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Free June 2021, No. 75 WALTHAM Email [email protected] Facebook /WalthamForestEcho Instagram @walthamforestecho Tweet @WFEcho FOREST ECHO Visit walthamforestecho.co.uk News Politics Comment Arts & Culture Environment Secret Cinema’s summer Local election winners are Walthamstow Trades Preview: An eco-conscious Meet the borough’s wildlife events at Low Hall Sports revealed, plus more by- Hall is back in action, exhibit for July’s anticipated wonders (plus when and Ground postponed elections to take place in June after a rollercoaster year E17 Art Trail where to see them) P . 2 P . 6 P . 9 P . 13 P . 14–15

The report also states that across Waltham Forest. Over the government has factored the past two years, HEET has in those who “actively limit supported 284 households, of their use of energy at home” which 260 were vulnerable with to save money – adding: “The long-term health conditions. government is interested in the Each of these households saved amount of energy people need an average of £538 on their to consume to have a warm, annual energy bill. well-lit home, with hot water for “Earlier this year we were everyday use, and the running awarded nearly £1.8 million from of appliances. Therefore, fuel the government’s Green Homes poverty is measured based on Grant to improve the homes and required energy bills rather than lives of lower-income residents actual spending.” who may struggle with fuel bills. Analysis by the charity National “Work is already taking place to Energy Action (NEA) estimated insulate the first homes to benefit, that the exact percentage of with more planned over the com- households – 21.1% – equates to ing months, and the average EPC 21,742 Waltham Forest homes. rating has increased at properties NEA said in a statement: where work is complete by at least “Almost 22,000 households in two grades from E to C. Waltham Forest cannot afford “These improvements not only to keep their homes warm. They address fuel poverty in lower-in- are likely to be living in cold, come families but help us reach damp and unsafe properties. our longer-term aim of achieving Credit Julian Hochgesang/Unsplash “It makes illnesses, such as zero carbon by 2030.” respiratory and circulatory dis- On a regional level, the govern- eases worse, and takes a toll on ment report found that South- their mental health. While those East England had one of the affected are hit the hardest, it also lowest levels of fuel poverty, with One-fifth of Waltham places an avoidable strain on local 7.5% of households considered health and social services. ‘fuel poor’. “Warm homes should be a basic Forest households in right for all. In Waltham Forest The full report, published at the end of April, can be found on gov.uk at they are a pressing local priority.’’ bit.ly/3eYm0Ji Waltham Forest Council esti- ‘fuel poverty’ mates that there are around 2,700 residential properties in The Echo is free for everyone. As a the borough that have an EPC not-for-profit, we need your support to stay that way. If you would like to Thousands cannot afford to keep their homes warm rating of E or below – with a support our publisher WFWellComm majority of these households with a one-off donation scan this QR code with your PayPal app: and well-lit, data and charity warning suggests living with a combined income of less than £30,000 a year. by Elizabeth Atkin on the most recent 2019 data – Housing Survey (EHS). A council spokesperson said: ore than one-fifth and shows that the borough is It defines fuel poverty as a house- “We know the damage to edu- of Waltham For- one of seven Local Authorities hold with an energy efficiency cational prospects, health, and est households are in England with a fuel poverty rating (Energy Performance life chances that fuel poverty believed to be living rate above 20%. Certificate, or EPC) in the lower causes and we are determined Min fuel poverty, a new government The figures, based on the Low bands of D, E, F or G – which to address these issues. report shows. Income Low Energy Efficiency typically indicate higher energy “We work with our part- The report, produced by the (LILEE) fuel poverty metric, costs – and whose income would ners at The HEET Project to Department of Business, Energy are curated using modelling be below the poverty line after tak- improve insulation and ener- and Industrial Strategy, is based based on data from the English ing off housing and energy costs. gy-saving measures in homes 