The E List - December 2015

E list

ISSN 2058-2196

the

Your cultural life in and around Walthamstow No.33 • December 2015 / New Year 2016

Fellowship is Life

O

n CHRISTMAS EVE 1968 AN ASTRONAUT ON Apollo 8 TOOK A PHOTO THAT CHANGED THE WORLD. Called Earthrise, it has been described as “the most influential environmental photograph ever taken”. It was the first colour image captured by a man to show the earth floating in space, half in night, half in day. Aside from its scientific significance the picture is said to have had a dramatic emotional effect on the outlook of the millions of people back home who saw it. 1968 had been a horrific year with wars raging across the globe, refugee crises, race riots, student revolts in Paris, and the continuing wave of assassinations in the US of anyone who seemed to promise a better future. As the year drew to a close people were feeling pessimistic, and then at Christmas literally out the blue this picture arrived, showing our small beautiful blue planet floating in space. It might appear a bit hippy now but that sense of wonder and insignificance compared to the great universe seemed to bring proportion to man’s problems and disagreements albeit briefly. Like 1968, 2015 has also been a tough year, but I hope we can keep that picture of a little blue planet in the back of our minds and with it a proper perspective on our problems. In light of what is going on in the wider world, the anger and aggression towards others inspired by subjects like Mini Holland on and off the area’s social media seems ridiculous, and it is sad that Walthamstow Diary feels the need to reiterate this on page 34.

An objective of what was done in Paris is to encourage us to be suspicious of our neighbours and to break the bonds of community so it is worth reading what this month’s local hero Steven Saxby has to say about his work with inter-faith and migrant groups on page 32. Recent events can result in the strengthening of our community or the weakening of it, it is our decision. But everyone I encounter is pretty much united in a belief that the diversity of our community is one of the area’s strengths, so let’s look to that next year.

As has become the Christmas tradition, the E List has commissioned a special illustration by a local artist for our cover. This year it’s a beauty by Dorry Spikes who has captured, and then sprinkled with snow several of the 100 places across Walthamstow, Leytonstone and Leyton that stock the magazine.

This issue covers the first 10 days of 2016, but we’ll be back with a food infused new issue on the second week of January. Before then you’ll find me happily ensconced in the newly opened Yum Yums. The wait is over.

Have a good holiday and happy new year!

Paul Lindt, Editor editor@theelist.co.uk @TheEList_e17

The E List

It Comes to Us All a poem by Derrick Porter WMG Late Agitate at the William Morris Gallery Abena Adofo and The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone Painting the town with Emma Scutt Interview with Debbie Bliss It’s show time down the library Human street furniture Rebecca Crookshank, writer and performer The Chequers – the High Street’s oldest building Wilcumstowe Times: Family Christmases Local Hero - Steven Saxby Walthamstow Diary Magpie

15 16 18 19 20 22 24 26 28 28 32 34 35

For the latest listings including a link to download the app, a digital version of the E List and back issues

www.theelist.co.uk The E List is available for FREE at 60 venues across Walthamstow.

See www.theelist.co.uk for your nearest venue. As copies disappear quickly venues will be regularly restocked throughout the month so please keep trying.

If you would like your venue to be a distribution point email listings@theelist.co.uk

COVER STAR Dorry Spikes I love the playful possibilities of text and image so always wanted to work as an illustrator. I was raised in rural west Wales and was taught art from an early age by Elizabeth Hale - an illustrator from London.

She used to run Saturday art classes for the village kids out of her kitchen - a big group of us did this from the age of five until we left secondary school. Most of us now work in the creative industries. I graduated from Kingston University with a First in illustration and animation in 2005.

It was an enriching degree - there was access to print making and an analogue photo lab and we would go location drawing in different museums or markets in London once a week, this helped seal my fascination with the city, it’s vivid history and endless possibilities.

Since graduating I have worked freelance.

I started out with a wonderful commission from Random House to illustrate the travel writer Colin Thubron’s back catalogue -

travel reportage and place plays a role in my work. My illustration work is all hand made and then e-mailed to whoever’s commissioned me so I am able to create some of my work on the move, keeping me inspired and giving me new stories and visual material.

In between work commissions and the time limitation of travel visas I’ve helped my partner fix up and sail Sandpiper, a live-aboard sailing ketch - this has been a lengthy (10 year!) project - starting in Baltimore in the US and boat yard hopping down the eastern ocean ports of the US and eventually to Cuba and Mexico. It was a gritty and beautiful experience. I’ve loved drawing the peripheral subculture of the boon dock DIY boatyards and the maritime life.

In recent years I’ve also evolved my personal, self initiated work, taking part in group and solo exhibitions - I was

really pleased to be one of the artists at Walden Studios for the E17 Art Trail this summer. It’s exciting that so much is going on round here, especially with the printmaking and the letterpresses. I occasionally sell archival prints and cards at London art fairs and makers markets Renegade at the Truman Brewery; the E17 Designer’s Marquee at the Walthamstow Garden Party - these events are a nice way for me to get out of the studio and I’m often inspired to create new pieces by the stories of the people I meet there. www.facebook.com/dorryspikesillustrator www.etsy.com/uk/people/dorryspikes www.twitter.com/dorryspikes

Pictures Facing page from top: Christmas Tree Gatherers; Mudlarks; Portugal. This page: Rare Birds 1

ART

BOOKS

CRAFTS

This month in town

DECEMBER

Regular events & exhibitions Art Until 5 Dec LAST CHANCE Transform The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA A group show all about transformation.

Walthamstow artists respond to the changing seasons, the cycles of life, decay, re-birth and magic in a variety of artistic media. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-2pm. FREE. www.themill­coppermill.org From Fri 4 Dec NEW GOJY’s Christmas Window at WVWG Walthamstow Village Window Gallery, Village Square/47 Orford Road E17 9NJ Dedicated to the memory of the late Chris Bracey, God’s Own Junkyard will create a glowing Christmas window display for Walthamstow. It will contain a selection of his pieces in neon and bulb to shine the light that he loved, from a shop that he loved. FREE. gallery@wvwg.co.uk www.wvwg.co.uk www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk Until 27 Jan NEW Enkauston: An Ink Show Artefacto Bespoke Tattoo and Art Space, 476 High Rd Leytonstone E11 3HN A varied group show surrounding the medium of ink. Artists explore various subject matter using ink as a vessel of creation. FREE. Artefacto 07412 099918 www.artefactotattoo.com Events marked

kid friendly

Until 6 Feb NEW Young Creatives The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA An exhibition of exuberant works by the Kids Art Club. Junior artists aged 3-11 years. An antidote to the winter blues. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-2pm. FREE. www.themill­coppermill.org 3-20 Dec NEW Contours & Connections The Stone Space, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG An exciting and thought-provoking exhibition of work by Diana Burch and Louise Scillitoe-Brown responding to our impact on the environment and how changing environs affect our world. Thurs-Fri 2-6pm, Sat 12-5pm, Sun 12-4pm. FREE. wwwthestonespace.wordpress.com Until 12 Dec Walthamstow Calendar Paintings Wynwood Art District Cafe, 2A Chingford Road E17 4PJ E17 artist Emma Scutt launches her 2016 Walthamstow calendar with an accompanying exhibition of 12 new paintings of local landmarks. Limited edition calendars and framed original paintings and prints for sale. Open daily 7am-6pm. FREE. Emma Scutt 07986 647593 emma@littleangels murals.co.uk www.littleangelsmurals.co.uk

DANCE/FITNESS

Until 31 January Art is Your Human Right: The Artistic campaigns of Bob and Roberta Smith William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP This exhibition follows the campaigns to fight back at the downgrading of art in schools by leading artist, Patrick Brill (Bob and Roberta Smith). Combining film, placards, sculpture, banners and even his slogan-covered campaigning van. The show includes a new film, Art is Your Human Right: why can’t politics be more fun? and presents the artist’s hopes and fears for the future. WedsSun 10am-5pm. FREE. 020 8496 4390 wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk Until 31 January Young People’s Exhibition at The William Morris Gallery Discovery Lounge, William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Young people aged 16-22 exhibit original artwork inspired by artist/ activists William Morris and Bob & Roberta Smith.

Opening hours & contacts as above.

Shopping Until 24 December E17 Designers’ Christmas Shop The Mall Walthamstow, 45 Selborne Walk E17 7JR E17 Designers’ will be in your shopping centre in the run up to Christmas for individual gifts for everyone. Tues-Sat (and Monday 21 Dec) 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm, Christmas Eve 10am2pm. FREE. contact@e17designers.co.uk www.e17designers.co.uk

History Until 17 Jan 2016 The Workhouse: Life on the Edge in 18th Century Walthamstow Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Exhibition telling the fascinating story of how Vestry House Museum was once the Parish Workhouse. Revealing the building’s dark past and opening archives to uncover the everyday reality of life in Walthamstow’s Workhouse.

Weds-Sun 10-5pm. FREE. 020 8496 4391 vhm.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.walthamforest.gov.uk/vestry-house

Theatre Sundays DRAG Out The Weekend The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Varied line-up of the very best and most debauch of London’s drag cabaret artists play this intimate venue on Sunday evenings. 7-9.30pm, bar until midnight. FREE. www.thenorthcotee11.com

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Books Sundays until 17 Jan (except Dec 27) Sunday Serial: Oliver Twist Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH During the Museum’s Workhouse exhibition, bringing the novel alive in atmospheric surroundings of this former workhouse. Rediscover a Dickens’ classic read aloud by local actors in weekly parts, with a brief recap of the story so far. Suitable for adults and children aged 10+.

11.15am-12. FREE just drop in.

Sharon Trotter 020 8496 4391 vhm.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.walthamforest.gov.uk/vestry-house

Some regular events may not be running over the Christmas period so please check before setting out.

Quizzes & Games Mondays & Thursdays Waltham Forest Bridge Club Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Duplicate Bridge for those looking for a club or a social player wanting to try club bridge? Host available on Mondays. 7.30-10pm. £5, members £4 (annual subscription £10) 07919 401409 cathy.macnaughton@yahoo.co.uk www.bridgewebs.com/walthamforest Sundays General Knowledge Quiz Night The Victoria, 188 Hoe Street E17 4QH Weekly quiz night, general knowledge and specialist rounds including an interval round. Cash Jackpot £50+,.

8.30-11pm, £1.50 per person.

Karen at neilsbigquiz@gmail.com Mondays Red Lion Quiz Night The Red Lion, 640 High Road, Leytonstone E11 3AA Creative challenges, general knowledge, mystery & bonus rounds. £50 cash prize and super rolling jackpot! 7.30-11.30pm. www.theredlionleytonstone.com Tuesdays Quiz On Your Face The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Original, fun and quirky quiz with cash prize for the winner. Free round of shots for the best team name. 8-10.30pm. £1 per person www.thenorthcotee11.com

2 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

GARDENING

HISTORY

MUSIC

SHOPPING

COMEDY/THEATRE

#SHOPLOCALE17

Tuesdays Quiz Night The Village Pub, 31 Orford Road E17 9NL Neil’s Big Quiz night. Cash and other prizes to be won! www.village-walthamstow.com Wednesdays Leyton Technical Quiz Night 265B High Road, Leyton E10 5QN Weekly general knowledge pub quiz with music and picture rounds. £50 cash 1st prize, bottle of wine for 2nd and other spot prizes. 8-10.30pm. £2. www.leytontechnical.com Thursdays NEW Neil’s Music Quiz The Flowerpot, 128 Wood Street E17 3HX Hosted by Neil’s Big Quiz this weekly music quiz includes picture and table rounds. How many bonus points will you get for the Connection? Cash jackpot! 9-11pm. £1 per person.

Karen at neilsbigquiz@gmail.com www.flowerpotlivemusic.com

Events marked

Gardening Wednesdays Priory Court Gardening Club Priory Court Community Centre, 11 Priory Court E17 5NB We have a sustainable food growing garden and want to encourage people of all ages to enjoy the benefits of growing their own food. Get involved and join our volunteers! Beginners welcome. 2.30-4.30pm 020 8531 9990 Weds & Sats NEW Open Garden Church Lane Community Garden, Harold Road, Leytonstone E11 4QX Transition Leytonstone’s awardwinning community garden. Organic fruit and veg, plants to buy, gardening tools to borrow, growing tips, regular workshops. Volunteering opportunities too. Open Weds 11am-4pm & Sat 9am-3pm. FREE. Shannon 07450 474538 cg@transitionleytonstone.org.uk www.transitionleytonstone.org.uk

Fridays WF Green Gym Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Green Gym’s experienced Conservation Volunteer leaders guide you through a range of practical projects tackling physical jobs in the outdoors, improving your strength and stamina, boosting your practical skills and confidence and benefiting your local green spaces.

11am-2pm Gareth 020 8533 8022 gg-waltham-forest@tcv.org.uk Thursdays Lloyd Park Volunteer Gardening Meet at Forest Road gate, William Morris Garden, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Help keep the William Morris Garden looking lovely with Lloyd Park’s Head Gardener. 10am-1pm 020 8496 3000 or email ellie.mortimer@walthamforest.gov.uk

Family Thursdays (term time only) ART Tots Walthamstow Toy Library, 46 Ravenswood Road (behind Comely Bank Surgery) E17 9LY A weekly session for under 5s to explore Art History through messy activities and original games to engage little ones with famous masterpieces! Booking online essential. 3.30-4.30pm. £10 per family, conc available.

Susana 07547 879922 scortes@lemonartlab.com www.lemonartlab.com Saturdays (term time only) Dads R Us Walthamstow West Children’s Centre, 215 Queens Road E17 8PJ Give Mum a break and enjoy quality fun time with your child/ren. Choice of structured and unstructured play, indoors and outdoors, including music, arts and crafts, woodwork and more.

10.30am-12.30pm. £2 per family. No need to book, just drop in. sabine.elkhoury@sybourncc.org 07794 758864

kid friendly

To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 3

ART

BOOKS

Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays (term-time only) Bongalong for under 5s St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Side Hall, Havant Road E17 3JF Fun, creative music, movement and make believe - a lively mix of singing, dancing, let’s pretend and fab percussion instruments. Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays 10am and 11am sessions plus 1.30pm on Mondays. £5.25 booked termly.

07811 460282 fiona.bongalong@gmail.com www.bongalong.co.uk Tuesdays Bongalong Music for under 5s Greenleaf Road Baptist Church, 4 Greenleaf Road E17 6QQ As above except different venue.

1.30pm.

Social & LGBT Thursdays Club Mellow LGBT Social Support Group ELOP/LGBT Centre, 56-60 Grove Road, E17 9BN A weekly afternoon social support space for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans* people who want to meet up with others in a friendly, supportive environment. 2.30-4.30pm. £2.

Richard 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org www.elop.org

Food Markets Saturdays Walthamstow Village Market Henry Maynard School, Wilson Street entrance E17 9LT Popular weekly food and produce market selling bread, fish, meat, seasonal vegetables, baked goods plus spanish and italian cuisine and other tasty hot food traders. Sorry no dogs, school rules. 10am-3pm. www.walthamstowvillagemarket.com Saturdays OrganicLea Market Stall The Hornbeam Café, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Organic and local sustainably grown fruit, vegetables, homemade bread, jams and preserves. Healthy Start vouchers can be used. 10am-3pm. www.organiclea.org.uk/we-sell-food/ our-market-stall Saturdays Community Local Produce Market Stall with OrganicLea & Transition Leytonstone Between St John’s Church & Matalan, High Road, Leytonstone E11 1HH As above. 10am-3pm.

