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2016 Opening Doors London May groups and activities Turn over for news about exciting next steps for Opening Doors London. Highlights of the month… Tuesday 3rd May: Mixed Exercise Walking: The Hampstead You May Not Know. 4th May: Players from Royal Albert Hall at Lumen Café Sunday 8th May: Mixed 'Second Sundays' Social Group Tuesday 10th May: Men’s Group Walk, Twickenham Riverside Tuesday 17th May: Mixed Exercise WalkingThames Estuary Discovery Walk Stage 1. Wednesday 18th May: NEW EVENT, Mixed Pub Club: Ye Olde Rose & Crown, Greenwich. Tuesday 24th May: Gentle Stroll and Picnic at Kennington Park Friday 27th May: Mixed Outing in Art: Central St Martins Degree Show, Central St. Martins Building, Kings Cross
Opening Doors London: www.openingdoorslondon.org.uk
For information about groups and activities please contact us on: 020 7239 0400 or ODL.Info@ageukcamden.org.uk twitter.com/OpeningDoorsLdn facebook.com/openingdoorslondon
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Opening Doors London is supported by:
ODL.Info@ageukcamden.org.uk
Opening Doors London: full listings and activities.
May 2016
Exciting Next Steps for Opening Doors London – Manager and Trustees appointed Please give a warm welcome to Alice Wallace the new Opening Doors London Manager starting on 3rd May. Alice has a background in LGBT organisations, community development, grants administration, mental health and public health. She has worked for both voluntary and statutory organisations and freelance. Opening Doors London is becoming a charity in its own right. It will not be fully independent; instead ODL will be a subsidiary charity of AUC – this will better reflect its London-wide work (of national significance) and help with fundraising but continue to give ODL AUC’s support services. It is intended that the new charity will be operational on 1st July 2016 when the staff and funding are scheduled to transfer. Company registration for ODL was achieved on 14th April and the company is now applying for charity status. ODL’s first directors/trustees will be: • Nominated by AUC Board – Janet Guthrie (Chair of AUC) and David Mitchell (AUC trustee, also an ODL Ambassador); • Independent of AUC – Julia Shelley, Annie Southerst (also an ODL Ambassador), Andy Woodfield, Professor Jeffrey Weeks. In Board composition, as well as technical skills, consideration was given to having: a majority of older people; a majority of those identifying as LGBT (but “straight allies” also viewed as important; gender balance. There is also provision for a further 3 trustees (e.g. to fill skills or diversity gaps) and there may yet be more appointments. Gary Jones, Age UK Camden CEO and Opening Doors London Company Secretary
Monday 2nd May CANCELLED due to Bank Holiday: Mixed ODL Tower Hamlets drop in. the next meeting will be on 6th June and Kate will attend to answer questions raised in the April meeting. Tuesday 3rd May Mixed Exercise Walking: The Hampstead You May Not Know.
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Michael will guide us as we stroll and enjoy lesser known parts of Hampstead, including a visit to see the free entry Gardens at Fenton House and Golders Hill Park and learn of some of its history and famous previous residents. The straightforward journey is less than two miles but the route will extend so as to match walkers interests.
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Meeting location point: Hampstead tube station. BUSES 268 & 603 Walk start time: 11.30 am (prompt) Walk end time (approx.): 1.30pm End location point: Golders Hill Park- Bus 210 and 268 or Golders Green Station No booking necessary. Wednesday 4th May Players from Royal Albert Hall visits us at Lumen Café
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Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. Room, back of St. Saviour’s Church, St George’s Square, London SW1V 3QW. Friendly drop-in coffee evening. 6pm – 9pm Lumen Café, 88 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RS Let musicians from Albert’s Band take you on a nostalgic journey through the back catalogue of incredible songs that have been performed at the Royal Albert Hall by artists including Dame Vera Lynn, Sir Tom Jones, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra. All who attend will receive a special souvenir brochure containing the words to all of the songs and photos from the Royal Albert Hall archive. Lumen Café will offer discounted tea for 50p and filter coffee for 80p. Booking essential: online at http://odl1.eventbrite.co.uk or on 020 7239 0400. Transport: 0.3 miles from Russell Square underground station or 0.4 miles from King's Cross St. Pancras London station. Social starts: 2pm Band starts: 3pm Ends: 4pm or 4.30pm 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 Men’s Pimlico Social Pimlico
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Thursday 5th May ‘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 staff. For more information please contact Tony on 020 7239 0400. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm Friday 6th May 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
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and then taking a short walk to Chelsea Theatre at 1:30pm for a performance presented by Tom Marshman: Kings Cross (Remix) – working title – uncovers the hidden histories of LGBT communities in London during the 1980s through memories of the Kings Cross area.
