Roots to Remedies: A Medicinal Talk by Resident Artist Becky Ullah
Join us on the 17th July when one of our Resident Artists, Becky Ullah will be giving a free talk on her medicinal series of artworks. Think all plant-based medicines are just herbal remedies? Through her art, Becky reveals how many modern prescription drugs originate from plants—some still harvested today. In her Medicinal Botanical Collection, […]
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
This iconic building came perilously close to collapse in the 1990s owing to its inadequate foundations. An international team of engineers succeeded in saving it, but the road to salvation was far from smooth.
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY – LETCHWORTH
🎤 A brilliant night of stand-up comedy featuring Garrie Grubb, Mary Bourke, Arthur Smith & MC Gary G Knightley 🗓 Saturday 19 July 2025, 7–10pm 🚪 Doors open at 6:15pm 📍 229 Nevells Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4UB 🔞 Ages 18+ 💸 Refunds available up to 7 days before the event Join us for […]
Writing Convincing Dialogue
‘A good story is life with the dull parts taken out.’ Alfred Hitchcock Great writers write great dialogue – they know what to leave in and what to leave out. They know dialogue is a valuable instrument in their writers’ toolkit. We will discuss its functions, consider extracts from published works and practise writing effective […]
Dynasty: The Shape of Chinese History
Chinese history for over 2,000 years has been all about the rise and fall of successive dynasties. The empire was founded around the same time as the Roman Empire and it collapsed not long before the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Then, unlike Rome, it rose again - and again. This lecture examines the […]
Introduction to Watercolours
This 2-hour workshop is aimed at those who have never used watercolours before or those who want to start with some basic skills. We will discuss how to choose between the materials: paper, brushes and paints. We will cover 8-10 different skills, making a reference swatch pad that you can refer to at home as […]
Sixty years on: was 1965 music’s best ever year?
Sixty years ago, the music world was on the crest of a creative wave unlike any experienced before or since. Bob Dylan forsook folk music to go electric while the Beatles made Rubber Soul, their most mature album yet. Motown put black music centre stage as never before while the likes of Dusty Springfield, the […]
Tai Chi & Qigong: Swords & Fans
This two hour taster session of Tai Chi Sword (Jian) and Tai Chi Kung Fu Fan will give those students who have already gained experience of the Tai Chi Hand Forms a chance to extend their practice of Tai Chi principles in ways that will enhance and perhaps challenge their applications of the movements. For […]
Victorians: Power and Corrupt Politics
Learn how Victorian voters could be corrupted. Who could vote? Which political parties were involved? Who became MPs? Which issues gave rise to reform and how were they suppressed? What events were happening at the time? Who was involved? What tactics were employed? Is it all about money and/or power? Drawing from recently published diaries […]
Painting Animals in Acrylic
Learn how to use acrylic paints to create realistic images of animals. This course covers painting birds, horses, dogs and cats but all animals and pets can be visualised.
Art Nouveau and its National Varieties
This talk reviews the development of various national varieties of Art Nouveau at the turn of the 20th century. It also points out the connections and differences between Art Nouveau and the national varieties of what became known as Art Deco in the 1920s.
Make a Country Frame Basket
Make a willow frame basket for harvesting garden produce, foraging or collecting eggs. In this workshop you will make an ancient style of basket by constructing a frame with hoops, traditional bindings and ribs, followed by lots of weaving. You will learn the principles of strength, balance and tension that help shape your basket. Completed […]
Collage Workshop with Callum Abbott
Join artist Callum Abbott for his collage workshop, where he will be showing you a variety of 20th century collages as well as his own artwork as preparation to create your very own collage! Beginners welcome, all you need is a pair of scissors and some glue and feel free to bring along your own […]
The 1960s and the birth of modern protest
The 1960s were a tumultuous decade in American social and political history, marked by a rising culture of protest that reshaped the way Americans engage with their political process. This lecture will explore how the civil rights movement, Vietnam War demonstrations (both pro- and anti-), and an emergent youth culture ushered in novel forms of […]
Map as Art; Art as Mapping
Maps can be very beautiful, and many, over the centuries, have been considered to be art. More recently, contemporary art has adopted mapping – its conventions, aesthetics and ways of representing the world and orienting ourselves in it - in its own spatial explorations. This talk will be an introduction to this journey from map […]
Threads of Confidence: Patchwork & Quilting for Every Level
Join Sheena Roberts for this fun one day workshop. Suitable for all. Find out more at https://bit.ly/4kY5UP7 NB you will need to bring your sewing machine & pedal, and don't forget your lunch !
