Calico Libraries invites writers from across the borough and beyond to enter its inaugural writing competition!
We’re seeking short works of fiction (1,500 words or fewer) responding to the theme Imagined Worlds. Whether your story explores a reimagined reality, a speculative future, or an entirely original landscape, we’re looking for creative and distinctive interpretations of the theme.
Winning and highly commended entries will be published both in print and online, and will each receive a contributor copy of the physical pamphlet.
Submissions are open from 1st November until 31st December!
For submission guidelines and to submit your work, please visit calicoprojects.com/calico-creative-writing-competition/
All at sea in the digital world? Tangled up in the world wide web? Broken down on the hard shoulder of the information superhighway?
Catbytes Digital Community are here to help! Every Saturday from 10 to 12, we’ll have a table set aside for a drop-in clinic with a friendly expert. Whether you’re trying to complete an online form or use your personal devices, struggling with a website or confused about app permissions, come on by and we’ll take a look.
No need to book a space, no charge – just turn up with your problem and any devices you might need help with. You can access the internet through the library computers if necessary.
Join us at Sydenham Library from 4:00-5:30pm on Tuesday 25th November for a crafty wellbeing workshop inspired by this month’s Front to Black book group read. Through arts, crafts, and crochet, we’ll explore the threads that connect us across time, place, and experience!In partnership with Spectra (https://spectra-london.org.uk/), drop in to chat with the team about your wellbeing, create, and connect – everyone’s welcome!
This event runs prior to the Front to Black book group, which begins at 5:30pm. Join us for either part of the evening, or both!
Free, all materials provided. 18+. More information and tickets available via Eventbrite. (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/front-to-black-craft-workshop-book-club-tickets-1680273054939?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&_gl=1*176y8st*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTQ4Mjc2NTEwNS4xNzYyNTIwMTU3*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3NjI1MjAxNTckbzEkZzAkdDE3NjI1MjAxNTckajYwJGwwJGgw)
“I learnt about aspects of writing that I’d never considered before – as someone who has taken a lot of writing courses, I didn’t expect so much that was new. It was just what I needed.” – Liz BarnesFour creative writing courses, each with 6 weekly 2-hour classes. Sessions feature author excerpts, 20–25 minute writing exercises, discussion, and time to share work. Writers with or without current projects will benefit. Weekly homework set. Suitable for prose writers and poets alike.Authors include Kei Miller, Tim Winton, Margaret Atwood, Jeanette Winterson, Andrea Levy, Helen MacDonald, Jo Shapcott, Tim O’Brien, Tracey Emin, and more.
Course 1: Creative Writing Essentials – fantasy, imagery, dialogue, theme & voice.Course 2: Character & Fiction – characterisation, backstory, structure, setting.Courses 3 & 4: Tailored Topics – chosen by the group, such as memoir, poetry, suspense, endings, and more.£135 per course. Some concessions available.Book here:https://beccaleathlean.co.uk/product/course-3/ (https://beccaleathlean.co.uk/product/course-3/)https://beccaleathlean.co.uk/
Front to Black is a free Black literature club launched by Naz Project London in association with Calico Projects.
Front to Black meets on the last Tuesday of each month at Sydenham Library from 5:30-7:30pm. Copies of each month’s book will be available from the library for reference and to borrow beforehand (you will need a library card). You do not need to have finished the book to attend – this will not be a not be a seminar-style analysis, but a welcoming exploration of ideas and thoughts.
Please note: whilst Front to Black is targeting Black and other Global Majority individuals to give them a vital space to explore the black experience through literature, share their experience and how they connect to each chosen work – we welcome all to participate in these conversations!
Front to Black is suitable for 18+. To book your free slot and find details about each month's book, please visit >> Naz Events (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/naz-93669326393)
(https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/naz-93669326393)
Therapeutic yoga classes – accessible to all. Cathy offers the full range of yoga techniques- posture,pranayama ( breathing practices), mantra , mudra and yoga nidra.All equipment provided.6 classes for £80 FREE TRIAL CLASSOr £15 drop in ( if there are spaces )This includes access to zoom classes in addition to live classes.Thursday mornings9.30 – 11amTerm time onlyTo book your space please contact cathynewsam@googlemail.com
Join us on Wednesday’s at 11am for Rhyme Time, a led singing session. Suitable for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.Term time only
Therapeutic yoga classes – accessible to all. Cathy offers the full range of yoga techniques- posture,pranayama ( breathing practices), mantra , mudra and yoga nidra.All equipment provided.6 classes for £80 FREE TRIAL CLASSOr £15 drop in ( if there are spaces )This includes access to zoom classes in addition to live classes.Thursday mornings9.30 – 11amTerm time onlyTo book your space please contact cathynewsam@googlemail.com
Are you looking for an easy, feel-good way to refresh your little one’s wardrobe — without scrolling endlessly or hitting five different charity shops? EZEL KIDS invites you to our monthly clothing swap-shop & coffee morning — a cosy, community-led event where you can:Swap preloved children’s clothes (0–18 months)Enjoy homemade buns and proper coffee — made by Beth (of Breid, Rosslyn Coffee, and Chatsworth Bakehouse)Connect with other local parentsBring stained clothes for a communal natural dye pot (limit 3 items — give them new life with a fresh hue!)Support sustainable, slow fashionWe’ll also be topping up the swap rails with vintage & second-hand gems from EZEL KIDS.How to take part:Bring up to 10 good-quality children’s items to swap (washed and ready to go)Bring up to 3 stained items for the communal dye potSuggested donation: £6 (pay what you can) — covers coffee, buns, and dyeing materialsLimited spaces — booking helps us prep enough food & drink!Come for the swaps, stay for the coffee, leave with new threads and new friends!Book your place via Happity or ask at the library front desk.
Join Louise Lambert Yoga for a community beginners yoga class starting on Thursday 3rd April. This is a pay what you can afford session, suggested donation £5.
Please bring a yoga mat.