Following the performance Tom will lead an after show discussion. Optional lunch at the Mona Lisa Cafe 12:30-1:30pm 417 King's Road London, SW10 0LR Theatre Performance and afternoon tea at Chelsea Theatre 1:30-3:30pm 7 Worlds End Place, Kings Road, London, SW10 0DR The booking for Mona Lisa Cafe will be made on Friday, 6th May at 5pm so please RSVP before then to Fiona: fiona.addison@ageukcamden. org.uk or text/call and leave a message: 07435356951. Monday 9th May
Sunday 8th May Mixed 'Second Sundays' Social Group We'll be meeting at the Mona Lisa Cafe for lunch at 12:30pm
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NEW EVENT Bridge and Scrabble Club Lumen Café, 88 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RS On the second and fourth Monday of the month the wonderful Black Olive Cooks at the lovely Lumen Café will Page 3
Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. provide space for ODL members to play Bridge and Scrabble. If you’d like to join in a game of Bridge just bring two packs of playing cards, a pen and scrap paper. Scrabble boards will be provided. Lumen Café are offering ODL members discounted tea for 50p and filter coffee for 80p. Beginners welcome. 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. 2pm – 4pm Peer led coffee and tea social at The Breakfast Club in Battersea Rise
Mixed Tea Line Dance
Tavis House Café, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 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. Please bring LGBT* friends of any age. 5.30pm – 7.30pm Tuesday 10th May
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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 Speakers Night Henderson Court Resource Centre, 102 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, London NW3 6NS. (Entrance on Prince Arthur Road)
Men’s Group Walk Twickenham Riverside The Breakfast Club, 5-9 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG 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. 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. 4 – 6pm
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There's more to London's premier leafy suburb than rugby and it's only 20 minutes from Waterloo. Let us take a walking tour of Twickenham's historic town centre and its delightful riverside. Behold Eel Pie Island, marvel at Church Street, thrill at Orleans House, be impressed by the Town Hall of the London Borough of Richmond on Thames in York House and discover some of Twickenham's secret corners, including its astonishing naked ladies. If you would like more info or to join the walk you can
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Mosaic Youth Centre Manager Lukasz Konieczka will be talking about the Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre. Mosaic offers support, education, social space and empowerment for young people aged 13-19 who identify as being part of the LGBT+ family or are questioning their sexuality or gender identity. Social 6pm – 7pm Talk from 7pm Wednesday 11th May Mixed Islington Older LGBT* Drop-in London Friend, 86 Caledonian Road, N1 9DN. Page 4
Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. In partnership with London Friend, this social group is a place to meet friends for a coffee, chat and optional board games! 2pm – 4pm Green-Man Drop in at the Green Man (Phoenix Community Housing) 355 Bromley Road, Catford, London, SE6 2RP This is a social drop-in where we meet and chat and share information for LGBT* people about what’s happening in and around Lewisham and across London. ODL will be there supporting older LGBT* people! We look forward to meeting old members and new. 6pm – 8pm Thursday 12th May ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in See the first Thursday of the month for more details. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm Friday 13th May Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club See first Friday of the month for more details. Every Friday 10am – 12pm ‘’What goes best with a cup of coffee? Another cup’’ Henry Rollins Mixed ODL East Dinner Club: Positive East, 159 Mile End Road, London E1 4AQ. £6 for
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delicious meal. Pre-booking is essential, please RSVP to Fiona: Fiona.addison@ageukcamden. org.uk or text or call 07435356951 stating your name and contact number by Monday 11th-5pm 6.30pm – 9:30pm
May 2016
tides that way. The estuary is vital for wildlife especially wildfowl, who enjoy feeding on the muddy areas. It will be worthwhile bringing binoculars as it is interesting to spot the subtle variations between gull species and identify the other wading birds.” Clive
Monday 16th May Bi the Way Woburn Room, Tavis House, 16 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA The over 50's Bi group 'Bi the Way' welcomes Jeremy 'Jezza' Donovan to our meeting. Jezza is a creative freelancer who often works for Diversity Role Models delivering workshops in schools about gender and sexual diversity, and acceptance of those realities. He's joining us on the 16th May to speak about that, along with other anecdotes and to help facilitate a general discussion about being a 'role model' Bi the Way warmly invites you to join us for a friendly evening of chat and tea. 6pm – 8pm Tuesday 17th May Join Clive as he starts a three day journey along the Thames Path Walk. “The 7.5 mile walk shall be completed in 3 different leisurely stages, taking time to enjoy all the great variety it offers. Hopefully we will be able to enjoy it at both high and low
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Mixed Exercise Walking: Thames Estuary Discovery Walk Stage 1.