Willow Bread Basket Workshop
Suitable for beginners, this workshop will teach you traditional stake and strand weaving to make a small basket for serving bread or storing foods such as eggs or fruit. You will learn how to make a base, add stakes and weave the siding using techniques that include pairing, waling and English randing. The basket will […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Dating Buildings by Eye
Have you ever wandered down a picturesque high street or through a lovely old church and wondered what the architecture around you was telling you? In this two-hour session we will cover the basics of dating English buildings by eye, identifying the clues that will reveal a structure’s age, and taking a glance at the […]
Make a Crown Book
Discover how you can make a small crown book which can be used as a folio to store prints, postcards or notes. This book is made from just two pieces of card/paper. It can be adapted to different sizes. In the workshop you will make a crown folio. You will also make an example which […]
Easy Rider and American Graffiti (A Classic Albums soundtrack special)
Released four years apart and aimed at young Americans disaffected by the Vietnam war and the Nixon years, Easy Rider and American Graffiti were seminal films on so many levels, and their use of rock music to comment on or amplify the narrative re-defined what a movie soundtrack could be. In this next instalment in […]
An introduction to Classical Studies
An introduction to Classical Studies: the Ancient History and Civilisations of the Greeks and Romans from the perspective of many different disciplines, including architecture, archaeology, art, drama, literature, philosophy, politics, religion, social history, and much more.
90s Britpop Night 96rpm
The Settlement brings you a nostalgic night of live Britpop music by local lads 96rpm. A full bar including some juicy beers provided courtesy of Letchworths legendary independent brewers, Garden City Brewery. Bucket hats, baggy jeans and wet look hair gel (not) compulsory.
Watercolours
This opportunity is for anyone wishing to explore watercolours, from beginner to the more experienced painter. We will be looking at different theories, and practical applications, exploring this versatile medium. We will find our preferred technique and develop our personal style. From portraits to florals, landscapes to botanical, we will delve into subjects working from […]
Get Writing for All – Monday Morning
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Get Writing for All – Tuesday Morning
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Get Writing for All – Tuesday Afternoon
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Woven Tapestry
Learn woven tapestry skills at your own pace. A course perfect for learning the basics in tapestry weaving and for further developing skills and woven tapestry knowledge. Choose from a selection of projects aimed at various skill levels from beginner to improver. Lucy will work with you to help you develop your weaving and design […]
Get Writing for All with Adrian Poynton – Tuesday Evening
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
The Structure of Iconic Buildings
Once a building is finished, each visitor is happy enough to form his/her own impression of it. But the work of the engineers, which made the architect's vision a reality, continues invisibly to support that structure, whether it be Ancient, Medieval or Modern. With knowledge of that structure comes understanding (and even love) of the […]
Get Writing for All – Wednesday Morning
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Contemporary Basketry for all abilities
This mixed-ability basketry course is contemporary in its’ approach and will use a wide variety of natural materials. Beginners will start with simple forms on which to explore a range of basic techniques and material processes. Improvers will build on their experience thus far, learning to manipulate and apply basketry techniques to new and sometimes […]
Get Writing for All with Adrian Poynton – Wednesday Evening
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Singer-songwriters of the 60s & 70s
From very different musical backgrounds, singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Randy Newman brought a powerful mix of storytelling, social commentary and self-exploration to the music scene in the late 60s and early 70s. In this short course we revisit their work and dip into the albums of contemporaries like Carole […]
Classical Studies
Classical studies involves looking at the ancient Greek and Roman world from the perspective of many different disciplines, including architecture, archaeology, art, drama, literature, philosophy, politics, religion, social history, and much more.
