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Free WALTHAM Nov 2018, No. 44 Email [email protected] Facebook /WalthamForestEcho Tweet @WFEcho FOREST ECHO Visit walthamforestecho.co.uk

Comment News Features Events Features Why a Living Wage is Tenant faces eviction Leytonstone school reveals A new project will Newcomer to Walthamstow essential for all workers after raising fire safety contents of 119-year-old explore the local history speaks to locals about in Waltham Forest fears with council time capsule of a musical genre how the area is changing P . 2 P . 3 P . 7 P . 13 P . 14 Children's use of foodbank doubles Backing for Warning from Chingford church pastor after big rise in families needing handouts People's Vote ouncillors in Waltham Forest problems with benefit payments. have voted to back calls for Domestic violence was said to be Ca 'People's Vote' on Brexit. a factor in ten percent of refer- The move was supported by the rals, while another ten percent of ruling Labour administration, but people had been given foodbank opposed by the Conservative oppo- tokens by medical professionals. sition, in an often fractious debate at Forty percent of referrals were Waltham Forest Town Hall. made by Waltham Forest Council. Councillor Clare Coghill, the Unemployment was listed as a council leader, told the meeting: reason for referral to the food- “The problem with Brexit is Brexit, bank in one-in-five cases, suggest- and the people of Waltham Forest ing most people were struggling agree. They understand that it means to buy food despite having a job. struggling to fund public services, Rev Simms added: “We see it as isolation for small businesses, and our duty and our privilege to help families with EU citizens worrying meet people's immediate needs about their future.” in times of crisis, but the figures In the June 2016 referendum, 59 are alarming and action must be percent of voters in Waltham Forest taken to address the root causes backed remaining in the EU. This con- and long-term solutions for the trasted with the nation as a whole, as issues we are seeing.” 52 percent voted to leave. But as Brexit The church has also warned negotiations stall, a second vote on that Universal Credit (UC), a the final deal is now being proposed. controversial new all-in-one A People's Vote is vehemently benefits system, could further opposed by local Conservatives. increase demand for food aid. Councillor Alan Siggers, leader Currently, less than two thou- of the council's opposition group, sand households in the borough said: “This was one of the biggest are claiming UC, but this is democratic exercises this country Foodbank use is rising in Waltham Forest Credit Alexandra Smart 2015 expected to rise significantly has ever had – 33 million people next year. voted. Whether you like it or not, 52 It reported that a total of 667 poignant to witness schoolchildren Chingford MP Iain Duncan percent vote to leave. I realise maths by James Cracknell people received food parcels from once again donating items, consid- Smith, in his former job as Sec- is not Labour's strong point, but 52 the church in the last year, includ- ering the heart-breaking number of retary of State for Work and is bigger than 48. Both the Labour he number of children ing 294 children. While the number local children who have had support Pensions, first announced UC and Conservative manifestos at the given food parcels by a of referrals had risen by 25 percent, from the foodbank in the last year. eight years ago and is regarded last general election talked about Chingford foodbank far more large families were being “The number families in our local as its 'architect'. The policy has respecting the result.” has more than doubled affected by financial problems locally community who cannot afford been dogged by delays, however, The town hall's Labour majority inT the last year. – resulting in a doubling of the to eat is deeply worrying, and and became the centre of a ensured the council voted in favour South Chingford Congregational number of children using foodbanks. sadly we expect this number to political row last month when of a People's Vote. It came two days Church revealed there had been a Reverend Dave Simms, church rise further in the coming year.” Mr Duncan Smith's successor prior to a protest march in significant increase in the number pastor, said: “Since the foodbank The figures, for the year up to at the Department for Work and attended by around 700,000 people of families being referred to their opened in 2013, we have seen a September 2018, also revealed Pensions, Esther McVey, admit- – including Walthamstow MP Stella foodbank because they were strug- dramatic rise in demand each year. that more than half of refer- ted UC could make families up Creasy, the only one of the borough's gling to find the money to buy food. This year it has been particularly rals had been made because of to £2,400-a-year worse off. three MPs to vote against Brexit.

Become a member of Waltham Forest Echo and get the paper delivered to your door each month – find out more on Page 15 2 No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO COMMENT Everyone deserves a Living Wage

FELLOWSHIP IS LIFE Vanessa Conant, Rector of the Parish of Walthamstow, on why a Living Wage is essential for all workers NOVEMBER 2018 – No. 44 Waltham Forest Echo is an the 17th business in Waltham friends, and even the possibility of independent community newspaper. Forest to sign up, joining the likes saving for unexpected expenditure. We publish monthly and distribute of Church Hill Nursery and Wild The Living Wage can genuinely 12,500 free copies of each issue to libraries, cafés, pubs, and other Card Brewery. As a parish, we too transform lives and make a huge places around Waltham Forest. are Living Wage employers, commit- contribution to the wellbeing of Publisher ted to the scheme since the begin- local residents. In May 2017, David Floyd ning of the Citizens UK campaign. Waltham Forest Council also Editor Our goal is to create the borough’s accredited as a Living Wage James Cracknell Living Wage Zone, employer, one of only thirteen London with over half of the businesses in boroughs to have signed up to the Designer Walthamstow Village accredited as scheme. Waltham Forest Citizens Jonathan Duncan paying London Living Wage. Recent is now working with the council to Manager research from the Living Wage Foun- encourage more local businesses to Penny Dampier dation and the Smith Institute found join and, on Thursday 8th Novem- Contributors that if a quarter of low-paid workers ber, will co-host the borough’s first Vanessa Conant were paid the London Living Wage Michelle Edwards London Living Wage Breakfast! Ben Darling London Living Wage campaigners in Walthamstow of £10.20, and £8.75 in the rest of As a church, we are committed to Chidiadi Pipi the UK, in ten city regions, there the flourishing of our communi- Tom Barnes t’s nearly always a Saturday John Moore in the capital, at 37 percent. would be enormous benefits. ty. The campaign for the London Helen Bigham when the doorbell will ring It’s why a campaign to double This includes the Treasury benefit- Living Wage in Waltham Forest is Jo Sealy and someone will ask for food the number of London Living ing from £350million in increased an expression of that same com- Emma Betts Andrew Sackett or for help with gas or elec- Wage employers in the borough tax receipt spending and benefit mitment. We believe that doubling Barry Coidan Itricity, just enough to get through has caught the imagination of our savings and more than half-a- the number of London Living Wage Paul McGrane the weekend. congregation at St Mary’s Waltham- million workers securing an annual employers in Waltham Forest will Sam Billington In my work as a parish priest, I stow and is part of our work with pay rise of £1,700. More than 93 lead to the flourishing of business- Members regularly meet people who work long Waltham Forest Citizens; an alli- percent of businesses who have es and the flourishing of the people Adam Pike, Chris Lemin, Darrel Hunneybell, David Gardiner, David hours in challenging and demanding ance of schools, colleges, mosques accredited say that it has benefit- employed by them. Hamilton, David O'Driscoll, Dexter Coles, jobs but find it almost impossible and churches who work together- ted their business, improved their We hope that many will join us Graham Millington, Jean Duggleby, Melanie to meet the costs of living in Waltham to pursue the 'common good'. And reputation, and increased their in sharing this vision and working Strickland, Michael Grimshaw, Roland Karthaus, Sanjoy Kumar, Renetta Neal, Forest, a situation which leads to it’s why we were overjoyed when staff retention rates. to make it a reality. Graham Larkbey, Paul Schneider, Megan exhaustion, stress, and anxiety. two local businesses were recently Even more than the econom- Lucero, Andrew Sharp, Deri Jones, Scott Anecdotal accounts of low- accredited, marking their public ic impacts, we know that paying the To find out more about the Davies, Abigail Woodman, Pat Stannard, Lee London Living Wage campaign Mitchell, Ian Cadogan, Madeleine Munday, paid work in the borough (and its commitment to paying a fair and London Living Wage has huge bene- Irena Souroup, Paul Scaife, Roy Sutton, Jon impacts) are borne out by research sustainable wage for their employees. fits for employees and so for our wider contact Daniel Mackintosh, Dalladay, David Kalloo, David McDade, – according to the charity, Trust for At the end of September, Froth & community. The London Living Wage senior organiser for Waltham Chingford Pet Rescue. London, Waltham Forest has the Rind became the first business in means that people aren’t anxious Forest Citizens: The member organisations highest percentage of jobs paying Orford Road to sign up as a London about covering the next bill, there is Visit [email protected] of WFWellComm CIC are: below the Living Wage anywhere Living Wage employer. They were more time to spend with family or Community Transport Waltham Forest, Social Spider CIC, HEET. WFWellComm CIC Board: David Floyd (Social Spider CIC) Tom Ruxton (HEET) Helen Tredoux (Community Transport WF) Shocking stats show change is needed

