E List April 18 by Paul Lindt

April 2018

the

In the thick of it with cover photographer Jeff Moore

E list

ISSN 2058-2196

Capture. No 59

Your cultural life in and around Walthamstow, Highams Park, Leytonstone and Leyton

Around the World in 360ยบ with photographer David Levene

Fellowship is Life

COVER STAR JEFF MOORE What kind of photographer are you? I don’t really know! I guess my pictures are journalistic/documentary but I’m interested in pretty much anything – pictures that tell stories. I always have a camera on me wherever I go. What many people might see as the mundane interests me as much as the extraordinary. I like photographing the everyday and getting people to look at it in a new light. Medium of choice? Film or digital? I switched to digital quite early on in the late 90s, however I’ve always shot film. I’ve a darkroom in Stratford which I use for personal work but have plans with a friend to use the space to run a short course for beginners in film photography. The aim is to give people their first darkroom experience. When I was first interested in photography in my late teens, I couldn’t get on to any college

courses due to my lack of formal education. I’m dyslexic and stopped going to school when I was 14/15. Fortunately one tutor at the local adult college saw something in me and basically just let me hang out at the college darkroom with him as much as I liked, which was pretty much all day every day. His name was Randall Webb (above left). He was an expert in Victorian processes so I was using large format Victorian plate cameras and mucking about with strange old processes before I even knew what 35mm film was. I like digital too though. It allows me to shoot images that are virtually impossible to capture using film, especially in poor lighting. Some of these new cameras are crazy. You can literally work in the dark and still have amazing quality images. But for me film is my first love. There’s just something about it, an authenticity that digital doesn’t have.

Henri Cartier-Bresson coined the phrase ‘the decisive moment’ saying “Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again.” What does the concept mean to you? When I’m out making pictures I don’t really think about recording history. It’s only when I look back through old work I think “oh that’s not there anymore” or “no one dresses like that now” and so on and it’s the little things rather than the big events that seem so resonant . Cartier-Bresson also said “Sharpness is a bourgeois concept” which I prefer! The content of the picture is far more important than if its technically perfect. Do you have a favourite ‘moment’ captured in your career? Working in journalism you get to see and cover

everything. When I started out I travelled all the time covering anything that would appear in a newspaper including sports, news, fashion, politics and feature portraits. However looking back through my pictures I seemed to have covered lots of fashion shows in London, Paris and Milan. I actually really like fashion. I like watching the shows as some are pure theatre. I also like people watching. In recent years the trendy kids hanging outside the shows have become much more interesting to me than what’s going on inside the fashion tents. But I have way too many images to have a favourite. In a good year you may have 4 or 5 pictures that are keepers! There are pictures that sort of stay with you though. There’s one image (above) from 2010 of the tuition fee demonstration in Westminster. There was a student on top of a police van on Whitehall. It ran as the Guardian Eyewitness image the next

day and has been widely published. I like this picture a lot. A local friend who has a print of it on her wall has told me that the student on top of the police van is a friend of her daughter’s and is in fact from Leytonstone. How true that is I don’t know but it makes me like it even more. Interesting you should choose that one. I see quite a lot of your work as being ‘immersive’, taken from within crowds and groups. What appeals to you about plunging in? I have photographed an awful lot of demonstrations mostly in London but I don’t think it was really an intentional choice. There’s just a lot of them, they make good pictures and it turns out I’m quite good at judging the mood and telling the story. Whether it’s a light hearted protest over beekeeping or the violence of something like the pro hunters attacking parliament, as a photographer on the streets you’re always trying to blend

in. Mostly people are there to speak out on some issue or other and are not bothered about being photographed, in many cases they want their picture taken. Tell us about the British Press Photographers’ Association. In the early noughties me and a few other news photographers got together to reform the dormant British Press Photographers’ Association. We wanted to raise the profile of our profession. Many people have a misguided view of press photographers mostly gotten from TV news and badly

Images – Cover: Pearly Kings and Queens in the now closed Duncan’s Pie & Mash in Forest Gate. Page opposite: Left – Photographer & teacher Randall Webb No 11, Cyanotype, a victorian photographic process. Engineers used the process well into the 20th century to produce copies of drawings, referred to as blueprints. Top right – Sylvester Stallone’s Warburtons Advert. Bottom right – London Fashion Week. This page: Student protestors Whitehall. 1

made TV dramas that bear no reality to who we are and what we do. The idea was to promote ourselves through our work which I think has been fairly successful. We’ve put on major exhibitions, taking over places like the National Theatre and have published hugely popular books. I was chairman for over ten years and I’m still on the board and have an active role dealing with press cards and policing issues. As the conventional newspaper industry struggles what’s it like being a press photographer in 2018? I have worked for lots of newspapers and magazines from the New York Times to the Surrey Comet(!) but I’ve always preferred being my own person going out shooting my own stories and stand alone pictures and then selling them on to newspapers and magazines. With the change in the industry this way of working has become almost impossible as newspapers are generally less interested in good pictures and more interested in cheap pictures. So I now shoot more consumer PR and advertising pictures rather than news. Even photographers that are household 2

names are having to rely on teaching and doing workshops to make ends meet as the larger photo agencies cut prices in a race to the bottom. The average news picture is probably worth 3 or 4 times less than it was ten years ago and newspapers and magazines rarely use anything but the cheap pictures from the big agencies . Tell us about your personal work. I think photographers often get asked about personal work. I’d say probably about 70% of my pictures are what you might call personal even if I’m being paid to take them by a client. Almost everything I do, even the most commercial jobs, are worked out with the client coming to me and us working it out together mostly based on my ideas. Though I am always shooting my own projects and trying to spend more time in the darkroom . Where can people see your work locally this year. Along side my friend and fellow Leytonstone photographer Andy White I regularly take part in the Leytonstone Arts Trail with a joint project based around E11.

Over the past few years the exhibition has been at the Northcote pub on Francis Road and we hope to do the same this year. Also my girlfriend, who was a picture editor for many years, has just opened a little shop called Found E17 in Wood Street Indoor Market. She sells my photographs as well as local art from the shop. I now find myself looking for different pictures to go on the shop wall all the time Thanks Jeff. Questions by Paul Lindt

www.jeffmoore.co.uk jeffmo69

Image This page: Dogs of N.Y.C. Men walking there dogs in Manhattan early in the morning.

Asking the wrong question by Oddly Head

Two recent E List cover artists Oddly Head and GOMACQ have donated the artwork shown here to be raffled as part of this month’s fundraising Quiz Night in support of the Walthamstow Migrants’ Action Group.

Pub Quiz and Raffle Ye Olde Rose and Crown 7.30pm Thursday 19th April 53 Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 4SA

Quiz £5 per head. Teams of up to 6. Everyone welcome – we can find you a team. All funds go to Walthamstow Migrant’s Action Group. Supporting integration and challenging negativity in our community.

LO V E17 by GOMACQ

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Be warned that two godlike celebrity icons make an appearance this issue. The eagle eyed amongst you may have already spotted Sylvester Stallone lurking on the inside front cover. If that’s not enough see our interview with Renaissance man Geoff Deane on page 30 who, during his rich and varied career, has achieved many things, not least of which was to give us that Birds of a Feather episode where the fabulous Dorien Green sings Like a Virgin at karaoke. The last six weeks has seen Waltham Forest feature prominently in the national news. First it was announced that we’re to be the first London Borough of Culture in 2019. This is tremendously exciting and builds on the unbelievable creative momentum we’ve been so proud to chart in these pages over the last 5 years. A few weeks later the Council and the Soho Theatre announced plans to restore Walthamstow’s Granada (EMD) cinema and turn it into a major London venue. This follows a seemingly endless struggle by local campaigners including Richard Ashman, who revisits the EMD story so far on page 8. Just days after that we hear that Waltham Forest is to be one of five areas in the UK who will receive funds to improve social integration and cohesion. Many people seemed surprised at this in light of what appears to be a fairly harmonious community spirit - but being one of the most culturally diverse areas in London brings with it certain challenges and tensions unfortunately. Arts and culture are a key resource to better integrate communities and we already have a good start on this. Some of the projects planned as part of the Borough of Culture, and by Soho Theatre for the Granada, will involve younger members of the community who may feel left out. Likewise projects such as Write2-a Life run by Forest Radio and the Council make sure young voices are heard - and we have two of the winning poems on page 35. Finally, read our interview with Waltham Forest Music Service’s conductor and teacher Michael Whittaker on page 25, and discover the transformative power of a music. In this issue we have two amazing press photographers, Jeff Moore and David Levene. Both demonstrate how a good photograph can work equally well on a front page or in a gallery. To my mind a gallery context can be more powerful because it gives you the opportunity to not only see the image but to look deep into it, free of the influence of headlines around it. Look for example at Levene’s picture of sunbathers on a Slovakian housing estate on page 11. Immediately questions begin to form in your mind, who are they, why are they there, what are they thinking? Great press photos really make stories come alive by their unflinching gaze. Sadly, as Jeff Moore tells us in his interview, in our cover feature, in a world where digital news is in the ascendancy where stories are consumed in an instant, a photojournalist’s life is getting tougher. Finally many readers enjoy Tom Gaul’s characters from A Spotter’s Guide to Streetlife every month so I urge you to keep your eyes open as some much much larger versions will be appearing on billboards along Walthamstow’s Hoe Street soon thanks to Wood Street Walls. Paul Lindt, Editor editor@theelist.co.uk

@TheEList_e17

The E List

Editor and design: Paul Lindt editor@theelist.co.uk Contributors: Paul Lindt, Liza Fletcher, Paul Tucker, Richard Ashman,. Bill Foster, Penny Fielding, Tom Gaul, Karen Averby, Mark Hart, Simon Goodwin. Listings: Danny Coope danny@theelist.co.uk Advertising: Bill Foster ads@theelist.co.uk Distribution: ZED Zero Emissions Delivery www.zedwalthamforest.co.uk

For the latest listings, a digital version of the E List magazine and back issues

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Young filmmakers

David Levene

Granada reboot

Peculiar Times

30 32 Inside this issue… Geoff Deane

Bank Job

Young local filmmakers making their mark on film

Walthamstow’s Granada – a sequel in the making

CITY – the world of photographer David Levene

E~LICIOUS: Theatre of Wine and The Real Al Company (TRAP) 12 E~DEN: The Home Directory

House Doctor – Room for Rent

Local Hero – Michael Whittaker

E-VOLVE: Health and Fitness Directory

Tom Gaul’s A Spotter’s Guide to Local Streetlife

Streetview

Peculiar Times: Low Hall Manor

Geoff Deane and Modern Romance

Fighting debt with the Bank Job

2 poems from the recent Write2-a Life competition

Listings

The E List is available for FREE at approx 100 venues across E17, E11, E12, E10 and E4. See theelist.co.uk for your nearest venue. As copies disappear quickly we aim to restock the most popular venues during the month so please keep trying. If you would like your venue to be a distribution point email listings@theelist.co.uk

EXPERIENCE FILM & FOOD at walthamstowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vestry house museum

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Rising stars. Left to right: Shola Adesina, Monday Adjetey, Lauren Smith, Tamuka Walker and Manuel Rodriguez

Liza Fletcher, co-founder of Walthamstow International Film Festival and project board member of Hollywood E17, meets some young talent from the borough, who are set to make their mark in film. Photo by Paul Tucker.

LIGHTS!

CAMERA!

Basking in the glory of the Love Your Borough 2018 Awards, where The Walthamstow International Film Festival picked up the Arts and Culture trophy, it seems a fitting moment, to sit back, celebratory popcorn in hand, and contemplate the future direction of film education, training and opportunities in the borough and industry-wide.

Lauren, Manuel, Monday, Shola and Tam are typical of their age. Inspired to take up the camera by watching YouTube studying media at school or simply through an overactive imagination, making films is their common denominator. Their films are about ghosts, skateboarding, the innocence of youth, or simply about the characters and emotions that come from observing their everyday world.

Founded in 2010, the Walthamstow International Film Festival has developed a strong film education remit to work with many local schools on Screen Heritage, Experimental Film Silent Cinema and Screen Crafts, and has seen a display of rising talent as a result.

The group agrees that it’s a good time to be involved in film, but all have concerns about the future of the sector. The common anxiety is the route into employment. Entering film is notoriously

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I ask what film they wished they had made? The varied answers surprise me: Fargo (Shola), Kill Bill (Tam), The Outsiders (Lauren), Kubrick’s entire works (Manuel) and Black Panther (Monday). If these young people are going to achieve similar cinematic heights, how does the industry currently support and nurture them? After all, these are the high achievers of their generation. All being “veteran” filmmakers, alumni of the BFI Academies and Future Film Festival.

ACTION! When asked what the biggest hurdle is, the group agrees en masse “Standing out among other talent” (Lauren) “having an original idea” (Tam) “having to constantly network,” (Manuel) “being noticeable for your authentic voice” (Shola), “investing time to learn your craft” (Monday). The UK industry (worth £10bn to the economy) itself recognises these concerns and that it needs more unique voices like those of our young people. The BFI and

Photo © www.paultucker.co.uk

FUTURE FOCUS

difficult, especially without well-placed family, friends or mentors, and funds to support unpaid internships.

Film London have set targets and put programmes in place to find distinctive British voices in film and to increase the representation of BAME groups to more than the current 14%.

