December 2015 opening doors london events listings

Lido lidolondon

2015 Opening Doors London December groups and activities Wednesday 9th December

ODL Christmas Party 2015 hosted by The Breakfast Club The Breakfast Club, 2-4 Rufus Street, London N1 6PE

Opening Doors London: www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

The Breakfast Club are delighted to welcome Opening Doors London to their newly refurbished Hoxton cafe for the ODL Christmas party 2015.

For information about groups and

ODL Members, Volunteers and Ambassadors are invited to socialise, listen to music and celebrate Christmas with a complimentary glass of bubbly and canapes provided by The Breakfast Club.

activities please contact us on:

4pm – 7pm

twitter.com/OpeningDoorsLdn

Registration essential at https://odlchristmas2015.eventbrite.co.uk or by calling the office on 020 7239 0400.

facebook.com/openingdoorslondon

020 7239 0400 or ODL.Info@ageukcamden.org.uk

ODL Signposting and Information Phone or email us on 020 7239 0400 or Led by

Opening Doors London is supported by:

ODL.Info@ageukcamden.org.uk

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities.

Tuesday 1st December ODL Quarterly Group Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Interested in writing and putting together our ODL Q magazine? Put your enthusiasm to work and learn on the go. We need writers, editors, and illustrators. Help make your magazine look exciting and engaging. http://openingdoorslondon.or g.uk/newsletter/ Drop in or email us at: odl.quarterly@ageukcamden.o rg.uk 6pm – 8pm Wednesday 2nd

Men’s “Older, Gay & Positive” Group Tavis A&B Meeting Room, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. This month the group will be a games month. We’ll bring Jenga and playing cards. Please bring in your games too if you’d like. As ever, there will be the chance to chat at this support and social group for LGBT* men who are living with HIV. 6pm – 8pm Friday 4th

Anchor Housing/ ODL Mixed Art Group Chigwell Court, 99 Balance Road London E9 5SQ. 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 PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT WILL HAPPEN ON WED 9th DEC: Men’s Pimlico Social Thursday 3rd ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in Computer Suite, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Our LGBT* friendly drop-in session provides you with an opportunity to receive IT assistance and guidance from knowledgeable volunteers and

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staff. For more information please contact Tony on 020 7239 0400.

Every Thursday 10am – 1pm

Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Come in for a chat and cake at this peer led social group. Hot drinks can be purchased in the café. Please feel free to bring your own cakes and biscuits.

Every Friday 10am – 12pm Mixed ODL East Dinner Club Christmas Dinner: PLEASE NOTE ONE WEEK EARLY Positive East, 159 Mile End, Road, London E1 4AQ. £6 for a delicious meal and great company. Pre-booking is essential, please email: Nicola.Humberstone@ageukca mden.org.uk or call/ text Nic on 07538 392 104 stating your name and contact number by Monday.

Drinks: 6pm Dinner: from 6.30pm

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Dec 2015

Ends: 9.30pm Sunday 6th December One-off Outing to The Amersham Fair Organ Museum 28 Plantation Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP6 6HJ

ODL member Tony Smith is organising a visit to the Amersham Fairground Organ Museum open day and is inviting other ODL members to join him at this peer led activity. Tony says “On this visit the seven organs will be demonstrated, playing well known and lesser known tunes. Tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes (yum yum) are on sale in the museum café.” http://www.fairorganmuseum. org.uk/ http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=8QVEG2aJYEU Museum admission: free (but donations are welcome) Meeting point: by WH Smith on Marylebone station.

Meeting time: 12:30 in order to catch the 12:57 train arriving at Amersham (oyster zone 9) at 13:34.

Walking: From Amersham station, there is an approx. 3/4 mile walk to the Museum.

Toilet facilities available: In Marylebone station pub, on the train, and at the museum.

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Opening Doors London: full listings and activities.

Returning to central London: Trains from Amersham back to Marylebone run every half hour. Tony plans to get the 17:38 train which arrives back into Marylebone at 18:20.

Monday 7th Mixed Tower Hamlets ODL East Drop-in Positive East, 159 Mile End Rd, London E1 4AQ. Come and join our friendly East London afternoon social.

We will include ‘A Voice For Older People’ as a regular slot in the last half hour of our drop-ins. This is an opportunity to give your views on services in Tower Hamlets, whether you live, work, or socialise in the borough and this will be fed back to the Older People’s Reference Group.

