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Your cultural life in and around Walthamstow No.38 • May 2016
E17. E11. E10
Fellowship is Life
“I
DON’T LIKE IT – I LOVE IT! IT IS MY HOME AND I TREASURE IT,” exclaimed this month’s Local Hero, Hibo Wandere, when asked what she likes about living in Walthamstow. Hibo, originally a refugee from Somalia, feels welcomed and supported by many in the community, loves its diversity and relishes that her best friend is a Lithuanian neighbour. Read our interview with Hibo on page 36. The desire to ‘treasure it’ is echoed by the contributors to this month’s Love The Place You Live section. There have always been people here passionate about the place but it must be remembered that in the 1980s the population of Waltham Forest was in decline. In fact 1985 saw the closing of the Lea Bridge railway station, reputedly the least used station in London, and the audience of our last cinema on Hoe Street was struggling to attain double figures. Thankfully there’s been a dramatic turnaround in recent years with people drawn here from far and wide, many embracing the area and wanting to be part of its future. Investment is rising and this month marks the reopening of the Lea Bridge Station (p20), maybe some light for the old Granada cinema (p28) and also the start of restoration of Walthamstow’s St James Street. With this surge in population comes new challenges. How to create homes and public areas that meet the needs of our diverse population and continue the sort of cohesive communities that thrive so well in Victorian terraces? High density living provides challenges that UK cities have failed spectacularly to meet in the past, so what can we do differently this time? People like Architects E17 (p17) are volunteering their time and experience to help us as residents and planners to get the best in cost-effective design from developers, hopefully leading to solutions that will work for the long term and not just short term profits and box ticking. Anyway, potentially exciting times ahead. Paul Lindt, Editor editor@theelist.co.uk
@TheEList_e17
The E List
Dinner time a poem by Sona Jerema Tom Gaul’s A Spotter’s Guide to Local Streetlife Theatre Review – Whiskey Tango Foxtrot New Theatre Company – Proforça Creative
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Love the place you live Architects E17 – Future Proofing St James Street – Restoration Lea Bridge – Right here right now
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Artist Jonathan Waller does Shakespeare Greetings card company 4sided.co.uk Leyton’s children’s book publisher Fisherton Press A history of the Granada Cinema (home to Mirth, Marvel and Maud) Part II Vestry House Museum Archives - Big Houses Part I House Doctor – Decluttering Wilcumstowe Times: Bearmans of Leytonstone Local Hero - Hibo Wardere, anti-FGM campaigner Walthamstow Diary Magpie
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 approx 100 venues across E17, E11, E10 and E4. See www.theelist.co.uk for your nearest venue. As copies disappear quickly we aim to restock the most popular venues during the month so please keep trying. If you would like your venue to be a distribution point email listings@theelist.co.uk
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COVER STAR Hennie Haworth Originally from Kingston, south London, Hennie has been a Walthamstow resident for almost 5 years. Here she tells Paul Lindt about how the area has inspired her latest project, and how a childhood passion has become a dream career. When did you discover your love of drawing? I’ve always loved to draw, ever since I was little. When I realised you could draw for a living I was off to study illustration in Brighton! You say your children like to help you out. Yes! My little boy loves drawing too. He sometimes sits with me whilst I’m working. He draws at one end of the paper and I draw at the other end. I love the collaborations, his drawings are much more imaginative! My little girl likes to draw circles…lots and lots of them! You’ve embarked on a series of drawings of Walthamstow Market. What inspired you? I was keen to do a series of drawings of Walthamstow in general but I settled on the market as a starting point. I had only thought about doing a couple but quickly I found there was so much to see down there, plenty of colour, loads of typography, lovely fabric prints with sequins or bold chunky block prints, old twirly signs, fruit and veg boxes (with lovely patterns on them) and interesting architecture in the buildings above the shops. Such a mixture of contrasting shapes and colours. I just kept seeing more and more. I’ve done quite a few of the shops now and I keep
seeing more: the ribbons shop, and the red hamburger shop… .and then there’s the people! Food and buildings crop up a lot in your professional work too. Yes, I started drawing food as one of my earliest commissions, and have been asked ever since to do more. Until recently I was illustrating a couple of weekly columns in the Guardian food section ‘COOK’. I really enjoy it, I think that’s also why I liked the market because I love the look of fruit and veg stalls, with all the colourful patterns the fruit shapes make all lined up. Food is a great thing to draw! You don’t have to be prefect with proportions and angles, as food isn’t! I also love to draw buildings. I have just illustrated two colouring in books called ‘Colour London’ and ‘Colour Paris’ which have a LOT of buildings in them!
as you can. Don’t worry about making a mistake just draw on top of it with a new colour, or stick over a big ticker and continue the drawing on top of it. Mistakes help add texture, and help build up a drawing. I never start a drawing again once I start, I make the mistakes become part of the finished thing. You can see Hennie’s work at her show at the E17 Art House, 54 -56 Hoe Street, E17 4PG, 13 May - 11 June, 10am-6pm Tuesday-Saturday.
Tell us about Japan. I went there for 6 months 5 years ago, it was an amazing place to spend a big chunk of time. I cycled about a lot and everywhere you go there is a friendly vending machine offering you a drink, cold or hot. They always work, always look in perfect condition, and have brilliant packaging inside! I decided to start drawing them because I love to draw food packaging, and big chunky bold colourful things!
www.henniehaworth.co.uk
Do you have a simple piece of advice for budding young artists out there? Keep a sketch book, scribble and doodle as much
This page: Top right: A japanese vending machine. Bottom left: A chair for Habitat. Bottom centre: British Wildlife Poster. Bottom right: Food illustrations for The Guardian.
Private view Thursday 12 May, 6:30-9pm.
Cover: International Supermarket, High Street, Walthamstow. Opposite: Top: Billboard for a Japanese campaign for Converse, Middle: Colouring in books for children. Bottom: Poster design.
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ART
BOOKS
CRAFTS
DANCE/FITNESS
This month in town
May
Exhibitions & weekly events Arts & Crafts 4-28 May NEW Indian Cats Pictorem Gallery, 383 Hoe Street E17 9AP Hassan Vawda went to India, met Jamini Roy in a painting and made a series of new work about art, identity and painters technique. Tues-Sat 9am5.30pm. FREE. 020 8520 0340 www.pictoremgallery.com 6-30 May NEW Steven Quinn: 3 minutes to Midnight at The Place of Welcome Walthamstow Village Window Gallery, 47 Orford Road E17 9NJ This show by Belfast-born multidisciplinary artist Quinn brings together paintings and collages on the recurring theme of domesticising nuclear, political and intergalatic conflicts, and the end of the world at 3 minutes to midnight. Preview evening Friday 6 May, 7-9pm. Exhibition open daylight hours and lit until 3 minutes to midnight. FREE. www.wvwg.co.uk 13 May-11 June NEW Out & About: Illustrations by Hennie Haworth E17 Art House 54-56 Hoe Street E17 4PG See this month’s cover-star Hennie Haworth’s beautiful and vibrant drawings of Walthamstow and beyond, and pick-up a limited edition print from the show. Tues-Sat 10am-6pm. FREE. 020 8509 8211 www.e17arthouse.com 16-29 May NEW Dementia Awareness Week: Vintage Tales Art Exhibition Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS Participants have been working with artist Anna Alcock to bring their memories to life. Come and see the fruits of their labour. 10am-2pm. FREE www.gnomehouse.org.uk Until Saturday 21 May Sketched & Drawn The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA An exhibition of drawings from the old to the new, the impulsive to the refined. Tues-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-2pm. FREE. www.themillcoppermill.org Events marked
Until Sunday 15 May Local Life Through a Lens: Victorian & Edwardian Photographs by Alfred Wire Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Wire started taking photographs in the early 1860s, long before it became an accessible hobby. He captured local life in Leytonstone, Wanstead flats, Epping Forest, Southend-on-Sea and much more. Weds-Sun 10am-5pm. FREE. 020 8496 4391 vhm.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.walthamforest.gov.uk/vestry-house Until Sunday 29 May Social Fabric: African Textiles Today William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Social Fabric explores how the printed and factory-woven textiles of eastern and southern Africa mirror the changing times, fashions and tastes of the region. Includes work by leading contemporary artists. Weds-Sun 10am5pm. FREE. 020 8496 4390 wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk Until Sunday 22 May NEW The Possibility of Everything The Stone Space, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG The Possibility of Everything explores the role of process and materiality for each artist and encompasses shared themes and parallels between creative, psychological and environmental territories. Thurs-Fri 2-6pm, Sat 125pm, Sun 12-4pm. FREE. stonespace.enquiries@gmail.com www.thestonespace.wordpress.com Until Sunday 29 May Frank Brangwyn: Songs of a Wayfarer William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP As a young man, Frank Brangwyn travelled throughout Southern Europe and South Africa, injecting his oil paintings with colour. A small display in the Brangwyn gallery looks at work inspired by these journeys. Weds-Sun 10am-5pm. FREE. 020 8496 4390 wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk
FAMILY
FILM
26 May-9 July NEW Whitefield Academy Art Exhibition The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Exhibition of art works from pupils at the local Whitefield Academy. TuesThurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-2pm. FREE. www.themillcoppermill.org Thursdays Craft Workshop for Parents The Paradox Community Centre, 3 Ching Way, Chingford E4 8YD Make friends, and get creative! All classes are experimental and fun, allowing you to explore your creativity and share your creations and experiences with other parents. Learn new techniques each week with different materials through painting, recycling, embroidery, decopatch etc. Kids welcome! 9.30-11.30am. FREE. Elizabeth Salazar Guerra elizasal83@gmail.com
Theatre 4-7 May NEW If I Go Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Proforca Creative presents a brand new amateur theatre production written by James Lewis and directed by David Brady. For more information, special offers and behind the scenes content follow us on social media. 7.45-10pm plus Sat matinee 2.30pm. £12. 07835 302 624 hello@proforca.co.uk www.proforca.co.uk 20-21 and 27-28 May NEW \”Resilience\” by Steve Waters Welsh Church Hall, 881 High Road Leytonstone E11 1HR The Woodhouse Players present an ecological/political satire in which massive flooding has already destroyed Bristol and now threatens to sink the rest of the UK. 8-10.30pm plus Sat matinee 2.30pm. £8/£5 conc in advance or £9/£6 on the door. 020 8504 3872 tickets@woodhouseplayers.co.uk www.woodhouseplayers.co.uk Sundays DRAG Out The Weekend The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Varied line-up of the very best and most debauched of London’s drag cabaret artists play this intimate venue on Sunday evenings. 6.30-10pm, bar until midnight. FREE. www.thenorthcotee11.com
FOOD
GARDENING
Quizzes & Games 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 & 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 Thursdays 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 Mondays Mirth, Marvel & Maud 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH 123 minute creative challenge, general knowledge quiz with film, mystery and bonus drinks rounds. £50 cash prize! £2 per person, max 6 per team. 7.30pm. twitter @mirthmarvele17 Mondays Red Lion Quiz Night The Red Lion, 640 High Road, Leytonstone E11 3AA Creative challenges, general knowledge, mystery and bonus rounds. £50 cash prize and super rolling jackpot! 7.30-11.30pm. www.theredlionleytonstone.com Tuesdays Rowan’s Weekly Quiz The Bell, 617 Forest Road/Chingford Road E17 4NE Hosted by local celebrity Rowan McIntyre, test your brain against the best. Cash jackpot and a rollover, wine to be won as well as a pack of crisps and a Lotto scratch card. 8-10.30pm. £1.50 per person www.belle17.com Tuesdays Quiz On Your Face The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Original, fun and quirky quiz with cash jackpot and free round of shots for the best team name. 8-10.30pm. £1 per person www.thenorthcotee11.com
kid friendly
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.
HISTORY
MUSIC
SHOPPING
Tuesdays Quiz Night The Village Pub, 31 Orford Road E17 9NL Another of Neil’s Big Quiz nights. Can you beat the cards? Will you be lucky 7 or will you be taking home the spoon? Cash and wine to be won! 8.30-11pm. £1.50 per person www.village-walthamstow.com Wednesdays Leyton Technical Quiz Night 265 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
Gardening & Environment 28 May-2 October NEW Water and Life: The Story of Walthamstow Wetlands Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH In 2017 Walthamstow Reservoirs will re-open as London’s largest wetland nature reserve. Be the first to discover more about the story of Walthamstow Wetlands – past and present. WedsSun 10am-5pm. FREE. 020 8496 4391 vhm.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.walthamforest.gov.uk/vestry-house Tues, Weds & Thurs Conservation Volunteers: Biodiversity Action Team Meet at 1a Connaught Close, Leyton, E10 7QS (opposite Lee Valley Riding Centre) Help us manage some of East London’s most vibrant sites for nature conservation. We have projects running weekly all year so plenty of opportunities to join in, meet people, learn skills and discover hidden places. 9am-5pm. FREE. Tom Nandi 07917 267573 t.nandi@tcv.org.uk Fridays Lloyd Park Green Gym Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Join in, feel good. The Green Gym enables volunteers to get physically active whilst improving the environment and their local community. 11am-2pm. FREE. Gareth 020 8533 8022 gg-waltham-forest@tcv.org.uk Mondays Young Person’s Environment & Park Skills Workshops Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP A programme of activities designed for young people aged 18-24 to give them outdoor and environmental experience. For those with an interest in working in the environment sector. 12-3pm. FREE. Gareth 020 8533 8022 gg-waltham-forest@tcv.org.uk www.tcv.org.uk
Events marked
THEATRE/COMEDY
Tuesdays NEW Chingford Green Gym Ridgeway Park, The Ridgeway, Old Church Road, Chingford E4 6XU As above, but different venue and time. 10am-1pm. 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 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 Saturdays until July 2 NEW Creative Youth Club Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS A weekly drop in session for 10-14 year olds with music, art, filmmaking, games and more. Hang out with friends and make new friends. Refreshments provided. Consent forms must be completed by parent/carer. 11.30am3.30pm. £3 voluntary donation. Young people unable to make a contribution will NOT be turned away. Chantelle Michaux 07535 326157 info@wfaen.org.uk www.wfaen.org.uk
Beanstalk is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Registered Charity Number 296454. Registered Office: 6 Middle Street, London EC1A 7JA
Tuesdays & Thursdays Magic Box: Interactive Storytelling Sessions for 2-ish to 5-year olds Mothers’ Hub, 133 Wood Street E17 3LX What’s inside the Magic Box today? Join a host of different characters, from Dahlia the Dinosaur to Captain Wonkynose, as they lead you on exciting and interactive storytelling adventures! Coffee and cake included. 10-11am. £5 each or £8 for 2 kids. magicboxe17@gmail.com www.magicboxstories.com Thursdays Tiny Tempo The Hornbeam Café, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH A fun introduction to musical concepts-using singing, instrument playing, listening and dancing! With guitars, ukuleles, and a lot of energy, fun is had by all. 10-11am. £5 for one child, £8 for two children.
kid friendly
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ART
BOOKS
Until Sunday 10 July Tales from the Marsh: Creative Workshops for Girls (7-11 years) & Mothers The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Explore Walthamstow marshes using drama, storytelling, movement and art. Mix your stories with the memories of local elders. Create and be part of a performance on the marshes on 9th & 10th July. The project is for girls aged 7-11 years (KS2) and women (mothers & carers). Call to book a place, all welcome to try first session. 10.15am12.15pm. 10 weekly workshops for total of £20. 07989 519522 siobhan.oneill.2014@live.rhul.ac.uk www.themill-coppermill.org 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. £1 per family. No need to book, just drop in. sabine.elkhoury@sybourncc.org 020 8496 2442 Monday-Friday, except Tuesdays (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 and 11am only on Wednesdays. £5.25 booked termly. 07811 460282 fiona.bongalong@gmail.com www.bongalong.co.uk Tuesdays Bongalong for under 5s Greenleaf Road Baptist Church, 4 Greenleaf Road E17 6QQ As above except different venue. 1.30pm. Mon, Weds & Thurs Bongalong for under 1s St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Side Hall, Havant Road E17 3JF As above. Mondays 2.30pm, Wednesdays 10am and Thursdays 1.30 and 2.30pm. 5-week class 21 April-19 May Kids’ Art Club The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA 5 weekly sessions of themed creative activity for accompanied children 3 years and upwards. Can be messy! 3.30-5pm. £1 per child, per session . Mo Gallaccio 020 8521 3211 info@themill-coppermill.org www.themill-coppermill.org Events marked
kid friendly
CRAFTS
DANCE/FITNESS
Social Mondays Lloyd Park Walk for Women Meet outside the park cafe, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP A free and friendly women-only walk in Lloyd Park. All abilities welcome. Wear sensible clothing and flat shoes. Email or call for more info. 10-10.45am. FREE. ellie.mortimer@walthamforest.gov.uk 020 8496 2822
LGBT Last Friday of the month Walthamstow Gay Meetup Check meet up site for venue Friendly, convivial evening of like-minded people having a great time around a drink or two with good conversations, fun and lots of laughter. 8-10pm. FREE, membership £5 per year. Jean-Francois at jf@gpn.one meetup.com/Walthamstow-Gay-Meetup Wednesdays Club Mellow: 13-15s Group ELOP Centre, 56-60 Grove Road, E17 9BN A weekly space for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans* young people aged 13-15yrs who want to meet up with others in a friendly, supportive environment. 4.306.30pm. £1. Richard 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org www.elop.org Wednesdays Club Mellow: 15-18s Group As above except 7-9pm. £1.