2 No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO NEWS Secret Cinema postponed until 2022 FELLOWSHIP IS LIFE The controversial Walthamstow screenings have been JUNE 2021 No. 75 cancelled until summer next year due to Covid-19 Waltham Forest Echo is by Victoria Munro, Local Democracy Reporter appointment to Secret Cinema fans. At the planning meeting in March, objector the borough's free community “We are contacting all customers who have Lara Pawson told the committee: “Waltham newspaper. We publish monthly n open-air cinema operator has tickets booked for the July-August 2021 run Forest is among the most deprived areas and distribute 17,500 free copies of each issue – and we cancelled plans to use a Waltham- to provide them with the option of coming in the country when it comes to access to will continue to do so during the stow sports ground this summer, to the new dates or to receive a full refund.” green space. ongoing public health crisis citing “ongoing uncertainty Responding to the news on Twitter, Jack “In summer, this space is brimming with aroundA the hosting of mass gatherings” Bernhardt wrote: “The dreadful Secret Cin- sports players, dog walkers, picnickers, read- Publisher due to Covid-19. ema project that was going to destroy (my ers and even golfers.” David Floyd Waltham Forest Council gave Secret Cinema dog’s) favourite park and kill a lot of wildlife John Mannion, from Coppermill Swifts Editor planning and licensing permission to use Low in the Walthamstow area has been POST- FC, a community sports initiative which he Elizabeth Atkin Hall Sports Ground in Walthamstow from PONED to next year, so that’s good news.” said “cannot operate without Low Hall”, July until September, despite residents’ fury also implored councillors to reject the plans. Designer at losing their green space. He said: “You do not seriously want me to Jonathan Duncan “With ongoing uncertainty... The planning application to build an enor- we have taken the tough tell kids, most of whose parents do not have Head of Advertising mous set at the sports ground – granted on cars, that because the field they normally Klaudia Kiss 31st March to cries of “shame on you” from decision to postpone Secret walk to is closed off for a private event, they one objector – has now been withdrawn. Cinema Presents Dirty can no longer play with their mates.” Head of Operations The company announced on 7th May that He urged Secret Cinema to “go to another Paige Ballmi it was postponing its immersive screenings of Dancing to summer 2022” larger area that can sustain a site as large as Dirty Dancing, for which tickets ranged from yours”, adding: “You have the choice to go Engagement Manager £49 to £89, until next summer. While campaigning group Low Hall Fields elsewhere, we do not.” Penny Dampier Secret Cinema CEO Max Alexander said: tweeted: “It’s clear @wfcouncil underesti- However, committee members who voted for Sales Representative “With ongoing uncertainty around the host- mated the strength of the Low Hall com- the plans considered that cultural offerings Xavier Duchen ing of mass gatherings, and the lack of Covid- munity. Hundreds of us stand united ready were also important to post-lockdown life. 19 cancellation insurance, we have taken the for the next time they want to privatise our Chairwoman Cllr Jenny Gray said: “We do Contributors tough decision to postpone Secret Cinema precious green space #LowHallForAll.” need cultural activities. Everyone has been Victoria Munro, James Presents Dirty Dancing to summer 2022. Secret Cinema planned to use the space from locked up for so long, I think people would Cracknell, Bella Saltiel, Michelle Edwards, Laura, “It’s heartbreaking to have to postpone the 5th July until 12th September this year, putting actually like to go out and have some fun.” Martinez da Silva, Penny opening of Kellerman’s by another year and 10 football pitches out of action and occupying Waltham Forest Council have been con- Rutterford, Sarah Fairbairn, we understand this will come as a huge dis- a large area in the middle of the grounds. tacted for comment. Janet Ling, Kate Bohdanowicz, The team at Walthamstow, Advertisement Trades Hall, Nicky Dean, Sarah Brocklehurst Why Kate Bohdanowicz The member organisations of WFWellComm CIC are: became an Echo member Community Transport Waltham Our community-led approach to local news Forest, Social Spider CIC, HEET. inspired resident Kate to get involved WFWellComm CIC Board: Supporting independence at Credit