E9
September 2014
New term, new school: Mossbourne Academy Q&A with opera singer Emma Dogliani
Gardening: how to build a bug hotel Recipe: Pesto tart with tomatoes
magazine
Your free guide to what's happening in E9 and the surrounding areas
Issue 7
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Welcome to your local magazine
Dear neighbours
CONTENTS
September already? Where did the holidays go? I hope you all had a great summer and enjoyed the (mostly) good weather and chill-out time.
4
Feature: Mossbourne Academy
6
Q&A: opera singer Emma Dogliani
In this month's edition we have a feature on the newly opened Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (p4), and if you're interested in taking a look inside, you're welcome to attend the open day on 8 October. Our Q&A is with local soprano Emma Dogliani, who has sung at Covent Garden, in Rome with Placido Domingo, from the tops of mountains and across the gardens of Hackney (p6). There are our usual fitness, restaurant review and dog columns, and this month our gardening contribution is from Loraine Hourdebaigt of Growing Concerns, who teaches the kids (and us) how to make a simple bug hotel.
8
Noticeboard
10
What to do with the kids
12
What's on in September (1-10)
14
What to eat: summer pesto tart with tomatoes
16
What’s on in September (11-18)
18
September calendar
20
Gardening: how to make a bug hotel
24
We are E9: Well Street businesses
26
Fitness challenge: how to do pull-ups
28
A dog’s life: nutrition
30
Hackney bites: Lucky Chip review
32
What’s on in September (20-28)
33
Index of advertisers
34
Useful numbers
Plus, regular contributor Sonia Lambert nipped down to Well Street to meet some shopkeepers, old and new (p24) and, as ever, there's our comprehensive what's on guide to theatre, events, outdoor activities and keeping the kids entertained. Oh, and the summer pesto tart with tomatoes is delicious. Try it!
Julie Julie Daniels T: 020 8533 1278 E: julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk W: www.nutshellpublications.co.uk @E9magazine facebook.com/E9magazine
To advertise in E9 Magazine, please contact Julie on 020 8533 1278 or email julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk for further information. Deadline for October edition is 12 September (please allow an extra two days if design is required). Nutshell Publications cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions, or endorse companies, products or services that appear in this magazine. 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 SEPTEMBER 2014 3
A new school for E9 Advertorial
Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy is open for business. Principal Nicholas Rutherford discusses what’s on offer at South Hackney’s newest school
T
en years ago, in another part of Hackney, Mossbourne Community Academy opened its doors to the first year group. This summer, many of the 80 per cent of that year group who went to university are graduating to their degrees – and in some of the finest universities in the country. In the decade that has passed, Mossbourne has become one of the most talked about and 4 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
respected academies in the country; praised by parents, Ofsted and Prime Ministers for its students’ outstanding record of excellence in everything they do. This September, Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy opened its doors to the first cohort of 125 students. The site, adjacent to Well Street
A new school for E9 Advertorial Common, will provide an inspirational educational setting. The neogothic 19th-century building has been completely refurbished so that it maintains its heritage character, while offering fully modern classrooms and ICT. Alongside this beautiful listed building, a new block has been constructed, and is due to be completed by the end of October. This state-ofthe-art building will house a sports hall, science laboratories, art and music rooms, as well as an auditorium and ICT suites. All Mossbourne Academies are characterised by a belief that everyone can improve at everything. From the newest student to the most experienced member of staff, everybody is pushed to be the best they can be and to fulfil their potential. This means our teachers are fully qualified subject experts who are always looking to hone, adapt and improve the way they deliver lessons. In fact, we take the training of our staff so seriously that, once a week, students finish slightly early so that staff can spend time on professional development. It also means that we expect our students to come to school wanting to get the most out of every day of their education. To foster independence – which, along with curiosity, is perhaps the most important skill we can teach our students – we have structured the school day to include time for independent work. These prep sessions, which will run each day after lunch, will give students the opportunity to practise skills such as note-making, revision and preparatory reading and research – as well as a chance to complete assessed work. Another key component of developing students’ independence is their ability to speak confidently. That is why we are an Oratory Specialism Academy. The art of public speaking requires
confidence and technique, as well as the ability to research and reflect on the material one is to deliver. The ability to speak confidently and persuasively is not only an important life skill, it feeds into students’ learning. When students can talk about what they are learning, when they can discuss their own strengths and areas for improvement, then they become more aware of their own development and of how to control it. We are holding an Open Evening on Wednesday, 8 October, so if you are interested in seeing the new school, or want to know more about what makes Mossbourne Academies special, we look forward to meeting you.
Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy, Victoria Park Road, London, E9 7HD www.mvpa.mossbourne.org E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 5
My Hackney Hackney Proms, and has herself organised a number of community opera peformances including at the Hackney Empire. For the past year she has been doing regular chamber music concerts at Rich Mix in Shoreditch, with E9 violinist Kate Conway and their classical band three4 (see p8).