CAST AND CREW Interestingly, the young filmmakers feel that Apprenticeships are a sensible way forward, and most wish to follow this work-based route into the industry. Certain academies in the borough support this route. Currently Tam is working with ITN as a camera operator and lists one of his proudest moments as seeing his Mum’s face when his name appeared on the TV credits. Lauren’s proudest moment was when she won the joint citizen of the year award at the 2018 Love your borough awards. The others express the joy of seeing their work at festivals and gaining a positive audience reaction. Monday’s film was highly commended in its category at the Walthamstow International Film Festival 2017 by its judges (a director, critic and cinema professional).

are active volunteers in film projects and workshops. Manuel will be a judge for the Walthamstow International Film Festival 2018. Lauren, Monday and Shola are teaching children filmmaking skills, and their final 3-minute film will appear at the Empire Cinema as part of a special screening. Manuel has a place at Ravensbourne Art School to study film, on the strength of his work to date, and sees his future in advertising.

INTERMISSION It is a time for reappraisal of what is important. Orson Welles said that making a movie is 80% hustling and 20% creativity and this certainly hasn’t changed since the golden era of Hollywood. So perhaps filmmakers should now be supported to focus on networking, development, funding and distribution with the various paths that our digital age offers as well as the creative craft of filmmaking?

RUN CREDITS

That said, credit must be given to the The group are certainly not standing still teachers, lecturers and technical crew that waiting forPGS_2018_0051_YURT_DISI_DERGI_190x126mm.pdf opportunities and all of them 1 15/02/2018 12:23 are working behind the scenes to help form

the unique voices on film, and improve the craft of future talent. Lauren Gaynor from Holy Family is a daily inspiration. Other stand out candidates are Christopher Leach from Monoux College and Vanessa Clyne from Leyton Sixth Form College (the original school to reach out to the Festival).

THE SEQUEL Watch this space and follow the young voices from Walthamstow and beyond at The Walthamstow International Film Festival taking place on June 23rd at The Vestry House Museum and the Empire Cinema Walthamstow.

FIN Standing ovation. Twitter and Facebook @e17filmfest With thanks to James at Mirth, Marvel and Maud for the shoot location. Cast: Lauren Smith, Manuel Rodriguez, Monday Adjetey, Shola Adesina and Tamuka Walker. Executive Producers: Special thanks to Lauren Gaynor, Christopher Leach, Vanessa Clyne and all the inspirational teachers of film and media in the borough.

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Light! Cameras! Action! Last year Richard Ashman wrote a very popular three part history of Waltham Forest’s ‘lost’ cinemas for the E List before a feature on the king of them all, the Granada on Hoe Street (currently Mirth, Marvel and Maud). With March’s announcement of plans for its full restoration to include a 1,000 seat entertainment venue, Richard looks back on what’s been a long journey. The Granada was built months after the Wall Street Crash and thrived during the Great Depression, Second World War and post war reconstruction. What a contrast to its recent fortunes in a comparatively benign world. Today’s visitors could be forgiven for thinking the foyer pub and room used for film screenings and live events are all it has to offer. Some 90% of the building however lies in ghostly dereliction and has been at the centre of an epic battle for over a decade. January 2003 marked the end of a brief venture by a businessman who had bought the venue from Odeon cinemas under a bizarre clause banning English language film screenings. Local campaigners got the ban lifted but it was then sold for an inflated price to the UCKG who embarked on ten years of trying unsuccessfully to convert it into a church while the building deteriorated through vandalism and neglect. The Council faced a dilemma. Church use could leave an economic black hole in the heart of Walthamstow but the owner

refused to sell, so a huge building beloved by generations stood derelict. The council threatened a compulsory purchase then backed off and held talks with UCKG suggesting church use could be granted. Thousands objected and an exhaustive campaign saw the plans and subsequent appeals thrown out after two public inquiries. Soon after the council declared again that it would compulsory purchase the building – this time to sell it to the Waltham Forest Cinema Trust in partnership with Soho Theatre should UCKG refuse a deal with the trust. However UCKG sold instead to a consortium including the pub chain Antic in 2014. Antic reopened the foyer as Mirth, Marvel and Maud in November 2015 and successfully brought entertainment back to a small part of the building. Unfortunately they were not able to prevent the building from further deteriorating or to restore the main auditorium. Consequently it has remained on Heritage England and the Theatre Society’s Buildings at Risk.

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However Soho Theatre, denied ownership by UCKG remained committed to restoring the building to stage world class comedy and film screenings in the huge auditorium. There have been several false dawns over the years but news the council will buy and lease the building to them is an extraordinary achievement for campaigners and confirms how vital it is to the borough. Soho have the experience to make this complex, Grade II* place work. It can and should offer something for everyone – as it did when Sidney Bernstein built it in 1930. This continuing saga would one day make for a good film. I know the perfect venue to screen it.

City LIMITS The world of photographer David Levene The Walthamstow street corner near Wood Street in the photograph above by David Levene lies exactly on longitude: 0°00’00.65” on the Greenwich Meridian. It also shows David’s home from where, over the last ten years, he has made regular longitudinal journeys photographing some of the world’s most incredible cities. The results feature in his recent book CITY, and a selection will be shown later this month at Walthamstow Village Window Gallery.

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Top row: Left – Longitude: 96° 22’ 93.73” Security guards in an apartment block in Star City, a new gated community for middle and high-income residents on the edge of Yangon, Myanmar. Middle – Longitude: Bratislava, Slovakia. Bottom row: Left – Longitude: 1° 90’ 24.93” Men queue for food in the Jungle migrant camp in Calais, France. Middle – Longitude: -13° 22’ 75.45” Boys play table-football on the edge of the

His new book, CITY, brings together 14 years of work across 62 cities, scanning the globe in a 360-degree journey. The resulting images provide a startling snapshot of the diverse forms of urbanity that exist across all five continents. As his home town of Walthamstow is the opening image in the book I asked him if having travelled the world so extensively changes the way he sees home? “I know it sounds like a bit of a cliché but I always appreciate home and London when I return from a trip. Adjusting back to local life can be tough… My job 10 To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk

takes me to some pretty challenging environments and you tend to see things in a different light when you’ve spent a lot of time with people who live in much harsher conditions than we do. I absolutely love travelling but coming home is always a highlight.” This month David will be exhibiting some of the images from CITY at the Walthamstow Village Window Gallery so how does it feel to be showing his work so close to home? “The first image inside the book is of Wood Street, and it’s also the last photograph that I took for CITY. The book follows an east to west journey from Tokyo, Japan to Barrow, Alaska and each image is mapped according to its longitudinal reference. It only occurred to me quite late in the project that I live almost exactly on the Meridian… so it was such a neat framing for the project. To be showing the work here in Walthamstow means a huge amount to me.”

All images © davidlevene.co.uk

David Levene is a freelance photographer and has been a contributor to The Guardian newspaper since 2001. His images, videos and multimedia appear regularly in print and online and across news and features. He is a two-time award winner at the Press Photographers’ Year Awards.

4° 97’ 86.40” The elevated tracks of the Amsterdam Metro run through Bijlmermeer, Netherlands. Right – Longitude: 17° 11’ 34.16” Residents sunbathe outside their homes in the Petrzalka district of Mabella slums at Susan’s Bay in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Right – Longitude: 55° 18’ 04.7” Rising 150 metres above the trees of Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

CITY by David Levene Walthamstow Village Window Gallery 26 April – 3 June 2018 Opening night event 26 April 47 Orford Road, Walthamstow E17 9NJ

wvwg.co.uk davidlevene.co.uk

CITY by David Levene. Published by Bluecoat Press £25. Available from Waterstones and all good bookshops.

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E~LICIOUS a Guide to Fine things to Eat, Drink and Savour

Promotional Feature

It’s only the beginning With almost four thousand grape varieties and just as many years of history and stories, wine can be an enduring passion to last a lifetime. Leytonstone’s Theatre of Wine are here to stage a fine romance. When we opened the first Theatre of Wine in 2002 wine tasting was at the centre of things. A big tasting table was the stage and the wines our actors. Since we planned to show many new and rarely seen wines on our shelves, we knew we had to find ways to bring the audience on a journey of discovery, and weekly wine tastings would be the passport to the journey. Fifteen years on and our tastings are still vital to the life of our business. Just as wine has never been so exciting or well-made, there has never been so much interest in tasting and learning about wine. It is very rewarding, but it can also be daunting, and on occasion, even intimidating. We’ve all met people who want to keep wine an exclusive club, hidden behind jargon and prejudice, but that’s not what Theatre

of Wine is about. As pioneers in Greek, Portuguese and Bulgarian wines (to name just a few), we pride ourselves on embracing everything from fine wine to a broad range of affordable, well-made bottles under £10 that we work just as hard to source. The fact is no amount of knowledge or experience will ever rob wine of its many mysteries. Just how does a vine produce such an array of flavours depending where it is grown, how it is grown, and by whom? You start to answer those questions with us by signing up to our mailing list {www.theatreofwine.com/signup} and also checking out our online tasting programme {www.theatreofwine.com/

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weeklytastings}. Every Thursday at 7.30pm we present a themed tasting of 10 wines accompanied by quality cheese and charcuterie. A relaxed atmosphere will put you at ease, and we’ll talk you through our wines and answer your questions. We can also offer bespoke private tastings, meetthe-winemaker events and craft beers and small batch spirits in addition to wines. We’d love to welcome you!

Theatre of Wine 556 Leytonstone High Road, E11 3DH Twitter and Instagram: @theatreofwine leytonstone@theatreofwine.com

Promotional Feature

Fall into the TRAP Here at the E List we always get excited when something new opens, especially if that something new is a bar. So when we heard that the Real Al Company were opening a new taproom called TRAP on the Ravenswood Estate, we thought we should go and check it out. Founded four years ago, the Real Al Company is a distribution company which specialises in the supply of small batch drinks, namely cider, perry, beer and soda. If you are wondering about the name, well I can explain that, the founder is called Alice, but known as Al. Real Ale, Real Al. There you have it. Alice and her partner Claire, who goes by the name Ish, moved to Walthamstow last February. They knew about Ravenswood, which they describe as a small batch mecca, but never thought they would get their hands on a space on the estate. But, the stars aligned and there they are today, thrilled to be surrounded by neighbouring businesses who are on their wavelength.

Why open a tap room, I asked them. “We have experienced the crazy craft beer movement across the past five years and figured that cider should have some recognition too. For years people have been drinking sub standard cider filled with artificial flavours and sugar, we are on a mission to change attitudes, what better way of spreading the message than opening your own bar”. The taproom officially opened on 30th March, but there was a soft launch on the same day as Ravenswood for Eat or Heat, one of the busiest days for the bars of Ravenswood, I asked how it went “It was Manic” Ish told me “It was busy all day, and we loved absolutely every minute of it”.

The taproom has a beautifully simple design. There’s lots of wood with the occasional splash of colour. It’s separated from the storage area of the unit by a row of beautifully made wooden flight cases topped with plants. It’s a fantastic space, and I wondered what else people could expect from it. “There will be a huge range of cider, perry, beer, soda, natural wine and scotch eggs, coffee from Perky Blenders and bread from Today Bread”. They went on to tell me that the space will be open on Fridays for people to drop in for a coffee and a read of the papers. The taproom will also be used for exhibitions, with the first being ‘A Spotters Guide To Local Street Life’ By Tom Gaul and Wood Street Walls. Alice and Ish will also be holding regular events such as Cider Pig (a supper club featuring pork, cider and perry), DJ nights, and bridge cider slam (who knew that was a thing).

TRAP (The Real Al Tap) Unit 4, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Walthamstow E17 9HQ

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Central Spots The Village Today Bread E17 4RT Celebrating our love of Walthamstow. Pick up one of our area guides today.

020 8520 0033 info@central-estates.co.uk 179 Hoe Street London E17 3AP central-estates.co.uk

E~DEN a Directory of Useful Services & Beautiful Things for the Home

Need Help in the Garden?

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2 bedroom house to rent Pretoria Avenue, Walthamstow £1,500 pcm Two double bedroom Victorian House. Short walk to Blackhorse rd station. The property boasts a beautiful modern bathroom with a good size kitchen / dining area and separate living room.

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Good size living room with high ceilings and a bay window. Two bedrooms, a fitted kitchen, and bathroom which feature an integrated shower. The property has a front and rear garden.

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Beautiful urban outdoor spaces Walthamstow-based Small jobs welcome Free initial consultation www.clivemeredeengardendesign.co.uk

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Closed Mon & Tues

Mo 07905 164663 Sarah 07528 229030

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“ There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home, there’s no place like home ” - Frank L. Baum, The Wizard of Oz

The Art of Estate Agency 020 8503 6060 walthamstow@churchill-estates.co.uk www.churchill-estates.co.uk

FOR SALE LEYTON, E10 Guide Price £350,000 - £400,000 This stunning Newly Refurbished Split Level Flat offers Two Double Bedroom, Two Bathroom living accommodation together with a well appointed Living/Kitchen area. This perfect first time purchase is being sold with the benefit of a new lease and on a chain free basis. Located within walking distance of the recently opened Lea Bridge Overground Station and an easy cycle of the popular Chatsworth Road, Hackney, and Stoke Newington (thanks to the new cycle network currently being introduced to the area)

FOR SALE WALTHAMSTOW CENTRAL, E17 Guide Price £775,000-£825,000 Situated in this favoured location overlooking Greenleaf Primary School, being within a stroll of Walthamstow Central Victoria Line Station as well as The William Morris Museum & Llloyd Park, is this beautifully presented Four Double Bedroom Victorian Family House with accommodation arranged over three floors. The property has many fine features including a 31ft kitchen/diner, sash style double glazed windows, 24ft through lounge with feature fireplaces, ground floor cloakroom/wc and an attractive rear garden. This fine property is bound to prove popular, therefore an immediate internal inspection of this property is advised to avoid disappointment.

