E9
magazine
March 2014
Q&A with artist, Gavin Turk A parent's guide to E9
Get fit for Spring
Your free guide to what's happening in E9 and the surrounding areas
Issue 1
One of the country’s very few diamond structure schools
FOREST SCHOOL
The diamond structure means that we teach our 1300 boys and girls (who are aged 4-18) in singlesex classes at key stages of their education. Our school buses go into Islington & Hackney. Arrange to visit us to find out more about our unique school. www.forest.org.uk || info@forest.org.uk
Welcome to your local magazine Dear neighbours
W
elcome to the first edition of E9 Magazine, a new publication that will be delivered to your door at the beginning of every month. Packed with editorial that is relevant to you and your neighbourhood, you’ll find essential information about what’s on in the E9 area such as family activities, Victoria Park nature talks, book signings, arts events and much more. If you’re wondering who I am and what on earth qualifies me to write about Vickie Park and the people in it, then here’s the story. I’m a journalist, married with a teenage son, and the owner of an ever-so-slightly OCD border collie. I’ve lived here for the best part of 16 years, so have seen this area grow from a quiet, not particularly trendy part of East London, to what it is today. I’m sure you’ll agree that the changes have been huge, but definitely in a good way. I’ve deliberated over schools, parking, where to find a great plumber and have been relieved to see the old chip fat-scented Pavilion turn into the jewel it is now. I'm passionate about this part of Hackney. We’re lucky enough to live in an area that has good schools, great restaurants, proper shops in our village, and a close community. I hope this magazine will go some way to providing a focal point for the many events and activities that happen every month, as well as giving you a handy reference if you’re looking for good local services.
Julie Daniels T: 020 8533 1278 E:julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk W: www.nutshellpublications.co.uk
CONTENTS 5
March calendar
6
Why E9 is great for kids
8
My Hackney with artist, Gavin Turk
10
Stagecoach Hackney: feature
12 Noticeboard 14
Kids' activities
16, 32 News and events 16 Competition 18
What to eat
20
Forest School: feature
24
A dog's life
26
Hackney bites: Hackney Bureau
28
Fitness: get fit with London Fields Fitness
30
Hackney histories
32
Index of advertisers
34
Useful numbers
To advertise in E9 Magazine, please contact Julie on 020 8533 1278 or email julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk for further information. Deadline for April edition is 13 March (please allow an extra two days if design is required). Printed by Stephen & George Ltd. © E9 Magazine all rights reserved. No reproduction can be made without permission. This publication is manufactured from ECF (Elemental Chlorine-Free) pulp; sourced from certified or well-managed forests and plantations, printed using vegetable-based inks. The fibres in this paper can be used up to a further seven times in the production of recycled paper. Please recycle this publication when its usefulness has been exhausted.
E9 magazine MARCH 2014 3
March calendar Monday
Tuesday
3
Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday
4
Ash Wednesday
Thurs
5
Events throughout March at the Yard Theatre (p13)
Victoria at Royal Inn
10
11
12
Victoria Park Commercial Events Briefing (p16)
St Patrick's Day
17
18
Ibsen's Hedda, Sutton House (p16)
Events Yard
19 Ibsen's Hedda, Sutton House (p16)
24
25
26
Bright Club Comedy Night at Sutton House (p32)
Events throughout March at the Yard Theatre (p13)
31 The Acid, Chats Palace (p32)
4 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
March calendar
sday
Friday
Saturday St David's Day
Sunday
1
2
Bird Barmy Army: A dawn chorus (p16)
Afternoon of live music Chats Palace (p16)
Sing for Syria, Victoria Park Singers (p16)
Celebration of restored clock and tower, St John of Jerusalem (p16)
6
7
8
Park Players every Thurs on Park (p13)
English Touring Opera, Magic Flute, Hackney Empire 020 8985 2424
Magic Flute, Hackney Empire 020 8985 2424 Ceilidh at Chats Palace (p16)
The Real Housewives of Brixton, Hackney Empire 020 8985 2424
13
14
15
16
Peppa Pig's Big Splash, Hackney Empire 020 8985 2424
Peppa Pig's Big Splash, Hackney Empire 020 8985 2424
22
23
throughout March at the Theatre (p13)
20
21 Events throughout March at the Yard Theatre (p13)
9
Table-top sale, Lauriston School (p16)
Fitzwilliam String Quartet, Sutton House (p32) Hackney Proms Jazz (p32)
27
28
29 Hackney Singers, Haydn the Creation, St John at Hackney (p32)
Mother's Day
30
Memory Scape History Walk Victoria Park (p32) Mother's Day, Sutton House (p32) British Summer Time begins!
E9 magazine MARCH 2014 5
Local lifeon What’s
There's no better place to bring up a family. Local novelist, Sonia Lambert, explains why
E9
is a great place to bring up children. I’ve got two girls – born at the Homerton Hospital – they learnt to toddle, and then to ride a bike, in the windy spaces of Victoria Park. There are times, of course, when I worry, or moan about it, and for many years I thought about moving. But right now, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Hackney children adapt, as you’d expect, to their environment. “Mummy, what’s a crack den?” was one question I won’t forget (my daughter was reading from a council poster, before you ask). “I want a baby-ccino!” a friend’s child announced on holiday, two miles into a muddy country walk, unable to believe there wasn’t a coffee shop round the corner. And my daughter takes on her classmates’ worries about trick-or-treating – “isn’t it that Halloween is Satan’s birthday?” But real life is not like the stereotypes, and I get annoyed when I see Hackney portrayed purely in terms of gangs and crime, or merely as the 6 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
playground of the trendy creative types. The place I know is so much more than that – a meeting point for so many lifestyles. That’s what’s so special about it. No-one owns it, so everyone belongs – and everyone’s E9 is different. When my daughter was four, my aunt came for a visit from outside of London, and brought along a bag of conkers – “because I just thought, she’s probably never seen them before”. Poor little street urchin! I had to resist the urge to point out every horse chestnut tree in the area. I suppose she was just owning up to the “town mouse, country mouse” argument that goes on in most of our heads. Many of my friends have moved. They go in search of a garden, an extra bedroom, or just somewhere a bit more like the place where they grew up. I completely get that. The shortage of affordable housing is the biggest problem for families round here. Those of us staying put just have to grit our teeth, listening to their plans for a happy ever after, and how much brighter the sun
Local life shines once you’ve left inner London. And more often than not, a year or so later – back on a visit – they get a bit wistful over a cup of tea, and admit that it’s great for little Freddie, but for the adults, the new life can be a bit, well… boring. Having kids, it’s true that your world shrinks – and suddenly, getting to Tesco’s and back seems like a big deal. I never expected to get to know the same few streets so well. If you’re going to be stuck for a few years, perhaps you’d better pick an interesting postcode to get stuck in. If you're limited to a few streets, surely it’s better if those few streets contain the whole world?
