Artisans and Aperol

Do you enjoy being creative or would like trying your hand at a new artform or craft, but don’t know where to start? Has the idea of trying something like this overwhelmed you because you don’t think you have what it takes or don’t have the supplies? Then have no fear! Please join us for Artisans and Aperol as we explore a new art or crafting technique each month. Led by a knowledgeable instructor, you will walk away with a completed project you will love. Projects will vary from quick and easy to more complex, but with support all along the way. Pricing will vary so be sure to check online for each class offered. Enjoy an Aperol Spritz as you create beauty and enjoy time with friends.

A Book With a View

Come along if you enjoy reading and sharing. The catalyst of our meetings will be the work of an author, be it modern or classic, British or International. They will plunge you into their view of the present moment or the past, of daily life or special events, of lived lives, relationships, or interior discourses and experiences. The excitement and fun will come from meeting up (initially on Zoom and then eventually at Valentina’s), sharing our views or simply listening to others, participating and being together, having fun by exchanging good times, thoughts and ideas or...gossip!

Blooms & Bubbles

Kate Lamport of Lily & Myrtle is back to help us create gorgeous, seasonal flower arrangements that will amaze your friends and family. Kate’s impeccable style and taste, plus years of experience creating legendary floral backdrops for weddings and events for the finest British venues, make her the perfect instructor. This is truly floral school & Kate will lead us through one technique after another. There is no better way to celebrate creating beauty among friends than with a glass of bubbly.

Breakfast Club

Due to the popularity of ‘Breakfast at The Ivy’ last year through Mix and Mingle, we decided to make his fabulous event a monthly treat for everyone. We’ll keep an eye on the latest COVID-19 regulations and get this up and running as quickly as possible. If you’ve never been to the beautiful Ivy in Cobham, you’re in for a treat. Its art-deco style is gorgeous. Please check the website for updated calendar information.

Cooking with Carmen

Come join Carmen for a fun morning where you learn to make a new culinary masterpiece while having a great time socializing. At just £10 per person, you will spend the morning with new friends and your incredible host, Carmen. Carmen is absolutely amazing, has lived everywhere, and we think, has done just about everything. She’ll do all the shopping and planning so you just need to show up, learn how to make a new culinary masterpiece, then enjoy it for lunch. You can find additional information about this group on our website.

Couples Game Night

Please join AWS member and board member, Alicia Laeder, for a brand-new activity group called, Couples Game Night. This was a huge request last year and we are pleased to offer it. You might find yourselves playing Mahjong, a board game, or any kind of card game. I’m guessing there will be a healthy dose of competition and possibly a cocktail or two, so grab your partner, whether that’s your current date, your life partner or your best friend, and prepare to have a fun and relaxing evening among friends.

English Experiences

Please join Chantal for a monthly adventure with English Experiences. She will take you usually into London for a quirky, fabulous, and exciting adventure. You might find yourself hot-tubbing down the Thames with a glass of Champagne in hand, or chasing down a treasure hunt in Chinatown. With Chantal, you never know what’s coming but you are guaranteed a lot of laughs, a lot of fun, and loads of entertainment. We expect these events to sell out quickly so please put your name on the wait-list so we know to re-book another event.

English Hikes

Please join Amanda on these super popular weekly hiking adventures through the English countryside. Each week, while ACS is in session, Amanda will lead you on a brand new hike. You might end up traipsing around Windsor Castle, hopping across the Stepping Stones in Dorking, or drinking wine and eating cheese while taking a beautiful break in a local vineyard. Most hikes are 2 hours and get you back to Cobham before noon. This is a workout, not a walk and you will be expected to keep up with the group. Hiking boots up past your ankles required.

Global Happy Hour

Please join your friends from around the world on Fridays at 5pm to raise a glass and celebrate lifelong friendships and connections that span the globe. If you have friends who have moved onto another Expat assignment in another time zone, this is a great opportunity to re-connect over Zoom. This was a huge hit last spring and we know it will be warmly welcomed again this fall, especially in light of COVID-19 lockdowns and restricted global travel.

Golf on the Lake

Come and join Lee for a fun & fabulous morning with a group of AWS friends who range from beginner to seasoned golfer. You’ll get to play 9-Holes on local, public courses in a friendly & non-competitive environment or spend the morning on the driving range on the lake. Feel free to stick around and join the ladies for a delicious & fun lunch afterwards at the club.This activity does not require a weekly commitment and you can show up whenever you have the time. Total rookies & beginners warmly encouraged.