FOR SALE LLOYD PARK AREA Guide Price £580,000-£620,000 We are delighted to offer this deceptively spacious Single Bayed Three Double Bedroom Victorian Family Home. The property offers to the ground floor a 23ft Lounge/Diner with feature fireplaces and opening onto the Modern Fitted Kitchen which in turn gives access to the ground floor bathroom and a 40ft Garden to the Rear, in addition the property benefits from Gas Central Heating and Colonial style shutters to the front windows. Conveniently situated in a tree lined turning being within walking distance of Lloyd Park, Walthamstow Feel Good Centre & Swimming Pool, George Monoux College as well as Walthamstow Academy, whilst also being easily vehicle accessible to the A406, M11 & shopping facilities.

Sales

Lettings

141 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London E17 3AL

2 Church Hill, Walthamstow, London E17 3AG

House Doctor

Penny Fielding offers creative solutions to everyday niggles you may have with your home. It may be because you need the extra income, or just because it’s nice to have someone else knocking about the place, but whatever the reason; having a lodger needs to be managed carefully and in an open manner. If you are thinking about renting out some of your space, here are some tips on how to make your living arrangements as easy going as possible.

Think about the pros and cons of an open plan kitchen/living area. Be clear that it’s not a house share and that its ultimately your space. Do you want a home bird or someone that goes to the gym at 8am and then works late? The room(s) you let need to be furnished – a bed, desk, lamps, clothes storage etc. Keep it clean and simple and make it as nice as possible. You are setting the standard.

Do you want someone long term? Many people are “lodging” well beyond their 30s and are content with this if the arrangements are civilized. Look online for where you and your tenant stand legally. This is quite straight forward and there are tax breaks of £7,500.

Kitchen arrangements can be tricky. Give your lodger as much cupboard/larder/fridge space as you’re able. Lodgers come with their own things so if your kitchen is already well-equipped and you can’t accommodate more then say so.

If you are converting with a view to renting out, (5 years rental will pay for a 40k loft conversion), think about who has what floor. You’ll be adding a bathroom, so can you fit in a laundry space?

The best arrangement is to have separate bathrooms. Provide your lodger with a clothes drying rack so that they can dry laundry in their own bathroom if possible. Sharing your space can have many benefits from companionship to cat sitting but you just might have to let it go that the dishwasher isn’t arranged exactly how you like it What niggles you about your home? Email penfielding@gmail.com with your thoughts. To book a session with the House Doctor please email: penfielding@gmail.com or call 07725 645 359.

18 To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk

With 450 acres of stress busting heathland at Wanstead Flats, 73 miles of shiny new Crossrail track, serious retail therapy at Westfield, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to explore, and the Tap for a craft beer with a side order of music, comedy, book readings and cake, Forest Gate is a great place to discover. Pop in to meet the Forest Gate team at Estates 7. We open on 16 April.

17 April gallery

... this amazing house is being offered chain free. Imagine coming home from work each day, opening the front door, plonking the briefcase down in the hall and then walking through into the dazzling, sunlit kitchen diner with the mature garden pushing into your peripheral vision. Open the fridge, pour yourself a glass of something chilled (you deserve it – it's been a busy day).

020 8520 9300 estates17.co.uk

Beulah Road E17 3 bed terraced house for sale Guide price £925,000 Shirley Close E17 2 bed flat for sale Offers in excess of £390,000

Eden Road E17 2 bed semi-detached house for sale Offers in excess of £650,000 Belgrave Road E17 4 bed terraced house for sale Offers in region of £650,000

Fully relaxed, stroll back in, passed the lounge and head upstairs, where there is plenty of space however big your brood. Ascend again and you will discover the loft extension, perfect for use as a master bedroom or home office. And if that isn't enough, there's even a ground floor utility room and a cellar. All in all, a fabulous family home, full of light, warmth and considerable charm.

10 April gallery

020 8539 4213 estates10.co.uk

Ashville Road, Leytonstone E11 3 bed terraced house for sale Sstc £675,000 Albert Road, Leyton E10 2 bed flat for sale Sstc £435,000

Queens Road, Leytonstone E11 3 bed flat for sale Offers in excess of £525,000 Pevensey Road, Forest Gate E7 2 bed terraced house for sale Guide price £450,000

40 Orford Road E17 9NJ 020 8520 9300

Barclay Road E17 3 bed terraced house to rent £1,700 pcm This well presented period terraced house is sure to prove popular. On the ground floor you will find plenty of space, with separate lounge and dining room, kitchen and bathroom.

Douglas Avenue E17 3 bed terraced house to rent £1,650 pcm (let agreed) This Warner built house is located just to the north of Lloyd Park, on a quiet residential street. We think this would make an ideal rental property for a family.

Lettings

17 April lettings

10 April lettings

185 Francis Road E10 6NQ 020 8539 4213

Morley Road E10 2 bed flat to rent £1,275 pcm This popular location offers a great selection of local shops, pubs, restaurants and other amenities to enjoy as well as fantastic transport links in to Central London.

Church Road E10 2 bed flat to rent £1,350 pcm (let agreed) Features two good size bedrooms (one with en suite) and carpeted to create a warm, comfortable environment, with the tiled family bathroom also reflecting the contemporary decor.

Grosvenor Rise East E17 2 bed flat to rent £1,500 pcm

Grove Green Road E11 3 bed flat to rent £1,700 pcm

This spacious two bedroom split-level first floor flat has the local Village shops, cafes and restaurants on its doorstep, as well as Walthamstow Central just a short stroll away.

With almost 1000 square feet of space, this is one of the largest flats we've ever seen. Set over the upper two floors, it has three good size bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and bathroom.

Central Spots The Village Wildcard Brewery E17 9HQ Celebrating our love of Walthamstow. Pick up one of our area guides today.

020 8520 0033 info@central-estates.co.uk 179 Hoe Street London E17 3AP central-estates.co.uk

M ARSH

STREET

Mortgage advice that’s right up your street Marsh Street provides comprehensive mortgage advice for everyone. We source from a wide range of lenders and have access to a number of different products. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly and high quality bespoke service that ensures that you are treated fairly at all times. We have the experience and ability to identify your needs, to cut through the fine print and explain the pros and cons of each product to make life easier for our customers.

Marsh Street was the original name of Walthamstow High Street where a number of large manor houses were used as weekend or summer retreats. Samuel Pepys’ bosses had houses here, and after visiting one of them Pepys described how they had drunk wine from a local vineyard and “the whole company said they never drank better foreign wine [than this one] in their lives”.

Not only will we help you find the right mortgage, but we will use our knowledge and expertise to ensure your mortgage transaction is completed swiftly and effectively, so you can concentrate on the other parts of buying your dream home.

Traditional values and good advice

M ARSH enquiries@marshstreetmortgages.co.uk 0208 509 8626 40 Orford Road, Walthamstow, London E17 9NJ

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There will be a fee for the advice given, the exact amount will depend upon your circumstances but we estimate it will be £495 or 1%.

Locally based, honest, unbiased independent ﬁnancial advice

ARONA StJAMES SOLICITORS

› Wealth Management › Retirement Planning › Estate Planning › Protection › Finance › Employee Beneﬁts

“attention to detail is remarkable

Contact Antony Smith for a no obligation consultation today! Call 0333 456 0468 or email hello@providusﬁnancial.co.uk Address 20 The Avenue, Highams Park, London E4 9LD Providus Financial Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

... in-depth knowledge of the immigration laws, regulations and administrative processes in the UK are exceptional” Marcos Fournier

T.J.Ball & Co.

All your conveyancing needs under one roof

Buying a property is one of the biggest transactions of your life. It is essential to feel confident that you are making the right decisions as a result of the advice you receive. Established in 1987, T.J. Ball & Co believe that when selling or buying your home you should receive quality independent advice from a qualified and experienced licensed conveyancer.

matt@tjball.co.uk 0208 5031100 www.tjball.co.uk 49 Leytonstone Road, Stratford E15 1JA 24 To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk

• Divorce & Family Law • Employment Law • Commercial Drafting • Wills & Probate • Immigration & Nationality Law • Professional Negligence and Inheritance Disputes • Business Law • Litigation 020 3757 8670 www.AronaStJames.co.uk 63 St James St, Walthamstow, London E17 7PJ

Defending Human Rights We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority number 619031

LOCAL HERO

Michael Whittaker Michael is a conductor and teacher at the Waltham Forest Music Service. Here he talks to Paul Lindt about how music opens up young people’s lives, whether it’s Bob Marley or Berlioz, and why sometimes having a healthy ego is a career advantage. Photo by Paul Tucker. What’s your earliest musical memory? I remember hearing my dad playing music on one of those huge 70s stereos in the front room of the house we used to live in in Walthamstow. The speakers were almost as tall as him! He LOVES reggae, so my earliest memories were of the almost incessant rumble of bass in the house! It’s weird to think that in those days I had little to no interest in what my dad listened to: I was more interested in the songs from Grease!

Photo © www.paultucker.co.uk

Outside of classical music, what other music do you enjoy? There is an irony to my musical taste now because I am a huge reggae fan! I’m obsessed with the era from the 70s to the 90s especially Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, John Holt etc. I’m turned off by today’s reggae/dancehall, too much technology intrudes into the songs! I prefer it when artists could actually sing. I’m showing my age! Tell us briefly about you background? Both of my parents were born in the West Indies (Barbados and Jamaica) and came over here in the sixties. I was born in Tottenham but my earliest memories are in Waltham Forest, where I’ve lived since I was a toddler. None of my family had a formal musical background but my maternal grandfather loved classical music. He moved back to Barbados in 1985 and when I went to visit him many years later he was ecstatic that I had become a music teacher! How did you originally discover classical music and was there an immediate connection? I started learning the violin at 8, but at the time incredibly I never connected the violin with classical music! Even when I played in ensembles, I never listened or

connected with it. Then at around 12 I clearly remember playing March to the Scaffold (Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz) in an orchestra. I remember smiling with my sister (also a violinist) and sharing that moment. It wasn’t long before I started playing around with my Dad’s stereo trying to find classical musical and discovering Radio 3. My violin teacher recommended that I listen to Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, which I was learning so I joined Walthamstow Central Library to borrow a cassette of the Boston Symphony Orchestra recording with Itzhak Perlman playing. I remember listening to it on my Walkman all the way home. By the time I was 16, I had worked my way through most of the classical collection in the library and I had started to borrow and read the scores to accompany them. When you were growing up you took music lessons with Waltham Forest Music Service (WFMS) and you now work with them as a teacher and conductor. I have been involved with WFMS most of my life. From the age of eight to nineteen I had violin and viola lessons with Keith Grout before learning the double bass as well, and I played in several orchestras and a string quartet. We performed at venues around the borough and went on tour to Germany and Italy.

Eight years later I started working for them and am still there today. I hope to inspire children in the same way as the Music Service inspired me as a child. WMFS has an orchestra too. The Service has many ensembles ranging from string ensembles to full orchestras; wind ensembles to a funk band! I have conducted Waltham Forest Youth Orchestra for thirteen years. Over that time there have been many collaborations with other orchestras, especially the LSO (London Symphony Orchestra) and Forest Philharmonic Waltham Forest’s flagship orchestra, and with musicians from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD). Our most ambitious project recently was when the youth orchestra, along with musicians from Forest Philharmonic and from GSMD, accompanied a live screening of the 1916 film of Battle of the Somme, playing the specially commissioned new film score by Laura Rossi. It was part of a nationwide project to commemorate the centenary of the Battle. We have a similar project for the Battle of Ancre film in autumn this year at St. Mary’s Church, Walthamstow on 15 September, so I urge people come along! You have worked with and conducted many other youth orchestras across the country too. What do you find so inspiring 25

about working with young people? I love talking to young people about the different stories that surround the music and different interpretations and the ideas that can be used to bring their performances to life. I feel there is still a child inside me, learning more and more about music. Sometimes adults come along with pre-conceived ideas, whereas young people most of the time come with an open mind ready to discover things anew. Let’s fill in some gaps. Tell us how your career started. I became a viola player at the age of 13 and all through my teens I wanted to go to music college. At age 15 I tried to get into various junior colleges but was unsuccessful and by the time I was 18 I had a job I hated as an office junior. I lasted 8 months before resigning and going back to school. This made me practise all the more and eventually at the age of 21, I got a full time place at Trinity College of Music. And then how did you make the change to conducting. In my second year at Trinity a conductor tutor asked if anyone in the orchestra wanted to conduct a movement of Schubert’s 8th Symphony. Two people put up their hands; I was one of them. Wondering what the hell I had let myself in for, I devoted the next week to studying the score obsessively. I knew it inside out by the time it came to the rehearsal and really enjoyed the experience. I then managed to convince them to give me conducting lessons with Peter Stark. At my first lesson the first thing he asked was “How big is your ego? Big, good, because if you’re going to conduct, it needs to be.” If you encounter a particularly cynical teenager, can you confound their expectations of what classical music can be? When I first started immersing myself in classical music I was simultaneously immersing myself in dancehall to try and dispel the idea that I could be into classical

music. I used to be that cynical teenager but then I changed. The main barrier for young people is them thinking that classical music has no relevance to them. When I was younger I loved listening to Shostakovich and learning about the adversity he faced (exiled from Russia under Stalin). I think it is important to see that for any piece of classical music there is a bigger picture. Why do you think classical music is still relevant? As long as people love and are passionate about classical music, it will always be relevant. This goes for all types of music, whether it was written three hundred years ago, three thousand years ago or yesterday – so long as people are listening. In the western world all the music we have now – the harmony, chord progressions, orchestration etc finds its roots in classical music. What about the benefits of learning an instrument? When I started learning the violin I knew I had chanced upon something wonderful which would be with me for the rest of my life. There are thousands of children around the country who experience this. This will not apply to everyone who learns an instrument but it is important to have that opportunity in the first place, otherwise you will never know. There is also the social side, in my youth orchestra as soon as we get to the break, the players all move around, talk to each other, irrespective of age, background; there is a real sense of camaraderie. On a personal level my two life-long best friends are friends I made through music. How do you feel about music education in schools currently? Music education in schools is thriving! This is despite schools having difficulties with funding and being under pressure from OFSTED to focus on more academic subjects. For example the Music Service Summer Festival each year involves a huge amount of children from many many

