Our Events
April 2026
Tai Chi classes take place every Friday at the Essex Unitarian Church, 112 Palace Garden Terrace, W8 4RT at 11 a.m. - 12:15 pm
Chair Exercises take place every Monday afternoon at Binbrook House, Sutton Way, Dalgarno Gardens, North Kensington, W10 5HF and Cremorne Sheltered Housing, Jean Darling & Chelsea Farm Houses, Milman Street, Chelsea, London, SW10 0BY
Art Classes Every Monday at Cremorne Sheltered Clubrooms. Please call 0203 719 4954 to book.
Stay Independent Online: Free Digital Help for the Over 50s: Friday 17th April at 2-3:30 pm. Brompton Library, 210 Old Brompton Road, SW5 0BS.
The History of the Orient Express: Opulence, Innovation, and Intrigue: Thursday 23rd April at 2-3:30 pm. Holy Trinity Sloane Square, 146 Sloane Street SW1X9BZ
The Story of Antibiotics: From Ancient Origins to Modern Medicine: Thursday 30th April at 2-3:30 pm. St Mary Abbots Centre, Vicarage Gate W8 4HN
Tai Chi classes take place every Friday at the Essex Unitarian Church, 112 Palace Garden Terrace, W8 4RT at 11 a.m. - 12:15 pm
Chair Exercises take place every Monday afternoon at Binbrook House, Sutton Way, Dalgarno Gardens, North Kensington, W10 5HF and Cremorne Sheltered Housing, Jean Darling & Chelsea Farm Houses, Milman Street, Chelsea, London, SW10 0BY
Art Classes Every Monday at Cremorne Sheltered Clubrooms. Please call 0203 719 4954 to book.
Stay Independent Online: Free Digital Help for the Over 50s: Two Fridays a month at the Brompton Library, 210 Old Brompton Road, SW5 0BS.
Christopher Head: The Kensington Mayor Lost on the Titanic. Thursday 14th May, 2pm. Holy Trinity Sloane Square. Edward Head (often remembered as Christopher Head) was a respected London figure who served as Mayor of Kensington during the late 19th century. At a time when Kensington was emerging as one of London’s most prominent and affluent districts, he played a role in shaping its civic identity and governance. Like many local leaders of the era, he was part of a well-established social circle that combined public service with business and social influence. In April 1912, Head travelled as a first-class passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic, one of the most luxurious ships ever built. The Titanic’s maiden voyage attracted wealthy and notable individuals from across Britain and beyond, and Head was among those making the transatlantic journey, likely for business or personal affairs. On the night of 14–15 April 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and began to sink in the North Atlantic. Despite the ship’s reputation for safety, there were not enough lifeboats for all on board. Head, like many men in first class, did not survive the sinking. His death became one of the many personal tragedies within the larger catastrophe of the RMS Titanic sinking, which claimed over 1,500 lives. Although not as widely remembered as some other Titanic victims, Head’s story reflects the profound reach of the disaster—it affected not only ordinary passengers but also figures of civic importance. His life as a former mayor and his death aboard the Titanic link local London history with one of the most famous maritime tragedies in the world. Today, his story endures as a reminder of how the Titanic disaster touched communities far beyond the ship itself, including the borough of Kensington where he once served.
Breaking the Silence of Overthinking: Thursday 21st May at 2-3:30 pm. St Mary Abbots Centre, Vicarage Gate W8 4HN. In this insightful talk, John Black explores overthinking as one of the most common yet overlooked barriers to wellbeing. He explains how repetitive thought patterns can quietly drain energy, undermine confidence, and keep individuals stuck in cycles of worry, indecision, and self-doubt. Rather than framing overthinking as a personal flaw, John presents it as a natural response shaped by the subconscious mind, where habitual thought loops develop over time. By understanding these patterns, individuals can begin to loosen their grip and regain a sense of control.
