ODL Book Group th
26 April: ODL Members event
Dates for your diary th
Sunday 7 May Sunday Lunch & Film Club at Henderson Court Resource Centre. Book at https://may2017odlsundaylunch.eventbrite.co.uk or by calling 020 7239 0400. th
Monday 15 May: Women's breakfast club at the Albany in Deptford, Lewisham at 10am. Start your day at the Albany community café meeting other women for a chat/discussion.
Make your voice heard! Those of you who have been part of ODL for a while will remember the Annual Members Survey, the chance for everyone to tell us what we're doing right and where we need to improve. This year the survey is back and it's even more important as it's part of our ongoing Evaluation Project, so we'd really appreciate your input. Just click on the link below for instant access. All your responses will be anonymous. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ODL17
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April 2017
As you know we hold over forty social events every month all carefully curated with the older LGBT* person in mind: from walking groups and tea dances to dinner clubs and theatre nights. We are also committed to working with mainstream service providers to ensure that they understand the needs and experience of older LGBT* people to ensure they provide appropriate services. And we've got big plans for the future and we want to reach more of the community. Did you know that there are over 100,000 older LGBT* people in London alone? We've certainly got our work cut out – and that's why we need your support. Would you consider making a regular monthly donation of £2 - or more if you can afford it - to our Friends of ODL fundraising campaign? Your donation would directly help us continue the vital work we do to support the older members of our LGBT* community AND reach the many thousands who don't have access to support. We are proud that our membership is free and that that noone is turned away for lack of funds and we are excited about our future plans to ensure that we can run our much needed service. To make a regular donation please type this link into your web browser: bit.ly/2lcIqLI and fill in your details or send a cheque payable to Opening Doors London and send it to us at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square London WC1H 9NA or set up a standing order. Opening Doors London has an account with CAF Bank Ltd. Account number: 00029589. Sort code: 40-52-40.
Thank you,
Opening Doors London.
Opening Doors London Events
Sunday April 2
nd
Sunday Lunch & Film Club Henderson Court Resource Centre Join us for a lovely home cooked lunch before we watch the film. Brief Encounter (1945) Director: David Lean Story by: Noël Coward Screenplay: David Lean, Ronald Neame, Anthony Havelock-Allan
April 2017 the face of convention and their own emotional ties. Brief Encounter is etched in nostalgia for an era when trapped middle-class lives contemplated adultery but must set the disturbing thought aside. As for Celia Johnson, it is due largely to her that the film is still so moving. Her agony and her rapture stay interior, and they flip-flop like nerves in this beautiful, grave black-and-white movie. Her voice is measured but the eyes are desperate. That she holds the film together is beyond doubt. As The Guardian calls it: “the most romantic film of all time”. Cost £5. Booking for lunch essential. RSVP before Wednesday via: https://apr2017odlsundaylunch.eventbrite.co.uk or calling 020 7239 0400. Social: 12pm Lunch: 1pm Film starts: 2pm
The romantic film of all romantic films adapted from Noel Coward’s play “Still Life”, a story of impossible love. Housewife Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) lives a hum-drum life in a sterile marriage within a small country town. At a café, in the local railway station, Laura has a chance encounter with Doctor Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard) whose equally loveless union has driven him to find solace. He skilfully removes some grit from her eye (a subtext to wiping the tears from your eyes), only to fill her desperate heart with longing and hope. Although he too is already married, they continue to meet at the café over seven weeks which ripens into a deep affection by which both are shaken and shocked. One such meeting includes a visit to the cinema with the film aptly titled, “Flames of Passion”. Gradually, guiltily the fall into something neither of them can fully understand nor admit. Their brief spell of love spins in their bewilderment and flies in pg. 3
Please support ODL by becoming a Regular Donor: http://openingdoorslondon.org.uk/donate-now/
Opening Doors London Events
Monday April 3rd
April 2017
Peer led coffee and tea social at The Breakfast Club in Battersea Rise
Walk it off before putting it on: Clapham Common
Here's a chance to ease your conscience BEFORE you stuff yourself with all those biscuits, cakes, coffees, teas and cocktails at this afternoon's Coffee and Tea Social at The Breakfast Club in Battersea Rise. Join Tony for a 1½ mile walk across Clapham Common beforehand. Enjoy the four ponds (Cock, Mount, Long and Eagle), the recently restored Bandstand, the meadow patch and the wooded areas. We will endeavour to take a different route each month.