Q&A with opera singer Emma Dogliani Although we had never met in person until this interview, Emma and I live within singing distance of each other and I’ve had the pleasure of her beautiful voice floating across the gardens in our part of E9 for many years now, writes Julie Daniels. She is very much part of the Hackney community and took time out from her busy schedule to chat about her passion for music – and for Hackney. Born in Birmingham, Emma grew up surrounded by music. Her father was a mathematician but played piano for many hours in the day. Emma learnt to play piano herself from the age of six and always enjoyed singing with her dad accompanying her. She moved to London in 1985 to go to music college and has worked here as a freelance soprano ever since. She moved to Hackney in 1994 and as well as concert and opera work in the UK and abroad, she often performs locally. She sings solos for Hackney Festival Chorus concerts at St John of Jerusalem, Sutton House Music Society, 6 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
What drew you to E9? In 1994 this part of Hackney was really affordable and we were able to buy a house in Southborough Road. It had been on the market for a year or so and was a very reasonable price. At the time, the old Kingshold estate was all boarded up and it was uncertain if or when it would be demolished, so no one wanted the house. We were living in Willesden at the time and my husband Sergio was already working in Tower Hamlets, so it made sense to move nearer. I liked the park when we first looked around but I didn’t really appreciate what a great place it would be to live and bring up the kids. I’m so glad we moved here. What do you love about where you live? That’s easy. The people. I’ve made the best friends of my life here. There are so many people with all kinds of interests. Whatever you need to know or whatever kind of mood you are in, there is a person to chat to or get advice or help from. I love the freedom of the place, and the general acceptance of all types of people here. I also love the busyness, the edgyness, along with the quieter side. The park is hugely important to me. Even now, and the kids are older, I still go there most days; sometimes with friends, sometimes to walk, jog, meditate, or study whatever music I am learning. I also love the lido and Hackney Picturehouse, both a short walk from home. Does the area influence your work? I met my colleague, violinist Kate Conway, here when she was teaching my daughter violin. We first worked together putting on a Russian concert at St John of Jerusalem church. I would say that working with Kate, organising community events in East London, and performing in concerts with groups such as the Hackney Proms or Hackney Festival Chorus, have all made me think that classical music need not be set in formal venues. Neither should it be too serious, or have too high
My Hackney a ticket price. Locally, we get to perform to a much greater mix of people than when I sing in big theatres or concert halls, and I really like this. Also being close up to the audience like at my current Rich Mix gigs is a much more intense experience for both the musicians and audience. How does E9 compare to other areas? The way the shops, pubs and cafés are grouped together near to the park or the common or London Fields, so that there are loads of really lovely busy areas where people tend to sit or stand about and are not just rushing from A to B. If you pop out to buy something you are bound to meet someone you know. We have an amazing amount of green space considering we are in London. The transport is great, too and we got rid of our car a year ago and have hardly missed it. What makes you most proud? My three children Zaki, Izzy and Rocco, who are growing into the most amazing young adults. In my work, I feel proud that I am still developing as a singer and musician and am singing better now than ever before. I am proud to have sung solo roles at Covent Garden, and in Rome with Placido Domingo. I’m also proud to have sung arias on the top of mountains, on a steamer on Ullswater, at local schools, St John of Jerusalem church and Rich Mix Bar, and I enjoy and value all these experiences equally. It also gives me satisfaction when I hear a child who I have taught from scratch playing the piano or singing beautifully. Oh yes, and I do a 10-minute plank six times a week! What are you working on? At the moment I’m learning music for our Rich Mix gig on 18 September; a role from Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito, which I am performing for Midsummer Opera in November; preparing Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate, which I’m singing, along with Beethoven Mass in C and Haydn Te Deum at St John of Jerusalem on 7 December (admission Is free), and repertoire for a Hackney Proms concert on 16 January. I’m also looking for other venues for three4 to play, as well as working on promoting our regular Rich Mix slots. Best coffee in these parts? Married to an Italian it has to be at home. I do like a café though, and am spoilt for choice around
here. The Corner Café is my local but I am still also loyal to Elbows which I spent a lot of time in when my kids were at Lauriston School. What do you do at the weekend? I teach weekend mornings, then it depends what my familly are up to or if I have a concert. If I’m not working I usually read the paper, go round the park, see friends or extended family, see a film or eat, hang out or watch Nordic Noir with Serg. Where do you eat out? I’m really spoilt as Serg is an amazing cook, so we tend to eat in. But we do love Anatolia Turkish restaurant on Mare Street, or fish and chips in the park when it’s hot. As a birthday treat we went to the amazing Buen Ayre, on Broadway market, which was delicious and we had enough food left over to bring back and feed the kids next day! The best thing about where you live? I love my house and that although it is such a lively borough, it is in such a quiet street. I actually disrupt that by practising, teaching and rehearsing at home, but luckily my neighbours are incredibly nice about it. Is there anything you would change? I wish the Pavilion Café would get rid of their “only proper milk from Kent cows” policy and stock some fully skimmed so I could eat more cake. Hackney’s best-kept secret? Lahmacun for under £2 from Tad on Mare Street for lunch or dinner. Also the shoe repair man opposite Lidl is amazing. He can mend anything and always has classical music on if you wait! If Hackney were human? He or she would be big, welcoming, easygoing, arty, noisy, angy and sad at times, but generally happy. Hackney in a word? Embracing.
The next Rich Mix gig is 18 September Go to www.emmadogliani.com for details E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 7
Noticeboard Feeling lucky?
Local author Chris Hill is signing her new children’s book at Victoria Park Books on Saturday, 6 September, from 4pm. Inspired by Victoria Park, it’s about little Lucky, a lost red squirrel who needs some good fortune when he finds himself among bigger, tougher grey squirrels. Chris’s daring animal adventure story is “spine-tingling... with lots of humour,” says young reviewer Alivse, aged 9. Come along for some refreshments, reading and fun. Victoria Park Books, 174 Victoria Park Road, E9 7HD.
