Clubs and Groups
Charles Morris Village Hall is a perfect venue for clubs, societies and group activities. Below are just some of our regular hirers who enjoy the Hall and facilities. If you would like to find out more about of the clubs or groups, please contact the organiser(s) directly.
If you thinking of starting your own club, group or activity, and are interested in hiring the Hall, please contact the Booking Officer using Enquire Now.
Baby Sensory Classes
When:
Wednesdays 09.00 to 15.00
Contact:
Nic 07736 285203
www.babysensory.com/stalbans
Baby Sensory is an amazing development programme for babies 0-13 months. Our sessions engage babies, inspire parents and give that truly WOW factor through music, props, puppet shows, lights, bubbles and more! We’re also the first parenting programme to be underpinned by scientific research proven to aid babies learning and development – did you know they learn more in the first few months than at any other time in their lives?
Our programme is for babies 0-13 months, and you can join at any point in the baby’s first year. Our class themes and activities vary every week – you can attend for the whole year and never see the same session twice! The classes run for 50 minutes, which includes a short break for your baby to mirror their natural play-rest-play cycle.
Our multi-award winning classes will introduce you and your baby (or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can relax, spend quality time with each other and enjoy meeting other new parents. Specifically designed from birth, to aid your child’s development, the classes are packed with an incredible variety of sounds, smells, sights, textures, music, dance, singing and more.
Dawn to Dusk Carers
When:
Thursdays 11.00 to 13.00
Contact:
Jo Ivory: 01727 568552
dawntoduskstalbans@gmail.com / www.dawn2dusk.uk
A self-support group offering refreshments and therapeutic activities for carers, providing a two hour respite from their caring duties and an opportunity to form friendships with other carers who understand the difficulties faced everyday and the feeling of despair we all have at times caring for family or friends.
The aim of the group is to give carers a regular two hour break from their caring duties and allow them to relax with other people who understand the difficulties and loneliness that come with being a carer.
Constant caring can create low self-esteem, low confidence, loss of personal identity and isolation. To achieve successful and effective care within families, carers need support so that they can have some respite and time for themselves. There are other groups, of course, but we all value the way Dawn to Dusk does not define us just as carers, but provides the opportunity for us to engage together in a variety of activities and to learn new skills – everything from aromatherapy to weaving by way of creating mosaics. We control our own agenda, the members decide at our AGM which courses they would like to try the following year and where they would like to go on outings.
We each contribute £4 per session which pays for refreshments and towards the cost of the current course leader. You only pay for the sessions you actually attend and we are sometimes able to arrange a lift share.
We meet at 11:00 for refreshments and people usually catch up with each other, have a chat and there is the opportunity to talk out any troubling problems. Around 11:30 we make a start on our current course or activity. We schedule three ten week courses a year along with trips and events like the Christmas dinner.
Our members are not always able to come to every meeting because of caring commitments, hospital appointments etc…and so dip in and out of the group sometimes: we understand that. Come and join us, there is no obligation and the first session is free.
Flow, Stretch & Relax
When:
Mondays 19.30-20.30
Contact:
Sylvia
07758 546 489
https://www.newbeginningsyoga.co.uk
New Beginnings Yoga is for EVERYONE.
I enjoy teaching accessible yoga to everybody- whatever your age, shape, ability.
As a qualified sound healer, I include sound therapy in my classes to enhance the benefits to you.
Gentle Flow: This is a class where we will flow through sequences building strength and flexibility by moving our whole bodies through a series of standing, sitting and lying positions, followed by a lovely relaxation.
There are plenty of adaptations that can be made so that the practice suits each individual and I will be able to guide you in this small class.
Stretch and Relax: This is a very gentle class with lots of stretching and relaxation, including elements of restorative and yin yoga. There will be plenty of time to find the best option for you, using equipment such as bolsters, straps, chairs and blocks to help when needed. We will take our time and moving slowly through the positions will allow me to support and guide you in finding the best adaptation to suit you.
Home Counties Boxer Welfare
When:
Sunday afternoons (3-4 times a year)
Contact:
Treasurer: 07760 178529
www.hcbw.org.uk
Meeting & Training for Boxer Dogs.
Karate
When:
Wednesdays 19.30-21.00
Contact:
Richard: 07538 275533
KDS Herts Karate is a small group of Karate students that meet to develop their skills, build confidence, have some fun and get a good workout.
KDS offers a structured practice in a safe and friendly environment. It is not about how hard you can punch or how high you can kick, you will train at your level, to your ability and learn at your pace.
We will give you the basics and teach you how to move, how to be confident and how to apply Karate in a worst case scenario to protect yourself and your family.
Karate is a journey of self discovery that will reward you for your efforts. Our group is a mix of beginners through to life long practitioners who join us to help us on our path. We would be happy to offer two free sessions to try it out for yourselves. KDS is a non profit organisation with minimal annual membership fees.
Ki Aikido
When:
Tuesdays 19.15-20.45
Sundays 15.00-16.00 (High Grade) & 16.00-18.00 (Open Class)
Contact:
Sensei George: 07770 571878
Ki Aikido is the study of Japanese mindfulness techniques, which are aimed at allowing us to improve the coordination between our mind and body.
Understanding when we are under tension, learning to centre ourselves and then deal with what life has to throw at us.
Our lessons are made up of two parts, the first is practising the Ki exercises with a partner, these are low impact exercises but allow pupils to understand when they are co-ordinated and when they are not. In the second part of the lesson we use this feeling of co-ordination to practice Aikido techniques. These start with simple gentle static techniques, where one partner (Uki) holds the other (Nagi) and the Nagi breaks the grips and pins the Uki.