Waltham Forest Echo An introduction from Waltham Forest Echo editor James Cracknell The Mill, 7 - 11 Coppermill Lane, E17 7HA E [email protected] ello and welcome to ber of people using foodbanks. local people will have seen their ation is having on the community. T 020 8521 7956 Issue 44 of Waltham It shows that nowhere is immune description of one particular The Echo is a not-for-profit Advertising Enquiries Forest Echo. Our to the ongoing hardship endured street as “the most dangerous in newspaper run by a social en- Contact Ben Cawthra: front page article by people who, despite often the UK” – on Page 5 you can now terprise to provide local people E [email protected] Hthis month provides a shocking working full-time, still cannot read Michelle's far less sensation- with an independent platform. T 020 3892 0061 insight into the financial difficul- afford a decent standard of living. alised article on what it's really For the last couple of years ties being faced by local families The article above goes some way to like to live there. we've been building up a mem- – even before you consider that it explaining why, and it is heartening On Page 13, find out about a bership base to provide an extra refers only to families in Chingford. to know that local businesses have new local project looking at the source of income, so that we're Chingford, of course, is gen- reacted positively to the demand borough's influence on , a less reliant on advertising. We're erally regarded as the wealthi- for a London Living Wage. musical genre that has its roots now relaunching our member- The Echo began with Big Lottery funding. est part of Waltham Forest. It Elsewhere in the paper this firmly in East London. And on ship scheme to make it more ac- doesn't suffer anywhere near the month, our regular columnist Page 14, a newcomer to Waltham- cessible for people with a lower

Waltham Forest Echo is a member of same levels of crime or poverty Michelle Edwards has taken a stow has written about his first budget, while also providing ad- IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of The Press. For more information as Walthamstow, Leyton, and tabloid newspaper to task for impressions of the area, after ditional benefits for those who on the Echo’s complaints policy and Leytonstone. Yet here we now their “exclusive” report on crime talking to local business owners can pay more. Read all about it how to make a complaint visit: walthamforestecho.co.uk/complaints find a huge rise in the num- in Walthamstow. I'm sure many about the affect its rapid regener- on Page 15! No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 3 News A new sports centre opens in Leyton, as NEWS 700 homes are planned for old one P . 4 Tenant faces eviction after Diabetes tech “life-changing” new tech- nology for people with dia- by James Cracknell Abetes is now available locally. raising fire safety fears Waltham Forest Clinical Com- missioning Group (CCG) is residents unaware of the correct door and they put it in the meeting offering free flash glucose actions to take in the event of a fire. minutes, but it's not what I said – monitoring for people who meet Roy had requested to see a copy it's false.” the criteria. The technology uses of the fire risk assessment for the Since the possession notice was a small sensor on the skin that building, using Freedom of Informa- issued to Roy, London Fire Brigade continuously records and stores tion laws, after growing concerned has visited Goddarts House. The eight hours of glucose readings. at faults with the building's new- council claims they found nothing Roz Rosenblatt from Diabetes UK ly-installed front doors. He hired an of concern with the fire doors – in said: “It’s really good news that independent expert to assess the contrast to the findings of the build- people in Waltham Forest will be door to his own flat, who found ing's earlier fire risk assessment. able to get flash free of charge on damage to strips designed to seal Councillor Louise Mitchell, prescription. We believe everyone in the event of a fire, faulty self- cabinet member for housing, said: with diabetes should have access to closing devices, and uncertified hinges. “The health and safety of our res- the right technology to support them, He told the Echo: “The door is a idents and tenants is always a top not just those who can afford it.” total failure. It should close on its priority. London Fire Brigade has own but it doesn't. There's no label of visited the site and not raised con- Risk assessors found Goddarts House in Walthamstow had 41 fire safety flaws certification. The door closers need to cerns around the fire doors at God- be repaired and the hinges replaced.” darts House. More buses sheltered housing by the Echo, concluded that God- Last month the council served a “The inspection that the resident uses will compensate London tenant is facing evic- darts House had “moderate risk” Notice of Seeking Possession, the arranged was purely visual. Some Overground passengers for a tion after raising and that “essential action must be first stage in eviction proceedings, of the items marked as missing Black of trains. concerns about fire made to reduce the risk”. claiming that Roy had “breached” or not present are not even fea- Delays to new electric trains on Asafety in his building. The report listed 41 remedial his tenancy agreement. tures of this particular model of the Gospel Oak to Barking line Roy Sutton, 68, became frus- actions that were necessary, includ- “The council rarely answer when door. A visual inspection is not an have led to fewer peak services, trated at the lack of action taken ing adjustments to the self-closing I call but they said I am harassing adequate substitute for an in-depth with existing diesel trains being by Waltham Forest Council after devices on flat doors and replace- them and threatening them,” said assessment of the equipment. withdrawn as they are needed inspectors found dozens of fire ment of damaged smoke seals on Roy. “There was a meeting with “The doors are rated as fire resis- elsewhere. This in turn has caused safety flaws at Goddarts House in communal doors. It also stated officers and I told them I had tested tant up to sixty minutes, which is severe overcrowding. Hoe Street, Walthamstow. that the fire alarm system was not a sample of the PVC. Now they above the regulation standard of Two buses are now being provided A fire risk assessment compiled installed correctly and that fire pro- have sent me an eviction order and thirty minutes. We conduct regular by TfL on weekday mornings to in May by risk-assessors Ridge cedure notices in the building carried given me a month to move out. inspections of all our properties to provide extra capacity between on behalf of the council, and seen “inappropriate wording” – with “They claimed I set fire to my make sure that tenants are kept safe.” Leytonstone High Road and Leyton Road stations and Walthamstow Central. Glenn Wallis, rail users group Mental health support for young people secretary, said: “While TfL is to be congratulated for these buses, they Kooth is an online wellbeing service that is now available to children in Waltham Forest will only be useful to passengers who have time to make the road n online counselling journey to Walthamstow Central.” and emotional well- being service has been "We look forward commissioned to give to making a Ayoung people easier access to Fewer buses self-help material, communi- positive impact" he 48 bus route between ty forums, and counselling. 12noon until 10pm on weekends. Walthamstow and Lon- Children and young people from XenZone will work with T don Bridge is set to be axed, eleven to 18 years old can find Waltham Forest Council, local Transport for London has confirmed. out more about mental health GPs, volunteer services, and child The service, on which nearly six and seek support by registering and adolescent mental health million journeys were made last anonymously with the website services (CAMHS). Founder Elaine year, is one of three routes that XenZone, giving them free Bousfield said: “Online, early TfL is looking to cease as part access to the wellbeing service intervention services like Kooth of cost-cutting plans to buses Kooth whenever they need it. can help reduce waiting times for across the capital. Kooth is accredited by the British children and young people who To help mitigate the loss of the Association for Counselling and need support for their mental 48, the 55 route would be extended Psychotherapy (BACP) and also health and emotional wellbeing. from Leyton to Walthamstow. offers peer-to-peer support, live We look forward to making a However, its frequency would moderated forums, and self-help positive impact.” not increase. materials. Professional counsel- Bus passengers have until Friday lors are available for one-to-one For more information about Kooth: 9th November to comment on chat sessions from 6pm until Visit xenzone.com/kooth the plans. Go to consultations. 10pm on weekdays, and from Young people can get mental health support from XenZone tfl.gov.uk 4 No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO NEWS New sports centre opens in Leyton Hundreds of new homes to be built on site of old sports centre by James Cracknell

