Absolute Beginners Drawing and Painting

Would you like to learn to draw and paint?

If you are a Rusty Returner or have not done any art since schooldays, join our NEW Tuesday sessions. No experience required!

Learn the basics from scratch – how to draw items and make them look 3D!

Take the mystery out of mixing colours – no more wobbly drawings or muddy paintings!

All materials will be provided for the first session. Francine, our very patient and experienced tutor will show you what you need for future sessions.

Tuesdays 9, 16 and 23 April (more dates to come)

12.15 – 2pm

£15 per session

Booking essential

To reserve your space and how to pay

Please email Francine@artsplashlondon.co.uk

Line Dancing with Donna

What better way to keep fit than by dancing with Donna? Those of you who have tried Donna’s seated exercise at the library on Monday mornings will know she’s a brilliant, upbeat teacher and great dancer. If you’re feeling the beneficial effects of seated exercise and want to take your fitness journey up a knotch, this is perfect for you. It’s also just great fun for those who just like a good bop of an evening. Why not come along and try it out?

Places are limited, because the room is not huge, so you MUST have a ticket to attend to attend. Until funding comes through there will be a small charge for this class but we hope to make it free in a few weeks.

Entry to the activity room at the back of the library will be via the side passage, to avoid disturbing the Writers Group. Please arrive from 1850.

Line Dancing with Donna

What better way to keep fit than by dancing with Donna? Those of you who have tried Donna’s seated exercise at the library on Monday mornings will know she’s a brilliant, upbeat teacher and great dancer. If you’re feeling the beneficial effects of seated exercise and want to take your fitness journey up a knotch, this is perfect for you. It’s also just great fun for those who just like a good bop of an evening. This is a free taster. We hope if it takes off, it will become a free, or very low cost regular class. Why not come along and try it out?

Places are limited, because the room is not huge, so you MUST RSVP to attend.

Entry to the activity room at the back of the library will be via the side passage, to avoid disturbing the Writers Group. Please arrive from 1850.

 

February’s Last Friday is Kuma Lisa

Kuma Lisa has recently grown from a songwriting duo into a four-piece band, featuring vocals tinged with lyrical piano, jazz and folk-rock influences, with Bulgarian roots. Formed in Walthamstow, London, with original members from the Netherlands (Rob Stutterheim) and Bulgaria (Mariana Bogdanova), the band now play with UK-born double bassist Julia Doyle and drummer Peter Udall.

In 2012, the band appeared live on BBC London with Simon Lederman and in 2013 played on BBC6 Music’s ‘Tom Robinson Introducing’ with Dance of the Fly (mixtape Fresh on the Net). In 2014 the debut album Kuma Lisa was launched at the Vortex Jazz Club in Dalston. Other locations have included St Moritz Club Soho, The Troubadour, the Library in Islington, and St Mary’s Church Walthamstow.

Following a four-year break where life temporarily took us to different locations, the band reformed in 2019, and released the single All the Luck in 2021. In October 2023, a folk-rock collaboration between Kuma Lisa and friends led to the release of four-track EP Furniture Talkback.

Their latest EP Birds in Wells is a moody dream scape of energies, moving through themes of surrealist contemplation of pressures to perform in life (Working at the Circus), disillusionment and coping with being let down (Promised You a Diamond) and visions of landscapes for human effort (Sand Sea).

Recorded at Studio45 in London and mastered at Camden Records, the three-track EP will be released 31 January 2024.

Doors open 1900, music starts 1930. There will be pizzas!

Tickets

CrickleUkers Comes to the Library

It’s what you’ve all been waiting for – a local ukulele jam, at your favourite library, right on your doorstep.

Yes, that’s right – from Friday 1 March, (7.30-9pm) we’ll be running a monthly drop in ukulele jam for anyone with a yearning to play the world’s cutest instrument. It really is possible to pick up a uke and play a song with only three chords, within the space of an hour and a half. If you don’t believe me, come along and find out.

We have about 7 ukes you can try, so you’re welcome to come along and take a chance on getting one, or dig out the uke you bought in lockdown and dust it off and come along. We have some spare tuners too, so we can get yours tuned up and ready to rock it out.

We have two volunteer jam leaders – Brendan and Alvaro – who will get the tunes going and lead the playing.

Gwan – you know you want to! Head over here to reserve your free place.

March’s Last Friday is a Flute and Piano Recital

March’s live music event is a chance to hear a flute and piano recital.

Sarah and Oli began performing as a Duo when in May 2023, due to illness, Sarah found herself short a pianist for an imminent recital. Oli stepped in and due to excellent sight-reading skills and knowledge of the flute repertoire, did a fabulous job. They have been performing recitals together since then, across London’s churches, libraries and care homes. This is their first recital together of 2024, exploring flute and piano music by female composers from France, Italy and the USA.

Moondance – Learn a Choreographed Dance Every Month

Looking for a fun and exciting way to stay active in 2024? Why not try our monthly choreographed dance class, led by Pilates teacher and running coach Sofia Ali?

This friendly and welcoming group class is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to dance to the latest and greatest pop songs.

The step-by-step instruction makes it easy to follow along and learn the dance at your own pace. And you don’t need any fancy dance gear – just wear comfortable clothes and trainers or soft shoes to move around in.

During the class, we’ll warm up, learn the steps in sections, and then put the whole dance together. It’s a great way to get fit, have fun, and meet new people. And with a new dance each month, you’ll never get bored!

All are welcome, regardless of age or experience level. Let’s dance our way through 2024 together!

Which day/time would you prefer, from the following possible options?

Mondays 1900-2000 (last week of the month)

Thursdays 0845-0945 (last week of the month)

Email us to let us know.

Trustee Open Evening 15 February

At Cricklewood Library, we are currently seeking individuals who are passionate about our library and wish to contribute to its continuous growth and success. We believe that libraries are integral parts of any community, not only as a source of knowledge and information but also as a gathering place for people of all ages. We invite you to become a part of our mission to ensure that Cricklewood Library continues to serve its community effectively.

Trustee Open Evening on 15 February

We understand that the role of a trustee may sound intimidating. To help you get a clearer idea of what it entails, we have arranged a Trustee Open Evening on the 15th of February. Scheduled from 6-8pm, this is a perfect opportunity for you to learn more about the responsibilities and rewards of becoming a trustee. You’ll get a chance to meet our current team and ask any questions you may have.

Skills and Experience Needed

We value diversity and believe that everyone has something unique to bring to the table. However, we are particularly interested in people who have skills and experience in the following areas:

  • Legal
  • Facilities Management
  • Volunteer Management
  • Small Business
  • Community Engagement

If you have experience in any of these areas, or even if you’re just passionate about our library and its role in the community, we would love to hear from you.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in becoming a trustee, or simply want to find out more about what it means to volunteer, we invite you to book a space for our Trustee Open Evening. You can do so by visiting the following link:

We look forward to welcoming you to our library and celebrating the important role that trustees play in its success. Remember, your contribution can make a huge difference to the library and the community it serves.

Cricklesingers Needs You

If you’re a someone who loves to sing, we invite you to join our choir! Singing in a choir is not only a fun and enriching experience, but it also has numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that singing in a group can lower stress, boost mood, and improve breathing and posture. Plus, being a part of a choir allows you to connect with other people who share your passion for music and performance. We welcome singers of all levels and backgrounds, so don’t hesitate to join us and become a part of something special. Let’s make beautiful music together!