Moving meditation
Tai Chi's benefits include stress management, increased circulation and mobility, flexibility and strength. It also creates a sense of focus and calm. If you're interested in taking part, sessions are on Tuesday afternoons and Sunday mornings in Well Street Common. Call Mal on 07767 844130 or email for more details: mal.reding@btinternet.com
A rich mix of talent
Get up close and personal with E9’s very own and very talented voice, violin and piano trio, three4. If you like your classical music delivered with intimacy and passion, this is the gig for you. three4 love informal settings and have great fun performing. The gig will feature
Captions
music by Handel, Telemann, Bizet and much more. This will be a very special evening and a great introduction to classical music if it’s not something you normally seek out. Thursday, 18 September, 8pm at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA. Bar open from 7.30pm. Tickets £12, or £10 in advance or concessions. Under 18s, £5. Book at www.richmix.org.uk, or call the box office on 020 7613 7498.
Fancy a forage?
Hackney Harvest help design, plant and maintain community orchards. If you want to help out or find out more, go to www.hackneyharvest.com 8 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
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E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 9
WHAT TO DO Reading
Children’s Centers
Get under 5s into the habit of reading at the new Victoria Park Community Centre. Parents and children welcome at the Peabody Reading Scheme launch on Saturday, 6 September from 11am to 3pm. Venue: 5 Gore Road, next to St Agnes Gate.
Kicking
Don’t forget libraries, we have quite a few of them in this part of town. While we’re talking books, why not try Chatterbooks Reading Dragons, a reading group for boys? If you’re aged between 8 and 12 and enjoy reading, quizzes, competitions and games, then this may be up your street. This month’s book is Shoutykid: How Harry Riddles Made a Mega-Amazing Zombie Movie, by Simon Mayle. Call in at Hackney Central Library on Thursday, 18 September, 4-5pm, to join in the fun. www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries-whats-on.htm
There’s still time to see The Museum of Childhood exhibition “The Story of Jacqueline Wilson”, a must-see for Tracy Beaker fans. Until November.
Art
Artist Katherine Tulloh runs an art club for children in her home ─ or at nearby Well Street Common if the weather is fine. Classes take place after school in term time only. Sessions for 5-7-year olds are on Tuesdays, 4pm-5pm, and for 8-11-year-olds, on Mondays, 4pm-5.30pm. Call Katherine on 07909 961 877 or email her at katherine@herechickychicky.com
Cycling
Cycling Club Hackney run Saturday morning coaching sessions for their 8-13-year-old members.There’s also a group for 13+ development riders. Meet 10am at the club HQ, 6 Olympus Square, Nightingale Estate, E5. Cost £2.00. CCH are also offering coaching to 6-8-yearolds on Saturday mornings. Note: there are limited spaces and parents must stay with their child. For membership details, go to the website: www.cyclingclubhackney.co.uk 10 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
The three centres in E9 are Wentworth (the nursery school is in Harrowgate House, Cassland Road, and the children’s centre is in Granard House, Bradstock Road, www.wentworth.hackney. sch.uk), Gainsborough on Berkshire Road (www.gainsborough.hackney.sch.uk/childrenscentre), and Morningside on Chatham Place (www.morningside.hackney.sch.uk/childrenscentre), but there are many others nearby. All of them run drop-in play sessions, and a range of activities and support for families. Monday afternoon Kickboxing for 3-5 and 6-11-year-olds at the Hackney Forge. Call Maria for details on 07872 188 655.
Farms
At city farms (in South Hackney, or further afield in Stepney, Spitalfields and Mudchute) you can introduce your kids to the pongs and pleasures of real farm animals. Stepney City Farm has a great café, as well as a farmers’ market every Saturday from 10am-3pm. www.stepneycityfarm.org, www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk, www.spitalfieldscityfarm.org, www.mudchute.org
Acting
If you’re looking for something a little different to do with your pre-school-age child, try Hackney Forge on a Wednesday morning. Cbeebies actress Samantha Seager runs acting classes for little tots. www.actingbugs.co.uk
History
What was it like being a child all those years ago? From floggings to bed bugs, check out the Great Diary Project at Museum of Childhood, Bethnal Green. Until 12 October.
Dancing
There’s ballet for children at the Hackney Forge on Tuesdays from 4pm-4.45pm. Call Malfalda on 07550 722 693 for details.
WITH THE KIDS Also at the Hackney Forge you’ll find Saturday Street Dance and Musical Theatre classes. 12noon-1pm, 1.15pm-2.15pm and 2.30pm-3.30pm Call Lisa on 07985 945 335 for details.
Hackney Central Library. Why not try it out and see for yourself? All players are welcome – from beginners to the more advanced. (Hackney Library, 1 Reading Lane, E8, 020 8356 4358)
Music
Piccolo music for babies and toddlers runs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the V&A building in Victoria Park. The toddler class is at 10am and the baby class at 11am ─ just drop in. For more info call Stefanie on 07708 451 314. Suzuki Hub runs music lessons for kids (violin, viola, cello or flute), and are having an instrument explorer day at 2pm on Saturday, 20 September. So if you want your child to play an instrument but are unsure which, this could be for you. No need to book. Suzuki Hub, 116 Weymouth Terrace, E2 8LR. www.suzukihub.com.