See the cannons and outside features at the Firepower Royal Artillery Museum the world’s oldest military museum. The Thames path later opens out to become more natural. Walk towards Thamesmead Pumping Station, and then return to Woolwich via Plumstead on the 177 bus at Crossway Nickleby Close. It is Steak Night at Weatherspoon’s Great Harry pub for those who so choose. Walk: 3 miles Start: 11.30 am prompt Meeting point: Gatehouse building on Beresford Square, opposite Woolwich Arsenal on DLR station Miles: 3miles Wednesday 18th May Mixed West London Group (Ealing) run in partnership with Age UK Ealing and Outwest ECIL (Ealing Centre for Page 5
Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. Independent Living Management Centre), 1 Bayham Road, West Ealing, London W13 0TQ
8ER. (Ten minutes’ walk from Greenwich station.) Social group to meet in a lovely pub in the heart of Greenwich village. 7pm – 9pm or later Thursday 19th May
Carol (2015) 1h 58min Ambushed by a sudden attraction, aspiring photographer Therese (Rooney Mara) and elegant housewife Carol (Cate Blanchett) gravitate inexorably towards each other, despite the threat their connection poses to both courageously defying the suffocating conformities of mid-century America. Refreshments and a chance to meet old and new friends. All welcome. For more details please contact: Derek.Freeman@ageukcamde n.org.uk 2.30pm – 4.30pm 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 to 4pm NEW EVENT Mixed Pub Club: Greenwich Ye Olde Rose & Crown 1 Crooms Hill, London SE10
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‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in See the first Thursday of the month for more details. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm Women’s Film Night G24 Common Room, UCL Foster Court, Malet Place, (off Torrington Place), London WC1E 7JG Of Girls and Horses (2014) Director Monika Treut’s lesbian coming of age drama about the strength and beauty of girls & horses. Rebellious Alex is running out of chances, so her parents send her to work for the summer at a horse ranch in the German countryside. It is initially Alex’s worst nightmare as she is forced to work hard and care for something other than herself. When Kathy, a shy girl, arrives at the ranch she ignites feelings in Alex that go beyond friendship. As Alex grows closer to Kathy, and learns to look after the beautiful horses around her, Alex begins to grow up and feel hopeful for the future. 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
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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: 7pm Friday 20th May Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club See first Friday of the month for more details. Every Friday 10am – 12pm Sunday 22nd May Sunday Lunch & Film Club Henderson Court Resource Centre, 102 Fitzjohn’s Ave, London NW3 6NS (entrance on Prince Arthur Road). Join us for a lovely home cooked lunch. Cost £5. Film: TBC Booking for lunch essential, NB- please advise when ordering if you would like the meat or vegetarian option and if you have any food allergies. Please note the new RSVP arrangements: RSVP by Friday, 20th May to Melvyn: text or call and leave a message 07398992128. Start: 12pm Lunch: 1pm Film: 2pm Monday 23rd May NEW EVENT Bridge and Scrabble Club Lumen Café, 88 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RS Page 6
Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. See second Monday of the month for details. 2pm – 4pm 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.u k Tuesday 24th May Gentle Stroll and Picnic at Kennington Park
ODL member Tony Smith is organising a picnic at Kennington Park, and invites other ODL members to join him at this peer led activity, hopefully on a sunny afternoon. Location: Picnic area at Kennington Park, Kennington Park Rd, London SE11 4BE How to get there: Oval Station (northern line), buses include 3, 36, 133, 155, 185, 436 Walking: From Oval station, diagonally over the crossroads, then keep the park fence on your right until you reach the entrance. Passing the wooden shelter on your right, head for the café, a white painted building (picture above); the
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picnic area is just beyond the café. (distance 1/4 mile) Toilets: There are toilets in the park. What to bring: Food and drink to share, picnic plates, cups and cutlery as needed, a cushion to sit on, and your pet dog. In case of rain: We will adjourn to the Wooden Shelter, previously noted Information and map of park: http://www.kennington park.org/ By all means join in with the people using the keep fit equipment! Those of you with long memories will remember Gay Pride marches ending here in the late 1980s. Time: 2pm - 4pm (or later) “I wandered lonely as a cloud, That floats on high o'er vales and hills” William Wordsworth Men’s gentle exercise class Henderson Court Resource Centre, 102 Fitzjohn’s Ave, London NW3 6NS. (Entrance on Prince Arthur Road). 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).
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May 2016
All about Eve (1950) 2h 18min An ingénue insinuates herself in to the company of an established but aging stage actress and her circle of theatre friends. Writer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz Stars: Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders Social: 6pm Film starts: 7pm Wednesday 25th May Mixed Islington Older LGBT Drop In: London Friend, 86 Caledonian Rd, N1 9DN. Mixed older LGBT space provided jointly by Opening Doors and London Friend. Come and meet friends for a coffee and chat. 2:00pm – 4:00pm Thursday 26th May ‘Rainbow Surfers’ older LGBT* computer drop-in See the first Thursday of the month for more details. Every Thursday 10am – 1pm Friday 27th May Mixed Friday Coffee and Cake Club See first Friday of the month for more details. Every Friday 10am – 12pm Informal Art Group: Tavis House 1-6 Tavistock Page 7
Opening Doors London: full listings and activities. Square, WC1H 9NA 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. Contact Kate for more details. 12.30pm – 3pm Mixed Outing in Art: Central St Martins Degree Show Central St. Martins Building, 1 Granary Square, Kings Cross, N1C 4AA
Join the gang for a self-guided tour through this amazing building which is at the centre of the remarkable renaissance
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of King’s Cross and will give you the chance to spot the art stars of the future. Central St Martins has been at the forefront of the creative life of London for over 100 years and is regarded as one of the most influential Art Colleges in the world, graduates have included Sade, Gilbert & George, Anthony Gormley, John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. Entrance: Free Meeting point: Main entrance Meet: 2.15pm
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
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