the
E list
Your cultural life in Walthamstow No.2 • March 2013
Your FR Magaz EE featuri ine things ng 65+ to d March o this in
E17
Adam Graff An illustrator’s life in the Stow
The monthly guide brought to you by
COVER STAR I heart Walthamstow – for so many reasons. It is a borough that is creatively and artistically alive, providing a constant source of inspiration whether in the form of positive stimuli or simply a good reason for a rant (inspiring Too Many Bins, below, from my visual blog, Rant of the Day). I have worked as a professional illustrator for almost twenty years. It’s funny, when I tell people what I do, they either look puzzled or assume I draw the satirical cartoons in the newspapers. But wherever you see an image in the world that is not a photograph, an illustrator
Adam Graff has inevitably generated it. In the supermarket, on the television, in a leaflet, brochure, magazine, book, on a poster, t-shirt, greetings card, label, phone app, computer game… I was once approached by LBWF to create a poster highlighting the positive aspects of Walthamstow for a full-page Time Out advertisement. For me, it was a dream job and as I told Ruby, the nice lady at the council who commissioned me, the only problem I faced, was fitting everything in. In addition to my commercial work, since completing my MA in Communication Design, I have contributed to numerous exhibitions, which allows for greater creative freedom in turn evolving my practice. Please check out my work via my websites. All images are available to purchase either as an original artwork or signed limited-edition prints.
Rant of the Day – adamgraff.blogspot.co.uk/ Professional website – www.adamgraff.com Wet Paint studio blog – www.studiowetpaint.blogspot.co.uk/
Images clockwise from top: Incident on the Pier (compiled from photos taken on the first day of spring over several years), Walthamstow, Too Many Bins (from my rant blog).
Well
what a month! Thanks to everyone who has given the first issue of the E List their support. We’ve had a brilliant reception both for the 12,000 printed copies and the online version (http://issuu.com/e17_listings/docs/ the_e_list), 2,500 hits and counting. Happily even more listings have poured in for this, our second issue, so with crowbar in hand I have done my best to cram in as many as possible. Unfortunately to paraphrase “Jaws”, we’re going to need a bigger issue, with just too much good stuff going on for the space, so apologies to those who didn’t make it in this time, but keep trying. We are looking to advertising to find us some extra space for future issues.
ART
BOOKS
CRAFTS
DANCE
FAMILY
FILM
GARDENING
HISTORY
MUSIC
FOOD
SHOPPING
THEATRE
This month in Walthamstow
MARCH
Friday 1
Even though I have lived in Walthamstow for over 20 years, I still get a thrill discovering new things about the town. Thanks to Time Out for pointing out this month, that 2 ply toilet tissue was invented on St Andrew’s Road off Blackhorse Lane in the early 40s. And what is more the name Andrex is derived from the St Andrew Paper Mill where this miracle of paper engineering occurred.
Sci-fi, Fantasy & Supernatural Fiction Group 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Discussion group for people interested in fantastic fiction... the focus is broad and the discussion tends to be wide ranging. New members welcome, just turn up. 7.30-10.00pm. Free. www.hornbeam.org.uk
Moving on to less sanitary subjects, I also discovered this month that the town has a proper sprung dance floor with licensed bar attached in the Walthamstow Trade Hall on Hoe Street. This was thanks to a listing I received for a vintage dance night taking place on 22 March. Unsung venues such as this and the Orford House Social Club, home to the Stow Film Lounge, are part of a long list of the town’s hidden gems hopefully to be rediscovered and cherished by a new generation looking for a good night out. They’ve got a long way to go until their survival is assured but anyone who knows the success of the Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club will appreciate the potential these old venues have.
Back And To The Left @ The Bell The Bell, 617 Forest Road E17 4NE Your host, jahshabby, will be playing vinyl records one after another for your enjoyment. Rock’n’funk’n’psych’n’dance and broadly balearic beats. 8pm-Late. Free.