If you run an activity you would like to see listed in a future edition, please call us on 020 8533 1278 or email julie@nutshellpublications.co.uk
Cinema
Every Saturday morning the Hackney Picturehouse hosts a family-only matinee of a specially chosen children’s film, plus fun activities. From recent blockbusters to classic favourites, Kids’ Club is for children aged 3-12 years. Membership is £4 a year, including the first visit free. Tickets for members and accompanying adults are £1.50 each. Non-members and accompanying adults pay £3.50 each. No adult unaccompanied by a child will be admitted. Also at the Picturehouse, there’s Toddler Time, a great way to introduce pre-school children to the big screen. The programme features 30-minute shows for kids and their parents/carers. Admission is just £3 per child and accompanying adults are free when they become members of Toddler Time (free to join – ask at the Box Office or call 0871 902 5747).
Chess
Chess is the most popular strategy game in the world and a great game for children to learn. If you are aged between 7 and 11 years old and like chess, or would like to learn, contact E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 11
What’s on in September Little Stitches
Tuesday 2 September, 6pm7.30pm, Hackney Central Library. 2 Little Stitches: four plays about FGM (readings). In the UK an estimated 66,000 women have been affected by FGM, and despite being criminalised nearly 30 years ago, there has only been a single prosecution. BAREtruth brings together four writers to explore the human stories behind the statistics. This event is free and open to everyone.
Health Spot
Tuesday 2 September, 12noon2pm. Take advantage of Health Spot’s September blood pressure awareness scheme and get yourself checked out. It could help to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. Venue: Hackney Central Library.
2
Free Family Ceilidh
Saturday, 6 September, 2pm. English Folk Dance and Song Society present a free family ceilidh in the Wenlock Barn at Sutton House. Limited number of free tickets available. Details: EFDSS, 020 7485 2206, info@efdss.org
6
Bird Barmy Army
6
Saturday, 6, September 10am12.30pm. Bring along your friends and family to discover Victoria Park’s birdlife. Venue: V&A building.
Oliva Tweest
Saturday, Sunday, 6-7 September. Hackney Empire, Following a sellout show in the West End last year, the world’s first Afrobeats musical is back for a limited time only. £10-£36, plus booking fee if booked online or over the phone. Go to www.hackneyempire.co.uk or call the box office, 020 8985 2424.
6, 7
These are your Lives
From 9 September to 4 October, 8pm, The Yard Theatre, Hackney Wick. Set in a chat-show studio, identity becomes an illusion and performance compulsive in this darkly humorous investigation of celebrity’s fragmented personas. Incorporating a verbatim script courtesy of Tom Cruise, re-interpreted iconic film scenes and a live choral soundtrack. The Yard Theatre, White Post Lane, E9 5EN. www.theyardtheatre.co.uk 9 Sept4 Oct
Invictus Games
Wednesday, 10 September, 5pm-10pm. Invictus Games 10 Opening Ceremony at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Launched by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games is a new international sports event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women from across 14 nations. The Opening Ceremony will include a fly past from The Red Arrows, displays from The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, bands from the Royal Marines, Army and RAF and much more. www.invictusgames.org/ticket-info/ Admission from £49. What’s on continued on p16.
The most thorough carpet cleaning you’ve ever seen – or it’s FREE! Call us for a free consultation today – 020 3390 9978 12 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 13
What to eat
Food photographer Rhowena MacCuish indulges her passion for well-sourced food in this simple recipe using British tomatoes
A
Scottish-born farmer’s daughter lured to London by the bright city lights, I managed to carve out a successful career in the media. I took the leap into full-time photography around a year and half ago, waving goodbye to a healthy salary, paid holidays, pension and bonuses. Food has been a massive part of my life for a very long time. I learnt to bake from the age of seven; I love the process of putting ingredients together and learning how different cooking methods and combinations create different results, and I’ve even started learning how to grow my own organic vegetables. And of course I love eating food. So when I realised that food could work commercially in photography it was a natural fit. Something that is incredibly important to me is understanding where food comes from and how it’s produced; something I think we should all be paying close attention to. Growing up, I took it for granted that we ate organic potatoes from the 14 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
garden, hill lamb and grass-fed beef, this was just the way food was made. And hunting for eggs was not just something that happened at Easter. My aim is to work with food producers in support of ethical, well-sourced food, get people eating quality food again and raising awareness with Scrumptious Food Photography. So why not start with this delicious Italian summer pesto tart using in-season British tomatoes?
Summer pesto tart with tomatoes – serves 6 Method Take a big handful of basil leaves, wash, dry and tear them up with your hands. Mix the basil into the flour with a pinch of salt. Add the cold unsalted butter and rub the flour, basil and butter between
What to eat
your fingers and thumbs until you have crumbs, or use a food processor. Pour in about 50ml of cold water, mix again briefly until a ball of dough is formed, wrap in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 180C°. Roll out the dough until it’s 2-3mm thick. Line a 20-22cm tart mold pan and blind bake the pastry casing by placing oven paper and dried beans on top of it and baking in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove beans and oven paper and cook for another 10 minutes, keeping an eye on the pastry to ensure it doesn’t burn. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
While the pastry is baking, wash the tomatoes and pat dry. Cut the larger tomatoes into slices and halve the plum and cherry tomatoes. Place the tomatoes in a bowl and toss with three tablespoons of olive oil, the lemon zest and garlic. Let them marinate in a cool place for about 20 minutes. Strain juices from the marinated tomatoes, reserving both. Mix the Robiola/soft cheese with a pinch of salt, two thirds of the toasted pine nuts (you can use toasted walnuts, too), pecorino/cheddar and reserved tomato marinade. Spread the cheese mix on the bottom of the tart. Arrange the mix of sliced tomatoes on top, add salt, sprinkle with the remaining pine nuts and serve, garnished with the remaining basil. Recipe provided by Jennifer Ryan Illustrations by Rachel Gale, www.rachelgale.com Photography by Rhowena MacCuish, www.scrumptiousfoodphotography.com E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 15
What’s on in September Ghost from a Perfect Place
From Thursday, 11 September to 11 October, 7.30pm. Multi award11 winning playwright Philip Ridley returns to the Arcola with his contemporary classic Ghost From A Perfect Place, a scorchingly dark comedy where a monster from the past meets the monsters of the present. Arcola Theatre, Go to www.arcolatheatre.com or call the box office, 020 7503 1646.