RoseMary 020 8556 3090 www.transitionleytonstone.org.uk

Events marked

kid friendly

CRAFTS

Sundays Farmers’ Market Town Square, Walthamstow E17 4HU Stalls offering a changing, seasonal selection of meat, game and poultry, cheese, eggs, fruit, vegetables, cider, baked goods, honey, plants and herbs, seafood, pies, quiches and cakes.

Please note, some stalls may take a week off without notice. 10am-2pm.

Music & Karaoke Wednesdays Open Mic Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Talent wanted for Luna Lounge’s weekly open mic night. Take the stage or meet new people with the same love for live music, poetry or storytelling.

8-11.30pm. FREE. www.lunalounge.info Thursdays until 15 Dec East Side Jazz Club Tommy Flynn’s, 692 High Road, Leytonstone E11 3AA Weekly modern jazz club featuring the UK’s best jazz musicians in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating. The music room has its own bar with real ale. First floor venue. 8.3011pm. £6 on the door only.

Clive Fenner 020 8989 8129 eastsidejazzclub@gmail.com http://eastsidejazzclub.blogspot.co.uk Thursdays Acoustic Showcase at The Village The Village Pub, 31 Orford Road E17 9NL Talented London-based musicians play acoustic sets of original music and covers in the warm and friendly atmosphere of the Village Pub. Interested in performing? Please email Gabriel. 8-11pm. FREE. gabriel4music@gmail.com www.village-walthamstow.com Fridays CNN Karaoke The Victoria, 188 Hoe Street E17 4QH Old songs, new songs, rock n’ roll and blues songs. Something for everyone.

Join us, take the mic and become the star. 8.30pm-12. FREE. Karen at cnnkaraoke@gmail.com Fridays until 11 Dec Ukelele Workshops The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Focussing on playing the ukulele and singing, these workshops will give participants the opportunity to come together and make music in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Instruments provided. All abilities welcome. 3-4pm. £3.

07811 796448 shaunstevensmusic@outlook.com

DANCE/FITNESS Saturdays CNN Karaoke The Dog and Duck, 222 Chingford Road E17 5AL Throw caution to the wind at the Dog & Duck’s karaoke night. Thousands of songs to choose from, something to suit all voices! 8.30pm-12. FREE. Karen at cnnkaraoke@gmail.com Sundays Sunday Sessions Karaoke Night Lord Raglan, 199 Shernhall Street E17 9HX Beat the blues and come and have a cheeky Sunday session. Prima Donnas will be laughed at, all talent welcome!

8-11.30pm. FREE. Archie or Maureen 020 8520 2145 www.facebook.com/lordraglane17

Calendar of events Tuesday 1 Leyton Tea Dance Leyton Great Hall, Adelaide Road E10 5NN Fancy a cup of tea and a twirl round the dance floor? Social dancing with music from DJ Malcolm ‘Mr Wonderful’ Fernandes. Doors open 1pm, dancing 1.30-4pm. £5 info@mrwonderfuldancing.com 01322 290 751 Waltham Forest Reiki Project Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN Rei-ki refers to the life force energy that runs through all living things. When ‘ki’ is strong your body and mind is in a positive state of health. Come along with open mind. 7-9pm. FREE, but donations appreciated.

Andy 07940 260558 walthamforestreikiproject@gmail.com

Wednesday 2 Under 5s Nature Explorers Christmas Party Meet in Community Room, Aveling Centre, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP For under 5s and parents/carers, join us for our monthly ramble, craft and story session where this month we will be following a Christmassy theme.

10am-12.30pm. FREE but donations welcome.

Vicky Peet 07870 678571 v.peet@tcv.org.uk E17 Baby Social The Trades Hall, 17 Hoe Street (entrance in Tower Hamlets Road) E17 4SB Grown up music, grown up chat. A twice monthly social for parents/carers and your babies/toddlers. 2-4pm. £3. e17babysocial@gmail.com

FAMILY

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TSP Youth Space Christmas Party TSP Youth Space Charity (The Soul Project), 245 Wood Street E17 3NT For 8-14 year olds. Come along to our fun-filled Christmas Party. Enjoy food, drinks and lots of music with your friends. 5-7pm. FREE. 0208 0454523 kay@thesoulproject.com www.tspyouthspace.weebly.com Pixie Presents Cabaret with Vicki Vivacious The William Morris Bar, 807-811 Forest Rd E17 4JD It’s cabaret time with Vicki Vivacious live on stage at 9.30pm plus a DJ until midnight. 7pm-12am. £5.

Pixie 07415 295176 silverpersian888@yahoo.co.uk Morton Valence / Curse Of Lono What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB Urban ‘country’ with wit and pathos from Morton Valence. Dark and cinematic southern gothic from Curse Of Lono. 8.30-11pm. FREE with a collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk

Thursday 3 World Music Circle Dancing Welcome Centre, St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End E17 9RJ Special Christmas session with shared lunch, cabaret and dancing. All welcome, beginners and experienced, and no need for a partner, just turn up. Refreshments provided and parking available. 12.30-3.30pm. £4 Call Pat 020 8556 3508 or email jean.duggleby@virgin.net WMG Late: Agitate William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP WMG Lates are bi-monthly after-hours events at the William Morris Gallery.

Inspired by Bob and Roberta Smith’s exhibition Art is Your Human Right, Agitate explores the art of protest through punk and poetry. Curated by the Vine Collective. 6.30-10.30pm.

FREE. No need to book. www.wmgallery.org.uk Plug & Play Live Acoustic Night The Northcote Arms Pub, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Brinks Records presents 7 original acts including folk, mod, rock and acoustic sounds. Followed by a friendly and inclusive jam session with pro musicians. Any level welcome to apply to play a short set. 7-11pm. FREE. 020 8518 7516 tuesday.northcotee11@yahoo.com www.thenorthcotee11.com Verbatim Monthly Comedy Club Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Guest comedians and lots of laughs, guaranteed. Free parking. 7-11pm. £5. www.lunalounge.info

4 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

GARDENING

HISTORY

MUSIC

SHOPPING

COMEDY/THEATRE

Blackhorse Market Blackhorse Workshop, 1-2 Sutherland Road Path E17 6BX Monthly makers and streetfood market at Blackhorse Workshop. Special guest this month is Creative Biscuit, providing a ceramic painting workshop. 11am5pm. FREE. Mhairi 020 8531 1612 info@blackhorseworkshop.co.uk www.blackhorseworkshop.co.uk/market

‘What If’ - Paintings and Installations by Paul Cates An exhibition on the themes of gender and identity.

Open Studio 10am to 4pm Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December 2015 5 Betoyne Avenue, Highams Park E4 9SG. The studio is in the back garden, access via drive to side of house. Festive food and drinks provided.

Paul has exhibited locally on the E17 Arts Trail, group shows at The Mill and The View and at a joint show at 5th Base Gallery in Brick Lane. He works in paint and installations and also through performance. This is the second Open Studio Paul has presented this year following ‘Behind Closed Doors’ mixed installation and paintings to raise questions about unspoken feelings and dark thoughts. www.paul-cates.co.uk paul.cates@btinternet.com 07722 360873 Red Imp Xmas Special with Sara Pascoe Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Sara Pascoe, star of Live at the Apollo, headlines an amazing bill with Addy van der Borgh and Pierre Hollins.

9-11pm. £12 Susan 020 8509 3880 redimpcomedy@gmail.com www.redimpcomedy.com

Friday 4 GOJY’s Christmas Window at WVWG Walthamstow Village Window Gallery, Village Square/47 Orford Road E17 9NJ Witness the switching-on of God’s Own Junkyard’s neon Christmas window display for Walthamstow. Refreshments available, for all the family. 7pm. FREE. www.wvwg.co.uk www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk Stow Film Lounge presents Some Like It Hot (1959, cert 12) Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR Classic Billy Wilder comedy starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Two musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an allfemale band disguised as women, but hilarious complications set in. Doors: 7.45pm, film 8.30pm, late bar, close 12am. Tickets: £8.50/Conc £6.50 07910 643987 Book at www.stowfilmlounge.com or on the door if not sold out Events marked

Shelley & the MPGs The Function Room, 3 The Avenue, Highams Park E4 9LB Shelley & the MPGs (Nag’s Head Stowaways) play jazz, soul and Motown. 8.30-11.30pm. FREE with a collection.

Shelley Twinn 07903 271877 shelley@alphabeck.co.uk NCT Bumps & Babies Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Friendly and informal coffee and chat morning for all those with bumps or babies! We’ll have a special Christmas theme with mince pies and optional Christmas jumper wearing (parents and babies!) No need to book.

10.30am-12.30pm. FREE. www.nct.org.uk/branches/walthamforest Gin-go! Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace, Unit 18 Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ Original Amy hosts a night of gin and prize bingo at the Palace. 7pm start. www.mothersruin.net Film Quiz Waltham Forest Sports & Social Club, Just behind the Town Hall, 703 Forest Road E17 4JF Regular film quiz hosted by Jamie.

8-11pm. £1.50 per person, max 6 per team. www.wfsocialclub.org.uk

Saturday 5 What If Studio in garden, 5 Betoyne Avenue, Highams Park E4 9SG Paintings and Installations by Paul Cates An exhibition on the themes of gender and identity. Festive food and drinks provided. 10am-4pm. FREE. 07722 360873 www.paul-cates.co.uk The Christmas Market Trail at St John’s Church Hall, Church Lane Market & Lister Road Market, Leytonstone E11 Local Christmas market day in the heart of Leytonstone in 3 locations.

Featuring Santa, international food, cakes, local designers, retrowares and carols. 11am-5pm. FREE. stonesthrowmarket@yahoo.co.uk Stow Kids’ Film Lounge presents Mary Poppins (1964, cert U) Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR A lavish, modern fairy tale Mary Poppins is celebrated for its amazing special effects combining live action and animation, catchy songs, and Julie Andrews’ legendary performance in the title role. Doors/Activity session: 10.30am, film 11am, close 2pm.

Tickets: £5.50 per child, child party package £11, acc adults £4, under 2s free.

07910 643987 Book at www.stowfilmlounge.com or on the door if not sold out

Wood Street First Festive Fete St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Side Hall, Havant Road E17 3JF Festive fete with music, food and gift stalls, puppet show, entertainments, refreshments, Santa’s grotto and more.

12-4pm. FREE. woodstreetfirst@hotmail.com www.woodstreetfirst.org Lloyd Park Open Studios Artists’ Studios, Aveling Centre, Lloyd Park E17 5JW Studio artists open their doors to show paintings, ceramics, photography, sculpture and work in progress. Come and meet them over a festive drink.

12-4pm. FREE. info@lindagreenarts.co.uk www.lloydparkstudios.co.uk The Stones Throw Market St Johns Church Hall, High Road Leytonstone E11 1HH Popular makers and retro market.

Includes local designers, retro homeware, vintage clothes, local honey and plants, tea and homemade cakes.

2-6pm. FREE Lucy & Gail 07875 334084 Twitter @stonesthrowe11 stonesthrowmarket@yahoo.co.uk Inky Cuttlefish Studios’ Winter Warmer Inky Cuttlefish Studios, Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS An evening of live performances, music, art, gorgeous mulled wine and mince pies. Inky Cuttlefish Studios present this special winter warmer event. In partnership with Phoenix Rising Kids Club, Gnome House, Mbilla Arts and Waltham Forest Arts in Education, 7-10pm. FREE. Anna Alcock 07753 686331 art@inkycuttlefish.com www.inkycuttlefish.com Beans & Biscuits Waltham Forest Sports & Social Club, Just behind the Town Hall, 703 Forest Road E17 4JF Country & Western band playing both types of music! 7.30-11.30pm. £4. www.wfsocialclub.org.uk Live Music & DJ Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG There’s Krix Panx from Mexico, an amazing one man band. Plus vinyl DJ Captain Red Beard. 8pm-12. FREE. www.lunalounge.info

kid friendly

FREE listings are available for events under £16, visit www.theelist.co.uk and select “List your event”. To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 5

ART

BOOKS

Mixtape at the Movies The Chequers, 145 High Street/Storey Road E17 7BX The soundtrack of the suburbs for John Hughes junkies, riot grrrls, b-boys, grunge kids and metalheads. A cinema soundtrack spectacular, with guest DJs from Disco 2000. 8pm-12. FREE. facebook.com/group/mixtapee17

Saturday 5 continued Closet Vinyl The Northcote Arms Pub, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Bring vinyl, play vinyl and dance! For lovers of good tunes and dancing in a friendly, lively pub. Keyrings to all DJs and free drink for the owner of the best record bag. 8pm-1am. FREE. Dan Magill 07717 851972 dannymagill@gmail.com www.closetvinyl.com Canny Nice: Victoria Christmas Special The Victoria, 188 Hoe Street E17 4QH Calling all glam jam fans. CJ and Diane James present a night of musical theatre on a festive theme. On stage from 9pm. 8pm-1am. £5.

Pixie 07415 295176 silverpersian888@yahoo.co.uk

Events marked

CRAFTS

The Snake Oil Rattlers / The Montgomerys What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB Swaggering whiskey-driven country rock’n’roll double-bill. 8.30-11.30pm.

FREE with a collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk The East Lonesome Drifters The Warrant Officer, 318 Higham Hill Road E17 5RG Proper country’n’western, both styles played with a forensic knowledge. The East Lonesome Drifters entertain and educate. 8.30-11pm. FREE with a collection. www.the-wo.co.uk DJ Jerome Anderson Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Join Jerome for an eclectic mix of tunes, from Swing to Ska and everything in between! 9pm-late www.jeromelanderson.com

Sunday 6 What If Studio in garden, 5 Betoyne Avenue, Highams Park E4 9SG See Sat Dec 5. 10am-4pm. FREE.

DANCE/FITNESS BARA Bike Ride Meet outside Carlton House, behind Natwest, Aylmer Road off High Road Leytonstone E11 3AD Meet at 10.30am. FREE. St Barnabas Church Christmas Fayre Foster Hall, St Barnabas Church, Wellesley Road E17 8JZ Come to our Christmas Fayre where you will find mince pies, mulled wine, crafts to buy, children’s activities, home-made cakes and gifts, raffle, tombola and of course Santa’s Grotto!

1-5pm. FREE The Sunday Cycle Meet at The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Meet at 11am, be back by 1pm. FREE. katjarosenberg@hotmail.com Auntie Maureen’s Festive Food-a-Fair Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR This year, give the gift of food: Auntie Maureen’s Food-a-Fair will be a tasty gathering of the very best East London, artisanal, home-made, gourmet, seasonal food-inspired gifts and treats to give, share or serve. 11am-5pm. £1, under 15s FREE..

07432 430386 ask@auntiemaureen.info facebook.com/auntiemaureensdiary

FAMILY

FILM

Jackie Pert: Jazz Afternoon Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Pert sings relaxing classic jazz numbers backed by the dynamic Gabriel Keen Quartet. 4-6.30pm. FREE. www.lunalounge.info Leyton & Stone Designers Craft Market The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL A community designer and makers collective providing high quality handmade and unique gifts. Stalls include children’s wear, cakes, pastries, jewellery, handbags, pottery, men’s shirts, handmade chocolate. Lots of Christmas gift ideas. Email admin to book a stall. 12-5pm. FREE admin@leytonandstonedesigners.co.uk www.leytonandstonedesigners.co.uk Samaritans Christmas Craft Fair St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End/ Church Hill E17 9RJ A christmas craft fair with homemade gifts, cakes and mulled wine. Crafting corner for the kids, and a selection of nearly-new gifts, books and presents.