child at a new school is always scary – you seem to shrink down to their size, and the big kids look enormous. It’s easy to worry (I know I did), but all I can say is so far, fingers crossed, it’s worked out fine. I believe that we’ve now got a good selection of schools round here, and many wonderful teachers – and the diversity of our pupils is something to be celebrated, not feared.
There's a mad, frantic energy to this place
And here, we really are spoiled for choice, in so many ways, with a dizzying and ever-changing selection of places to go, most of them a short buggy-ride away. OK, so we might not get out as often as we’d like, but it’s good to know they’re there. I’ve met lovely people, from all continents, in E9. The food, the art, and the entertainment on offer are all amazing. There’s a mad, frantic energy to this place. You get addicted to the feeling of being where it’s at, even if you’re not really taking part. Often it feels like the centre of the world. The kids seem fine – but then, they’d probably be as happy poking a stick in any drain, or on a trip to any out-of-town shopping centre. It’s hard to let them off the leash, giving them freedom at the same time as keeping them safe – but I think it would be difficult anywhere. At the age at which opinions are formed, I think it’s good to expose them to so much variety, to dwarf them a bit with the realities of the world. Perhaps they’ll grow up global citizens from the start – more likely, they’ll just have a different range of references. In many ways, London kids are lucky – this city is a neverending education. Not that they really seem to notice, yet. Schools, of course, are a big part of it. In Hackney, we won the jackpot, with huge investment in new buildings and rapidly improving results (admittedly from a low starting point), that are now above the national average. Starting your
Perhaps it’s not for everyone. There are big problems, still, and plenty of kids in E9 don’t get the start they deserve. It’s certainly not like the suburbs. The whole world is here – and when I do travel, I find echoes of my high street in almost every country. The hope is that if you embrace it, it will reward you.
There’s more to do with your kids than I can begin to list, but I’ll pick out just a few highlights (pages 14, 15) – I expect you have others of your own. Now, after nearly 20 years, Hackney feels like home and I love it to bits – I think I can say that I’m a town mouse all the way.
Sonia's novel, Three Mothers, is available on Amazon and by order from your local bookshop E9 magazine MARCH 2014 7
My Hackney It’s really hard to imagine that 10 years ago it was a little bit frightening. It was empty and they had no events there, even the fireworks came later. What do you most value about your street? It has a great mix of people and it's quite eccentric. I love the Turkish supermarket round the corner on King Edward's Road with the fruit and veg on display outside. We used to have housing association houses and students living in the street, but now it’s generally more professional families moving in. Children do play out in the street, which is quite unusual.
Gavin and Deborah on their wedding day in 2012
Q&A with artist Gavin Turk and Deborah Curtis, founder of the children's art project, House of Fairytales Gavin and Deborah have lived in Hackney since 2001, moving from Shoreditch, via a friend's spare room, where the couple and their three children camped out for a year. They talked to Julie Daniels about their art, their relationship with E9 and what it means to live here. What drew you to E9? We had friends nearby. We quite liked the street and it was near a bus stop. We'd spent a few weeks looking for a warehouse to buy but ended up buying a Victorian house. It was between two amazing parks – Victoria Park and London Fields. Victoria Park is so different now. 8 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
Does the area influence your work? Gavin: I got quite influenced by people who were rough-sleeping and that close-knit social society and maybe that’s been more of an impact on me than living in Hackney as such. But there is a kind of pattern, a kind of social way of being here, which I’m sure does influence how I think and make my work. Deborah: The rich source of artistic networks is extraordinary in Hackney, so it’s been very easy on that level. By being able to represent some artists with the House of Fairytales, as well as getting the support of better known artists, we’re able to use that resource, either financial or goodwill, in doing the work that we really like doing. What makes you most proud? Gavin: It’s difficult to think in those terms – about feeling proud of work you’ve made, but the Nail at St Paul’s (above right) is a large object which is open and available and "on" all the time, so I suppose that’s a bit different to most of my other work. Other work mostly isn’t open or accessible. The Nail is there all the time. What are you working on now? Deborah: House of Fairytales is working with landscape designer Daniel Lobb to create Breaker's Yard, a garden of the imagination
My Hackney at Sutton House. It’s going to feature a doubledecker caravan with a stately home inside it called “The Grange”. Children will be able to explore the wildlife garden, and container allotments, and surreal play spaces. Gavin: I've got a book coming out called This is not a book about Gavin Turk, due to be published in a couple of months. Best coffee in these parts? Gavin: At the moment we’re enjoying the Pavilion Café, Victoria Park. I think it’s absolutely brilliant. Deborah: The café on the corner next to Last Tuesday Society, Mare Street (Hackney Bureau, see review on p26). And I’m really fond of the Corner Café on the corner of Westgate Street. What’s the best thing about E9? Deborah: It's a fantastic place to bring up children. Schools are transforming – they're now so much better. Teenagers are free to roam. There is a young people’s culture that as parents you don’t notice so much. They grow up and are a bit streetwise, which helps you go through life. It’s really important to get out though and give them some nature, some wilderness. What do you do at the weekend? Gavin: When we're here, we sometimes go to Springfield Park. We do go to Broadway Market, although it’s hard to move. There was a time we’d go there and
it would be full of people we knew, but now it’s just full of people. We try and go to the Hackney Empire but we don’t go as much as we should. There’s a lot of good things in the area. My studio’s in Hackney Wick so I'm there every day. Hackney’s best-kept secret? Gavin: There’s a mulberry tree in Victoria Park; you can pick the berries off it and eat them. Deborah: Some of my happiest memories of the last few years have been of the children sitting in the magnolia tree (near the mulberry tree). Another secret is "Star Trek Steve" (a local guy who wears a trekkie outfit). We wonder what's in his backpack. Where do go to chill out? We like to hang out with the gorgeous people who live in the area that we don't get to see much of. E9 in a word? Gavin: Home. Even if I left and moved somewhere else, it would always feel like home to me. Deborah: Eccentric. If E9 were human, what sort of person would it be? Gavin: Someone with a strong identity but who refuses to disclose what that identity is. Deborah: It's clearly Doctor Who because it’s classic, stylish, futuristic and transformative.