Rhythm Junction
Saturday, 13 September, 2pm. Rhythm Junction London: A one13 day festival of live vintage swing music and dancing. Rhythm Junction will transport audiences back to the hot jazz of the 1920s and through to the jump jive of the 1950s, as they don their best shirts and dresses to take to the hall’s wooden dance floor. Advance tickets £30. Round Chapel Old School Rooms, Powerscroft Road, E5 0LY. Go to www. rhythmjunction.co.uk or call 020 8533 9676.
Strictly Come Laughing
Sunday, 14 September, 7.30pm. A side-splitting night of laughter featuring an all-star line-up of 11 comedians, including Stephen K Amos and Richard Blackwood. £15-£24.50 plus booking fee if booked online or over the phone. www.hackneyempire.co.uk, 020 8985 2424.
14
Summer on the Bandstand
Sunday, 14 September. East London Late Starters Orchestra and Shkembe Soup. Arabic/Turkish/ Roma Gypsy Music and Dance with a Rock ‘n’ Roll Twist. An explosion of joy, swirling skirts, melodies old and new, swishing tassles and rhythms. Facebook: Shkembe Soup. Venue: Bandstand, Victoria Park.
14
Reading Dragons
Bric-à-Brac Sale
Thursday, 18 September, 4pm5pm, Hackney Central Library. Join Chatterbooks Reading Dragons, the reading club for boys. If you’re aged between 8 and 12 and enjoy reading, quizzes, competitions and games, then this may be for you. This month’s book is Shoutykid: How Harry Riddles Made a Mega-Amazing Zombie Movie, by Simon Mayle. For more information, www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries-whats-on.htm
Variety Performance
What’s on continued on p32.
Saturday, 13 September, 10am3pm. Check out this new community space and pick up some bargains while you’re there. Victoria Park Community Centre, 5 Gore Road, near St Agnes Gate, Victoria Park.
13
18
Saturday, 13 September. Anna Fiorentini Theatre and Film School 13 Variety Performance. www. hackneyempire.co.uk or call the box office, 020 8985 2424.
An “outstanding” independent school for children aged 3 to 11.
Sewardstone Road, Victoria Park, London E2 9JG. www.gatehouseschool.co.uk 020 8980 2978 16 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 17
September calendar Monday
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
2
Thurs
3
Health Spot, Hackney Central Library (p12)
Arts events General events
Little Stitches (play readings), Hackney Central Library (p12)
Outdoor events
8
9 These are your Lives, The Yard Theatre, until 4 October (p12)
15
10 Invictus Games Opening Ceremy (launched by Prince Harry) QEOP, (p12)
16
Ghost from a P Arcola Theatre
17
Classical music three4 at Rich
Reading club fo Hackney Centra (p16)
22
23
29
30
18 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
24
September calendar
sday
Friday
4
Saturday
5
Sunday
6
7
Free Family Ceilidh, Sutton House (p12) Bird Barmy Army, Vicky Park (p12) Oliva Tweest, Hackney Empire (p12)
Oliva Tweest, Hackney Empire (p12) Under 5s Reading (p10)
11
12
Perfect Place, e (p16),
13 Rhythm Junction, Round Chapel (p16)
Strictly Come Laughing, Hackney Empire (p16)
Bric-à-brac sale, Victoria ParkCommunity Centre (p16) Variety Performance, Hackney Empire (p16)
18
19
fun with h Mix (p8,12)
14
Summer on the Bandstand (p16)
20
21
Food, stalls and music down at Well Street Market (p32) Classic Car Boot Sale at QEOP (p32)
Classic Car Boot Sale at QEOP (p32)
or boys, al Library
Instrument taser day at Suzuki Hub (p11)
25
26
27 Urban Wheelers’ Jam (p32)
28 Memoryscape History Walk (p32) Happy Run at QEOP (p32)
E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 19
Gardening
Growing Concern’s Loraine Hourdebaigt offers some useful tips for September gardening. Plus, get the kids involved by making a simple bug hotel
O
n the doorstep of Hackney, Growing Concerns is one of the hidden treasures of East London. Our small but perfectly formed garden centre started life as a residents’ gardening club back in 1998, securing the lovely site alongside the Hertford Union Canal.
A trained garden designer, I have been working with Growing Concerns for nearly a decade, developing the Design & Build side of the business. I am very proud of the gardens we have built, mostly in Hackney and the Victoria Park area, but also further afield towards Docklands.
It’s now a thriving business with a focus on the local community; a delightful place to come and shop for plants and get precious plant advice from the friendly staff. We also offer workshops in schools and on estates, and we will soon be running a free gardening workshop at the back of our garden centre.
