Hi Members! Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and are ready for whatever 2024 has in store for us all.
Please still email John@dragonhall.org.uk while John is away as we are covering his emails. The WhatsApp/phone number is operational- 07759 646 507 and will be answered by Phil at CGCC. You can also contact Elliot – elliot@dragonhall.org.uk – especially about anything digital!

To take part in any activities delivered by Covent Garden Dragon Hall Trust and Covent Garden Community Centre – including trips and visits you need to sign up to become a member. You will also need to agree to the terms and conditions including the ‘Code of Conduct for Members’. Please click on this link to sign up for membership

We operate a Food Pantry out of Covent Garden Community Centre every Friday. If you, or any friends or family, need support due to the Cost of Living Crisis you can request support. Natalie will contact you and arrange an appointment on a Friday for you to collect an emergency Food Parcel. You can apply on this link.

We also offer One-to-One Advice Sessions with a qualified advisor from our partners Mary Ward Legal. We can cover advice on benefits, housing, debt and financial issues and other general problems. Sessions are by appointment and are an initial one hour long. They take place on Wednesdays at Covent Garden Community Centre. You can request an appointment here

WHAT’S ON…

*Line Dance CORRECTION – this class starts at 9am – Only £1 per class – 12 classes need to be booked at the same time so cost is £12 for 12 weeks of classes.  Please use this link to register for LINE DANCE and to pay your £12.  (Places Available)

Quiz Time with Viola

Monday 22nd January 13:30 to 15:00
Viola is back again and will be hosting another monthly Pub Quiz at CGCC at 7 Dials Club, 42 Earlham Street, Covent Garden WC2H 9LA. Test your general knowledge, meet new people and get free tea, coffee and biscuits. No need to book – just turn up!

The Lunch Club

19th January 2024 (Sausage & Mash). This Lunch is fully booked!
26th January 2024 (Lasagne & Salad), if you wish to book please email Phil – manager@cgcc.org.uk – places must be reserved in advance.

January Tea Dance

Saturday 20th January 2024, 13:00 – 15:30
At Covent Garden Community Centre.

Booking is essential and you can reserve your place on this Booking Form.

A Game of Whist

Monday 29th January, 1.30pm-4.30pm
A reasonable understanding of the game is required as sadly there will be no room for any tuition.
This is a game of 4 players with two pairs. A basic rule of the game requires the pairs to change after each game with some movement of players from table to table. This will be done to a lesser extent than at a Whist Drive. As a consequence, you must be prepared to partner any player in the room during the session. To reserve a space, please use the Whist Booking Form

British Museum: Legion, Life in the Roman Army.
Sunday 28th January 14:30 – this is now FULL

English National Opera – The Magic Flute – The Magic Flute Singing Sessions

Take part in The Magic Flute singing sessions led by joyful and talented artists from the English National Opera ! (Only 30 spaces available – all 3 dates need to be attended to be eligible for a ticket, priority is given to residents of Westminster and Camden – however residents of other boroughs will still be included).

This winter, the English National Opera are visiting a range of groups across Westminster and beyond and will then be inviting everyone for a large community sing along on the Coliseum stage. Sessions will offer gentle warm ups, connecting body and mind and an exploration of the timeless themes and music of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Participants will also get a chance to hear operatic singing up close with opera singers singing especially for them.

No prior singing experience is needed – sessions are all about embracing the sheer pleasure of singing together. Join us for a collective celebration of music and community on the following dates :

Session 1 : Friday 2 February, 14.30-16.30, Covent Garden Community Centre @ Seven Dials Club, 42, Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LA

Session 2 : Friday 1 March, 14.30-16.30, Covent Garden Community Centre @ Seven Dials Club, 42, Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LA

Session 3 : Friday 22 March, 10.00 – 12.00 at the London Coliseum (arrival from 9.30).
This session will involve other community groups and will be an opportunity for everyone to sing on the Coliseum stage !

Everyone taking part will also be invited to watch the full production of The Magic Flute at the
ENO, London Coliseum.

Click this link to attend this workshop with ENO

COMING SOON…

We have applied for tickets to see the following two operas at ENO. We only have 29 tickets to each of these. Please express your interest in attending on the ENO Booking Form.

Please note that not everyone who applies will get a ticket and that it is unlikely that anyone is able to attend both operas.

The Handmaiden’s Tale

Thursday 1st Feb 2024 at 7:30 at The London Coliseum
A powerful story of courage and survival in the face of repression, The Handmaid’s Tale opera is based on Margaret Atwood’s major novel of the same name. Poul Ruders’ opera features a score that draws on medieval chants and gospel music. Together with a minimalist libretto by Paul Bentley, this production captures the dissonant brutality of the Republic of Gilead.

Barber of Seville

9th February 2024 at 6pm at The London Coliseum

Bribery, deception and disguise: The Barber of Seville tells the story of two young lovers and their quest to be together. Main character Figaro needs all his wiles to help the Count outwit Dr Bartolo and ensure true love wins the day. With memorable arias, captivating music and a delightful blend of humour and romance, The Barber of Seville is easily one of composer Rossini’s most popular works.

Forthcoming Activities

January 2024

Monday
10:00 Line Dancing (On Zoom)
12:00 – 15:00 Badminton (at Dragon Hall – Free)

Tuesday
10:00 – 12:00 Jewellery Class (at CGCC – 2 spaces available)
12:30 – 13:30 Qi Gong (at CGCC – starts 16 Jan 24)

Wednesday
10:00 – 11:00 Yoga (at Dragon Hall – £5.00)
11:15 – 12:15 Pilates (at Dragon Hall – £5.00)
14:45 – 15:45 Tai Chi (at CGCC)

Thursday
10:00 – 12:30 1-1 Digital support (at CGCC, Free, booking essential)
12:00 – 13:00 Flamenco (at Dragon Hall – £5.00)
13:00 – 16:00 Badminton (at Dragon Hall – Free)

Friday
12:00 – 14:30 1-1 Digital Basics at CGCC, Free
12:00 – 14:00 Lunch Club (at CGCC – Starts Friday 12th Jan, booking essential)
Last Friday in the month at Dragon Hall is LB Camden Council Surgery – from 18:30 to 20:00. Councillors are available. Drop in to these sessions.

Christmas Lunch – December 2022

Contact John at john@dragonhall.org.uk or 07759 646507 in case of an emergency. 

Be safe – and remember to laugh at the little things!