Call Nic Humberstone on 07538 392 104 or email: Nicola.Humberstone@ageukca mden.org.uk Drop in any time between 4pm – 6pm Tuesday 8th Men’s Group Walk

December's walk will be truly seasonal. We shall do something that all but the bravest Londoners usually avoid. Our afternoon walk will be spent admiring the Christmas lights and the

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beautiful shop windows of the West End of London. Before you decide that this reckless excursion is best avoided, please understand that a secret route has been carefully planned, avoiding all the worst excesses of Oxford Street and Regent Street and concentrating on the dazzling displays in London's hidden and least known little shopping quarters that will take your breath away. We will, however, end on a traditional note at the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square and retire for coffee, mulled wine and mince pies nearby.

If you would like more info or to join the walk you can either: Text or leave a message on: 07804 329 416.

Email: odwalksgroup@gmail.com We need your full name and the name of any other Opening Doors member coming with you. Alan will then confirm meeting point details. There is room for up to 24 people.

These walks are proving popular so if you find yourself unable to come along, having booked, kindly let us know so that your place can be offered to someone else.

Arrive: 2.15pm for 2.30pm Walk from: 2.30pm – 4.30pm Men’s Group Speaker Night Henderson Court Resource Centre, 102 Fitzjohn’s Ave, London NW3 6NS (entrance on Prince Arthur Rd).

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Dec 2015

Tonight’s speakers will be Simon Casson and Ben Walters talking about the battle to save the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.

“The Royal Vauxhall Tavern has been listed Grade II by Heritage Minister, Tracey Crouch on the advice of Historic England. The first listing of its kind for a LGBTQ venue, the iconic London location has an international reputation as arguably one of the most inclusive queer venues in England, built on a tradition of hosting alternative, queer and drag performances.”

Simon Casson is the promoter for Duckie, who describe themselves as 'purveyors of progressive working class entertainment' and have held a residency every Saturday night at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern for the past 20 years.

Ben Walters is a journalist who writes about queer performance and cabaret. He was Time Out London's cabaret editor from 2009 to 2013, and produces BURN, the platform for moving images by cabaret artists. Ben is doing a PhD about Duckie for Queen Mary University and he blogs at www.nottelevision.net. Ben wrote the original application to Historic England to make the Royal Vauxhall Tavern a listed building.

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Opening Doors London: full listings and activities.

Ben and Simon are members of RVTFuture, the group that aims to eventually put the RVT into community ownership.

Read more about the campaign at www.rvt.community Festive Social 6pm – 7pm.

Some members have offered to share a bottle of wine and mince pies they will bring to celebrate the last Henderson Court Tuesday evening event before Christmas. If you would like to do the same please feel free to bring them on the night too.

Talk from 7pm. (After the talk some members also head to a local pub for a drink.)

Wednesday 9

Wednesday 9th Men’s Pimlico Social Pimlico Room, back of St. Saviour’s Church, St George’s Square, London SW1V 3QW. Friendly drop-in coffee evening. 6pm – 9pm Thursday 10th

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ODL Christmas Party 2015 hosted by The Breakfast Club The Breakfast Club, 2-4 Rufus Street, London N1 6PE The Breakfast Club are delighted to welcome Opening Doors London to their newly refurbished Hoxton cafe for the ODL Christmas party 2015.

ODL Members and Volunteers are invited to socialise, listen to music and celebrate Christmas with a complimentary glass of bubbly and canapes provided by The Breakfast Club.

Registration essential at https://odlchristmas2015.even tbrite.co.uk or by calling the office on 020 7239 0400.

Wheelchair accessibility: The

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venue is fully accessible Tube/ rail: The venue is 0.4 miles walk from Old Street Northern line underground and rail station or 0.5 miles from Shoreditch High Street rail station.

Buses: 5, 21, 76, 135, 141, 205, 243, 271 4pm – 7pm

‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in See Thursday 3rd for more details.

Every Thursday 10am – 1pm Traditional Story telling with Lindy Armah: Tavis House. 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA Come along for an afternoon of traditional winter story telling with Lindy Armah.

2:30pm – 5pm

Dec 2015

Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH The London Gay Men’s Chorus returns to the Roundhouse in collaboration with the London Gay Big Band for The Big Gay Swing! A festive night of song, swing, brass and dance – the perfect way to get your Christmas season started! The London Gay Men’s Chorus is Europe’s largest gay all malevoice choir and is celebrating its Silver Jubilee in 2016. LGMC has set aside 30 tickets for the matinee show for ODL members and our friends from the FCA lgbt* staff network are treating us to those followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Circle Bar at The Roundhouse. Registration essential at https://lgmcodl.eventbrite.co. uk or via 020 7239 0400.