An “outstanding” independent school for children aged 3 to 11.
Sewardstone Road, Victoria Park, London E2 9JG. www.gatehouseschool.co.uk 020 8980 2978 E9 magazine MARCH 2014 9
Sing Dance Act
─ with Stagecoach Hackney Advertorial
Two-week introductory offer: £25 Early Years and £50 Main School
I
t’s Friday afternoon at The Urswick School in Hackney, and just after 4pm the youngest students, aged between 4 and 6, who make up the Early Stages group, begin to arrive and excitement grows ahead of their class at Stagecoach Hackney. Principal Gary Hughes asks the children to line up and the register is taken, then they are straight into their hour-and-half class with teacher, Jessica. The group have their own room in the school and cover the three disciplines of singing, dancing and acting in the one lesson. They're preparing for the endof-term show, which is about the importance of friendship and carries a strong anti-bullying message.
10 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
The children are enjoying the opportunity to learn choreographed songs and everyone has the chance to hone their singing, dancing and acting skills. The next group of students to arrive are the Main School, aged between 6 and 18, and this group has a wide range of ages and abilities. The day starts with Principal Gary informing students of the latest Stagecoach Hackney news and with the endof-term performance fast approaching there is lots to discuss. The students are then split into their respective age groups, which allows the teachers to concentrate on teaching classes
Sing Dance Act
─ with Stagecoach Hackney Advertorial
that are suited to the age of the students in them. Each group receives one hour each of teaching in the three disciplines covered; dance, acting and singing. The students are currently working towards their end-of-term performances and the theme is Myths and Mythology.
repertoire and Stage 3 responds well to an African song with challenging rhythms and harmonies.
Drama teacher Julie has chosen each group’s subject to help develop specific areas of the students’ abilities. The youngest group is currently exploring stylised movement and chanting through the characterisation of a chosen animal. They are encouraged to work as a team and you can really see members of each group helping others to develop their roles.
They are a very confident set of young children, who feel comfortable working together. However, not all students who attend Stagecoach will be so confident at first, and Stagecoach Hackney is keen to help students develop this.
The dance classes are working on one individual song which has a direct link to their theme of Myths and Mythologies. The middle age group, Stage 2 of Main School, are developing their routine to the song Zero to Hero from Hercules. The class is concentrating on using the medium of dance to tell the story of Hercules and you can see a clear increase in ability as the age groups move higher. Paul, the singing teacher, is teaching the Stage 3 class, who are the oldest set of Main School student. He is ambitious with the choice of
Many of these children will be hoping to study performing arts at higher education and the tuition at Stagecoach will prove invaluable.
Stagecoach is a fantastic place for children to learn about performing arts, and the smiles and the excitement on their faces as they leave are a reminder of how enjoyable Stagecoach is for everyone.
www.stagecoach.co.uk/hackney
VOUCHER FREE T-SHIRT
This voucher entitles the bearer to a free t-shirt on booking a term at Stagecoach Hackney Contact Gary on 020 3222 5544 or email hackney@stagecoach.co.uk Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. This voucher is redeemable at Stagecoch Hackney only
E9 magazine MARCH 2014 11
Noticeboard Memory trawl
Stephen Harmer, the Victoria Park outreach officer, is compiling a document about the park's history and how it has changed over the years. He will then be putting this document on the website and also having a physical copy in the hub for the public to view.
Check out Hackney Forge There's so much going on here, for kids and grown-ups, from kickboxing to yoga. Info at www.hackneyforge.com
Well Street Common Festival So, if you have any stories or memories of the park, especially about things that have changed, Stephen would love to hear about them. Bonus points go to anyone who has old photos that he could scan, especially if these include things that have changed. Email stephen.harmer@ towerhamlets.gov.uk with any information or questions.
Everyone for tennis
Adult social tennis, women only tennis, junior community tennis sessions, junior invitation development squads – all available at the tennis courts in 12 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
Sunday, 6 June will be here before you know it, so if anyone is interested in helping out or participating, please do contact the organisers via www.wellstreetcommon.co.uk
Bandstand bonanza
Thanks to Currells Residential, Victoria Park Friends Group will again be putting on concerts at the bandstand throughout the summer.
the East Park (near the new Hub and bowling green). Book online at www. towerhamletstennis.org.uk/victoriapark or call 020 7193 8933.
Noticeboard Noticeboard Grow your own
Fancy getting involved in learning about and growing vegetables, fruit and flowers right here on your doorstep? Join Vickie's Veggie Growing Project with the Victoria Park Friends group. Currently meeting every Thursday and Sunday from 2-4pm. There are caulis, peas, radish, parsley, broad beans and five fruit trees, so roll on Spring for lots of new planting. Opening hours will increase as the days get lighter, so keep an eye out for the notices on the park gates.