The beauty of my job is that each garden presents a new challenge directed by what my clients are looking for. It might be a wild cottage garden in the centre of London, or a contemporary and minimalist space; it is always great fun producing and implementing a design for a garden that will become the pride of its owner.
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Gardening September is the time you might think there is nothing left to do in the garden, but sit back, relax and enjoy the blooms and the blushing tomatoes. You would be wrong.
flowers, once dried, can be used to make lavender bags. They make fabulous presents, and stuffed between the sheets in your cupboards, they will make everything smell like summertime.
The August showers will doubtless have brought with them quick growth of all sorts of weeds. Get rid of them before they get the chance to flower and spread their seeds.
Finally, do tidy up your herbaceous perennials, removing any dead flowers. This will encourage them to produce more blooms well into October, and perhaps even November.
If you are growing box in your garden or on your balcony, it is time to give it a good prune. This must be done before the end of September, or not at all. Trim your lavenders: cut back an inch or so into this years’ growth to stop your plants going leggy. Do this again in early spring. The
A bug hotel in 3 steps To keep your kids occupied, do something fun and educational that makes the most of a walk in the park or a rummage through your garden. Bugs, bees and other creepy crawlies will soon be thinking of finding themselves a pad for the winter. Why not build them a little hotel? It’s easy. Get yourself down to Victoria Park, London Fields or even the back garden. The places to look are below trees, around shrubberies and in overgrown areas. Pick up twigs, branches, pieces of bark, etc. Bamboo is good to use – its hollow stems are loved by many insects. Make a bundle and tie it together with a strong piece of twine. And here you are! A lovely little bug hotel for the local insects. They will soon discover it, and make it their home for the colder days.
Growing Concerns, 2 Wick Lane, London, E3 2NA. 0208 985 3222. info@growingconcerns.org
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Loraine Hourdebaigt
E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 21
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DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL? Perhaps you’d like to write – but need help finding the time, the focus or the inspiration to get going? Victoria Park Books are offering a 6 week Creative Writing Course starting in October, with local author Sonia Lambert. COST: £150 FOR 6 WEEKS (ONE EVENING PER WEEK) For more information http://wordlabwriting.wordpress.com/ Sonia Lambert 07780 705349 soniamlambert@hotmail.com Jo de Guia 0208 9861124 joanna@victoriaparkbooks.co.uk o de C0208 986 0208 9861
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22 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
Beautiful flowers and gifts for every occasion www.agpriceflowers.co.uk agpriceflorist@aol.com 020 8986 0250 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 23
We are E9 Originally a country lane, which stretched from the banks of the River Lea through Homerton and towards Shoreditch, Well Street has seen many changes over the years, and is now a mix of traditional East End businesses and newer arrivals. Sonia Lambert spoke to some of the shopkeepers
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Rekindled started as a pop-up shop. We got a good reaction, so opened officially in February 2013. We do a combination of vintage, retro and modern clothing. Not everything is second hand. I’ve had several careers –– I left teaching to pursue this. In September we’re having a fashion show, up and down Well Street! I was born in Hackney, I remember my Mum bringing us down here to do the shopping.
Jackie Dacres, Rekindled
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We’ve been here 9 years. The pets we sell most are fish, I suppose, and hamsters. I love working with animals. The strangest animal we sold was a big iguana.
Lynne Sheehan, Ace Pet Supplies
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My family have been here 83 years. My granddad started the shop. We get our meat from Smithfield Market. I know everybody! It’s a family business. The biggest change was when the council let Tesco in.
Alan Wells, Wells Butchers 24 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
We are E9
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We’ve been here 13 years or so. I love the area, people are very nice. I will retire – but not any time soon. We sell sausage and chips, fish and chips, pies and chips, chips and chips! We know lots of local people, their children, grandchildren. I live locally, near the Wick.
Al Sadrattin, Market Fish Bar
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We opened in February. We sell Caribbean food like jerk chicken, rice and peas, curried goat, different things. It’s not going too bad. For a new business, it’s pretty good.
Marvalyn Johnson Prodigal Caribbean Takeaway
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I’ve had a shop here for about 35 years. People come to us with all sorts of things. It’s a shame the market has gone. It was one of the best markets in London. Going back in time, Broadway Market was nowhere near as good as Well Street Market. A health food shop was a gamble, when we started, but we’re still here!
George Edwards,The Wholemeal Shop
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I’ve seen masses of change. Shops are becoming a bit more recognisable – you used to wonder what some of them actually sold. We’re repair specialists – we work on bikes of all ages and styles. We sell bikes, too. I remember in ’98 people said it was weird for me to be riding a bike – now it’s commonplace, which is a really nice thing to see.
Adam Rider, Perlie Rides E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 25
Fitness
Pull-ups, that classic test of strength, are important for two big reasons, writes Roger Love, personal trainer and co-owner of London Fields Fitness Studio pencil there, and that you need to squeeze to hold it in place. This makes your back work. Squeeze your abs, also. Breathe out on the way up. A chin-up is the same – except with your palms facing towards you. These are easier.
F
irst, they are a great exercise for your whole body – arms, back, abs for starters. Secondly, they look fantastic when you do them in the park in front of your husband or wife or kids – or anyone else you are trying to impress. A client told me last week of how on holiday in Spain he had used a pull-up to look on top of a beach hut. When he came down, his teenaged daughters – a hard act to impress at the best of times – were standing there open-mouthed. “Wow, Dad,” one said. A pull-up is performed by hanging from an overhead bar with your palms facing away from you. Your hands should be just wider than shoulder-width. Then, you pull yourself up so your chin clears the bar. As you go up, squeeze the muscles in your back between your shoulder blades. Imagine there is a 26 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
It sounds simple, but it is a challenging test of strength. If you can’t do one first time, and most people can’t, there are a number of methods that can be used to get you to your first pull-up.