The team from The Breakfast Club are providing free tea and coffee for ODL members at this peer led monthly social. Just turn up to meet other ODL members. Sometimes The Breakfast Club team will be able to pop in to say hello too. 4 – 6pm
Tea Line Dance NOTE CHANGE OF DATE TO FIRST MONDAY THIS MONTH
Tavis House Café Join us for our tea dances whether you are an experienced dancer, a beginner or have never danced before –there is room for all! Peter will instruct and lead us in Line Dancing. Please bring LGBT* friends of any age. Peter’s teaching each week is stand alone so don’t worry if you have not been before – all will be explained on the night 5.30pm –7.30pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clapham_Common http://claphamcommon.org/trail-map-clapham-common/
We arrive at the Breakfast Club in time for tea, feeling smug and satisfied, ready to replenish the energy recently expended. Meeting Time: 3.30pm Meeting Point: Clapham Common tube station (by the clock tower), Northern line
Tuesday April 4th Y Havering LGBT over-50s Social Group Tapestry Stanton Gate Havering LGBT+ Forum is proud to
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Opening Doors London Events present a new social group for LGBT* older people in the east London/ Essex area. This is a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones from in and around the Havering area in east London/ Essex. So if you are age 50 or over and would like to experience some smashing social company within a safe and welcoming space, please come along. Free tea, coffee and biscuits, plus we have a great team of dedicated volunteers who will warmly greet you and introduce you to like-minded people who also identify as LGBT. 3pm – 5pm
April 2017 walk with a special request to the almighty! “This time without torrential rain please!” (Walk will be sharply truncated if this seems likely.) Miles: Up to 5 depending on the weather and group energy level; will try to take a route so that it is easy to leave early if tired. Leisurely pace. Sights to enjoy on route: Wide open vistas Wanstead Green, Wanstead Flats, Wanstead Golf Course and Wanstead Park, varied landscape. River Roding and Associated Lakes. Aldersbrook Cemetery (Nice for a good Long Term Rest if you can afford it!) Wildfowl. Wildlife Flora and Fauna. A Boathouse Folly.
Peer led Creative Writing Group Tavis House ODL member Pat would like to invite other ODL members to join a nontaught Creative Writing Group for people who would like to come together to write. Contact Kate for further information kate.hancock@openingdoorslondon.org.uk 020 7239 0400 3pm to 5pm
Wednesday April 5th Mixed Exercise Walk: Wanstead Park Exploration led by Clive Clive’s new day for his Exercise walks will be Wednesday due to other commitments that make Tuesday a more difficult date for his walking group.
Reverse direction to a greatly enjoyed previous pg. 5
Name that George test in the pub! Refreshment plans: Breakfast at The George Wanstead which is opposite Wanstead Station. A later visit to the Tea Hut in Wanstead Park. People prepared to take a longer walk can have a tasty lunch at The Golden Fleece in Wanstead. Meeting location point: Upstairs at The George Weatherspoon pub (155–159 High Street, Wanstead, London E11 2RL) overlooking Wanstead Green (circular table in window bay if I can get it). Breakfast meeting time: 11am for affordable breakfast or cheap latte in the pub. Walk start time: 12pm Walk end time (approx.): Variable. Simply join us for breakfast if you wish. We easily should be at Manor Park suburban line station by 4pm to avoid rush hour but cannot guarantee this as it depends on your fellow group members! Walk will end later if you choose to dine ta the Golden Fleece or elsewhere.
Opening Doors London Events
End location point: Manor Park Station – trains to Liverpool Street via Stratford. Unless you choose to truncate your journey via Wanstead or a bus route. No booking necessary. Just turn up.
Anchor Housing/ ODL Art Group Chigwell Court The art group will be held in the communal room. Basic materials will be provided for the informal drop-in session. Volunteer artists on hand.
2pm – 4pm
Men’s Pimlico Social Pimlico Room Friendly drop-in coffee evening. 6pm – 9pm
Thursday April 6th Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in Computer Suite, Tavis House Our Age UK Camden LGBT* friendly drop-in session provides you with an opportunity to receive IT assistance and guidance from knowledgeable volunteers and staff. For more information please contact Tony on 020 7239 0400.
Every Thursday 10am – 1pm
Friday April 7th Friday Coffee and Cake Club Café, Tavis House Come in for a chat at this mixed peer led social group. Hot drinks can be purchased in the café. pg. 6
April 2017 Please feel free to bring your own cakes and biscuits.