Know about The Yard?
The ubertrendies among you will have long-since discovered the gem that is The Yard Theatre, Hackney Wick. A profit-sharing 130-seat theatre made from recycled materials. There is a huge selection of performances throughout March and beyond. The Yard says it's about "new ideas, new writing and the live event". Oh, and there's a great bar and kitchen. Go check it out. www.theyardtheatre.co.uk, enquiries@the-yard.co.uk
Weekly events
Image courtesy of Supertrooper, FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Meet in the East Park in the compound between the model boating lake and the running track; the old "whitening sheds". All are welcome.
Tuesdays: Swing dance classes at the Royal Inn on the Park. www.swingpatrol.co.uk/venues/ victoriapark/ Thursdays: Victoria Park Players performing Panto to Shakespeare. Meet at Royal Inn on the Park. jenifer@sublimeshop.co.uk Sundays: St John of Jerusalem Festival Chorus. The choir welcomes new members and is open to all regardless of age, ethnic background or religion. www.festivalchorushackney.org.uk/
If you would like a community event to be publicised in E9 Magazine, just email julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk E9 magazine MARCH 2014   13
WHAT TO DO Local Libraries
This may not produce screams of excitement, but they always like it when they get there, and it’s great for a rainy day. Hackney Central Library run a kids’ chess club, an under-5 story session and toy library, as well as reading groups for teens and boys. (www.hackney.gov.uk/cl-hackneycentral-main.htm). Homerton is smaller, but also runs a toy library and “book crawl”. And in my experience, any child – even a reluctant reader – will enjoy choosing their own books to take home. Completely free – use it or lose it, as they say. (www.hackney.gov.uk/ cl-homerton-main.htm)
to the east, hipster London Fields to the west, and Mile End Park, which follows the canal to the south. Hop on a bike, wrap up warm, and head off in search of the Spring…
Farms
At City Farms (in South Hackney, or further afield in Spitalfields and Mudchute) you can introduce your kids to the pongs and pleasures of real farm
While you’re in the central library building (on Reading Lane, weirdly), check out the Hackney Museum, which is also free – my kids loved the dressing up clothes.
Children’s Centers
These can be real life-saver if you have children under five. The three in E9 are Wentworth, on Cassland Road (www.wentworth. hackney.sch.uk), Gainsborough, on Berkshire Road (www.gainsborough.hackney.sch.uk/ childrens-centre), and Morningside, on Chatham Place (www.morningside.hackney.sch.uk/ childrens-centre), but there are many others nearby. All of them run drop-in play sessions, and a range of activities and support for families. They are great places, and well worth a try, even if you’re shy – don’t assume it’s not for you!
animals – there are usually a few cute babies at this time of year. www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk
Crafty Kids
Victoria Park is the jewel of the East End, with fantastic playgrounds, three lakes, a couple of cafés and a skate park. But we are surrounded by amazing parks, each with their own special atmosphere.
It isn’t in E9, but well worth the bus ride – we love the free holiday workshops at the Geffrye Museum on Kingsland Road. There are morning and afternoon sessions – arrive half an hour early to sign up. Activities for all age groups include craft, cooking, sewing, film-making and sculpture – plus a nice café and garden. Check the website (www.geffrye-museum.org.uk) for details of the Easter holiday programme.
There's hilly Springfield Park (great for adventurous sledging) and the wild, post-industrial Lea Valley to the north, the epic new Olympic Park
Hackney City Farm runs pottery sessions for children (both after school and on a Sunday) where kids can also use a potter’s wheel, and
Parks (the best in London)
14 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
WITH THE KIDS at Wonderland Ceramics on Victoria Park Road (www.wonderlandceramics.com), children can paint a range of pottery products – great as a special gift for Granny. The Museum of Childhood also runs free craft activities in the holidays. (www.museumofchildhood.org.uk).
Climbing Kids
Kidzmania in E5 is a reliable stop to bounce off a bit of energy, and refuel with tea and chips (www.kidzmania.co.uk).
Musical Youth
There are baby singing and music groups all over the place, but they change quite often too (try the Royal Inn on the Park, the Hackney City Farm, or your nearest Children’s Centre). Once your children are school aged, some of my friends recommend the impressive Hackney Music Development Trust, which runs a Saturday programme for different age groups, as well as occasional holiday projects. Acting Bugs run drama classes at the Forge, and Stagecoach run a three hour singing, dance and drama session (a bit pricey, until your little star hits the big time) at the Urswick School. Piccolo music for babies and toddlers runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the V&A building in Victoria Park, right by the children's playground on Grove Road. The toddler class is at 10am and the baby class at 11am – just drop in. For more info call Stefanie on 07708 451314.
Sporty Kids
I don’t think there are any swimming pools actually in E9, but there are plenty nearby, many of them run by GLL – which offer swimming classes through Better Swim School. Once your little monkeys get a bit bigger, the Mile End Climbing Wall is a good next step (if you can get past the lack of safety nets!) – with a weird, zen-like atmosphere, and wiry hippies hanging upside-down by their toes. (www.mileendwall. org.uk). Circus Skills are even on offer at Circus Space in N1 where they can try out the flying trapeze! (www.circusspace.co.uk). All of these venues charge – see websites for details. Older children might also enjoy Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground and Homerton Grove Adventure Playground, or one of the other (slightly run-down) adventure playgrounds around the area, which make me nostalgic for an earlier (and freer) age of play.
For horse riding or skating, head for Lea Bridge Road on a number 55 bus. We love the Little Socks Gymnastics classes at Lauriston School, although there is a waiting list for younger children. For organised football in Victoria Park try VPU, which runs teams for many age groups – and Ruggerbeez run rugby sessions for children.