1.30-5.30pm. 50p entry. samaritanswalthamforestfundraising@ hotmail.com

kid friendly

6 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

GARDENING

Paper Cutting Workshop Laura Lea Design Boutique, Shop 1, Station Forecourt, Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HE A festive paper cutting workshop at the newly re-opened Laura Lea Design Boutique. 4-6pm. Usual price £20. £15 with promo code ‘Elist’ for £5 discount. stacey@twoforjoyart.com www.twoforjoyart.com Hank Wangford & Brad Breath at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Hank Wangford represents the dark and troubled grubby soul of British country music. Tonight he teams up with his old musical buddy and saddlepal Brad Breath aka Andy Roberts. 7.3010.30pm. £10, £8 concs. www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk Musical Aquarium Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Jerome and Lindsay will be playing their own eclectic brand of music for your Sunday lunchtime listening! 1.304.30pm. FREE. www.jeromelanderson.com E17 Designers’ Winter Markets Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN Stop, shop and socialise: artists and makers at regular Christmas events. £2 for a free seasonal drink, music & goody bag draw! 2.30-6pm. £2, under 16s FREE. www.e17designers.co.uk

COMEDY/THEATRE

Tuesday 8

Club Mellow 50+ LGBT Afternoon Tea ELOP/LGBT Centre, 56-60 Grove Road E17 9BN For LGBT men and women 50+ to socialise with afternoon tea and cake.

2.30-4.30pm. £2.

0208 509 3898 info@elop.org www.elop.org Vestry’s Victorian Christmas with Village Residents Christmas Carols Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH This popular festive event returns for both children and adults. Visit a traditional Father Christmas in a magical grotto, make Christmas crafts, stir the pudding and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies and shop for gifts by local designers. 4.30-10pm. FREE. Santa’s gifts £3.50 per child.

020 8496 4391 vhm.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.walthamforest.gov.uk/vestry-house

Forest Philharmonic Concert Walthamstow Assembly Hall, Forest Road E17 4JD Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite No1, Shostakovich’s Symphony No11 and Suk’s Scherzo Fantastique. Free pre-concert talk 5.30pm. Concert 6.30-8.30pm. £10 and £15, conc £12 and £8. tickets@forestphilharmonic.org.uk http://forestphilharmonic.org.uk

Paper Cutting Workshop All You Read is Love, 877 High Road, Leytonstone E11 1HR A festive paper cutting workshop at the newly re-opened Laura Lea Design Boutique. 7-9.30pm . Usual price £20. £15 with promo code ‘Elist’ for £5 discount. stacey@twoforjoyart.com www.twoforjoyart.com

Monday 7

Family History Talk Spruce Hill Baptist Church Hall, Brookscroft Road E17 4JP In 1939 the Government took a form of census so they could issue identity cards. Myko Clelland will talk about how online genealogy service FindMyPast.co.uk carried out the 1939 National Register project and how to use the database. Wheelchair accessible. 8-9.30pm. FREE. Mark Carroll 020 8530 4755 mcarroll@waitrose.com www.wffhs.org.uk

kid friendly

SHOPPING

Friday Hill Neighbourly Knit & Stitch Pimp Hall Nature Reserve, Off Kings Road/Friday Hill E4 7HR A friendly, monthly craft group. 1-3pm.

Suggested donation £3. outreach@significantseams.org.uk

Red Imp Xmas Extra with Lenny Beige Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Lenny Beiges’ Christmas Snorgasbord.

The master of smooth is back, and with new characters too! 9-11pm. £10 Susan 020 8509 3880 redimpcomedy@gmail.com www.redimpcomedy.com

Events marked

MUSIC

Stormy Monday Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA An evening of blues on first Monday of the month, hosted by the Battered Saucepan Blues Band plus guests. 8.4511pm. FREE.

Cellar Cinema Club presents: Star Wars Trilogy Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Luna Lounge’s cellar bar turns into a very cosy cinema every Sunday evening, with well-known classics and more. 5-11.50pm. FREE. www.lunalounge.info

Club Mellow Men’s Group ELOP/ LGBT Centre, 56-60 Grove Road, E17 9BN A space for gay, bi- or trans* men who have sex with men who want to meet up with others in a friendly, supportive environment. 7-9.30pm. £2.

Richard 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org www.elop.org

HISTORY

Wednesday 9 The Youth Theatre Shows Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS Youth Theatre 2 (15-18yrs) are developing a TV cookery show while Youth Theatre 1 (11-14yrs) will be presenting Attack of the Killer Caterpillars (rated PG for mild terror).

Please come along and give them your support! 6pm and 6.30pm.

Grow Your Own Theatre 07740 343240 sarah@gyot.org.uk www.gyot.org.uk Leyton & Leytonstone Home Brew The Northcote Arms Pub, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL A monthly excuse for local homebrewers to discuss beer and brewing and exchange home grown samples.

Or just come to chat about beer and brewing! 6-9pm. FREE. www.thenorthcotee11.com Tony Tunes Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Fabulous tunes from Tony’s 78rpm records from bygone times. yeolderoseandcrowntheatrepub.co.uk

The Roamin’ Jasmine (USA) / Jo Carley and The Old Dry Skulls What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB Formed on the streets of New Orleans, the Roamin’ Jasmine bring a fresh sound to traditional jazz with tight 3-part horn harmonies and bluesy vocals. 8.30-11pm. FREE with a collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk Heathcote Quiz Night Heathcote Arms, 344 Grove Green Road E11 4EA Get a team together for this fun, monthly pub quiz. 8pm-12am. £2 each.

Charrisse 020 8558 4882

Thursday 10 Creative Kids: Art Is Your Human Right William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP On Human Rights Day we let our creativity run free and look at the current exhibition by Bob and Roberta Smith. Organised by The William Morris Gallery and Lloyd Park Children’s Centre for under 5s. Two sessions: 10-11.30am and 1-2.30pm. FREE, but booking essential.

020 8496 4390 wmg.bookings@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk

To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 7

ART

BOOKS

CRAFTS

Thursday 10 continued

Saturday 12

Pastamind Uffizzi Restaurant, 753755 Lea Bridge Road E17 9DZ A fun evening of trivia and great food in aid of The Samaritans of Waltham Forest. 2 courses for £12 with the marvellous quizmaster Rowan! 7.3011pm. £12 per person samaritanswalthamforestfundraising@ hotmail.com

The Snowman with East London Brass (1982, cert U) Trinity URC, 58 Orford Road/West Avenue E17 9QU As Fri 11, except four performances at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

Twilight Christmas Street Food & Drink Market Town Square, Walthamstow E17 4HU Monthly mouthwatering multi-cultural street food market and specialist outdoor bars with craft beer and creative cocktails to whet the appetite for future markets that will incorporate more local traders and themed events.

Visit the website for an application form to become a trader. 5-10.30pm. twitter.com/TwilightMkt www.street-concepts.co.uk

Friday 11 The Living Library Walthamstow Library, High Street E17 7JN A show partly devised by and starring local school children including scenes from famous literature making full use of this iconic building to provide a unique immersive experience. (Suitable for all ages.) 7.30-10pm. FREE but booking advisable as space is limited. www.beartuza.com The Snowman with East London Brass (1982, cert U) Trinity URC, 58 Orford Road/West Avenue E17 9QU The ELB band accompany a series of screenings of Raymond Briggs’ iconic animated Christmas film The Snowman with a live performance of the original score, including the classic tune ‘Walking In The Air’.

Refreshments available. 8.30pm, film approx 40 mins. £10, £5 conc. http://east-london-brass.co.uk Twilight Christmas Street Food & Drink Market Town Square, Walthamstow E17 4HU Details as Thurs 10. 5-10.30pm.

So You Think You Can Sing?

Workshop Leyton Great Hall, 1 Adelaide Road E10 5NN Spend a couple of hours with Jenny La Touche in a singing workshop to learn the songs that you will sing as part of the choir in the evening concert. 6.308.30pm. FREE. 020 8496 3586 glen.watson@walthamforest.gov.uk Acid Drops Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Some furious instrumental, danceable, grooves from this unmissable line-up of sax, guitar, bass and drums. A must-see jazz funk band. 8-11pm. FREE. www.lunalounge.info

The Living Library Walthamstow Library, High Street E17 7JN As Fri 11, except shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm Bored Teenagers Vol 8: Album Launch Sinbin at The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU Line-up of obscure 70s/80s punk bands featuring The Billy Karloff Band, Liquid Stone, The Bleach Boys, Dry Riser and Mouth To Mouth. 7.30pm-12. £10. www.boredteenagers.co.uk facebook.com/events/ 1485959671702911 Coronation Gardens Christmas Fayre Coronation Gardens, Buckingham Road, Leyton, E10 5NG A traditional Christmas fayre with hand-crafted trinkets, wooden toys, jewellery, candles, ceramics, clothes and Christmas tree decorations, plus streetfood, candyfloss, mulled wine, craft beers, a carousel, a carol concert and more! 1-6pm. FREE. FRP Christmas Mini Market Forest Recycling Project, 2c Bakers Avenue, off Hoe Street E17 9AW Indoor mini market for unique gifts Arts, crafts, hand made Christmas cards and seasonal edible goodies made by local artists and artisans!

11am-3pm. FREE. emma@FRPonline.org.uk www.frponline.org.uk Leyton & Stone Designers Christmas Market Great Hall (upstairs) Leytonstone Library , 6 Church Lane E11 1HG A community designer and makers collective providing high quality handmade and unique gifts. Stalls include children’s wear, cakes, pastries, jewellery, handbags, pottery, men’s shirts, handmade chocolate. Lots of Christmas gift ideas. Email admin to book a stall. 12-5pm. FREE admin@leytonandstonedesigners.co.uk www.leytonandstonedesigners.co.uk Film Cafe presents Elf! St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End,Church Hill E17 9RJ Enjoy this popular family Christmas movie starring Will Ferrell as one of Santa’s helpers. Hot dogs and drinks available. Remember to bring your favourite blanket or cushion! 5-7pm.

FREE but donations welcome www.walthamstowchurch.org.uk

DANCE/FITNESS Pantomania Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road E17 7BY There’ll be fun and frolics in this Christmas revue featuring your favourite panto characters! Raising money for CREST of Waltham Forest. Ticket price includes a light buffet. 7.30-10pm. £10, £8 seniors, £5 under 16s Kath Wood 020 8923 5416 starlighters12@gmail.com www.starlighters.webeden.co.uk Pamdemonium The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Pam Ford’s five handpicked pro standup comedians perform in this intimate venue. 7.30-10.30pm, cocktail bar open until 1am. FREE www.thenorthcotee11.com She17 presents Jingle Belles Wild Card Brewery, Unit 7, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ A festive night of women’s acoustic music from Sam & Silvi, Crow Hall, This is Cleo and Lady President. Plus DJ Dolores Rocket. Sorry, no under 18s.

7.30-11.30pm. FREE. she17music@icloud.com www.she17.com Mod’tastic Christmas Party The Red Lion, High Road, Leytonstone E11 3AA Live Mod band and soul DJ set at this Time Out award-winning craft beer pub.

8pm-12. FREE. James 020 8988 2929 www.theredlionleytonstone.com Sonic, A Night of Far Off Sounds Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Expect Kilchurn-esque vibes sandwiched between some great live electronica and ambient sounds. 8pm-12. £3. www.lunalounge.info Eastern Front Soundsystem The Chequers, 145 High Street/Storey Road E17 7BX Eclectic, leftfield and balearic disco vibes all night long from the Eastern Front DJs and friends. 8pm-12. FREE. twitter.com/easternfrontdjs The Backbeat Band Waltham Forest Sports & Social Club, Just behind the Town Hall, 703 Forest Road E17 4JF 50s and 60s rock’n’roll. 8pm-12. £4. www.wfsocialclub.org.uk Adam All The Victoria, 188 Hoe Street E17 4QH It’s cabaret time with the amazing drag king Adam live on stage at midnight, plus a top DJ playing all your favourite songs till 3am!. 9pm-3am.

Pixie 07415 295176 silverpersian888@yahoo.co.uk

FAMILY

FILM

Sunday 13 Walthamstow Family Bike Club Meet outside Ancient House, Orford Road/Church Lane junction, Walthamstow E17 A relaxed and sociable ride around open spaces and cafes in and around Waltham Forest. 1-5pm. FREE. 0208 520 0648 paul.gasson@gmail.com The Living Library Walthamstow Library, High Street E17 7JN As Fri 11, except shows at 12.30pm and 2.30pm Carol Singing at the Farmers’ Market Town Square, Walthamstow E17 4HU Waltham Forest Community Choir bring some Christmas cheer to the Farmers Market, raising funds for the RNIB. 121pm. FREE but donations welcome. www.singwithus.net Coronation Gardens Christmas Fayre Coronation Gardens, Buckingham Road, Leyton, E10 5NG As Sat 12.

Festive Wreath-making for Adults Aveling Centre, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Make a beautiful festive willow wreath using natural products and learn about their folklore and uses. An event aimed at adults, strictly over 13s (teens must be accompanied by an adult). 1-3pm.

FREE but donations welcome.

Vicky 07870 678571 v.peet@tcv.org.uk Pantomania Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road E17 7BY As Sat 12, except 6.30-9.30pm.

Family Activity: Deck the Halls Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Make festive garlands and sparkly tree decorations to create a special Victorian feel for your Christmas celebrations.

With E17 Designer Carolyn Abbott..

1.30-4pm. FREE. 020 8496 4391 vhm.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.walthamforest.gov.uk/vestry-house Hanukkah Celebration Council Chambers, Walthamstow Town Hall, Forest Road E17 6HE Join us to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights as we light the 8th candle on the Hanukkah. There’ll be live entertainment including fire eaters and klezmer music, with a variety of kosher refreshments to enjoy. 4-6pm. FREE but registration essential. culture@walthamforest.gov.uk

Events marked

kid friendly

8 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

GARDENING

Jazz Pack: Jazz in the Afternoon Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG The best melodic jazz classics from the roaring twenties to the swinging sixties.

4-6.30pm. FREE. www.lunalounge.info Christmas Carol Service with Orchestra St Mary’s Church, Walthamstow, 8 Church End/ Church Hill E17 9RJ Sing along with the orchestra playing all your favourite carols in a warm and inviting atmosphere. 6-7.15pm. FREE. Club Mellow 18-25s LGBT Group ELOP/LGBT Centre, 56-60 Grove Road E17 9BN For young LGBT people to meet up in a friendly, supportive environment.

7-9.30pm. £2. www.elop.org Christmas Singaround at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Our traditional Christmas singaround.

No entrance fee, no fuss. Bring a song or a tune or even a story to share.