Tim Reedy David Floyd, Social Spider CIC Tom Ruxton, HEET Helen Tredoux, home for people with Funded by Community Transport WF Alzheimer’s dementia Society Would you be interested in helping us? Contact We would like to invite family or friends who support someone Research partners: Call 020 8521 7956 living with dementia to try out a new intervention (NIDUS-family) to Email [email protected] help people living with dementia stay independent and remain at Post The Mill, 7 –11 Coppermill home. Lane, Walthamstow E17 7HA What will happen if I take part? Ø You will have the opportunity to discuss the study and ask Advertising questions. Call 07732 000 430 Ø You will be asked to complete questionnaires with a researcher Email [email protected] at the start of the study and then 6 & 12 months after the initial ’m a member of Waltham Forest Echo call. because I believe that, at a time when much Ø If you are offered NIDUS-family, a researcher will explore what is of the press is overtly biased, an independent important to you and the person you support, help develop strategies with you and signpost you to services. This might newspaper is essential and worth supporting. include support with getting out and about, staying healthy and II also value a paper that welcomes contributions safe, improving sleep, help at home and making future plans. from the community. I want to hear what my Ø We will offer you £60 in vouchers to thank you for taking part. neighbours have to say about their local area, Ifyouareinterestedinhearingmore pleasecontact... because the issues that affect them affect me too. Waltham Forest is changing rapidly. The Echo Waltham Forest Echo is a member of Jessica Budgett, UCL (University College London) IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor keeps me up to date on what is happening in my of The Press. For more information Email: [email protected] on the Echo’s complaints policy and neighbourhood. As a member, I can get involved how to make a complaint visit: Tel no: 07899 858 684 walthamforestecho.co.uk/complaints and have my say. No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 3 NEWS New 18-storey tower block proposed Another high-rise could be coming to Hoe Street in Walthamstow Central by Victoria Munro, block includes 17 flats desig- However, the developer argues Local Democracy Reporter nated ‘affordable’ – aimed at the increase in height is in-keep- households earning £40,000 to ing with “significant change” n “underutilised” bank £60,000 a year – meaning the planned for the surrounding could be replaced with scheme would not meet the 35% area, such as The Mall’s redevel- an 18-storey block of affordable housing target set out opment, which is planned to be flats, if a developer in the council’s Local Plan. 34 storeys high. winsA planning permission. The applicant has provided It also offers to build “sig- Providence Capital Securi- a lengthy financial assessment nificant public realm improve- ties (PCS) has submitted an explaining why it does not ments”, such as a new “quieter” application to Waltham Forest think it can meet the afford- public path to Walthamstow Council to build 66 flats on the able homes target, estimating Central Station. Barclays bank site in Hoe Street, construction costs of £18.5m The proposed scheme would Walthamstow, on the other side for the project. include no car parking spaces of Station Approach from the The application describes the but more than 100 bicycle spaces 14-storey Travelodge Hotel. site as “ideally located” near for the new tenants and visitors. On the opposite side of Hoe Walthamstow Central Station The application is currently Street, a 17-storey building is and the town centre, but says in a consultation phase and readers were quick to note on bank’ that I had to queue for currently under construction on it is “underutilised” at present. representations can be made on social media that the so-called 90 minutes to get into recently? the former site of the council’s The current building is three sto- the council’s website: waltham “underutilised” Barclays branch Come on now.” Juniper House building. reys high, consisting of the bank forest.gov.uk. is frequently busy. While another echoed: The proposal by PCS for on the ground floor and two floors In response to news of the @alastair.gudgeon wrote on “Underutilised? Have they seen another new Hoe Street tower of office space and flats above. application, several Echo Instagram: “The ‘underused the queue to get in?”

