



Fairkytes is a friendly, sociable centre for all ages and interests from music, dance and drama to pottery and painting.
Most workshops run for ten weeks from the start of each term, although you are welcome to join most of them at any time. Start dates and term lengths are subject to change at short notice, so please check before booking.
Our welcoming and helpful staff are available to show you round during opening hours. Phone 01708 456308 for more information.
FAIRKYTES ARTS CENTRE
w 51-59 Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1AX
w 01708 456308 w fairkytes@havering.gov.uk
w www.havering.gov.uk/fairkytes
w Facebook: www.facebook.com/fairkytesartscentre
w Twitter: www.twitter.com/fairkytesarts
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 9am-10.30pm
Saturdays (school term time only) 9am-4.30pm
Sundays 9.30am-1.30pm
Other times by arrangement (additional fees apply).
Closed on all public holidays.
Using pencils, water colour, acrylic and oils, learn basic techniques or hone already existing skills, designed to suit all abilities for hobbies and beyond. Subjects covered include landscapes, portraits, still-life, wildlife, pets and people, the only limit is your own imagination! Beginners welcome.
w Mondays 7.30pm-9.30pm
w Tuesdays 10am-12pm
w Tuesdays 1pm-3pm
w Wednesdays 1pm-3pm
w Thursdays 10am-12pm
w Thursdays 1pm-3pm
10 weeks cost £70.00
An informal art class in which Nursen will guide you with your paintings and drawings. Ages 50+.
w Mondays 10am – 12pm
For cost and more information, contact Nursen on 07890498407, email nursen-i@hotmail.co.uk or visit www.nursenart.com
Sarah Sparkes
Create both hand and machine sewn quilts, cushions and other patchwork items, both for yourself and as gifts. Both classes are suitable for beginners as well as more advanced quilters.
w Tuesdays 10am -12pm 10 weeks cost £70.00
For more information, visit Sarah’s website: www.tortoisecrafts.uk
With Lindsay Matthews
A purpose run group for people with special educational needs and disabilities (S.E.N.D.)
w Fridays 2pm - 4pm
Cost £8.00 per week
Lindsay Matthews
Handbuilding and sculpture classes (the potter’s wheel isn’t taught). Learn the three handbuilding techniques: pinching, coiling and slab rolling. You can choose to join in with group projects (covering anything from sculpting animals and people to making bird feeders or a pagoda lantern). Alternatively, you are welcome to work independently on your own ideas. Experiment with techniques like sgraffito and use different materials to create texture as well as using sprig molds. Glazes and oxides are available for you to decorate your work.”
w Wednesdays 7.30 - 9.30pm
w Thursdays 10am -12pm
w Fridays 10am -12pm
10 weeks cost £80.00 fair
With Nichole Goodison
Friendly beginner sewing classes. Gain confidence and get creative making clothing, soft furnishings and upcycling. Learn about patterns, fitting and alterations.
w Tuesdays 10am - 12.30pm
w Thursdays 7pm - 9.30pm
w Saturday 1pm - 4pm
Call for details 07947399647 info@elashacreations.com www.elashacreations.com
Home sewing is currently enjoying a revival – let experienced tutor Carol Allen guide you through pattern cutting, fitting and making up, alterations, repairs, making soft furnishings, and more. Please note you will need to bring a sewing machine with you to the class.
w Fridays 1pm - 4pm
3 session term costs £31.50
4 session term costs £42.00
Lessons take place once per month.
JoyZ Sewing Circles, where you can “Discover the Joy of Sewing”. Bring your sewing machine, and with your ideas, my sewing experience, guidance and encouragement, together we will bring your projects to life. All abilities are welcome.
w Mondays 9.45am - 12.45pm
w Mondays 1.30pm - 4.30pm
w Tuesdays 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Call 07522844909 or email patriciajm001@gmail.com for details.
With Richard Manley
Learn to play for fun or work towards a professional qualification. All music genres and techniques taught from beginners to advanced. Graded exams from 1 to 8 are available through the Trinity College London syllabus. For more information please contact Richard on 01708 451652
Please see the entry in the children’s section.irkytesarts
With Michelle Manley
Learn piano, flute, recorder or music theory. Beginners to advanced. ABRSM music exams are available for those who are interested in taking the grades.
For more information please contact Michelle on 01708 451652
With Andrew Rothwell
We look at art and listen to music of all sorts and from all ages and then discuss. The choice of subject is based on anniversaries and exhibitions. w Tuesdays 10am – 12pm
£100 cost per ten weeks
For more information contact Gill Blake on 07788751407 or email arwb@aol.com
with Mrs E Allen BA (Hons) MBACP NCPS (Accred)
Counselling in a confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life, providing both short and long term therapy to adults and children using a variety of modalities and creative approaches.