Food Markets Thursdays NEW Walthamstow Twilight Market Walthamstow Town Square & Gardens, High Street E17 Walthamstow Twilight Market is back. Stalls offer food, craft beer and cocktails, goods from local traders and live entertainment. 4-10pm. Saturdays Walthamstow Village Market Community Hub (former Asian Centre) 18A Orford Road E17 9LN A family-friendly fine food market showcasing local produce and hot food traders. Dogs welcome. 10.30am-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
FAMILY
FILM
Saturdays Community Local Produce Market Stall with OrganicLea & Transition Leytonstone St John’s Church, Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG As above. 10am-3pm. RoseMary 020 8556 3090 www.transitionleytonstone.org.uk 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. www.lfm.org.uk/markets/walthamstow
Sport & Fitness Saturdays Walthamstow Parkrun Peter May Sports Ground, Wadham Road E17 4HR A free, timed weekly 5km run around the park, for your own enjoyment. Whatever your pace! Register online for your free race time barcode to print before your first race. 9-10.30am. FREE. Richard Parr 07866 616454 walthamstowoffice@parkrun.com www.parkrun.org.uk/walthamstow
Music & Karaoke Thursdays NEW Live Music at Leyton Technical Leyton Technical 65 High Road, Leyton E10 5QN A genre-hopping live music night with a different band every week. From 9.30pm. FREE. www.leytontechnical.com Mondays until July 4 (excluding bank holidays) Waltham Forest Community Choir St Mary’s Church, Church Hill E17 9RJ A friendly choir with a wide-ranging repertoire. No audition required. This term we will be particpating in a performance work at the opening of the new Tate Modern in June. 7.309.30pm. £5 plus termly subscription. 07954 740745 members@singwithus.net www.singwithus.net Tuesdays East Side Jazz Club Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Rd, Leytonstone E11 3DB Weekly modern jazz club featuring the UK’s best jazz musicians in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating. Check website for latest line-up. The Music Room has its own bar with real ale. First floor venue. 8.30-11pm. £6 on the door only, no membership required. www.eastsidejazzclub.blogspot.co.uk
FOOD
GARDENING
Wednesdays until June 29 Fuse It – Beatbox-Fusion Project The Soul Project, 245 Wood Street, Walthamstow E17 3NT Are you 11-18 years old and enjoy beatboxing, drumming or singing? We’ve an exciting and free youth music project for you with famous beatboxer Killa Kela. Opportunities to do an Arts Award, and perform at an exciting venue as part of this Youth Music Foundation funded project! 5.15-6.30pm. FREE. Vanessa 07958 523431 info@khyalarts.org.uk www.khyalarts.org.uk 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, and bring your little ones, we have toys to entertain them! All abilities welcome. 10-11am. £5. east17singers@gmail.com Mondays Warrant Officer Community Choir The Warrant Officer, 318 Higham Hill Road E17 5RG Raise your voice and lift your spirits as part of an adult choir where you call the tunes. Absolutely no auditions, all abilities welcome. 7.30-9pm. £7, £6 in advance and taster session FREE. Laura 07813 686980 singattheWO@gmail.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. cnnkaraoke@gmail.com 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 Wednesdays NEW WAVE Community Choir Rehearsals Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road E17 7BY Recruiting now for this brand new community choir. No auditions, all welcome. Includes warm-ups, folk, pop, rock, classical and gospel plus tea break. 7.30-9.30pm. £10, with first rehearsal free. Virginia Firnberg 07813-116505 virgifrn@yahoo.com www.wavyline.org
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.
HISTORY
MUSIC
SHOPPING
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 Sundays Open Mic Sinbin at The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU The Open Mic/jam session formerly known as the Princess Of Wails in Stratford for the last 6 years is now at Sinbin. 7-11.30pm. FREE, but performers please sign up in advance. Ed 07533 851205 spoon@soundeventsolutions.co.uk www.ploughe11.co.uk
Calendar of events Sunday 1 Forest + Found: Pop Up Shop & Demonstrations William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP To celebrate the start of London Craft Week, sustainable craft and design partnership Forest + Found host a pop-up showcase of their work and live craft demonstrations in wood carving, patchwork and quilting. 10am-5pm. FREE contact@forest-and-found.com www.wmgallery.org.uk Mysterious Wheels The Bell, 617 Forest Road/Chingford Road E17 4NE The Mysterious Wheels, featuring The Pogues Andrew Ranken, play for some Bank holiday weekend fun. 9-11.30pm. FREE. 24 Hours Stow-a-thon Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA The third annual Stow-a-thon event. A whole 24 hours of non-stop music, dance and fun. Run in partnership with the Stow Festival. Donations will be collected for an Immigration Advice Centre. From 12 noon until 12 noon bank holiday Monday. FREE. www.stowfestival.com
Monday 2 - Bank Holiday 24 Hours Stow-a-thon Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA This mammoth music event continues until noon. See Sunday 1 for details. Forest + Found: Pop Up Shop & Demonstrations William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Details as May 1 except 10am-4pm Events marked
THEATRE/COMEDY
May Day Fair Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP This year’s brilliant activities include bouncy castles, food stalls, beer tent, Pimms & lemonade, face painting, the magnificent Big Shoe Slide and at 1pm the ever-popular dog show! To register your pooch in advance email dogshowe17@gmail.com or from 12pm on the day. 12-4pm. FREE. www.friendsoflloydpark.org.uk Stormy Monday Blues Evening Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA An evening of live blues hosted by the Battered Saucepan Blues Band. 8.4511pm. FREE. Alan Cohen 07762 083384 adcohen50@yahoo.com
Tuesday 3 Real Coffee Morning at The Mill The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA A regular coffee morning on the first Tuesday of every month. Enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and FREE homemade Biscotti biscuit. 10am12pm. £1. 020 8521 3211 www.themill-coppermill.org Waltham Forest Reiki Project Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18A Orford Road E17 9LN Reiki is a form of healing that works the life force energy that flows through all living things. Come along to this first Tuesday of the month session and see how we can help ‘you’, just drop-in. 7-8.45pm. FREE, but donations appreciated. Yoko 07903 243296 walthamforestreikiproject@gmail.com
Wednesday 4 Under 5s Nature Explorers: Pond Dipping Aveling Centre, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP This month there’ll be pond dipping, a ramble, arts, crafts, stories and snacks. For the under 5s and their parents/ carers. 10am-12.30pm. FREE but donations welcome. Vicky Peet 07870 678571 v.peet@tcv.org.uk Pixie presents Camp Pop Disco The William Morris Bar, 807-811 Forest Rd E17 4JD It’s disco time at the William Morris. DJ Aaron will be spinning all your favourite camp pop numbers! 7pm-12am. FREE. Pixie 07415 295176 pixiepresents@yahoo.co.uk Open Mic Re-Launch Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Our open mic night is back and we’re hoping to see many of you perform. Come along on the night to book your spot or to support others. 8-11pm. FREE. yeolderoseandcrowntheatrepub.co.uk
Written by James Lewis Directed by David Brady Produced by Martina Schøning Weds 4th – Sat 7th May 2016 Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre & Pub Walthamstow, London E17 4SA Performances Weds – Fri 7.45pm Saturday 2.30pm & 7.45pm Tickets £12
Proforça Creative is proud to present
IF I GO For tickets & more info visit www.proforca.co.uk
kid friendly
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Wednesday 4 continued If I Go Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Proforca Creative presents a brand new amateur theatre production written by James Lewis and directed by David Brady. For more information, special offers and behind the scenes content follow us on social media. 7.45-10pm. £12. 07835 302 624 hello@proforca.co.uk www.proforca.co.uk
Thursday 5 Stow Film Lounge: Tsotsi William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Stow Film Lounge presents a special screening at the William Morris Gallery to coincide with the exhibition Social Fabric: African Textiles Today. 7-9.30pm. £6.50/£5 conc. Booking essential. www.stowfilmlounge.com Crochet Catch-Up Significant Seams, 131 Wood St E17 3LX Monthly social for local crocheters to natter and problem solve any pattern issues with fellow crocheters! 7-8.30pm. £5 Fran Reeves 020 8521 4244 outreach@significantseams.org.uk www.significantseams.org.uk If I Go Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Details as Wednesday 4 Verbatim Monthly Comedy Club Luna Lounge, 7 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG First Thursdays comedy club with well known guest comedians and lots of laughs, guaranteed. 8-11pm. £5. www.lunalounge.info Hot Chip’s Felix Martin: DJ Set Wild Card Brewery, Unit 7 Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ Bring your dancing shoes for this DJ set from Hot Chip’s Felix Martin! With support from Dear Earth and Sam Lloyd. 9pm-midnight. Tickets £9 from www. byrdout.com. byrdout@gmail.com www.byrdout.com
Friday 6 Kids’ Kitchen Wood Street Scout Hall, 205 Wood Street E17 3NU Fun, safe, hands-on cooking sessions for pre-school children with their parents, grandparents and childminders living in the Beans on Balconies streets around Wood St and Shernhall St. Please book to cook delicious food together. 10am12 noon. FREE. Morag via events@artillery.org.uk www.kidskitchenbeansonbalconies. eventbrite.co.uk Events marked
CRAFTS
Woodford and Warner’s Caribbean Pop-Up Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace, Unit 18 Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St E17 9HQ Sarah returns with her delicious Trinbagonian home cooking. Serving up all manner of tasty wonders until we run out. Includes plenty of veg options. Eat in and drink gin, takeaway also available. No reservations, just turn up and tuck in. 6.30-10pm. FREE entry. Dish prices vary. www.mothersruin.net www.woodfordandwarner.com Private View: Indian Cats Pictorem Gallery, 383 Hoe Street E17 9AP Meet the artist Hassan Vawda at this special preview of his new work about art, identity and painters technique. 6-8pm. Exhibition continues to 28 May. Tues-Sat 9am-5.30pm. FREE. 020 8520 0340 www.pictoremgallery.com Preview Evening: Steven Quinn Walthamstow Village Window Gallery, 47 Orford RoadE17 9NJ Special opening event for new show ‘3 minutes to Midnight at The Place of Welcome’ by Irish artist Quinn, bringing together thought-provoking and witty work domesticising nuclear, political and intergalatic conflicts. With music and a donation bar. 7-9pm. FREE entry. www.wvwg.co.uk If I Go Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Details as Wednesday 4
Saturday 7 Blackhorse Market Blackhorse Workshop, 1-2 Sutherland Road Path E17 6BX We’ve opened up our yard to host a monthly street food and makers market. With crafts, coffee and food it promises a good start to any weekend. 11am-4pm. FREE. info@blackhorseworkshop.co.uk www.blackhorseworkshop.co.uk E17 Designers’ Spring Market Mirth, Marvel and Maud, 186 Hoe St E17 4QH Celebrate our tenth anniversary at Mirth Marvel and Maud. Hosting regulars selling handmade goods, new designers for 2016 plus clothing and accessories for the discerning shopper! 12-5pm. FREE entry. contact@e17designers.co.uk www.e17designers.co.uk The Strange Blue Dreams What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Rd, Leytonstone E11 3DB Dramatic pop, gypsy swing, skiffle, doowop and ballads from the music hall to the jet-age. 8.30-11.30pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk
DANCE/FITNESS Tour of Social Fabric, London Craft Week William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Free tour of the Social Fabric exhibition plus go behind the scenes to view the Gallery’s collection of block printed textiles. 12-2pm. FREE but booking essential. 020 8496 4390 wmg.bookings@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk Star Wars Family Fun Day The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Come and take part in an afternoon of Jedi knight training, Tatooine’s Got Talent, craft activities, face painting, and a quiz. Cakes and refreshments for sale. 1.30pm-4.30pm. £3 entry includes all childrens activities. Natasha Mcfazdean 020 8521 3211 info@themill-coppermill.org Stow Kids’ Film Lounge: Paper Planes (cert U) Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS An imaginative children’s film about a young Australian boy’s passion for flight and his challenge to compete in the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan. Doors open 4pm for pre-film activity, film 4.30pm, close 6.30pm. £5.50 child (inc activity), £4 acc adult, £12 child (party package). Book online or on the door if not sold out. www.stowfilmlounge.com The Stones Throw Market St John’s Church Hall, High Road, Leytonstone E11 1HH Vibrant makers and retro market. Stalls include Fused & Fired, Gail’s Windy Day and locally produced awardwinning honey. Includes furniture, books, glassware and vintage clothes plus afternoon tea with homemade cakes. 2-6pm. FREE entry. Gail & Lucy 07875 334084 stonesthrowmarket@yahoo.co.uk www.stonesthrowmarket.co.uk Book Signing with Hibo Wardere, Anti FGM Campaigner & Educator Aura Rosa Cakes, 84 Hoe St E17 4QS Come and talk to Hibo over tea and cake about her new book ‘Cut: One Woman’s Fight Against FGM in Britain Today’ and get your copy signed too! Copies available to buy if you don’t have one already. 3-5pm. FREE entry but prices of refreshments vary. Twitter @HiboWardere May Mini-Festival The Warrant Officer, 318 Higham Hill Road E17 5RG The Per$ecuted headline the first of The WO’s monthly mini-festivals (first Saturday of every month). Rangoon and Whiskey Mick share the bill plus an afternoon of showcase sessions. Check the website for more details. 3-11.30pm. FREE with a collection. www.the-wo.co.uk
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Stow Film Lounge: Tangerine (cert 15) Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS A working girl tears through Tinseltown on Christmas Eve searching for the pimp who broke her heart. After hearing that her boyfriend/pimp cheated on her while she was in jail, a prostitute and her new best friend set out to find him and teach him and his lover a lesson. Doors open 7pm, film 8.30pm, close 11pm. £8/£6 conc (senior citizens, unwaged, students). Ticket & Pizza from £13.30 (pre-book only). Book online or on the door if not sold out. www.stowfilmlounge.com Mindfulness Meditation Leyton Yoga, First Floor (above USSR), 691 High Road, Leyton E10 6RA Everyone’s welcome to explore this simple yet transformative practice in friendly and casual monthly guided meditation sessions. 5-6.30pm. £15. leytonyoga@gmail.com www.leytonyoga.com If I Go Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Details as Wednesday 4 Bilingual Group Workshop & Play Session The Limes Community and Children’s Centre, 6 Somers Road E17 6RX A workshop with tips for parents raising their children with more than one language. Share experiences with other parents over coffee while the children have fun using the fantastic facilities of The Limes. 3.30-5.30pm. FREE. Claire Thomas 07770 860038 info@wfbilingual.org.uk www.wfbilingual.org.uk Closet Vinyl: Rap, Crackle & Pop The Northcote Arms, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Grab your vinyl, your dancing shoes and your friends for our monthly residency. Decks, equipment and DJ lessons all provided. See you on the dancefloor. Muga wood-fired pizzas available. 8pm12.30am. FREE. Dan Magill 07717 851972 closetvinyl@gmail.com www.closetvinyl.com
Sunday 8 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 for all price tags. Stalls include childrenswear, cakes, pastries, jewellery, handbags, pottery, men’s shirts and handmade chocolate. 12-5pm. FREE entry. www.thenorthcotee11.com To book a stall contact via www.leytonandstonedesigners.co.uk
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
Musical Aquarium – Spinning Discs Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA DJ Jerome and Lyndsay playing sounds we all know and love. 1-4pm. FREE. Walthamstow Toy Library May Fair Walthamstow Toy Library and Play Centre, Comely Bank Community Clinic, 46 Ravenswood Road E17 9LY A fun-filled family event with live music from Mrs H & the Singalong Band, Baby Broadway and Ukulele17 plus retro games, BBQ, bar, fire brigade and engine and community police car, book and toy stalls, face painting and more. 11am-3pm. Adults £1, kids FREE. www.walthamstowtoylibrary.org Family Activity: Motion Pictures Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Inspired by the Alfred Wire photography exhibition at the Vestry House Museum, explore how old photos were made. Learn how to make a pin-hole camera or create a Victorian zoetrope. 1.30-4pm. FREE but suggested £3 donation per child to help sustain museum programmes. 020 8496 4391 vhm.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.walthamforest.gov.uk/vestry-house Sunday Family Club Learning Lodge, Pimp Hall Nature Reserve. Kings Road E4 7HR The club will take place on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. Bring your wellington boots! Activities from Kid’s Kitchen, Walk the Loop and craft activities. Thanks to the Friday Hill Community Association for the support. 2-4pm. FREE. amanda@hornbeam.org.uk Paddy Nash & Diane Greer at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Paddy and Diane are real cult figures around the Derry music scene. They write beautiful, moving songs with a country edge. Sometimes angry, sometimes sad, often very funny but always tuneful and entertaining. 7.3010.30pm. £7, £5 conc 07746 612 607 www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk
Monday 9 Stowtellers: The Walthamstow Storytelling Club Welcome Centre, St Mary’s Church, 8 Church End, Walthamstow Village E17 9RJ This month ‘Stories of Migration’. Stories of where we come from, where we go to and why; and what’s in between. 7.30-9.30pm. £3, £2 conc. Jumana or Mike stowtellers@yahoo.co.uk
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SHOPPING
COMEDY/THEATRE
Tuesday 10 What Are You Thinking? The Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Are you constantly being hassled by your inner dialogue and in need of a moment’s peace? Natalie will guide you in a meditation focussing on a specific theme each month. 10.1511.15am. £11.50. Natalie 07585 309109 info@natalie-france.com www.natalie-france.com/events Babelfish Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS Their latest album “Chasing Rainbows” includes songs in English, French, Portuguese and Italian, with themes as diverse as love and sushi; from free jazz to contemporary classical songs each Babelfish performance is fearless, fresh and mesmerising. 8.30-10.30pm. £8, £5 conc, under 15s FREE. www.e17jazz.com/whatson
Wednesday 11 Researching World War One Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Discover the stories of the Boys of Blackhorse Road in a lecture by Dr Malcolm Doolin about the 55 teachers and pupils commemorated at Willowfield Humanities College plus an open afternoon in the Searchroom. Drop in to view selected WWI sources from the archives. Please note: access via stairs. 2-4pm. FREE drop-in event. 020 8496 4391 vhm.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.walthamforest.gov.uk/vestry-house Let’s Talk About Menopause The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA A monthly get-together (well, let’s keep the rhythm!) to share stories, helpful knowledge, healing and dealing strategies and whatever else of use comes up. Bring your experiences of the journey and a half! 6-8pm. FREE, suggested donation £2 for room hire. Rasheeqa Ahmad 07784 506494 rasheeqa@hedgeherbs.org.uk Don Gallardo & How Far West / The Rosellys What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Rd, Leytonstone E11 3DB Acclaimed Nashville singer playing Americana, country folk music, mining the influences of classic 1970s singersongwriters. 8.30-11pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk
Steven Quinn 3 Minutes to Midnight at The Place of Welcome Preview evening 6 May 7-9pm
Exhibition continues until 30 May 2016 Open daylight hours & lit until 3 minutes to midnight Walthamstow Village Window Gallery 47 Orford Road E17 9NJ www.wvwg.co.uk
Thursday 12 Creative Kids: Handa’s Surprise William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Play, make and get hands-on with Creative Kids, a regular session for children under 5. Make colourful jewellery inspired by Kenya and listen to the popular story Handa’s Surprise. 1011.30am; repeated 1-2.30pm. FREE but booking essential. 020 8496 4390 wmg.bookings@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk Managing My Digital Photos & e-Books, Kindles & Kobos Waltham Forest Resource Hub (North), 58 Hall Lane, Chingford E4 8EU Computer Courses for people aged 50+. One group looks at how digital photos are stored on cameras, computers, tablets and other devices and how you can move them. The other gives you the chance to try the latest e-book equipment and covers how to download books. 10.30am-12.30pm. £5. Emma Tozer 020 8558 5512 e.tozer@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk www.ageukwalthamforest.org.uk
Museums at Night William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP The Gallery opens late for a special Museums at Night performance. Be the first to find out details by following us on Twitter @wmgallery. 6.3010.30pm. Price TBC. 020 8496 4390 wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk Swingtime Serenaders Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Live music in the bar. Nice mellow swing and jazz to listen and enjoy or dance. 8pm-10.30pm. FREE.