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schools from across the borough. A large number of schools buy into the WFMS, so our tutors go out and work with them. There is always room for improvement, but I feel things have got a lot better over the last twenty years I’ve been working for the Service. That’s really good to hear Michael. What is the importance of services such as WFMS. It provides an excellent foundation for children in the borough, is a cultural hub for young people and as such is a key part of Waltham Forest’s wider artistic community. What sort of kids use its facilities? All types! There is no specific type of child. Every ethnic and religious background is represented. We’re lucky that we have a music service which is open to both those who can and cannot afford the fees. There are scholarship schemes, which offer fully funded places to those in financial need. We also have a termly Jack Petchey Award for high achievers; the money awarded is used to broaden children’s musical experience, be it through attending concerts or funding collaborations. Are the any particular shortages in players you want to put a shout out for? Yes, trombonists and also cellists, bassoonists, viola players and oboists please. And looking forward what do you hope for the future of music education? I would like music education to be given its due care across the board. I think about when I was a teenager at Heathcote. The school had an orchestra, a string orchestra, a wind band, other smaller instrumental groups and a choir. I would like to see all schools today put more credence into music education and for headteachers to recognise how good music education can improve a whole school and impact on children’s attainment and selfesteem in all subjects.

walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service

E~VOLVE a Directory for a Healthy Mind & Body Fitness & Sport Sundays This Mum Runs Walthamstow Meet in Lloyd Park, Forest Rd E17 4PP Free women’s group run! We are an award-winning community inspiring thousands of women to run together every week. Join us for a 30min run at the speed of chat. Your time. Your space. Your pace. 8-9am. FREE. thismumruns.co.uk Wednesdays This Mum Runs Leytonstone / Wanstead Meet on Wanstead Green, Wanstead E11 2NT As above but different day, time and venue. 7.30-8pm. FREE. Thursdays HIIT E17 Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN Evening sessions of High Intensity Interval Training. 6.45-7.30pm. £10, discounts for block booking online. hiite17.co.uk

Tuesdays & Fridays Women-Only Outdoor Bootcamp Chestnuts Field, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road E17 4JF Fitness bootcamp with different exercises each session boxing, circuit etc all round fitness session. 6.30-7.15pm. £5. Jackie 07717 330993 wegrantfitnessandhealth.co.uk Thursdays Women-Only Boxercise Class St Andrews Church, St Andrews Road E17 6AR Boxercise is a non-contact boxing class. Newbies will be taught the basics and still have fun. Please bring a mat and arrive ten minutes early to fill in a physical health questionnaire. 7.30-8.30pm. £7, students/OAP/ unemployed £4.50. Jackie 07717 330993 wegrantfitnessandhealth.co.uk

Fridays Pregnancy Yoga Leyton Yoga, First Floor (above USSR), 691 High Road, Leyton E10 6RA PT studio, minutes from Lloyd Join5our community of local mums. Tuesdays Prepare for a calm birth and ease Park Sazzercise: Dance Aerobics & discomfort in this pre-natal yoga class with former East of Eden director and Body Conditioning Leyton Youth local mum Naomi Costantino. No Centre, Crawley Road E10 6PY pre-booking required. Ladies only. 1.45Energizing exercise classes in Leyton. 2.45pm. £10, or 10 for £90. Aerobics, body conditioning and dance. 7-8pm. £8, 5 classes for £30 or leytonyoga.com bring a friend and pay just £4 each. Saturdays sazzercise.co.uk Parkrun Wanstead Flats Playing Fields, Harrow Road E11 3QD and Peter May Sports Ground, Wadham ﬁnding it Road, Walthamstow E17 4HR Weekly 5km run against your own clock with an optional post-run coffee. 9am. FREE, but first-timers please register to get your barcode. Psychotherapy can help you parkrun.org.uk/wansteadflats parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow overcome difficult situations and improve the quality of Saturdays your life. Zumba Forest YMCA, 642 Forest Road Valeria Bonfiglio E17 3EF Psychologist MBPsS Wear low tread, supportive trainers and bring a bottle of water to enjoy this Tel 07912 887588 exhilarating dance fitness class in a low www.valeriabonfiglio.co.uk pressure atmosphere! 9-10am. £6. Offering a sliding scale of fees dancechloe.com

hard to cope

English and Spanish

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Yoga, Meditation & Tai Chi Wednesdays Iyengar Yoga class St Andrews Church, St Andrews Road E17 6AR Suitable for everyone regardless of flexibility and age. It helps gain good health, greater peace of mind, improves posture, relieves tension, promotes sleep, increases stamina and flexibility. 7-8pm. £9, or £45 for 6. Nicholette 07962 424460 Tuesdays Pregnancy Yoga Quaker Meeting House Wanstead, Bush Road E11 3AU For pregnant ladies - to connect to their bodies and their babies. Learn how to breathe and focus the mind for your upcoming labour. A chance to meet other pregnant ladies. Beginners welcome. 6.45-8pm. £12 per session. helenyoga.co.uk Tuesdays NEW Yoga for Seniors (over 60s) Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR A restorative yoga class for the over 60s focused on improving balance and strength, making use of props and chairs to ensure yoga postures are accessible. Beginners welcome, but please consult with your GP first. 10.30-11.15am. £4. yogaannie.org/schedule

Mondays Donation Yoga United Reformed Church, 58 Orford Road E17 9QL Inclusive community vinyasa yoga embodying movement, breath work and meditation with experienced teacher Jessica Green. Mats provided, blankets suggested. 7-8.15pm. Suggested donation from £5. jessicagreen.net Wednesdays Tai Chi for Health and Balance Leytonstone United Free Church, 55 Wallwood Road, London E11 1AY Learn Tai Chi in a fun, comfortable environment. Suitable for all, beginners welcome! Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. We can accommodate all fitness levels. 12.301.30pm. £8. Gemma 07916 334670 taichi_e11@outlook.com First Friday of the Month Free Flow Yoga Leyton Yoga, First Floor (above USSR), 691 High Road, Leyton E10 6RA Once a month, long play yoga practice. Time to breathe, move and sit. 7-8.30. £12, advance booking recommended. leytonyoga.com/schedule

For more dance and ﬁtness classes please visit theelist.co.uk

A SPOTTER’s Guide to LOCAL streetLIFE for Waltham Forest’s people watchers.

Streetview Every day of every week our Bill is out and about, looking, listening and generally pondering all aspects of life here in our corner of London. What he sees sometimes makes him happy, sometimes angry, but his views are always food for thought. I’ve been volunteering at the Emergency Night Shelter for a few years now, and on a recent shift I was chatting with a guest who had got in to trouble for having a pee behind a bin. He’d tried to find somewhere to go, but two local pubs wouldn’t allow him in. In one case a customer notified the manager when the guy walked in and he was ejected. He got caught short and had no choice but to duck down an alleyway. There’s always a lot of talk about homelessness and what can be done to help. But there’s very little tolerance for the realities that people living on the streets face. People will say how dreadful it is that humans are sleeping outside, then complain about someone peeing in a back alleyway. Just think about how many times you go to the loo during the day, do you ever have to worry about having nowhere to do it? How difficult would your day get if you didn’t have easy access to a toilet? Since I’ve been volunteering at the shelter I’ve grown to hate terms like rough sleeper and street sleeper. They imply that the only difficulty that someone faces is having nowhere to sleep, which couldn’t be further from the truth. If you have nowhere to live you also have nowhere to eat, dress, wash, go to the toilet, store your stuff, watch TV, read a book or clean your clothes. Everything that the rest of us do during the course of a normal day is a challenge.

From a series by Walthamstow resident, illustrator Tom Gaul. instagram tomgaul_ doodles

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I’m not for one minute suggesting that going to the loo in public is pleasant. But, when you are homeless, finding a loo to use is just one of the many challenges the rest of us don’t have to worry about. It’s great that so many locals want to help people who are homeless, but that help doesn’t stop with buying someone a cuppa. We need to show compassion, and try to understand that things we take for granted, like going to the loo, can be incredibly difficult. walthamstowdiary.com

Deﬁnition: things that are strange; queer; odd; uncommon; unusual; distinctive in nature or character from others; characteristic of; belonging exclusively to an area. Architectural historian, Karen Averby seeks out such things from this corner of London’s rich and varied past

LOW HALL, Walthamstow

Low Hall Farmhouse

The area of Low Hall, Walthamstow is known to many as the home of a Sports Ground, Nursery School, Allotments, the fabulous Low Hall Pump House Museum, and for the less salubrious South Access Road Household Waste and Recycling Centre. The name Low Hall is the only remnant of a much earlier site with a long history, dating back to at least the medieval period. The manor of Low Hall was formerly known as Bedyke, and also Walthamstow Frances (or Fraunceys), named for its owners: in 1285 the land was

Richard Neville Earl of Warwick

held by the King’s tailor Adam de Bedyke, and Lord of the Manor during the 14th century, city merchant and twice Lord Mayor, Simon Fraunceys. Other illustrious Lords of the Manor have included the Earls of Warwick, amongst them Thomas de Beauchamp and Richard Neville, popularly known as Warwick the Kingmaker. Between 1541 and 1560 the manor was leased to Hackneyborn Ralph Sadler who became a Gentleman of the Kings Privy Chamber and was possibly part of the household of Thomas Cromwell in his early years. The Manor was subsequently purchased by the wealthy landowning Argall family and it remained with them until 1741. Perhaps the most notorious Argall to become Lord of the Manor was adventurer and sailor Sir Samuel Argall. Sir Samuel Argall was employed by the Virginia Company of London in the early 17th century to defend British colonists in North America against the French. He was also

responsible for the abduction of Powhatan princess Pocahontas, and was renowned for his harsh rule as deputy Governor of Virginia 1617-1619. In 1741 the Manor was purchased by Huguenot merchant Samuel Bosanquat, who had links with the slave trade; his son, also Samuel, was a prosperous merchant who was handsomely compensated when the slave trade was abolished. The Low Hall estate, meanwhile, had been a farm for some time, being cannily named Low Hall Farm, its farm buildings being located beyond the moat. The farm was purchased from the Bosanquats in 1875 by Walthamstow Urban District Council, who subsequently built sewerage outfall works, enlarged in 1885. Farming continued on some of the land for a while but, over time, it was repurposed for council use. Every Manor had a manor house, and that at Low Hall stood between Markhouse Lane and

the Dagenham Brook, complete with moat and bridge. The 14th century medieval manor house was a typical hall house with a main hall, upper chamber and service range. It was later extended with a second wing, and a gatehouse adjoining the bridge was added. In the 17th century the house was demolished and replaced with a two-storey timber-framed brickfronted farmhouse. In August 1944 the house and remaining farmhouse buildings were destroyed by a V1 flying bomb. The site of the moated medieval manor house and the smaller post medieval farmhouse complex was excavated in the 1990s by Museum of London Archaeology (see archive. museumoflondon.org.uk/ laarc/catalogue/index.asp and hobleysheroes.co.uk/the-threewise-men-of-gotham) And for the curious who are wondering...yes, there was a High Hall too...! www.archangelheritage.co.uk

1822 John Coe map of Walthamstow

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Modern Romance, original lead vocalist Geoff Deane (centre) with new co-vocalist Miss Grace and original lead guitarist Paul Gendler

THe Best Years of Our lives 80’s pop sensations Modern Romance have reformed and are set to play some familiar old stamping grounds. Walthamstow Rock’n’Roll Book Club’s Mark Hart talks to frontman Geoff Deane about the band and his extraordinary career. About 15 years ago, not long after moving to Walthamstow, I was chatting about music with a cab driver on my way to a gig who told me that his cousin, Geoff Deane was a musician. Geoff Deane was well known to millions of Smash Hits reading youths like me as the dapper frontman of Modern Romance. Little did I know then of his subsequent achievements and that our paths would cross.

Geoff is the original vocalist with Modern Romance, formed in 1980 and responsible for a string of salsa infused chart-topping singles in the early 80’s. A self-confessed ‘mega fanboy’ whose passions include music, comedy, food and fashion. Deane is foremost a fine wordsmith with an ear for a line as acute as Ray Davies of the Kinks.

30 To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk

Eastender Geoff formed punk band Leyton Buzzards in 1976 whose debut single ‘19 and Mad’ was released by Walthamstow’s legendary Small Wonder Records. Airplay on John Peel led them to Chrysalis Records alongside punk luminaries Blondie and Generation X where they recorded the classic single ‘Saturday Night Beneath the Plastic Palm Trees’ which dented the charts and got them an appearance on Top of The Pops.

Bored with punk Geoff and Buzzards’ co-writer David Jaymes formed Modern Romance inspired by Geoff’s collection of Salsa 12”s and visits to Hispanic clubs in New York. Geoff explains the change in direction: ‘I’ve always had eclectic musical tastes but it was more of a happy accident than a plan, a hooky little tune I had was transformed into a Latin American Vibe by our trumpet player. Paul’s fantastic funk and rhythm guitar style added a lot and we found our sound.’ Modern Romance’s string of salsa-infused hit singles, including smash hits such as ‘Best Years Of Our Lives’, ‘Everybody Salsa’, ‘Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey’, ‘Queen Of The Rapping Scene’, ‘Walking In The Rain’ and their US Dance Number 1 hit ‘Can You Move’.