If you have a children’s activity you’d like to see listed in a future edition, please call us on 020 8533 1278 or email julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk
E9 magazine MARCH 2014 15
What’s on in March Bird barmy army
Bring your friends and family along and listen to some morning birdsong 1 on Saturday, 1 March. Meet at the V&A building in Victoria Park. To book, please call 020 7364 5393 or email samantha.brewster@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Sing for Syria
Join your local community choir, Victoria Park Singers, and guest groups for a fantastic concert in aid of UNICEF's Children of Syria campaign. They will be performing, along with other Hackney choirs, at St John of Jerusalem on Saturday, 1 March.
Park Events
Want to find out about the numerous commercial events being hosted in Victoria Park this year? Stephen Murray, head of Arts, Parks and Events at LB Tower Hamlets, will be hosting a meeting at St Paul's Church, St Stephen's Road, E3. Tuesday, 11 March from 7pm-8.30pm
11
1
Hedda, Sutton House 17,19,20
Ibsen's Hedda Gabler told in 1 hour 15 mins. Monday,17 March, Wednesday, 19 March and Thursday, 20 March. Price £25.
Entry is free, but there will be a collection, so please do give generously for a great cause. Concert begins at 7pm.
Afternoon of live music
At Chats Palace, Sunday, 2 March 4-8pm. £4 adults; £1 children and £10 for families – on the door in cash. All welcome. Any one interested in performing should email famoustimes@mac.com
2
Clock restoration
Come along to celebrate the restoration of the clock and tower 2 at St John of Jersualem Church, Lauriston Road. Sunday, 2 March at 3.55pm. www.sjoj.co.uk
Ceilidh at Chat's Palace
Join the London Klezmer Quartet for a Barn Dance ─ Yiddish Style. 8 Join the fun on Saturday, 8 March, at 8pm. For more details go to www.chatspalace.co.uk
Table-Top Sale
Come along to Lauriston School, Sunday 9 March from 1pm to 9 5pm. There will be bargains galore and refreshments are available. Proceeds will go towards a new outdoor learning space. To book a table, contact franperera78@ gmail.com or call 07446 900 622. 16 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
COMPETITION To win a pair of tickets to the Hackney Picturehouse, answer this question:
Director of Fantastic Mr Fox, Wes Anderson, set his film in a fictional town based on an English city. Which Picturehouse Cinema cameos on its High Street? Answers by email please to: julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk. The first correct answer to be drawn randomly from emails will receive two free tickets to the Hackney Picturehouse. Please put "Competion" in the email subject field. Competition closes at midnight, 31 March 2014. The editor's decision is final. The prize, a pair of cinema tickets, will be valid for use only at the Hackney Picture house, 270 Mare Street, London, E8 1HE.
St Joseph’s Hospice, your local hospice. Can you help us? • • •
Support - help fund the care we give with a regular donation. Volunteer - you really can help us make a big difference. Join in - take part in one of our exciting fundraising activities.
Contact the fundraising team on 020 8525 6000 or email fundraising@stjh.org.uk to find out more.
St Joseph’s Hospice, Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 4SA
T: 020 8525 6000 E: info@stjh.org.uk www.stjh.org.uk
Founded in 1905 under the care of the Sisters of Charity. Charity No. 1113125
What to eat
Buy the best, seasonal produce and cook it with love, says Rory Perkins
A
s a young child I have vivid memories of lying on the sofa watching cartoons, and being hit with the warm scent of a variety of vegetables being cooked in one steaming pot; my wonderful grandmother doing her very best to feed five annoying mouths. She did a great job. But, oh I hated vegetables. I still shudder at the perfectly cubed mixed veg on a school dinner plate or the random cardboard-tasting pea most often found hiding in a garage samosa near you. Despite these obstacles, I've grown to be a well-rounded vegetable lover. I love eating seasonal vegetables but I romanticise about them. I dream of a bespoke greengrocer who knows all his organic, certified suppliers by name. But it's 7pm, it's raining, I'm on my bike, I'm hungry and I need to cook dinner. I'm in Whitechapel in the BIG Sainsburys and my food morals are a monkey on my back. But just by knowing what's in season and buying that, you do what you can with your food morals. Whenever I can, though, I'll go well out of my way to visit said greengrocer and I urge you to do the same. What's in season this month? In March and April we have kale, purple sprouting broccoli, leeks, chicory, Spring and Winter greens. This is a quick, easy dish I like to make using just a couple of those wonderful seasonal vegetables. 18   E9 magazine MARCH 2014
Rory Perkins is a food writer and manages the Pavilion Cafe in Victoria Park www.the-pavilion-cafe.com
What to eat
With thanks to Rachel Gale for the hand-drawn illustrations. To see more of her design, logo and branding work, go to www.rachelgale.com E9 magazine MARCH 2014   19
Education Advertorial
The best of both worlds? Why the 'diamond' system may be a better way to learn
C
hoosing a school for your child's secondary education is difficult at the best of times, but there is the added question of whether it's best to teach children in a single-sex or co-educational environment. At an independent school not too far from E9, there may be a solution. Forest School is London’s only "diamond" structure school and is one of the very few in the country. This means that while both boys and girls are admitted, they are taught in single-sex classes at key stages of their education. How does it work? From the ages of 4-7, pupils are taught in co-educational classes in the Pre-Preparatory School before moving into single-sex classes within the Preparatory School from the ages of 7-11. From 11-16, our pupils are attached to either the Boys’ or Girls’ School before joining the co-educational Sixth Form at 16. So, Forest is three schools in one: our 1300 pupils are in the Preparatory School, Girls’ School or Boys’ School. The benefits We are able to maximise the benefits of single-sex teaching at different stages of a child’s education. Boys and girls can grow up without the pressures that come from direct competition with the opposite sex in the classroom. However, unlike at single-sex schools, pupils can mix outside the classroom and within the co-curriculum. In the Sixth Form, they are taught wholly together in preparation for life at university. Boys and girls are taught the same curriculum by the same teachers. The diamond structure gives
20 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
our teachers the flexibility to tailor their teaching methods according to both the age and sex of the class. Our public examination results are consistently excellent. Because we are three schools in one, we are able to take advantage of the many positive characteristics of a small school while benefiting from the infrastructure and feel of a much larger school. Forest is an all-through school so families who have both boys and girls of different ages can take advantage of the single drop for the school run. A London school in the Forest Located in Snaresbrook in north east London, the school takes its name from the ancient forest that surrounds it. Pupils are able to enjoy green space and vast playing fields which are more commonly associated with schools located outside major cities. How to get there The school bus service extends to Islington and Hackney, as well as other areas in London and Essex. Public transport links are also strong, with Snaresbrook tube station (Central Line) just a 10 minute walk from the school. The Central Line is, of course, within easy reach of people living in the South Hackney area.