Leyton Orient FC's youth squad training at Ive Farm

residents can come along to keep real benefits for residents and fit, take part in sports, and make businesses in the area.” new friends in the local community. The Coronation Square scheme “It’s an ideal place for local sports is due to be built over the next ten clubs to train as well as provid- years and will “create a new district ing opportunities for groups of with its own identity”. The site had friends to come along and play originally been earmarked to provide The new floodlit all-weather football pitch at Ive Farm just for fun.” 25 percent 'affordable' housing, but The new sports facilities at Ive this was increased to 50 percent at Farm are replacing some of those last month's cabinet meeting. being lost at The Score Centre in Waltham Forest Citizens (WFC), a Oliver Road, less than half-a-mile network of local residents and com- away, which the council now plans to munity groups, had campaigned redevelop for housing. At a cabinet for the increase. Jess Hall, co-chair meeting last month, it was agreed to of the WFC housing team, said: build 715 homes there, in a scheme “Affordable housing that is perma- called 'Coronation Square'. Half of nently linked to average local incomes the new homes will be designated is the only way that an average earner as 'affordable' housing. like me could buy a home and put Cllr Coghill said: “Opening these down real roots in the borough.” new facilities means we can now The 50 percent 'affordable' target proceed with the regeneration of for all new housing on public land The Score Centre site where we is part of a pledge by Mayor of will be working with our partners, London Sadiq Khan. Taylor Wimpey, to provide quality homes for local people, as well as a For more information about the new leisure centre and commercial new sports facilities at Ive Farm: spaces for local businesses to use. Visit walthamforest.gov.uk/ “This is an exciting time for FeelGoodToo Leyton. This investment will bring

The beach volleyball courts can host international tournaments

new outdoor sports running track, and six beach volley- on the site of a former running centre has opened in ball courts. track and sports pavilion that had Leyton – as Waltham It was officially opened last month lain derelict for several years. It is Forest Council agrees at a ceremony attended by Olympic designated as Metropolitan Open Ato build more than 700 homes on gold medal winner Helen Richard- Land, but the construction of the the site of an old one. son Walsh from Hockey new sports centre was not signifi- The £11m centre at Ive Farm – and Charlie Grainger and Sam Ling cantly opposed. officially now called 'Feel Good from Leyton Orient FC, which Waltham Forest Council leader Too' – features “international-class is now using one of the floodlit Clare Coghill said: “This is a great sports facilities” including two pitches for training. new facility in Leyton that will act as floodlit all-weather pitches for The new facilities at Ive Farm have a sports hub for the whole borough, hockey and football, a 60-metre been built adjacent to Jubilee Park, as well as a place where local There are no indoor sports facilities at Ive Farm, but there is a café and changing rooms No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 5 COMMENT The truth about 'Warthamstow' Marlowe Road Estate resident Michelle Edwards looks behind the infamous tabloid headline about her neighbourhood was a teeny-weeny bit grate- One resident who was quoted ful when I saw the bold by The Sun said he gave a posi- “WARTHAMSTOW” head- tive contribution about living in line in The Sun. a “tight-knit community”, but I Broadly speaking, when a local that it didn't make the cut of the story goes national, it forces people final article. Now he's extremely to care about your community anxious that local deviants may and puts pressure on politicians. think he assisted them with their Last month a community ward preferred piece centred around forum was organised by local coun- the Mali Boys gang. cillors in Wood Street to discuss On the subject of gangs, the gang crime and what is being done piece draws almost exclusively to deal with it. Most in attendance from the June 2018 report From saw it for what it was – another Postcodes to Profits compiled by tick-box exercise. Newsflash: No London South Bank University gangster is going to disarm because and commissioned by Waltham of a bit of brainstorming and Forest Council. It seems little or table-based discussion. no independent effort was made to Still, the meeting was organised understand current gang activity in record time, just ten days after in the borough beyond this, and the latest killing in Walthamstow. even by using such a sound report, Given the wave of violence that the UK’s best-selling newspaper continues to grip the capital, it's still managed to publish several unlikely the death of 19-year-old careless inaccuracies. Guled Farah, who was gunned Consider, for example, their opening down outside Alpha Preparato- paragraph: “It has become the ry School on 22nd September, bloody centre of territory con- was ever going to be covered trolled by a gang running a The alleyway between Marlowe Road Estate and Vallentin Road Credit Penny Dampier with sensitivity. But the drive-by ruthless campaign of drug dealing, shooting will forever be linked to violence and intimidation.” From Vallentin Road. my experience, this is pure fiction. It's important to say that the Because of the construction site people in the area were under- hoardings around the Marlowe standably peeved at the coverage Road Estate, I'm forced to use the by The Sun. They woke up one footpath from Vallentin Road mul- Thursday morning to find out tiple times per week. I have never they were suddenly living in the seen anything even resembling the “UK's most dangerous street”. description in The Sun. Nor are Except, of course, it isn't. the residents I know “terrified”. According to the “exclusive” Consider too, the direct quote report by the tabloid, Vallen- attributed by the article to a “rival tin Road “has been the scene gang member we spoke to”. It was, of around 200 serious crimes – in fact, an edited version of a quote including murder, arson, and sex from a young person interviewed attacks – in the past two years”. for the London South Bank study I spoke to Sergeant Paul – you can find it on page 32. So Branney, from the Wood Street did The Sun really speak to any and Hoe Street Safer Neigh- gang members? bourhoods Team (SNT), about Since 41-year-old Jermaine Johnson these figures. He looked at the was fatally stabbed in Vallentin Road same period and found 65 crimes in March, I have been monitoring un- in total for Vallentin Road, includ- solved crime. In connection with that ing 15 serious crimes– “similar to incident, three people were other roads of that size”. arrested and one, a 17-year-old, The Sun investigation had was charged with murder and pos-

followed a news piece about the session of an offensive weapon. Flowers and tributes left for shooting victim Guled Farah Credit Penny Dampier death of Guled Farah which He later went on trial at the Old carried the limp headline “Murder Bailey, but the case against him care less because both the alleged tigation since and that they contin- propriate that newspapers have Road”. On the same day that was was discontinued because of perpetrator and victim were black. ue to be harassed by the perpetrator. a frank discussion serious crime published, locals claim reporters “insufficient evidence”. Four months later, a shopkeeper was The London South Bank research and its causes. But The Sun should and photographers descended on That decision negatively impact- smashed in the head in an attempt- does suggest there are twelve gangs have taken better care to ensure Vallentin Road, stopping random ed on the local community, with ed robbery. Luckily, he suffered no active in Waltham Forest, and that their sensational headline “WAR- passers-by to ask them: “What do African-Caribbean people sug- permanent injury. But his family say the Mali Boys appear to wield the THAMSTOW” was supported by you think of this road?” gesting the authorities couldn't they've heard nothing about the inves- most power. In a free press, it is ap- the story itself. It was not. 6 No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO Advertisement