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complaint may be connected to a pile of waste from a compost bin in the vicinity. “There was some mud on the ground Council kerfuffle that someone else had dumped [near the car],” he says. “Most people in that road, I know them, and they know me – and they know I was over wheel-less car working on the car, so it wouldn’t have been them that complained about it. They saw me over the weekend. Walthamstow resident Adrian Baker claims his “I think someone has made a complaint about the mud behind the vehicle, [some- legally-parked car, without its wheels, was seized one has] sent an operative or one of these agents out to look at it – then they’ve seen over a month ago – and that he’s yet to get it back this pile behind [the car], put two and two together and come up with 48.” Photograph of Adrian’s car being At the time of writing, on 20th May, removed, taken by a neighbour remove it off the lot himself despite the Adrian tells the Echo he remains unable to fact it had no wheels attached when it was take back possession of his car. He assumes taken from Stephenson Road. it is still being stored at Redcorn’s site. On Emails to Adrian from a neighbourhood 26th May, Adrian was told his complaint is senior officer at the council, seen by the being further investigated by the council. Echo, cite Section 149(2) of the Highways His total financial loss, including the car Act 1980 in regard to his complaint. It states and its many parts, is around £4,000. that anything “unlawfully deposited” on a “The principle outweighs the value of the highway can be removed without notice, property... it goes beyond the £4,000 I’ve lost,” if it causes a potential threat to the public. he says. “The people we’re paying for should The fact the Aventis was on axle stands, be doing what they’re supposed to be doing. and could possibly be knocked off those “There has to be a procedure and due stands causing injury, was the stated rea- diligence to follow, before you go around son for the potential risk. taking people’s stuff. Otherwise, we’re But Adrian maintains that his vehicle just on a highway to madness.” was lawfully parked, as well as fully taxed, A Waltham Forest Council spokesper- insured and MOT’d – which would mean son said: “We received a complaint about that this section of the act is not applicable. a vehicle on car jacks on a public road. The same email also said that a complaint This was deemed a danger to the public had been made by a member of the public and, as such, the council took the appro- about the car – though Adrian believes any priate measures to deal with the matter.”

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By Elizabeth Atkin showed that the car was deemed abandoned and would be crushed within days – though Walthamstow man has claimed the latter was revealed to be an error. that Waltham Forest Coun- The wheel-less Toyota Aventis was then cil and its contracted vehicle stored without destruction at a yard in Essex, 020 8150 1177 • www.coppermills.co.uk removal company, Redcorn operated by Redcorn Ltd – which describes 63 St James Street, E17 7PJ Ltd,A removed his car from the street and itself as “London’s largest ELV and nuisance impounded it without giving any notice. vehicle contractor” on its website. • Face to face valuations and viewings. Engineer and car enthusiast Adrian Adrian was eventually able to regain • Video tours and valuations available. Baker was shocked to learn that his car access to his car on the Redcorn site – but • Walthamstow outperforms most of the was being hauled away from its usual claims he was prohibited from retrieving rest of the market. parking spot on Stephenson Road, his ‘top box’, worth over £3,000, from the • Offices fitted with COVID safeguards and app in Walthamstow, back in April. car’s roof. operation so sign in when you come and see us. The vehicle – an “appreciating classic” He also claims that, to take back pos- in the form of a 20-year-old Toyota Aven- session of the car, he was told there was For the past 12 years, Coppermills has ensured tis Estate, worth around £3,000 – was a £240 release fee, and that he’d have to that experience, honesty and trust have been the being propped up on axle stands with the foundation of our ethos. wheels removed, and was in the process of Commitment, advice and support from our experienced being fixed, Adrian tells theEcho . “The principle team will ensure you achieve your property goals. It was taxed, insured, MOT’d and parked Supporting the local community and doing things differently. on a street close by to his residential address, outweighs the value Fixed cost to sell your home: not directly in front of a house. He had been of the property. • £1,750 + VAT acting as sole agent for flats and apartments working on the vehicle over several week- • £2,500 + VAT acting as sole agent for houses ends, spending several hundreds of pounds There’s procedure fees only apply once sold on now-unusable parts. and due diligence to A neighbour first alerted Adrian to the fact Walthamstow’s his car was being removed