There may even be mince pies and chocolates. 7.30-10.30pm. FREE. www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk Cellar Cinema Club Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG After George wishes he’d never been born Clarence, an angel, is sent to earth to help George realise how many peoples’ lives he has changed, and how different they’d be if he’d never existed. Heart-warming classic starring James Stewart. 8-10.20pm. FREE. www.lunalounge.info

Monday 14 Stowtellers: The Walthamstow Storytelling Club The Welcome Centre, St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End E17 9RJ Join us tonight for a Storyround. Bring a story to tell or song or ballad to sing, or just come to listen! Find us on Facebook. 7.30-9.30pm £3. stowtellers@yahoo.co.uk

Tuesday 15 A Salute to Sinatra Leyton Great Hall, 1 Adelaide Road E10 5NN In Sinatra’s Centenary Year vocalist Gary Grace performs some Ol’ Blue Eyes’ classics. 2-5pm. £5. www.wfculture.eventbrite.com

Wednesday 16 E17 Baby Social The Trades Hall, 17 Hoe Street (entrance in Tower Hamlets Road) E17 4SB Grown up music, grown up chat. A twice monthly social for parents/carers and your babies/toddlers. 2-4pm. £3. e17babysocial@gmail.com

HISTORY

MUSIC

SHOPPING

Screamin’ Miss Jackson and The Slap Ya Mama Big Band What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB Roots/Jug/Country/Skiffle/Hokum Blues from this 7-piece big band. 8.3011pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk

Naked Stereo / Bethnal Green Big Band Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Naked Stereo, a 2 piece, will play a mix of chart toppers and upbeat classics.

The 12 piece Bethnal Green Big Band will get you dancing with perfect party and movie show-tunes. 8pm-12. FREE. www.lunalounge.info

Thursday 17

Jim Jones & The Righteous Mind / The Sweat What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB With a country-edged dark psychedelic sound singer/guitarist Jim Jones’ musical history has spanned The Jim Jones Revue, Black Moses and Thee Hypnotics. 8.30-11.30pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk

Blackhorse Christmas Market Blackhorse Workshop, 1-2 Sutherland Road Path E17 6BX Special Christmas streetfood and makers’ market including furniture, prints, design and crafts. 11am-5pm.

FREE. Mhairi 020 8531 1612 www.blackhorseworkshop.co.uk/market Highams Park Live The County Arms, 420 Hale End Rd, Highams Park E4 9PB An acoustic evening of live music, poetry and literature with an eclectic programme of songwriters, poets and storytellers. Email for details on how to perform. 7-11pm. FREE with collection. info@highamsparklive.co.uk www.highamsparklive.co.uk Opening of Enkauston: An Ink Show Artefacto Bespoke Tattoo and Art Space, 476 High Rd Leytonstone E11 3HN A varied group show surrounding the medium of ink. Artists explore various subject matter using ink as a vessel of creation. 7.30-11.30pm. FREE. Artefacto 07412 099918 www.artefactotattoo.com Watercress Beds to One Way Streets St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Large Hall, Havant Road E17 3JF Walthamstow Historical Society invite Lissa Chapman to talk about the exciting Heritage Lottery Funded Community History programme she is co-ordinating in the Queens Road area.

Tea and coffee served from 7.15.

7.45-9pm. £1.50, members FREE. www.walthamstowhistoricalsociety.org.uk

Friday 18 Sham’s Kitchen: Pop-Up Curry Night Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace, Unit 18 Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ The wonderful and well-loved Sham’s Kitchen is visiting the Gin Palace for a delicious pop-up curry night.

No booking needed. Takeaway also available. 6.30-11.30pm. Prices vary. www.mothersruin.net

Saturday 19 Carols on the Market Town Square, Walthamstow E17 4HU Enjoy your favourite carols with live music. Festive drinks and eats served.

Donations appreciated, in aid of Forest Churches Emergency Night Shelter. 121pm. FREE but donations welcome. www.walthamstowchurch.org.uk Cabaret Christmas Party with Victoria Sponge The Victoria, 188 Hoe Street E17 4QH Pixie presents the wonderful Victoria Sponge live on-stage at midnight and a top London DJ playing all your favourite songs till 3am. Free entry before 11pm.

8pm-3am. £5. silverpersian888@yahoo.co.uk McGuffins Film and TV Quiz Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA This one is a one-off Christmas special, the return of the classic film quiz, voted

by Time Out as one of London’s best.

8.30pm. £1.50. www.mcguffin.co.uk Gin & Tonic / Harripaul Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG G&T on their UK tour play alternative rock and roll inspired by the 60s/70’s.

Harripaul is a powerful 4-piece band playing a blend of rock, reggae and classic soul. 8pm-12. FREE. www.lunalounge.info Steve White & The Protest Family / Graham Larkbey & The Escape Committee What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB A night of seasonal pub rock and protest folk’n’roll with bells on! 8.3011.30pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk

COMEDY/THEATRE

Bob Collum & The Welfare Mothers The Warrant Officer, 318 Higham Hill Road E17 5RG Urban Country at its best. 9-11pm.

FREE with collection. www.the-wo.co.uk DJ Jerome Anderson Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Join Jerome for an eclectic mix of tunes, from Swing to Ska and everything in between! 10pm-1am www.jeromelanderson.com

Sunday 20 WF Cycling Campaign Monthly Ride Meet at Walthamstow Library, High Street E17 7JN Distance and destination decided by riders on the day, maximum 30 miles including snack stop. 10am-3pm. FREE. robert@wfcycling.org.uk Christmas Carols St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End/Church Hill E17 9RJ, St Gabriel’s Church Centre, Havant Road E17 3JF and St Stephen’s C of E Church, 1a Copeland Road E17 9DB Bring a friend, or family members to enjoy the spirit of Christmas, singing or listening to some all time favourite Christmas carols. 10.30-11.30am. FREE. www.walthamstowchurch.org.uk Family Event: Winter Festivals Aveling Centre, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Learn about different winter traditions and make recycled and natural decorations. Just drop-in. 11am-2pm.

FREE but donations welcome.

Vicky Peet 07870 678571 v.peet@tcv.org.uk Big Band Night Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Enjoy the great sound of the fabulous 17-piece John Ongom Big Band plus two great vocalists. 8-11pm. FREE. Paul 07801 429782 facebook.com/JohnOngomBigBand Hitchcock’s Home Does Christmas The Mission Hall, 10-11 Aylmer Road, Leytonstone E11 3AD How would ‘Hitch’ have celebrated if he came ‘home’ for Christmas? We think he would have loved an all-day bumper treat for all the family, filled with festive fun, frolics, food and films including The Muppet Christmas Carol.

See website for more information and advance tickets. 11.30am-10.30pm. £12.40 adults, £9.70 children, £38.80 family ticket.

020 8989 5049 hello@hitchcockshome.co.uk www.hitchcockshome.co.uk/tickets

Events marked

kid friendly

FREE listings are available for events under £16, visit www.theelist.co.uk and select “List your event”. To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 9

ART

BOOKS

CRAFTS

DANCE/FITNESS

Sunday 20 continued

Thursday 24 Xmas Eve

Sunday 27

Special Family Event: Winter Warmer William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Banish the cold weather with an afternoon of magical entertainment in The William Morris Gallery and Lloyd Park with live music, art/craft activities, festive performance and food and drink. 2-5pm, outdoor entertainment ends 4pm. FREE, just drop in.

020 8496 4390 wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk

Christingle Services for Children Under 5 St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End/Church Hill E17 9RJ Two fun, pre-Christmas services particularly suitable for younger children. Our high energy activities and songs will make for a great time. Under 10s to be accompanied by an adult please. Service for under 5s 3-4pm.

FREE, just drop in.

Parish Office 020 8520 1430 www.walthamstowchurch.org.uk

Cool Sunday Afternoon Jazz The William Morris Bar, 807-811 Forest Rd E17 4JD Cool Blue Note era jazz from the Paul Kaufman quartet + guests. Enjoy great food, wines, ales and company while chilling out in this fabulous warm and stylish bar. 1.30-4.30pm. FREE.

The Singing Room Choir Christmas Concert Side Hall, St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Havant Road E17 3JF Join us for our end of year Christmas choral concert and party. Bring a drink to share and food will be provided.

7.30-10pm. FREE but donations for charity welcome.

Anna Williams 07931 372996 annamusicmakers@gmail.com

Christingle Services for Children Over 5 As above but except for over 5s.

5-6pm.

Tuesday 22 WF Cycling Campaign Meetup The Hornbeam Café, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Join us for a monthly discussion on cycling issues, opportunities, and upcoming events. Everyone is welcome and our meetings are a great opportunity to meet other cyclists in the borough. 8-9.15pm. FREE. wfcycling.wordpress.com E17 Large Jazz Ensemble Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS Boasting over a dozen players, including five saxophonists, E17 Jazz’s flagship large ensemble guarantees a sensational evening of old favourites and new tunes. 8.30-10.30pm. £10, £8 conc. www.e17jazz.com/whatson

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Heaven’s Music St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End/Church Hill E17 9RJ Sit back and enjoy an evening of sublime reflections for Christmas, beautiful music, poetry and readings.

7.15-8.15pm. FREE. www.walthamstowchurch.org.uk Christmas Eve Karaoke The Dog and Duck, 222 Chingford Road E17 5AL Don’t be shy, take the CNN karaoke mike tonight. Ticket only, doors must close at 9:30pm. 8pm-1am. Entry £1 to charity.

Karen at cnnkaraoke@gmail.com Christmas Eve: Midnight Communion St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End/Church Hill E17 9RJ and St Gabriel’s Church Centre, Havant Road E17 3JF An evening service of prayer, song, and Communion. 11.15pm-midnight. www.walthamstowchurch.org.uk

RE:HAB Presents: Open Mic Wild Card Brewery, Unit 7, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ London’s premier open mic night. Free entry and free drink per performer. For more info find us on Twitter @rehabpresents or Facebook: RE:HAB..

5.30-9.30pm. FREE. rehabpresents@gmail.com

Thursday 31 NYE New Year’s Eve The William Morris Bar, 807-811 Forest Rd E17 4JD Family New Year’s Eve, children’s entertainment, dancing, balloon drop midnight and fireworks on TV. Tables for dinner and late finger food. Doors will be locked at 9.30pm. Booking essential for tables for dinner. 7.30pm1am. FREE, or to book in advance £3 adults, £2 per child.

Stephan 020 8527 1712 info@thewilliammorris.co.uk www.thewilliammorris.co.uk A What’s Cookin’s Happy New Year! What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 Quality act TBC plus bar until 1am.

8.30pm-1.30am. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk

FAMILY

FILM

New Year’s Eve Party: The Roulettes Waltham Forest Sports & Social Club, Just behind the Town Hall, 703 Forest Road E17 4JF See in the New Year with live 60s band The Roulettes. 7.30pm-1am. £10 in advance or £12.50 on the door Ray 020 8527 3944 www.wfsocialclub.org.uk Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016 The Dog and Duck, 222 Chingford Road E17 5AL Fantastic karaoke and a great party atmosphere for NYE. Doors close at 9:30pm, ticket only event. 8pm-1am. £1 each, we’ll donate it to charity. www.facebook.com/ dogandduckwalthamstow New Year’s Eve Annual Showcase Extravaganza The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Our favourite and filthiest drag queen; comedian Candy Slag in Drag, two original bands plus Closet Vinyl. So bring your own vinyl and your dancing shoes. 8pm-1am. FREE but book ticket to guarantee entry.

020 8518 7516 www.thenorthcotee11.com New Year’s Eve Pyjama Party Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Resident Vinyl DJ Captain Red Beard will make your evening very special.

Good old tunes and nice atmosphere guaranteed. Dress Code: Pyjama Party!

8pm-2am. FREE. www.lunalounge.info

Friday 25 Xmas Day Christmas Day: Praise & Holy Communion St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End/Church Hill E17 9RJ, St Gabriel’s Church Centre, Havant Road E17 3JF and St Stephen’s C of E Church, 1A Copeland Road E17 9DB A joyful service of songs, praise, prayer and Holy Communion. 10.3011.30am. www.walthamstowchurch.org.uk

Welcome to 2016!

1-10 January

Saturday 26 Boxing Day

Saturday 2 January

Wednesday 6 January

Pamdemonium: Boxing Night Special The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL The usual 5 pro stand-up comedians with a Boxing Day crap present swap.

Bring your naffest present. 7.15pm1am, cocktail bar open until 1am.

FREE, but £2pp to reserve seats. www.thenorthcotee11.com

The Fuzillis What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 In a word ‘instr-o-mentals’. Rowdy saxes, raunchy guitars, and a wallet full of wild, cool and swingin’ tunes. 8.3011.30pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk

Stick in the Wheel / Gemma Khawaja / Nancy Wallace What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Exservicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 Great new folk band who make Mumford & Sons sound like Roger Whittaker. 8.30pm-11am. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk

kid friendly

10 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

GARDENING

Thursday 7 January Plug & Play Live Acoustic Night The Northcote Arms Pub, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL See Thurs Dec 3 Verbatim Monthly Comedy Club Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG See Thurs Dec 3

Saturday 9 January Tinting Film Using Plant Dyes William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Drop-in activity, with Rosalind Fowler, artist in residence at the WMG and James Holcombe of No.w.here, using natural dyes to add colour to film.

11am-4pm. FREE. 020 8496 4390 wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk

HISTORY

Classes/Courses Arts & Crafts Alternate Sundays, 6 & 20 Dec Life drawing Hornbeam Centre, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Create original art in front of a life model. All materials provided. Advance booking essential. 3-5pm. jonathan.ellis@mac.com or text 07980 713819

New events are being added to our website all the time so for up-to-date events that may have missed our print deadline visit

www.theelist.co.uk where you can also download the E List app.

Events marked

MUSIC

SHOPPING

Tuesdays Significant Seams, 131 Wood St E17 3LX outreach@significantseams.org.uk Sew & Tell: ESL with Zelda (term time) Come along and learn English (and sew!) in a friendly environment.

10am-12pm. £3.

Wednesdays Significant Seams (as above) Mending Club Need help with mending your socks, a seam or hem that’s come undone or a pair of jeans that need shortening?

Fancy some company while you stitch or just fancy an excuse to socialise?

1-3pm. £3 suggested donation.

Thursdays Significant Seams (as above) Supportive Social Stitching Friendly crafting group for everyone.

Bring your current project or get stuck into one of our community ones.

1-3pm. £3.

COMEDY/THEATRE

Music & Singing Sundays (term-time only) Natural Voices Senior Youth Choir Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR For ages 11-20 this is a fun, funky choir.

No experience required. 11am-12pm. £6, concession for block payments.

Lizzy 07950 204338 naturalvoices@hotmail.co.uk www.naturalvoices.co.uk Tuesdays until 15 Dec Strung Out: Violin Group for Adults - Beginners Studio Office, Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU An early stages violin group for adult enthusiasts. All styles of music played from classical to traditional. Fun is the key ingredient! Violin required. Please book in advance. 7.30-8.30pm. £12 Alison Jones 020 7018 2927 strungout@shapeshifter-productions.com www.shapeshifter-productions.com Thursdays until 17 Dec Strung Out: Violin Group for Adults - Intermediate & Improvers As in next column. 7-9pm. £12.

kid friendly

64-66 Brooksby’s Walk, Homerton, London, E9 6DA Tuesday - Friday : 6-10pm | Saturday:12-3pm & 6-10pm | Sunday:12-4pm | Monday: Closed

Reservations: 02089866242

FREE listings are available for events under £16, visit www.theelist.co.uk and select “List your event”. To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 11

DICK SMITH 5-STRING BANJO

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07745 052 525 www.banjosmith.co.uk info.banjosmith@gmail.com Tuesdays Sing@WO The Warrant Officer, 318 Higham Hill Road E17 5RG Join our community choir. Absolutely no auditions, all abilities welcome. Raise your voice and lift your spirits as part of an adult choir where you call the tunes.