Which leads me neatly on to a photo in the current “History of the High Street” exhibition at the Vestry Museum, of what claims to be the country’s oldest Working Men’s Club, set up by local resident, Lord Henry Solly, with the aim of “educating the working classes and freeing them from alcoholism”. Like Andrex another first for Walthamstow! The exhibition also features a Victorian photo of a rival High Street institution to the Club that actively promoted the supping of beer, The Chequers. And I’m pleased to see that March promises to be the month when this pub joins the ever growing list of resuscitated Walthamstow drinking establishments, many of which of course provide venues for the events listed in the E List every month! Paul Lindt, Editor
In This Issue Adam Graff, local artist and illustrator Local Heroes: Nick Bertram of the Stow Film Lounge and more Property View with Neil Collins of Estates17 Cover picture: ‘Admiration’, by Adam Graff originally for The Guardian Weekend magazine
Saturday 2 Stow Kids’ Film Lounge presents Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012, Cert PG) Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR Our animal friends are still trying to get back to the Big Apple and their beloved Central Park zoo. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a travelling circus, which they reinvent - Madagascar style. Doors open 10.30am, activity session, Film 11.00am, Close 1pm. Tickets: £5.50 child inc session, £4 acc adult, Under 2’s free. All tickets are available online at www.stowfilmlounge.com with any remaining tickets on the door. 07910 643987 Walthamstow Village Monthly Gardening Group Meet at the Village Square (on the corner of Eden and Orford Roads) To tend the Village Square and to weed the perennial meadow 10.30am1.30pm. Free. Helen Lerner 0781 404 2499 or helen@walthamstowvillage.net Waltham Forest Bilingual Group Drop-in Session The Limes Children Centre, 6 Somers Road, E17 6RX We are a small voluntary organisation run by parents who want to share experiences and offer advice on raising children bilingually. 3.30-5.30pm. Free. www.wfbilingual.org.uk Claire 07770 860038 Events marked
kid friendly
The Saturday Social The Trades Hall, 17 Hoe Street E17 4SB (entrance in Tower Hamlets Road) 45 minutes Taster class – Introduction to Lindy Hop from 12 noon, then social dancing from 12.45-3pm. Music played will be 40’s Swing and 50’s RnB & Rock n Roll. Class & Social £8, social only £5 More info and tickets www.jeromelanderson.com
Sunday 3 Walthamstow Folk Club Ye Olde Rose Theatre, Hoe Street E17 4SA Phillip Henry and Hanna Martin Philip is a breathtaking slide guitarist and virtuoso harmonica player. With fiddle and banjo playing Hannah they combine influences as diverse as English folk music, Indian classical and American blues. 7.30pm. £7. Book at www.wegottickets.com/ event/208120 www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk
Thursday 7 CiTiES: All Dimensions (Part 2) Tokarska Gallery, 163 Forest Road E17 6HE Group exhibition of worldwide artists, whose art practise stems from the city or urban environment and especially its architectural aspect. Thurs-Sat 12pm7pm. Free. Private View 7 March, 6-9pm www.tokarskagallery.co.uk Guffaw Comedy Club Ye Olde Rose Theatre, Hoe Street E17 4SA Walthamstow’s successful professional stand-up comedy club brings you a fabulous night of comedy headed by that famous grumpy old man Arthur Smith. Support from Grainne McGuire, Rory O’Hanlan & Susan Murray. Doors 8.30pm, show 9pm prompt. £15 www. wegottickets.com/event/204854 or for more info call 07971 712019.
Friday 8 Music, comedy, poetry/literature – Hornbeam Cafe monthly open mic Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Singers, musicians, poets, comedians, magicians are all welcome to grace our intimate stage. 7.30-11.30. Free entry donations appreciated. andythemirror@gmail.com 07940260558 CiTiES: All Dimensions (Part 2) See Thursday 7 for details.
ART
BOOKS
CRAFTS
Friday 8 cont
Monday 11
‘Market to Marshes’ A night march against violence against women in Waltham Forest Meet Town Square at top of Walthamstow Market. Help us to reclaim our streets so that all women can live and walk without fear of violence in Waltham Forest. The march starts from the top of the market and ends at Walthamstow Marshes. Please bring lanterns and electric torches to light our way! All welcome. 7-9pm. Free. Twitter: @WF_Rising and Facebook: Waltham Forest Rising
SPIN-A-DISC Nag’s Head Pub, 9 Orford Road E17 9JP Everyone is welcome to dust off and bring their favourite vinyl or shellac on 78-45-33rpm to give it an airing once more on real turntables with Auntie Maureen and Spinnin’ Jim. 8-11pm. FREE. Up-to-date information on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/events/218 837088250381/?ref=ts&fref=ts
Wednesday 13
Table top sale Shernhall Methodist Church, Shernhall Road E17 9HX Come and grab a bargain or browse for collectibles in a friendly atmosphere. Clothes, toys, books, records and more! Hot food and snacks available. 020 8520 5912
David Bailey in Conversation William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Photographer David Bailey talks about his illustrious career and his portraits of London’s East End with Sandy Nairne, Director of the National Portrait Gallery. 7.30pm. £12, booking essential as places are limited. 020 8496 4390 or email wmg.bookings@walthamforest.gov.uk
CiTiES: All Dimensions (Part 2) See Thursday 7 for details.