Geoff recalls: ‘This was a lovely period of my life. I met people I’m still mates with today. The first episode I wrote featured Dorien performing ‘Like A Virgin’. She absolutely smashed it and things took off from there. The Christmas special I wrote for the show pulled in around 20 million viewers.’ Geoff has spent the last twenty years in film and television writing sit-coms including Last Man Standing and Babes In The Wood. In 2005 he wrote the film Kinky Boots starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, and a year later It’s a Boy Girl Thing for Elton John’s Rocket Pictures. He is currently adapting Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat with a trio of knights; Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Elton John.

At their peak, Modern Romance enjoyed global success, and toured extensively but Geoff - fed up with internal band politics - left. Modern Romance’s music has been kept alive by radio play and frequent use of samples from the band’s catalogue by DJ’s such as David Guetta, Arthur Baker and, most notably, in Crystal Waters’ ‘Destination Unknown’. ‘Can you Move’ and is once again being played in clubs across the U.S.

Geoff was persuaded to take part in the 2016 celebrations marking Walthamstow’s Small Wonder Record label organised by Neil Meads and Julia Spicer. He performed a memorable version of Saturday Night Beneath The Plastic Palm Trees at a Small Wonder night at the Rose and Crown and gave an entertaining account of life as a pop star in a panel debate organised by Walthamstow Rock‘n’Roll Book Club at Vestry House.

Despite leaving Modern Romance Geoff was no stranger to the charts. In 1983 he penned the worldwide smash hit ‘You Think You’re A Man’ for legendary cult disco diva Divine. However Geoff’s talent and study of American sit-coms like Roseanne and Cheers took him to film and television and he became a scriptwriter for television programmes most notably the BBC’s massively popular Birds of a Feather.

So why get Modern Romance back together? Geoff says: ‘2017 varied between dull and miserable. Work was largely pointless meetings and I lost my mum. The most enjoyable parts of my professional life are connected to music. Writing and recording a record for Lisa Ronson (daughter of Mick Ronson) with Paul showed me the logical way forward.’

Leyton Buzzards in 1978

Looking ahead to the band’s show at Walthamstow’s legendary former Granada Cinema Geoff says, “We’ll be playing all the hits, so no Modern Romance fan will go home disappointed. The new band featuring Miss Molly, Miss Grace and Joey Lips are fantastic. There’ll be some new tunes and a few surprises. It’ll be a blast, a real show. So look sharp and head down.”

Mirth, Marvel and Maud 7.30pm Saturday 5th May 186 Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 4QH DJ support from dolores rocket (You Should Be Dancing).

Tickets: mirthmarvelandmaud.com

THE

GUV’NOR

WANTS OF HOE STREET CENTRAL BANK

YO U to buy Walthamstow’s hand-printed bank notes — a social currency which fuels local causes, helps eliminate toxic payday loans in E17, and kickstarts the debate we all need in order to make a change to our economy and society for the common good. The

HOE STREET CENTRAL BANK has issued

a very limited edition of art notes. To order currency and help us in our goal to write off £1m of predatory debt in the borough visit

WWW.BANKJOB.PICTURES 32 To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk

Taking all tHE credit Last month people may have noticed that the old Co-op Bank on Walthamstow’s Hoe Street was for a few weeks rebranded as ‘The Bank Job’. Intrigued Paul Lindt asks one of the instigators Dan Edelstyn what’s going on? Photographs by Simon Goodwin.

Photography © www.goodwinphotography.co.uk

Hi Dan, so tell us about The Bank Job. Great name by the way. It’s a community heist, where we get together to do a number against the banks – and pull off a job highlighting the unjust consequences of the current debt-based money system. It’s just the start of a bigger idea, the HSCB (Hoe Street Community Bank). What’s your aim. We aim to raise £25,000 for local causes affected by the fall out of the financial system as it is now and also to raise a further £25,000 to buy up and abolish £1 million of local payday debt.

Sounds ambitious. How did this all come about? We believe that the banking system is a dangerous runaway train, effectively creating money as interest-bearing debt on an unprecedented scale. More and more people are being indebted in order to access basic social goods, such as housing and education. We will never repay these debts – and the extraction will never cease. But it’s not good for anyone – without a balanced economy politics will become increasingly bitter and our small businesses will fail. We still have free healthcare at point of access, but the Health Trusts are indebted

to PFI – as are our schools and many other public services. Credit surrounds us, the financial elites are wrapping it around almost everything, but their tentacles are quite invisible. We are trying to shine a spotlight on this and encourage a public conversation so things can begin to change. So you are counteracting this by printing money! Yes - my partner in crime Hilary Powell and I came up with this idea of a local form of money which would work as a way of raising enough capital to destroy a drop in the ocean of the most predatory debt in our community. The story of how

To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 33

How does it work? The notes are named after the individuals from the four local causes we are supporting. So for example we have a note called a Gary, after Gary Nash from Eat or Heat. People buy up our notes at face value – so 10 Garys would cost £10 and so on, across the Sairas, Steves and Traceys. The notes are designed by myself, Hilary an artist and our team of gifted screenprinters and are strictly limited edition artworks – they are really a currency of hope and ideas. They are not exchangeable as for instance the Brixton pound is but Hilary has work in the Museum of Modern Art and The V&A – so they may prove to be a better investment than £5 sterling! Steve – who runs the Soul Project has said he would be happy to accept them as payment once he re-opens Tumble in The Jungle. In the end it’s up to the local community if they have any value outside the project.. Tell us about your objective to reduce debt for local people. It is about buying debt on the secondary market. If you

have a debt to a bank, or a credit card, or indeed on a utility bill and you fail to pay it, after a while, the owner of that debt may decide to sell it at a loss to get it off their books. So say you have a payday loan of £1,000, the company may decide to sell that at £500 to a debt purchaser. The purchaser will then chase the debtor for the full amount. If they are unsuccessful in this, they may sell the debt on cheaper to another debt buyer – and this process continues on and on, until the debt may be sold for as little as 5p in the pound. This is where we are trying to get involved – and buy up £1,000,000 of local payday debt for £25,000. The idea is educational, once the public understand how the secondary debt market works, they will feel more empowered the next time they are pursued by a debt collector. Above that, it’s a symbolic howl of rage at the economic policies that have led people into the desperate situation of relying on the kindness of payday lenders. How will you judge the scheme’s a success? When we hit our 50k target! We are making a documentary film about the whole journey which also conveys the bigger ideas about credit that lie behind it and we have to get this out there – into cinemas/top festivals but also to be shown in communities and schools. Ultimately our end goal is to change the public conversation around debt and money. OK, how can people get involved? Please buy some notes! We can’t do this unless the people of Walthamstow and beyond

34 To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk

give us this support. We need local people to get behind us, realize that this is one of the most important stories of our generation – and buy it! For more info and future events subscribe to our website and you will be able to see free films and podcasts exclusive to subscribers. There may even be a chance to act in some of the drama scenes we will be filming over the coming months to complete the film.

www.bankjob.pictures

Photography © www.goodwinphotography.co.uk

banks create money in our society was something I had learned about both from Strike Debt and other civil society groups in the UK. Everyone relates to money, we’re all pretty much obsessed with it. Having enough of it is the difference between life and death, it shapes many of our choices – we crave for a stable income and a good retirement plan, and if we do this effectively we avoid the worst traps of debt. So money felt like the right way to frame this story -

Courage a poem by Keira N.S. aged 12 “Courage is being yourself in a world that tells you to be someone else” We’re here, we’re queer and we wanna shout In a society that might hurt us if we come out. Some of us are lucky – we can make it every day Just being ourselves and knowing that’s okay Still, there are others living constantly in fear If they let on who they are, they’ll lose all they hold dear You’ve got some privileges with you being straight The least we’re asking of you is that you don’t hate Because too many people have lost their voice Being bullied for something that isn’t their choice. Keira says “I love writing poems, because it helps me develop my confidence, my English and my poetic skills. Through poetry I can be myself”. Keira’s poem won third prize in the Write2-a Life competition, a poetry and short story competition for 11-16 year olds in Waltham Forest.

I Miss You a poem by Maja Mosinska aged 12 I remember your dimpled wide smile that would always glow On return to our little magical world Where we would laugh and shop and bake Happy memories did we make I remember your bright ocean eyes Filled with adventure and surprise And your amazing warm laugh which would always break Those hard shells that I would create I remember the memories that we shared And no matter what, you always cared Through thick and thin you stayed And put me back when I strayed Now that time has slipped past I wish I had a time-machine in my grasp For then I could travel back and relive Those darken days relit I miss you Grandma… Maja says “Poems help me express my feelings, especially after I lost someone close to me. Becoming a competition winner was a surprise but means a lot”. Maja’s poem is a winner in the Write2-a Life competition, a poetry and short story competition for 11-16 year olds in Waltham Forest.

This month in town

April

Exhibitions & weekly events Arts, Crafts & Film Until 22 April NEW Explorations: Green, Huning, Reader Walthamstow Village Window Gallery, 47 Orford Road E17 9NJ Work by three artists: Linda Green’s intensely jewel-like pieces inspired by poetry and Epping Forest. Saskia Huning’s lively still-lives and Ali Reader’s mixed media images exploring past visits to the Highlands of Scotland. Street-facing gallery, visible daylight hours and lit until midnight. FREE. wvwg.co.uk 5-29 April NEW Surface Tension by Sam Hodge, Andy D’Cruz and Marcia Teusink The Stone Space, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG The artists explore the scientific idea of surface tension and its more artistic and poetic implications - surfaces of paintings and drawings, tensions in materials, tensions between objects across multiple media. Thurs-Fri 2-6pm, Sat 12-5pm, Sun 12-4pm. FREE. thestonespace.wordpress.com Until 20 May Gayle Chong Kwan: The People’s Forest William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Through installation, photography, sculpture, drawing, audio and photographic work, Chong Kwan explores the forest as a site of shared and contested resources, conflict between capital and common, private and public, and as a liminal space between rural and urban. Weds-Sun 10am-5pm. FREE. wmgallery.org.uk

Until 14 April Swifts over Walthamstow The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA An exhibition initiated and developed by residents local to the Wetlands at Waterside, designed and led by textile artist Deirdre Nelson and knitted by the community of knitters at The Mill. Tues-Fri: 9.30am-6pm. Sat-Sun: 10am-2pm. FREE. themille17.org 26 April-3 June NEW CITY: David Levene Walthamstow Village Window Gallery, 47 Orford Road E17 9NJ Documentary photographer David Levene’s stunning, thought-provoking images capturing some diverse people and places around the world - and back home in Walthamstow. Opening night event 26 April. See feature on page 9. Street-facing gallery, visible daylight hours, lit until midnight. FREE. wvwg.co.uk Until 2 Sept The In-Between: An Ode to Epping Forest Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH An exhibition by the artist Rachel Lillie, revealing the history of Epping Forest and the hidden stories that have shaped its landscape. Weds-Sun 10am5pm. FREE. vestryhousemuseum.org.uk/visit

Books & Writing Wednesdays Writers’ Workshop The Northcote Arms, 110 Grove Green Rd E11 4EL Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned scribbler, come along every Wednesday where local writer Andrew Fraser will be helping to squeeze out those creative juices. Bring a pad and pen. 8-9pm. FREE, donations appreciated. 07857 989957 bistobovril@mail.com

Music, Theatre & Singing Fridays Hornbeam Nights: Friday Music The Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH DJ nights most Fridays, check website for updates. We support local artists and musicians so get in touch to run a night of your own. 7.30-11pm. FREE. hornbeam.org.uk/events Fridays CNN Karaoke Night The Victoria, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Old songs, new songs, rock n’ roll, and blues songs... we have something for everyone. So join us, take the mic and become the star. FREE.