Aikido is based on an ancient set of Japanese techniques, that were taught only to Samurai, to counter them from being disarmed. As pupils progress at their own pace these techniques become more powerful and flowing, once the Uki also moves to take the hold.
Ki Aikido is open to everyone irrespective of age, sex or build. This is a key tenant of O Sensei’s philosophy (the creator of Aikido). We have had pupils who have started learning at the age of 65 and children who start from the age of 5. We have also had blind and wheelchair-bound students.
We do not have competitions and we are a not-for-profit organisation. We have practiced at the Charles Morris Hall for over 15 years. We are open to beginners at any time, so if you feel this may be something you would like to learn more about, please get in touch.
- Tuesday 19:15-20:45 Junior & Adult Class with Sensei George
- Sunday 15:00-18:00 Junior & Adult Class with Sensei Alistair
Little Sprouts Playtime
When:
Tuesdays 11.15-12.15 or 13.30-14.30
Contact:
Shelley Sproat: 07580 091758 / shelleysproat@yahoo.co.uk
Little Sprouts Playtime is a stay and play session designed for 0-5 year olds, where they can simply burst through our doors and get straight into playing!
For the babies, we have a 0-6 month area (a great area for new mums and babies to connect) as well as a 6-12 month play and learn area also containing a ball pit. For the toddlers we have a large soft play and ball pit set up, educational and role play area, as well as a reading snug to unwind with a nice book if and when a break is needed!
For our lovely adults, not only will there be lots of friends to be made, you can help yourself to free hot and cold drinks. We have free on-site parking as well as a playground outside for any free time before or after the session
- One adult and child £7.00
- Per extra child £3.00
- Per extra adult £2.00
- Over 6 years are free when accompanying younger children
Pilates (PR)
When:
Mondays 11.00-12.00
Contact:
Priya: 07376 388412
priyondfitness@gmail.com
Physiotherapist-led Pilates classes with a focus on your wellbeing. Classes are offered as a small group of maximum 7 participants so that each individual receives plenty of feedback and makes the most out of each class. Classes run alongside the school term as a block of 4-8 weeks at £12 per class. Pay as you go options are available at £15 per class.
You are welcome to trial your first class at the block booking rate before signing up for a course.
Pilates (RT)
When:
Thursday 09.30-10.30
Contact:
Rochelle: 07367 276191
pilateswithchelle@gmail.com
Mind-body connection, strengthen and tone, improve balance, posture & flexibility.
Improves energy, self awareness & self control, alleviates stress and anxiety, increases focus and concentration, and improves memory.
SW Dance Academy
When:
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 16.30-19.00
Contact:
Suzie: 0777 1801557 / info@swdanceacademy.co.uk / www.swdanceacademy.co.uk
There are a variety of classes available to everyone, from beginners through to advanced dancers from age five.
We are about providing fun, nurturing and affordable classes to children within the local area, giving them an opportunity to live their best dance life within the SW Dance Academy family.
Tae Kwon Do
When:
Fridays 17.00-18.00
Contact:
Khem on 07796 240001
A family friendly Tae Kwon Do (TKD) club run by fully qualified instructor Mr Thoree VI Degree.
Mr Thoree is an experienced instructor who has been practicing martial arts for the past 36 years. The Thoree TKD school is part of UKGT guided by the leadership of Grand Master B Sahota IX Degree. UKGT are members of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).
The Club is family friendly. Adults & children train together in a friendly atmosphere and a safe environment. The Club is always happy to welcome new members; bring the family along the first lesson is free!
Watercolour Workshops
When:
Friday 10.00-12.30. Four-week programme of watercolour workshops.
Contact:
Bridget
07484-321-904
bridgettompkins@gmail.com
Bridget Tompkins is a local artist who runs a popular weekly watercolour and drawing class.
The tuition Bridget provides makes the sessions suitable for beginners as well as those with experience looking to improve or add a new technique. Classes are relaxed, friendly and fun. The cost of a class is £22, courses are normally 10 or 12 weeks long.
Yoga (BH)
When:
Tuesdays 09.00-10.00
Contact:
Brigitta
07901 517630
brigitta.harris@gmail.com
Brigitta started practising yoga after suffering two slipped discs and it helped her to get back on her feet. She qualified as a yoga teacher in 2019, so that she could offer its benefits to as many people as possible.
Brigitta also qualified as a Chair Yoga teacher in the same year, for people with mobility challenges.
Hatha yoga is suitable for all ages and abilities and can help to increase strength, flexibility and mobility by consciously exploring mind, body and breath – a meditation for the body.
The benefits can be numerous, both physically and mentally. Come and join us, check in with the breath and move with the flow! Price : £7/booking for a block of 10 or more classes and £10 for a drop-in.
Yoga (JS)
When:
Thursdays 17.45-19.00
Contact:
Julie
juliestone2@virginmedia.com
www.hathayogastalbans.co.uk
10-week Sivananda-style yoga courses. £85 for 10 consecutive classes or £12.50 per session drop-in but please check with Julie for availability.
Julie has been running yoga classes at the Hall since 1997 and qualified as a yoga teacher following the successful completion of an intensive training course in the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas in January 2001.
If you would like to increase your flexibility, strength and balance, and achieve a sense of wellbeing and calm, why not come along and join us.
Classes are mixed ages and abilities in a friendly, non-competitive environment.
Equipment requirements include a Yoga/exercise mat, comfortable clothing such as a T-shirt, leggings, or tracksuit bottoms as well as a sweatshirt and socks for warmth during relaxation.