CiTiES: All Dimensions (Part 2) See Thursday 7 for details.
Sunday 10
Shellac 78’s Night Ye Olde Rose Theatre, Hoe Street E17 4SA Old Time Music played on 78 Records from the 40’s - 60’s. 8.30pm. Free.
Saturday 9
Walthamstow Family Bike Club Meet 1pm outside the Ancient House Orford Rd/Church Lane junction, E17 A relaxed and sociable ride around open spaces and cafes in and around Waltham Forest. 1-5pm. Contact Paul 020 8520 0648, paul.gasson@gmail.com Adult Art Workshop with Zanara Walthamstow Library, High Street E17 7JN An interactive workshop focused on using art as a tool of mutual understanding and way of communication. Based on the beautiful book, ‘Love and Madness’ 11.30am-1pm. Free. Visit the library or phone 020 8496 3000 to book your place. Walthamstow Folk Club Ye Olde Rose Theatre, Hoe Street E17 4SA Tom McConville - Tom is a virtuoso musician and fantastic singer, his rich and warm voice makes his interpretation of traditional and contemporary songs greatly admired by singers throughout the world. 7.30pm. £7. www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk
Blackhorse and Standard Women’s Morris Dancing Beginners Evening St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Havant Road E17 3JF A fun and friendly way of keeping fit whilst learning traditional Women’s Morris dancing. No experience necessary. 8-10pm. First term free, then £25/term 020 8527 2926 www.blackhorseandstandard.org.uk
Thursday 14 Creative Kids: Mrs Morris’s tea party William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Get moulding with clay to make your own drinking cups and bowls. Creative Kids is a regular session for children under five to enjoy with parents and carers. 10-11.30am, repeated at 1-2.30pm. Free, but booking is essential. 020 8496 4390 or email wmg.bookings@walthamforest.gov.uk Express Yourself drama workshop (14+) Walthamstow Library, High Street E17 7JN Boost your confidence and your skills at this fantastic drama workshop for ages 14 and up. Express to impress! 6.30-8.00pm. Free. Visit the library or phone 020 8496 3000 to book your place. CiTiES: All Dimensions (Part 2) See Thursday 7 for details.
Events marked
DANCE England’s First Actresses Hall of the Trinity United Reformed Church, 58 Orford Road E17 9QU (entrance in West Avenue) In this talk organised by the Walthamstow Historical Society, Marlene McAndrew explores who were England’s first female actors and how people viewed them. 7.30pm. Free to members of the Walthamstow Historical Society, price for guests £1.50. walthamstowwalks@mz48.myzen.co.uk Thursday Late Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Bring your friends and family for a special evening opening at the Museum. A chance to explore the Walthamstow High Street exhibition and a new display of oil paintings after hours. 6-8pm. Free. 020 8496 4391 Email: vhm.enquiries@walthamforest. gov.uk
Friday 15 Stow Baby Film Lounge presents Friends With Kids (2011, Cert 15) Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR There are big laughs and unexpected emotional truths as an unconventional ‘experiment’ leads everyone in the group to question the nature of friendship, family and, finally, true love. Doors open 11.15am, Film 11.30am, Close 1.15pm. Tickets: £6.50/£5 conc, Babies up to 1yr only - Free. All tickets are available online at www.stowfilmlounge.com with any remaining tickets on the door. 07910 643987 CiTiES: All Dimensions (Part 2) See Thursday 7 for details. Back And To The Left @ The Bell See Friday 1 for details. Stow Film Lounge presents Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986, Cert 15) Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR Our first guest programmer Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy has chosen a hair raising favourite. Ferris Bueller is a street-wise kid who knows all the tricks for cutting classes and getting away with it. He calls in sick, “borrows” a Ferrari form his friend’s father, and embarks on a one-day bacchanal through the streets of Chicago. Doors open 7.45pm, Film 8.30pm, Late Bar & DJ Harry Palmer, close midnight. Tickets: £8/£6 conc, Ticket & Pizza from £13.50. All tickets are available online at www.stowfilmlounge.com with any remaining tickets on the door. 07910 643987
FAMILY
FILM
Saturday 16 Stow Kids’ Film Lounge presents Flying Dueces (1939, Cert U) Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR Laurel & Hardy are at their most inventive in this madcap story of despair and adventure. Their trademark slapstick leads to the film’s hilarious and somehow touching ending. Doors open 10.30am, activity session, Film 11.00am, Close 1pm. Tickets: £5.50 child inc session, £4 acc adult, under 2’s free. All tickets are available online at www.stowfilmlounge.com with any remaining tickets on the door. 07910 643987 CiTiES: All Dimensions (Part 2) See Thursday 7 for details.