Fitness Here are two to get your started
www.londonfieldsfitness.com
1: The Australian pull-up. Hang below a bar that is just above waist height, with your heels still on the ground. Pull yourself up, keeping your body in a straight line. This is a great exercise in its own right. 2: Jump or get a friend to lift you into the end position and then hold yourself there for as long as possible. Squeezing your back and abs, and then lower yourself under control. The pull-up bar has pride of place at our studio. It can be a short-term source of frustration, but if pull-ups were easy, the joy that follows someone doing their first one would not be great as it is. Give it a go… you know the kids will be impressed. Next month: Five exercises to get you started on the path to fitness.
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A dog’s life
Feeding your dog fresh food is good for his health and not necessarily bad for your pocket, explains Andy Waterhouse
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f your doctor told you to stop eating fresh food and just eat a highly processed diet with added sugars, colours and fillers, and mostly made from food waste so it’s nice and cheap, I don’t think you would be too impressed. I know I would run a mile. I know that the more fresh food I eat, and the less processed, the healthier and fitter I will be. Why should I expect my dog to be any different? Dogs are actually designed to eat fresh food and that’s what they are healthiest on. The closer you 28 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
can approximate that, the better for your dog. So how can you do it?
Feed fresh meat If you are a purist like me, you feed fresh, uncooked meat and bones (never, ever cooked bones). It doesn’t have to be expensive. Your pet shop has a freezer section, and a 400g block of frozen mince will typically cost less than a pound – it may be a little cheaper if you source it online and buy in bulk.
A dog’s life Your local butcher may produce a dog mince, too. Do your research, so you are happy about it, but you can also get raw chicken carcasses and the like there, providing fabulous nutrition for your dog.
Add some vegetables Your dog needs vegetables and fruit to balance what you give him. Feed them raw, chopped up, if he’ll eat them like that. Personally, I put the chopped-up mix in the blender (no onion or raw potato), add some water and a can of tuna or sardines in oil, and purée it.
The healthier the food, the longer your dog is likely to live, and the less he will need expensive visits to the vet. Natural ingredients promote calm behaviour, but don’t just take my word for it. Go online and search “natural feeding for dogs”. Research commercial food on www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk. Click on the brand names in their “dog food directory”. Some of their expert ratings may come as quite a shock, but you can find some excellent foods. Enjoy a long, healthy life for you and your dogs.
My own dogs, Timmy and Ben, love it mixed with a little mince or other meat, and kept in the fridge a blenderful can last a week; you can even freeze it.
Avoid cereals and grains Your dog does not need cereals or grains – they are fillers convenient for pet food manufacturers, so don’t add them to your dog’s food. You can just add rice to cooked chicken when your dog has a tummy upset. But for medical conditions, do consult your vet.
Branded foods There are plenty of good quality foods you can get from your pet shop. Read the small print of the ingredients, not what is emblazoned in big print on the packaging: • Look for real meat as the main ingredient, rather than meat meal. • Avoid “derivatives” – which is basically the waste matter from human food production. • And, why would you add “various sugars” to dog food? • Remember, cereals and grains add bulk, not quality. • Ingredients should be specific, ie, “sunflower oil”, “chicken fat”, not unspecified “oils and fats”. And lastly, If it’s cheap, it’s cheap, so scrutinise the ingredients and small print to find out what’s in it before being tempted by the price.
Andy Waterhouse is an experienced dog trainer, covering the E9 area. Contact him at: andy@barkbusters.co.uk or by freephone on 0808 100 4071 Bark Busters Home Dog Training www.barkbusters.co.uk E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 29
Hackney bites This month's great place to eat…
Lucky Chip we went it was Talking Heads, so you’ll hear it before you see it. It’s parked at Netil Market, the bit of wasteland that used to be an old car park, and now looks like a pop-up shanty town. So we’re not talking about any fancy pants setting here and it’s a place where no one gives a stuff about crockery and cutlery. This might be some sort of hobo attitude towards the cooking and eating, but it doesn’t extend to Lucky Chip’s attitude to quality, which is uncompromising. This burger van serves up 32-day aged and coarsely ground beef patties that are cooked strictly to order, from scratch. So you might have to wait your turn if there’s a queue. But that’s a pleasure when you know the deliciousness that’s coming your way.