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Something special is happening at Willow Brook Primary School and Nursery! We would like to invite prospective parents to visit to see for yourself how we nurture our young people, giving them a rich diet of art, philosophy, music, modern foreign languages, local and international trips and so much more. Call us to book an appointment As a proud member of the Griffin Schools Trust, we really do believe in the power of culture and community. Underpinning all we do is a drive and determination to give all children an education which we can prove is world class. Our free offer of clubs, Willow Brook Primary School & Nursery ranging from Mandarin, Coding and Programming, Latin and Ballroom dance to Ukulele, sports, chess and performance, 190 Church Road, Leyton, London E10 7BH means your child’s horizons are widened by the passions and expertise of our staff. Every year our Year 5 pupils visit France to Tel: 020 8539 1428 learn how to ski, at absolutely no cost. Every summer we celebrate the arts by hosting the Griffin Arts Festival, and each year [email protected] take part in the Griffin Sports Festival as well as a Science Symposium. www.willowbrook-gst.org We are a values driven school with the most extraordinarily talented staff and wonderful site, located next to Jubilee Park and @WillowBrookGST the edge of the Hackney Marshes. No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 7 FEATURES Back to the future Legally School reveals contents of 119-year-old time capsule piece of history when the bottle fond was opened for the first time in 119 years. I am really pleased that they have decided to bury by Chidiadi Pipi their own time capsule for future generations to discover.” oung Lawyers Associa- Three winners of a 'write a letter tion is an organisation to the future' competition were given of young black and the honour of opening the time minority ethnic (BAME) capsule. Their letters will be among Ylawyers seeking to improve the a host of items buried as a new time diversity of the legal industry. capsule at the school’s new building We were founded in August and for future generations to discover. will be working with the skilled Imaan Bhaji, who wrote one of staff at Ennon Solicitors to offer the winning letters for the new time young BAME law students work capsule, said: “I wanted the oppor- experience next summer. We offer tunity to share what it is like to be advice on immigration, family a young person in 2018 to future and criminal law, plus help with generations. I included lots of understanding, obtaining and information on what we do in our filing legal documents. leisure time on social media but also Next month we are incredibly important issues of the day such as excited to be launching a new legal the Grenfell Tower fire.” advice clinic, working closely with Fellow winner Malcolm Barrall, the amazing team at Waltham 74, said: “My children attended this Forest Community Hub. It will With the contents of the time capsule are (from left to right) competition winner Malcom Barrall, Mark Alford and Bob Cook from construction firm Bowmer & Kirkland, and Buxton School students Esa Bhaji and Imaan Bhaji school so I have a real connection take place on the first Tuesday of to the school and site. Knowing the month, starting on 4th Decem- – were among guests at the £20m exists today and has been deliver- that my letter will be read by future ber with an open day. by Tom Barnes building's opening, when the time ing news to Londoners since 1827. generations really makes you feel Our clinic will offer those in need capsule's content were also revealed. After its opening by Wanstead part of the history of the school of help a way to avoid what could he contents of a 19th Inside they found two newspapers, School board in 1899, Cobbold and the community.” potentially be an incredibly expen- Century time capsule The Standard and The Stratford Road was reopened as two schools sive case by offering free legal advice were revealed at the Express, dating back to May 1899, in 1925 – Cann Hall Primary and and assistance. We also have a para- grand unveiling of and a programme of events from Tom Hood – before joining togeth- legal on hand to help clients fill out BuxtonT School’s new building. the opening of the former Cobbold er again as Buxton School in 2010. forms and advise on how to lodge A glass bottle containing the hidden Road School that same year. Dawn Butler said: “It is wonder- the forms with the court – although treasure was discovered in the rubble The Stratford Express was a ful to see that the diversity and no members of the law clinic are of brickwork of the old building newspaper that covered Leyton, community spirit which made able to represent clients in court. when it was demolished back in May. Leytonstone, Wanstead, Wood- this such a special school when I In future we hope to run quar- Former Buxton School student Dawn ford, and Walthamstow, for 145 attended remains to this day. Dawn Butler MP, a former Buxton School student, terly 'know your rights' sessions, Butler – now the Labour MP for Brent years until 2011. The Standard still “We were all witness to a special celebrates the opening of the new building relating to police stop-and-search powers and other issues affecting BAME people. We will also be of- fering mental health talks, giving information and assistance. Oh the humanities There is an opportunity here for legal practitioners who are Schoolchildren at Mission Grove can't get enough passionate about giving back to the community to support this new of experts, writes assistant headteacher Ben Darling initiative. This could come in the ur pupils have taken ings from digging in Pompeii. as dinosaurs, diaries and iPhones Humanities Week was a resound- form of lawyers who can offer part in a lively and The children were able to explore on a world history timeline. ing success. It gave our pupils advice or local businesses that wish stimulating Human- dozens of ancient artefacts and It was incredibly rewarding to a deeper insight into the topics to support us with funding. If you ities Week, with a ask their own questions about see the children so engaged by the they are studying. Many of them can help in any way it would be Orange of experts holding work- Mount Vesuvius. visitors and the passion they had. have since spoken about ideas on great to hear from you. shops and enabling the children Later in the week, Dr Jessica But history was not the only focus becoming an archaeologist or Our open day on Tuesday 4th De- to get a deep understanding of Reinisch, also of Birkbeck Uni- of the week, as Year 5 benefited university professor, while several cember runs between 6.30pm and different subjects. versity, spoke to reception and from an exciting session about the of our budding journalists inter- 8.30pm. Pop in and see us at 18a Dr Dan Stewart, an archaeolo- Year 1 classes about their ideas news, delivered by none other than viewed our guests and later edited Orford Rd, Walthamstow E17 9LN. gist at the University of Leicester, on history and how their local Rhodri Jones – chief programme the footage as part of a short We look forward to meeting you! delivered a workshop to our Year environment may have looked editor at Channel 4 News! The documentary. 3 children on school life in Ancient in the 19th Century. Cue lots of children got to hear all about the It is opportunities such as these For more information: Sparta, while Dr Rebekka Valcke, old pictures of Bakers Arms and processes behind making a feature that we enjoy providing for the Email admin@ archaeologist at Birkbeck Uni- Walthamstow High Street, as well for television, as well as what the students to extend, enhance and younglawyersassociation.com versity, talked about her find- as placing images of things such term ‘fake news’ actually means! challenge their learning. 8 No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO PHOTOGRAPHY Walthamstow Street Portraits

One of the things that I most enjoy stow has a generous smattering of Photographs by John Moore about living in London is seeing people characters who bring colour and ener- Visit johnmoorephotography.co.uk out on the street who have a bit of style gy onto the streets. I’ve tried to capture and panache about them. This doesn’t a few of them for this project and hope necessarily mean following any kind of to spend the next few months docu- Send us your photos fashion or trend but simply something menting more and more of the people To submit your photos for consideration: about them that cuts a dash. Waltham- who catch my attention. Email [email protected] No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 9

Dear reader,

It’s quite unusual for a child like me to write to a newspaper like the Waltham Forest Echo. But when I found out that most people in the UK have never met a blind child, I thought I should introduce myself.