Sunday 17 Walthamstow Folk Club Ye Olde Rose Theatre, Hoe Street E17 4SA Chris Foster - Chris is a master of his trade. Alongside Nic Jones, Dick Gaughan and June Tabor, he established himself in the 1970’s as one finest interpreters of the traditional ballads of the British Isles. Now resident in Iceland this is a rare chance to catch him in the UK. 7.30pm. £7. www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk
Monday 18 Visual storytelling and art workshop with Zanara (ages 7+) Walthamstow Library, High Street E17 7JN A beautiful visual storytelling session followed by an art workshop, where children can make a bookmark puppet to use in creating their own stories. 4pm-5.30pm. Free. Visit the library or tel 020 8496 3000 to book your place.
Tuesday 19 Waltham Forest Friends of the Earth Le Delice Café, 117 Hoe Street E17 4QR We’re a local volunteer group that meets once a month to help highlight environmental issues. We’re always looking for like-minded people to get involved. 7.30pm. Free. foe.walthamforest@gmail.com Helen 07712 654632
Wednesday 20 Blackhorse and Standard Women’s Morris Dancing St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Havant Road E17 3JF Do you play an accordion, melodeon or similar folk instrument? A local Morris side are looking for musicians to join them. See website for more details. 8-10pm. 020 8527 2926 www.blackhorseandstandard.org.uk
kid friendly
The E List makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising for errors or omissions. Please confirm with the venue before setting out.
GARDENING
HISTORY
MUSIC
FOOD
SHOPPING
Thursday 21
Sunday 24
Friday 29
Visual storytelling and art workshop with Zanara (ages 7+) See Monday 18 for details.
William Morris’s Birthday Event William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP This year’s annual celebrations include a birthday toast with traditional music from Walthamstow Folk followed by a talk on the Gallery’s collection by curators Anna Mason and Carien Kremer. From 4pm. £6.50/£5 (Friends). Tickets for the talk are limited, booking essential. To book contact Roger Huddle at the Friends of the William Morris Gallery, call 07973443030, or email roger.huddle@ntlworld.com
Open studio with N. PavlivTokarska See Thurs 21 for details
Open studio with N. PavlivTokarska Tokarska Gallery, 163 Forest Road E17 6HE Artist N. Pavliv-Tokarska invites you to witness the creation of an oil painting using traditional “Old Masters Techniques”. Thurs-Sat 12pm-7pm Free www.tokarskagallery.co.uk
Friday 22 Dynamite! The Trades Hall, 17 Hoe Street E17 4SB (entrance in Tower Hamlets Road) This is a nostalgic evening for dressing up and dancing, with music from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s on the Hall’s purpose-built sprung dancefloor. Licensed bar. There will be bingo, a raffle, vintage clothing for sale, all in all a great night out! 7.30-11.30pm. £8 advance tickets only. More info and tickets www.jeromelanderson.com Open studio with N. PavlivTokarska See Thurs 21 for details
Saturday 23 Walthamstow Village 11th Annual Spring Clean Meet at the Village Square (on the corner of Eden and Orford Roads) Run as part of Waltham Forest’s cleanup campaign. Gardening, clearing rubbish, litter-picking, painting street furniture etc. Wear gloves, long-sleeved old clothes and sturdy footwear; all equipment will be provided. Free picnic for all volunteers, laid on by the WVRA and the Asian Centre. 10.30am2.30pm. Free. Please contact Helen Lerner 0781 404 2499 or helen@walthamstowvillage.net Spring Fever The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Celebration of Spring. Join us at The Mill and see the garden coming to life. There will be cakes & knitting for sale, make and decorate a beautiful bird, face painting, take part in a seedsowing workshop. 12.00-6.00pm. Free admission, small cost for some activities. Waltham Forest Bilingual Group Drop-in Session See Saturday 2 for details. 5th Year Fancy Dress Birthday Party Ye Olde Rose Theatre, Hoe Street E17 4SA The Management and Staff of Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Pub would like you to join us in a celebration of 5 Years as Publicans. 8.30pm. Free. Open studio with N. PavlivTokarska See Thurs 21 for details