Friday 13 Beans on Balconies: Fortnightly Get Togethers Wood Street Scout Hall, 205 Wood Street E17 3NU A friendly neighbourhood network for Beans on Balconies streets around Wood Street and Shernhall Street. We meet fortnightly to share tips, ideas, gardening kit, skills, recipes, plan neighbourhood events, enjoy workshops and build friendships. 8am12 noon. FREE. Morag via events@artillery.org.uk facebook.com/groups/beansonbalconies
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Friday 13 continued Harry Pane: Live at God’s Own Junkyard God’s Own Junkyard, Unit 12 Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ What an epic neon paradise for a gig. Harry Pane is a Walthamstow-based folk/blues singer-songwriter who’ll perform original music as well as lively covers. 8.30-11pm. Tickets £5 from www.tigmus.com/harry-pane/godsown-junkyard/293 info@harrypane.com www.harrypane.com Gingo! Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace, Unit 18 Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ Brought to you by Original Army Cabaret, the now legendary ginsoaked madness that is Gingo! returns on Friday 13th (unlucky for some). Expect obscenity, sh*t prizes and cocktails. Eyes down! 7-11pm. FREE, just turn up. www.mothersruin.net Big Chiefs Band Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Live music in the bar. 9pm-12. FREE.
Saturday 14 Guided Herbal Marsh Walk meet at The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Join community herbalist Rasheeqa on her monthly guided plant walk to explore and learn about our native plant medicine through the seasons. Recognise common medicinal allies, share stories and folklore and connect with local flora! 12-2pm. £7.50. Rasheeqa Ahmad 07784 506494 rasheeqa@hedgeherbs.org.uk www.hedgeherbs.org.uk Charity Crafternoon Orford Road Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR Craft Guerilla and knitting legend Debbie Bliss invite you to raise money for the Community Refugee Kitchen where volunteers feed over 2,000 people a day in Calais. A kids’ beatboxing workshop, knitting squares for blankets and more including live music and refreshments. 1-5pm. £4, children FREE. Wood Street: A Street of Surprises Wood Street Library, Wood Street/Forest Road E17 4AA FREE guided walk organised by Walthamstow Historical Society looking at Wood Street as one of Walthamstow’s oldest shopping streets with its interesting mixture of buildings. 2-3.30pm. Repeated Weds. FREE. 07792 750017 walthamstowwalks@mz48.myzen.co.uk www.walthamstowhistoricalsociety.org.uk East Lonesome Drifters Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Live music in the bar. 10pm-12. FREE. Events marked
kid friendly
CRAFTS
Pamdemonium The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Five hand-picked pro stand-up comedians for your laughing pleasure. With the fabulous Pam Ford as your host. Cocktail happy hour 7.309.30pm, bar until 1am. FREE. www.thenorthcotee11.com
Sunday 15 Robb Johnson at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Probably the best songwriter working in this country, Robb’s songs are powerful, moving, thought-provoking and always worth listening to. 7.30-10.30pm. Tickets £7, £5 conc from www.wegottickets.com/event/351860 www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk
Monday 16 Lea Bridge Links Launch & Railway Themed Party The Hare & Hounds, 278 Lea Bridge Road E10 7LD This community celebration and launch event is on the day of the station opening and will include local musicians and DJs, and archive photographs of the station. 6-9pm. FREE. www.rendezvousprojects.org.uk/work/ lea-bridge-links Club Mellow: Women’s Group ELOP LGBT Centre, 56-60 Grove Road, E17 9BN Club Mellow Women’s Group is a space for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans* women who have sex with women who want to meet up with others in a friendly, supportive environment away from the scene. 7-9.30pm. £2. Richard 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org www.elop.org Battered Saucepan Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA A gentle blues group.play live music in the bar. 8-10.30pm. FREE.
Tuesday 17
DANCE/FITNESS Wood Street: A Street of Surprises Wood Street Library, Wood Street/Forest Road E17 4AA As Sat 14 except 11am-12.30pm General Echo The Victoria, 188 Hoe Street E17 4QH A monthly night of dub, dancehall, roots, rockers and other bass vibrations played on two turntables and a space echo. 8pm-12. FREE. www.generalechoes.tumblr.com Red Imp Comedy Club: Stewart Lee Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Stewart Lee headlines tonight’s gig. With support from Kevin Eldon and Mandy Muden. 8pm. £13 plus fees. www.wegottickets.com/sct/8Hv5bHrkpp
Thursday 19 Volunteer Open Day at The William Morris Gallery William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Learn new skills and get involved in your community by becoming a volunteer at the gallery or Vestry House Museum. Meet staff and volunteers and find out how to apply. 10am-5pm. FREE 020 8496 4390 wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk The Joy of Drawing Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA An alternative life-drawing event for all abilities. No drawing experience needed. A friendly, fun, relaxed atmosphere, but spaces limited. 7.30-10.30pm. £10 Adam 07747 196811 a_graff@btinternet.com The Fitzwilliam String Quartet St Mary’s Church, Church End E17 9RJ Music in the Village: Music by Haydn, Purcell and Beethoven. No need to book. Pay on the door. 7.30-9pm. £13/£6.50 conc. 020 8223 0772 villagemusic@walthamsoft.com
Lea Bridge Links: Open Spaces Walk Lea Bridge Station, Lea Bridge Road E10 7QL Walk with David Boote of Leyton & Leytonstone Historical Society. A walk from the newly opened Lea Bridge Station to Tottenham Hale, and train back to the start. 6.30-8pm. FREE, no need to book. www.rendezvousprojects.org.uk/work/ lea-bridge-links
Pixie presents Cabaret at Madam La Zonga’s The Nag’s Head, 9 Orford Road E17 9LP It’s cabaret time at Madam La Zonga’s plus music from DJ Aaron. Doors 7pm with drag cabaret from 8.30pm. £5. 07415 295176 pixiepresents@yahoo.co.uk
Wednesday 18
Religious Harmony & Building Community Bridges Council Chamber, Walthamstow Town Hall, Forest Road E17 4JF East London Humanists are participating in, and invite all to attend, this important multi-faith and belief event hosted by Waltham Forest Councillor Kastriot Berberi. Doors 7pm, for 7.30 start. FREE. chaireastlondonhumanists@gmail.com meetup.com/East-London-Humanists
Lost Hollow What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB Country folk band from Nashville and described as “one of the best kept secrets in folk music”. 8.30-11pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk
Friday 20
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Kids’ Kitchen Wood Street Scout Hall, 205 Wood Street E17 3NU As Friday 6. Friday Flicks with a Difference Leytonstone Library, 6 Church Lane E11 1HG Join us for a very special afternoon of Leytonstone Library’s Friday Flicks Film Club. 1-4.30pm. FREE. Book your free tickets at any Waltham Forest Library, call 020 8496 3000 or online at www.wfculture.eventbrite.com E17 Baby Social The Trades Hall, 61-63 Tower Hamlets Road E17 4RQ Grown up music, grown up chat. A monthly social for Walthamstow parents/carers of babies/toddlers. 2-4pm. £3. e17babysocial@gmail.com Dial M for Music Alfred Hitchcock Hotel, 147 Whipps Cross Road E11 1NP A club night hosted by local band The Persecuted, featuring quality, local musical talent. Plus visuals, vintage vinyl and memorabilia for sale. 7.3011.30pm. FREE, with collection. Brad Wray 07946 591224 bradwry@yahoo.co.uk \”Resilience\” by Steve Waters Welsh Church Hall, 881 High Road Leytonstone E11 1HR The Woodhouse Players present an ecological/political satire in which massive flooding has already destroyed Bristol and now threatens to sink the rest of the UK. 8-10.30pm. £8/£5 conc in advance or £9/£6 on the door. 020 8504 3872 tickets@woodhouseplayers.co.uk www.woodhouseplayers.co.uk BringBackTheBeat: Soul Picnic/ Electronic17 Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Soul Picnic teams with Electronic17 for an upstairs theatre and cocktail bar party. Expect soul, boogie, afro, disco, deep house and warm techno from E17’s best DJs. All proceeds go to help fund the BringBackTheBeat soundsystem and tent at July’s Walthamstow Garden Party. 9pm-1am. £5 or £6 on the door. Dom Mandrell 07816 834440 contact@dominicmandrell.co.uk
Saturday 21 Church Hill Nursery School Summer Fair Church Hill Nursery and Children’s Centre , 47 Woodbury Road E17 9SB Community event with bouncy castle, fabulous raffle, cakes, face painting, henna tattoos, Walthamstow School for Girls’ Steel Band, arts and crafts, games for all the family and the best summer fair food in Walthamstow. 11am-2pm. Entry 50p, children FREE. Games tickets 4 for £1. Alison Emmett 020 8520 4919 school@churchhill.waltham.sch.uk www.churchhillchildren.org
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
Volunteer Open Day at The William Morris Gallery William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP As Thursday 19 CreativiTEA Hale End Library, Castle Avenue, Highams Park E4 9QD First of 12 expressive visual arts workshops for adults. This month The Colour of Music and Sound. Other workshops will include The Poetry of Line and Form. Workshops include time for tea and talking as a group to share, reflect and discover. Booking essential via Eventbrite, places limited. 11am2pm. FREE. Search on www.eventbrite.co.uk
HISTORY
\”Resilience\” by Steve Waters Welsh Church Hall, 881 High Road Leytonstone E11 1HR As Friday 20. Matinee 2.30pm and 8pm performances Pixie presents The Stow Sound Fundraiser The Victoria, 188 Hoe Street E17 4QH Charity fundraising evening for Positive East hosted by Victoria Sponge. 20 performers including musicians and drag queens, and a raffle! All monies raised goes to charity. 6pm-1am. £5. Pixie 07415 295176 pixiepresents@yahoo.co.uk
Held at Hucks: Acoustic #002 Hucks, 81 Grove Road E17 9BU Hucks is holding an afternoon of live acoustic music, featuring Londonbased singer/songwriters. Everyone’s welcome, so drop by and enjoy some great acts. Music-loving and peopleloving dogs also welcome. 2-5pm. FREE. Mark 07966 333823 info@hucks.org.uk
Oh! Gunquit What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB Spunky rumble bop trash rock’n’roll. Tribal tom-toms beat wildly and guitars twang, high-spirited vocals bawl and purr, and a seedy tenor sax wails for an extra slice of exotica. 8.30-11.30pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk
Lea Bridge Links: Open Spaces Walk Lea Bridge Station, Lea Bridge Road E10 7QL As Tuesday 17, except 2.30-4.30pm
Julie Felix at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA The legend, in Walthamstow. Book early, we were mobbed last time she came! 7.30-10.30pm. Tickets £7, £5 conc from www.wegottickets.com/ event/351861 07746 612 607 info@walthamstowfolk.co.uk www.walthamstowfolk.co.uk
Ant Law Trio Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS ‘Lean, purposeful... ambitious, engrossing guitar jazz’ (Guitarist Magazine) The trio will be exploring Ant’s compositions following their extensive 2016 ‘Art of Rhythm’ tour. 8.30-10.30pm. £8, £5 conc, under 15s FREE. www.e17jazz.com/whatson
Storytelling Time Leyton Library, High Road, Leyton E10 5QH Come along and hear some of the amazing stories from the lives of older people in our community, illustrated with pictures, film and objects from Vestry House Museum. No booking required just drop in. 11am-12.30pm. FREE. 020 8496 3000 culture@walthamforest.gov.uk
Events marked
kid friendly
SHOPPING
COMEDY/THEATRE
All Together Now! Town Square, Walthamstow E17 7LT For the week’s finale we’re filling Walthamstow Town Square with music, dance, sing-a-longs and dressing up for everyone to come together and enjoy! No booking required just drop in! 12-4pm. FREE. 020 8496 3000 culture@walthamforest.gov.uk BeBop Baby The Trades Hall, 61-63 Tower Hamlets Road E17 4RQ A monthly daytime dance party for all the family. Great music, cocktails, dancing, what’s not to love? Live music, face painting and more. Buggy parking, baby changing, friendly people. 1-4pm. £4, £3 booked in advance online. 07813 156140 bebopbabydance@gmail.com www.bebop-baby.co.uk
Sunday 22
MUSIC
Sunday Family Club Church Hill Nursery and Children’s Centre , 47 Woodbury Road E17 9SB As Sunday 8. 2-4pm
Tuesday 24
Wednesday 25 Women Versus Cancer Quiz Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Local resident Gill, is cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia raising funds for Women V Cancer. Hue will be quizmaster and all proceeds will go to the organisation. 7.30-10pm. £6. www.womenvcancer.co.uk Leeroy Stagger What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB Highly acclaimed Canadian country singer/songwriter in UK for the first time in 5 years. 8.30-11pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk
Walthamstow Gay Meetup The Castle Pub, 15 Grosvenor Rise East E17 9LB Monthly, friendly, convivial evening of like-minded people having a great time around a drink or two with good conversations, fun and lots of laughter. A no attitude, friendly meeting please bring your good humour, smile and laugh. 8-10pm. FREE but membership £5 per year. Jean-Francois at jf@gpn.one meetup.com/Walthamstow-Gay-Meetup E17 Cook Book Club The Bell, 617 Forest Road/Chingford Road E17 4NE A foodie social evening, everyone brings a dish to share and their cook book inspiration. Theme this month: ‘Austro-Hungarian’. All welcome. Please join the the Facebook group E17 Cook Book Club for the latest information. 8.30-10.30pm. £3. www.walthamstowfoodies.com
Thursday 26 Jewellery Making Taster Beyond Beading, 124 Farnan Avenue E17 4NH Join our very friendly group and find a new creative outlet this Autumn, some ‘me-time’ and learn a new skill. Make your own fabulous earrings or pendant in this first session. Materials included. 8-9pm. £10. Birgit 07910 251629 beyondbeading@outlook.com www.beyondbeading.co.uk
Friday 27 Beans on Balconies: Fortnightly Get Togethers Wood Street Scout Hall, 205 Wood Street E17 3NU As Friday 13. You Should Be Dancing! Walthamstow Trades Hall, 61-63 Tower Hamlets Road E17 4RQ Dolores Rocket presents a new club night for people who cut their dancing teeth in the 70s and 80s but younger friends welcome. Expect soul, reggae, ska, pop and disco from the era. There’s bingo too! 8pm-1am. £5 adv, £7 on the door. www.facebook.com/ events/219961985040273
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ART
BOOKS
CRAFTS
DANCE/FITNESS
FAMILY
FILM
Cool Sunday Afternoon Jazz The William Morris Bar, 807-811 Forest Rd E17 4JD Cool Blue Note era jazz from the Paul Kaufman quartet plus guests. Enjoy great food, wines, ales and company while chilling out in this fabulous warm and stylish bar. 1.30-4.30pm.