Meet at 2.30pm Show starts: 3pm Sunday 13th

Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club See Friday 4th for more details.

Every Friday 10am – 12pm

Mixed ‘Second Sundays’ Social Group Chelsea Theatre, 7 Worlds End Place, Kings Road, London SW10 ODR. Join us for a delicious light lunch for £4 per person.

Members need to RSVP by Friday 11th December to Fiona: fiona.addison@ageukcamden. org.uk or call/text 07435356951 12.30pm – 3.30pm

Saturday 12th

Monday 14th

Friday 11th

London Gay Men’s Chorus for The Big Gay Swing

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Mixed Tea Line Dance Tavis House Café, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H Page 3

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities.

9NA. 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. Drinks and cakes will be provided but please feel free to bring your own to share. Please bring LGBT* friends of any age.

5.30pm – 7.30pm Tuesday 15th Mixed Exercise Walking

Explore the canal towpath from Camden towards Paddington.

Distance: 4 – 5 miles approx.

Lunch: Bring packed lunch or cash to stop in one of the shops along the route.

Meeting time: 11.30am Walk starts: Noon prompt Meeting point: Outside Camden Town tube station opposite the World’s End pub.

End point: There are a number of points to stop along the route with tube access.

End time: The walk will take approximately 2 – 3 hours followed by lunch.

Booking: No booking needed, just turn up.

Special Festive Mixed Outings in Art goes to the movies!

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The Cinema Museum, 2 Duggard Way [Off Renfrew Road], London SW11 4TH “The Cinema Museum’s fascinating and comprehensive collection covers every aspect of “going to the pictures” from the architecture and fittings of cinemas themselves to the marketing materials that promoted the films of the day”.

Join our expert guide as we tour this poignant tribute to the enduring magic of the silver screen, we finish off the visit with our very own film show, followed by coffee and cake.”

Entry: Concessions £7 Tube: Kennington or Elephant & Castle (5 mins walk) Buses: 109, 133, 155, 159, 196, 333, 415 Please text Chris for booking: 07958 257 541 Meet: 2.30pm Meeting point: Main Entrance Alternative meeting time and meeting point: For those who would like a short walk first, you can meet at 2pm in front of Metropolitan Tabernacle, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6SD opposite Elephant and Castle station/ Shopping Centre.

Wednesday 16th Mixed ODL Ealing/ West London Social and Support Group run in partnership with Age UK Ealing & Outwest.

ECIL (Ealing Centre for Independent Living Management Centre), 1 Bayham Road, West Ealing,

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Dec 2015

London W13 0TQ Home for the Holidays (1995) Number 1 in Advocate Magazine’s ten truly gay films for Xmas this drama comedy directed by Jodie Foster features some exceptionally funny performances.

All welcome. Refreshments served. For more details please contact: Derek.Freeman@ageukcamde n.org.uk 2.30pm – 4.30pm Anchor Housing/ODL Mixed Art Group See Wed 2nd for more info.

2pm – 4pm ODL Quarterly Group See Tue 1st for more info.

6pm – 8pm NEW VENUE Men’s Group Pub Social Bloc Bar, 18 Kentish Town Road, London NW1 9NX Come along to Bloc Bar this month and let us know if you’d like this to be our new monthly meeting spot. Come along for a chat over drinks.

7pm – late Thursday 17th CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* Page 4

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. computer drop-in

like to think about the question "What does bisexuality mean to you?"

Movie night: Appropriate Behaviour.

Women’s Film Night G24 Common Room. UCL Foster Court, Malet Place, (off Torrington Place), London WC1E 7JG

Home for the Holidays (1995) Number 1 in Advocate Magazine’s ten truly gay films for Xmas this drama comedy directed by Jodie Foster features some exceptionally funny performances.

HOW TO GET THERE: Come into UCL from the entrance opposite Waterstones on Torrington Place. Foster Court is on the right and half way along there is an archway also on the right, with a set of automatic double doors on the right - the Common Room is through those doors and up 3 stairs but also has step-free access.

Social: 5.30pm Film: 7.30pm – 9pm Friday 18th Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club See Friday 4th for more details.