Waltham Forest Cyclists’ Ride Meet 10am at Walthamstow Library for a 10:15am start. A relaxed and sociable ride. We have several routes lined up and decide distance and destination on the day according to what people prefer. We ride leisurely, suited to the wishes of participants. We usually stay within 30 miles and sometimes considerably shorter. 1-3pm. gerhard@wfcycling.org.uk Walthamstow Folk Club Ye Olde Rose Theatre, Hoe Street E17 4SA Gren Bartley - An old pal of the club in his duo with Tom Kitching, Gren has struck out on his own with his unique and hugely charismatic music. A great songwriter, guitarist and banjo player with influences ranging from English folk to moody American blues. 7.30pm. £7. www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk
Monday 25 SPIN-A-DISC See Monday 11 listing for details
Tuesday 26 Life Drawing Class with Frank Gambino See Tuesday 12 for details
Wednesday 27 E17 Jazz Orford Road Social Club, Orford Road E17 Stan Sulzmann has been at the forefront of European contemporary jazz since the 1960’s. He is admired for his beautiful saxophone sound and is a source of inspiration to many of Britain’s emerging young musicians. 8.30pm. £12 (concessions £8). e17jazz.com
Thursday 28 The Baby Bell Social The Bell, 617 Forest Road E17 4NE A monthly social for parents/carers and their babies/pre-toddlers. Get some light relief from the baby activities circuit: grown up music and chat in a great venue. 2-4pm. £2. babybellsocial@gmail.com Open studio with N. PavlivTokarska See Thurs 21 for details
For a free listing contact e17_listings@rocketmail.com for details.
Bakers Arms Book Group 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH We are an informal and friendly group (sometimes some of us haven’t even read the book!). This month’s book is The File by Timothy Garton Ash. Tea, coffee, wine available. New members welcome, just turn up. 7.30pm www.hornbeam.org.uk Back And To The Left @ The Bell See Friday 1 for details.
Saturday 30 Family Day: Photo Fun William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Take pictures, make pictures, cut and paste pictures inspired by David Bailey’s photographs of London’s East End currently on show at the gallery. 1-4pm. Free, event for families of all ages. www.wmgallery.org.uk Easter Fashion Event Wood Street Indoor Market, 98-100 Wood Street E17 3HX Easter Event, Fashion Parade, Easter Bonnet competition, Easter cakes, Easter cocktails, Music by Tony Tunes. 10am to 5.30pm. Free. www.woodstreetmarket.com Open studio with N. PavlivTokarska See Thurs 21 for details Fork to Fork: Seasonal Supper Club 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH The Hornbeam Cafe invites you to a feast with delicious healthy tasty food – locally sown, grown, picked and cooked! The supper club is open from 6.3010.30pm so you can choose your time to book a table (latest 9pm). Advance booking is essential. The café can cater for all special dietary requirements. All 3 courses for just £15! www.hornbeam.org.uk
Every week/Whole month Bleedin’ Beginners, specifically designed for ‘people with two left feet’ KNI Studios, Second Floor, Landmark House, Uplands Business Park, Blackhorse Lane E17 5QJ All the essentials for improved posture and body alignment, co-ordination, travelling steps, rhythm… and also learn some super dance routines, in a fun and friendly environment to dance and have a laugh. Wear comfortable clothing e.g. leggings, yoga pants, tracksuit bottoms, even pyjamas…?! It’s warm work so bring a bottle of water! Tues 7-8pm. Contribution towards studio hire of £3 or £4 per session 07958 523431 vanessa@dancexplosion.co.uk
THEATRE
Ukulele classes for adults Studio Office, Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Learn the ukulele or improve your skills with an experienced, professional musician in a fun and relaxed environment. Instruments not provided! Easy/improvers – Weds 7.30-8.30pm and Sat 10.30-11.30am. Absolute beginners – Sat 11.30-12.30pm. Visit www.banjosmith.co.uk for prices and availability of places. Five string banjo Studio Office, Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Bluegrass style three-finger picking classes. Absolute beginners – Mon 6.307.30pm. Easy/improvers – Mon 7.30-8.30pm. Intermediate/improvers – Weds 6.30-7.30pm. Visit www.banjosmith.co.uk for prices and availability of