East London Makers Market ಬ
Tuesday 31 Leyton Town Hall Ruckholt Road Leyton E105PB (Entrance next to Library)
Friday 27 continued Shams Kitchen Pops Up at the Palace Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace, Unit 18 Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St E17 9HQ The divine Shams returns to the Gin Palace with her monthly Pakistani pop up. Expect delicious home cooked spicy goodness, available from 6.30 ‘til she runs out. Takeaway available too. No reservations, just turn up and tuck in! 6.30-10pm. FREE entry, dish prices vary. Becky 07905 484711 beckywynngriffiths@yahoo.co.uk www.mothersruin.net The D’Ukes Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Ukuleles band. Great fun and easy listening. 9.30-11.30pm. FREE. \”Resilience\” by Steve Waters Welsh Church Hall, 881 High Road Leytonstone E11 1HR As Friday 20. 8pm performance.
Saturday 28 East London Makers Market Leyton Town Hall, Ruckholt Road, Leyton E10 5PB (entrance next to library) A vibrant and creative market showcase of East London’s finest makers, bakers, artists and homewares in the iconic Leyton town hall. 11-6pm. £1, kids under 12 FREE. e17london@sky.com @EastLonMakers Family Day: Customise William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Show us your individual style by experimenting with inventive ways to personalise your clothes and accessories using different materials. Bring your own or customise one of ours. 1-4pm. FREE drop-in event for families with children of all ages. 020 8496 4390 wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk www.wmgallery.org.uk
Events marked
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Oh So Funny! Comedy Club with Nathan Caton O’Neills, 762 High Road, Leytonstone E11 3AW One of the hottest comedy talents in the country comes to Leytonstone. Nathan Caton, (Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, World Stands Up). Support from TV’s Stuart Goldsmith and promising talent Ben Briggs. Over 18s only. 8-10.30pm. £7.50 in advance, £12.50 on the door. info@ohsofunny.co.uk www.ohsofunny.co.uk James Leg / John E Vistic Rock’n’Roll Soundsystem What’s Cookin’, Leytonstone Ex-servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone E11 3DB Texas psychedelic punk ass rock and soul from The Black Diamond Heavies frontman. Greasy soul, guttural vocals and his trademark Fender Rhodes are at the heart of this music. 8.3011.30pm. FREE with collection. www.whatscookin.co.uk \”Resilience\” by Steve Waters Welsh Church Hall, 881 High Road Leytonstone E11 1HR As Friday 20. Matinee (BSL signed) at 2.30pm and 8pm performances.
Sunday 29 Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum Engine Run Day Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum, 10 South Access Road E17 8AX We will be running a couple of stationary engines along with our two large Marshall & Loughborough steam engines. Refreshments available. Disabled access to most areas, children must be attended by an adult. 11am-4pm. FREE. Melvin 020 8521 1766 enquiries@e17pumphouse.org.uk www.e17pumphouse.org.uk Twitter @pumphousemuseum
Waltham Forest Dyslexia Association Adults with Dyslexia Meet-up The Quaker House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Friendly monthly meet-up on the last Tuesday of the month for those with dyslexia or interested to find out more about it. 6.30-8.30pm. FREE. www.wfda.org.uk Michael De Souza Quintet Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS The award-winning E17 jazz collective’s concerts on the last Tuesday of each month featuring local musicians of national renown plus exciting guest stars in a relaxed jazz club setting. 8-11pm. £8, £5 conc, under 15s FREE. www.e17jazz.com/whatson www.wegottickets.com/event/345956
Got an event? Tell us about it! www.theelist.co.uk Coming up in June 2, 3 & 4 June Winns Gallery Group Show & Open Studios Winns Gallery & Lloyd Park Studios, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Lloyd Park Studios artists open up their workspaces to visitors and show their latest work in the gallery.12-6pm. FREE. www.lloydparkstudios.co.uk 2 June Red Imp Comedy Club: Bob Mills Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Leyton Orient fan and star of In Bed With Me Dinner and Win Lose or Draw, Bob’s back on the live circuit and is a master of his craft. A not to be missed summer special. 8pm. £10. www.wegottickets.com/event/354179 www.redimpcomedy.com
FOOD
GARDENING
Classes/Courses Saturdays (for 6 weeks) Swedish: Intermediate Class Hornbeam Cafe 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Learn Swedish with a native swede; talk about the Swedish culture and learn a Swedish song. 8.30-9.30pm. £10 per lesson, paid termly. 07958 471083 chris@e17swedish.com www.e17swedish.com Wednesdays (for 6 weeks) Swedish: Beginners Class Details as above except 7.30-8.30pm.
Arts & Crafts Mondays Untutored Life Drawing The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU Unconventionally untutored drawing class; poses from 5 to 45 mins long; professional models from all backgrounds each week. Drop-in session, fun and sociable. Art materials provided. 7.30-9.30pm. £7. j_wolfmail@yahoo.com www.meetup.com/Life-Drawing-inLeytonstone Wednesdays Mending Club Significant Seams, 131 Wood St E17 3LX 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? Drop-ins welcome. 1-3pm. £3 suggested donation outreach@significantseams.org.uk www.significantseams.org.uk Thursdays Neighbourly Stitch & Knit Significant Seams (as above) A befriending group like a book club, for people who make, want to make, or want to learn to make in the most informal of environments. Partner organisations refer people struggling with anxiety or depression and survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence but people’s backgrounds and personal challenges are their own business, for sharing only if they choose. Drop-ins welcome. 1-3pm. £3 suggested donation.
Family Wednesdays Baby Signing Classes with TinyTalk The Salvation Army, 434 Forest Road/Ruby Road E17 4PY Learn to use sign language with your baby before they can talk and have fun whilst doing it! Classes at 1pm and 2.15pm, please get in touch to book a space. £7. Rose Virden 07770 531075 rosev@tinytalk.co.uk www.tinytalk.co.uk/rosev/index.php
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.
HISTORY
MUSIC
SHOPPING
Sundays Kathak Kids: A Modern Approach to Classical Indian Dance for All Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH Magical class combining storytelling with classical Indian dance movement, combining structure and fun. Traditional ankle bells enhance rhythmic play and expressiveness. 4-7 year olds 10-10.40 and 8-11 year olds 10.50-11.30am. £8, or £9.50 one-off session. Vanessa 07958 523431 info@khyalarts.org.uk www.khyalarts.org.uk
Music & Singing Mondays & Saturdays (term-time only) On-going Ukulele Classes for Adults Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Fancy learning a new instrument? Try the ukulele at these on-going classes with an experienced professional musician in a fun and relaxed environment. Instruments not provided. Mondays: Improvers/ Intermediates 8.30-9.30pm; Saturdays: Improvers/Intermediates 11am-12pm; Intermediates/ Advanced 12-1pm and Early Stages 1-2pm. £10. Dick Smith 07745 052525 info.banjosmith@gmail.com www.banjosmith.co.uk Mondays & Wednesdays (term-time only) On-going 5-String Banjo Classes for Adults Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Fancy learning a new instrument? Professional musician, Dick Smith, teaches five-string banjo classes in three finger bluegrass style picking. Start from scratch or develop your banjo skills in a relaxed and fun environment. Instruments not provided. Mondays: Absolute beginners 6.30-7.30pm, Improving Beginners 7.30-8.30pm; Wednesdays: Intermediates/Advanced 6.307.30pm and Intermediates 7.308.30pm. £12. Dick Smith 07745 052525 info.banjosmith@gmail.com www.banjosmith.co.uk Saturdays E17 Adult Guitar Club Hornbeam Cafe 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH This is a class for all levels of experience, and we play a variety of styles of music. It is a friendly environment and we work on improving technique as we go along but the emphasis is on making music. 12-12.40pm. £10 drop in or £53 for half term. chris@e17guitar.com 07958 471083 www.e17guitar.com
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THEATRE/COMEDY
Tuesdays & Thursdays until July 21 Strung Out Violin Group for Adults Studio Office, Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Classes with a professional musician whose work spans the West End to Womad. All styles of music encouraged; for all levels. Fun is the key ingredient! 6.30-9pm. £12, early bird rate £11. Alison Jones 020 7018 2927 strungout@shapeshifter-productions.com www.shapeshifter-productions.com
Fitness, Dance & Yoga Wednesdays NEW Quirky Circuits Wadham Lodge Sports Ground, Kitchener Road E17 4JP A fun circuit class with a different theme each week. Great for building strength and stamina, toning and weight loss. Test your limits whatever your ability. 7.30-8.30pm. £7. Liz Denton 07836 393200 info@lizdenton-fitness.co.uk www.lizdenton-fitness.co.uk Thursdays NEW Salsa Class: Beginners Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Our fun and friendly salsa classes will give you the confidence to step onto the dance floor. Get fit, have fun, make new friends and develop a new passion. Exciting and unique class, in the Red Room! 8-9.30pm. £5/£2.50 under 25s. Mondays NEW Avola Dance Academy Shernhall Methodist Church Hall, Shernhall Street/Oliver Road E17 9HX Ballet, tap and freestyle dance classes for children age 4+. Please call or email for class details and availability. 4-6.30pm. From £5.50. Nicola Savill 07814 781642 avoladance@hotmail.co.uk www.avoladanceacademy.co.uk Mondays NEW E11 Yoga Harrow Green Library Building, Access via 8 Cathall Road E11 4LF Every level, age and body welcome. Make space for yourself and start the week by practicing yoga to move, strengthen and nourish your body, mind and soul. 9.30-10.30am. £5. Jessica Green 07904 517465 contact@jessicagreen.net www.jessicagreen.net Tuesdays NEW 50+ Yoga Waltham Forest Resource Hub (North), 58 Hall Lane, Chingford E4 8EU A relaxed class aimed at the over 50s. Beginners welcome. 6-7pm. £5. Emma Tozer 020 8558 5512 e.tozer@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk www.ageukwalthamforest.org.uk
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 11
ART
BOOKS
CRAFTS
DANCE/FITNESS
FAMILY
FILM
GARDENING
HISTORY
MUSIC
FOOD
SHOPPING
THEATRE/COMEDY
Saturdays until July 2 NEW Kids’ Street Dance Course Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS A series of fun weekly street dance workshops for kids aged 4 -14. 4-7 year olds 9.30am-10.30am; 10-14 year olds 10.30-11.30am. £6.66, £60 per term or £50 conc Chantelle Michaux 07535 326157 info@wfaen.org.uk www.wfaen.org.uk Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fridays Women Only Boot Camp Forest YMCA, 642 Forest Road E17 3EF Each class consists of either resistance training, boxing or high intensity training. Contact Jackie to book your free session. 6.30-7.15am. FREE. Jackie Grant 0771 7330993 vibe.wellnesshealth@gmail.com Tuesdays Women Only Zumba classes St Andrew’s Church Hall, Church Road E17 6AR Fun packed fitness and dance class with international sounds. Friendly group of women who love to dance and get fit. 7.30-8.30pm. £8. Jackie Grant 07717 330993 vibe.wellnesshealth@gmail.com www.vibe-wellness.co.uk
Tuesdays NEW Gentle Pilates Health Works, 111a Hoe Street (entrance on Cairo Road) E17 4RX Sana is teaching a Gentle Pilates class that is suitable for older people or those with chronic conditions like arthritis. Only 4 people per class so you get lots of individual attention. 4.305.30pm. £11. 020 8503 7794 healthworks@clara.co.uk www.thehealthworks.co.uk
Fridays & Saturdays Drop-in Donation Yoga Orford Road United Reformed Church, 58 Orford Road E17 9QL Evening or morning class to flow smoothly then relax and restore to mellow out for the weekend. Fridays 7-8.15pm & Saturdays 10.3011.45am. Suggested donation £7.50 or what you can afford. Sarah Rush 07815 120792 enquiries@yoyoga.co.uk www.yoyoga.co.uk
Tuesdays BollyFusion St Mary’s Welcome Centre, 8 Church Path off Vestry Road E17 9RJ Usual workout a little mundane? Try this exciting, invigorating class that will leave you feeling energized! Colourful Bollywood with dynamic Street dance breathes life into your fitness routine, in a fun, friendly environment. New and nervous welcome! Please bring water and wear loose fitting clothing. 7.458.30pm. £9 drop-in/£7 for 4 class block. First class FREE. Vanessa 07958 523431 www.khyalarts.org.uk
Saturdays Dynamic Hatha Yoga: Wake Up Class Quaker Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Breathe life into your weekend with Yoga. Creative and varied class each week with highly qualified teacher, Ros. Drop-in. Intermediate level yogis only. 8-9am. £10. Ros Griffiths yogaros@hotmail.com www.yogaros.co.uk
Mobile Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching in Walthamstow Sustainable Weight Loss Coaching • Pre and Post Natal Training • Kettlebell and Functional Training • Movement and Posture Specialist
Mondays Baby Yoga & Mummy Core Restore The Toy Library, Comely Bank Community Clinic, 46 Ravenswood Road E17 9LY Combining traditional Hatha yoga techniques with movements, singing, sensory activities, calm breathing, relaxation and interactive fun for parent and child perfect for developing your baby, whilst strengthening mum’s core. 1-2pm. £10. 07793 394531 melissagaul.walker@gmail.com www.melissagaulfitness.com Sundays Rocket Yoga East of Eden, Studio 1, 14 Hatherley Mews E17 4QP A strong yoga practice, this vinyasa based class has its roots in Ashtanga yoga and fuses sequences from the Primary and Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with a few more complex postures. All mats and equipment provided. 12.45-2pm. £13. www.edeneast.co.uk
Mondays Monday Night Feel Good Yoga Class Lloyd Park Centre/Nursery, Lloyd Park E17 5JW Friendly all-levels Yoga with Ros. Newcomers welcome. Interesting, varied class every week. DROP IN. Ros is highly qualified and experienced, so you can practice safely. 8-9.30pm. £7. www.yogaros.co.uk Sundays Yoga Me Happy in Lloyd Park Aveling Park Bowls Club, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 5EH Hatha yoga for all abilities. Wake up and stretch Hatha-style, with a morning yoga session to re-energise your body and mind ready for the week ahead. I have mats, so no need to bring anything with you. Booking essential. 9.30-10.45am. £8. Eliza Moore 07710 621268 www.yogamehappy.co.uk Sundays Pregnancy Yoga Leyton Yoga, First Floor (above USSR), 691 High Road, Leyton E10 6RA A gentle pre-natal yoga class to prepare expectant mothers for birth and motherhood within a supportive community. All classes are drop-in with no need to pre-book. 9-10am. £10. www.leytonyoga.com Tuesdays WalthamFitness Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill E17 9RZ Combining bodyweight exercises, Plyometrics, HITT, Circuits & Core Stability training to aid weight loss, muscle tone & flexibility; in a fun and friendly atmosphere. 8.15-9.15pm. £6. Chloe Redmond 07903 629636 www.dancechloe.com
For lots more dance and fitness classes please visit www.theelist.co.uk
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 Sam is a level 4 Personal Trainer, Precision Nutrition Coach and Crossfit Level 1 Coach who specialises in weight loss and functional training
sam@samgeorgefitness.com
www.samgeorgefitness.com
£10 drop-in. Limited spaces Leyton Parish Church Hall (St Mary’s) Lindley Road E10 5PY alison.bray@gmail.com abpilateslondon
www.abpilates.co.uk ABPilatesleyton
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of the potatoes, mashing and flattening them into a circle as she explained each stage to the audience at home. I wasn’t the audience – I was on her side of the screen. She turned over her fork and picked out two circles before turning it back to scrape a curve, ‘And now,’ she said proudly, ’you have a smiley face.’ Sonia Jarema was born in Luton to Ukrainian parents and now lives in Enfield. Her poems have appeared in the magazines Ink Sweat and Tears, South Bank Poetry, South and Envoi. To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk 13
A SPOTTER’s Guide to LOCAL streetLIFE for Waltham Forest’s people watchers. 9 of 12 seasonal recipes
thai green chicken curry Kan Kew Wan Kai Green curry will happily go with king prawns or mixed vegetables so feel free to substitute the chicken in this recipe with other ingredients. Kra Chai is not absolutely essential but does add a delicate peppery gingeriness to the curry and if you cannot obtain round green thai aubergines use chunks of regular aubergines instead. SERVES 2
• • • • • • • • • • • •
2 heaped teaspoons green curry paste. See Facebook page page for recipe. 2 tablespoons corn or vegetable oil. 1 tin coconut milk, stirred. 1 skinless chicken breast cut into thin slices. 250 ml chicken stock. 2 tablespoons fish sauce. 2 heaped tablespoons bamboo shoots. 4 heaped teaspoons shredded kra chai. 2 thai aubergines quartered. 1 courgette quarted lengthways on the diagonal. 2 kaffir lime leaves halved. 1/2 green pepper sliced.