Daytime and evenings cost £60 per session
More information at eeacounsellingservices.co.uk
For a free confidential initial chat, telephone 07598 678004
With Claire Huzzey BA (Hons) MBACP (Accred) PNCPS (Accred)
Claire is a qualified accredited Integrative Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor. Within counselling sessions, she uses a combination of therapeutic approaches including Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamics, offering you a safe confidential space to explore what is affecting you. Claire combines different techniques and interventions to create the most effective therapy for your needs. She offers a free telephone consultation to discuss your needs.
w Monday to Friday 9am – 3pm or 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Contact Claire for more details on 07508524408 email claire@serenitycounsellingservice.co.uk or visit www.serenitycounsellingservice.co.uk
Danielle is a person centred Counsellor who offers a collaborative and supportive relationship where you can explore what worries, issues, thoughts and feelings you are experiencing. I offer a confidential space where you will be listened to with empathy and warmth. Danielle offers a free introductory call to see how you can work together.
Wednesdays and Thursdays, daytimes and evenings
For more information contact Danielle on 07912316377 or email danielletorrancecounselling@gmail.com4
As an integrative psychotherapist, Manjula offers a safe, confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgment. Drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, each session is tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual. The focus is on creating a supporting environment that fosters self-awareness, emotional healing and personal growth.
w Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm
w Saturday 9.30am to 11.30am
For more information call 07984373354 or email mindspacetherapy.counselling@gmail.com
With Pam Trott
Learning and understanding how to use our own abilities and senses to connect to spiritual energies, life after Earth death, soul journey. Living true spiritual, loving and giving with fellow Earth people. Learning your own purpose of life on Earth. How to give comfort to fellow people through spiritual message and healing.
w Alternate Thursday evenings 7pm-10pm
Contact Pam on 07949038550 or email pamtrott@hotmail.com
With Virginia McGowan-Brown
A regular Pilates class will improve your health and wellbeing. Classes are fun and friendly and you can try a class for £5 before signing up for a regular place. The classes consist of low impact yet strong mobilising and lengthening exercises that improve posture, release tension, boost energy and strengthen your body. Your mobility and strength will improve noticeably after just a few weeks.
w Wednesdays 9.15am-10.15am And 10.30am-11.30am
For enquiries and bookings call Virginia 07766528216, email virginia@acclaimpilates.co.uk or visit www.acclaimpilates.co.uk
With Kim McClean
Strong and Steady follows the FaME programme. Do you want to get up, stay up, and live your best life? Regain control of your wobble. Gain movement range. Bend, reach and carry better. Build muscle for resilience. Kim is a fully qualified postural stability instructor (PSI) and can help you to learn how to regain balance, retrain reactions, get up from the floor, feel confident walking, feel stronger carrying, and feel “you can”.
w Mondays 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Sessions paid for in advance, call for details.
Please contact Kim to check suitability and reserve a space. Call 07776213764 or email kim_dance17@live.co.ukfairkytesarts
With Laura Wilkins
A fun and inclusive class suitable for all. Seated exercises.
w Wednesdays 10am-11am (term time only)
£5.00 pay as you go.
For more information call Laura on 07941060512
With Dawn Pellicci
Come and join us on a Sunday morning in the most beautiful surroundings for Yoga for All at 10am. We provide a safe space for people of all abilities to practice. You will leave feeling rejuvenated and better connected to your body – treat yourself to some ‘me’ time!
w Sundays 10am-11am
£15 pay as you go
Visit @stilldawnyoga on Instagram for more information
With Chloe Newman
Harness your life force energy with group yoga classes (a fusion of Kundalini and Hatha) with a cool vibe, suitable for beginners. Studio 1 is beautifully lit and we have medicine music and incense to enhance the experience. Expect movement, mantra, breathwork & meditation all in one class. Be prepared to float out! Monthly Soundbaths: lay down and be immersed in the healing therapy of gongs, crystal healing bowls and other instruments. Come with an intention and begin your healing journey today.
w Mondays 7.30pm - 8.30pm w Wednesdays 7.30pm - 8.30pm
£13.00 drop in or £10.50 if block booking.. Free tasters available.
Contact Chloe on 07986524346 or email chloenewmanyoga@gmail.com or visit chloenewmanyoga.co.uk
With Michelle Spencer
Michelle’s gentle yoga classes are designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their level of ability or experience.