Taster session free. 7.30-9pm. £7 Laura 07813 686980 singattheWO@gmail.com Weds & Thurs (term-time only) Natural Voices Choir Sessions Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR This fun, funky choir has sessions for adults of all abilities and all ages on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Check website for more details. 7.30-9pm. £10, discount for block payment Lizzy 07950 204338 naturalvoices@hotmail.co.uk www.naturalvoices.co.uk Wednesdays (term-time only) Natural Voices Pub Choir: Leyton The Northcote Arms Pub, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Join our fun, funky pub choir. Beginners welcome. Grab a drink, make new friends and sing your heart out. 7.309pm. First session FREE, £8 thereafter, or £10 drop-in.

Lizzy 07950 204338 naturalvoices@hotmail.co.uk www.naturalvoices.co.uk Thursdays The Singing Room Choir E17 Side Hall, St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Havant Road E17 3JF A community choir with no audition, everyone welcome. Singing four-part a capella including folk, world, pop, gospel and more. We perform locally and beyond supporting local charities and Water Aid. 7.30-9.15pm. £7, paid for in blocks of 10.

Anna Williams 07931 372996 annamusicmakers@gmail.com

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kid friendly

CRAFTS

Classes for adults in E17

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www.banjosmith.co.uk Dick Smith: 07745 052 525 info.banjosmith@gmail.com Mondays until 14 Dec Waltham Forest Community Choir St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End/ Church Hill E17 9RJ Open to all living or working in Waltham Forest. A friendly choir with a wideranging repertoire from Faure to Folk via Gospel, African and Pop Classics.

New members welcome anytime - no audition required. Actively recruiting tenors and basses. 7.30-9.30pm. £5 and termly subscription.

07954 740745 www.singwithus.net members@singwithus.net Thursdays Daytime Choir for Parents & Childminders St Michael & All Angels Church Hall, Northcote Road E17 6PQ A great way to start the day, come and sing with this friendly group. All abilities welcome. Bring your little ones, we have toys to entertain them! 10-11am. £5. east17singers@gmail.com

Fitness, Dance & Yoga Saturdays Dynamic Hatha Yoga – Wake Up Class Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Stretch out and kick-start your weekend with yoga. A creative and varied class each week with highly qualified teacher, Ros. For intermediate level yogis only. Just drop-in. 8-9am. £10. yogaros@hotmail.com www.yogaros.co.uk Sundays Easy like Sunday morning…

Yoga Me Happy Aveling Park Bowls Club, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 5EH Hatha yoga for all abilities. Wake up and stretch with a morning yoga session to re-energise your body and mind ready for the week ahead. Mats available. Booking essential. 9.4510.45am and 11am-12.15pm. £8.

Eliza Moore 07710 621268 yogamehappy@yahoo.co.uk www.yogamehappy.co.uk

Mondays Yoga Relaxation The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Gentle, relaxing yoga class for all levels and abilities with gentle postures and breathing techniques to promote physical and mental wellbeing. Great for de-stressing, reducing high blood pressure, improving strength and flexibility. Mats available, please email in advance if you have any health issues. 6-7pm. £10 per class, £5 conc. £90 for ten class pass. josetta 07554 440499 www.yogaeastlondon.com Sundays Yin Yoga East of Eden, Studio 1, 14 Hatherley Mews E17 4QP This style of yoga creates space in the body by working with the deep connective tissue fascia. Expect to stay in postures for a longer length of time.

Mats and all equipment provided.

5.30-6.45pm. £13, discounts available 0203 583 7530 info@edeneast.co.uk www.edeneast.co.uk Mondays Love2Run Eton Manor Club House, The Cottage, March Lane E10 ZBL Would you Love2Run but want more encouragement or need someone to run with? Then come along to a series of running sessions with Eton Manor AC led by qualified Run Leaders. For age 16+ the course runs at various times/locations. Please get in touch for more information. 6.30-7.30pm. FREE. Rachel Brittle 07931 049638 etonmanorac@gmail.com www.joomla.eton-manor.com Mondays Vestry Tots Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS Fun interactive dance classes. Develop your child’s confidence, self expression, spatial awareness, balance and rhythm. 11-11.45am. £5.

Lyndsey Ward 07886 800639 Lyndseyward@yahoo.co.uk www.vestryschoolofdance.co.uk Mondays Jacky’s Fitsteps Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN Dance fitness to ballroom and latin music-no partner required.

7.30-8.30pm. £6. £20 for 4 classes in advance Jacky Logan 07715 421 349 jacjuke@aol.com http://www.jackysjukebox.co.uk Tuesdays NEW Teen Yoga East of Eden, Studio 1, 14 Hatherley Mews E17 4QP This class introduces teenagers to the benefits of yoga and the dynamics of the vinyasa flow style. 4.30-5.30pm. £7 Abigail 0203 583 7530 info@edeneast.co.uk www.edeneast.co.uk

FAMILY

FILM

Mondays Clare’s Dance Class United Reformed Church Hall, 58 Orford Road E17 9QL A fun funky dance class for women in E17. Unleash your inner West End performer and learn routines from Thriller to Chicago & Flashdance to Fame! 8.30-9.45pm. £7. £9 drop in, concessions for students & unwaged.

Clare Farow 07939 125014 clarefarrow2@gmail.com www.Facebook.com/ClaresDanceClass Mondays Monday Night Feel-Good Yoga Class Lloyd Park Centre/Nursery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Friendly, interesting and varied class for all-levels with Ros, a highly qualified and experienced teacher. Newcomers welcome. 8-9pm. £7. yogaros@hotmail.com www.yogaros.co.uk/ Mondays & Wednesdays Capoeira Classes Walthamstow Leisure Centre, 243 Markhouse Road E17 8RN Capoeira is a unique Brazilian art-form that combines elements of martial arts, dance, music and acrobatics.

Involves all muscle groups and exercises the whole body and mind.

All levels welcome. Great fun! 6-7pm children, 7-8pm adults. First class FREE, £9 thereafter. Discounts for children and students. sacimaculelecapoeira@gmail.com www.sacimaculele.com Mondays E11 Affordable Yoga Harrow Green Library Building, Access via 8 Cathall Road E11 4LF Every level, age and body welcome.

Drop your child at nursery/school and come and join our yoga class. Make space for yourself and start the week by moving, strengthening and nourishing your body, mind and soul. Mats and props provided. 9.30-10.30am. £5.

Jessica Green 07904 517465 playgrowdo@gmail.com www.jessicagreen.net Tuesdays until 15 Dec Meditation Classes The Epicentre, 41 West Street, Leytonstone E11 4LJ Suitable for those new to meditation or struggling to maintain a regular practice. We’ll look at different techniques to find what suits you best.

Please book via www.meetup.com 7-8pm. £7.50, £5 unwaged.

Pippa 07563 687108 healing@silver-ray.co.uk www.meetup.com/East-LondonMeditation-Meetup

12 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

GARDENING

HISTORY

MUSIC

SHOPPING

COMEDY/THEATRE

THURSDAY EVENING PILATES MAT CLASSES in Leyton 7pm - 8pm General level – all welcome Absolute beginners, contact me for further info

Authentic Pilates taught by a highly qualified tutor with 14 years’ experience £10 drop-in. Limited spaces Leyton Parish Church Hall (St Mary’s) Lindley Road E10 5PY alison.bray@gmail.com abpilateslondon Tuesdays NEW Community Acupuncture Clinic The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Affordable and effective acupuncture treatments without compromising on quality in a relaxing multi-bed setting.

Patients receive treatments in small groups in comfortable reclining chairs or massage tables distributed in the same room. Bookings by appointment only. 4-7pm. First time patients £15 Odette 07809 211013 facebook.com/daonuacupuncture Tuesdays African Dance for Kids Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS A fun and engaging drop in African dance session for children aged 7 and over. Sessions accompanied by live drumming from Gambian drummer Seneke Sillah. 6-7pm. £3.

Chantelle Michaux 07535 326157 www.mbillaarts.co.uk Tuesdays Beginners Dynamic Yoga Leyton Yoga, First Floor (above USSR), 691 High Road, Leyton E10 6RA These gently-flowing vinyasa classes encourage you to sweat, strengthen and stretch your way into a profound experience of the Self. Feel more open, aware and alive both on and off the mat. All classes are drop in; no need to pre-book. 6.45-7.45pm £10. leytonyoga@gmail.com www.leytonyoga.com Tuesdays Swing Cats Corner Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR Learn to dance authentic swing, lindy hop, jitterbug, jive. No need to book in advance or bring a partner. 7.30-11pm £9, £6 Students Claire Austin 07974 994470 info@londonswingcats.com www.londonswingcats.com

Events marked

www.abpilates.co.uk ABPilatesleyton Tuesdays BollyFusion E17 St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End/Church Hill E17 9RJ Looking for a fun, friendly way to get fit? Join Khyal [Key-Al] Arts’ exciting Bollywood and Street Dance Fusion to raise your heart rate, soothe your stresses and leave you feeling wonderfully REVITALISED! Please wear comfortable clothing and bring some water . 7.45-8.30 pm. £6 Complimentary First Class so come and try the class!

Vanessa 07958523431 info@khyalarts.org.uk www.khyalarts.org.uk Wednesdays Vestry Tots The Welcome Centre, St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End E17 9RJ Fun interactive dance classes. Develop your child’s confidence, self expression, spatial awareness, balance and rhythm. 2.15-3pm. £5.25 Lyndsey Ward 07886 800639 Lyndseyward@yahoo.co.uk www.vestryschoolofdance.co.uk Wednesdays until16 Dec NEW Baby Music Waves Spruce Hill Baptist Church Hall, Brookscroft Road E17 4JP A weekly music workshop for precrawling babies and their grown-ups with interactive songs and lullabies, instruments and sensory props. Take home musical ideas to build into your daily and nightly routines with baby.

Please bring a soft mat/blanket for baby to lie on. 11.15am-12. £8, or £7 when booking a course facebook.com/babymusicwaves Thursdays General Level Pilates Leyton Parish Church Hall, Lindley Road E10 5PY Improve strength, flexibility, balance, posture and relax in a class suitable for beginners to more advanced participants. Mats provided. Not for complete beginners. 7-8pm. £10.

07976 404783 www.abpilates.co.uk alison_bray@yaho.co.uk

Wednesdays Community Dance Company: Creative Dance & Choreography Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS A fun community dance group for adults. We will learn how to create our own movement material, choreograph sequences both individually and as a group and have the opportunity to perform our work. 7.30-9pm. £8.

Concs available.

Clare Farow 07939 125014 clarefarrow2@gmail.com Wednesdays Women Only: Iyengar Yoga St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Road E17 6AR The practice of Iyengar Yoga is suitable for all, regardless of flexibility and age. It helps gain good health and improve posture and sleep, increasing stamina and flexibility. A general class, beginners welcome. 7-8pm. £7.50.

07962 424 460 nicholetteyoga@gmail.com www.nicholetteyoga.com Wednesdays Kathak Kids – Children’s Classical Indian Dance Lea Bridge Library, Lea Bridge Road E10 7HU Kathak Kids takes an exciting modern approach to classical Indian dance, combining storytelling and movement.

Traditional ankle bells enhance rhythmic play and expressiveness...

Activities will fire children’s imaginations in a supportive and enjoyable learning environment. 4.15 -5.00 pm. £5 on the door. £4 when booking in advance.

Vanessa 07958523431 info@khyalarts.org.uk www.khyalarts.org.uk

Thursdays Evening Donation Yoga Class Orford Road United Reformed Church, 58 Orford Road E17 9QL For all levels. Prepare to ease off the tensions from the day and aid deep and restful sleep. All equipment provided. 7-8.15pm. Pay what you can afford. Average donation £7.

Sarah Rush 07815 120792 enquiries@yoyoga.co.uk www.yoyoga.co.uk Thursdays Tiny Tempo The Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH A fun introduction to musical conceptsusing singing, instrument playing, listening and dancing! With guitars, ukuleles, and a lot of energy, fun is had by all. 10-11am. £5 each or £8 for 2. www.hornbeam.org.uk Fridays Ballet class The Welcome Centre, St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End E17 9RJ A new ballet class for reception/year 1 children with an Ex English National ballet dancer. 3.45-4.30pm. £5.50. £56.70 per term Lyndsey Ward 07886 800639 www.vestryschoolofdance.co.uk

Saturdays Iyengar Yoga St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Road E17 6AR As Weds, except all welcome. 9-10am

kid friendly 13

ART

BOOKS

CRAFTS

DANCE/FITNESS

FAMILY

FILM

GARDENING

HISTORY

MUSIC

FOOD

SHOPPING

COMEDY/THEATRE

Thursdays Walthamstow Wind Down Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Hatha yoga for all abilities. This afterwork wind down will stretch and tone the muscles, working through the joints, so you’ll feel flexible and fantastic, before a deep relaxation to re-energise you for the weekend. Mats provided.

6.45-8pm. £9, 10th lesson free.

Eliza Moore 07710 621268 yogamehappy@yahoo.co.uk www.yogamehappy.co.uk Thursdays Post Natal Yoga & Baby Yoga Quaker Meeting House Wanstead, Bush Road E11 3AU A fun, happy class for both you and your baby to enjoy. The first half focusses on yoga for new mums and then the babies get involved. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one. For babies 6 weeks-12 months. 10.45am12pm. £10.

07956 807675 www.helenyoga.co.uk helen.georghiou@mac.com

Fridays Vestry Tots Peterhouse Centre, 122 Forest Rise/Upper Walthamstow Road E17 3PW Fun interactive dance classes. Develop your child’s confidence, self expression, spatial awareness, balance and rhythm. 1.15-2.pm. £5 Lyndsey Ward 07886 800639 Lyndseyward@yahoo.co.uk www.vestryschoolofdance.co.uk Fridays Yoga for Seniors East of Eden, Studio 1, 14 Hatherley Mews E17 4QP Tailored towards the more mature student. Encouraging the maintenance of strength, mobility and flexibility.

Mats and all equipment provided.

2-3pm. £7 Abigail 0203 583 7530 info@edeneast.co.uk www.edeneast.co.uk

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

THE SALON

74 Beulah Road Walthamstow E17 9lE

020 8279 2667 “OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK” After working in the film and high fashion industry for over 25 years Paul Miller decided it was time to bring his Salon concept to reality!

Paul and his team of young, creative and top London stylists offer an up to date professional service from cutting, colour and hair up in a relaxing environment with a complimentary refreshment of your choice i.e. hot, cold drinks, wines and beers.

Our mission at our Aveda salon is to care for the world we live in which is why we use only Aveda colours and products which are 99.9% organic derived, so awaken your hair with the energy of colour and light. A complete system offering you the flexibility to get the results you crave and are looking for. Aveda hair colour is offered as a professional service in Aveda salons only.

Come in, relax and enjoy, see you soon! www.thesalonwalthamstow.com

14 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.

It Comes to Us All a poem by Derrick Porter I was steadying myself as one does stepping from a bus close to where Darnel’s, the old shoe warehouse, stood opposite the Labour Exchange in the Kingsland Road.

“Is she yours?” the woman behind me asked, pointing down to where a small dog was looking up at me, wagging its tail.

When it cocked its ears I found myself saying “Of course …” And scooped the dog up as I stepped off the bus. “She thought you’d forgotten her,” the woman said. “Never, I had her mother fifteen years and Crackerjack almost twelve.”

The woman smiled as the dog licked my face.

Then, from the deck above, a man appeared shouting: “You’ve got my dog! …I was upstairs and Dinky must have followed you down.”

“But he just said he’s had her twelve years…” the woman said. “That’s impossible,” the man gasped, “she’s only a pup!”

“Then please accept my apologies,” I said, “Crackerjack must still be on the bus.”