1. Heat the wok to a moderate heat. add the oil and the curry paste and fry gently for a minute. From a series by Walthamstow resident, illustrator Tom Gaul. instagram account tomgaul_doodles
www.tomgaul.com
2 Mix in two tablespoons of the coconut milk and cook for half a minute stirring continuously. 3. Add the chicken slices and continue cooking, still stirring for 2 minutes more. 5. Pour in the rest of the coconut milk, followed by the chicken stock and stir again. 6. Bring up to the boil, reduce heat and then simmer for five minutes.
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7. Add fish sauce, bamboo shoots, kra chai, aubergines and courgette. 8. Simmer for 5 minutes more then add sweet basil, lime leaves and green pepper. 9. Cook for a further couple of minutes and then serve.
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Penguin Power
Photo © Cecilia Cooper-Colby, WTF, Ed Fringe 2015
As it is announced that the show is heading off to New York Kirsty McNeil-O’Connor reviews Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, written and starring Rebecca Crookshank recently seen at The Olde Rose & Crown Theatre, E17 I thought I had a good idea about the themes in this play – namely sexual harassment and abuse in the armed forces - but within a few minutes of the play beginning, I realise that there are many more layers to Rebecca Crookshank’s story.
She deftly conveys the claustrophobic reality of RAF base living and the constraints of military life with a minimal set and tiny costume adjustments – apart from the wonderfully camp hallucinatory figure of Joan Hopkins.
With a huge cast of brilliantly detailed characters it is easy to forget, temporarily that this is a solo show. She manages seamless accent changes, including Scottish, Scouse, Aussie and a plethora of other quickly identifiable ‘voices,’ even Rebecca herself is divided into two – Crookshank, her young servicewoman self and Rebecca, who she is now.
The overall production is great – the lighting and sound are in tune with the performance and integral to the show, with various motifs to signify the passing of time, this does grate a bit, but helps to create a montage of chaos when things get nasty. The conversational style really worked for me, cutting through the fourth wall to the heart.
Essentially a rites-of-passage story – unfortunately filled with the kind of abuse and sadness no-one should have to endure, it is told with emotional bravery, slick precision, great comic timing and acting talent. The audience is very much part of the telling, we are invited in throughout the performance to powerful effect, like having an intimate chat with a friend and discovering a terrible truth that you just cannot hide from.
While this play contains a blistering exposé of an appalling incident and its cover-up by the RAF, it’s not really about that, it’s about the emergence of an artist, about true friendship and about becoming the first penguin.
We are reminded that Rebecca Crookshank herself was little more than a child when she signed up at just 17. “While all my friends from home finish their A-levels, here I am in Lower Ops. Protecting the UK Air Defence region. Underground. I am a mole and I live in a hole.”
This month Whiskey Tango Foxtrot finishes its national tour with performances at Brewhouse, Taunton on 4 & 5 May and Dukebox Theatre, Brighton on 9 & 15 May. For details, tickets and to keep up with future perfomances
www.WTFtheplay.co.uk
With clever use of structure she guides us through her highs and lows. There are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout, and constant glimpses of hope through the darkness. But, when some disturbing photographs and footage of the sexual abuse she suffered are shown on the tiny radar screen, the story plunges us, and Crookshank into darkness and silence where we are left, momentarily to digest the terrible truth.
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Going for it! Proforça Creative is an exciting new, non-professional London theatre company, launching their first production at Walthamstow’s Rose & Crown Theatre Pub this month. Kirsty McNeil-O’Connor finds their enthuisiasm infectious.
And do something they have. They are all professionals, just not theatre professionals. “We all love theatre and want to do something creative but can’t afford to do so full time - we all have day jobs,” explains David. “Amateur dramatics didn’t appeal, I’m not musically inclined and didn’t really want to do any standard, off the shelf productions or musicals, we wanted to create our own model for this, give people a chance to create everything from scratch.” The core team of Proforça consists of David Brady - Artistic Director, Martina Schoning - Business Manager, Chris Moore - Associate Director and Rui Gonzaga - Founding Trustee. Each member of the company bring their own set of unique skills to the table. They share all the decision making and funding responsibilities “This has been such a massive learning experience, every step of the way we learn things that ultimately we hope will help us to develop a great model with which to continue,” says David. Once they found a piece of writing they wanted to work with, in this case If I Go, by James Lewis, development began. 16
“We did a number of rewrites together then once actors were involved there were more changes, everyone has had input, whoever is in the room at the time has a say, it’s a shared project. A lot of our actors are in the same position, wanting to go into acting as a career but have to work in their day jobs. Again this gives opportunities to work on a production from scratch as part of a team with a professional working ethic and method so that everyone gains from the experience.” Emma Hollows a Walthamstow resident answered an advert in StageJobsPro and has joined Proforça as production designer for this project. “Proforça has been a great way of maintaining my involvement in theatre around my day job. This is the first production for Proforça and the entire company have been very supportive of each other and open to discussion of new ideas.” The team have really enjoyed working at The Rose & Crown and believe it to be a fantastic venue for new work and development. “And you don’t have to go very far for a stress busting pint or a great Peppe pizza after work’s finished.” Keen to offer opportunities for new writing - they want scripts, and have the time and inclination to read them too. “I travel all over the world in my day job so I spend hours on long haul flights or on trains and
I love reading new work, so yes we want them to be sent to us. It would be great to have stories that resonate right now, modern stories that reflect our lives,” says David. “After this experience, we are very keen to do more and hopefully to roll this model out to other UK cities.”
If I Go Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre, Walthamstow Wednesday 4 - Saturday 7 May 7.45–10pm. £12 Proforça Creative presents a brand new amateur theatre production written by James Lewis & directed by David Brady. For tickets and information or to get involved with Proforça Creative check out their website
www.proforca.co.uk Photo © Proforca Creative 2016 / Chris Dyki
“I could do better than that”, is exactly the sort of post play, pub table comment that prompted David Brady and the other founder members of Proforça Creative to DO something rather than talk about it.
Photos: Hammond Court ©Timothy Soar, St Andrews ©Tim Crocker.
Completed 2013, the development successfully re-intrerprets the Warner House model, sensitively inserting new medium density housing into it’s historic context.
St Andrews, Bromley by Bow, Allies & Morrison / Maccreanor Lavington /Glen Howells Architects A large project but a good model using various architects to achieve variation across a masterplan. Well designed public and private communal gardens.
Future proofing As Walthamstow enters an exciting but challenging period of change and development, a not-for-profit voluntary group of architects and other built environment professionals who live and/or work locally are keen to help. Paul Lindt talks to Architects E17. Who are Architects E17? It all began when four Walthamstow architects who were following each other on Twitter decided to meet up, and it has grown since then. We now have a committee of 16, but the wider group is over 40 people. Why did the group originally get together? There is a very strong sense of community in Walthamstow and lots of local interest groups, but none campaigning for the built environment. It was clear that the area was experiencing significant change, and we wanted to form a group that encouraged these to be as considered and good quality as possible. Development and change are inevitable and can be very positive if done well. We want to encourage them to be done well and for all people living in the area to have a say!
People may have come across Architects E17 through local community projects like the E17 Art Trail. We have organised projects for E17 Art Trail and also the London Festival of Architecture, with support from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Projects that we have developed include the Bus of Buildings (‘BoB’): a bus tour of new and exemplary housing schemes in East London, Wood Street Build: a community engagement project focused on Wood Street Plaza, and ‘Where in Wally’: a mapping project for local people to explore their public realm and submit their favourite places and personal stories attached to them, for others to enjoy too. What was the objective of these projects? Our projects aim to engage with local residents; to encourage thinking about the buildings and
places we live in. We hope to enable everyone to have an interest and stake in the built environment, and ensure it is a great place in the future for everyone. What do you see as the potential for Walthamstow in terms of good architecture and planning? E17 has huge potential for good architecture: it has a strong and positive identity, a well laid out street pattern, an active MP and good local Councillors. Building on that should not be too hard, but we must remember that present and future generations need to live with what we build. With such a large historic fabric, we also need to preserve and enhance our existing buildings, whilst ensuring that new buildings contribute positively to our communities.
Love the place you live
Hammond Court, Pretoria Road and Maude Road, Walthamstow, Mae Architects
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The “Donnybrook” development by Peter Barber Architects in Mile End was a particular favourite on the ‘BoB’ bus tour. Striking in its design, this low rise but high density innovative housing project has a public thoroughfare at its heart, with each home having its own front door on the street, and good sized garden or terrace.
A ‘Where in Wally’ tag: a mapping project where local people tagged their favourit local places and buildings.
What are the challenges people like the Council are facing with so much new development planned locally? The biggest challenge will be living with the effects of changes happening now. Understanding the relationship between people and their environment is essential in achieving good results. Building, in an environment of ever increasing land values, especially housing, is a demanding and challenging task. It is important to remember that communities like E17 are best when they are diverse and that houses are best when they make great homes and not just financial assets. Cities need more than just houses too, so Councils need to protect and nurture other business uses. We often talk about specific buildings/ developments but on your website you mention “a good quality urban environment and public realm”. For the non-architects amongst us, what does that mean? The public realm is formed by the public spaces and streets between buildings. Together, these make up our urban environment. When designed well, this network of spaces inter-connects communities and neighbourhoods and allows people from different walks of life to share the city. We promote the use of 18
quality materials and innovative ideas that will encourage people to use their public spaces for social purposes. So even though we often talk about individual aspects of individual buildings, it’s the effect they can have on their environment and the community that is most important. That’s right. As the public realm is bound by the buildings we use and live in, they have an effect on the inter-connecting spaces between them. Consideration of the environment and people’s well-being should be integral within the design of new developments and the regeneration of existing spaces. High density and high rise are not necessarily a bad thing when designed to suit their context, but their impact must be well considered and of high quality. This neatly brings us to the biggest challenge facing London currently, housing. We are very interested in how you build sensitively but densely. The obvious answer is to build upwards, but clever use of land, imaginative layouts, and carefully designed spaces, can also allow lower rise buildings to help meet housing targets. One favourite is Peter Barber’s “Donnybrook” development (pictured, left) in Mile End that we visited on our ‘BoB’ bus tour. Are there any mistakes you have seen being made? There are developers who care about design, but too often a lack of interest and maximisation of profit margins are not challenged. This is not surprising, developers after all exist to make money, but only communities and planners can resist mediocrity and fight for quality buildings. Against this, there is huge political pressure for local authorities to dramatically increase housing supply and we are concerned that there is a lack of design expertise to direct their responses. Is there any untapped potential in Walthamstow that particularly excites you? Walthamstow has been great so far in re-inventing spaces not normally considered desirable, as for example, the Ravenswood Industrial Estate. People who know the area are usually the best judge of what it can be; commercial developers rarely are, but they can help good things happen if they’re given the right push. It is these types of small developments that normally provide the vital fizz, so necessary to a decent quality of life. Are there any lessons we can learn from other areas in London about how to make this process of change easier
for everyone involved from planners, developers to residents? Most London boroughs employ Design Review Panels to assess some of their larger and more important developments, partly because most planners are not trained in design. They are normally carried out by a team of professionals with no agenda other than to promote design excellence. Waltham Forest does not yet have an independent Design Review Panel and Architects E17 feel that the formation of one would be of huge benefit to the local residents. What is the biggest challenge facing Walthamstow in the next 5 years? The area is undergoing a huge change in the scale of new developments. Suitable infrastructure upgrades are a key component to the success of these, but we must also be careful not to erase too much of the existing local narratives. Most developers do not understand the local nuances because they have not been told – we need to tell them. And the biggest opportunity? We would like to see a substantial improvement in the quality and quantity of truly affordable housing, and of the public realm and its amenities. It is crucial however that there is consideration of the wider impact of new developments and how they relate to each other, as well as the existing environment. How can people get involved in the planning process? The planning process can be quite technical and daunting, but it is a democratic process and people should make their voices heard because there are huge changes taking place. We have put a page on our website to de-mystify the process, and for big schemes we also upload the documents to make them more accessible to all. www.architectse17. wordpress.com/planning And future Architects E17 campaigns and projects? Our ‘Pecha Kucha’ evening of talks on architecture and Walthamstow was a great success – people are clearly very interested in the built environment, so we are planning a repeat later in the year and hopefully another ‘out and about’ event. Sign up to our e-newsletter for updates! www.architectse17.wordpress.com/who-we-are To find out more about the Where in Wally project www.architectse17.wordpress.com/ where-in-wally Interview with Jonathan Crossley, Roland Karthaus, Eva Aftab, Karen Averby, Carol James, Mark Janko, Nicola Jaques, Phillip Nicolas, Fran Heathcote Sapey, John Senior.
Elsewhere, Moonlight Food Store on St James Street has smart stonework hiding behind its bright orange signs — because it used to be a branch of Barclays. And further east you can look past pictures of food gracing Lidl’s windows to see a pleasing slice of Art Deco architecture. Originally a Marks & Spencer, the curved glass at each side of the store, a distinctive feature of the time, remains. These features are rather hidden away — but work’s now underway to change that. As part of an ambitious project to revitalise the St James Street area to its former glory, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Waltham Forest Council are investing £1.46 million and £1.34 million respectively – along with contributions from local businesses and volunteers – to regenerate the area. The plan is to preserve and enhance the shop fronts, restore historic buildings and revitalise the streets of the St James Conservation Area.