Through a series of slow-paced and gentle movements, you will learn how to breathe deeply and mindfully, while promoting flexibility, strength, and relaxation.
w Mondays 7:15pm - 8.15pm
w Tuesdays: 7pm - 8pm
w Wednesdays: 9:30am-10.30am (followed by optional coffee and chat)
w Thursdays: Calm Club 7pm-8pm (Breathwork, very gentle yoga and guided relaxation)
w Fridays: 9:30am - 10.30am
w Saturdays: 10am-11am (Women only - Midlife and Me)
For more details or to book your class, please go to www.anahatayogawithmichelle.co.uk/book-online
Cost: £13 PAYG; different class passes are available to purchase
To contact Michelle, email anahatayogawithmichelle@gmail.com
A fun, creative art workshop where children can explore and learn a variety of skills such as drawing studies, perspective, basic colour work, sculpture and printing, using different materials and media. Suitable for ages 5 and over.
With Karen Carr w Mondays 4.30pm - 6.30pm w Thursdays 4.30pm - 6.30pm
With Yvonne Pavitt w Saturdays 10am - 12 noon 10 weeks cost £80.00
With Shema Mehta
Let’s explore art in its truest form looking back as well as forward in the art world.
We’ll dip into painting, draw on ideas, roll with print and enjoy discovering craft based art using recycled materials, found materials and maybe some unusual materials that have yet to be used. The classes will be full of colour, energy and artistic enthusiasm and hopefully lots of fun and creativity. We will embrace of types of art, the weird, the wonderful and everything in between. Children will be encouraged to contribute to ideas and future projects maybe going back to old favourites with a contemporary twist.
w Tuesdays 4pm-6pm 10 weeks cost £80.00
With Shema Mehta
Weekly art class suitable for children aged 8 and up. This afternoon class will follow a plan of painting, drawing, printmaking, observational art of still life and model drawing and other art disciplines. There will be a chance to produce experimental art using different mediums and following different artists, both historical and contemporary. Your child will explore style and create their own unique subjective views. Children should come prepared with an open mind, enthusiasm and an understanding that there is no such thing as bad art!
w Saturdays 1pm - 3pm 10 weeks cost £80.00
Contact Fairkytes for information and enrolment.
With Lindsay Matthews
An introduction for children to handbuilding with clay. They will learn to coil, pinch, slab build and sculpt. Different glazing techniques will be taught including sgraffito and bubble glazing. Ages 5+.
w Wednesdays 4pm - 6pm
w Saturdays 10am - 12pm
10 weeks cost £80.00
Please see the entry in the adult section.
Offering weekly classes for ages 2
– adult including Street Dance, Tots Ballet & Tap, Contemporary, Acro, adult Tap and Dance for Fitness, Musical Theatre and Zumba! Also offering elite classes for those who wish to compete.
w Tuesdays 4pm - 8pm
w Thursdays 4.30pm - 8pm
w Saturdays 9am - 3pm (exact class times vary)
Classes from £4.00
For more information telephone 07950475476 email admin@ultimatedancenrg.co.uk
Fairkytes runs weekday arts and crafts workshops for children during the school holidays at Easter, Summer and selected Half Terms.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to be notified when activities take place.
Please see the entry in the adult section.
Friendly beginner sewing classes for children aged 8+. Weekly after school sewing club and holiday sewing workshops for young fashionistas!
w Wednesdays 4pm – 6.45pm w Saturdays 10am – 12.30pm Call for details 07947399647, email info@elashacreations.com or visit www.elashacreations.com
Fry’s Gallery is a space open to local artists, art groups, schools and educational establishments and community organisations to display their works. The gallery aims to encourage engagement in the arts in Havering by hosting a range of artworks of different types and styles.
In addition to numerous community exhibitions throughout the year, the gallery is host to annual displays including the 11:18 competition for secondary school students and the Para Arts exhibition for people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Our Craft Gallery is a showcase for different types of crafts. The wide range of items on display are all hand-made by centre users, local craftspeople, or special guest artists. Items can include jewellery, pottery, glassware, handmade cards, metalwork, fabric crafts and more.
Most items are for sale, so this is a great opportunity to pick up a rare, unique and unusual gift.