A key focus of the talk is identifying the triggers behind overthinking. John highlights several common causes, including:
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Perfectionism — the pressure to get everything “right”
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Fear of failure — avoiding decisions to prevent mistakes
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Uncertainty — struggling with lack of control or clarity
He explains how these factors interact with the subconscious, reinforcing
cycles of rumination that can feel automatic and difficult to escape.
What sets this talk apart is its strong emphasis on actionable strategies.
John offers practical techniques to help interrupt overthinking patterns,
including:
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Building awareness of thought loops
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Using intentional focus to redirect the mind
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Applying simple grounding and reflection exercises
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Developing self-trust to support clearer decision-making
Through relatable examples and guided approaches, attendees learn how to quiet mental noise and create space for clarity and calm. More than a theoretical discussion, this talk provides a pathway out of mental overload. John’s message is ultimately empowering: overthinking is not something to fight against, but something to understand and gently reshape. Whether the goal is greater peace, improved productivity, or a stronger sense of purpose, participants leave with tools to move forward with confidence — breaking free from the cycle of overthinking and stepping into a more focused, balanced way of living.
Our speaker, John Black is a qualified psychotherapist with a rich professional background rooted in education and safeguarding. Before moving into therapy, he spent many years in secondary education, working as an Assistant Headteacher and training teachers, with a strong focus on children’s welfare. Witnessing a significant rise in anxiety among young people led him to retrain as a therapist, where he now supports individuals of all ages. Through his practice, Beechwood Therapy, John works with a wide range of issues including anxiety, PTSD, phobias, pain management, and weight-related challenges. His approach combines professional expertise with a calm, compassionate presence that resonates strongly with audiences.
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Tai Chi classes take place every Friday at the Essex Unitarian Church, 112 Palace Garden Terrace, W8 4RT at 11 a.m. - 12:15 pm
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Chair Exercises take place every Monday afternoon at Binbrook House, Sutton Way, Dalgarno Gardens, North Kensington, W10 5HF and Cremorne Sheltered Housing, Jean Darling & Chelsea Farm Houses, Milman Street, Chelsea, London, SW10 0BY
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Art Classes Every Monday at Cremorne Sheltered Clubrooms. Please call 0203 719 4954 to book.
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Stay Independent Online: Free Digital Help for the Over 50s: Two Fridays a month at the Brompton Library, 210 Old Brompton Road, SW5 0BS.
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A Brief History of Truth: from Socrates to Trump: Thursday 11th June at 2-3:30 pm. Holy Trinity Sloane Square, 146 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9BZ.
Stress and How to Deal With It: Thursday 21st May at 2-3:30 pm. St Mary Abbots Centre, Vicarage Gate W8 4HN.
This practical and engaging talk explores the nature of stress and its impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. It explains how stress often arises from everyday pressures — such as work demands, personal responsibilities, and uncertainty — and how, if left unmanaged, it can affect mood, health, and overall quality of life.
The session focuses on helping individuals recognise the early signs of stress and understand their personal triggers. It introduces simple yet effective techniques to manage stress, including relaxation methods, breathing exercises, and mindset shifts that promote resilience and balance. With a strong emphasis on real-life application, the talk equips attendees with tools to stay calm under pressure, improve focus, and build healthier coping strategies. Ultimately, it encourages a more mindful and proactive approach to handling stress, enabling people to feel more in control and better supported in their daily lives. Our speaker, John Black is a qualified psychotherapist with a rich professional background rooted in education and safeguarding.
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Our welcoming volunteers provide practical, one-to-one support in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you're new to technology or just need help with specific tasks, we’re here to help you build confidence and stay connected.
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During the session, volunteers can support you with everyday digital skills, including:
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Using smartphones and tablets
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Sending emails and browsing the internet
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Accessing online services and websites
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Learning the basics of using a computer
What to expect
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Friendly volunteers offering patient support
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A relaxed, welcoming learning environment
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Library laptops available to use
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Option to bring your own device (phone, tablet, or laptop)
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Whether you want to learn something new, solve a tech problem, or simply build confidence online, this club is a great place to start.