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Mmm-mm. This is a tasty burger.” I think Samuel L Jackson would be saying that again if he had the opportunity to chomp into a burger from Lucky Chip, and I found myself saying that out loud when I went there last Saturday. Sometimes only a burger will do, but when you’re in that mood you need to be fussy, otherwise it ain’t no fun. You’ll want proper burgers with real burger goodness and that’s what Lucky Chip is and it’s right on our doorstep. Lucky Chip is a burger van with enormous speakers pumping out tunes from its roof. When 30 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
I think I might have already mentioned that these burgers are seriously tasty. So we order. They come out on paper plates, and in front of me is a classic cheeseburger; I’m still salivating at the thought of it now. It’s hard to do a burger justice in photos, so I can tell you it’s been flat grilled to perfection, moist and a bit pink on the inside, well seasoned and bursting with flavour. With that comes shredded lettuce, gherkin, a slice of that proper plasticy yellow American cheese (a wonderful guilty pleasure), French’s yellow mustard (another one) and Heinz ketchup all put into a soft glazed bun. I hardly noticed what anyone else had ordered as we all tucked in so quickly, but I remember they did a special order for a fussier child and an oozy Kevin Bacon (a bacon burger) was amongst us for a short while. They keep things simple here, you BYO and provide the burger and chips. Ah, the chips. I nearly forgot the chips. Well, they’re hand cut,
Hackney bites straight with the skin, beautifully seasoned and I know this is a kind of weird thing to say but they were also normal sized. You gotta try this place. They really are seriously tasty burgers. Burgers range from £6.95 to £9.00 and the van’s opening hours are: Thursday 12.00pm – 5:00pm Friday 12.00pm – 5:00pm Saturday12.00pm – 5:00pm If you don’t fancy the ad hoc outdoor seating in the market, ask for a take-out and eat in the park – or do what I love, which is phone ahead to order and then bring it back to eat at home. Like I say tasty!
Susan Birtwistle
Lucky Chip, Netil Market, 11-25 Westgate Street, E8 3RL. 07876 378060 www.lucky-chip.co.uk
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What’s on in September Well Street Market
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Saturday, 20 September from 12pm-9pm. There’s something afoot at Well Street market. Music, food, stalls and more.
Classic Car Boot Sale
Saturday, Sunday, 20-21 September: Vintage Festival’s Classic Car Boot Sale at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Shop-till-you-drop with over 100 traders selling vintage fashion, accessories, homeware, crafted products from independent designers, pop culture memorabilia and vinyl records from the boot of their classic cars. For more information, www.facebook.com/TheClassicCarBootSale
20-21
Urban Wheelers’ Jam
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Memoryscape History Walk
Sunday, 28 September,11am-1pm. Take a trip down Memory Lane and join the community rangers on a recorded audio trail around the park. Limited spaces are available. To book your place, call 020 7364 5393 or email samantha.brewster@ towerhamlets.gov.uk. Meet outside the V&A building, Victoria Park.
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The Happy Run
Sunday, 28 Setpember, 11am. Dubbed the “happiest 5K on the planet”, walk, jog, run or dance your way along the Color Run where you will be covered in bursts of powered colour on the way to the finish line. For information, www. thecolorrun.co.uk/Queen-Elizabeth-Olympic-Park £25 entry fee for solo runner/walker.
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Saturday, 27 September, 11am-3pm. A fun-filled day where you can try out your skating and BMX skills at the wheel park. Coaching sessions
will take place throughout the day. Venue: Wheel Park, Victoria Park.
cocaine marijuana treatment
Drugs and alcohol Support, information and advice for young people and their families
PJ53487
Confidential advice line: 020 8356 7377 Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm www.younghackney.org/advice
32 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service provides factual information about alcohol and drugs. Our service is open to anyone aged 8–19. The service is free and confidential. We don’t judge, we don’t criticise. We explain how drugs and alcohol affect you so you can make choices for yourself.
Index of advertisers Broadway Market Minicabs
1
London Fields Fitness
2
Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy
4
10eleven creative solutions
9
Namô Vietnamese Kitchen
9
Sanctum Studio remedial therapy
9
Regal Boat Hire Ltd Victoria Park West Lake Rowing boats and pedalos to hire
Victoria Park Books 11 Cleaning Brothers carpet cleaning 12 Lightplan Designer Lighting
13
Gatehouse School
16
Paintworks art materials
17
Victoria Park Girls’ Brigade
17
Birtwistle & Co architects
17
Wordlab Creative Writing
22
Rachel Gale freelance illustrator A G Price florists
23
Empire Security Ltd
27
London Window Cleaners
31
Young Hackney Substance Misuse Service
32
Regal Boat Hire
33
William Place Dental Pratice
33
Nutshell Video
35
Forest School
36
07852 127895 info@regalboathire.co.uk
23
E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014 33
Useful numbers
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
Health
NHS Direct 111 Homerton Hospital 020 8510 5555 Royal London Hospital 020 7377 7000 Clockwork Pharmacy 020 8985 1717
Hackney Council numbers General number Council tax enquiries Parking enquiries Waste removal
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
Victoria Park
Park Services (24/7) Victoria Park rangers
Travel
National Rail Enquiries Congestion Charge Transport for London
Vet
Goddard's, Well Street Wanstead Veterinary Hospital
020 8985 5699 020 8985 1957
08457 484950 0343 222 2222 0343 222 1234
020 8986 3918 020 8989 7744
34 E9 magazine SEPTEMBER 2014
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.
Thinking of advertising? The magazine is delivered to 4,500 households in the area every month, and a further 500 copies are distributed to local shops, restaurants and cafés. Readership runs into thousands more. The magazine is full of great articles, useful information and is a handy guide to local businesses and services, as well as giving details about what’s on in the area. It’s something to keep through the month and is unlikely to go in the recyle bin along with doordrop leaflets. 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 ─ October Copy deadline ─ 12 September
Nutshell Video ♦ Corporate video ♦ Training films ♦ Animation ♦ Videos for schools
www.nutshellvideo.co.uk 07752 288405
Short films that speak volumes
Open Day Saturday 20 September 2014 8.30am-1.30pm www.forest.org.uk info@forest.org.uk 020 8520 1744
1,300 boys and girls aged 4-18 who are taught in single-sex classes at key stages of their education. Forest School is located on the very edge of Epping Forest and is the only diamond structure school in London.