These groups regularly use the Homewood Halls.
Adventure Group
We are a group of people who enjoy being out of doors – walking, cycling etc. Adventure means different things to different people and everyone can choose the right level for them.
We have a regular programme of Wednesday evenings and weekend events. The Wednesday evenings are slide shows, talks, quizzes, meals, and walks or cycle rides in the summer. At weekends we have a walk or cycle ride on Sunday and each month there is at least one weekend trip away to explore the countryside. There are no charges for these events other than the costs incurred, i.e. accommodation, food and transport.
More details: stalbansadventuregroup.org.uk or enquiries@stalbansadventuregroup.org.uk
Wednesday Badminton
Wednesday Badminton Club has been playing for over 30 years at Homewood URC on Wednesday evenings throughout the year except for June, July and August. We are approx. 16 members spanning the decades – mostly with some experience of badminton before joining. We enjoy the game plus social chatter. Vacancies arise from time to time and we welcome enquiries from anyone who might be interested in joining us.
Contact Bob on 01727 866619 or robertpadget@btinternet.com for more information.
Irish Dancing Classes
For children age 4+ from beginners to advanced level. The Academy aims to provide a happy and friendly environment in which children will enjoy learning all aspects of Irish dancing and be inspired to achieve.
Classes are on Saturdays and Wednesdays, age 4+ from beginners to advanced. Register by email to get the first lesson free, limited spaces available.
Contact: walshacademy@hotmail.co.uk or call 07803 375348, website irish-dancing.webs.com
Penny Waterman School of Dance (Homewood)
Ballet, Disco/Jazz, Street Jazz and Musical Theatre classes for children aged 2–17 in St Albans (and nearby towns & villages), and Ballet for adults.
For more information or to book a trial class, visit pennywaterman.com
Rock Choir
Rock Choir offers an alternative experience to the traditional classical or community choir, pioneering a new approach to vocal training and entertainment. We offer the general public the chance to sing pop, rock and chart songs with no entry audition, no requirement to read music or have any previous singing experience. New members are always very welcome and anyone interested in joining can try a free 90-minute taster session.
Homewood Road sessions during term time: Wednesdays 9.45–11.15am, Thursdays 7.30–9pm and 8–9.30pm.
Abigail Harris – St Albans, Hertford & Watford Rock Choir Leader. Enquiries: 01252 714276, rockchoir.com
Evening Rehearsal Orchestra St Albans
We are a group of about 35 players meeting on Monday evenings, about 36 times a year. The music which we play is mainly from the classical orchestral repertoire. No auditions are required and we do not give public concerts, though we do play through what we have been practicing at the end of each term as though it were a concert.
New members are welcome. Please see stalbans-ero.org.uk for more details.
St Albans Macular Group
We meet the second Tuesday of the month at 2.00pm at St Albans URC – Homewood, and there is parking available. The group is friendly and welcomes everyone with sight impairment/low vision. We provide a guest speaker each meeting, tea and an opportunity to socialise, and occasional trips.
For further information please contact Cheri Hunter on 07505 770210 or cherihunter2323@gmail.com
Herts School of Tai Chi Chuan
At Herts School of Tai Chi Chuan, we teach Tai Chi to cultivate physical health, emotional well-being, and mindful awareness. We encourage people to make it a daily practice for body and mind – relaxing tension and developing energy, strength and flexibility, whilst calming anxiety and developing awareness and control of attention. It is never too late (or too early) to start – the movements are gentle, and the focus is on applying internal principles rather than achieving external goals.
St Albans Symphony Orchestra
St Albans Symphony Orchestra brings together professional and amateur musicians of a high standard from Hertfordshire and beyond, developing into one of the UK's leading non-professional ensembles. We present a full season of large-scale concerts in St Albans and the surrounding region, including major symphonic repertoire, concertos with leading soloists, and an annual New Year concert in St Albans Cathedral.
SASO has occasional vacancies for musicians of a good standard, especially strings. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings, 7.30–10pm. Please contact secretary@saso.org.uk, or visit saso.org.uk
Tuesday Badminton
Our friendly ladies' badminton club (formed at least 50 years ago) meets every Tuesday, in school term time only, from 9am to 11am. We are mostly of an average standard and enjoy our games without taking them too seriously, with plenty of social chat in between. We welcome enquiries from anyone interested in joining us – if you fancy some healthy exercise in good company and have at least wielded a racquet before, do come along for a taster session.
Contact Sue on 07717 833485.
DanceCore
Adult Dance Fitness Classes – Fridays 12–1pm during term time. DanceCore is a workout for the Body, Mind & Soul, helping to increase core strength, mobility and coordination through short, fun, easy-to-follow sequences incorporating different styles of dance to uplifting music. No dance experience necessary.
Contact info@dancecore.co.uk, dancecore.co.uk
Caledonian Dancers (Homewood)
The Caledonian Dancers meet most Friday evenings, 8–10pm, from early September to end of May, for an evening of Scottish Country Dancing to recorded music. It's a sociable and fun activity giving both physical and mental exercise and the opportunity to make new friends – you don't need to come with a partner. We dance in sets of 3 or 4 'couples' per set. No special dress is required, just soft shoes, and no previous experience is needed – you'll be helped by the teacher and other dancers.
Your first session is free, thereafter £4 (currently) per evening. Why not give it a go – just come along or contact our secretary at viviennecdavis@yahoo.co.uk