places. Strung Out violin group for adults Studio Office, Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU A fun violin group for adult enthuisiasts of all levels, with a professional musician whose work spans from the West End to WOMAD. All styles of music covered. Absolute beginners – Mon 7.008.00pm, Tues 7.30-8.30pm. Elemental easy – Tues 6.30-7.30pm. Visit www.shapeshifter-productions. com for prices and availability of places. Wood Street Indoor Market 98-100 Wood Street E17 3HX There’s nothing like finding something new and unique in a great market. From gifts to music, art to food, retro and vintage there’s plenty of bargain hunting to be found at Wood Street Indoor Market. Come on over and discover it all for yourself! 10am-5.30pm, Mon-Sat Walthamstow Farmers’ Market Top of the High St by town square Fresh vegetables & salads, fruit in season, unpasteurised milk, cheese & dairy, artisan bread & cakes, juice, free range eggs, meat & poultry, herbs, locally made preserves & honey, plants and lots more. Every Sunday 10am-2pm www.lfm.org.uk Until 31 March Grit And Glamour; the 1930s photographs of CR Hughes Penny Fieldings, 34 Orford Road, E17 9NJ C. R. Hughes was a ‘gentleman’ photographer of the 1930s. Like his contemporary, the French photographer Henri Lartigue, his work expresses industry, wealth and society with great warmth and intimacy. Free. Visit website for opening hours. www.pennyfielding.com Events marked
kid friendly
To advertise your business contact e17_listings_ads@rocketmail.com
Until 12 May Walthamstow High Street Exhibition Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Discover the colourful history of life on our High Street and the 19th century origins of its famous street market. Wed-Sun, 10am–5pm. Free. www.walthamforest.gov.uk/pages/ services/vhm Coppermill Poets The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Come and join our new local poetry group to discuss poems and ideas and workshop your own writing! We have a friendly atmosphere and biscuits! Every Thurs, 7.30-9pm £5 drop-in or £15 for monthly membership. Until 26 May David Bailey’s East End Faces William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Bailey’s iconic photographs immortalised 1960s London. Born in Leytonstone, he photographed the ever changing face of London’s East End and the people who live there. WedSun 10am-5pm. Free. www.wmgallery.org.uk Children’s Art Lessons Tokarska Gallery, 163 Forest Road E17 6HE The lessons are conducted in the safe and stimulating environment of the gallery with each lesson focusing on different materials, techniques and characteristics of drawing. Every Thurs 4.30-6pm and Sat 1-2.30pm. £6. Materials provided. www.tokarskagallery.co.uk Until 24th March We love Walthamstow! The Mill, 7 - 11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA A mixed selection of work from 35 local artists celebrating either the unique character of Walthamstow or its flourishing creative spirit – beautiful and wonderfully varied. Free. TuesThurs 10-7pm, Fri-Sat 10-6pm, Sun 11-2pm. Until 31 March Prints by Janet Brooke and Caroline Koo E17 Art House, 6-10 Church Hill, Stainforth Rd entrance E17 3RY Our featured artists for March show impressive screen-prints and linocuts of iconic London architecture including Battersea Power Station. Free. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9.30am-5.30pm. www.e17arthouse.com
Events marked
kid friendly
Until 31 December Highlights from the fine art collection Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH A new display will show highlights from the Museum’s collection of oil paintings, including scenes of the local area. Organised to coincide with the BBC Your Paintings launch. Weds-Sun, 10am-5pm. Free. www.walthamforest.gov.uk/pages/ services/vhm Life drawing with Esther Neslen Walden Studios, 95a Lynmouth Road, E17 8AG Relaxed drawing session in a creative space on the West Side. Everyone is welcome, and materials will be available at cost price. £7. 