Myth in Greek Tragedy
Myth in the tragedies of Aeschylus, Euripides and Sophocles
Watercolour and Ink
This 2-hour workshop will focus around creating fun, beautiful loose watercolour artworks finished off with some fine pen details to create some quick, punchy, fun artworks to take home. We will learn how to apply minimal colours in selected areas but with enough interest to draw the eye. There will be some splatters, some colour […]
Crochet for Beginners & Improvers
Discover the relaxing craft of crochet, ignite your creativity and learn how to make blankets, scarves and hats, as well as baskets and decor for the home. In this 7-week course you will begin your crochet journey by learning how to select the best yarn, hook and basic stitches. New stitches and techniques will be […]
Exploring Mixed Media
Join artist Callum Abbott on a journey to find freedom through art, develop your own personal style and learn how to combine mediums and materials to create unique works of art. We will be exploring abstract drawing, collage and painting and will delve into colour, composition and technique.
Forensic Psychology
This course will explore how psychology can be used to understand criminal behaviour. For instance can offender profiling be useful in identifying an offender? What causes a person to become a criminal – is it their biology or their environment? What is the best way to deal with offender behaviour, for instance do prisons work? […]
Abstract Painting
Each lesson begins with an approachable practical experiment that is later developed using various materials such as acrylic paints, watercolours, pen and ink and collage. All will be demonstrated to understand how the materials can be used in each session and constant guidance will be given throughout the course. Contemporary artists are introduced and discussed […]
Writing your Memoirs
Have you thought about writing your life story but are concerned that you will not know how? If so, this course is for you. In a supportive atmosphere, you will be offered suggestions designed to give you confidence in writing even if you have never done anything like this before. You may find that this […]
Drawing for Improvers
This improvers course will give you the opportunity to further practise those skills learnt through the beginners’ course. Your Tutor will send you information and a video tutorial on the Tuesday and completed artwork should be photographed and returned prior to the next weeks lesson for feedback given in video format.
Patch to Quilt – Build your quilting confidence one stitch at a time
A relaxed, informal class to learn the skills of machine patchwork and quilting and add a little design pizazz along the way! A range of techniques will be covered including rotary cutting, getting the best from your sewing machine, colour choices, machine piecing and quilting, and basic construction methods. There will be a fresh project […]
Applied Arts
This Art Club focuses on experimentation with a wide range of materials and mixed media. Taught by Chantelle Stephenson, a local artist and established tutor at the Settlement. She will provide inspiring ideas and direction on technique. Each class begins with demonstrations, and you are then encouraged to develop ideas and allow your work to […]
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
To mark the 250th anniversary of her birth we will be studying closely this beloved novel which the author herself suggested might be "too light, bright and sparkling." Is such a thing possible? The novel is a masterpiece, much imitated and often adapted, drawing us in from the famous opening line. Let's meet Elizabeth and […]
The Sketchbook
The Sketchbook course is an ideal course for anyone wishing to explore an idea or theme in greater detail. The course will allow you to develop drawings, prints and painting studies in an array of different mediums and techniques all guided by the tutor throughout. You will be given a hardback concertina sketchbook to develop […]
The Poetry of Seamus Heaney 1966-75
Seamus Heaney is probably the most renowned British poet of the past fifty years. His writing is moving, profound and linguistically extraordinary. This course will explore his first four collections of poetry, from ‘Death of a Naturalist’ to ‘North’. We will discuss individual poems and their context as well as looking at common themes and ideas.