Every Friday 10am – 12pm
Sunday April 9th Second Sundays Social/ Lunch Group Chelsea Theatre. Join us for lunch. We'll be ordering our food from a local cafe, Mona Lisa, which serves a wide variety of delicious hot meal. No RSVP required. 12:30pm-4pm
Peer led coffee and tea social at The Breakfast Club in Battersea Rise The team from The Breakfast Club are providing free tea and coffee for ODL members at this peer led monthly social. Just turn up to meet other ODL members. Sometimes The Breakfast Club team will be able to pop in to say hello too.
4 – 6pm
Monday April 10th Y Bridge and Scrabble Club Lumen Café On the second and fourth Monday of the month the wonderful Black Olive Cooks at the lovely Lumen Café will provide space for ODL members to play Bridge and Scrabble. Beginners welcome! Scrabble boards will be provided. Lumen Café are offering ODL members discounted tea for 50p and filter coffee for 80p. Beginners welcome. No need to book.
2pm – 4pm
Opening Doors London Events
Tuesday April 11th Y Men’s Walking Group led by Peter Just across the River Thames from the City of London, and once part of its jurisdiction, is Southwark. This bustling part of London is an area of remarkable regeneration, with many surprises in store when we cross London Bridge to explore some of its exciting corners and intriguing history. London's tallest skyscraper, a busy food market and gastronomic quarter, a galleried coaching inn,
Shakespeare's Globe, an International Modern Art Gallery, a fine cathedral and a prostitutes' graveyard; these are just a few of its many attractions. If you've not walked around this ancient part of the Metropolis recently, join our April walk and prepare to be astonished at the changes and hidden gems in the less visited part of Central London. We shall meet at Monument Station: Fish Street Hill Entrance, next to the Monument, and enjoy the spectacular views as we cross the river to discover the delights of Southwark. If you would like to join the walk you can either: Text or leave a message on the walking group mobile number which is 07804 329 416 but you will need to wait for a reply before you can be sure that a place has been booked for you, or better still Book a free ticket upon Eventbrite (using password "borough"), which will instantly guarantee you a place: https://mens-walking-group-southwark.eventbrite.co.uk
These walks are proving popular so if you find pg. 7
April 2017 yourself unable to come along, having booked, kindly let us know so that your place can be offered to someone else on the waiting list. We will end the walk, which will take about two hours, in one of the many cafés that Fitzrovia has to offer. Meeting time: 2.15pm
Men’s Speakers Night Henderson Court Resource Centre
Age UK Camden’s Dementia Wellbeing Lead Tracey McDermott will be back at Henderson Court to talk about the signs and symptoms of dementia. You’re also welcome to bring some questions for discussion too. Social: 6pm Talk: from 7pm (After the talk some members also head to a local pub for a drink.)
Wednesday April 12th London Friend tea and biscuits older LGBT* drop-in London Friend In partnership with London Friend, this social group is a place to meet friends for a coffee, chat and optional board games! 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Opening Doors London Events
April 2017
LGBT Café in Bow E3 Muxima Local 50+ LGBT* folks and LGBT*carers sought for coffee, cake and conversation. More info: 07572 548 592 4.30pm – 6pm
Pub Social at Her Upstairs Her Upstairs (above Block Bar) Come along for a drink with friends old and new, and share snacks courtesy of George, Meth and the staff at Her Upstairs. Please note there is a flight of stairs to access this venue. 7pm – late
Thursday April 13th ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in See the first Thursday of the month for more details. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm
ODL Book Club Tavis Meeting Room C Breakfast on Pluto by Patrick McCabe Join the inaugural ODL Book Club to discuss LGBT* texts – classic and modern – with fellow book lovers. To take part, just read the book in advance of the day and turn up willing to share a few thoughts. pg. 8
The group will initially be led by Liam but will be handed over to a volunteer after a few sessions. The first three books have been chosen, but then the group will decide on future books to read. The first book for discussion will be Breakfast on Pluto, the 1998 novel by Patrick McCabe. “Dysfunctional Ireland in all its glories is here, with humour of the blackest hue, madness and violence, hopelessly randy priests, dodgy politicians, a grand gallery of misfits culminating in McCabe’s hero in Breakfast on Pluto, Patrick “Pussy” Braden, the transvestite prostitute from the village of Tyreelin… Wild, hilarious, merciless and fiendishly clever”. Ronan Farren, Sunday Independent. The novel was shortlisted for the 1998 Booker Prize and turned into a film directed by Neil Jordan in 2005. Next two books: Maurice by E. M. Forster in May The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall in June 3pm – 5pm
BANK HOLIDAY CANCELLATIONS th
Friday 14 Friday Coffee and Cake Club ODL East London Dinner Club th
Monday 17 East London ODL Drop-in
Tuesday April 18th Exercise Walk with Gerry: Dollis Brook from Finchley to Totteridge & Whetstone We follow a good path along the Dollis Valley Greenwalk to enjoy leafy open spaces. The going is easy for this leisurely stroll of 4 miles, with just one gentle climb towards the end.