Every Friday 10am – 12pm Women’s walking & Herstory

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Dec 2015

The Elizabeth Garret Anderson Gallery, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY (between Euston Station and the British Library).

We will visit the EGA Gallery and then stroll back to Tavis House for afternoon tea.

The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Gallery tells the story of the first woman to practise as a doctor in Britain, setting her struggle in the context of 19th and 20th century social and political history. No need to book.

Meet at the gallery: Noon Walk from gallery to Tavis House: 2pm Tea at Tavis House: 2.30pm Questions about groups, events and activities?

If there’s contact details next to the specific event you’re looking at, please use those to find out more information.

Otherwise please contact us on 020 7239 0400 or ODL.Info@ageukcamden.org.uk Monday 21st Bi Visibility Group Woburn Room, Tavis House, 16 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA Open social and discussion group for anyone who would

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

Join the Bi Visibility Group for a screening of Appropriate Behaviour. Iranian-American director Desiree Akhavan stars in her autobiographical debut feature, which takes a wryly funny look at the challenges faced by a young bisexual woman in the arenas of dating, work and family life.

This free event is open to bi people over 50 and their guests, and open to any ODL members. Light refreshments provided but please also feel free to bring and share. No need to book.

Meet: 6pm Film starts: 6.15pm Ends: approx. 8pm Thursday 24th CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: Mixed Islington Older LGBT* Drop-in London Friend, 86 Caledonian Road, N1 9DN. In partnership with London Page 5

Opening Doors London: full listings and activities.

Friend, this social group is a place to meet friends for a coffee, chat and optional board games!

2pm – 4pm CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: LGBT* Death Café Friday 25th CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: Informal Art Group Saturday 26th

Friday 1st January CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club

Would you like someone to talk to on Christmas Day? Here are phone lines of organisations you may want to call if you feel like you’d like to talk to someone on Christmas day.

Sunday 27th CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: Sunday Lunch & Film Club Tuesday 29th

Peer led afternoon meal and drinks on Boxing Day The Liberty Bounds, 15 Trinity Square, Tower Hill, Tower of London, London EC3N 4AA. ODL member Roger will be going along to this J D Wetherspoon pub on boxing day and would like to invite other ODL members to join him to socialise on Boxing Day. Drinks and meals will be available to purchase from the bar.

Menu: http://m.jdwetherspoon.co.uk /food Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible.

Start time: Roger will arrive by 5pm, but feel free to drop in any time.

End time: Everyone is free to leave whenever they wish to.

Roger will stay until at least

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8pm.

Travel: Boxing Day travel information unavailable at time of print so please check direct with Transport for London to find out what stations and bus routes will be open on the day. Nearest underground station: Tower Hill 0.1 mile away (District and Circle lines). Nearest mainline stations: Fenchurch Street (0.2 miles) or London Bridge (0.7 miles).

Dec 2015

CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: Men’s Film Night Signposting and Information Service Do you want advice? If you need help in the home, or you are confused about tax, have questions about your pension, benefits or housing etc contact our ODL signposting team at020 7239 0400 or ODL.Info@ageukcamden.org.u k.

Thursday 31st CANCELLED DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK: ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in

www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk

“The Silver Line is the only national confidential and free helpline for older people open every day and night of the year.”

Phone number: 0800 470 8090

“If there's something troubling you, then get in touch.

We're here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This number is FREE to call.”

Phone number: 116 123

Welcome to Switchboard – the LGBT+ helpline – a place for calm words when you need them most. We’re here to help you with whatever you want to talk about. Nothing is off limits, and we understand how anxious you might feel before you pick up the phone.

Phone number: 0300 330 0630

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LGBT* Befriending Scheme

• Are you feeling lonely or isolated?

• Can’t get out so easily anymore?

• Are you finding yourself spending more and more time alone?

Living in London can become a lonely experience as you get older, especially as you can’t get out and about as you used to. Having somebody to spend time with and talk to can make all the difference. The Opening Doors London Befriending Scheme might be able to help you.

The Befriending Scheme aims to reduce the stress of loneliness and isolation, increase people’s confidence and enable older people to maintain their independence. The scheme matches a volunteer Befriender with an older person for regular social contact.

So if you feel you could benefit from the regular visits of a volunteer befriender, or if you have any friends, neighbours or relatives who could benefit, or if you would like to become a Volunteer Befriender please contact the Befriending Coordinator Paul Webley on 020 7239 0400 or odl.befriending@ageukcamden.org.uk