by the council follow, before you on 20th April, when he was away for work. go around taking warmest welcome A Waste Transfer Consignment Note, which was dated 13th April and sent to people’s stuff” Come to the experts Adrian by his neighbour via WhatsApp, No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 5 NEWS Flat’s ‘dangerous’ leak left unfixed for years Electrical faults were caused in a disabled woman’s flat, reports Victoria Munro, Local Democracy Reporter disabled Leytonstone mas in 2019, while her mum was might have rented out the prop- woman has been left away on holiday. erty anyway but I was hoping it in potential danger for She said: “I switched on the would all get sorted. years after her hous- light and there was a massive “The whole point of housing ingA association failed to fix a explosion. I went into the cup- associations is to support vul- long-standing leak. board [to check the fuse box] nerable people like Marjorie but Marjorie Lambert-Foote and it was full of water and all I think [founder] George Peabody lives in a block in Peach Grove the electronics had gone. would be turning in his grave if owned by Peabody – and has “I had to walk down to the he could see what was going on.” repeatedly reported a leak in council and explain what had When contacted by the Local the flat above her, which drips happened. Her freezer was full Democracy Reporting Service, into her store room. of food and a lot of my mum’s a Peabody spokesperson said: Just before Christmas 2019, things got damaged but Peabody “We’re sorry to hear of Mr Prin- so much water dripped on to didn’t want to pay for anything.” ja’s frustration. her fuse box that it shorted her Sandeep discovered the leak “Homeowners are responsible electricity, damaging her belong- in April, after switching on the for repairs to their own property ings and causing the food in her boiler in the flat for the first time but, in view of the impact this is freezer to thaw. and noticing that the pressure having on neighbours, we are sup- Peabody responded by shut- consistently dropped after it had porting him in trying to resolve the ting off the water to the flat been on for ten minutes. issue as soon as possible.” above and, in March 2020, sold He said it took until December Peabody was contacted by MP it to a private landlord, who it for Peabody to get a contractor John Cryer’s office, on behalf of has since argued is now respon- to assess the leak but that the Sandeep, to ask why it had sold him sible for fixing the leak. company later backed out of the a flat which it knew had a leak. New landlord Sandeep Prinja, job and no one appears to have In an email sent on 13th May, unaware of the leak when he been hired since. seen by the Local Democracy bought the flat, will not let the Sandeep said: “It’s terrible, Reporting Service, a spokesper- Marjorie Lambert-Foote Credit Image provided by daughter property until it is fixed because of I have been quite calm all year but I son responded: “Our general the risk to Marjorie but feels Pea- sold it at auction, they had tried to and she would not even see the bought this as an investment and position in these matters is that body has a “moral duty” to pay. repair it before but they failed. water on the floor, she would my life has been on hold since. we don’t carry out any checks Marjorie’s daughter Colette said: “My mum is partially sighted just fall over it.” “I have lost rental income, ourselves when reselling homes. “Peabody knew there was some- and it’s dangerous because the Colette visited the flat the last which has caused stress for me They are purchased as seen and thing wrong with the flat when they leak is going on the fuse box time it flooded, just before Christ- and my family. Some people ‘caveat emptor’ applies.”

masterplan to “appease” residents. Barts Health NHS Trust declined Detailed plans of Whipps Cross rebuild revealed to comment on the access and parking issues. Plans show where new homes will be built alongside taller Many of the new homes at Whipps Cross, according to hospital buildings, but concerns remain over local impact the plans submitted, will be by Victoria Munro, currently dotted around the site “Waltham Forest is usually spaces from 1,211 to 887, build- located in and between some of Local Democracy Reporter and, while Barts insists the new so big on air pollution. I think ing both the 500-space car park the historic current hospital car park will be more efficient, ultimately the ambition is to and another smaller car park buildings, with the Victorian lans for a six-storey its future neighbours are worried maximise the amount of land once the hospital is complete. frontages preserved. car park as part of it will concentrate air pollution they can sell for housing.” However, Hannah added that she The new homes are expected the new Whipps Cross near their homes. Barts currently intends to reduce fears this second car park “won’t go to bring “roughly 3,365 people” University Hospital Speaking to the Local Democ- the total number of parking ahead” and is only included in the into the area and put “addi- Predevelopment have added to racy Reporting Service, nurse Han- tional pressure” on GPs, schools concerns over air pollution. nah Johnson said there was “no and green spaces. Existing local The hospital, managed by Barts need” for a 500-space car park next GPs can accept roughly another Health NHS Trust, is due to be to Peterborough Road to replace 2,600 patients, but it is expected rebuilt by 2026 and will use taller the more scattered approach. another facility will be built on buildings to shrink the amount of She said: “We are not as a com- the site to care for the excess. land needed, freeing up space for munity saying we do not want It is estimated around 500 at least 1,500 new homes. patients or visitors to come here school-age children will come to The first set of plans show but they do not all have to come live in the new homes, although where the new homes will be to our back garden, it’s a big site. Barts claims “there is sufficient located and details plans for the “They are dumping pollution on school capacity […] to absorb multi-storey car park, due to people already living here. I cur- this demand”. open at the end of next year. rently have around 20 spaces by Proposals for new, taller hospital buildings would allow other parts of the Whipps Cross site to be used for housing Credit Barts Ryder Architecture To see more of the plans, visit More than 1,200 spaces are my house but soon I will have 500. walthamforestecho.co.uk 6 No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO NEWS Candidates unveiled for Local election victories for Grove Green and Lea Bridge Labour and Conservatives by-elections Here’s how the borough voted in the May polls for Mayor of Two new councillors London, the London Assembly and Chingford’s Hatch Lane Ward will be chosen in by James Cracknell voters in the north-east area – Waltham June vote Forest, Hackney and Islington boroughs he results are in for a series – picked incumbent Sadiq Khan, the ollowing London’s May of early May elections held eventual winner, as their first-preference elections, two new council- in Waltham Forest, with both pick. In second was Tory Shaun Bailey, lors will be chosen in June Labour and Conservative can- on 19.7%; in was third Green candidate – one for Lea Bridge Ward Tdidates emerging victorious. Sian Berry, on 10.8%; fourth was Lib Fand another for Grove Green Ward. In the London Assembly vote, where Dem Luisa Porritt, on 3.1%; and fifth Polls for both elections will be open candidates for the north-east seat were was Niko Omilana, an independent can- on 10th June, from 7am until 10pm. looking to succeed Labour’s long-serv- didate and popular YouTuber, on 1.8%. The Grove Green by-election is ing assembly member Jennette Arnold, Voters in the Hatch End Ward of Waltham being held following the unex- the party’s new candidate Sem Moema Forest were also asked to pick a new coun- pected April passing of Cllr Chris won comfortably with 51% of the vote. cillor, following the death of Conservative Robbins CBE, who had served This still represented a decline of 7% on Geoff Walker. The Tories were able to hold the Leyton ward since 2002, in Labour’s previous vote share won in 2016. the seat, with 50.9% backing the party’s new addition to his work as former In second place was the Green candidate candidate Justin Halabi, ahead of Labour’s council leader and most recent Caroline Russell, on 20%, which was a Cllr Justin Halabi Catherine Burns, who polled 38.4%. Mayor of Waltham Forest. 7% rise on the party’s 2016 result in the On Twitter, Cllr Halabi said: “It is an Candidates include Labour’s north-east constituency. In third was “build a society based on our shared Labour honour to be elected as the councillor for Uzma Rasool, Conservative Conservative Emma Best, a councillor values, truly for the many and not the few”. Hatch Lane Ward. To all of those who Shahamima Khan, Green Mark in Waltham Forest who polled at 19%, She added: “As your assembly member, voted against over-development, voted Stephen Dawes, Lib Dem Arran while fourth was the Liberal Democrat I will work with the mayor to undo the Conservative, and voted for Justin Halabi Angus and Kevin Parslow of Kate Pothalingam, on 7%. damage done by the Tories, delivering on – I appreciate it more than I can describe. the Trade Unionist and Social- Victorious candidate Sem is a councillor the issues that matter to Londoners.” “Together, we will make a difference in ist Coalition. in Hackney, who said she was standing to In the London mayoral race, 49.7% of Chingford and Highams Park.” Polling stations will be located at Grange Park United Reformed Church, Trinity Methodist Church and Christ Apostolic Church. Government grant for ‘eco’ In Lea Bridge, Labour’s Jennifer Whilby will be up against Con- servative Sazimet Imre, Lib Dem Naomi McCarthy, Independent upgrades to public buildings candidate Claire Weiss and Green RoseMary Warrington. Council receives £2.28m grant to spend on energy-saving Three polling stations will be set up at Lea Bridge Library, Emmanuel Par- improvements, reports Victoria Munro, Local Democracy Reporter