Opening Doors London Events
April 2017
Women’s Film Night Committee Room 2 Camden Town Hall We will be showing ‘Broken Gardenias’.
Meeting time: 11am Meeting point: Outside Finchley Central tube station (Northern Line), at the exit for Ballards Lane (near station car park). If you arrive by tube, take the Ballards Lane exit. Toilets available at: Finchley Central station End time: Approx. 1.30pm Walk end point: Totteridge & Whetstone tube station (Northern Line) Lunch: For those who would like to have lunch at the end of the walk, there are plenty of good value cafes and restaurants in Whetstone, near the station.
Peer led Creative Writing Group Tavis House ODL member Pat would like to invite other ODL members to join a non-taught Creative Writing Group for people who would like to come together to write. 3pm – 5pm
Wednesday April 19th
A touching comedy-drama about two very different young women who embark on a journey of selfdiscovery and blossoming love through the heartland of America. Jenni is having a tough time. Luckily, just as she hits an all-time low she meets Sam and they immediately develop a bond; together they set off on a road trip to find Jenni’s long lost father and their unlikely intimacy grows. Written by Alma S. Grey & Directed by Kai Alexander. Social: 5.30pm Film: 7pm
Anchor Housing/ ODL Art Group See first Wednesday of the month for information. 2pm – 4pm
Thursday April 20th ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in See the first Thursday of the month for more details. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm pg. 9
Do you have ACCESS requirements? If there is an event that you would like to attend but you are not sure if you will be able to make it due to your access needs, please contact us so that we can help make sure you get the most out of being part of Opening Doors London. Contact us on 020 7239 0400 info@openingdoorslondon.org.uk
Opening Doors London Events
Friday April 21st Friday Coffee and Cake Club See first Friday of the month for more details. Every Friday 10am – 12pm
April 2017
Tuesday AprilTalk 25thabout, & Pig Tony's Walk about, out – Woolwich I am breaking my own rule here. We are going north of the river! But we are starting in the south. We begin our 1½ mile walkabout at the Platform 1 exit (Belson Road) of Woolwich Dockyard station. Firstly, we look round the churchyard of St. Mary Magdalene (perhaps watching the pigeons enacting their courting display). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mary_Magdalene_Woolwich
Secondly, the First Choice cafe, serving all day breakfasts, lunches, salads, jacket potatoes and burgers. The portions are enormous. http://www.zomato.com/london/first-choice-cafe-woolwich/menu
Monday April 24th Bridge and Scrabble Club Lumen Café On the second and fourth Monday of the month. Beginners welcome. No need to book.
2pm – 4pm
Bi The Way Group Tavis House It's board games night! Bring along your favourite or play one of ours... Light refreshments available. Bisexual people and allies of all orientations welcome. Please arrive early! 6pm – 8pm
Thirdly (optional) we head north (!!) to the Woolwich Free Ferry. The earliest references to the ferry can be found in the state papers of 1308, when the waterman who ran it, William de Wicton, sold his business and house to William atte Halle, for £10. Nowadays, it runs every day, barring Xmas and New Year, crossing the Thames between Woolwich, (Borough of Greenwich), and North Woolwich (now in the Borough of Newham), near London City Airport. It is the eastern joining point between the South and North Circular roads (A205 - A406). http://www.yellins.co.uk/woolwichferry/index.html
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Opening Doors London Events
April 2017 “There's just something not quite right when Bette Davis stars as an English nanny. And is her 10 yearold charge an emotionally disturbed murderer or just an insolent brat?” Director: Seth Holt Stars: Bette Davis, Wendy Craig, Jill Bennett Social: 6pm Film starts: 7pm
From the North shore of the Thames, it is a short walk to a choice of ways home. Return on the ferry to Woolwich, (train or DLR), walk through the foot tunnel to Woolwich, walk to King George V DLR station, thence to Woolwich, or back into London.