Houses and Gardens

Please join our lovely Renata on these wonderful and historical adventures while she takes you to visit famous English manors, historic houses, cottages, quaint and quirky dwellings, gorgeous parks and English gardens. Wherever possible, lunch is planned. This is a lovely day out with wonderful friends and a fabulous leader.

International Potluck Club

Join Carmen for a fun-filled, kid-free evening to laugh, socialize, eat, drink and be merry while you travel the globe through your taste buds. This wonderful, relaxing, and informal potluck club is a great way to enjoy delicious International cuisine among great friends. Everyone adores Carmen and we know you will, too.

Let's Go Concierge Travel!

Join Deborah Hickey on one of the legendary weekend trips she plans exclusively for AWS Members. As a professional travel agent, Deb plans absolutely everything. All you need to do is tell her you’re coming, make the payment, then show up with your bag packed. Your airline tickets, travel coaches, exceptional and funny guides, hotels, and meals will all be perfectly organized for you. Deb will also manage everything related to all of the headaches related to COVID-19 and our current travel environment so you don’t have to worry about a thing. You can expect retail therapy, great food, incredible cities, amazing history, and lots of laughs on these incredibly relaxing trips.

London Art & Gin

Find yourself in London, standing in front of one of the world’s most famous pieces of art, with an esteemed private guide at your side, in one of the finest Art Galleries in the world. With highly-acclaimed Art Historian and Art Expert, Millie Knight, experience an inside look at some of the world’s most famous paintings & sculptures. Or, if COVID-19 doesn’t allow, join us on Zoom for an equally awesome aventure from the comfort of your own home. If we go into London, you can enjoy a afternoon of shopping in London, or hit one of London’s hottest restaurants and/or gin bars with our VP of Activities, Amanda Phillipson, before heading back to Cobham for after school pick up. Thanks to Donna, this series has been heavily discounted for AWS Members. To secure your place, fees must be paid in full at the General Meeting on September 8th, 2020. Bank Transfers, cash, and check accepted. Worried about missing an event or two? Don’t worry. If you manage to make it to 6 of these awesome events throughout the year, you’ll be just fine. If you make it to all 12, you’ll enjoy 6 free events thanks to Donna’s massive discounts.

Pilates

Please join AWS member, Pilates Instructor, and Movement Therapist, Kamal Bhogal on Monday afternoons for a fabulous hour of self-care via Zoom. Kamal is committed to helping you reach an increased state of wellness, flexibility, and muscle tone while helping you release the stresses and worries of the day through conscious use of breath. Kamal’s clients rave about her private classes and we know you’ll be thrilled with this brand-new activity. During these crazy and unprecedented times, selfcare is now more important than ever. Our families need us grounded, centered, and calm more than ever before.

Pub Club

Please join Lee McCarthy for this brand-new Activity Group that meets once a month on Thursdays. Lee is a veteran member of AWS and a former Board member for years. She knows London and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand and will happily help you explore really neat and cool things that may be off the beaten path such as a cool market, or racetrack selling vintage finds. No purchases necessary, feel free to come and hang out with fabulous friends. Afterwards, she’ll take you to a really neat pub for lunch. Lee is an absolute doll, a huge gift to AWS, and we know you’ll really enjoy this new monthly adventure.

Turkish Cooking Classes

Join famous award-winning author and chef, Ozlem Warren, from Ozlem’s Turkish Table for a fun, informative, hands-on cookery class and learn how to make healthy, delicious Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean meals and desserts. Ozlem has been teaching Turkish cuisine internationally for over 10 years in Texas, USA, Istanbul, England, and Amman, Jordan and is the author of a brilliant cookbook available in hardcover on Amazon. She will teach you how to make baklava, smoked aubergine salad with pomegranates, molasses, Turkish pastries, and so much more. If you have food allergies, please contact Ozlem as she is often able to make substitutions. We know you will love these classes with Ozlem.

Yoga

Join Karen Mowry, local yoga instructor and AWS member for Zoom yoga class where you will get personalized and caring instruction. Beginners are encouraged and welcome. Yoga is known to have tremendous benefits for reducing stress and anxiety and for giving a sense of well-being. Karen donates her time so that all proceeds from class fees go to our AWS charities. If you would like to join this class but are unable to pay, please reach out to Rebecca Painter and we will be happy to allow you to join in as Karen wants to make her yoga classes accessible to all during this unprecedented time.