The opening hours of the galleries are:
w Monday – Friday 10am –9pm
w Saturday 10am – 4pm
w Sunday 10am – 1pm
For more information and to arrange a booking please contact us on 01708 456308 or email fairkytes@havering.gov.uk
A choice of 2 concurrent classes to draw or paint people from life. Two models provided each week with the option of short poses suitable for drawing or a long pose suitable for painting. Provision of a tutor once a term. Models are male and female and normally naked.
w Wednesdays 7.30pm - 9.30pm
10 week term £90 or £12 per week
Contact Adrian Henderson on 01708 370649 or email a.henderson1943@yahoo.com
Art group for interested in painting and drawing and meeting likeminded people.
w Mondays 10am - 1pm
Contact Barry Page on 01708 475086
A friendly group of amateur artists who meet each week. The work ranges from watercolour to various crafts. The group comprises mixed talents, the work mixed media and all are mutually supportive.
w Mondays 1pm – 4pm
Please leave your contact details with the Fairkytes Office
Friendly ladies that enjoy a number of crafts i.e. cross stitch, card making, knitting and crocheting, chatting and coffee.
w Wednesdays 9.30am – 12.30pm
Contact Karen Garner on 01708 450227 or kjig.1949@yahoo.co.uk
A friendly group where both experienced potters and beginners are welcome. Guidance and advice are shared among the members. Ages 18+.
w Thursdays 7pm - 10pm
Contact Emma Christmas on 07981320386 or email emma.christmas19@gmail.com
A fun and friendly group where all are welcome regardless of experience. Guidance and advice given to those who need it. Come and have fun with clay! Ages 18+.
w Fridays 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Contact Emma Christmas on 07981320386 or email emma.christmas19@gmail.com
Small, friendly group who meet to sew and chat. Out programme includes group and charity projects as well as led sessions by group members. All levels welcome, ages 18+.
w Every second and fourth Monday (except August) 7pm – 9.30pm
Contact Suzie Rider at haveringquilters@gmail.com
A small group playing with clay to make everything from simple pots to more complex pieces and sculptures. Coil, pinch, slab build, throw, model, decorate and glaze your unique creations. Experienced potters and those wishing to explore a new art/craft warmly welcomed.
w Wednesdays 10am - 1pm
Contact paulinechampkins@gmail. com for more information.
Local branch of the Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicle Association (MAFVA). We are a friendly military modelling club and happy to share our knowledge.
w First Tuesday of every month 7pm - 10pm £5.00 per session.
Contact Chris Banting at cbanting128@yahoo.co.uk
We meet each Monday evening when we plan and build model railways in the 3 popular gauges, N, OO and O, and run the layouts as built. Tea and biscuits are available each night!
w Mondays 6.30pm - 9.30pm
For more details contact Alan Kay on 07946615381 email romfordmodelrailwaysociety@gmail.com or visit www.rmrs.org
Meeting socially to make music playing Accordions or other instruments.
w First Wednesday of every month 7pm -10pm £5 per session
Contact Mrs Valerie Coe on 01708 225313/07803 657257 or Jon Polden on 01708 458373/07951 345813
We read what we have been writing and offer constructive criticism of others’ pieces. We also share our knowledge of outlets for our work
w First Monday of each month (2nd Monday on Bank Holidays) 7.30pm – 10pm email johnstuartlester@hotmail.co.uk for more details.
Amateur Radio (HAM Radio) is a technical hobby which covers a broad range of subjects. Your local radio club with talks and discussions, training for exams and supervised use of club equipment, to make contact with other radio amateurs worldwide. Morse code tuition, practice soldering and building radio kits, help with repairs, field day events and more. Ages 18+, under 18s welcome with parent/guardian.
w Wednesdays 8pm - 10pm
£4.00 per week.
Contact Michael on 07732276509, email haveringradioclub@gmail.com or visit www.haveringradioclub.co.uk / facebook Havering & District Amateur Radio Club
Wingle-Tye Pre-School offers an environment that is not only educational but most of all friendly and fun for children aged 2-4+ years of age. All staff are experienced and have high expectations for academic achievement while respecting and valuing individuals. Staff ratios are high and staff turnover is low.
w Mondays to Fridays 9.15am - 3.30pm £8.00 per hour
Telephone 01708 438282 during above hours or email email@wingle-tye.co.uk
Add Up are a support group for families living with ADHD. They provide a family training programme, parent support network meetings, and for children they run a life skills project, a drama group and school holiday activities.
w Wednesdays 4pm – 5.30pm (After School Club)
w Saturdays 10am - 1pm (Drama)
w School holiday activities 10am - 12pm (ages 5-8) / 10am - 3pm (ages 9+)
Contact Add Up on 01708 454040, email addup@addup.co.uk or visit www.addup.co.uk for more information.