Passionate about

ouR

toWn Find out what’s going on today, tomorrow, next Tuesday etc, etc

+

upload your own listings through our website **

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& Derrick Porter, among the founder members of Forest Poets, grew up in Hoxton, in a non-literary environment. Why, from the age of thirteen, he began to write poetry is one of life’s unsolved mysteries. His poems have been widely published. His first collection, Voices of Hoxton, is just published by Thamesis, £10.

Find Forest Poets on Facebook and Twitter @ForestPoets

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15

Punk is dead, long live punk Agitate is a cultural evening being held at the William Morris Gallery on the 3rd December 2015, billed as a punk-inspired subversion. Writing for the E List, Deborah Talbot explores the history and meaning of punk and its return for one night to the sleepy suburb of Walthamstow.

It has been forty years since punk blew in off the streets (or more accurately from the radical implosion of 1960s art schools) aided

by Situationist provocateurs Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood. With roots also in the New York underground scene symbolised by the Ramones, Patti Smith and Television, punk’s being and spirit was born of the 1960s counterculture yet stood in opposition to its bloated weight.

of Punk, the Last Subculture,’ when punk was swallowed up by countercultural marketeers, it shed its clothing toward a new authenticity of resistance. “Punk,” he argues, “marks a terrain in which people steadfastly challenge urban sprawl, war, vivisection, deforestation, racism, the exploitation of the third world, and many other manifestations of corporate-capitalism.

The threatening pose has been replaced with the actual threat.”

Punk is the spirit of resistance, wrapped in pranksterism. It moons in the face of authority.

It says no to being a passive spectator of consumer society. It messes with the medium and the message. It exploits the interstices of the authentic and fake, exposing our society to the gaze of otherness. And as Dylan Clark accurately points out in ‘The Death and Life

Punk has apparently found a new home in the William Morris Gallery, E17. On Thursday 3rd December, 18.30 to 22.30pm, the Gallery will host Agitate, a celebration of ‘agitprop and artist activism with a subversive mix of performance, poetry, music, film and craft’.

On the night, there will be a DJ set from Walthamstow based electronic duo, PoP

16

Campaign, who take a stance against the “pretentious self-importance” of the music industry, featuring punk, acid house and ‘other transgressive musical movements’.

Author and ‘landscape punk’ David Southwell @cultauthor and @HooklandGuide, will be exploring the liminal and revolutionary landscape of Epping Forest. Poetry performances come from Luke Wright with’ bawdy ballads and rabble-rousing verse’ and Roger Huddle, poet, activist and co-founder of Rock Against Racism. Sarah Corbett, founder of the Craftivist Collective, will be leading a hands-on Stitchable Change-Makers workshop and Bill Drummond’s Sixty Second Clips will be shown throughout the evening, featuring the artist, writer and co-founder of KLF’s views on punk.

Agitate is the next in a series of after hours Late events for adults held every other month at the William Morris Gallery and is curated in partnership with Vine Collective.

Vine Collective (@vine_collective), is a new venture propagated via social media by arts consultant Kirsteen McNish and Darren Smith, a wine writer and blogger. Vine’s function is to host ‘freewheeling’ and ‘engaging’ cultural evenings and to give a platform to various artistic genres. Agitate sits alongside Bob and Roberta Smith’s Art is Your Human Right exhibition, currently showing until 31st January 2016, free entry Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm.

The juxtaposition of punk and the Gallery is bound to confound, as does the history of Morris – a socialist – himself. Socialism was and is, driven by a pursuit of non-religious integrity, equality, and liberation. Yet here is Morris, a significant figure of UK socialist history, served up with coffee and chocolate cake provided by Just Hospitality Inc. And so too punk, driven by the dream of a levelling spirit of resistance, delivered as the neat package of a cultural evening in the multimillion pound surroundings of the Gallery,

served up with natural wine. Where does that resistance lie now?

Yet it’s important not to be churlish. In many ways, using commerce as a vehicle to mess with reality is very much what McLaren and Westwood did, and this is no exception. For sleepy suburbia (the former home of Small Wonder Records), the line-up is imaginative and well worth going just to soak up the attempt to inject thought into everyday life. Anything that for one night only disrupts the flow of the everyday grind should be welcomed. And yes, natural wine that gives you less of a hangover is a good thing. In the end, as Clark asserts, maybe the form matters less than the content.

You decide.

Want to find out more…

Vine Collective Darren Smith: thefinestwinesavailabletohumanity.com Kirsteen McNish: twitter.com/vine_collective Performers: Bill Drummond: penkiln-burn.com Luke Wright: lukewright.co.uk David Southwell: twitter.com/cultauthor PoP Campaign: facebook.com/popcampaign Roger Huddle: twitter.com/rogerhuddle Craftivist Collective: craftivist-collective.com About the writer of this feature: Deborah Talbot is a Freelance Researcher and Writer, and Editor of Driftmine driftmine.org.

WMG Late Agitate William Morris Gallery Forest Road E17 4PP 6.30-10.30pm, 3 December 2015 FREE and no not need to book www.wmgallery.org.uk

Photos opposite, clockwise from top left: PoP Campaign; David Southwell; Bill Drummond, photo © Tracey Moberly; Roger Huddle; Luke Wright, photo © Steve Ullathorne

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Well done Abena!

The E List is always very grateful to the lovely people at the Ask Me Point in the Mall Walthamstow for keeping

the racks of E Lists well stocked and beautifully displayed. Moreover they’re always smiling and cheerful so never fail to lighten our day. Anyway we hear there’s a star in their midst with the news this autumn that Abena Adofo and her fellow choir members reached the final of The Naked Choir with Gareth Malone!

Ask Me Point assistant at The Mall Walthamstow, Abena, and her fellow choir colleagues of the Stratford East Singers (SES), kept on winning through the knockout stages in the choir contest on BBC Two. They finished with a stand out performance in the final which was broadcast in October.

The series followed Abena and the choir’s progress as they competed each week against other choirs. They were given vocal challenges and had to perform a cappella for a judging panel of industry heavyweights.

Abena and her fellow singers from SES, Theatre Royal Stratford East’s official voice ensemble, were among more than 120 groups who originally auditioned for the chance to take part in the series and were one of only a few who made it through to take part in the TV show.

Abena said: “To think we have been judged third best a cappella choir in the country is an amazing achievement. I am so chuffed and delighted with the fact that we were in the final and it was the toughest challenge yet. Each week in the series Gareth selected a song he wanted us to perform.

“In the final we had to perform songs chosen by ourselves, by Gareth and by one of the rival choirs in the final, Sons of Pitches.

“It was a lot of hard work but it was really fun and we all enjoyed it. One of the best things that has come from appearing on the show has been all the support we have had from community choirs everywhere. So many of them have been in touch to offer their support and also to say we have been an inspiration to them, which is wonderful.

“We have also had a big increase in interest in the choir with a lot more people approaching us wanting to join. As a result of the show we have also formed SES a cappella within the choir group. I think before there has been a bit of a stigma about community choirs but hopefully what we have shown, through being on the show, is that choirs can be cool, current and trendy not geeky.

“We still have an open door policy at the SES choir and everyone is welcome.”

Marketing Manager at The Mall, Rebecca Marjoram, said: “We are delighted Abena and the choir have enjoyed such great success.

Everyone here at The Mall Walthamstow was rooting for them and tuned in each week. The choir has our congratulations on reaching the final and performing so well – we are so proud of them. They are an amazing and talented choir and we would love to invite them to perform for shoppers at some point here at The Mall.

Photograph courtesy of the BBC.

Abena, who divides her time between working at The Mall and her role as

Schools Partnership Manager at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, was thrilled to make it through to the final of the choir competition, where the choir came third.

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Painting the town This month local artist Emma Scutt reveals the 12 brand new paintings she’s created especially for her latest Walthamstow Calendar at the Wynwood Art District Cafe. Here she talks to Paul Lindt This is the third year of the calendar. What gave you the idea originally? It was kind of a “lightbulb” moment. I had booked a stall at the Eat or Heat Christmas craft fair in December 2013, and I was trying to think what I could offer that no-one else was already selling - and the idea of a calendar celebrating all the wonderful places in E17 just popped into my head. A donation from each calendar I sold went to Eat or Heat.

Were you surprised by the reception it received? I was completely overwhelmed by the positive response I had then, and still receive now. There’s a really genuine love for it, and I’m so proud. From the first print run, one friend bought five copies, and quite a few people bought calendars to post to friends who used to live in Walthamstow, as a reminder of their old home place. I know there are copies hanging on walls in Germany, Spain, New York and Sydney.

What approach do you take to choosing the buildings to feature each year? To steal a quote from William Morris, I just choose buildings which I find beautiful or interesting. I don’t have a car or bike so I’m always walking around Walthamstow, observing old and new buildings with character or great architecture, and

I notice new places like cafes and pubs opening up or undergoing refurbishment.

You’ve now painted 36 of Walthamstow’s most loved destinations, are you worried you’re going to run out for next year? I’m asked this all the time and my answer is - no, at least not yet! Believe it or not, I already have my list for the 2017 calendar…

2016 Walthamstow Calendar Paintings by Emma Scutt Wynwood Art District Cafe, 2A Chingford Road, E17 4PJ 20 November - 12 December Mon-Fri 7am -6pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm

To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 19

A really good yarn Knitting legend Debbie Bliss on why she’d rather be creating in Walthamstow than anywhere else… Words Karen Dunn. Photograph Paul Tucker.

After starting her knitting career as a pattern designer in the 70s, the internationally renowned designer now has over 40 books to her name, a range of her own yarns and a even a magazine in the US. Debbie also teaches people how to knit across the globe, 20

recently returning from a knitting tour of Iceland. A year ago, she turned her hand to retail opening up Debbie Bliss Home on Orford Road, which is chock full of designer items and the perfect place to grab a gift without having to resort to the horrors of Westfield.

Now, to cap off an exciting year, Debbie has been chosen as the recipient of an MBE for her services to hand knitting and the craft industry. The E List caught up with Debbie behind the scenes at her shop to discover how she went about building her knitting empire…

How did your knitting career begin?

I did fashion and textiles at North East London polytechnic in 1971, but was virtually unemployable when I left because I’d spent my time making coats out of cardboard and hats from crisp packets. I was also really bad at pattern cutting, so I had to find something I could do instead and that’s when I discovered knitting. I was a machine knitter at first. My mum had taught me to knit a little when I was younger, it was the 50s after all, but it was only when I got my first magazine commission that I suddenly realised I now had to knit it by hand! I ended up going back to my mum’s for the weekend so she could teach me all over again – especially as the jumper the magazine had chosen was a

Photo © Paul Tucker www.paultucker.co.uk

From yarnbombing to Stitch and Bitch meetings, knitting has never been more fashionable. No longer thought of as the preserve of Grandma’s, now A List celebrities like Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker take their knitting needles on set with them. One woman who has been working to shake off knitting’s old-fashioned image is Debbie Bliss.

highly patterned one. I kept that jumper for years until the moths finally got to it!

So how did the craft books come about?

I created some knits for Libertys and a shop in Chelsea which included knitted cheese plants and led to a book called Wild Knitting, where we created a whole garden out of yarn and materials like bin liners. However it wasn’t until the 80s that I first started doing my own books. I’d been creating patterns for magazines for years, but in the 80s knitting had a real resurgence. It was also much easier to be innovative because most knitting styles and colours hadn’t changed for decades. I was approached about doing some books about knitting for babies and children. Luckily the first one was such a success it kept going from there.

I even did one last year called Woolly Woofers which was knits for dogs. It’s a lot of work, but so much fun.

What was the turning point in your career?

Craft is a notoriously badly paid profession, especially knitting. I’ve done everything from PR for yarn companies to writing for magazines like Woman’s Weekly. About 15 years ago I was genuinely thinking about giving it all up when I was approached about creating my own yarn. It was the first time when a career in knitting became a real possibility. It’s fantastic because I get to do the creative side like choosing the yarns, colours and styling it all, while they do the hard stuff like sales and distribution.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I recently came back from a knitting tour of Iceland and I was completely blown away by the landscape. I remember looking out of the coach window, seeing the mountains and thinking, “That would make a good fair isle sweater” The colours of the landscape just completely suited me as a designer. I’ve been very lucky to travel all over the world. I’ve taught in America for years and led knitting workshops on cruises through the Baltic, Mexico and Alaska. The only problem I find is I’m always pining for Walthamstow. I really do love it here that much.

What made you decide to open up a shop in Walthamstow?

I had a shop a few years back in Islington, but my children were just starting secondary school, so I gave it up so I could work from home. By last year though our house was getting so packed with the people working with me, my family and all the stock I realised I needed to get a studio and I wanted a space where I could have a shop too.

When the premises on Orford Road became available it just seemed right. My daughter Nell looks after the shop, although I have final say on the items we sell. Well, I like to think I do! I love it here so much that if I’m at home at the weekend, I often find myself pitching up at the shop pretending to have some work to do just so I can hang out with everyone!

You’re about to go to the palace to receive your MBE, how did you feel when you found out you’d been chosen?

It was a tremendous shock! It was actually International Yarn Day and I was in Wild and Woolly in Hackney when my husband Barry phoned to tell me he’d opened a letter addressed to me and that I had been put forward for an MBE! I was so surprised, but I

had to keep quiet because you’re not allowed to tell anyone. Once you accept you have to post it back and the Queen decides if you will get one. At first we thought I’d missed out because Barry was looking at the wrong honours list! I was on holiday in Marrakech when I found out for certain and my friend kept telling everyone over breakfast that I was off to meet the Queen! I’ll be going to the Palace on 18 December to pick it up, which is also my birthday, so it’s very exciting indeed!

Getting the MBE for hand knitting and services to the craft industry made me really proud because it feels like finally this thing, which is such a huge part of our history, gets the aknowledgement it deserves.

Apart from the MBE, what’s been your proudest achievement?

That’s easy! Throwing out the first pitch for the Seattle Mariners Baseball team as part of Stitch and Pitch! I also got to see my bum on the big screen, which wasn’t so good!

What new projects have you got in the pipeline?

We already do mugs and tea towels with our yarn inspired designs on them and I want to grow that side even more and do lots more products in the new year. We’d also love to do some more exhibitions in the shop too.

Finally, what’s been your biggest knitting disaster?

Oh there’s been millions! No matter how many times you check a pattern because of the maths involved there’s often a mistake.

I’d rather unravel a whole garment than ever consider unravelling lace. Life’s far too short for that.

To find out more about Debbie’s work visit www.debbieblissonline.com or follow her on Twitter at @DebbieBlissHome

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It’s show time down the library See a cast of 27 turn a building full of books into an ambitious theatrical event. A local youth theatre group are putting on free performances across three days this month.

Libraries give us power as the adage goes - and this month, local youth theatre group Beartuza want to encourage us to take some time to appreciate the great facility on our doorstep. We are all guilty of not renewing our library cards as often as we used to - so as an added incentive, the group in collaboration with Waltham Forest Council and Walthamstow Library are offering up a free unique interactive theatre show for us to go and see. From December 11th to 13th, you’ll be reminded that the main local library is more than books and parking permits.

The show, ‘The Living Library’ stars local school children aged 1118 - all of whom have helped devise the piece to include scenes from famous literature. Billed as a ‘promenade’ performance, the audience will be encouraged to follow the actors on a journey around the iconic building and interact as they please. Stories will go off on tangents to different areas and join together for a big finale. The group are aiming for everyone to have an individual and unique immersive experience.