I’m Sasha and I’m like any other ten-year-old, except I’m losing my sight. I can’t see depth at all, so I fall a lot and it can be harder for me to do things. Apart from that, I’m the same. But not everybody knows this.

Some people don’t want to be friends with me and others don’t expect me to be able to learn and achieve the same way other children do. I know I can learn as well as other children my age, I just need special help to do it.

When I grow up, I want to be a fashion designer. I already go to a sewing class every week, so I can learn new things and practise my sewing skills. I can also use a sewing machine well and make cushions. One of my best designs is a cushion with pockets,

which you can put your hands or feet in.

I’m lucky, I get lots of help from my mummy and daddy and the charity RSBC. . By helping me get the extra help I need, you could But today I need someone else to help me as well, someone called a sponsor and I wondered if you might think about it help me achieve my dream of becoming a fashion. designer when I grow up. I hope you enjoyed meeting me! Thank you Sasha x

The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) is looking for special someones to sponsor the brighter futures of blind children and children with sight loss like Sasha. By sponsoring them with £10 a month, you’d help provide the extra help every blind child needs to learn and succeed. Thank you. Please text SPONSOR to 70577

Keeping in touch: We’d like to keep you up Will you sponsor a brighter future for blind children? to date with the work we do and show you how you are helping to transform lives. I wish to sponsor a brighter future with £10 a month 8 3 8 5 0 2 Yes it is OK to contact me by telephone Your tel: I wish to sponsor a brighter future with £ Name[s) of Account Holder(s): Account No: Sort Code: - - Yes it is OK to contact me by SMS Your mobile: Name Detail of your Bank/Building Society: Name

Address Postcode Address Yes it is OK to contact me by email Instruction to your Bank or Building Society: Please pay Royal Society for Blind Children Your email: (RSBC) Direct Debits, from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards Make your gift worth 25% more at no cost to you assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with RSBC and details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society with Gift Aid. If you would like to discuss or change Yes, I want to Gift Aid this donation and any donations I make in the future or have your contact preferences, please contact made in the past 4 years to RSBC. I am a UK Taxpayer and understand that if I pay Signature Date D D M M Y Y us at [email protected] or call less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of GiftAid claimed on all 0203 198 0225 my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Gift Aid is Please return this form in a stamped addressed envelope. reclaimed by us from the tax you pay for the current tax year. Your address is needed Our address is: Freepost Plus RTUR–THHH–XJRE RSBC 52-58 Arcola Street London E8 2DJ to identify you as a current UK taxpayer. You can also donate online at: rsbc.org.uk OR by calling 020 3198 0225

Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) Registered Office: 52-58 Arcola Street, London E8 2DJ. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and (139928) and a charity Registered charity No. 307892 10 No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO LETTERS

derogatory comments at me. I was manage daily life on their own. Electric so scared, embarrassed, and felt so However, they can and do use Universal Credit ashamed of my body. Thanks for our support services for as long nightmares New research by children’s charity as needed. is discredited supporting us Last year we provided ongoing Dear Waltham Forest Echo Plan International UK has found Dear Waltham Forest Echo that, like me, 35 percent of girls Dear Waltham Forest Echo welfare advice and support for The London Overground service in the UK have been sexually 25 former residents. We also [Secretary of State for Work and on the Barking to Gospel Oak line harassed in public while in school Our charity walk for Branches provided advice to 80 home- Pensions] Esther McVey has has greatly deteriorated since June, uniform. Harassment has become Hostel in Forest Road has now less people, or people threat- “privately” told MPs that Univer- with peak service cuts and regular just a part of my life, of girls’ lives, raised £4,928 and with donations ened with homelessness, who sal Credit (UC) is leaving working cancellations due to train shortages. and a problem that we have had to and sponsorships still to come contacted us for information. families up to £200-a-month worse The trains are packed before they accept because it’s just ‘the norm’. we expect to exceed £6,000 in Of the 29 people who moved on off. On top of the effects on the self- reach Waltham Forest and many Join me in saying “it’s not okay” total. We would especially like to in 2016-17, 27 were still main- employed and severely disabled, this passengers have to wait for a second and let’s all call harassment out thank customers of Tesco, Wait- taining their accommodation is proof, if proof were needed, that or third train to arrive before they for what it is; violence against rose, John Lewis and ASDA, who last year, with our support. UC should be scrapped. can board. When there are cancel- women and girls. donated £2,600. Your donations will help As a benefits specialist, perhaps the lations it can be impossible to board Branches has a resettlement Branches to continue provid- Secretary of State should employ me a train during the peak periods. Jess programme for all residents who ing this essential service to to help reform welfare? Trust me, To try and ease matters for trav- Plan International UK’s are preparing to move on, which current and former residents. it isn't going to be cheap. I would ellers from Leytonstone High Youth Advisory Panel includes support for at least Thank you! ensure welfare works for the many! Road and Leyton Midland Road six months after moving on stations, Transport for London to their new home. The pro- Winston Reid Gary Martin (TfL) is now operating four gramme prepares residents to Branches Hostel Carr Road, Walthamstow morning 'express' buses from these New violent stations to Walthamstow Central. TfL assumed that the eight crime unit is Send your letters Sign up to our newsletter two-carriage diesel trains that have worked the service since 2010 would welcome step Send letters of up to 250 If you would like to keep up to date with the latest news no longer be needed after their lease words by 20th November: from the Echo and be among the first to read each edition expired on 30th June as they were Dear Waltham Forest Echo as soon as it is published, sign up to our newsletter: due to be replaced by new four- I welcome plans for a new Email wfecho@ car electric trains. However, these Violence Reduction Unit at City socialspider.com Visit eepurl.com/bZXw5T