To find out more, or to arrange a visit call 020 8520 1744 or email info@forest.org.uk www.forest.org.uk
CBeebies actress Sam Seager (Bobby, Me Too!) and her team bring brand new fun, interactive drama sessions for under 5’s (and their grown ups) to The Hackney Forge, Victoria Park. Every Wednesday morning.
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See www.actingbugs.co.uk for more information and to book a free taster session!
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Home Collection & Delivery Service 7am-8pm
The Linen Set offer
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from Duvets-Pillows-Blankets
thedoorsteplaundry.com
Duvet Cover & Sheet, ( 2 Pillow cases, ) Lightly Starched
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Make mum's day on Sunday, 30 March From a simple hand-tied arrangement, to elegance in a beautiful vase. Prices start at £24.99
A. G. PRICE www.agpriceflowers.co.uk agpriceflorist@aol.com 020 8986 0250 22 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
Would you like more customers? Grace Montessori School
Advertise here and reach 1000s of local residents and businesses. Prices from just £55
Newly opened nursery, providing authentic Montessori education by a highly experienced teacher. For children aged 2-5 years. Beautiful learning environment with a large secure garden. For more information and registration contact
To find out how advertising in E9 Magazine can benefit your business, call Julie Daniels on
07512 410002
or email julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk
gracemontessorischool@hotmail.co.uk Regent Estate Community Hall, Brougham Road, E8
OFSTED Registered
020 8533 1278
London Fields Fitness Studio
www.londonfieldsspin.com E9 magazine MARCH 2014 23
A dog's life
Follow our essential training tips and life should become more relaxed for you and your dog, says Andy Waterhouse
I
t's often the case that we neglect the essentials. These simple rules may seem obvious but it's good to be reminded to spend more quality time with your dog. ● Play with your dog and have fun. Remember, calm behaviour around your dog evokes calm behaviour in your dog. If you're over-excited, your dog may become over-excited and difficult to control. ● Exercise your dog – he/she needs to burn off excess energy appropriately, not create havoc at home. ● Time spent training your dog, five or ten minutes every day, should be enjoyable for you both and leave your dog calm and responsive. ● Feed your dog good quality food, the less processed and the more natural the better. Good food promotes health and calm behaviour. If you continue to struggle with your dog’s behaviour, seek professional help. Don’t give up on your dog. 24 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
Case study: Taylor, above right with his owner, Bettina, is an American bulldog/mastiff cross. She is anxious when visitors come to the home Taylor was very anxious about visitors – and her anxiety was causing her to bark and make a considerable show of aggression. The first job we had to do was to help her understand that the apartment was her owner’s territory, not hers. So, whilst she would always come to Bettina's aid if she was under any threat, security was not her problem. Taylor needed to know that her owner provided the security of leadership, was in control of events and decisions, and that Taylor’s job was to stay relaxed and off duty. We started by establishing a simple but meaningful sound that said, "Relax. Don’t do that. Leave the decisions to me." (We used a throaty 'baahh' noise.) I taught Bettina how to have her dog stay away from the front door as visitors came and went, and
A dog's life
simply to stay safely out of the way rather than react inappropriately. Next we went out. I taught Bettina a simple technique to communicate through the lead, nice and relaxed, just a quick flick of the wrist, to stop the pulling and remind Taylor her place was by her owner’s side or behind, not in front. Bettina, commented: "Just being shown how to take control of the situation made a huge difference after just one training session. Taylor was still reactive initially whenever someone came to the door, but by my applying the new technique, she relaxed and let me take the lead. In order for Taylor to relax completely and interact with the visitors, I just have to continue with the training and maybe learn additional techniques to make her feel at ease." Here are some general tips for helping with aggression: ● Dogs that show aggression are usually somewhat insecure. Always try to be calm.
● Practise 5 or 10 minutes each day with your dog telling him to sit, stay, come, etc, so your dog is used to responding to your calm direction. ● Always go first through doorways, gateways and narrow spaces – so your dog doesn’t go first to check out the area and be on duty. ● If you are out, hold the lead firmly and keep it short but relaxed. Hold the lead tight and you send tension down the lead. ● Don’t walk in to difficult situations, turn and walk away – and praise your dog for being calm. Next month: Kamal Fernandez gives his advice on how to deal with a dog who pulls on the lead.
Andy is an experienced dog trainer, covering the E9 area. Contact him at andy@barkbusters.co.uk or by freephone 0808 100 4071
The most comprehensive lock-based service available
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020 8986 7921 E9 magazine MARCH 2014 25
Hackney bites This month's great place to eat ...
The Hackney Bureau
The café in a previous incarnation, 2008 Photo of Eddie's Cafe by Emily Webber londonshopfronts.com
N
ow some would say this is technically E8 but as it’s literally on the other side of the pavement from E9, it’s E9 enough for me.
feel a bit nostalgic for it’s previous incarnation as Eddie’s Café; they knew a thing or two about colour and signs and getting noticed.