A leading environmental group campaigning on saving bees, clean air, protecting the green belt and acting on climate crisis.
w Last Tuesday of the Month 7.30pm – 9pm
Annual subscription £5.00
Contact Ian Pirie on 07538959777 or visit hfoe.johnr.uk
If you’re looking for a room to hold your class or as a meeting place for your club, Fairkytes has a number of simple, adaptable spaces in a range of sizes, all at reasonable cost. Whether you need a clear area for dance, tables and chairs for a meeting, or a cabaret style layout for a quiz night, we can be of help.
w Monday to Friday 9am – 10.30pm
w Saturdays (school term time only) 9am – 4.30pm
w Sundays 9.30am – 1.30pm
Rooms are charged per hour with every third hour discounted. Bookings that start before 6pm but cross into the peak rate period will be subject to the peak rate.
*(does not include functions on Friday evenings – see next page)
Are you an artist or craftsperson looking for a place to work? We have a number of smaller spaces ideal for private studios, workshops or offices. Exclusive access during opening hours and the privacy you need to create your masterpiece, all for a simple, reasonable flat monthly rent.
Private Studio Workshop (Standard) £260.00 per calendar month
Private Studio Workshop (Large) £325.00 per calendar month
In the mood for a party? Our main hall is available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings for your party, function or quiz night.
(Out of hours hires by arrangement only – bookings accepted at the Manager’s discretion and with availability of staff permitting)
w Friday evenings 6pm – 10.30pm £265.00 flat rate
w Saturday evenings 6pm – 11pm £365.00 flat rate
w Sunday/Bank Holiday evenings 6pm – 10.30pm £335.00 flat rate
w All other out of hours hires As peak rate column plus £25.00 per hour staffing charge
w Payment must be made in advance or on the day of hire.
w All bookings are accepted at the Manager’s discretion. We reserve the right to refuse bookings without giving reason.
w Fairkytes is usually closed over the Easter weekend, the period between Christmas and New Year, all public holidays, and on Saturdays throughout August. Please contact us if you require further information.
w Other terms and conditions apply. Ask for details.
Fairkytes is a friendly sociable centre with events and workshops open to everyone. Drop in for a look around anytime during opening hours.
w By phone: To check availability please phone 01708 456308.
w By post: Send cheques payable to “London Borough of Havering” to our listed address (you are advised to check availability first.)
w By email: send to fairkytes@havering.gov.uk
w By calling in: Call in any time, no appointment necessary.
Workshops are normally organised in ten week blocks, generally commencing in early September, early January, and late April. Start dates are notified on request but may be subject to change at short notice. Workshop places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If a workshop is full, a waiting list will apply.
Please note, workshops are subject to a required minimum number of students and may not run at all times of the year. Please contact us for more information.
We accept cash, cheques (made payable to “London Borough of Havering”) and credit/debit cards.
Fees are listed in the subject sections. Generally, fees for adult workshops cover tuition costs only and do not usually include materials or equipment. Either bring your own or, in some cases, materials and equipment can be provided by the tutor for a small charge. Please ask for details before enrolling. Fees for children’s workshops cover tuition, materials (if applicable) and the cost of additional helpers.
In some cases there may be small additional charges, please ask for more details.
Our workshops are open to all. As Fairkytes is a listed heritage building, not all areas are accessible. If you have special accessibility requirements, please contact us on 01708 456308 or email fairkytes@havering.gov.uk and our staff will advise you and try to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Grade II listed, Fairkytes was once a private house originally built in the mid18th century. Several later additions to the property were made up to the end of the 19th century. Previous occupants include Job Alibone, Joseph Fry (son of Quaker and prison reformer Elizabeth Fry) and Thomas Wedlake, who owned the Iron Foundry which stood opposite. Hornchurch Urban District Council bought the house in the 1950s and used it as the local library.
Fairkytes became the London Borough of Havering’s Arts Centre in 1973 when the library moved to a purpose built building in North Street. Over time the centre has grown considerably, incorporating the Annexe building at the rear in 1992, the Billet building next door in 2001 and Fry’s Gallery, the former Citizens Advice Bureau office, in 2018.
Fairkytes is managed by the London Borough of Havering Arts Team, part of the People & Living Well Directorate.
w Around 80 different clubs, societies and enthusiast groups meet at Fairkytes every week, daytimes and evenings. See the relevant section in this booklet or ask us for contact details.
w Fairkytes is available to hire for cultural activities, meetings, fund raising events, parties and functions. We offer simple, adaptable spaces in a range of sizes with reasonable rents (see the ‘Room Hire’ section for prices, or contact us for more information).
w Fairkytes hosts occasional events, demonstrations and activities. Contact us for details.
Information