7.30-10pm. Every Tues from 12 February. es.nes@which.net 07773 769 379 Workshops at Significant Seams 131 Wood Street Join us to learn new skills including patchwork for upholstery, stitching a wall sampler and re-covering lampshades. All workshops are donations based. For a full list of workshops and programmes, go to https://bookwhen.com/ significantseams E17 Film Workshop Red Room at Ye Olde Rose Theatre, Hoe Street E17 4SA Our objectives are to network, show and improve our films, study film technique and film appreciation. Bring your projects (DVD) and enjoy positive criticism from our group. £5 on the door. Date tbc, visit www.e17films. com/workshops/ Donation Based Yoga United Reform Church Hall, Orford Rd (Entrance actually on West Ave) A Vinyasa flow community yoga class, open to all with E17 based yoga teacher Hayley Johns. Every Mon 7pm. Donations, no booking required. First come, first served. www.hayleyyoga.com for more details or call 07842 149 119 Saturday Morning Yoga The Walthamstow Yoga Studio, Vestry School of Dance, Church Hill Studios on Stainforth Rd E17 3RY The energy boost you’ll get from this 75 minute Hatha Flow class with Adele Craciun will leave you feeling energised, brighter and more focused. Sat 10-11.15am. £10 drop in. goodtoknowyoga@gmail.com or call 07853 285669. Zumba® Fitness with Chloe! Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill E17 9RZ Wear low tread supportive trainers and bring a bottle of water to enjoy this exhilarating dance fitness class in a low pressure atmosphere! Every Tues, 7pm. £5 or £3 for WSFG staff www.DanceChloe.com
LOCAL HERO
Nick Bertram of the Stow Film Lounge Nick is not a man who likes to take things easy. In his spare time he not only runs Walthamstow’s only regular cinema event, with a grown-ups’ version offering film, pizza and occasional DJ but also a Saturday morning version for kids, another for parents and babies, oh and then there’s something called Cabaraoke. Here he explains all. Where are you originally from? I was born in Central London where my parents rented. We moved away to a hamlet in the depths of the Oxfordshire countryside so my father, who made reproduction furniture, could use a workshop. I drifted back to London in my teens and have pretty much lived here ever since. How long you have lived in Walthamstow? 14 years. What do you like about living here? That it is down to earth and friendly with a strong sense of its own identity. It is still relatively affordable and a little can go quite a way here. I personally like the ethnic diversity of the area too. I think there is a real energy about the place these days. I also like that Epping Forest and Walthamstow Marshes are just a stone’s throw away and travel to just about anywhere is easy. Tell us about something or somewhere in Walthamstow we should know about, but maybe don’t. The Arts and Crusts on Victoria Road is a charming little cafe making itself a part of the local community. Very friendly with award winning breads and great coffee. You’re sure to bump into someone you know. They work hard to promote local culture in all forms and are currently turning their back area into a community space for theatre, film shows etc.
Photo © Paul Tucker www.paultucker.co.uk
Walthamstow Woodchips Please contact for location Parent-led Woodcraft Folk group for 4 to 7 year olds. We meet in term time, usually in the forest. Outdoorsy, friendly, crafty, co-operative, fun. Mondays 5.45-6.45pm e17woodchips@gmail.com
What would you like to see happen in the area in the next five years? The continued improvement of the area’s pubs. I would also like to see more buildings used as places of entertainment for theatre, music, film etc. The EMD cinema is one example but there are others locally. Having a good range of cultural options is very important to drive a local economy in my view. The night time economy has a great deal to offer the area.
Every month Neil Collins of new local estate agent, Estates17, takes a look at a different aspect of Walthamstow’s diverse property market – this month he looks at the practicalities of loft conversions for flats in the local area.
For people who don’t know the Stow Film Lounge what can they expect? A truly cinematic experience in friendly and comfortable surroundings right on your doorstep. Just because we are not a permanent set up doesn’t mean we compromise on quality. We take the fact that we are the only regular commercial cinema running in Walthamstow (indeed the whole of Waltham Forest), very seriously and for that reason aim to offer a much more bespoke film-going experience.