In fact the only thing that could be said to be tricky about this place is actually seeing it. It’s in the middle of one of those Mare Street drags and they don’t seem to have heard of "God is in the Detail," to quote the great architect Mies van der Rohe. Here it’s the new East End way, where God is not even in a shop sign. It makes you
Even without a shop sign and the speakeasy vibe you’ll know you’re at the right place, because it’s busy. Pretty well always busy. But don’t worry, if you arrive and it seems full, it’s always felt that way to us as well. Go on in anyway, even if you think there’s no room, there will be. Our personal favourite spot is sitting on the high stools at the bar
26 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
Hackney bites overlooking the kitchen. Décor-wise it seems like they have rearranged what was previously tossed out of Eddie’s Kitchen, but it works. This place has become a family favourite for post-swim brunch over the
a bit fussy in the egg department. I like them poached with the yolk runny. Properly runny, not just soft. They cooked them to perfection, and alongside there’s delicious homemade baked beans, sausage, bacon and crispy black pudding. Normally I don’t
and in 2014
past month, clearly we’re not alone in that view, but when you have a great cook at home it can be tricky to find somewhere to eat that keeps us all happy. This place does, which is no mean feat.
really go for black pudding but weirdly I loved it here. Eggs Benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce. We watched the chef make it from our vantage point. There are also daily specials and homemade cakes.
Here’s the list of our favourite things to eat here: Bircher muesli with mixed fresh fruits. This has become one of our most-loved dishes and it’s delicious, especially with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate (depending on your age). The big breakfast which consists of eggs any way you like. For me this is always a serious test of cooking as I’m
It’s great. Give it a try. The staff are friendly, the coffee’s good, they get their bread from the E5 Bakery, the food’s home-cooked and prices reasonable. What’s not to like? Susan Birtwistle hackneybureau.com, 3 Mare Street, London E8 4RP, 020 8533 6083 E9 magazine MARCH 2014 27
Fitness Squats are the king of exercises. They work every muscle in your legs, as well as your bum and abs.They can also help with balance, flexibility, mobility and fat burning. Roger Love, of London Fields Fitness Studio, explains how it's done How to do squats: 1) Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips. 2) Face your knees and toes in the same direction. 3) Tighten your stomach by pulling your bellybutton toward your spine. 4) Inhale as you bend your knees and lower your hips. Make the first movement with your hips – stick your bum out. 5) Keep your chest lifted. Don't fold in half. Keep your feet flat to the floor. 6) Lower your hips until your thighs are approximately parallel with the floor – or as low as you can reach without discomfort. In the long-term, you may go deeper. Bring your arms up for balance. 7) Your knees should still be following your toes, and your knees should not go beyond the front of your toes. 8) Exhale as you straighten your legs and bring your arms down to your side to return to the start position. Next month: how to do perfect push-ups
www.londonfieldsfitness.com 28 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
Fitness The 30-day squat challenge, to be done in one go Day 1
50 squats
Day 16
REST
Day 2
55 squats
Day 17
150 squats
Day 3
60 squats
Day 18
155 squats
Day 4
REST
Day 19
160 squats
Day 5
70 squats
Day 20
REST
Day 6
75 squats
Day 21
180 squats
Day 7
80 squats
Day 22
185 squats
Day 8
REST
Day 23
190 squats
Day 9
100 squats
Day 24
REST
Day 10
105 squats
Day 25
220 squats
Day 11
110 squats
Day 26
225 squats
Day 12
REST
Day 27
230 squats
Day 13
130 squats
Day 28
REST
Day 14
135 squats
DAY 29
240 squats
Day 15
140 squats
Day 30
250 squats
That toned, lithe, happy, healthy-looking person you clocked in Broadway Market? One of ours Personal training & pay-as-you-go classes: circuits, boot camps, Zumba, kids’ karate, boxing, yoga & hula www.londonfieldsfitness.com E9 magazine MARCH 2014 29
Hackney histories What’s on
The story of Henry Jelley, Homerton's doctor in a hurry
I
'm sure you’ve heard of speed dating, or even speed networking, but did you ever hear of speed diagnosing? Well, in 1911, the eccentric "threepenny doctor" of Homerton, Dr Henry Percy Jelley, became famous for doing just that. His Hackney-based surgery provided a valued service to a working population that could barely afford to visit a doctor and certainly had no NHS or any other public health service to fall back on. Speedy diagnosis for little money was what was required and Dr Jelley was the man for the job. Boasting that he could treat "137 patients in 100 minutes", the demand for his attention was great, and hundreds of patients would call on his help every day. With less than a minute to form a diagnosis, Jelley would bark out his questions in rapid succession. According to a New York Times reporter who visited his surgery in 1912, Jelley was a fierce character, with no time to waste. "What is it?," he shouted at one particular patient. "I have a choking feeling in the throat," the man replied. "Have you also a pain in the stomach – a tightness?," the doctor asked. The man nodded (perhaps a little afraid of giving the wrong answer), and was immediately shown the door to the medicine department, where one of his assistants would mix a potion for dyspepsia, wrap it and hand it over to the patient, presumably in exchang for the threepenny fee. "Next," he barked, wrote the visiting American reporter, and a female patient, 30 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
Where Dr Jelley held his surgery
complaining of faintness, shortness of breath and palpitations, was asked, "have you had rheumatic fever?" "Yes," she replied, and received treatment for a "lesion of the heart". And so it went on. Patient after patient being seen in a matter of minutes, diagnosis sorted, treatment administered. He was one of Hackney’s earlier eccentrics, and seemed to be much loved by the locals. In fact, 7,000 people (mainly women and chlldren) turned up to St Barnabas Church, Homerton, for his wedding to Florrie Glenham, a former patient, local girl and daughter of a shoemaker. Another story describes him riding around the streets of Hackney in a horse and cart and offering money to any girl who would be willing to marry his son. If only speed-dating had been around in the early 20th Century.