new trains have still not arrived Hall, particularly as we’ve seen Advertisement and a sublease on seven out of the something of this kind have real eight diesel trains expires on 30th results in Glasgow. This is a pos- November. The new trains are not itive step forward which builds Can you be part of our expected to be able to take over upon the stringent action the Mayor the service in time to prevent a of London has already taken to Management Committee? possible service suspension. clamp down on violent crime and Community Transport Waltham Forest is a In the meantime, TfL have increase the help available to the registered Charity and Company Limited by Vacancies Guarantee which has been established for more announced a consultation on most vulnerable young Londoners. than 23 years. We need to tackle the many closing booking offices at London The organisation has undergone a sustained period Overground stations. complex causes of violent crime, of growth over the last 5 years and we are just such as poverty and social alien- for about to meet a major milestone in our turnover. Glenn Wallis ation. A public health approach, in To support and strengthen the organisation at this exciting time we seeking new members to join our Secretary, Barking-Gospel which we bring together specialists management committee. Oak Rail User Group in health, the police, and local gov- ernment, will help us to do just that. Trustees We are particularly keen to find members from our local communities in Waltham Forest and Newham There is no escaping the fact as well as individuals with key skills that will that the government’s ruthless complement our current skills sets. Knowledge and Harassment and sustained austerity measures understanding of local issues, business experience or active members of the community are valued, have contributed to a rise in crime, all skills will add to the dynamic of our Management is violence whether through their closure of Committee. Dear Waltham Forest Echo vital youth services across London or their deep cuts to the Metro- Commitment required: Don’t walk home alone, don’t politan Police. 5-6 meetings per year, wear provocative outfits, cross the With the rising levels of inequal- occasional task force membership. side of the street when you see ity that blight and fragment our someone coming towards you, communities, the Mayor is right to To apply: walk with your keys in your hands concede that this fresh approach will Please contact: Helen Tredoux, Director, – all things I get told to do because see positive results over time, but it Community Transport Waltham Forest, Low Hall Manor Business Park, I’m a girl and it’s seen as ‘my job’ will not change things overnight. 30 South Access Road, Walthamstow E17 8BS. to protect myself from being It is clear that the government harassed in public. now needs to put ideology aside Email: [email protected] When I was 16, I was harassed and productively work with Mayor Tel: 020 85210665 while walking home in my school Khan to prevent more tragedies www.communitytransportwf.co.uk uniform. A car drove up behind from taking place on our streets. me and started honking its horn, DRIVEN BY OUR COMMUNITY and as I turned around I saw a Jennette Arnold group of boys in the car with their London Assembly Member heads out of the window shouting for Waltham Forest

CTWF-Advert.indd 1 19/10/2018 12:38 No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 11 Events A new project will explore the local history COLUMNS of a musical genre P . 13 Full recovery Waltham Forest Business Network's Jo Sealy meets two physios who feel at home helping them get home from Danny says: “The feedback we hospital after an operation, to more have been getting from our patients recently optimising recovery at has been so rewarding. We really home. Says Mark: “We noticed enjoy helping people recover in a that even when some patients way where they feel safe, informed, appeared to be recovering well and and can begin to start doing all of are in great shape when they leave the things they love again.” hospital to be discharged, some- The Post Op Home Physio team times six weeks later when they of therapists is growing and they return to see us again their prog- have their sights firmly set on ress would have slowed, stagnated, expanding to all London boroughs. or even regressed. Mark says: “With the estimated “We realised that many patients rise in orthopaedic surgery expect- return home with little informa- ed over the coming years, we hope tion, they have no idea what they to provide the same level of service are supposed to be doing or feeling in neighbouring cities to London in the early weeks after surgery, and beyond.” they aren’t sure if they are doing What's the most satisfying thing the exercises correctly, or maybe about running the business? Danny they aren’t doing enough of them. answers: “Being able to work on “Our initial focus has been to add- something that started as just a ress that and the feedback we have seed of an idea and watching it received is incredibly encouraging.” grow and evolve into something The team’s mission is to get very real and tangible.” Waltham Forest residents up and Danny Greaves, director and senior physiotherapist, with his client, Kirsty mobile in a way that is quicker, For more information about safer, and happier than before they Post Op Home Physio: newly established who realised that patients lacked ensuring the smooth transition started, knowing that their service Visit postophomephysio.com company providing the support and information from recovery after an operation can provide the community with a a specialised home needed to maintain their recovery to regaining independence and better level of care. Now coming Do you know a great small physiotherapy service at home following surgery. full function. up to its first year anniversary, Post business in Waltham Forest Ahas launched in Waltham Forest. The company claims to be the only Mark and Danny have each Op Home Physio is building links with a story to tell? Post Op Home Physio is the brain- one in London providing a bespoke accrued over a decade of ex- with GP surgeries, orthopaedic Email [email protected] child of physiotherapists Mark home physiotherapy service spe- perience, ranging from seeing surgeons and collaborating with Visit walthamforestbusiness.co.uk Wilkinson and Danny Greeves, cifically for recovery and rehab, patients pre-operatively in clinic, different healthcare providers. Forever welcoming young people In her regular column about life at The Mill, Helen Bigham has some encouragement for local young people he famous English structured projects that interest people can make their own clubs raconteur Quentin young people. To get young people – it’s really fun. Before I set up the Crisp once said: “The involved they need to be listened group I thought The Mill was more young always have the to and have their views taken into a place to show artwork, now I know sameT problem – how to rebel and account. They need opportunities there’s a place here for me and I can conform at the same time. They to decide for themselves how they play something I enjoy.” have now solved this by defying their would like to spend their time and Our current exhibition This is parents and copying one another.” for them to be able to influence what Me features artwork by students Peer influence can be dangerous. they would like to do. from Whitefield School and Joseph Research shows that young people The Mill provides space for ac- Clarke School, and is well worth a in Britain are more likely to drink, tivities set up by local people who visit. The artwork explores themes take drugs, have sex, join gangs, come up with the idea and then run of identity and self through a and get into fights, than almost any- the project. A young person called variety of media and techniques

where else in Europe. A local com- Semih recently launched a weekly explored by the students. There's plenty of things for young people to do at The Mill munity consultation identified con- Japanese card game group based Why not also sign up to The Mill's cerns around anti-social behaviour. around the Manga series Yu-Gi- free weekend 'Comms Boot Camp' And if you’re already part of a To find out more about Waltham One argument is that young people Oh. Although he lives locally, his for people aged between 16 and 22 group or have an idea to support Forest Connected: have a lack of places to get togeth- school is an hour away and he had years? It takes place on Saturday young people in the area around er. However, research shows that no-one in the area with whom to 10th and Sunday 11th November The Mill, St James Street Big Local Visit [email protected] just providing a meeting place can play the game. and is run by industry experts, cov- is offering grants of up to £10,000 To find out more about The Mill: do more harm than good. A more Semih said: “It’s better than staying ering everything from telling a good with a closing date for applications Visit themille17.org productive method is to run regular at home doing nothing. Other story to using social media for good. on 22nd November. 12 No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO LISTINGS Upcoming Ongoing