Wednesday April 26th London Friend tea and biscuits older LGBT* drop-in London Friend
Meeting Time: 1pm Meeting Point: Woolwich Dockyard station, (Plat 1 Belson Road exit - 12.22 from Cannon St)
In partnership with London Friend, this social group is a place to meet friends for a coffee, chat and optional board games! 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Men’s gentle exercise class
Opening Doors London Members Event
Henderson Court Resource Centre Exercise is free medicine! Come and join a class to stretch, energise and have fun. You don’t need to bring any kit, just come along and give it a go. Suitable for all abilities and levels of fitness. Free to attend. 6.30pm – 7pm
Men's Film Night Henderson Court resource centre, 102 Fitzjohns Avenue, London NW3 6NS (Entrance on Prince Arthur Road). The Nanny (1965) 1h 33min
Mercer The Board and staff of Opening Doors London would like to invite members to join them to mark the exciting beginnings as a charity in our own right. This will be a time to meet each other, share thoughts and experiences, and help develop our priorities. Mercers, one of our corporate partners, have kindly offered to host the event in their offices overlooking the Thames and provide afternoon tea. Booking essential as numbers are limited. Book via
https://odlmembers2017.eventbrite.co.uk or 020 7239 0400. Time: 2.45pm - 7pm
Please support ODL by becoming a Regular Donor: http://openingdoorslondon.org.uk/donate-now/
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Opening Doors London Events
Thursday April 27th
April 2017
Stepping into May! Tuesday May 2nd
‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT*
computer drop-in See the first Thursday of the month for more details. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm
Friday April 28th
‘Sing a song of May Time!’
Expeditionary Force to The Breakfast Club East led by Clive 2 – 5 Miles Sights to enjoy on route: 1) Hackney Wick. 2) River Lea/Canal 3) Olympic Park 4) Wick Woodland 5) Westfield Shopping Centre
Friday Coffee and Cake Club See first Friday of the month for more details.
Every Friday 10am – 12pm
Informal Art Group Tavis House
Lunch plans: We will be part hosted by The Breakfast Club East but should not abuse their kindness. Attendees may like to bring sandwiches and can eat later at the Weatherspoon’s or elsewhere in Stratford if still hungry. The Breakfast Club East offers pleasant internal and external seating. It overlooks the Canalised section of the River Lea. Join Angie for an informal art group for all abilities come and do your own creative thing, or improve and expand your drawing skills with gentle guidance from an experienced volunteer teacher. Whether you are a traditional sketcher or an outrageous avant-gardist this group will supply encouragement, support, plenty of dialogue....and maybe an exhibition. Basic materials provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbooks and non-messy kit.
12.30pm – 3pm
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Meeting location point (including transport info): Hackney Wick station on London Overground. Buses include: 26, 30, 236, 276, 339, 388, 488. Walk start time: 2.30pm Walk end time including lunch break (approx.): 5pm from Hackney Wick station or at 6.30pm from Stratford station. No booking necessary. Just turn up
Opening Doors London Events
April 2017
Venues & How to Get There The Breakfast Club in Battersea Rise The Breakfast Club, 5-9 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG Travel: 0.5 miles walk from Clapham Junction Railway Station. Buses 35 and 37 pass Clapham Common Northern line underground station 1.1 miles away and stop outside the café at the “Eccles Road” bus stop. Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, London WC1H 9JE - Committee Room 2 – first floor Chelsea Theatre 7 Worlds End Place, Kings Road, London, SW10 0DR. Chigwell House Anchor Housing/ Art Group Community Room Chigwell Court, 99 Balance Road London E9 5SQ. Havering LGBT Tapestry Stanton Gate, Mawney Road, Romford RM7 7HL Transport: 0.7 miles walk from Romford station with connections to Upminster, Stratford and Liverpool Street. Henderson Court Resource Centre 102 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, London NW3 6NS. (Entrance on Prince Arthur Road) Pub Social at Her Upstairs (above Block Bar), 18 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 9NX. (2 minute walk from Camden Town underground station on the Northern line.) London Friend 86 Caledonian Road, N1 9DN Lumen Café 88 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RS Transport: 0.3 miles from Russell Square underground station or 0.4 miles from King's Cross St. Pancras London station. No need to book.
Mercers 1 Tower Place West, Tower Place, London, EC3R 5BU Transport: Tower Hill (Circle and District lines) – less than a 5-minute walk. London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines) – a 15-minute walk. Monument (Circle, District, Northern and Central lines) – a 10-minute walk. Fenchurch Street railway station (5 minutes). Tower Gate DLR (5 minutes). Pimlico Room Back of St. Saviour’s Church, St George’s Square, London SW1V 3QW. Tavis House 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA.
Newsletter design Ruth Silverstone
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