Alf Marshall and Julie Daniels
THANK YOU FROM
to everyone who cooked, swept, washed, drove, swam, ran, sang, played chess, played football, stayed up late, got up early to help Hackney’s homeless. Our volunteers and supporters helped us to provide warm shelter, hot meals and the opportunity to access more permanent accommodation to over 50 homeless people this winter from 1 November to 31 March.
Couldn’t have done it without you! Donate to HWNS on our website www.hwns.org.uk Follow us on Twitter @hackneywns Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/HackneyNightShelter Hackney Winter Night Shelter is a Hackney Doorways project. Registered Charity number 1139183.
E9 magazine MARCH 2014 31
What’s on in March - April MARCH Fitzwilliam String Quartet
The Sutton House Music Society's renowned quartet-in-residence 23 returns. Mozart, Haydn Tchaikovski, Sibelius. Optional free tour of Sutton House at 2pm. Sunday, 23 March at 3pm. Adult £10, concession £0 (Under 26), concession £8 (OAP/JSA). Info: 07505 609757, suttonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk
Hackney Proms
23
The Cosmic Jazz Combo play jazz from the screen. Sunday, 23 March at 11.30am Stoke Newington Town Hall. www.hackneyproms.co.uk
Bright Club
National Trust staff and experts turn comedians for one night. Sutton House, Tuesday, 25 March 7.30pm. Adults £8, concession £6 (student). More information: 020 8986 2264 suttonhouse@ nationaltrust.org.uk
25
Haydn the Creation
The Hackney Singers perform Haydn's classic at St John at 29 Hackney, Lower Clapton Road E5, Saturday, 29 March. Tickets are £14 and £10 concessions. Book online at www.hackneysingers.org.uk
Mother's Day, Sutton House
Make planted containers from recycled materials. Discover local 30 urban wildlife and create your own fox mask and bird wings. Sunday, 30 March. Info: 020 8525 9066, gemma.bending@ nationaltrust.org.uk
Memoryscape History Walk
Come and join the Community Rangers on a recorded audio trail 30 around the park. Limited spaces available. Meet at the Hub Building. Sunday, 30 March 10-12 noon. To book a place: 020 7364 7968 or email samantha.brewster@ towerhamlets.gov.uk 32 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
The Acid, Chat's Palace
The debut show from LA-based singer-songwriters and British 31 dance producer. £10. To book a place, call: 020 7364 7968 www.chatspalace.co.uk
APRIL Dvorak Stabat Mater
St John of Jerusalem Festival Chorus, local community choir, 6 perform Dvorak Stabat Mater, Sunday, 6 April. Info: www. festivalchorushackney.org.uk
Index of advertisers Acting Bugs
21
A G Price 22 Birtwistle & Co
33
Doorstep Laundry & Dry Cleaner
21
Empire Security Ltd
25
English on the Park
33
Forest School
2
Gatehouse School
9
Grace Montessori School
23
Hackney Winter Night Shelter
31
London Fields Fitness
29
London Fields Spin
23
Nutshell Video 35 100cl 33 St Joseph's Hospice
17
Sovereign House 36 Stagecoach 11 Victoria Park Plumber
21
& Co
SMALL . INDEPENDENT . GREEN High quality, Italian wines and oils. Boxed. www.100cl.co.uk
Bespoke Kitchens & Renovations Contact me at toby.birtwistle@me.com
IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH
E9 Magazine A truly local publication delivered free, every month, to thousands of households, shops and cafés
w i th
English on the park
English lessons around Victoria Park and Hackney Wick.
CETLA qualified teacher with 3 years’ experience, plus degrees in English.
A targeted, cost-effective way to get your business noticed
I can help you with general English, fluency, conversational English, exam preparation (IELTS/FCE/CAE), and job applications.
020 8533 1278 sales@nutshellpublications.co.uk
Prices start at £20/hour. Discounts given for booking a block. nikkisdudley@hotmail.co.uk
E9 magazine MARCH 2014 33
Useful numbers
E9
March 2014
magazine
Your free guid e to what's happening
Police
Emergency 999 Non-emergency 101 Safer Neighbourhood 020 8721 2937
Utilities
Gas - emergency Electrical - power loss Thames Water
0800 111 999 0800 404090 0872 435 5973
Hackney Council numbers
020 8356 3000 020 8356 3154 020 8356 8877 020 8356 6688
Local councillors/MP
Local councillors (Victoria) 020 8356 3373 MP (Meg Hillier) 020 7219 5325
Library
Hackney Central Library 020 8356 4358
Park Services (24/7) Victoria Park rangers
Travel
National Rail Enquiries Congestion Charge Transport for London
Vet:
Goddard's, Well Street Wanstead Veterinary Hospital
areas
Issue 1
NHS Direct 111 Homerton Hospital 020 8510 5555 London Hospital 020 7377 7000 Clockwork Pharmacy 020 8985 1717
Victoria Park
Get fit for Spring
in E9 and the surrounding
E9 Magazine is proud to support local businesses. If you do contact someone after seeing their advertisement on these pages, please mention it to them when you call. E9 magazine
Health
General number Council tax enquiries Parking enquiries Waste removal
Q&A with artist, Gavi n Turk A parent's guide to E9
020 8985 5699 020 8985 1957
08457 484950 0343 222 2222 0343 222 1234
020 8986 3918 020 8989 7744
34 E9 magazine MARCH 2014
Issue March 2014.indd
1
24/02/2014
13:07:57
Thinking of advertising? The magazine is delivered to 4,000 households in the area every month, and a further 1,000 copies are distributed to local shops, restaurants and cafés. Readership will run into thousands more. The magazine is full of useful information and is a handy guide to local businesses and services, as well as what's on in the area. It is therefore a very effective way to promote your business to a targeted, local audience. If you would like to advertise, please contact Julie Daniels at: T: 020 8533 1278 E: julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @E9magazine Find us on Facebook: facebookcom/ E9magazine
Next issue ─ April Copy deadline ─ 11 March
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