Beartuza is a Walthamstow based community arts organisation, founded and run by professional actors Phil Poole and Laura Chetty.

The pair aim to bring drama and theatrical arts to as diverse a range of children as possible, as Phil states, “young people should have access to these opportunities regardless of their financial background.”

To reflect this, they offer free workshops through local schools and provide bursaries, as for their Summer school this year. As Poole tells us, “We believe this project will provide the young people in the cast with an opportunity they rarely have - to engage with their local community. It has the potential to be more than just a performance and will generate interest within the community, reminding people what a great facility their library is.”

Although the council is helping Poole and Chetty to find and use suitable rehearsal and event spaces, they haven’t been able to help with much of the financial side of things. Beartuza rely on donations and contributions from local businesses and interested parties to keep the costs for the pupils as low as possible - and ideally free at point of access.

22

As Poole explains “As a company, we strive to provide exciting projects for those who wouldn’t normally have access to the arts and this particular project will be free for the young people involved. We aim to make our projects accessible to everyone, we wouldn’t want a young person to feel that they can’t be a part of the Youth Company due to being unable to afford participation fees.”

With this Winter Project, Poole is confident they have succeeded.

‘The Living Library’ is shaping up to be an extremely ambitious piece of work, even more so that there will be five shows across three days and that it is being performed by children under 18 with no formal training.

A bonus is, if the show does well at Walthamstow Library, it is feasible the youth theatre will be able to roll it out across the borough’s other great library buildings. So show your support for words and education staying accessible for all, whatever our income levels.

Farah Ishaq

The Living Library Walthamstow Library, High Street E17 7JN 7.30pm 11 December, 12.30pm and 2.30pm 12 and 13 December FREE but it is advisable to book as space is limited, visit www.beartuza.com. The event is suitable for all ages

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Contact us for more information: 0208 509 8626 marshstreetmortgages.co.uk 40 Orford Road, Walthamstow E17 9NJ THERE IS NO FEE FOR AN INITIAL CONSULTATION. IF A MORTGAGE APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED THEN A FEE WILL BE CHARGED. THE EXACT AMOUNT WILL DEPEND UPON YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES BUT WE ESTIMATE IT WILL BE £495 YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 23

The Preacher

Human Street Furniture We see the faces on these pages every day, yet we avoid really looking at them. These people are here when we leave in the morning and often they’re still here when we return at night. Study the faces closely and you might feel a pang of recognition. They were once family, friends and lovers but now they live their lives on Walthamstow’s streets. Here E17 resident Gerald O’Connell, artist-in-residence at homeless charity St Mungo’s tells us the story of a remarkable set of portraits.

The concept for Human Street Furniture arose early in 2011 when one of the subjects would appear regularly in the street outside my home, telling passers-by that he had not eaten for several days and asking whether they could spare any change. Over time I got to know him and we struck up a friendly relationship. His appearance was quite striking and he was delighted when I asked him if I could draw his portrait.

As time went on I became increasingly fascinated by his interaction with passersby: those who ignored him, understandably, tended to avoid eye contact; but this also applied to most of those who made a small donation - why should that be? After observing this non-interaction for some time I concluded that many people were using him as they might a special type of litter bin: as a receptacle for their bad conscience; they weren’t giving him money, so much as getting rid of a little bit of guilt 24

over the chasm of fortune that separated him from them.

Sensitised to this issue I began to see other instances of the same phenomenon, and I resolved to document it in a way that might challenge some preconceptions, principally by treating my subjects with the same care, thought and attention to detail that might normally be associated with serious portrait commissions - commissions attracting a price tag far beyond the reach of these individuals.

These people form a shifting backdrop to the life of Walthamstow, often ignored, but an essential aspect of the fabric of the place. The work draws attention to the underlying humanity of these subjects, reminding us that they are people with complex, often deeply troubled, personal histories. I gave the series the name Human Street Furniture.

Since then I have gone on to become artist-in-residence at the St. Mungo’s Broadway Trust in London. The charity targets the homeless and provides a range of support services from emergency assistance (supporting people in urgent need, helping them off the streets) through accommodation to permanent recovery (helping people leave homelessness behind forever). I am painting portraits of St. Mungo’s clients, past and present, leading up to an exhibition and auction of the work in aid of the charity. I have created a blog about the project www.portraitprogress.com George O’Connell goc@gacoc.demon.co.uk www.kuraihoshi.com/HSF.htm For info about Gerald’s ongoing portrait project for St Mungo’s www.mungosbroadway.org.uk/press_ office/2168_-artist-in-residence-initiativein-support-of-homeless-people

Joshua

Michael

Peter

William

www.mungosbroadway.org.uk How you can help including donations: www.mungosbroadway.org.uk/how_you_can_help Benjamin

Colin

SANTA'S GROTTO The Blitz Factory, R avenswood I ndustrial Estate, Shernhall Street, W althamstow, E17 9HQ

"Thank you for making our kids' day. They loved the Grotto"

12 & 13 December 11am to 7pm Part of

"W e had a brilliant day visiting the Grotto" "Thank you for a great Grotto experience"

Christmas ÂŁ5 entry Fair includes activities while you wait, a free photo and a Supported by lovely gift C harity no. 270746 To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 25

Rebecca, 35, was born in Devon, to her midwife mother and Royal Marine father. She dreamed of earning her own green beret but was told that wouldn’t be easy ‘for a girl’ and when, at 16, her parents broke up suddenly, she decided to join the RAF. While most teenagers were studying, going out with friends and dating, Rebecca was in an underground bunker in Norfolk monitoring UK airspace and identifying threats to national security. “It was an incredible life, fascinating, all consuming.

I loved the physical elements, learning to use the technology.” She says. However, the darker side of military life always cast a shadow over her experience there. “There were always sexist remarks, it could be a toxic environment, a lot of drinking. These were young men and women away from home, there were a lot of hidden pressures.”

Things became much worse once Rebecca announced her intention to end her service.

With a number of months still to serve, she was sent to the Falklands. “Mount Alice; there were 28 men and me.” She recalls.

“They gave me an initiation ceremony.” This is all explored in her show to great effect.

“Usually, at this point in the show where I’m using actual photographs and footage, the audience falls very quiet.” Rebecca is also candid about her own depression in the play.

“It has been a cathartic process.” She smiles.

Per Ardua ad Astra Through adversity to the stars This Royal Air Force motto is an apt analogy for the writer, performer, and former RAF Senior Aircraft Woman Walthamstow resident, Rebecca Crookshank.

Words: Kirsty McNeil-O’Connor. Portrait: Leonie Morse Warning: Contains weapons, strong language and penguins This warning for audiences of Rebecca Crookshank’s autobiographical play – Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (WTF) is characteristic of her dark humour. A play addressing sexual harassment in the military doesn’t 26

sound like a barrel of laughs but WTF is filled with humour and handled with insight and subtlety. Her self-penned, one-woman show has received rave reviews for being entertaining and heart wrenching, funny and inspirational – and there are 4 x Broadway World Award nominations to prove it.

Playing nine different characters in the one-hour show, including pioneering military women who have inspired her, Rebecca skilfully navigates through her personal experiences but is keen to stress that this is not an anti-military show. “The RAF Theatrical Association (RAFTA) of which I am a member, helped to support the crowd funding campaign to get the show to Edinburgh and British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS) covered my Edinburgh Festival run.”

So how did this Devon born, world travelling RAF aircraft woman end up as an actor and playwright living in Walthamstow? “I left the RAF and began auditioning for acting schools.” But unlike many artists, her level of discipline was still very military in approach. “I remember saying to someone that I wasn’t at college to make friends!” She laughs at herself, incredulously.

Performing is in her blood, Rebecca’s maternal grandmother helped her choreograph her audition pieces in the living room of the care home where she lived, and her great aunt Lily performed the Wall of Death as part of the

Scottish fairground and entertainment scene.

Rebecca started her own theatre company The South Hams Arts Collective (The SHAC), later - Shacademy Ltd., mentoring and educating children through drama, across Devon and the South West. But to perform, she knew that she had to come to London.

Rebecca met her husband; theatre producer Oliver Taheri and they chose Walthamstow to set up home together in April 2013. “We fell in love with this area.” She smiles. “It’s a proper community, so friendly and inviting, it reminds me of Devon, a little.”

Rebecca continues her work in education, recently working with local schools; including Willowfield on a piece called ‘Blackhorse Road Boys’ for the opening ceremony of the new school and at Frederick Bremer on a feminist piece of new writing called ‘Clipping my Wings’ with an all girl group. “Children are incredible, I learn so much working with them and some great schools in this area are willing to work creatively with their students.”

After rave reviews from Edinburgh Festival, Rebecca’s play has been nominated for four prestigious Broadway World Awards, including: Best new play and best leading actress in a new play (up against Nicole Kidman and Dame Kristin Scott Thomas).

Look out for Whiskey Tango Foxtrot tour dates in 2016 including her return to E17’s very own Rose & Crown Theatre 14-18th March, (Rebecca performed here in 2010 in a Moira Buffini Play).

www.rebeccacrookshank.com Twitter: @RJCrookshank @WTFThePlay @RebeccaConsults

4 of 12 seasonal recipes

tom yum goong SERVES 2

spicy clear broth with prawns To combat the sniffs and snivels of December we decided our next recipe should be this wonderful Thai cure-all-soup. Apart from chasing away coughs and colds the unique herbs and spices in Tom Yum are also beleived to boast anti cancer benefits. Hot salty and sharp with a delicious clean stock it is also an antidote to all the rich foods we’ll be eating at christmas. The key ingredients, galangal, lemon grass and lime leaves while difficult to find in most supermarkets can be found in Orientex on the High St. (lime leaves are in the freezer cabinet). We think the use of chicken (or even turkey) stock makes this extra nourishing although for true authenticity a quick fish stock can be made by boiling the heads of the prawns for 3/4’s hour in water and using this as the base for the soup instead your choice. Tom Yum is one of the two essential Thai soup bases and can be customised easily with vegetarian or non vegetarian options.

Tom Yum Goong is the seafood version, for a Tom Yum Khar substitute the prawns for chicken and add coconut milk. Other variations including vegetarian can be found in our Walthamstow restaurant.

• • • • • • • • •

300ml chicken, vegetable or fish stock (according to taste/diet) 4-6 shelled raw king prawns 6 slices of peeled galangal - about 3 cm length in all 6 slices of lemon grass, cut diagonally in 1cm lengths 2 kaffir lime leaves, centre stalk discarded, roughly torn if wished 1 red birdseye chilli finely sliced (with seeds if you want heat) 4-6 oyster mushrooms, sliced 2 teaspoons of fish sauce (or soy sauce if you are a strict vegan/vegetarian) 1 lime halved

1. Make up the stock and bring to the boil in a saucepan or wok.

2 Drop in the lemongrass, lime leaves and chilli 3. Boil for half a minute, then reduce to a simmer Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Photo ©Cecilia Cooper-Colby

4. Add the mushrooms and any extra ingredients you have chosen.

5. Simmer for 3-4 minutes then add the fish or soy sauce.

6. Check that any extra ingredients are cooked through, the prawns should have turned pink.

7 Ladle into two bowls, squeeze the juice of half a lime over each bowl.

8. Sprinkle over a handful of coriander leaves and serve

PREPARE THIS RECIPE, TAKE A PIC AND POST IT ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE - SEND US THE LINK & WIN A MEAL FOR 2 AT YUM YUMS E17! Check T&C’s on our FB page

yumyume17 202 Hoe Street • Walthamstow • E17 4BS • Tel: 0203 3279 790 • Delivery: 0203 3279 799

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At the sign of the backwards Q No, not the title of some long lost Sherlock Holmes story, but instead a look at the chequered history of Walthamstow High Street’s oldest building with pub regular Richard Ashman.

Vintage pictures courtesy of the Vestry House Museum Photo Archive.

If a time machine was programmed to take you back to Walthamstow High Street in 1793, you could be forgiven for thinking it had malfunctioned and landed you in a different time and place altogether. The film set of a Jane Austen novel perhaps.

What greets your eyes is a lost world. Rustic workers cottages at one end of the road; grand houses within large grounds at the other.

It calls itself Marsh Street and nothing looks familiar. Nothing that is until you reach a building with a distinctive masonry sign announcing its name. The Chequers.

Fast forward 220 years and The Chequers future was looking doomed. The landlord was arrested for threatening to burn down Walthamstow police station over frustration at a lack of action to tackle continuing criminality.

His predecessor’s father had been shot in the chest. Days before a review looks set to remove the license, the management shut the place down. Thankfully, instead of becoming another betting shop, Antic – operators of shabby-chic drinking dens – took over and stripped back the exterior to reveal a palimpsest of the pub’s past.

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Meux signage reappeared. Their Horseshoe Brewery on Tottenham Court Road caused the London Beer Flood, drowning at least eight people when giant vats ruptured in a domino effect, inundating the area with over 1,400,000 litres of beer. The Dominion Theatre was built on part of the site in 1929, around the time Meux had acquired The Chequers in a brewery buyout. A long hidden Off Licence sign was unveiled from that period, a reminder that larger pubs often provided a takeaway service, and Antic also exposed the hauntingly faded name of ‘H HALLOWS’ above the former corner entrance. Henry Hallows was landlord from 1892 to 1897, taking over from his father William, at the helm since 1873. During Henry’s tenure Walthamstow’s Masonic lodge was consecrated at the pub. He must have turned in his grave when his name was mercilessly obliterated with grey paint last year.

The alcoholic mists of time obscure the ability to work out when the pub was established, but it was certainly in business by the 1690s when Philip Wakerin of the ‘Checkyer Alehouse’ was buried. At that time it served an

area with as few as 200 dwellings. The name most likely came from the landlord’s chequer boards used as simple calculators and origin for ‘the exchequer’. By the 18th century, Walthamstow, Highgate and Dulwich were the most fashionable and wealthy of the outer London villages, attracting rich merchants who built large houses in extensive grounds. Many of these were on Marsh Street, resulting in The Chequers attracting an affluent clientele such as the local vestry who conducted financial business there. It could sneer down at its younger rival, The Cock Tavern at the humbler end of the street.

On 28th May 1791 a maid at The Chequers entered a linen cupboard with a lighted candle and the resulting conflagration destroyed the pub, a school, a bakery and two adjoining properties.

Quickly rebuilt, the reversed ‘Q’ in the sign was possibly an act of revenge by the stonemason for late payment, a centuries-old visual joke on a building that has outlived all its contemporaries as the oldest building on the High Street.

By the 1880s, the wealthy merchants had gone, the railway arrived and Marsh Street was becoming the main commercial street in Walthamstow. As many of the larger houses were being demolished or converted to shops, the local Board of Health renamed the road High Street. From 1885 The Chequers found itself surrounded by the smell and noise of the new market. It did well from it, particularly on Saturdays when the market stayed open past midnight, lit up with spluttering naphtha lamps that sometimes set the stalls alight.

Walthamstow’s population soared from around 11,000 people in 1871 to nearly 125,000 in 1911. The ratio of pubs to people didn’t keep up and The Chequers took advantage by expanding at the side and rear, adding a billiard room and responding to rising local poverty by setting up a soup kitchen. The town’s first proper fire station was built opposite (still standing today in the guise of a kebab shop) and during market hours, engines raced out on call sending goods and stalls flying in their wake. This entertaining spectacle was complimented by a skittle alley and grand piano by the bar. Attempts to curtail such merriment came from visits by the Salvation Army, based in the nearby Citadel, who warned of the evils of drink as they tried selling ‘War Cry’.