Bringing Heritage Back The St James Street end of Walthamstow has a rich and vibrant past that’s currently hidden from view. But a Heritage Lottery Fund project is restoring it to its former glory, writes Jamie Condliffe.
Photos: Early street view © Vestry House Museum Archive, 2016 view © Paul Lindt
London hasn’t always treated its high streets with love and respect. Across the city, hand-painted signs have been replaced with back-lit plastic; Victorian brickwork covered with brightly lit hoardings; Art Deco styling trampled by window displays. That’s sadly also true of the St James Street area of Walthamstow — but things are set to change. The area’s heritage hasn’t all been trampled, of course, and you can still see the strongest signs away from the shops. The tree-lined Pretoria Avenue with its striking red-brick Warner villas; the Clockhouse, originally home to the Warner family that built much of the local housing stock and many of the area’s shops; and, of course, the railway line’s viaduct, which was built by the Great Eastern Railway in 1870. Back then, the High Street — going by the name of Marsh Street, leading as it did from St Mary’s church in Walthamstow village down to the marshes — was undergoing a period of dramatic change. Large houses owned by the wealthy were being demolished to make way for larger volumes of housing. Much of it was being built by Sir Thomas
Warner, one of the largest landowners in Walthamstow, whose distinctive houses have left a lasting impression. But Warner was also busy creating new shopping terraces which you can still see between numbers 2 and 20 on St James Street and 1 to 37 on the High Street. Their presence, along with an abundance of new housing, caused the local area to thrive as a shopping centre. Market stalls began to appear on the High Street in 1885 and by 1890 regulations were introduced to prevent fights from breaking out between stallholders trying to claim the best spots. You can still see echoes of the Victorian shopping heritage in the area. Look up above International Supermarket’s vibrant frontage, for instance, and you’ll notice the buildings are in the same style as much of the Warner housing, all handsome red brick and ornate masonry. Sadly, the original Woolworths, built in the early 20th century between 1 and 3 High Street — right next door to where International Supermarket now sits — was demolished in 1975 to widen and straighten St James Street. Better for traffic, a loss to the High Street.
What will we see happen in practice? First and foremost, around fifty of the most historically important buildings will be conserved and repaired, and their most important architectural features brought back to life. The public space around the junction between St James Street and the High Street will also be respectfully updated. The council tells me that the junction at St James Street and the High Street will be transformed into a “visually appealing gateway to the area.” Expect new trees and seating, as well as improvements to pavements and lighting and the removal of unnecessary signage and clutter. “I’m delighted that work is getting underway on this incredibly important scheme,” explained Councillor Clare Coghill, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and High Streets, when I spoke with her. “This is a fantastic opportunity to preserve and restore the historic architecture of the St James Street Conservation Area, and we are putting a
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Indeed, there will also be a wide-ranging community and business support programme, including support for businesses in building conservation and maintenance, heritage training for schools, colleges and local residents, and a series of local history activities and workshops. A Project Hub will be located in The Mill for people to find out more about the project and how they can get involved. “St James Street has the potential to be one of the most economically vibrant parts of the borough, creating more jobs for local people,” added Coghill. “There’s a fantastic community spirit already. We want people to know about and take ownership of their local heritage through restoring and conserving these stunning buildings in partnership with Heritage Lottery Fund.”
That community is already engaging with the work. The St James Street Big Local — a resident-led initiative to regenerate the area, funded with a £1 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund — is also going to be contributing to the project, too. In particular, it plans to help supplement planting in the new area, as well as commissioning bespoke seating and launching public artwork schemes. “Historically, the St James Street end of the High Street has been a bustling hub for shoppers and retailers,” explains Olly Price, Chair of St James Street Big Local. “This investment is an opportunity for us to reinvigorate the area. We hope what the council and community does will help existing businesses to become more successful and attract new ones to set up in empty units. It will become an even more vibrant space to live, work and shop in — while also celebrating its past.”
That’s certainly more love and respect than most other London high streets receive. The future of St James Street looks bright, then — though perhaps with a subtle sepia tinge.
By the time you read this, work will have started on streets around St James Street. Why not pop into The Mill to find out more about the project, how it’s advancing, and the ways you can become involved?
Photo © Paul Lindt
really exciting activity programme in place so that residents and businesses have the opportunity to get involved.”
Times are changing in Lea Bridge – a place that has already seen many changes over the years. The much awaited re-opening of the station will bring other developments to the area, but a new creative project hopes to celebrate what is already there, as well as the new arrivals. Artist and resident Lucy Harrison explains. Lea Bridge Links is the first project run by our new Community Interest Company, Rendezvous Projects, and it will take place in the area through May, June and July this year, with a programme of events being planned with local residents and businesses. We want to explore what is already in this area, which often feels overlooked, despite its wonderful aspects. The stretch of Lea Bridge Road that leads from what will be the new station up to the junction with Church Road and Markhouse Road is a fairly scruffy part of Waltham Forest. Right on the edge of the borough, it also straddles two postcodes, and for the past few years it hasn’t felt like a particularly sought-after place to live, despite being right next to the 20
Lea Bridge Station following fire damage 1944.
marshes and, on the other side, Hackney. Once a bustling stretch of the road with a butcher’s shop, a greengrocer’s and a post office, it has declined over the years, perhaps since the station closed in 1985. Run down to the point of having only a handful of trains stopping per day, it became known as the ‘least-used station in London’ with weeds taking over the platforms, before finally being closed without very much uproar. (Although the closing day did include a performance by the band Aunt Fortescue’s Bluesrockers, led by local musician Graham Larkbey, and they are reforming for the opening day). But Lea Bridge, the largest ward in the borough, is a wonderfully interesting patchwork of a place. We’ve got the Argall
Way industrial estate with its Chinese supermarket, artists’ studios, churches, and many other businesses. We’ve got Walthamstow and Leyton Marshes, Leyton Jubilee Park and Kukoolala Cafe, the traditional yet quirky pub the Hare & Hounds (which our residents’ group nominated last year as an Asset of Community Value), the fantastic Turkish restaurant Bodrum, Low Hall Farm Allotments, and right at the top of the ward on Hoe Street, the best fishmongers in the borough, Davies. People often use Lea Bridge Road as the boundary between Leyton and Walthamstow, but I think this is just about postcodes; the actual boundary always used to be the rather obviously named
Photo courtesy Dave Brennand
Right here right now
Boundary Road, with all the E17 Warner streets near Markhouse Road (like Hibbert, Blyth, and Hitcham) forming what the Warner Estate called the ‘Leyton Estate’ along with those on the other side of Lea Bridge Road. The entire Lea Bridge ward is difficult to define. With no particularly handy tube, one can just as easily get a bus to Walthamstow, Blackhorse Road, Leyton, or even Hackney Central. For much of the time I’ve lived here, when asked where I live I’ve said ‘Walthamstow’ then followed it up with ‘Well, just off Lea Bridge Road…’
I hope that developments around the station are carefully considered and will provide a well designed and executed entrance to the borough, showing that we are proud of the place and confident enough to be discerning about what comes to this historically significant location.
It’s an interesting time in Lea Bridge in 2016. The station is opening in May, which will provide much-needed links to Stratford and Tottenham Hale and save us those awful bus journeys on rainy mornings. It might be that this helps local businesses to survive longer than is currently the case. But along with the station comes development, and some of this means the loss of existing industrial workplaces, and businesses being forced to look elsewhere, probably outside the borough. This will include the demolition of that building at 97 Lea Bridge Road, and the businesses there will need to find new homes. This includes car mechanics and several clothing manufacturers and fabric wholesalers who supply traders in Walthamstow Market, among other places, and in Burwell Road, a button manufacturer, where – the caretaker tells me – millions of buttons were left behind that he then had to distribute to schools and charities when the business left.
Our project in Lea Bridge will unfold in several locations during this summer, and will explore the past, present and potential future of this part of the borough. Further information will be posted on our website: www.rendezvousprojects.org.uk. Lucy Harrison is an artist and Director of Rendezvous Projects, a new Community Interest Company based in the Lea Bridge ward of Waltham Forest. The other directors are Rosa Ainley, Iain Aitch, Katherine Green and Michael Needham. They have received an Arts Development grant from Waltham Forest Arts & Culture to run the project in Lea Bridge this summer.
Lea Bridge Station opens on 16 May 2016. Lea Bridge Links starts with a launch night on 16th May in the Hare & Hounds and guided walks by David Boote on 17th and 22nd May. See listings for more details.
Photos © Steve Barry
Lea Bridge station originally opened in 1840 and was the catalyst for many of the other developments nearby, including a ‘bungalow town’ of improvised shacks, called Lea Bridge Gardens, which sprung up along the railway lines. Many of the residents were florists growing their own flowers, while others reared ducks; one profession listed in Kelly’s Directories was an ‘importer of Dutch Roots’. But Lea Bridge Gardens had pretty much disappeared by the 1930s when the area had become much more about industry: a steel works opened in Burwell Road, and a stationery works, producing boxes, was in the grand building at 97 Lea Bridge Road, the front of which is now a second-hand furniture shop
run by the charity Remar UK. From 1928 the Lea Bridge Speedway Stadium was just next to the station. The film Britannia of Billingsgate from 1933 ends with a speedway scene filmed in the stadium, which was also the home of Clapton Orient, later to become Leyton Orient.
The Past. The closing of the station 5 July 1985: (1) & (3) The last train arrives. (2) Aunt Fortescue’s Bluesrockers, led by local musician Graham Larkbey, who are reforming for the opening.
Photos © Lucy Harrison
This Present: In the area (1) A former button factory on Burwell Road with (2) a recently abandoned garment factory upstairs, (3) 97 Lea Bridge Road, originally a stationery works.
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All the world’s a stage An E17-based artist with work in Tate Modern and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York is taking his latest body of work back to his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Words by Matilda Battersby. Jonathan Waller, 60, was commissioned by the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-uponAvon, where the Bard is buried, to produce seven pictures related to the Seven Ages of Man described in As You Like It. “The speech that starts ‘All the world’s a stage’ goes on to describe the seven ages of man,” Waller explains. “It starts with a baby, then a schoolboy, then a lover, then a soldier, then a judge, then a pantaloon, who is an old person of ridicule dressed in clothes that are too young for him, and the last one is a person close to death, a return to childishness and oblivion.” Waller’s take on the seven ages of man is rather more diverse than Shakespeare’s: he has included both genders and people representing a range of backgrounds at the request of the Holy Trinity Church which welcomes a quarter of a million visitors from all around the world every year. He depicts the then a pantaloon figure as a bag lady holding a sign which reads “I’m poor and sick and I will vote for you”. Waller explains: “I was thinking about the film The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett which is about a woman who used to be a concert pianist who resorts to living in a van. She’s got this sign in front of her which is an 22
appeal to the government but she knows the government will never see it.” The series is full of intriguing parallels: the lover is a scene taken from a famous Bollywood film from the 1990s about the conflicts of an arranged marriage, which Waller likes “because in Shakespeare’s age there were lots of arranged marriages too.” For the judge Waller chose the famous cricketing umpire Harold “Dickie” Bird. “The gesture that an umpire makes when they’re judging a batsman to be out is a holding up of a couple of fingers. It’s the same gesture a priest makes when he addresses a congregation so I like that connection and the irony in the relationship between religion and sport,” Waller says.
onlookers with its graphic content. It was part of a series he made showing the various stages in dilation as the baby’s head emerges. The paintings were first seen by the public when he took part in an open studios show in the East End. “Ninety-nine per cent of people were positive. One or two came into the studio, spluttered and backed out quickly,” Waller told The Independent at the time. But Matthew Flowers, who runs the Flowers East gallery with his mother, Angela, said that after hanging one of Waller’s Birth series “caused such a fuss with the gallery staff that they voted to take it down”.
His depiction of the first stage of man, infancy, is actually more of a celebration of the mother who has brought him into the world. His drawing is a tender piece showing a woman who has just given birth pulling the infant up out of the birthing pool and to her breast.
This squeamish response seems mind boggling in the year of Charles Saatchi’s Sensation exhibition when shock tactics were being employed far less sensitively across the contemporary art world. “It’s a shame because I was with the Angela Flowers gallery for about 9 years,” Waller says. “We have a better relationship now but after Birth we fell out and parted company.”
For anyone who has heard of Waller this is significant as he hit the headlines in 1997 when a painting inspired by the birth of his daughter was taken down at the trendy Flowers East gallery for allegedly shocking
Waller, who teaches fine art at Coventry University for half the week, spends the rest of his time working from his studio in Bethnal Green. He has lived in Waltham Forest on and off for 30 years having
moved to Leyton while he studied at Chelsea School of Art in the early 1980s, spent a year in Cardiff and then returned to Leytonstone before living in Hackney and then Walthamstow. When he isn’t drawing or teaching Waller makes sculptures out of found objects and
driftwood. His three-dimensional style is a massive contrast to his other work, which is mostly drawn in a mixture of soft pastels, gouache and charcoal. The sculptures are less subtle and particularly striking is a series of heads “based on 19th century caricature and the grotesque”.
Waller, who was actually born in Stratfordupon-Avon and christened in the Holy Trinity Church along with his twin brother, returned there last week on 23rd April, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, to walk Prince Charles and Camilla through the artwork which will adorn the aisle until August.
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Greetings from Walthamstow When 4sided.co.uk card creators Jo Drake and Christopher Branfield decided to make greetings cards with a difference they recruited E17’s four-legged friends to pose for pictures. Karen Dunn finds out more… Working with animals is always a challenge, so you have to admire Jo Drake and Christopher Branfield’s dedication to their new business, 4sided.co.uk. Persuading Waltham Forest’s felines to sit still and pose for photos can, literally, be like herding cats. Luckily, their patience paid off and their range of Walthamstow petthemed greetings cards were born. Make-up artist Jo and graphic designer Chris admit that combining their freelance careers and their new relationship with starting up their innovative business wasn’t an easy task. Two years on, they now enjoy stockists all over the UK (and even boast shops in Africa) for their unique cards, which range from bold graphic designs to their own photography. The E List caught up with the creative 24
pair to find out how they started and to hear their exciting plans for the future. How did you come up with the idea for 4sided.co.uk? Chris used to make cards for his friends and family and made his mum a four-sided card for her 82nd birthday. Chris and I started going out around the same time and I thought it was such a good idea that I encouraged him to turn the cards into a business. Basically I gave him a kick up the bum to get on with it! How did you get started? We jumped straight in at the deep end and did some trade shows. We didn’t want anyone to steal the idea, so we decided to go big as fast as possible and booked our first show in January 2014. We did four shows that year and got loads of great retailers, but it was a steep – and expensive – learning curve.
What made you decide to do a range featuring Walthamstow cats? My cat Billy was sadly found dead in 2014. I wanted to do something in his memory, so we thought about making some cat themed cards. The art trail was coming up so we decided to combine the two and do an exhibition of our Walthamstow cats. Of course the place to host it was The Nag’s Head, considering they once had a cat wedding on the premises. Flossie who runs the pub loved it so much that when the exhibition ended she bought them all and they’re still up in the pub now. Photographing the animals for your cards can’t be an easy job? No, it’s bloody difficult. Especially the cats! We did it as a team, Chris took the photos while I tried to get the cats to look straight into the camera. Dogs are definitely a
lot easier, offer them a treat and they’re happily drooling for the camera! How did you find the animals to take part? I put a message out on Walthamstow Life, which I’m an admin on, and several other Walthamstow Facebook pages. The response was overwhelming. Every owner got six cards as a thank you and one woman even brought 25 of her cat because she was so proud! Who were you first stockists? At our first trade show we signed up eight stockists from all over the UK including the Scilly isles, the Outer Hebrides and Pembrokeshire and a few in London. Our Christmas cards were in the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate, which was very exciting, especially as I have just bought a flat up the
road in Ramsgate. We’ve also got three shops in Tanzania stocking our cards, so we’re international too. Our local stockist E17 Art House on Hoe Street sell our cat cards and we’re about to get them stocked in Vestry House Museum too, which is brilliant. What designs have you got planned next? I’d love to do a dinosaur range and some vintage car ones too. I’m also trying to persuade Chris that we should do some conventional two-sided cards to complement the four-sided ones, but we’re still discussing that! How do you find running a business with your other half? Oh it can be a nightmare! It was tough when we were first starting the business as we were just starting our relationship at the same time. Now we’re further down the line it’s definitely easier, especially now we’re not drowning in debt!