Suburban Horror Show Daoiri Farrell at St Mary's Music Hall Best Before Stall This Mum Runs Walthamstow Extra Sensory Friday 2nd November, 8pm–10.30pm Thursday 22nd November, 6.30pm-10.30pm Saturdays, 10am–2pm Sundays, 8am–9am Perception Extravaganza Ye Olde Rose and Crown Pub, 53-55 St Mary’s Music Hall, St Mary's Church, Next to Matalan, 829-837 High Road Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Every first Tuesday, 7pm–8.30pm Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 4SA Church End, Walthamstow E17 9RJ Leytonstone E11 1HH Walthamstow E17 4PP The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow E17 7HA Suburban-themed cabaret – Suburbaret! A magnificent night of Irish music in the The Best Before Stall stocks an We are an award-winning community in- “Executed with talent and zeal,” says atmospheric surroundings of St Mary’s ever-changing selection of packaged spiring thousands of women to run to- A series of three practical workshops Grumpy Gay Critic. “Muddy and vulgar, Church. Award-winning traditional foods from spices to rices – via puddings, gether every week. Join us for a 30-minute on Extra Sensory Perception, aimed at intelligent and bonkers and sexy,” writes singer and bouzouki player Daoiri Farrell, preserves, pasta, drinks, crisps, teas and run at a speed suitable for chat. Your time. practising in a safe and nurturing envi- Erotic Review. But don't take their word recognised as one of the most important chocolates. Transition Leytonstone Your space. Your pace. ronment the extra-sensorial skills we are for it, see it yourself! Showing this month singers to come out of Ireland in recent years, sources these from local shops and all born with. at Ye Olde Rose and Crown. joins us for the London leg of his UK tour. individuals. All of these foods are Free entry past their ‘best before’ date. They are Visit thismumruns.co.uk/london £15 per session Tickets £15-£12 Tickets £12-£15 perfectly okay to eat and legal to be Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Visit freyaingva.com/events Email garethhaggerjohnson@ Email [email protected] offered for sale. So come along, have a googlemail.com Visit musichalls.org/events Alcoholics Anonymous in Chingford browse, choose your items and pay us Thursdays, 8pm–9.30pm Free English Conversation Club Visit suburbaret.co.uk what you feel is right. The Limes Sunday Market The Methodist Church Hall, Station Mondays, 9.30am–11am Folk Music at St John’s Music Hall Sunday 25th November 2018, 12pm–3pm Road, Chingford E4 9BJ Christ Church Leyton, 73 Francis Free entry Road, Leyton E10 6PL Friday 9th November, 6.30pm–10.30pm The Limes, 6 Somers Road, Call 07747 014 235 St John’s Music Hall, St John's Church, Walthamstow E17 6RX Do you have a drinking problem? Do you Email [email protected] want help? Alcoholics Anonymous holds Would you like to practise speaking English? High Road E11 1HH Visit transitionleytonstone.org.uk Come along to our vibrant Sunday Market weekly meetings in Chingford for anyone Come take part in talking with others in a As part of the London Roots Festival St and support our fantastic charity. Browse who is concerned about their drinking. relaxed setting. Classes are on Mondays Sing'n'Shine during school term time. All are welcome, John’s Music Hall presents an exciting handmade gifts and cards with plenty of Every Saturday, 2.15pm– 4.15pm but a beginning level of English is helpful. night of live music in the atmospher- treats to eat and drink. If you are a local 458 Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 9AH Free entry ic surroundings of St John’s Church. maker or creator join the fun and sell your Call 0800 917 7650 Email [email protected] Free entry Hailing from southern Italy, Télamuré stuff for just £10 per table! If you enjoy singing with others involv- Visit alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk Email [email protected] showcase the lifestyle and culture of the ing solos and harmonies and want to region through traditional music and folk Call 020 8509 8985 develop creative and musical abilities then dance. Also on the bill is award-winning Email [email protected] why not try this new group in Waltham- Visit thelimes.org.uk melodeon player Andy Cutting. stow. It would be nice to collaborate on Ranger Ramble on Lea Marshes an original song too and work towards Tickets £10-£16 Sunday 25th November 1pm–3pm a performance in December. Please get Advertise with us Email [email protected] in touch ASAP and we can let you know Visit musichalls.org/events Lee Valley Ice Centre, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton E10 7QL more details. The Echo has a circulation of Cycling the Iron Curtain – Borders of a Divided Europe Join us on Walthamstow and Leyton Free entry Call 07513 811 346 12,500 copies per issue and an Saturday 10th November, 7.30pm–10.30pm, Marshes and speak with one of the Lee Email [email protected] Epicentre, West Street, Leytonstone Valley Regional Park Ranger Team. Find out all about the local area and how the estimated readership of up to E11 4LJ College Amateur Operatic Society park is managed; what upcoming events Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7.30pm–10pm are on in the area; and get up-to-date 37,500 people. Walthamstow Residents Tom and Kath- Waltham Forest College, Forest Road, erine Marshall describe their journey information on future volunteering tasks Walthamstow E17 4JB through 20 countries and will share their and projects. You also have to opportunity experiences of the pain caused by the Iron to share your experiences of the marshes. We are a friendly, amateur musical theatre The newspaper is distributed Curtain – with slides. company. Our July 2019 major produc- £3 entry tion will be Seven Brides for Seven Broth- across the borough in community Visit visitleevalley.org.uk Free entry ers. We are seeking actors/singers/dancers. Call 0208 555 5248 We welcome all ages who enjoy theatre. venues, pubs, cafes, libraries, Email [email protected] Repair Café in Walthamstow Saturday 1st December, 12.30pm–3.30pm Rehearsal nights are Tuesdays (princi- doctors’ surgeries, shops and Quiz Night in Walthamstow The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane, pals) and Thursdays (chorus). Do come Thursday 15th November, 7pm–10pm Walthamstow E17 7HA and find out more. hairdressers; as well as outside Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill, Walthamstow E17 9RZ North London Waste Authority has Free entry released new research that shows that Call 020 8539 9474 the borough’s railway and tube The Alumnae Association is hosting a 22 million damaged furniture items and Email [email protected] stations and door-to-door. quiz night with tables of between six 11,000 bust bicycles are thrown away each Visit collegeoperatic.co.uk and eight people. There are prizes for the year in the UK. In order to prevent some winning table and a raffle. Please bring of this waste, NLWA is running 21 repair Morris Dancing for Beginners your own food and drinks. All proceeds go cafés in north and east London. Residents Wednesdays, 8pm–10pm The Echo sells its advertising in St Gabriel’s Family Centre (back hall), to support Walthamstow School for Girls. can sign up for a 30 minute slot on the Havant Road, Walthamstow E17 3LF Wise up to Waste website. partnership with Hackney Citizen. Tickets £5 advance, £7 on the door Blackhorse and Standard Women’s Call 020 8509 9410 Free entry If you wish to place an advert with Email [email protected] Visit wiseuptowaste.org.uk/repaircafes Morris dancers invite you to have a go at traditional English Morris dancing us please email Ben Cawthra at: at our beginners' evening. A fun and friendly way of keeping fit. No expe- rience necessary, just come along and Submit your listing have a go. Musicians of traditional Email ben.cawthra@ To list your event for December, fill in the online instruments are also welcome. hackneycitizen.co.uk form available at walthamstuff.com/echo First term free to new members 020 3892 0061 before Thursday 15th November. Call 020 8514 8771 Call Visit blackhorseandstandard.org.uk No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 13 Features A newcomer to Walthamstow speaks to locals EVENTS about how the area is changing P . 14 Celebrating the birthplace of grime Poets win Emma Betts from Beatroots Creative introduces a new project exploring the history of a musical genre prizes

MCs from Waltham Forest includ- Bruza and Chad ‘Ratty’ Stennett. by Barry Coidan & Paul McGrane ed Bruza, Diesel D-Power, Jammer, We aim to provide a diverse Lady Fury, and Mizz programme in which everyone Beats. More Fire Crew, one of the can get involved, whether you’re a first crews in the grime scene, was dedicated grime fan or new to the created by Lethal Bizzle, Neeko genre. There will be opportunities and Ozzie B while at college; their to develop your lyric-writing and grime single Oi! charted at number beat-making skills in workshops seven in 2002. Lethal Bizzle, from led by Lady Lykez, Lemzi, and Walthamstow, went on to have solo Rory Sky. success with his debut single Pow! We have produced Grime Waltham charting at number eleven in 2004. Forest in partnership with Chantelle

