Explore Our Event Archives with Us

Welcome to our treasure trove of past events and activities! At Quetzal, we believe that our history is a reflection of our vibrant and active community. This page is a journey through the many enriching moments and experiences we’ve shared together.

From insightful workshops to heartwarming community gatherings, each event has been a chapter in our collective story. As you navigate this page, you’ll discover the tapestry of activities that have shaped us and brought us closer.

Moving Towards Menopause

Menopause Awareness Session with Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland on 27th September 2023

As you stand on the threshold of a new life transition, gaining insight into menopause and its symptom management can pave the way for a smoother journey. Our recent “Moving towards Menopause” event, in partnership with Age UK Leicestershire and Rutland, aimed to provide you with the knowledge and support you need as you navigate this phase of life. 🌸

The event was a resounding success, as we had experts from Age UK’s MARS (menopause awareness raising service) come in and chat with the attendees on the what is menopause, it’s myths, symptoms, and how to deal with them.

Why was the event conducted?

Empowerment: Knowledge is indeed power, and our event was designed to empower you. By learning about menopause before it begins, you can confidently recognize the changes your body will go through and embrace this natural transition.

Preparedness: Armed with knowledge about what to expect during menopause, you are better equipped to proactively plan for managing symptoms, maintaining your overall well-being, and ensuring a smoother transition. Preparedness is key to a more comfortable journey.

Self-Care: One of the most significant advantages of understanding menopause is the ability to adopt self-care practices tailored to your unique needs. These practices can make your journey through menopause more comfortable and fulfilling.

MARS’ representatives also handed out great informative leaflets before the session, including a symptom tracker to help better understand this phase of a woman’s life. If you’d like to get your hands on them, please email media@quetzal.org.uk

Reserve Your Spot:

If you couldn’t make it to this event, don’t worry. We are committed to providing ongoing support and resources for women of all ages across Leicestershire and Rutland. We’re also soon hosting our own Menopause Champion in-house at Quetzal, who will be available to you to chat about anything menopause. Meanwhile, if you have any specific questions, please email sandra@quetzal.org.uk  or walk in to our next Drop-in session (organised on first Wednesday of every month).

We believe that stepping into menopause should be done with knowledge, support, and the confidence you deserve. We look forward to continuing this journey with you, empowering women to embrace menopause with grace and strength!

Mandala Moment: Round 2

3 week dot mandala crafts session 6th September 2023 onwards

In Mandala Moments: Round 2, we continued our 4-week dot mandala series, providing a nurturing haven for creativity to flourish. This series was led by the talented Preeti Mistry, who previously led the immensely popular International Women’s Day session for Crafts, Coffee & Cakes.

The informal gatherings took place every Wednesday from September 6th to September 20th, starting at 12:00pm.

Here’s a quick recap of what we explored in each session:

1. Week 1: Wooden Boards – Participants dived into the world of dot mandalas on wooden boards, allowing them to explore the unique texture and canvas that wood provides.
2. Week 2: Pebble Coasters – The journey continued as we explored the intricacies of creating dot mandalas on pebble coasters, offering a different tactile experience.
3. Week 3: Plates – In the final week of this round, we ventured into the art of dot mandalas on plates, combining functionality and artistry.

In the last session, we were also joined by Elaine Godber,, the Community Development Officer at Clockwise Credit Union who dotted a beautiful mandala on her plate, and also enlightened us more on the wonderful services they offer!

”What I liked the most about the session was how it gave time to switch off” – Elaine Godber, Community Development Officer, Clockwise Credit Union

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us on this artistic journey. Stay tuned for more creative experiences and opportunities to express yourself through art in the future. Your support and enthusiasm continue to inspire us to create meaningful moments through art.

Movie Nights & Raffles 13th July onwards

3 weeks of movies showing female empowerment

For three consecutive Thursdays, starting on July 13th, our cozy Quetzal venue transformed into a hub of inspiration and empowerment. We curated a lineup of films that put the spotlight on the strength and resilience of women from different walks of life and eras. Here’s a quick journey through the movies that left our audiences both entertained and empowered:

• “Clueless” (July 13th): Cher Horowitz’s stylish escapades through high school life reminded us that confidence and wit are powerful allies in overcoming obstacles.
• “Legally Blonde” (July 20th): Elle Woods taught us that it’s possible to break stereotypes while embracing your own unique style, all while pursuing a prestigious law degree.
• “Hidden Figures” (July 27th): The untold story of three African American female mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race showcased the importance of diversity and determination in the pursuit of greatness.

Our attendees, from all walks of life, came together to celebrate the achievements and stories of these incredible women. Laughter, applause, and sometimes tears filled the room as we collectively appreciated the power of cinema to inspire change and promote gender equality.

But that wasn’t all; our event had another exciting dimension – the raffle! Participants eagerly purchased tickets for a chance to win fantastic prizes generously donated by our supporters. From coffee lovers’ dreams to VIP experiences, the raffle was a thrilling addition to our movie nights.

We appreciate the generosity of local businesses like Café Nero, Treetop Adventure Golf, 200 Degrees Coffee, The Tiny Bakery, Van Gogh the Immersive Experience, and many more who donated the incredible raffle prizes, making the event even more exciting and rewarding for our participants.

Mandala Moments: 4-week Dot Mandala Craft Sessions 28th June 2023 onwards

Led by the talented Preeti Mistry, our introductory dot mandala sessions were called Mandala Moments, provided a safe haven for attendees to practice mindfulness and explore their creativity.

During our Mandala Moments, we discovered that art isn’t just about creating something beautiful; it’s also about the mindfulness it brings. It was a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and let our minds find stillness in the act of creation.

‘’Lovely environment, friendly, great teacher, great tips on techniques and ideas how to feel inspired and motivated. THANK YOU!’’  

We explored a variety of canvases – from traditional canvas to wooden boards, pebble rocks, and even plates. While our last session had to be rescheduled, it only added to the anticipation of what we would create next.

‘’It was nice and comfortable from the start – excited to paint on a wooden board next week’’ 

But what made Mandala Moments truly special was how well it was received. The sense of community and creativity that blossomed in those sessions was truly remarkable. One of our attendees fully embraced it as a full-time hobby. She took what she learned during Mandala Moments and turned it into a lifelong passion. What began as a simple creative outlet during our sessions became a transformative force in her life.

‘’Thank you for helping me discover my new favourite hobby’’

Crafts, Coffee, and Cakes on 8th March 2023

International Women’s Day, observed annually on 8th March, serves as a tribute to the women’s rights movement and acts as means to raise awareness regarding the years of hardship and mistreatment women have endured. As ardent champions of women’s rights and dedicated organisation for those who women have experienced the trauma of CSA, we organised an event on 8th March 2023 featuring Crafts, Coffee, and Cakes!

Our Crafts event, the dot mandala session was certainly well-received:

“Loved how we all just sat down and no questions were asked and just started painting dots! The teacher was so welcoming and loved that there was plenty of staff nearby to assist us!”

We also garnered mass appreciation for our hard-working volunteers:

“The volunteers who hosted this event were brilliant. They engaged with clients, especially those who seemed quitter that necessary.”  

Our array of food also went down a treat:

“Loved the selection of cakes. They made me so happy!”