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ART

BOOKS

CRAFTS

Wednesdays & Fridays until 14 July Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: Amateur Production Open Call Waltham Forest College, Forest Road, E17 4JB Friendly, local, amateur theatre group welcome performers of all ages to join as principals and ensemble for an amateur production of the popular musical this summer. 7.30-10pm. FREE. victoriafowler@live.co.uk collegeoperatic.co.uk

Tuesdays The CommUnity Gospel Choir Wesleyan Christian Centre, 1 Harrow Green, Leytonstone E11 3HP It’s the choir’s Spring term. New members are welcome, no experience necessary. Working towards an end of term concertthis month. Come and give us a try! First week free for everyone. 7.15-9pm. £5, £3 conc for under 18s and unwaged. communitygospelchoireast@gmail.com

Mondays Blues Jam Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Feel free to join in or just enjoy our new weekly blues jam! 8.30-midnight. FREE. lunalounge.info/events-calendar

Mondays (term time only) Sing17 Community Choir Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR Join our thriving, 3 year old, choir. All abilities, absolutely no auditions. Drop in and join in. Inclusive, informal, fun. 7.30-9pm. £8, £7 in adv, FREE taster. Laura 07813 686980 sing17.com

Tuesdays Singer-Songwriters’ Night with Guests Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Every Tuesday enjoy some great unsigned, talented performers. Different line-up each week. 8-11pm. FREE. Thursdays Jazz Up Thursdays Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Every week a broad range of talented musicians. Expect anything from classical jazz or modern, a gig or a jam. 7pm-midnight. FREE. Thursdays The Funky Corner The Bell, 617 Forest Road/Chingford Road E17 4NE DJ O’Chez plays three hours of funk, soul, latin, Northern Soul, jazz, R’n’B, reggae, Rare Groove, rock, disco, hip hop, soundtracks and guilty pleasures; all on vinyl. 9pm-midnight. FREE. belle17.com Tuesdays East Side Jazz Club Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB Weekly modern jazz club. 8.30-11pm. £6, cash on the door only. eastsidejazzclub.blogspot.com Sundays Sunday Afternoon Open Mike Bay Tree Pub, 57 Vicarage Lane E15 4HG Come and see local and not-so-local singers, guitarists, keyboard players, drummers and all, getting their 15 minutes of fame showing us how it’s done! PA, instruments and accompanists available. 6-9pm. FREE. 07533 851205 edfurst.com Wednesdays (term time only) WAVE Community Choir Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road E17 7BY We’re funky, jazzy and recruiting. All welcome, no auditions. Jazz, gospel, classical, folk etc. 7.30-9.30pm. First rehearsal FREE, then £10, £8 conc. Virginia Firnberg 07813 116505 Events marked

Wednesdays The Rose & Crown Singers Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Friendly community choir singing a musical mix of folk, drinking songs and something more modern. Try us out no audition or experience needed, just drop by. 7.30-9.30pm. £5. theroseandcrownsingers.org.uk

Outdoors Thursdays NEW Lloyd Park Volunteer Gardening Meet in the William Morris Garden, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Help keep the park looking beautiful, improve your health and well-being, meet new people and gain news skills.. 10am-1pm. FREE. Ellie Mortimer 020 8496 2822 walthamforest.gov.uk/content/lloyd-park Fridays Lloyd Park Conservation Volunteers’ Green Gym Meet beside the stables, Lloyd Park E17 4PP De-stress in the great outdoors, learn new skills, meet new people. Get physically active whilst improving the environment and your local community. 10.45am-2pm. FREE. www2.tcv.org.uk Saturdays Open Garden: Church Lane Community Garden Harold Road, Leytonstone E11 4QX Transition Leytonstone’s award-winning community garden. Organic fruit and veg, plants to buy, gardening tools to borrow, growing tips, regular workshops. Volunteering opportunities too. 10am4pm. FREE. Shannon 07450 474538 transitionleytonstone.org.uk

DANCE/FITNESS Wednesdays Chingford Conservation Volunteers’ Green Gym Ridgeway Park, Old Church Road E4 6XU As above except different venue and time. 10am-1pm. FREE.

Quizzes, Games & Social First Monday NEW Ping Pong Tournament Heathcote and Star, 344 Grove Green Road E11 4EA An energetic evening to show off your ‘wiff waff’ skills and be in with the chance of winning a £25 bar tab. For the pros there’s a separate ‘beat the boss’ stage to allow the novices a chance to win and keep it fair. 7.30-10.30pm. Just £1. heathcoteandstar.co.uk Alternate Sundays 8 & 22 April NEW Plough & Harrow Fun Jackpot Quiz Plough and Harrow, 419 High Road Leytonstone E11 4JU Not your average quiz. Pictures, dingbats, audible music round, silly stuff, serious stuff. 7.30pm start. £1 per person. facebook.com/LeytonstoneQuiz Wednesdays Big Quiffy Quiz The Birds, 692 High Road, Leytonstone E11 3AA Boogaloo Stu, portfolio artist; presenter, performer, DJ and theatre-maker hosts this rumpus. Rolling jackpot and weird and wonderful prizes. 8pm. £2. thebirds.pub/events Tuesdays Kate’s Quiz Heathcote and Star, 344 Grove Green Road E11 4EA An eclectic mix of music, picture, general knowledge, mystery and London rounds. Lots of banter. Nothing boring. 8pm start. £2. Max of 6 per team. heathcoteandstar.co.uk Wednesdays Leyton Technical Quiz Night 265b High Road Leyton E10 5QN 8pm start. £2 each. leytontechnical.com Sundays General Knowledge Quiz Night The Victoria, 186 Hoe St E17 4QH Weekly quiz night from Neil’s Big Quiz. General knowledge and specialist rounds including an interval round and Play Your Cards Right. Cash jackpot £50+. 8.30-11pm. £1.50 per person. Thursdays Hornbeam Nights: Thursdays The Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Check out our website for details of this Thursdays musical, poetic, creative or foodie shenanigans. 7-11pm. FREE. hornbeam.org.uk/events

FAMILY

FILM

Wednesdays The Big Fat Quiz The Dog & Duck, 222 Chingford Road E17 5AL Max 6 per team. 7.30-9.30pm. £2. dogandduck-e17.co.uk Wednesdays The Big Fat Quiz The Duke, 112 Wood St E17 3HX Max 6 per team. 7.30-9.30pm. £2. thedukee17.com Tuesdays General Knowledge Quiz The Village Pub, 31 Orford Road E17 9NL Can you beat the cards? Will you be lucky 7? Or will you be taking home the spoon? Quiz night with cash and wine to be won with Neil’s Big Quiz. 8.3011pm. £1.50 per person. village-walthamstow.com Thursdays Neil’s Music Quiz The Flowerpot Pub, 128 Wood Street E17 3HX Weekly music quiz hosted by Neil’s Big Quiz. Includes picture and table rounds. How many bonus points will you get for the connection? Cash jackpot! 9-11pm. £1 per person. flowerpotlivemusic.com Fridays Seniors Club Toy Library, 46 Ravenswood Road (behind Comely Bank surgery) E17 9LY Make new friends at this friendly over 60s group. We have tea and biccies, play bingo; games; organise trips and more. 2.30-4pm. £2, includes refreshments. Sandra 020 8223 0707 wfchub.org

Family & Young People Tuesdays NEW Forest Vocal Collective for Ages 11-16 Room 11, Big Creative Academy, Clifton Avenue E17 6HL Students taking part will develop their own voice, as well as building the collective sound of the group. Beginners and experienced singers welcome. 5.307pm. £1.40, conc available. walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service Weekdays (Term time only) Bongalong Music Movement & Make Believe for Under 1s & Under 5s. Venues: Greenleaf Road Baptist Church; The Scout Hall, Wood Street; The Quaker Meeting House, Jewel Road and St Mary’s Welcome Centre, Church End. 45 minutes of fun, creative music, movement and make believe - a lively mix of singing, dancing, let’s pretend and fab percussion instruments. Check website for days/times. £6.50 per session booked per term. FREE trial. bongalong.co.uk

kid friendly

36 The E List makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. Please confirm with the venue before setting out.

FOOD & DRINK

OUTDOORS

HISTORY

Saturdays NEW Junior Choir Waltham Forest Music Service, 12 Church Hill E17 3AG For children of all abilities aged 6+. Through a wide range of songs from classical to pop, musicals and world music, we cover all aspects of vocal technique to build a solid foundation for singers. 10.30-11.30am. £2.90 per session or £1.40 for low income families. walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service

Food, markets & shopping

Mondays Mini Musicians for Children aged 4-6 Waltham Forest Music Service, 12 Church Hill E17 3AG Children will experience and enjoy music as listeners, creators and performers, whilst laying the foundation for future instrumental and vocal training. 4-45pm. £58 for 10 week term, or £29 for those on low incomes. walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service

Saturdays Leyton Food Market Coronation Gardens, High Road Leyton E10 5NG Weekly, family-friendly market offering food and drink from all corners of the world, plus arts and crafts and musical entertainment too. 10am-4pm. leytonfoodmarket.com

Tuesdays Mini Musicians for Babies & Toddlers Waltham Forest Music Service, 12 Church Hill E17 3AG Music making classes taught by Early Years Music specialists includes singing, dancing and an exciting range of instruments. £65.50 for 10 week term. walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service Wednesdays Youth Club Priory Court Community Centre, 11 Priory Court, South Countess Road E17 5NB Weekly club for 11 to 19 year olds. Great way to make new friends. Play table tennis; PS3; pool; plus arts and crafts and trips. 4.30-6.30pm. FREE. Sandra 020 8223 0707 wfchub.org Mondays & Fridays Youth Club WF Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN As above except different day & venue. Thursdays 26 April-24 May Junior Art Club The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA A series of 5 sessions for kids 6 years and over with David, Mo, Stella and Jane. Get creative with paint, printing, clay or collage. Can be messy but a fun way to find out about art. Places are limited so please book ahead. Under 8s must be accompanied. 4-5pm. £2. themill-coppermill.org Saturdays (term time only) Local Art Club for 9-19 yr olds Room TC2, top floor, Frederick Bremer School, Siddeley Road E17 4EY GCSE and ‘A’Level advice and fun projects to develop individual skills. Taught by a qualified art teacher and examiner. Please email your name and age to secure your place before attending. 10.30am-1pm. £15. a.paine@bremer.waltham.sch.uk

Events marked

kid friendly

MUSIC

SHOPPING

COMEDY/THEATRE

Saturdays Hornbeam Nights: Supper Club The Hornbeam Centre, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Saturday nights are generally pop-up Vegan Supper Club nights, but please check website before setting out. 7-11pm. Prices vary per dish. hornbeam.org.uk/events

Saturdays E17 Village Market Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN Local residents and micro businesses, showcase the best in artisan produce, international street food, homeware, clothing and gifts. 10.30am-3.30pm. facebook.com/e17villagemarket

EXPLORATIONS: GREEN HUNING READER

Sundays Farmers’ Market Town Square, Walthamstow E17 4HU A changing, seasonal selection of produce, food and drink. 10am-2pm. lfm.org.uk/markets/walthamstow Saturdays Community Local Produce Stall St John’s Church, Church Ln. E11 1HG Delicious, locally grown organic fruit and vegetables, and other local produce for sale. 10.30am-3pm. transitionleytonstone.org.uk Saturdays OrganicLea Market Stall Outside the Hornbeam, 458 Hoe St. E17 9AH Organic and local sustainably grown fruit, vegetables, homemade bread, jams and preserves. 10am-3pm. organiclea.org.uk

SPOTTED AN ERROR? PLEASE LET US KNOW Email corrections to listings@theelist.co.uk

Until 22 April Open daylight hours & lit until midnight

Calendar of events

Monday 2 Bank Holiday

Easter Sunday 1

Pillars Brewery presents: The Lager Experiment: Trial #1 The Birds, 692 High Road Leytonstone E11 3AA As Sunday. 12-6pm.

Easter Egg Trail Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Pick up our popular Easter trail with activities to complete around the museum and then collect a free chocolate egg as your reward! Suitable for families with children aged 5 years+. 10-5pm. FREE. Helena Kay Trio Mirth, Marvel and Maud, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Tenor saxophonist Helena Kay (Young Scottish Jazz Musician of the Year 2015) is inspired by greats such as Sonny Rollins and Antonio Carlos Jobim, and by contemporary names such as Melissa Aldana and Larry Goldings. FREE. mirthmarvelandmaud.com Pillars Brewery presents: The Lager Experiment: Trial #1 The Birds, 692 High Road Leytonstone E11 3AA The first in a quarterly series of Pillars Brewery lager trials combining innovative ingredients and crazy ideas to blast the boundaries of flavour. Get your first exclusive taste of Chocolate Orange Black Lager at this series launch weekend at The Birds. 2-11.30pm. facebook.com/pg/thebirdsleytonstone

Easter Art Club for 9-19 yr olds Room TC2, top floor, Frederick Bremer School, Siddeley Road E17 4EY GCSE and ‘A’Level advice and fun projects to develop individual skills. Taught by a qualified art teacher and examiner. Please email your name and age to secure your place before attending. 10.30am-1pm. £15. a.paine@bremer.waltham.sch.uk

Tuesday 3 Easter Art Club for 9-19 yr olds Room TC2, top floor, Frederick Bremer School, Siddeley Road E17 4EY Details as Monday 2 Waltham Forest Reiki Project Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN Reiki is a form of healing administered by transmitting the life force energy that flows through all living things. 7-9pm. FREE, donations appreciated walthamforestreikiproject.weebly.com

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ART

BOOKS

CRAFTS

Tuesday 3 (continued)

Thursday 5

Skate Park Skills Skate Park, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Join us and the Friends of Lloyd Park Skate Park Users Group (SPUG) to improve your skate park skills, knowledge and etiquette. We’ll have a free maintenance repair clinic and crafts on offer too. 10am-1pm. FREE but donations welcome. v.peet@tcv.org.uk

Kids’ Holiday Art Fun The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Easter fun for children 6+. Get creative and paint large eggs. FREE workshops led by local artist Katja Rosenberg. Under 8s must be accompanied. Please book in advance. 2-3pm and 3-4pm. Natasha 020 8521 3211 info@themille17.org

Puppet Mayhem: Nature Craft Coppermill Primary School, Edward Road E17 6PB William Morris was inspired by nature. Birds, trees and flowers were a constant presence in his artwork. Join us to create your very own style of birds and flowers, to string together and take home. 1.304pm. FREE, just drop in. e17puppetproject.org.uk

Wednesday 4 La Leche League Waltham Forest: Coffee Morning Lloyd Park Children’s Centre, Lloyd Park (Winns Avenue entrance) E17 5JW Relaxed monthly coffee morning-style meeting for mothers and babies with a La Leche League (breastfeeding) counsellor present. This warm group offers support for individuals with or without current challenges in breastfeeding. 10am-12pm. £1 donation welcome. lllwf.elizabeth@gmail.com Under 5s Nature Explorers: Easter & Spring Aveling Centre (Community Room beside the cafe), Lloyd Park E17 4PP Begining with a simple craft then a ramble in the park before more stories and a healthy snack. 10am-12.30pm. FREE, donations welcome. v.peet@tcv.org.uk Easter Arts & Crafts for Families Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Print a rabbit (10am-12.30pm) and create an egg from clay and decorate it (1.30-12.30pm). Family fun for everyone. Just drop in. 10am-4pm. FREE, but registration required. Red Imp presents Arthur Smith & Hattie Hayridge Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Our favourite grumpy old man charms E17 once again. With support from Red Dwarf’s ‘Holly’, the surreal and brilliant Hattie Hayridge. 8.30-10.30pm. £13.50. redimpcomedy.com