What is it about Walthamstow that inspires you? The marshes and the canals are great. When we first met we used to go on lots of walks around there to discuss ideas. You started up the Facebook page Walthamstow Life, you must be proud about how it has grown? It’s got over 8,000 members now, which is amazing. It came about because of friction with another page where they were banning members simply for not agreeing with them. We’ve always tried to make sure people can speak freely about whatever they like on Walthamstow Life. I admit it was tough in the early days as there were a few people who just wanted to cause trouble and I got some vile messages sent to me. It’s all calmed down now though and it’s not too much work for me any more. The best part is all the people I’ve met through it. Thanks to some ‘real life’ meet ups I’ve made some really good friends. It was definitely worth the hassle!
To find out more about these4sided.co.uk cards visit, www.4sided.co.uk Follow them on Facebook and Twitter @4sidedcouk or contact them direct on 07803 501983 or email, joandchris@4sided.co.uk
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Write On Hitting the Amazon bestseller lists from the start Fisherton Press, born in Leyton is coming up with the goods in a busy children’s book market. Founder Ellie Levenson talks to Farah Ishaq about how to start up a successful publishing business with three kids at home. Journalists interviewing other journalists always makes for an interesting and revealing meeting. Meeting former political think tank writer and university journalism lecturer Ellie Levenson is no exception. I am quizzed as much as doing the quizzing, but the small world of Waltham Forest reveals that we both grew up just a couple of streets apart in Walthamstow, with a two year school difference meaning we haven’t met, until now. We’re both mums in our 30s, both with a reception age child and have both worked as journalists before embarking on change of career manoeuvres. It’s an enlightening chat we have over a toastie in Deeny’s Cafe on Leyton High Road just around the corner from Levenson’s home office. Already a traditionally published author, Levenson set up Fisherton Press in the Autumn of 2013, to publish her own work, as well as a roster of other writers too, “so it’s not traditional vanity publishing, it’s a small independent press I’ve already proved I can be a successful book writer, after a two year development deal with a different publisher I got the idea from friends to ‘why not do it myself’?,” she explains to preempt my question about self publishing. Funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign to get the first Fisherton book called ‘The Election’ released - a charming, clever book using the Spotty vs Stripy Party to explain political ideas to young children - and using her contacts in her previous job to get massive PR coverage for it, Leveson, publisher, began. “Even though I worked as a journalist before, it just never occurred to me just how important publicity is. It seems obvious but if no one knows about your product you’re never going to sell any. With The Election, it was well timed and I utilised all of my contacts and the funding came in. I didn’t make any profit with it, but it provided the start up costs to get going, which is the best thing that could have happened.” 26
With three children of her own, including a six-month old who smiles and gurgles his way alongside the table as we chat - having a work/life balance is the most important thing and a holy grail for all working parents. “The most important thing is having a supportive partner. One who doesn’t mind being ignored whilst I’m on the phone or replying to messages, and second to that is having supportive children,’ she laughs. “It was great going into my daughter’s primary school for World Book Day, not as an author for a change, but this time as a publisher, and being able to read a selection of our books. She was proud of me that day.” Also important she says, is to aim high but not so high that your losses would be a disaster. “Keep the stakes low, and then you can’t fail,” advises Levenson. “I have a stock of all of our books, but generally we print on demand. The unit costs are higher per book, but I don’t have to worry about the overheads of a warehouse with 10,000 books in it [like a traditional publisher]. We sell well in independent bookstores, it’s much harder to get stocked or distribution as a small press.” Despite having no big distribution network, this year Pop! has been Levenson’s big success story. Published in January and written and illustrated by two local mothers: Jude Rogers (Observer music critic) and Alex Farebrother-Naylor (professional illustrator). This incredibly easy to read history of pop music is an absolute joy - and crucial to the ethos of Fisherton - stands up to repeated reading by adults to their sprogs. Hailed by celebrities and music DJs like Lauren Laverne, the book has been lauded from the Amazon bestseller list to Twitter and the barometer of all parental things Mumsnet, thanks to its author Jude’s guest and opinion pieces in the national press.
“It helps that Jude is a journalist. In fact I chose to work with her because she is a journalist and she came up with this absolutely brilliant way of telling the story, and she’s been instrumental in getting coverage in the national press. If people don’t know about the books, then how can they buy them?” Levenson refreshingly deals directly with writers and illustrators instead of agents, matching people up to create the best book possible. “I only publish maybe three books a year, but I get around 20 submissions of work a week to go through and see what I think. I do know straightaway if I think an idea will work.” Having a creative passion for intelligent children’s books and writing is what drives Levenson, “It is essential to be passionate about what you do, and having a career change can be absolutely the best thing you’ve ever done. Changing in your 30s is actually a good time as you have enough years left to have a full second career.” Running Fisherton Press with the demands of young children is not as hard as it sounds. “Relatively it’s not as time consuming as writing a book. Chasing up and responding to emails can all be done one handed in the playground if needed, or when the kids are asleep. It can be easy to work around them when you work from home.” Named after her grandmother’s former East End printing shop, the Fisherton Press carries on a wonderful tradition, and the books being published will fit in well and be regularly grabbed from any family bookshelf. Bedtime reading just got a whole lot more interesting. The Election, Pop! and a host of other children’s titles are available to order at www.fishertonpress.co.uk which also has free downloadable colouring sheets for kids as well as adults made from Alex’s wonderful Pop! illustrations.
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Photos this page © Martin Heath
John Lennon seen on Hoe Street In the final part of his two part history Richard Ashman charts the ups and downs of the former Granada cinema. He takes us from the throngs of screaming teenagers in the early sixties to its years of sad decay lying unused in the noughties, finishing with the beginning of a new chapter with its current owners. 4000 tickets sold in one day. Huge queues along Hoe Street. The Beatles were coming to Walthamstow! Between their first concerts at the Granada cinema in 1963 and last in 1964, the fab four’s meteoric rise was reflected by hysteric screaming and their farcical escape from the crowds by clambering over a wall disguised as cinema attendants. In the 50s and 60s the Granada was a major UK venue for touring rock and pop shows and a catalyst for such surreal scenes: Roy Orbison buying cigarettes in a local newsagent; a fan falling from a ladder as they tried climbing into Cliff Richard’s dressing room. First time visitors to Walthamstow came from far and wide to witness a cavalcade of international stars including The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Dusty Springfield, The Who, Cilla Black and, in his first UK concert, James Brown. Yet this huge chunk of Walthamstow’s cultural history very nearly didn’t happen. Granada chiefs drew up plans in 1959 to butcher their cinema by replacing the lavish foyer with an office and retail block and splitting the auditorium into a bowling 28
alley and dance hall, with a little cinema squeezed in like an afterthought. Two years later the local Guardian claimed they were in talks with a Mayfair developer, granted permission from the council to rip down the venue and replace it with a ‘skyscraper’. The schemes were considered too expensive and unviable, the auditorium remained intact and the big shows continued. These were usually on Sundays, with two performances, up to seven or more support acts famous in their own right and compéres including Jimmy Tarbuck. Film screenings continued the rest of the time but audiences were dwindling across the UK. Aside from Bollywood and ‘continental style’ sex films shown at the Cameo/Tatler, Bell Corner (now The Hurricane Rooms), by the mid 60s it was the last cinema in Walthamstow. Even without competition, further plans to end the Granada’s cinematic life in the late 60s were only dropped after a public outcry. It survived, but in increasingly diminished
form. From 1968 the stalls were closed except for live shows, ending the opportunity for over 2,500 people to share in the magic of celluloid together. The caferestaurant went. Charrington’s brewery converted it to the Victoria lounge bar, named after the building it replaced. Live shows finished in 1973 when the rear stalls were split into two mini screens and the front stalls abandoned. The majesty of the main stage continued being viewed from the balcony but the conversion to 3 screens halved the seating capacity. Saturday morning children’s shows for ‘Granadiers’ ran until the early 70s. These featured popular serials like Zorro - each instalment ending with a cliff hanger. On stage yo-yo competitions rewarded the winner with a bag of sweets. The atmosphere could be rowdy and misbehaviour met with threats to stop the film. During one show, organist George Welling was hit by an ice cream that slowly
slithered down the back of his jacket as he resolutely played on. A contrast to the genteel ambience evoked by the Granada’s early publicity such as: “Service - our staff is trained to give every courtesy – please advise the manager of any inattention”. The organ was custom built by Christie, a hidden mechanical orchestra considered the firm’s finest. After falling out of use in the late 60s it underwent a painstaking 3-year restoration by volunteers. Unusually it had two consoles. One hidden under a 1950s stage extension was cannibalised for spare parts. The restored mellifluous tones were first heard again during a run of The Sound of Music in 1976. It added to the magic of at least one Harry Potter film and ended the venue’s first 73 years when Auld Lang Syne was played on closing night. By then the only other UK cinemas with original working organs were the Odeons at Leicester Square and Weston-Super-Mare.
Thank you to John Leeming for the photos pn this page, left © Richard Hills, right © John Leeming
The staging of live shows and employment of organists and commissionaires long after most cinemas had dispensed with them was largely due to the man who built the Granada, Sidney Bernstein. He terrified inexperienced managers with unannounced visits to his cinemas - prizing open ashtrays, testing toilet flushes and checking the fingernails of usherettes. The success of our cinema helped Bernstein win the lucrative ITV franchise in 1954. His tastes were reflected in the Granada’s unique, opulent interiors, given statutory listing in 1987. Soon after Bernstein relinquished power, just 4 years before he died, it was sold with the other five Granadas (there were once over
fifty) to Cannon. A diamond jubilee brochure was produced in 1990 but Cannon were already on the verge of bankruptcy. Forced to sell their cinemas but retaining the Cannon name, it passed through the hands of MGM and Virgin before becoming an ABC cinema in 1996. The foyer was redecorated, a new ‘classical look’ kiosk installed and balcony seating almost halved by blocking off upper sections. Odeon merged with ABC cinemas in 2000 and sold the venue with a clause prohibiting English language film screenings, to Mohan Sharma. The Whitechapel rag trade mogul claimed it was “just a hobby”, renaming it EMD after the initials of his children, but lacked any experience running a cinema. Bollywood films were tried but the audience wasn’t there. Staff morale fell, ticket prices were reduced and Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard raised the unfairness of the language restriction in Parliament. A vigorous campaign led by The McGuffin Film Society got it lifted. From April 2001 English language films could be shown - one was The Patriot. At 2 hours 45 minutes it took the skill and experience of Dave Cann, one of the last projectionists, to join together its nine reels of film in this pre-digital era. Attendance grew but plans to upgrade facilities were put on hold, first over concerns about a multiplex proposed at the nearby shopping mall, then due to a certain church. Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) had been refused permission to convert the nearby former Dominion cinema into a church. They asked Mohan Sharma what he would sell the EMD for. He wouldn’t.
UCKG increased their offer again. And again. Sharma gave in. While awaiting planning approval, contracts were exchanged and UCKG closed the cinema in January 2003. Days later a rave caused serious damage. UCKG’s planning application was rejected along with subsequent appeals and further applications. Possibly they saw Walthamstow as a suburb in decline, with a transient population that cared little for an ageing cinema. Little did they realise. The campaign to prevent the cinema becoming a church was backed by thousands and repeatedly made local and national news. The new owners who took over from UCKG last year are the custodians of the longest operating Granada of all; a grand survivor, in a borough that once had over twenty cinemas. A carbon arc spot lamp lit the Toastmaster on stage at the Granada’s opening night in 1930. The same lamp was used on the closing night in 2003. My wish is to see it glow again, illuminating live performers and the stage curtains before they sweep open once more to reveal the glow of the silver screen. Opposite page, clockwise left to right: (1) The Beatles in their dressing room at the Granada, Walthamstow (2) and on stage. (3) There were two performances a day so the ticket would be clearly marked 1 or 2 to stop people attending both! This page, left to right: (1) Walthamstow’s Christie Organ in action for the closing show in 2003 framed by the incredibly luxurious swathes of velvet curtains. Apparently the stage is equipped with three or four sets of curtains for different occasions. (2) The Christie organ in 1976 following restoration. It was regularly played up until a screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002. However it suffered severe neglect during the church’s tenure. It is the only Christie organ still in its original location in the UK.
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Belle Vue House also known as Cooke’s folly. This unusual villa was designed by the architect and artist Edward Gyfford for the book seller Charles Cooke c.1805. Belle Vue was demolished in 1936. Belle Vue Road is built on the land..
Grosvenor House was originally built c. 1600 by Tristram Conyers. In the later 18th century the house passed to the Grosvenors, who rebuilt it in white Suffolk brick. The new house was refronted before 1796 by William Selwyn. It was gutted by fire in 1945 and demolished in 1956. Grosvenor Park Road was built on an avenue of elms which lead from the house across Hoe Street to Church common in what is now Walthamstow village.
The Great House, High Road Leyton. Built around 1710 in the Wren style for Nathaniel Tench one of the first directors of the Bank of England, and its Governor from 1699 to 1701. It was demolished in 1905.
Norlington House, 795 High Road Leytonstone, looking in a rather sorry state in 1907. The house was demolished in 1967.
The Big Houses Part I These photos are from the collection of Vestry House Museum. Browse more photographs from the Museum’s archive and order prints online: http://boroughphotos.org/walthamforest. 30
Photos © Vestry House Museum, London Borough of Waltham Forest
The Red House, Hoe Street at the junction with Grove Road. It was demolished in 1963.
Nightingale Hall, Highams Park, 1927. Demolished. Now site of the Nightingale Estate.
The only house on these pages still standing. Etloe House, 180 Church Road, Leyton. It is now Grade II listed. This large house dates from 1760-70. It was refronted in the early 19th century. It was home to William Bowyer (1699-1777) friend of Dr Johnson and also Cardinal Wiseman (1802-1865) the first Archbishop of Westminster Cathedral. Now flats.
Suffolk House, Capworth Street between Leyton High Road and Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, 1897. Demolished.
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Marsh Street was the original name of Walthamstow High Street where a number of large manor houses were used as weekend or summer retreats. Samuel Pepys’ bosses had houses here, and after visiting one of them Pepys described how they had drunk wine from a local vineyard and “the whole company said they never drank better foreign wine [than this one] in their lives”.
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House Doctor
Penny Fielding offers creative solutions to everyday niggles you may have with your home. Spring is in the air and sunshine is reaching those forgotten cluttered corners. Here are some tips on getting yourself motivated to have a restorative sort out and free up some space. Over the year(s) stuff accumulates in the home that you don’t really want, like or need. We all have a drawer in the kitchen full of “useful” bits that we forget are even there. The hardest thing about sorting is getting started.
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Marie Kondos’s book “The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying” offers great advice on de cluttering. Her basic principle is that every object in your life should bring you joy. Don’t hang on to things from the past that do not have meaning in the present, so sort using these maxims. What you decide to keep is not a matter of style or fashion. Surround yourself with the things you really love. Unloved objects, which haven’t been touched for a year become dead: Your things need to be used to become alive to you. Book in a mate to come over for moral support, and then he/ she can help you get the unwanted stuff out of the house and to the charity shop. Facebook group Walthamstow Sell Or Swap is a great way to recycle items around the local community and saves land fill. A tidy and functional home should support you and enable you to get on with your life; it’s not an end in itself. A happy mess is healthier than a home that’s rigidly tidy; it’s getting the balance right that’s important. Ask yourself: “Is my clutter holding me up? If it takes more than 5 mins to find the tape measure, and more than 2 to find your passport then yes, it is. Do you have a particular niggle about your home? If so email editor@theelist with the problem and it may be answered in a future issue. To enquire about a personal session with the House Doctor please email penfielding@gmail.com
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Precision Carpenters / Joinery & Specialist Builders YBS London Limited have an exciting addition to our services. We now offer our clients a range of high quality traditional and contempary designed German Kitchens With a complete design and installation service, our range of YBS German kitchens will compliment your build project. We are a family-run company enhancing London and Essex properties for over 30 years. Our objective is to provide a high quality end product, coupled with project efficiency and the best in complete project management.
