The Canadian Women’s Club
Welcoming Canadian women to London for over 80 years.
The Canadian Women’s Club warmly invites Canadians and people with an attachment to Canada to join us for a lively programme of social and cultural activities, all run by members who enjoy the company of fellow Canadians while exploring London and its surroundings.
Our programme normally runs from September to June and is advertised to our members through our CWC E-Newsletter which is issued every month or so. When you join the CWC we will ask your permission to send you the E-Newsletter but if you would like to meet us and find out more before joining, here is a future events that might be of interest:
More about our Events
There are many ways to experience an amazing city like London. The chance to do so with people who share our Canadian background is a big plus. Many friendships have developed through the club. Our members come from many walks of life and many parts of Canada. Some have lived in London for many years, others are short term expatriates.
Out and about in London
Each month, members visit places of interest in London. Recent visits have included Two Temple Place, the Royal Albert Hall, Spencer House, Buckingham Palace, the Wallace Collection, Tate Modern, Jewish East London, Kings Cross Development, the Royal Opera House and the Young Vic Theatre. Many of our visits are led by professional guides ensuring an in-depth experience.
Out of town
London is wonderful, but from time to time a trip to the countryside is good for the soul. We catch a train at 9.35 and within an hour or so we are deep in the English countryside with its stately homes, gardens and history. Recently we have been to Anglessy Abbey to see the snowdrops, Oxford for a guided tour, Highclere Castle, home of Downton Abbey, Sissinghurst with its Bloomsbury connections and Polesden Lacey.
It’s a walk in the park
Every Wednesday morning, rain or shine, a group of keep fit enthusiasts meets at Clarence Gate for a walk in Regent’s Park. It’s a chance for a chat and watching the seasons unfold in one of London’s beautiful Royal Parks. The pace is moderate, the aim being not to race around the park but to take in the beauty and fresh air while striding along with fellow Canadians.
Book groups
Reading is a passion for many of our members. The CWC has two book groups, a daytime traditional format group where everyone reads the same book, and an evening group with an open format where members bring books they have been reading and share them with others. In each case, the discussion is always relaxed, insightful and inevitably sidetracked to areas where a group of interesting women who have varied interests can have a discussion.
Ladies at Lunch
You can’t live in London and not be a bit of a foodie. Each month a reasonably priced lunch venue is chosen to showcase the wonderful and diverse multicultural and ever-changing food scene in London. Recently we have dined on nouvelle Indian, Danish, Korean, and French cuisines and lots of laughter.
Textiles group
An understanding of textiles is a great way to approach a multicultural city. We explore fascinating exhibitions of textiles and crafts, from a technical, historical or artistic perspective. Visits have included the London Fashion and Textile Museum and the V&A.
Parties and Picnics
Our members love special gatherings at Christmas, Thanksgiving and Canada Day. Some of these are potluck lunches at a member’s home, others are more formal at London venues.
Theatre plus
You cannot live in London and not experience its brilliant fringe theatre scene. Each month a play is proposed. Members buy their own tickets and let the host know so we can meet up. The matinee or evening is rounded off either with supper before or a drink in the bar, making for an enjoyable evening.
International friendship
CWC belongs to the Federation of International Women’s Associations in London (FIWAL), a network of over 40 women’s clubs across London. As a member of the CWC you are able to attend many of FIWAL’s events, providing opportunities to enrich your experience and meet women from other countries and backgrounds.
Volunteering
As a club run almost entirely by volunteers, CWC is a great place for women with time and organisation skills to get involved in organising their club. If you have a special interest and would like to set up a group, either alone or with another member, let us know. If you would like to organise an outing, we are always looking for ideas. We also need people interested in being on the executive and getting a deeper knowledge of running a club.
How to join
All of these activities and more are advertised in detail in our E-Newsletter. To sign up, please send in your membership form or send us an e-mail. We look forward to welcoming you.