In this fascinating talk, we explore the rich history of the Orient Express—a symbol of elegance and adventure that has captured imaginations for over a century. From its groundbreaking beginnings in the late 19th century to its role in shaping European travel, the Orient Express redefined what it meant to travel in style. Discover how this iconic train connected continents, inspired famous works of literature, and became synonymous with glamour and intrigue. Along the way, we’ll uncover the innovations that made it possible, the cultural impact it left behind, and the secrets that still surround it today.
Discover how ancient remedies led to life-saving modern antibiotics in this fascinating and engaging talk. From Ancient Egypt to Modern Times: The Story of Antibiotics: antibiotics have transformed the course of human history, saving millions of lives and revolutionising healthcare as we know it. Infections that were once fatal can now be treated quickly and effectively, making modern surgery, childbirth, and everyday medical care far safer. Yet the roots of these life-saving treatments go back much further than the 20th century—reaching as far back as the healing practices of the ancient Egyptians, who unknowingly harnessed natural substances with antibacterial properties.
In this fascinating and accessible talk, Dr Peter Altman takes you on a journey through time, tracing the development of antibiotics from early empirical remedies to one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs in history. Central to the story is the discovery of penicillin—how it was found, how it works to kill bacteria, and how it changed the world almost overnight. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the science behind antibiotics, explained in a clear and engaging way without requiring any specialist knowledge.
Blending historical storytelling with scientific explanation, this talk not only uncovers the origins of antibiotics but also highlights their continuing importance in modern medicine. It offers a deeper appreciation of how these remarkable drugs work and why they remain one of our most powerful tools in the fight against disease.
Whether you have a keen interest in science, history, or simply enjoy learning something new, this talk promises to be both informative and entertaining—bringing to life a subject that has shaped the world we live in today.
About the Speaker – Dr Peter Altman
Dr Peter Altman is a retired biochemist and highly experienced speaker with a passion for bringing science to life. His mission is not only to educate but also to entertain, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable for all audiences.
Our speaker is Kevin Brown, a Trust Archivist to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Curator of the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum. He set up the hospital archives in 1989 and established the Museum in 1993. He studied history at Hertford College, University of Oxford and qualified as an archivist at University College London. Kevin has an expertise in the history of health and medicine and has had seven books published on different aspects of the subject, starting off with his biography of Alexander Fleming. . More recently he has published a book on Titanic which takes a different and new approach to the subject showing how the events of one night reveal a society and its attitudes. He has been invited to give lectures all over the world. He was the first historian and non-scientist to deliver the Andrew J. Moyer Lecture at the United States Department of Agriculture in 2001. He has also been an enrichment lecturer on cruise ships. His audiences of all ages and all levels are varied from universities, schools, after dinner speaking, professional bodies to social clubs.
This talk explores how the concept of “truth” has evolved over time, tracing its journey from ancient philosophy to the modern political landscape. Beginning with thinkers like Socrates, it examines how early ideas of objective truth and rational inquiry laid the foundation for Western thought. As the talk progresses, it highlights key shifts through history — including the rise of scientific reasoning, the influence of media, and the growing complexity of information in the digital age. The discussion ultimately arrives in the contemporary era, referencing figures such as Donald Trump to illustrate
how truth has become increasingly contested, shaped by opinion, narrative, and the rapid spread of information online. Blending philosophy, history, and current affairs, the talk offers a thought-provoking look at how our understanding of truth has changed — and challenges audiences to reflect on what truth means in today’s world.
Our speaker is Dr. Blay Whitby who is a philosopher and ethicist concerned with the social impact of new and emerging technologies. His work has done much to increase informed debate on ethical dilemmas posed by new technology in social and domestic settings. Recently retired from full time lecturing at Sussex University, he is a regular speaker in academic, commercial, military, and community settings as well as having participated in several high impact science/art collaborations.
May 2026
June 2026
