In recognition of their unstinting support and dedication, The Settlement’s Management Committee has awarded its first ever Honorary Fellowships to eight members who, the Committee felt, had exceeded all normal expectations in the performance of their roles.

Those recognised include the last person to hold the post of Warden of the Settlement who continued to work prodigiously for the organisation following his retirement, two former Management Committee Chairs, a retired Manager, a retired tutor and three former Committee Members, two of whom were still volunteering right up to this year despite standing down several years ago!

Our current President has completed 10 years as Treasurer and three as President and though he has kindly agreed to stay on for another three years, the Committee felt it appropriate to award him the Honorary Fellowship now to acknowledge his long and dedicated service.

The Fellowship comes with a special certificate and includes Life Membership and free attendance at any Settlement evening or lunchtime lecture.
Pam Burn, current Chair of the Management Committee explained: “The Settlement has relied heavily on the generosity and support of key individuals who, over the years, have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure our success.

“The award of Honorary Fellowship goes some way to recognise and celebrate the efforts of these big hearted Settlement supporters who have made such a difference.”
Recipients this year are Roy Evans, John Bird, Pat Ellis, Carola Garvie, Pat Large, Val Aitken, Sarah Carrick, and Ken Woodruff.

Pam added: “The Settlement owes a huge debt of gratitude to these people and in several cases, we owe our very survival to their hard work during in some very difficult times. Such commitment is rare but I feel sure there will be others who, in time, will also qualify for what we intend will be a truly meritorious award.”

Festive fun continues at The Settlement with some colourful workshops ahead of Christmas.

On December 13th Helen Allen returns for an evening of creating a couple of long lasting floral gifts as presents or personal treats. No previous experience of flower arranging is required as full guidance will be given.

The session runs from 7-9pm and costs just £35 which includes all materials.

Then on Thursday December 14th we are hosting another cake and craft event this time focusing on Christmas Icing with Tracey Merryweather.

Enjoy friendly company as you create icing penguins and other seasonal designs for cakes and puddings. The workshop will consist of colouring techniques and modelling hints to help you along the way.

For further information visit the ‘work shop’ section of our website or contact the office on 01462 682828.

The autumn term begins at Letchworth Settlement on September 11 with the most diverse range of courses, lectures and workshops on offer in recent years.
As part of the drive to attract new faces as well as old friends, The Settlement is also excited to host a special talk on September 29th by former MI6 boss Sir Richard Dearlove that explores the threats that have faced the UK in recent years and into the future.
Sir Richard was head of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), a role fictionally known as “M” and actually, though informally, as “C” from 1999 until 6 May 2004 and he offers a fascinating insight into the world of espionage and counter terrorism.
Tickets for the lecture cost just £10. Doors open at 7.30pm with the action starting at 7.45pm. For booking visit www.letchworthsettlement.org.uk or ring the office on 01462 682828.
In the meantime we still have spaces on a variety of courses which range from modern languages for beginners to literature, Victorian Crime and Punishment, flower arranging and sociology.
Sonia Weston, Settlement Manager explained: “The majority of our courses are taught at The Settlement, but we are always keen to try new ideas. For example our ‘Art and About’ course in Cambridge will be done on location with our expert tutor Sarah Burles who is both an art historian and Cambridge graduate.
“Closer to home there are some fascinating special interest courses which explore a range of subjects including French architecture, Art and the Garden and the Silk Roads. We are proud of the wide range of courses we have on offer this year and have worked hard to make our prices as competitive as possible.”

Just as the ink starts to dry on The Settlement’s new 2017/18 course brochure, details of an exciting and diverse range of summer workshops and lectures are revealed.

Devised to encourage creativity and provoke debate, the sessions run during August and can be booked either via the office on 01462 682828 or online at www.letchworthsettlement.org.uk . Details can also be found listed in the events section of our Face Book pages https://www.facebook.com/LetchworthSettlement/
From workshops on Lino Printing, Applied Arts and Rag Rugs to lectures on Canaletto, British Treasure Hoards, Architecture and English Customs there is plenty on offer for those looking to try something different this summer.

Settlement Manager Sonia Weston said: “We know how busy people get and these lectures and workshops have been designed for those whose time is limited but who want to have a go at a new skill or learn about something of interest. Equally for those curious about The Settlement, attending one of these sessions will give you a better insight into what we do.”

She added: “Of course our new autumn term begins in September and we have a record number of courses on offer this year. You can pick up a course brochure at Letchworth Library, David’s or from the Local and Tourist Information Centre in Station Road.”

As part of our continued drive to raise funds, a number of big hearted Settlement supporters have kindly agreed to open their garden gates to the public on two key days in June 2017.

On Sunday June 18 and Wednesday June 21 from 1.30pm until 5pm the following houses will be receiving visitors. There will be refreshments on offer.

20 and 22 Hitchin Road, Letchworth Garden City
23 and 67 Baldock Road, Letchworth Garden City
17 Sollershott West, Letchworth Garden City

Tickets are priced at £4 and can be purchased at any of the addresses on these dates and used to access the remaining properties.

Our sincere thanks to those householders who are supporting this important initiative.