Friday 6 Kid’s Book Drop for charity, Give A Book Tidy Books Offices, 10 Hatherley Mews E17 4QP Donate pre-loved children’s books via Tidy Books HQ for registered charity Give A Book who redistribute them to school book clubs. 10am-5pm. giveabook.org.uk Horsemeat Sandwich presents Brewer, Spirit Level, Bentcousin and Smartt Sinbin at The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU Live Dionysian garage punk featuring reverb, amp and brass; alt-pop featuring drum machine, synths, guitar and catchy vocals; Cutecore/ Acidpunk and alternative indie pop’n’roll on cheap whizz. 8-11pm. FREE. facebook.com/horsemeatsandwich Arty’s Birthday Bash The Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane E17 7HF Arty Parker will be celebrating along with The Higham Flyers and some special guests. 8.30-11.30pm. FREE. coppermillpub.wordpress.com International Romani Day Celebration St Mary’s Music Hall, Church End E17 9RL A joyous and vibrant celebration featuring a host of internationally renowned musicians from Romani communities all around Europe. Plus traditional Romani food, talks and insights on Romani culture. 6.30pm. £15, £12 conc. stmarysmusichall.co.uk

Saturday 7 Stones Throw Market St John’s Church, Leytonstone High Road/ Church Lane E11 1HH On the first Saturday of the month. Designer-maker; retro and vintage wares with over 20 stalls including jewellery, local honey, handmade ceramics and lots more. Delicious homemade cakes and tea and coffee. 11am-4pm. FREE. Gail Lockwood 07963 422231 Mingus Elastic Band Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane E17 7HF Tony Mingus and his excellent band make a welcome return to The Coppermill and it’s sure to be a great night. 8.30-11pm. FREE. coppermillpub.wordpress.com

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kid friendly

DANCE/FITNESS Storytime Harrow Green Community Library, The Epicentre, 41 West Street E11 4LJ Join Emily on a magical, musical storytelling adventure for all the family. Wander into the fairy tree, frolic in the jungle and help a little duck save the day! Free family event with healthy refreshments in the interval. Drop in, no need to book. 2-3.30pm. FREE. From Monoux and Morris to Beer and Bacon Jam William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Guided two hour walk with Joanna Moncrieff exploring E17’s fascinating history. Stories include the Dickens’ plagiarist and the hidden Greek theatre opened by Sybil Thorndike. £1 from each ticket goes to Prostate Cancer UK. 2-4pm. £12, £9 conc. tinyurl.com/E17MoncrieffWalk Lea Valley Yacht Club The Chequers, 145 High Street/Storey Road E17 7BX Enjoy the sweet sounds of excess as Mixtape DJs play 70s and 80s AOR anthems, stadium rock and power ballads all on original vinyl. As hot and smooth as a cheese fondue. 8pm12am. FREE. chequerse17.com

Sunday 8 Get Drawing! The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA A relaxing, fortnightly two hours of drawing for adults - sorry no children. An opportunity to work on still-life. All abilities welcome, some tuition available or do your own thing. Basic materials provided. 11am-1pm. £4. themille17.org Open Spaces Ride Meet at the Ancient House, Orford Rd E17 9RW On the second Sunday of the month, enjoy a relaxed, sociable, easy paced ride, with a mid-afternoon cafe stop. We cover around 15 miles, returning around 5pm. 1-5pm. FREE. Family Activities Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Join local artists for hands-on crafting inspired by Vestry House Museum’s collections and special exhibitions. 1.30-4pm. FREE, just drop in. vestryhousemuseum.org.uk Laugh Your Socks Off including Simon Day (Fast Show) Mirth, Marvel and Maud, 186 Hoe St E17 4QH Come and laugh your socks off at our charity comedy night. With an amazing line-up, superb venue, and a fun offer for anyone who wishes to donate a new pair of men’s thermal socks to warm cold toes in need, you would be a fool to miss out! Featuring Simon Day of Fast Show fame, Clinton Baptiste from Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, Jen Brister, Rosie Wilby, Abi Roberts and Susan Murray. 8pm. £15. mirthmarvelandmaud.com

FAMILY

FILM

She17 presents She’s Eclectic Wild Card Brewery, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ Live electro/acoustic showcase of local women’s musicianship, spoken word and song. Also featuring a ‘women in music’ quiz this month. 2-6pm. FREE. she17.com Andy Irvine at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA One of the great Irish singers, his voice is amongst the handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland. 7.30-10.30pm. £10, £8 unwaged. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

Wednesday 11 La Leche League Waltham Forest: Beyond Babyhood Walthamstow Children and Family Centre, 313 Billet Road E17 5PX As 4 April except different venue.

Thursday 12 Creative Kids: Creative Kids Take a Leaf from William Morris William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Find different leaves and trees in William Morris’ designs and create prints from them. Two sessions: 1011.30am and 1-2.30pm. FREE but booking essential 020 8496 4390 wmgallery.org.uk The Earth Grows our Food, Why Can’t it Grow our Homes? William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP David Hopkins, Managing Director of the Timber Trade Federation, explains how building our homes out of wood will stimulate the expansion of Europe’s forests. Followed by Q & A. Booking essential. 7.30-9pm. £5. 020 8496 4390 wmgallery.org.uk Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band Mirth, Marvel and Maud, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH 60s legend Geno Washington brings his Full Ram Jam band to Walthamstow. 8-11pm. £12.50. mirthmarvelandmaud.com General Echo The Victoria, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Monthly reggae disco. This month with live dub sets from Lo Kindre (Glasgow, Optimo Music) and Alexander Tucker (Thrill Jockey). 8pm-12am. £5. generalechoes.tumblr.com

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38 The E List makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. Please confirm with the venue before setting out.

FOOD & DRINK

OUTDOORS

Friday 13 Stow Fest presents Thee Hypnotics Mirth, Marvel and Maud, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Taking cues from The MC5, The Stooges and the gospel according to The Cramps, Thee Hypnotics’ devastating brand of rock’n’roll was propelled by near punishing decibel levels and a fervour bordering on the evangelical. Don’t miss the classic line-up at their first London gig in 20 years! Support comes from former Spacemen 3 member Sterling Roswell. 8pm. £15. mirthmarvelandmaud.com

Saturday 14 Stow Film Lounge presents CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE (2017, Cert PG) Centre17, 1 Church Hill E17 3AB Dreamworks animated comedy for the entire family.Two overly imaginative pranksters hypnotize their meanspirited school principal Mr. Krupp into thinking he’s a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dim-witted superhero. Doors 10.30am for crafts, film 11am. £6 (inc crafts), £12.50 party package, acc adults £4.50, under 2s FREE. Buy online or on the door. stowfilmlounge.com Past & Present Vintage, Antique & Craft Fair Christchurch Hall, Wanstead Place E11 2SW Collectibles, antiques, vintage jewellery, perfumes and handbags, household items, toys, curios, greeting cards and lots more. Two halls and lots of stalls for that unique item or gift. Great friendly atmosphere and homemade refreshments. 10am-4.30pm. £1 entry, u16s FREE. pastandpresentchristchurch.weebly.com Vintage, Retro & More Lister Hall, High Road/Lister Road, Leytonstone E11 3DA Fab vintage, retro and more. Fashion (including gents), household goods, jewellery, records, bric-a-brac and all sorts of goodies including home-made food. Family and pet friendly. 11am4pm. FREE entry. Sandra 07956 221710 Marshland Medicine: April Herb Walk Meet behind Lee Valley Ice Rink, Lea Bridge Road E10 7QL Monthly guided plant ramble with community herbalist Rasheeqa exploring the medicinal bounty of our local wild lands. Please book in advance. 11am-1pm. £8, £6 conc. hedgeherbs.org.uk Whiskey Mick & Friends The Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane E17 7HF An intoxicating and irresistible blend of gospel, folk and bluegrass. Exceptional. 8.30-11pm. FREE. coppermillpub.wordpress.com

MUSIC

SHOPPING

Artist Tour of the People’s Forest William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Join Gayle Chong Kwan for a personal tour of the People’s Forest, her current exhibition at the William Morris Gallery. Discover the inspiration behind it and learn about the 2-year project that led to it. 2-3pm. FREE. No need to book. wmgallery.org.uk

Sunday Family Club Learning Lodge, Pimp Hall Nature Reserve. Kings Road E4 7HR Spend quality time together, make delicious food with your under 5s and enjoy nature at the Hornbeam’s Learning Lodge. In partnership with Walk the Loop. 2-4pm. FREE, donations welcome. hornbeam.org.uk/events/learning-lodge

Silent Disco: Club Neapolitan Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR Dance the night away with Orford House’s first silent disco. Choose from 3 music channels: chocolate (90s and 00s indie), vanilla (party classics), or strawberry (decided by a magical wheel of fortune). 8pm-midnight. £10, Orford House members £3. Buy online. bit.ly/SilentDiscoE17

Peter Struijk and Liz Mandeville at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Liz Mandeville is an American vocalist and Chicago blues musician. Holland-born Peter Struijk is a fearsome acoustic blues and slide guitar player. Don’t miss this rare chance to see the incendiary duo in action. 7.3010.30pm. £8, £6 unwaged. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

More News From Nowhere #25 The Victoria, 186 Hoe St E17 4QH Monthly experimental, improvised music and sound art showcase. This month features Snack Family, Kelvox1 ft Jazzman John Clarke and Lofe. 8-11.30pm. £6, or £4 in adv from wegottickets.com facebook.com/ MoreNewsFromNowhereE17

Sunday 15 Hoe Street Market The Trades Hall, 61-63 Tower Hamlets Road E17 4RQ Art, gifts, plants, homeware, jewellery, cakes and hot food all made by local designers, makers, bakers and small traders. Shop and dine in comfort and enjoy a drink from the very cheap bar. 12-4pm. FREE entry, FREE parking. Follow @hoestmarket on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram Newcomers Cycle Ride Meet in Walthamstow Village Square, Orford Road/Eden Road E17 9JS This bike ride is intended for those new to cycling, including families with young children. We ride around the quiet low traffic streets in Walthamstow Village, covering 2-3 miles. 2-3pm. FREE. Paul 020 8520 0648 walthamstowfamilybike@gmail.com Vagina Monologues The Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH An amateur fundraising read-through of this famous episodic play about women’s sexual experiences - but with an audience. Come and read or just listen. 7-9.30pm. Performers £5, audience £10, all proceeds will be donated to Educate to Eradicate, a local campaign tackling FGM through education. rebecca@rebeccatully.co.uk hornbeam.org.uk

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HISTORY

Tuesday 17 Red Imp presents Jeremy Hardy Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Warming up for his forthcoming tour Jeremy Hardy comes back to his favourite club. Please note, there will be repeated material from his earlier appearance in February. 8.30-10.30pm. £13.50. redimpcomedy.com

Wednesday 18 La Leche League Waltham Forest: Series Meeting Lloyd Park Children’s Centre, via Winns Terrace, Lloyd Park E17 5JW Group for mothers and babies with a La Leche League (breastfeeding) counsellor present. Topic based discussion with time for supporting individuals with breastfeeding issues and concerns. 10am-12pm. FREE but £1 donation appreciated. lllwf.elizabeth@gmail.com Exploring London on Foot with John Rogers St Johns Church Hall, High Road Leytonstone E11 1HH Writer and film-maker John Rogers talks about his experiences exploring London on foot, including a screening of some of John’s films of walks to historical sites in and around London. Presented by the Leyton and Leytonstone Historical Society. Doors 7.15pm for light refreshments, 7.459.45pm. £2, FREE to Society members. leytonhistorysociety.org.uk BABY Launch Night with Warm Brains, David Callahan and Clingfilm The Victoria, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Three ace live bands and indiepop/soul/ girlgroup/disco DJs and fanzines too. 8pm-midnight. £3, unwaged FREE. facebook.com/babytheclub

COMEDY/THEATRE

The Alan Tyler Show / The Embers What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Exservicemen’s Club, 2 Harvey Road E11 3DB An evening of country/folk music exploring London’s country heritage; the hidden waterways and the “fields beneath” which enrich and breathe life into the city. ‘One of the best songwriters of his generation’ THE GUARDIAN. 8.30-11pm. FREE with collection. whatscookin.co.uk

Thursday 19 Transport Hustings Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road E17 7BY Chance to ask major parties about their transport policies before May’s Council elections. 7-9pm. FREE, but donations to cover costs appreciated. infowfstreets4all@gmail.com Pub Quiz & Raffle in support of Walthamstow Migrants Action Group Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Get competitive at this pub quiz and fundraiser raffle. Win limited edition artworks, an Amazon Fire tablet, restaurant and cinema vouchers and other amazing prizes. All proceeds go to supporting vulnerable migrants in our community. 7.30-10.30pm. £5 each. Max of 6 per team. sophia.fergus@gmail.com Art, Sex, Music: a Night with Cosey Fanni Tutti Mirth, Marvel and Maud, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Hosted by Walthamstow Rock ‘n’ Roll Book Club join punk, pornographer, pioneer and provocateur Cosey Fanni Tutti in conversation. Followed by Q&A, book signing of her memoir Art, Sex, Music and post-punk/Industrial/noise sets from special guests and These Days DJ’s until midnight. 7pm-midnight. £11.37. mirthmarvelandmaud.com Hornbeam Nights: Open Decks The Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH A regular open decks night usually on the third Thursday of the month. A great vibe for amateurs and DJs alike to play great music on vinyl - yours or ours. Arrive by 8pm to book your 20 minute slot. 7.30-11.30pm. FREE. hornbeam.org.uk/events Young Waters Album Launch St Mary’s Music Hall, Church End E17 9RL Young Waters’ twisted neo-folk is a tapestry of emotionally powerful vocals, stirring harmonies, lyrical strings and finely mastered acoustic guitar. £12, £10 conc. stmarysmusichall.co.uk

kid friendly

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ART

Thursday 19 (continued) Los Otros The Victoria, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH All your favourite jazz standards with a bit of Latin and swing, upbeat dance rhythms and music for mellow moods. 9-11.30pm. FREE. losotros.co.uk

