Nollaig na mBan - Women's Singing Circle

Come and sing with us as we celebrate Nollaig na mBan, Irish for Women's Little Christmas.

"While it has evolved, like many other Irish traditions, its roots are still widely acknowledged, and its origins are deeply connected with women’s roles in the household and as part of the community.

So, what happens on Women’s Christmas? On this day, women take a break from their usual duties and instead gather together to share stories, relax, and enjoy the company of other women in their lives."

We women gather inside a gorgeous Chapel in the historic St Margaret’s House settlement, about 5 mins walk from Bethnal Green Tube Station.

We sing simple songs, nourishing harmonies & playful improvisation to help build your confidence as a singer and make new friends. We are an inclusive and non-judgmental space, all walks of women are welcome. If you would like to attend and are prohibited financially please get in touch. 

We start with a physical warm up to bring us back into our bodies, we'll sing a warm up songs, simple and nourishing harmonies, sound sand paintings and vocal improvisation. Songs are taught by ear and tailored to all abilities. 

There will be an opportunity for a check in and circle sharing as we close Christmas together.

We will take time to reflect and there will be a tea ceremony with organic home grown and harvested tea.

Please bring something sweet or savoury to share for the potluck lunch, (it is also possible to bring your own food and not share if you prefer)

The Chapel is an old historic building without central heating, there will be portable heaters but we recommend you arrive wearing something warm and snuggly. Thick socks, warm blanket or sheepskin, there are comfortable chairs for anyone that needs. 

What to bring (all optional) - food to share, something warm, something to sit on, cup, pen+paper or journal, optional item for the altar*, book to swap (wrapped ideally) if you bring a book, you go home with book, flask of tea, water bottle

Optional ideas for altar - photograph of a female you would like to honour, natural object, crystal, poem/book

Open to anyone who self identifies as a woman. 

£20 + £2 booking fee

Paypal (must select 'friends and family' send to martina_randles@yahoo.co.uk) or BACs are also possible if you want to avoid the £2 booking fee

what 3 words: ///spots.method.spared

google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/j3syvYS6oDhu2uqJ6

The Chapel sits directly behind The Gallery Cafe, the entrance is to the left of St Margaret's House and Gallery Cafe main building, through wrought iron gates, follow the path around to the right.

LOCATION

The Chapel, St Margaret’s House, E2 9PL