Cricklesingers Carol Concert
Please join us for our end of year concert! Cricklesingers have been working hard on new repertoire and skills to bring you a programme that will induce Christmas cheer!
See the event page for more details.
Cricklereaders December 2025 – Julia by Sandra Newman
The last book of the year is Julia by Sandra Newman. 1984 from Julia’s viewpoint. London, chief city of Airstrip One, the third most populous province of Oceania. It’s 1984 and Julia Worthing works as a mechanic fixing the novel-writing machines in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. Under the ideology of IngSoc and the rule of the Party and its leader Big Brother, Julia is a model citizen – cheerfully cynical, believing in nothing and caring not at all about politics. She knows how to survive in a world of constant surveillance, Thought Police, Newspeak, Doublethink, child spies and the black markets of the prole neighbourhoods. She’s very good at staying alive.
But Julia becomes intrigued by a colleague from the Records Department – a mid-level worker of the Outer Party called Winston Smith, she comes to realise that she’s losing her grip and can no longer safely navigate her world.
Read along at home with us (places in the group are on hold for now but may open up again in the new year.
Cricklesingers Carol Concert
Cricklesingers have had an amazing year – so many new members have joined we’re having trouble remember one another’s names, but we’re making so many new friends – it’s fantastic.
We need new sopranos, tenors and basses – why not make it your new year’s resolution to come and sing with us every Thursday night? Apply here.
While you’re waiting impatiently for Thursday 9 January to arrive(!), come along to our Christmas Carol Concert at All Saint’s Child’s Hill and you can hear for yourself what we sound like. This free concert is hosted by the lovely congregation of All Saints. Any donations taken on the evening will go towards the Church’s Raise the Roof fund.
There will be a selection of carols and festive songs, some familiar, some possibly less so, some festive readings and some refreshments at the end. Suitable for all the family!
Christmas Family Concert with Trio Taliesin
Enjoy the magic of the Nutcracker with all the family at this special, early evening concert on Friday 20 December. The programme will include musical excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker’ (arranged for piano trio) along with some stories and interactive songs, rhythms and actions which will get the whole family involved in the music making and leave everyone feeling festive!
December’s Last Friday is Trio Taliesin
It’s a pleasure to welcome back Trio Taliesin to the library.
Join us for a Christmas concert featuring Trio Taliesin as they perform Beethoven’s Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3. Enjoy the lively Allegro con brio, the gentle Andante cantabile con Variazioni, the charming Minuetto, and the fast-paced Finale.
After a short break, listen to a selection of holiday favorites, including pieces from Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Nutcracker,’ arranged for piano trio by HJ Bosma. Featured will be the March, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Arab Dance, and the Waltz of the Flowers.
This concert offers a festive atmosphere for everyone, whether you’re a classical music fan or just looking for a seasonal celebration.
Carols by Candlelight
This year’s Carols by Candlelight will take place on Sunday 15 December, 1700-1800. As usual, there will be mulled wine and mince pies and a chance to sing the classics with all the neighbours. Please download the songbook and bring along or view on your smart device. Helps save trees.
Pilates for Health and Fitness with Sofia Ali
As a professional Pilates instructor my aim is to deliver classes to improve your posture, tone your muscles and develop a strong core. Classes will focus on the principles of Pilates: concentration, control, centering, flow, precision and breathing, enabling you to look and feel better.
Please bring a mat, and if you have them, Pilates weights, a soft ball and a resistance band.
The cafe is open after class for refreshments.
Some reviews of Sofia’s classes follow:
I had done Pilates a few years ago, and I went back to it after having backache and wanting
to get fitter. The exercises are similar to, or harder than physiotherapy. I keep going as the
classes are interesting – they change every week. We use light weights, balls and stretchy
straps. Also, the classes are not intimidating, with uber- toned people at the front. Some
participants are advanced but there is a range of abilities there, including some beginners.
However, the teacher can adjust the level for all types of students. The teacher’s tone is
lighthearted and encouraging, and everyone is progressing in flexibility, balance and
strength. In summary, the best Pilates class I have ever been to. Actually, the best all round
work out I have gone to. Loretta
My Friday Pilates has made a huge positive impact on my health and fitness. Sophia gives an
excellent mix of strength, balance & core exercises, takes time to explain moves, we all feel
safe but stretched. Ziggy
Sofia’s Pilates classes are a great combination of deep stretches and a tough core workout,
all in a lovely + lively atmosphere of collaboration and groans. There is much laughter. And
cappuccino afterwards Nikki
Yin Yoga with Ivana Zoric
Slow-paced, floor-based practice with the sound of Tibetan singing bowl, to deeply nourish and relax.
Willesden and Brent Chess Club
We are a small and friendly chess club, that welcomes people of all ages and ability and from all walks of life. We organise chess games for all levels of ability, set up club competitions and provide tuition to juniors. We also enter local chess leagues and members compete in inter-county matches.
Every Monday, except Bank Holidays, from September 1 to June 30. At Cricklewood Library, 152 Olive Road, London, NW2 6UY
Main Session (Players of all abilities welcome): 6pm-9pm
Junior Coaching: 6pm-7:15pm
Hatha Yoga with Ivana Zoric
Open Level Hatha Yoga class. Class starts slowly incorporating breath work, moving through dynamic practice with both flow and static postures, and ends with grounding relaxation. Options are offered throughout so everyone is welcome. It is also suitable if returning to yoga after a break.