KEYNES and his ECONOMICS
Keynes is considered one of the most influential economists of the 20th century, and his ideas have had a significant impact on modern economic policy. During this five-week course, we will look at his extraordinary contribution to government policy over the decades, and at the rise and fall of the popularity of his ideas and […]
Lino Cut
Learn how to use linocut tools to explore the possibilities of print. Each week of this course will offer you new inspiration, guiding your journey and building your skills in the exciting world of printmaking. From studying Picasso to pattern design, from incorporating text to learning the reduction technique, during each session you'll design, carve […]
Yoga
This yoga class will serve as an introduction, each week building on what is learned. Sessions will consider the underlying philosophy for up to 15 minutes, continue with an exploration of poses and flow, and end with a relaxation
Patch to Quilt – Build your quilting confidence one stitch at a time
A relaxed, informal class to learn the skills of machine patchwork and quilting and add a little design pizazz along the way! A range of techniques will be covered including rotary cutting, getting the best from your sewing machine, colour choices, machine piecing and quilting, and basic construction methods. There will be a fresh project […]
Portraiture
Portrait painting is becoming increasingly fashionable in the art world. There are many painting styles that can render a stunning portrait. Settlement tutor Komathy is introducing this portraiture course to teach how to paint portraits in oils. Komathy will provide guidance as you start your own painting. She will teach quick painting methods, how to […]
Oil Painting
The Thursday afternoon oil painting group is a lively, approachable and unique class. Students are encouraged to build and respond to their own natural strengths and focus on building their own unique style within the painting process. Each student shall shape a diverse narrative from their own sources of inspiration, from their own sketches, photography […]
The Unification of Germany, 1789-1871
This ten-week course will examine how the multitude of small states on the eve of the French Revolution were transformed into a German Empire dominated by Prussia. To what extent was nationalism central to this process or was it mainly due to the iron and blood of the Prussian economy and army, masterminded by Bismarck. […]
Woven Tapestry
Learn woven tapestry skills at your own pace. A course perfect for learning the basics in tapestry weaving and for further developing skills and woven tapestry knowledge. Choose from a selection of projects aimed at various skill levels from beginner to improver. Lucy will work with you to help you develop your weaving and design […]
Watercolour: Freestyle Portrait Painting
Portrait painting is becoming increasingly fashionable in the art world. There are many painting styles that can render a stunning portrait. Moving away from more traditional techniques in oils, Settlement tutor Komathy is introducing this portraiture course to teach how to paint portraits in watercolours. Komathy will encourage experimentation and your own creativity while providing […]
Chinese Brush Painting: Flower and Bird
Suitable for beginners and improvers. In this module we will be looking at Chinese flower and bird compositions and the way in which they are represented in Chinese art. We will learn the techniques for representing some of the traditional Chinese flowers and birds and the traditional compositions.
Still Life Drawing Club
Vanessa has been running a Still Life Drawing Club for the last three years in Newark on Trent and brings this monthly club to the Settlement. The club focuses on bringing out each person’s individual style by everyone working from a still life arrangement of fascinating objects and given the freedom to respond in different […]
Wrest, Women and Inheritance
Wrest Park in Bedfordshire is now known for an important 18th Century landscape garden; what is less know is the role that women owners had in creating and preserving it. We will look at how these ladies came to inherit the estate and what they did with it.
Introduction to Watercolour
This 2-hour workshop is aimed at those who have never used watercolours before or those who want to start with some basic skills. We will discuss how to choose between the materials: paper, brushes and paints. We will cover 8-10 different skills, making a reference swatch pad that you can refer to at home as […]
Settlement Sessions: Hebridean Fire
Multi-instrumentalists, Elsa McTaggart and Gary Lister, from the Isle of Lewis take you on an eclectic musical journey through the Islands and Highlands of Scotland past and present. Expect soulful laments, high-energy, beautifully arranged sets of jigs, reels, and traditional songs with plenty of laughter, joy and warmth. Doors and the licensed bar will open […]
Still Life Drawing Club
Vanessa has been running a Still Life Drawing Club for the last three years in Newark on Trent and brings this monthly club to the Settlement. The club focuses on bringing out each person’s individual style by everyone working from a still life arrangement of fascinating objects and given the freedom to respond in different […]
Watercolour layers in plants
In this 2-hour watercolour workshop we will focus on building up depth in plants and foliage through watercolour layers. Looking at how underpainting affects the colours you lay on top and how to create deeper contrast in your plants. This is aimed at those who are beginners with watercolours, but want to progress beyond the […]
Still Life Drawing Club
Vanessa has been running a Still Life Drawing Club for the last three years in Newark on Trent and brings this monthly club to the Settlement. The club focuses on bringing out each person’s individual style by everyone working from a still life arrangement of fascinating objects and given the freedom to respond in different […]
Settlement Sessions: Cut the Mustard
Join Martin Kaszak and Dave Oxley. An eclectic folk/blues duo with their own distinctive style. Their rich powerful voices are accompanied by a host of instruments including a 1930's National Steel Guitar.
Festive Wreath Workshop
Create your own country style, beautiful festive wreath including a selection of decorations and ribbon. Could be door hung or used as a table decoration for advent. Long lasting.
Festive Table Arrangement
Create your own country style, beautiful festive elongated table arrangement using sustainable materials and a selection of decorations. Long lasting to see you through the festive season! This makes a great crafting day out combined with the morning wreath making.