Friday 20 Dial M for Music Sir Alfred Hitchcock Hotel, 147 Whipps Cross Road E11 1NP Monthly music club with visuals, vintage stuff and free raffles! This month features local lad Mick Terry. 7.4511pm. FREE, with collection. thehitchcockhotel.com Alternative Book Club Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane E17 7HF Danny and Pete return with their superb Mississippi delta blues. Guest support to be confirmed. 8.30-11pm. FREE. coppermillpub.wordpress.com Silent Disco at WAH17 Walthamstow Assembly Hall, Forest Road E17 4JF Silent Noize and Forest Venues bring the first ever silent disco to the Walthamstow Assembly Hall! Three top DJs will battle it out for your attention, playing the very best in dance, pop, indie, rock, party and power ballads. Everyone will get a pair of fantastic 3 channel headsets with an LED light to indicate to your friends which channel you’re dancing to. Want to chat and grab a drink, just take off your headphones and the room will be silent - except for the toe tapping and out of tune singing! 8pm-1am. £10. For tickets search eventbrite.co.uk Queefy: Turns Two Mirth, Marvel and Maud, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Rhys’Pieces (The Phoenix) brings you a night filled with cabaret stardust. A truly special event with an eclectic mix of London’s finest cabaret creatures and a vibe that is positive and electric. Expect an all star cast of darlings who’ve graced the Queefy stage in the last two years. 8pm-2am. £8. mirthmarvelandmaud.com Disco Rani: My Desi Girl Party Sinbin at The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU Exotic mix of Mujra, Bollywood, Bhangra and R’n’B by Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen Asifa Lahore, Birmingham’s darling Miss Paro and Luton’s first desi lady Miss Neelu. £10, drag queens FREE. facebook.com/asifalahore

Saturday 21 The River Boys at the Chicken Shack Sinbin at The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU Chicken Shack band night proudly presents the River Boys. 8-11pm. £5.

BOOKS

CRAFTS

DANCE/FITNESS

I Am Amazing: Self-esteem Training for Women and Children Greenleaf Road Baptist Church, 4 Greenleaf Road E17 6QQ Unique and powerful training designed especially for women and children. Build your confidence, increase your self-worth and learn the beauty of loving the skin you’re in, the way Jesus intended. Minimum age 8yrs. 2-4pm. £15. claudinecarcher@gmail.com

Stow Film Lounge presents THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (1955, Cert 12) Mirth, Marvel & Maud, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Robert Mitchum stars as a religious fanatic and serial killer in this masterful blend of horror and lyricism. A cinema classic also starring Lillian Gish. Doors 2.15pm, film 2.30pm. £7.50/£5.50 conc. Buy online or on the door. stowfilmlounge.com

The Saturday Session Wild Card Brewery, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ Eastern Front Soundsystem and special guest DJ Steve Kiw (1 Brighton FM) bring eclectic, balearic, and disco vibrations all night long. 5pmmidnight. FREE. twitter.com/easternfrontdjs

Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Combining Russell’s powerful vocals and driving guitar style with Algar’s AllIreland winning fiddle playing, the duo have become one of the most sought after acts on the British folk scene. 7.30-10.30pm. £8, £6 conc. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

Steve White & The Protest Family / The New Normal Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Folk punk/afro jazz? Yes! East London’s favourite semi-acoustic singalong political folk punk band. With funky afro jazzers The New Normal. 7.30pmmidnight. £5. stevewhiteandtheprotestfamily. bandcamp.com The Len Price 3 / Professor Baba And His Invisible Band What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemen’s Club, 2 Harvey Road E11 3DB Equally influenced by 1970s punk and ‘60s mod, the Len Price 3 play brash, old-school garage rock’n’roll. 8.3011.30pm. FREE with collection. whatscookin.co.uk

Sunday 22 Get Drawing! The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA A relaxing, fortnightly drawing session for adults. See 8 April for details. Francis Road Jumble Trail Francis Road, Leyton E10 6NT Join the residents on and around Francis Road for their annual Jumble Trail. Follow the map and find hidden treasures from stalls around the neighbourhood! Selling everything from general jumble to jams and handmade crafts. 11-3pm. FREE. jumbletrail.com/event/E106NT2018 Young People’s Forest Survival Workshop William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP For those aged 18-25. Create art in the forest and discover the skills you would need to survive in an emergency. Organised by members of the William Morris Gallery’s Young Curators group. 1-4pm. FREE but booking essential wmgallery.org.uk

Monday 23 Over 55s St George’s Day Event Priory Court Community Centre, 11 Priory Court, South Countess Road E17 5NB Join us for pie, mash and liquor. Entertainment includes a good old fashioned sing-a-long; Pearly King & Queen and a raffle. 1-4pm. £7, or £5 for Senior’s club members. Sandra 020 8223 0707 wfchub.org East London Humanists Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road E11 2RQ Thought-provoking monthly talks and discussions around humanism; a rationale for non-religious people who wish to live ethical, fulfilling lives in the here and now in the belief that it’s the only life we have. Doors open 7pm for light refreshments, 7.30-9pm. FREE. eastlondon.humanist.org.uk

Tuesday 24 All You Read is Love: Gig & Closing Party 877 High Road Leytonstone E11 1HR Come celebrate three great years in Leytonstone in the most All You Read is Love-esque way with live music from Stanley Brinks & Freschard. Doors 6pm. FREE entry. allyoureadislove.com

Wednesday 25 Tea Dance Chingford Assembly Hall, Station Road E4 7EN Looking for leisure time with health benefits? Want to meet new people? Attend our monthly tea dance! 1-4pm. £6, free entry for carers. akademi.co.uk/teadances Floral Art Society Walthamstow Cricket, Tennis & Squash Club, 48a Greenway Avenue E17 3QN Monthly meeting for anyone who loves flowers. 7.45-9.45pm. Members £2, non-members £10. walthamstowfloralart.wordpress.com Events marked

FAMILY

FILM

E17 Cook Book Club The Bell, 617 Forest Road/Chingford Road E17 4NE Foodie social evening, everyone brings food to share. We eat, talk and have fun. Theme this month: Chocolate Bring a dish to share with about 10 people. 8.30-10.30pm. £3. walthamstowfoodies.com King Size Slim Band / Doc Bowling & Mlle Chat Noir Blues What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemen’s Club, 2 Harvey Road E11 3DB King Size Slim Band’s truly percussive, heavyweight acoustic sound that shouts loud and kisses sweet. 8.3011pm. FREE with collection. whatscookin.co.uk

Thursday 26 Cut and Paste The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Meet the artists event for this exhibition celebrating the medium of contemporary collage. Exploring how we recycle and reprocess the world around us through imagery. 6.308.30pm. FREE. themille17.org CITY: David Levene Walthamstow Village Window Gallery, 47 Orford Road E17 9NJ Opportunity to meet ducumentary photographer David Levene at this opening night drinks event for his exhibition of stunning, thoughtprovoking images from around the world. See feature on page 9. 7-9pm. Show continues until 3 June. Streetfacing gallery, visible daylight hours and lit until midnight. FREE. wvwg.co.uk Blood in the Forest William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP This special after-hours event explores the shifting role of forests in folklore, urban legend and gothic literature. With Peter Fiennes, Amy Cutler and Luke Turner. 7.30-10pm. £12 wmgallery.org.uk Highams Park Live The County Arms, 420 Hale End Road, Highams Park E4 9PB Presenting a regular acoustic evening of live music performance with an eclectic programme of local songwriters, poets and storytellers. Email in advance if you’d like to perform. 7.30-11pm. FREE. info@highamsparklive.co.uk highamsparklive.co.uk

Friday 27 You Should Be Dancing! Walthamstow Trades Hall, 61-63 Tower Hamlets Road E17 4RQ dolores rocket presents a club night for people who cut their dancing teeth in the 70s & 80s. Younger friends welcome! Expect soul, ska, pop and disco from the era. There’s bingo too! 8pm-midnight. £5 in adv, £7 on the door. doloresrocket.com

kid friendly

40 The E List makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. Please confirm with the venue before setting out.

FOOD & DRINK

OUTDOORS

Dashing Dave’s Karaoke The Plough and Harrow, 419 High Road Leytonstone E11 4JU Come along and murder your favourite songs - or just watch in stunned admiration/embarrassment as your mates do it for you. 8pm-1am. £10. ploughe11.co.uk

Saturday 28 Stow Film Lounge presents THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016, Cert PG) Centre17, 1 Church Hill E17 3AB A brilliant live action version of the classic Kipling tale about Mowgli, a jungle-raised boy, and his bear friend Baloo. With the voices of Idris Elba, Ben Kingsley and Bill Murray. Doors 10.30am for crafts, film 11am. £6 inc crafts, acc adults £4.50, u2s FREE. Buy online or on the door. stowfilmlounge.com Hedgehog-Friendly Gardening for Adults Meet by the stables/tennis courts, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Learn all about hedgehogs and how we can make our gardens hedgehogfriendly using the wildlife areas of Lloyd Park as inspiration. Adults only please. 11am-1pm. FREE, donations welcome. v.peet@tcv.org.uk Family Day: Celebrate St George William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Explore medieval stories of knights and yore, then design and make a heraldic shield. 1-4pm. FREE no need to book. wmgallery.org.uk One Moment in Time Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN A variety show featuring a century of entertainment! Also Sunday 29. 7.3010pm. £8, £6 conc. £10 on the door. starlighterstheatre.wixsite.com Harvey, Garvey & The Kane at The Funny Side of Leytonstone Comedy Club Sinbin at The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU A monthly upmarket yet friendly alternative comedy experience. Gareth Kane, Markus Garvey and Steve Harvey are one of the hottest sketch acts on the circuit. After a storming Edinburgh Festival they’re back with some new sketches and some old favourites. Hosted by ‘Moaning’ Martyn Hill. £10. thefunnyside.info

Sunday 29 Vintage Fair Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road IG1 4XA All things vintage including jewellery and homeware to clothing and accessories. Get in touch to take part. Last entry 3.30pm. 10-4pm. FREE. Celia Greaves 020 8708 8100 valentinesmansion.com Events marked

HISTORY

MUSIC

SHOPPING

COMEDY/THEATRE

E17 Sunday Food & Crafts Market The Limes Community Centre, 6 Somers Road E17 6RX Monthly market featuring food, crafts, and live music from local creatives. A friendly, inclusive atmosphere and The Limes playground is also open to all children. 12-3pm. FREE. thelimes.org.uk Sunday Afternoon Jazz William Morris Bar, 807-811 Forest Rd E17 4JD Laid back jazz and great food at this warm and stylish bar. 1.30-4.30pm. One Moment in Time Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN A variety show featuring a century of entertainment! As Saturday 28. 7.3010pm. £8, £6 conc. £10 on the door. starlighterstheatre.wixsite.com Spring Singaround at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA We’ll make our own entertainment tonight. Everybody welcome - bring a song, a tune, a poem or even a story to share. 7.30-10.30pm. FREE. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

Got an event? Tell us about it! Simply submit online at theelist.co.uk Looking forward to MAY 3 May Fundraising Quiz Night Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill E17 9RZ Alumnae, staff and friends welcome – over 18s only. Bring your own food and drink; raffle etc. 7-9.30pm. £5. Lesley Winter 0208 509 9410 lwinter@wsfg.waltham.sch.uk 4-8 May The Grand Duke The CentrE17, 1 Church Hill E17 3AB The Gilbert and Sullivan operetta involving a theatrical group involved in the attempt to overthrow the Grand Duke of a European country. 7.3010.15pm. £10. theCentrE17.com

Classes/Courses Mondays Life Drawing The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU Weekly untutored drawing session with professional model. Materials included. 7.30-9.30pm. £10. meetup.com/Life-Drawing-inLeytonstone Tuesdays Life Drawing The Birds, 692 High Road, Leytonstone E11 3AA Guided or untutored class in a well lit spacious place. Great professional models of a variety of genders, ages and origins. Art materials provided. 7.30-9.30pm. £10, members £5. meetup.com/Life-Drawing-The-Birds

Wednesdays 5-String Banjo Classes Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Whether you’re a complete beginner or have been playing a while there’s a class to suit your experience in a friendly environment. You’ll need your own instrument! £15 per class, paid termly. banjosmith.co.uk

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Tuesdays or Thursdays for 12 weeks Strung Out: Violin Classes for Adults Studio Office, Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU A fun violin group for all levels and styles. Tuesdays: Easy Two 6.30pm; Improvers 7.30pm and Absolute Beginners 8.30pm; Thursdays: Intermediates 7pm and Easy One 8pm. Contact for more info and future start dates. £12.50/ £11.25. Alison Jones 0207 018 2927 shapeshifter-productions.com

kid friendly

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