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YBS London Limited is now one of London & Essex’s leading Building Companies in Bespoke building projects, Property refurbishment, Extensions, Loft Conversions & Joinery Manufacture / Installation, Basement conversions. A British, family-run company enhancing London and Essex properties for over 30 years. Our objective is to provide high quality end product & customer service, coupled with project efficiency & complete project management. To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk “ Synonymous with Quality, taking care of our every need in producing two fantastic homes.” M & M Kirchhoff (Fulham)
Architectural historian, Karen Averby uncovers curiosities and stories from Walthamstow’s rich and varied past
Bearmans of Leytonstone If you’re familiar with High Road, Leytonstone, then you may know of the Matalan store occupying Nos. 829837. You may have also noticed the Waltham Forest heritage plaque adorning the building, dedicated to the department store which once stood on the same spot. This was Bearmans of Leytonstone which came to be known as ‘the store with the personal touch.’ The business was established in 1898 by 27 year old Essex-born draper Frank Bearman who purchased part of a former vicarage site which was being sold for retail purposes. Leytonstone was an interesting choice of location as there were few shops and Leytonstone itself was little more than a small village. The decision proved to be the right one, however, and expansion was soon required as business flourished. By 1913 Bearmans had acquired the whole retail site and the newly designed Bearmans store became the largest department store in the area. Although a single storey, the building was impressive. Its design was
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inspired by London’s fancy shopping arcades, particularly the use of glass in the roof and shop frontages which allowed ample light into the interior without any need for artificial lighting. A lower ground level was subsequently added, providing yet more retail space. By the 1930s there were around fifty departments selling a multitude of goods including household furnishings, hardware, clothing, toys and jewellery. There was also a tea room, library and a ‘foreign fancy’ department. By this time Leytonstone’s High Road was a thriving shopping destination, attracting customers from all over east London, and Bearmans was the flagship, providing an inviting, personal yet exciting shopping experience; it was the lynchpin of a day out for many. A 1957 extension in Kirkdale Road was supposedly the first store outside London with an escalator. However, by the 1960s growing competition from other shopping centres, such as Ilford, plus increased traffic along High Road made Bearmans a less attractive shopping destination and shopper numbers declined. Moreover, the shop suffered without the driving force of Frank Bearman who had died in 1956, leaving effects amounting to an impressive £60,985. His sons decided not to continue the family business and in 1962 Bearmans was sold to the London Cooperative Society; although it retained the name for some years afterwards, it never regained the glory of its heyday. Sadly, this fine Edwardian edifice recalling a bygone age of retail was demolished in 1983.
An early 20th century picture of Bearmans.
The High Road, Leytonstone taken in the 1970s showing Bearmans in the distance.
Bearmans was important to many locals over the years. It provided employment for hundreds and is fondly remembered by those who shopped there, memories of the toy department and the magical Father Christmas grotto being particularly evocative. Children were also taken there by their parents to buy school uniforms, party clothes and trimmings for dancing costumes, followed by a visit to the tearoom. It’s interesting to wonder whether today’s children have the same vivid and magical memories of nearby Westfield. www.archangelheritage.co.uk
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LOCAL HERO
Hibo Wardere FGM (female genital mutilation) is a cultural practice that affects more than 200 million women and girls worldwide; some of them living in the UK. Silvana Gambini talks to E17’s own self-styled ’Vagina Warrior’, the exuberant Hibo Wardere, an anti-FGM campaigner and educator with a mission to help end FGM for good.
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Hibo in the Walthamstow Town Hall the location of her first talk in public.
positive force for change. What happened to make you decide to go public with your experiences of FGM? After my youngest child started school, I got a job as a teaching assistant at Mission Grove Primary School (love that place and everyone in it!), and I started a TA course. We were asked to write an essay about child abuse and Yussuf, who I’ve always talked to openly about everything including my FGM, suggested I write about my own experiences. My then headmaster, Yateen Bhola, persuaded me to let other staff members read it and so my informal FGM awarenessraising work started and continued to be supported by the next head, Katie Jennings. Then in June 2014, my ward councillor, Clare Coghill, organised a public event in the council chamber for me to talk about my experiences of FGM, and things have just snowballed from there. I am so thankful that Clare and our local MP, Stella Creasy, have been so supportive of me and my work. My pillars of strength are my fellow anti-FGM campaigners and FGM survivors, Alimatu Dimonekene and Leyla Hussein, who are always there for me. I’d also like to give a big shout out to local artist, Emma Scutt, who did lovely portraits of Alimatu, Leyla and me for
her 2015 E17 Art Trail exhibition. Tell me about your work as the borough’s FGM co-ordinator? The Council secured funding from the Mayor’s Office and, for the past year, I’ve been busy training teachers, doctors, nurses, childminders, school governors. The most rewarding work I’ve done is with secondary school students – they really get it, have produced some fantastic work and have opened up dialogues with their families about FGM. The only negative feedback I’ve had is from a woman who verbally attacked me on a bus because her daughter had raised the topic for family discussion. But that incident made me happy because, as a result of my work with her, that young woman was empowered to know her rights! My next step is to adapt the training for Year 5 and 6 pupils with age-appropriate language and take it into primary schools. Other councils have bought in my services to deliver training to them and Waltham Forest is now considered to be the UK’s ‘beacon borough’ in the anti-FGM field. That makes me SO proud! A book about your experiences has just been published. How did it come about? Anna Wharton (who ghost wrote it) contacted me via Twitter and told me
Photo © Paul Tucker www.paultucker.co.uk
Where are you originally from? I was born and raised in Somalia and came to the UK in 1989 as a refugee escaping the civil war. I stepped off the aeroplane and it was so cold I went straight back inside! I mimed ‘I’m freezing!’ to the air hostess and she gave me a blanket to act as an overcoat. But bad weather aside, I knew coming to the UK was a blessing and would be my chance to make my life over. I love the UK and am proud to be a British citizen. How did you end up in Walthamstow? After starting out in a refugee hostel, I’ve lived in different parts of East London - East Ham and Leyton. In 2002, my husband, Yussuf, and I (we met in early 1990) moved to Walthamstow and we have never looked back. I consider myself to be an African Eastender and describe the way I talk as an African/Cockney mash up! What is your personal experience of FGM? I was cut at just six years of age – many girls are cut even younger than that. I will never forget the sights, smells and sounds of that day and the pain, so much pain. My cutter’s face is still in front of me in my nightmares. There are four types of FGM and my cutter inflicted Type 3 on me, the most invasive, all with a rusty, blood-stained razor and no anaesthesia. Apart from the pain and physical problems it left me with, I had so much anger towards my mum who I loved to bits. From her viewpoint, she was just doing her best for me and ‘protecting my honour’ – it took me a long time to be able to forgive her. I thank God that my daughters will never experience this and that I have been able to take what happened to me and turn it into a
she had wanted to do a book on FGM for a long time and had decided I’d be the perfect subject. I was not convinced at all and thought she should approach other more well-established anti-FGM campaigners instead. She eventually wore me down, saying that there was a ‘raw’, direct quality in the way I talked about my experiences that she wanted to capture. She interviewed me in 2-3 hour sessions over a couple of months until she had all the material she needed to write up the book. I think she’s done an amazing job – I’m so grateful to her! How can people help with the anti-FGM campaign? First of all recognising that this is a cultural practice not a religious one is really important; there are Christian societies around the world where this happens too and it has nothing to do with Islam. Also please don’t let a desire to be ‘culturally sensitive’ blind you to this issue; the welfare of the world’s children is everyone’s responsibility. Even though FGM has been against the law in the UK since 1985, the so-called ‘cutting season’ is coming up and some families may use the summer holidays to take girls back to their countries of origin to be cut. Professionals who suspect that children they work with might be at risk need to open up discussions with them and their families. Our children’s birthright to live intact in the bodies they were born into is paramount. FGM is child abuse, plain and simple. You’ve had a lot of media attention lately – what has that been like? I’ve been really lucky in terms of media coverage of the anti-FGM campaign and this has increased now the book has been published. Since my very first interview ever with the Waltham Forest Guardian in June 2014, I’ve been interviewed by local, national and international newspapers, for radio and on TV. And here I am being interviewed
for the E List too! It’s all such an honour to be in a position to raise awareness about FGM and you never know who your words will be reaching. One evening a while back, I went on to Facebook to find more than 150 friend requests waiting for me from people in Somalia, all with messages of encouragement to keep up the good work. We didn’t know what was happening, so my husband looked online and found that the Evening Standard interview I’d just given had been widely reported in the Somali media! And I understand you’ve met some of your favourite celebrities recently too… When I went to be interviewed by Jeremy Vine for his BBC Radio 2 show, I was shown into a room where Nigel Havers (my all-time heart throb) and Peter Capaldi (my favourite Dr Who) were sitting on a sofa! I told them to budge up, sat down between them and immediately started chatting with them and explaining to them all about FGM. Shocked and wide eyed, the lovely Nigel exclaimed ‘Goodness, gracious NO!’ and I replied ‘Goodness, gracious YES!’! Meeting these guys was such a great experience! You are such a joyful person! What makes you happy? There is so much to enjoy in life – my friends call me the African Nigella because of the ‘enthusiastic’ way I talk about food! But what makes me truly happy is my family. My loving, supportive husband and my seven children are my pride and joy (my eldest is about to graduate from medical school). My kids are what keep me moving forward. They are my heart and soul and my greatest blessing. What do you like about living in Walthamstow? I don’t like it – I LOVE it! It is my home and I treasure it – the sense of community here is so strong and the diversity of the people so rich. I know all sorts of people - from the Walthamstow
born and bred to people who have come here from across the UK and far beyond. I share my culture and experiences with them and they do the same with me – life here is never boring! My best friend is my Lithuanian neighbour, Rasa. We socialise all the time and I call her ‘my sister from another mother’. If we hadn’t both come to live in E17, we may never have met. The people of Waltham Forest have been so supportive of me and my work – I owe the place and the people so much. What would you like to see happen in the area in the future? I would love for some of the Syrian refugees to be allowed to come and make their home here in multi-cultural Waltham Forest. As a refugee myself, I see the horrors they are escaping from and it hurts my heart. I believe they would make the life of this borough even richer and I know they would do their very best to give back to the community as they rebuild their lives here, just as I have tried to. We are all human beings, all made from blood and water, and we need to help each other. Cut: One Woman’s Fight Against FGM in Britain Today by Hibo Wardere & Anna Wharton, published by Simon & Schuster. Paperback available from Waterstones in the Mall E17 & online at waterstones.com & amazon.co.uk. Prices from £8.49 to £12.99 incl Kindle. Next local E17 book signing event on 7th May – see listings section. Follow Hibo’s work on Twitter @HiboWardere
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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 Walthamstow is smug. I’ve seen this bandied around on social media a few times now. Someone even said the same thing to me in the pub, Walthamstow is smug and it has gone too far. Oh god, does that make me smug? I mean, I write about E17 all the time, and I make no secret of the fact I like it here. Am I Mr Smug McSmugface? Walthamstow got to me as soon as I moved here, I’ve always liked it. The marsh and Lea drew me in. Stories of Vikings, escaped circus bears, ancient manors and tram chases got my interest. Walthamstow grabbed my attention and it has never let go. The geography of the place was enough to reel me in. Sandwiched between the forest and marsh. The Lea acting as a very physical border between us and the city beyond. Walthamstow has always felt like a place in its own right, and importantly, it has always felt like home, which to me is really important. There’s no doubting that E17 has changed since I first moved here however many years ago, but most of that change has been of our own making, which is why I find this smug thing difficult to understand. I remember people being positively gleeful as pubs were revamped, cafes opened, and we suddenly had a choice of things to do. People proclaimed their joy from the roof tops. These days, some people seem to be rallying against the change they fought for. I’m genuinely confused, we wanted something, we got what we wanted, but now it seems we aren’t supposed to like it. Maybe this is just the British way. We like supporting things, we like building them up only to knock them down again. As always, things continue to change in E17, and there are fights still to be fought. Walthamstow doesn’t need people to turn their backs on it. It needs people to support it, and engage with it. That’s what I try to do, if that makes me smug, then frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn. 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 Facebook groups Leytonstone Life, Greater Leyton Tourism Board and Walthamstow Life & the Waltham Forest Twitterati
The 7 most overused words in Walthamstow “would you like pomegranate sprinkled on that?” @oh_morris Argos of Leytonstone have contacted us to say they would be happy to have someone put what they consider to be art in their window if those people allow Argos to put Argos advertisements in their front windows. Greater Leyton Tourism Board
Photos: @Rebeccajade (fridge-freezer); Shah Ahmed (shed); Michael Holmes (peg leg); Eli Duke (grave).
At last, one of those pop-up eateries comes to the High Street area of #Walthamstow. Jealous much, Village?!. @RebeccaJade Bricks-R-Us have contacted us with some great offers on authentic Victorian bricks. Just £10 per brick on orders up to 100. Larger orders may need a few dark nights to fill. Greater Leyton Tourism Board @debbieblissnews I hope you’re planning on launching your own version of these eye treats @Warpdog Look out #Walthamstow. The Jehovah’s Witnesses of exact-quantity-homedelivered-cooking-ingredients-boxes are on the prowl. Again. Cook off. @DannyCoope Walthamstow morning. A soft, joyful sunrise, the sound of Spring birds and streets empty except for all the Ocado vans. @CuriosE17
If anyone is looking for their mum, she’s at @MirthMarvelE17 and she’s twatted. @tommo_tv I successfully advertised for tenants for the rooms in the picture. I now have a second place under construction. If you’re interested please let me know.
DT: What are the neighbours like? PW: Does it come with a free goody bag? JS: Does it have a wet room? GN: Park life? No! Shed life? ML: My husband says he needs a man-cave to escape to. If there’s room for his piano and all his books I’m happy to pay the full rent!!! HP: You’re putting the amp into glamp PA: Do you have parking as well? SA: Yes, free* cycle parking. **rent includes service charges. GB: I think you’re missing an opportunity here. Why not triple your money by advertising the whole complex as a “Luxury Retirement Village”? This is what they do in beauty spots along the Thames estuary - places with names like Mercia Island nex’ t’ Effluent. Leytonstone Life Walthamstow Council commissions 60’x60’ sign on 200’ pole and plans to move the whole Borough to the countryside, mortgage-free. @CuriosE17 I’ve put an exhibition up. It’s in E17. I’ll show you some crappy pictures after I’ve had my pot noodle @darrenhayman
Just witnessed a Walthamstow house being pebbledashed. Is this post-hipster ironic gentrification? @CuriosE17 FOUND: Pirate Leg in the Wood St Station area. We believe the owner was on the way to Pets Corner for parrot food. If you know any seafarers of the violent plundering variety then please get in touch. We’re looking for anyone whose first name is a primary colour and whose surname has something to do with their abundance of facial hair. Walthamstow Life E17 NEWS: Locals decide to stop dying as cost of graves becomes prohibitive due to gentrification. @matt_factor
Anyone know the amazing dancing singing lollipop lady on Markhouse Avenue? I want to nominate her for an award. She makes me smile every day. SP: She’s brilliant, she does some cool moves. IR: Very very happy soul! BB: She is Arlene Cameron and the Evening Standard ran a story about her [‘The streetdancing lollipop lady of Walthamstow’ in 2012] AW: Is she a candidate for the Love Your Borough awards? NW: People who spread smiles deserve a little back. Walthamstow Life 39
Beulah Road E17 Offers in excess of £950,000
A Great Family Home Perfect For Village Life. This wonderful Victorian property is situated on one of Walthamstow’s most popular roads with a great community and excellent local schools. It is perfectly located for you to enjoy the independent cafes, pubs and restaurants of the Village.
A wonderful family space with open plan through lounge/diner, stripped floor and cast iron fireplace, ideal for cosy nights in when it’s chilly outside. The kitchen/diner is a stunning room with contemporary units, underfloor heating, light flooding in from the windows and access to the garden which incorporates a decked area to enjoy as soon as the days warm up and a charming powered garden office. Three double bedrooms are found on the first floor along with a modern family bathroom. Stairs lead up to the expansive second floor bedroom which completes this superb family home, a perfect property for you and your family.
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5. Merton Road E17 4 bed semi-detached house for sale Offers in excess of £800,000
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6. Prospect Hill E17 4 bed semi-detached house for sale sstc £950,000 7. Roma Road E17 2 bed terraced house for sale Guide Price £545,000 8. Kingsley Road E17 4 bed terraced house for sale Offers in excess of £625,000
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May’s gallery
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3. Granville Road E17 3 bed semi-detached house for sale Offers in excess of £750,000 4. Barclay Road E17 3 bed cottage to rent £404 pw : £1,750 pcm
1 4 1. Marten Road E17 5 bed terraced house for sale Offers in excess of £630,000 2. Lyne Crescent E17 3 bed terraced house for sale Offers in excess of £560,000
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0208 520 9300 • www.estates17.co.uk • 40 Orford Road E17 9NJ
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