Customers in this era included bandsmen from The Palace Theatre - Walthamstow’s version of Hackney Empire that towered a few doors away. By the 1940s, a rougher patronage earned the pub a nickname - ‘The War Office’ – a reputation sealed 20 years later by visits from The Kray twins. They fled to The Chequers after George Cornell was shot dead by Reggie at The Blind Beggar in Whitechapel. Their defence claimed that they went to The Chequers to avoid being seen as complicit in a death they had merely heard about.

By keeping up with changing tastes, The Chequers has suffered unsympathetic alterations over the years, even losing its ancient entrance porch in 2003 despite protestations. Today’s look could be likened to the rambling estate of an elderly eccentric, with piecemeal makeovers by well-meaning young relatives. What it lacks in grandeur and elegance is made up for with a hotchpotch charm, aided by the Steptoe & Son style yard at the back, complete with stable buildings.

Walthamstow High Street, like others, has seen its elderly buildings cheapened in appearance, the quality stores replaced by loan shops and Lyca and Lebara mobile competing for branding dominance.

The Dominion and Carlton cinemas that entertained the masses are fading memories but The Chequers still animates the night life – and it’s fashionable again - discarding pool tables and karaoke for quiz nights and DJs playing vinyl.

I imagine its battered walls enclose an essence of the past; echoes of a million excited conversations encompassing the aspirations, opinions, gossip and grandstanding of centuries of custom. Semirural Essex village, rich merchants’ playground, industrial town, diverse London suburb – in Walthamstow everything has changed and nothing has changed. The Chequers – a hotel, auction house and much else besides, still does what it always has, providing refreshment and a place to socialise. In his biography of London, Peter Ackroyd says ‘Where the past exists, the future may flourish’.

So let’s raise a glass to the past, present and future of The Chequers, a Walthamstow institution for over 300 years.

Recently the pub’s owners from the 20s made a brief reappearance before being painted over.

29

Architectural historian, Karen Averby uncovers curiosities and stories from Walthamstow’s rich and varied past

Family Christmases There have been countless family Christmases in Walthamstow of course… but what about Christmas families?

Over the years several families with this seasonal surname have been Walthamstow residents, many staying for just a few years, others for considerably longer.

One of the earliest Christmas families lived on Marsh Street (now High Street) in the late 1840s. Warehouseman Samuel Cooper Christmas moved there with his wife Jane and children Samuel, Jane and Frederick. Originally from Shoreditch, Samuel and Hayes-born Jane married in 1842 at Holy Trinity Church, Holborn, first living in Hackney before relocating to Walthamstow. The family did not stay long, however, and moved to Wimbledon in 1851 where they settled permanently.

Several subsequent Christmas families also stayed in Walthamstow for relatively short periods, including warehouseman Alfred and Emma Christmas who lived for a short while at South Grove in the 1870s, having moved from Hackney with their three young children, Alfred, Ernest and Lillian. In the 1880s young couple George (a pencil sharpener grinder) and Sarah Christmas moved to Springfield Road, Walthamstow with their daughter Edith. They left within ten years. Henry Albert, a printer’s

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machine minder and Rose Eliza (sometimes Eliza Rose) Christmas, a postcard mounter, married in Lambeth in 1910 and were renting a room at 79 Hoe Street by 1911 for a short time before moving to Hammersmith.

More long-lasting were the Christmas family headed by Samuel Christmas from Bow. Born in 1878 to parents Thomas, a basket maker, and Elizabeth, Samuel

Samuel continued working as a specialist bookbinder before enlisting as a rifleman with the 17th (County of London) Battalion (Poplar and Stepney Rifles) to serve in Detail from the 1911 Census for 21 Mansfied Road, Walthamstow. the First World War. was their third child, with elder brothers He was sadly presumed killed in action Thomas Andrew John and Albert Edward, on 20 November 1917, but his children although Albert died as a baby, and and their children went on to marry and younger sisters Clara Elizabeth and Minnie have families, some members of whom Amelia. Samuel’s mother died aged just 26 remained in the borough. in 1886, and his father married two years So, a very special Merry Christmas to you later, to a Hannah Walden with whom he is if you’re a Christmas reading about your thought to have had at least a further five Christmas forebears or namesakes! children. www.archangelheritage.co.uk Samuel trained in a skilled occupation as a bookbinder. He remained with his father

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and stepmother in the crowded family home in Cardigan Street, Bow until summer 1906 when he left to marry Ellen Maskell in Hemel Hempstead. They lived there until their first child Thomas was born in 1908, but relocated to 21 Mansfield Road, Walthamstow soon afterwards, renting one of two three-roomed flats. Here they had a daughter, May in 1910 and another son, Harold Stanley in 1915.

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LOCAL HERO

Steven Saxby Steven is a familiar face across the various communities of Walthamstow, far beyond the borders of his own faith and not insubstantial parish of 35,000.

He is a man who likes to get involved and has a mission to keep this as somewhere that lives up to its ancient name “a place of welcome’. His work helps unite the various faiths, the diverse nationalities, newcomers and dyed-inthe-wool eastenders and even artists and their public. Here he talks to Paul How should we address you? People call me ‘Reverend’ ‘Father’, ‘Padre’, ‘Pastor’ or just ‘Steven’. Anything other than ‘Oi you’ is good for me.

What is a Canon? Oh, some call me Canon too. It’s an honorary title. It means I have a seat in a cathedral somewhere, in my case in the Philippines. I was awarded the honour because of my work supporting Filipino migrants in the UK, including in Walthamstow.

I can see you still have a lot of affection for Plaistow. I love Plaistow and go back often. The street in which I was born includes the oldest Church of England community of Franciscan brothers. I lived with them for a year and I visit the friary often. That said, I have grown to love Walthamstow and don’t plan to leave here anytime soon.

When you were growing up what initially drew you to the church? My parents did not go to church but they sent me to the nearest school which happened to be Church of England. I met the clergy who inspired and encouraged me and started going to church from around 12 years old.

For over 6 years you have been the priest of St Barnabas in Walthamstow. Yes, my predecessor was at St Barnabas for over 30 years and I can see why. The building, the congregation and the people in the local community are beautiful. I started ordained life in Newham after studies in Cambridge and elsewhere, and came to Waltham Forest 32

in 2003 to work for the Faiths Forum. I then had six happy years at St Peter’s-in-the-Forest before moving to where I am now.

Tell us about St Barnabas as an area. There is a real sense of neighbourhood surrounding the church. Our community organisation which covers the area between Boundary Road and Queens Road has done a lot to build even more community spirit, including through our popular street parties, attended by hundreds from across the whole diversity of the neighbourhood.

What do you particularly love about it?

I really enjoy living in a diverse community. It makes life as a priest even more interesting.

My congregation includes people from places like the Philippines, Barbados and Africa, plus different parts of the UK and Europe, so it’s always a lot of fun. We enjoy partying together and the food is always delicious. To me it’s very touching when people of different backgrounds form deep bonds and when their love overflows to the wider community.

Last year you embarked on a project for the E17 Art Trail trying to find a person from all the world’s 196 countries living in the area. The Art Trail is one of the best things about Walthamstow in my opinion. We always put on a good show at St Barnabas,

and our late-night parties are legendary. The World in Walthamstow project was a chance for me to showcase some of the beautiful people I get to meet in my daily life here. I did get to 130, all people whom I had sat down and had a conversation with in E17, each one born in a different country. It showcased ‘multiculturalism’ in particular and the extent to which Walthamstow lives ups to the origins of its name, i.e. ‘Welcome Place’.

This year the news has been dominated by the subject of migrants and refugees.

Many of the people you’ve met fall into one or other of these group. We formed the Walthamstow Migrant Action Group from listening to the experience of those affected by the present government’s policy of creating a ‘hostile environment’ for migrants in the UK. People struggle with so many barriers and are really hurt by negativity in the media. We wanted to challenge this and highlight the positive tradition of welcoming migrants here. I loved it when 5,000 local people turned out to oppose the EDL: that is the true spirit of the Stow.

You’re off to Calais soon I believe. Yes, that is with my other hat on. I am half-time at St Barnabas and have another job working for church and faith leaders across London on social action issues. I am leading an inter-faith

Photo © Paul Tucker www.paultucker.co.uk

I understand you’re a proper East Ender.

I am, born in Plaistow where I lived most of my life before moving to E17, although as a kid I had a brief spell on Canvey Island. My family were in Plaistow for over 100 years.

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delegation to the camp in Calais, to show solidarity but also to help us come back and speak into the need for political solutions for the growing humanitarian disaster there. I went earlier in the year too. It is shocking that we treat refugees like that in modern Europe.

There are two Mosques in the parish, and I know strengthening inter-faith relationships is another of your passions.

I really enjoy my relationships with the mosques and muslim friends, and with all faiths. I was elected Chair of the Waltham Forest Faiths Forum this year and we have some great events planned: a story-telling event, a conference with young people, and some local work on helping to welcome refugees to the Borough.

You are also very keen to pursue an interest in politics. I have always been passionate about politics. My work in Westminster for the London Churches has made me more aware of the extent of poverty caused by the welfare reforms and other measures. I joined the Labour Party because I think we desperately need new politics in this country, and I am excited by the momentum continuing to grow since Jeremy Corbyn’s election as Leader. I was

recently elected Chair of South Walthamstow branch and hope to stand for elected office at some point in the future.

How do you see your politics and faith working together? I came to faith and politics at the same time and my first church trip was to a lobby of Parliament. Both faith and politics are about every aspect of life.

People have lost faith in professional and managerial politics. The best politics is from the grassroots and about wanting society to be compassionate, just and peaceful, all virtues at the heart of our faith traditions.

What do you love about your job? I love sharing in the joys, and even the sorrows of people’s lives. It is a real privilege to conduct a baptism, wedding or funeral, to bless a home or pray with someone in distress. I also love the range of things I get to do as a priest. It is a great job for trying out imaginative ideas.

2015 saw you open your first pop-up pub.

Yes, ‘The St Barnabas Arms’: what a blast that was! We have a tin hut building that made the perfect shabby-chic venue for a weekend of local beer, Greek food, and live music. And we raised over a thousand pounds to help us bring the venue in to more church and community use.

Any plans for a return? Most definitely! We hope to try other pop-ups too. Look out for ‘pop-up curry house’, ‘pop-up patisserie’ and ‘pop-up puppetry’!

Apart from the occasional landlord duties another source of enjoyment for you is walking... My family and I walk on a pilgrimage every year from Trafalgar Square to Canterbury Cathedral to raise money for homelessness work. That is 74 miles over four days. Currently Mrs Sax and I are exploring the commons of London on my days off.

What does Christmas mean for you? The ‘C’ word! It is an emotional time for me.

I had some tough Christmases in my teens and, like many, I don’t find aspects of it easy.

Spiritually I connect deeply with my own and others vulnerability at Christmas and love the services, especially our midnight mass.

I have to work on Christmas morning which is a bit rough, but after that I flop out with my gorgeous family and enjoy lots of food, drink and reading by the fire.

Which brings us neatly to what you would like to see for area next year? I would like more funding for the Art Trail, a homelessness assessment centre in the Borough, and lots more participatory politics. Bring it on!

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Walthamstow Diary Between forest and marsh lies the glorious Stow.

These are the tales and meanderings of a proud resident of E17 I’m really sorry, but I’m going to have to write about Mini Holland (sprinkles self with holy water and hopes for the best). To be fair, I’m not actually writing about Mini Holland itself, more our collective reaction to it. I can’t even attempt to discuss the pros and cons, there are too many, it’s too complicated, I only have 350 words and I don’t think I can say anything that hasn’t already been said.

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Maybe there are too many road closures, or maybe there aren’t enough.

Maybe the council is to blame, or maybe it’s the cyclists or drivers or walkers, or maybe a butterfly flapped its wings in Peru and caused some kind of anger based quantum blip, I don’t know and frankly I don’t care. All I know is this, people don’t have to agree with each other, but they should respect each other. If we want to make things different or better, there’s only one way of doing it, together. We all live here, we all have opinions, and we are all adults. It’s time to come together, sort this out once and for all, and finally move on. www.walthamstowdiary.com

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The Magpie’s beady eyes are back on the look-out for the shiniest, funniest remarks, witty retorts and bizarre sightings to steal from the borough’s social media channels.

Thanks this month to Twitter, Walthamstow Life & Leytonstone Life Focebook groups

Images courtesy of Chris Evans, Waqas Hussain, Tony Kelly, Stuart Moore

Anyone lost a fish head in the chapel End area?

LH: Ah THAT’S where I left it. Crazy night.

YA: It looks shocked!

MB: Much loved toy? Maybe post in Walthamstow Parents.

JR: Unwanted *treat* from Hallowe’en?

JB: Lady GaGa tweeted she’d lost part of her outfit that way last night KW: Definitely a trail!! I found one at the back of St James Street on Monday LT: At least it wasn’t at the ‘bell end’ as previously discussed in this group...

JS: Fish head update. My wife came home yesterday, loudly saying ‘urgh!’ to herself.

Whilst this is often how she greets me, it transpired on this occasion that she had just picked up said fish head and given it an appropriate burial in our wheelie bin as it had already made its way from one side of the road to the other whilst she’d been out.

Walthamstow Life I’ve just found this giant syringe right near where the kids were playing football in Higham Hill park. Disgraceful!!!

NA: Find one of the perpetrators and pump them for information.

MSB: There’s no police help due to inflation...

JF: Could take it to the Pump House museum !!

JG: Obviously elephants have been sneaking in there to shoot up. I thought I’d seen large footprints near the trees.

Walthamstow Life

RK: Noooo! Don’t do it!

TK: He never liked his eyelashes anyway…

AT: Couldn’t eat a whole one Leytonstone Life SM: Sometimes you get a beautiful marshes sunrise, and sometimes....

PS: Is that the Eiffel Tower?

SM: Not unless the train driver was *really* lost PH: Don’t be silly - the Eiffel Tower hadn’t even been built during Monet’s lifetime.

PS: Monet died in 1926. Eiffel tower built in 1889. Back in your box please!

AS: Looks like a stew through a glass saucepan lid.

PH: From my experience of that train line the stew would have been on *this* side of the glass.

Walthamstow Life

Good auction in progress on ebay for this style icon from Walthamstow. Hipster 1912 version [Postcard’s winning bid £29] @stevegreen39 Now that winter is coming, here’s a throwback to the worst ice rink in the history of mankind.

RE: Still looks better than ‘The Scene’ I remember walking past it the morning after it had been smashed up and the shed burned down.

KB: The picture doesn’t show the traditional Walthamstow Christmas tree which turned the whole area into a magical Christmas Kingdom.

KB: Nothing says “festive season” better than metal crowd barriers decorated with tinsel.

RE: All we needed was a spider baby and we could have given Father Ted a run for his money.

WH: Wonky Tree + Ice Rink = Walthamstow Winter Wonderland.

Walthamstow Life

35

East Avenue E17 Offers in Excess of ÂŁ900,000

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8. Bedford Road E17 3 bed end terrace house to rent £438 pw : £1,900 pcm

8

6

December’s gallery

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3. Barclay Road E17 3 bed semi-detached house for sale Guide price £750,000 4. Waverley Road E17 4 bed terraced house for sale Offers in excess of £750,000

1 4 1. Brookfield Avenue E17 2 bed flat for sale Guide price £400,000 2. Forest Road E17 3 bed end terrace house for sale Offers in excess of £550,000

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