A common question asked to estate agents is “Would I make money on my home if I did a loft conversion?”.
Our set up is full HD projection with 3D capability onto a large screen with a quality sound system to match. We offer a range of quality refreshments such as freshly made popcorn, organic hotdogs and yummy ice-creams. For our evening screenings we offer pre-ordered Pizza at the Pictures and the licensed bar is open until late. Our Kids Film Lounges are a wondrous affair, we like to call it “organised chaos”. They really are a nod back to good old Saturday morning pictures. We always try and have an activity session before the film. Scribble & Smudge run by Lesley Palmer offer a fabulous craft session to engage the kids and at other times, Story Stowaways, run by the wonderfully imaginative Caitlin offer the kids an opportunity to use their own imaginations to create film related stories. We have also recently started our Baby Film Lounge for parents/ babies up to 1yr old once a month on a Monday morning. It is very laid back with fresh teas/coffees and pastries. The Orford Road Social Club is a great Venue, what do you like about it? I like the fact that it has such a history as a place for people to come together to relax and enjoy themselves. The club has been very welcoming and supportive since we started there. Of all the venues I looked at it was the one that lent itself the best to a pop-up cinema. It has plush comfortable seating, a bar, a kitchen, a foyer, a car park and is close to transport links. You also occasionally host something called Cabaraoke there, what’s that? It is a club night for those people who “want to be entertained but also be the entertainment”. The format of these themed nights is always the same; DJ sets and live music interspersed with karaoke. The term cabaraoke is a blend of cabaret and karaoke. Previous nights have included music from the Disco Years, Maggie Thatcher’s first term in office, the 60s as well as earlier 40s/50s stuff. If you were to put on your dream triple bill at the Film Lounge, which films would you chose? That is an impossible question to answer. Can I have a 30 bill please!! It’s A Wonderful Life gets me every time (Jimmy Stewart is also one of my favourite actors. Others include Richard Burton, Richard Harris and Marlon Brando); Apocalypse Now - just because I will never forget the first time I saw it as a teenager on a very large screen. It blew me away!!; Gold Rush - Charlie Chaplin has to be in there. Just timeless and imaginative genius.
Cash in the Attic? Usually the answer to this question is no, as most homes have convertible loft spaces, so normally you would really just get back what you paid out. But this may not be the case with certain types of property, especially in London due to the high demand for housing. With a little bit of lateral thinking you can potentially take 10-15 years off the life of your mortgage or make decent family sized housing more affordable. Now wouldn’t that be good. Let me tell you how. To convert any loft space in a converted or purpose built flat (A) you need to own the loft, and (B) you need to obtain the freeholder’s consent. This is not required when you own the freehold but in the majority of leasehold flats you will still be able to obtain permission. The freeholder will normally charge you in the region of £5,000-£10,000 for a ‘license’. This seems like a lot of money but please bear with me. With Warner flats, for example, the average two double bedroom flat is 65 sqm. A dormer loft conversion would cost between £15-£30,000 on average, depending on quality and size. By adding between 30-40 sqm you have seriously increased the size of your property. The average sqm of a standard three bedroom house in Lloyd Park is 74 sqm, so let’s do the sums. You have bought a flat for £220,000, spent £20,000 on the loft conversion and £10,000 on the loft licence i.e. a total £250,000. For this amount of square footage in a standard house here you could have spent as much as £350-375,000 (plus stamp duty) so you have just saved £100£130,000 and now own a family sized property in a great area. For people that do not want to walk up and down stairs to get to living areas, and want direct access to a garden. I would recommend looking at houses with two double bedrooms, or two doubles with one single. Make a large first floor bathroom (by losing the small bedroom in Victorian/Edwardian homes) and add a dormer loft conversion to provide the third or fourth bedroom. On resale of these properties you are more likely to market to a wider audience, as a lot of families/parents prefer double bedrooms for their children. This will enable you to achieve a higher price, if that is what you want. The photos show a loft converted in a house on the Winns Estate bordering Lloyd Park area. This fantastic home will be coming to the market with Estates17 in March. For dependable local advice on buying or selling please contact me for a chat. Neil Collins, Estates17 0794 721 6966
the paint’s nearly dry ... come and see the finish
contact Neil Collins neilcollins@estates17.co.uk 0794 721 6966 0208 520 9300 www.estates17.co.uk