The basement of Jammer’s family Fiddy, Diesle D Power, Lemzi, MVP Meryl Pugh picked the winners home in Leyton hosted many of Workshops, and Stow Film Lounge. grime’s most well-known artists at The project has been made possi- hen the deadline for the early stages of their career. In ble thanks to a grant from Heritage the first-ever Waltham 2004 he and Chad ‘Ratty’ Stennett Lottery Fund, plus support from WForest Poetry Compe- began to organise and film clashes Waltham Forest Council. tition closed, the hard work began. between artists, then sold them as We had no idea how the compe- Jammer and Lord of the Mics Credit David Emery for LOTM X Phire Wire DVDs under the name Lord of the Get involved and find out more tition would go. his autumn we are East London at the beginning of Mics, going on to become one of about Grime Waltham Forest: Would we be embarrassed with excited to present a pro- the Noughties. It was developed grime’s most archetypal brands. Email [email protected] a trickle of poems? Would judge gramme celebrating the by young working class London- In November we are running Tweet @grimewf Meryl Pugh be twiddling her local people who helped ers expressing their anger and a programme of events – gigs, Visit grimewf.org thumbs? We needn’t have worried Tdevelop grime music. frustration at a system that had let film-screenings, panel discussions – over 500 poems from nearly 300 Book your free tickets: The story of grime, now one of them down – exemplifying a do-it- and talks – featuring grime veterans Visit ticketlab.co.uk/events/grime- poets were sent in from around our successful international cul- yourself approach of the kind Jammer, D Power, Sharky Major, waltham-forest the world. All were based on the tural exports, began right here in formerly associated with punk. Flowdan, Coelle (aka Lady Fury), theme of 'A Bright Future'. “It was my utter pleasure to read poem after poem that tackled the theme with inventiveness, skill and Local choirs unite to mark Armistice centenary sheer heart,” says Meryl. “This made it somewhat difficult to narrow by bombs in the Second World down the field – particularly in the by Andrew Sackett War. In memory of the war dead, youth category, where I thought Britten combined a requiem the standard was extremely high.” early 300 local mass with poems written by the The winning poems expressed singers and mu- renowned war poet Wilfred Owen. concern over nature and humanity’s sicians will perform Owen, a soldier, was killed in relationship with it, while their form Benjamin Britten’s action just a few days before showed how the reader’s ear and eye NWar Requiem to commemorate the Armistice and vividly de- can counterpoint with each other. the Armistice which ended the scribed the horrors of the trench- “I’m so delighted that the winning First World War 100 years ago es and gas warfare. The result is and commended poems are from this month. a moving and powerful outcry such a mix of writers.” It will be a joint venture between against man’s inhumanity to man. Thank you to Stow Brothers for South West Essex Choir (SWEC), LFC’s musical director Jon- sponsoring the prizes and everyone London Forest Choir (LFC), and athan Rathbone will conduct who submitted a poem. Forest Philharmonic Orchestra, the full chorus and orchestra, together with children from while I will conduct a smaller Overall winners Chingford Parish Church and orchestra accompanying the two Robert Keeler, USA schools across Waltham Forest. male soloists. Jane Wilkinson, Norwich Tammy Armstrong, Canada As SWEC’s musical director, The performance on Saturday I am delighted to be collabo- 17th November at Walthamstow Local winners rating on such a major project. Assembly Hall will be the finale Tim Scott, Walthamstow Angelena Demaria, Walthamstow Britten’s War Requiem is one of for local commemorations of the South West Essex Choir in rehearsal Sarala Estruch, Chingford the outstanding works of the 20th 1918 Armistice. There will be Century and this is a very exciting exhibitions about the First World Our aim is to attract new Young poet winners opportunity for all those taking War before the concert and also audiences to classical music, Tickets for Britten War Requiem on Katherine Wu, Hong Kong Saturday 17th November cost from Vivian DeRosa, USA part, as well as a rare chance for at the Magistrates Café next to particularly young people, and £18 in advance or from £16 on the Kate Lucas, Walthamstow the audience to experience it. Waltham Forest Town Hall, where to establish links with communi- door. Students and benefit recipients Local young winner Britten, a staunch pacifist, com- there will be free talks on the ty groups and those with recent can pay £8, and children £3. posed the piece to celebrate the evening of Wednesday 14th No- experience of conflict. The concert Amira Campbell, Chingford Call 07845 156 494 opening in 1962 of the new Cov- vember linking the First World is supported by the Arts Council, Visit ticketsource.co.uk/london- Read the winning poems online: entry Cathedral, which replaced War with current conflicts and Waltham Forest Council, and the forest-choir-and-south-west-essex-choir Visit bit.ly/wfpoetrycomp the previous building destroyed their impact on children. Charles S French Charitable Trust. 14 No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO FEATURES The times they are a changin' A newcomer to Walthamstow speaks to locals about how the area is changing

by Sam Billington "The tide of y wife and I moved to Walthamstow a change must year ago. We're origi- be gentle nally from the north Mof England. and carry The area is changing and chang- ing fast. New independent shops everyone and cafes are popping up, a bigger shopping mall and expanded along with it" tube station are planned, and big redevelopments are on the horizon. the area's future. Waltham Forest The tides of change are in full flow. Council is actively encouraging We moved here as we were looking creatives and entrepreneurs and for somewhere to buy a flat and using planning powers to make sure lay down some roots. We needed developers include workshops in somewhere we could afford to their new developments. Blackhorse buy, where we could get into town Lane is now being called a ‘creative quickly, and that had a strong sense industries zone’ – while almost of community. After months of 3,000 new homes are being built. exploring London and talking to But what do all these big redevel- friends, one place kept coming top opments mean for Walthamstow

of the list; Walthamstow. and its sense of community? Sam Billington moved to Walthamstow a year ago There’s good cafes, restaurants Leyla from Bloom Of The Block and shops; yoga schools and some- talked about the risks and what the Advertisement where for me to do martial arts; a big chains and brands might do to great sense of community; a diverse the area. “The balance needs to be and genuine friendliness. Waltham- right,” she told me. “It would be stow seems to have everything and nice to see the High Street and Hoe is described as ‘up and coming’. Of Street keep their independence.” course, this is also code for increas- I couldn’t agree more. Big develop- ing property prices. In a word, it ments should be done at the right means gentrification. pace. The tide of change must be Walthamstow does have its problems gentle and carry everyone along of course; there’s anti-social behaviour, with it, not a flood flushing out the gangs, and gun and knife crime. But heart and soul of the place. my first impressions were very good, Fawad Akhtar owns a local and I wanted to speak to some of the company called Structural Engi- entrepreneurs and creatives who make neering and Design Consultancy, Walthamstow what it is. based in Forest Road. He said: “We Caroline, who owns The Every thought of Camden as the edge of Space in Hoe Street, always wanted London only a few decades ago. to own a local business here. She Walthamstow was a part of Essex. describes Walthamstow as having Now Camden is central London and a unique vibe: “It’s a place for Walthamstow is part of London.” creatives and makers but also Walthamstow is indeed being families. There’s a real community gobbled up by London and has connection and enthusiasm for received the ‘up and coming’ baton new ideas, which makes it perfect from places such as Shoreditch and for independent businesses.” Brixton. Walthamstow is being This was echoed by Leyla, who gentrified – and I’m part of it. I has recently opened Bloom Of wonder what others who have lived The Block in Hoe Street. “I’ve felt here all their life feel? a lot of support from independent I recently met a chap at a tea shop businesses here, which have helped in Epping Forest who grew up here me out from the start.” just after the Second World War. Leyla describes the “strong sense He talked about how new theatres of community in Walthamstow” and posh shops made Waltham- and how this differs from the other stow “the place to be” in the mid areas of London she has lived in. 20th Century. Entrepreneurship and creative As sure as taxes and death, places like industries seems to be a big part of Walthamstow will always change. No. 44 NOVEMBER 2018 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 15 Support local

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