ish Church and All Saints’ Church. As this is a developing story, altham Forest Council is Suntrap Centre in Epping Forest, outside Other buildings due to receive upgrades visit walthamforestecho.co.uk for spending millions to make the borough. include Leyton and Leytonstone libraries, updates and the election results. the borough’s public build- While the majority are either cultural Leyton Cricket Pavilion, Walthamstow Advertisement ings more eco-friendly. venues or centres providing a commu- Assembly Hall and William Morris Gallery. WThe council has received £2.28million in nity service, two of the sites due to The council will also carry out works Goods Vehicle grant money from a government scheme receive significant investment are not on The Junction adult learning cen- Operator’s Licence aimed at “decarbonising” public build- currently open to the public. These are tre, Waltham Forest Resource Hub, Imperial London Hotels Ltd trading as Imperial London Hotels Ltd, of Royal National Hotel Directors’ ings and plans to invest in twelve sites Chestnuts House in Hoe Street, a Grade Walthamstow Children’s Centre and Office, 38-51 Bedford Way London WC1H 0DG is around the borough. II-listed building currently occupied by Queens Road Community Centre. applying to change an existing licence as follows: The money will be used to install LED property guardians, and Relcon Works • To add an operating centre to keep 4 goods Walthamstow Assembly Hall is one vehicles and 0 trailers at Little Bill Laundry Unit lights, insulation and solar panels and, it warehouse on Sutherland Road. of the buildings set to be upgraded 5-9 12 Argall Avenue Leyton E10 7QE • To change existing conditions or undertakings is hoped, cut the council’s annual carbon A document advertising Chestnuts applying at the operating centre from: Sinclair Laundry Ltd, Brettenham Road, Edmonton N18 emissions by 288 tonnes and its annual House to investors in January last year 2HE, to: Little Bill Laundry, Unit 5-9, 12 Argall energy bill by £57,000. stated that the council hopes to turn it Avenue Leyton E10 7QE Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near The installation of new lights in all twelve into a “creative workspace, cultural space the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make buildings was to be completed by the end and homes for local people”. written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at May, while the council hopes to have the entire An Instagram account, inactive since Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. project finished by the end of September. 2016, shows Relcon Works was once Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the Most of the buildings selected for lived in as a warehouse conversion, but address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to improvement are in Walthamstow, with a there is no similar document suggesting Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office. handful in Leyton, Leytonstone, and the what the council may have planned. No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 7 NEWS

Student studying Credit Jeswin Thomas/Unsplash Coronation Square developer’s council discount agreed by Victoria Munro, Local Democracy Reporter

he amount a developer will pay Waltham Forest Council for the land where the bor- ough’s largest-ever housing scheme will be built has been slashed by £6.9million. The council’sT leadership agreed in May to offer a “deed of variation” to its deal with developer Taylor Wimpey for building the Coronation Square scheme on the site of the Score Centre in Leyton. The £190m regeneration project will see 750 new homes built in five blocks of flats (the tallest 18 sto- reys) – plus a new GP, leisure centre, nursery and civic square, commercial space, and heating network for the surrounding area. Last year, Taylor Wimpey warned that “unforeseen costs” from the pandemic, Brexit and new fire regu- Leytonstone college training lations could “significantly” delay construction work, unless the council agreed to renegotiate. In January, the cabinet agreed to a discount on the land price and to care workers is criticised purchase all 1,762 square metres of commercial space being built to help “de-risk” the scheme for Taylor Education watchdog Ofsted issued a Wimpey. The exact amounts involved had not at that time been revealed, but a report prepared for a cabinet meeting last month showed that the discount, plus damning report on a college in Church Lane the cost to the council of purchasing the commercial considerable omissions. Tutors do not Ofsted could not indicate space, will lower the land cost for Taylor Wimpey by Victoria Munro, Local Democracy Reporter adequately verify that apprentices’ how many care workers have from £30.4m to around £23.5m. work is their own and much is identical received a level three or five care As part of the deal, the developer will increase its in different portfolios. qualification from Limm Skills Section 106 contribution – statutory payments made are workers training at a Ley- “Leaders rely heavily on the informa- Academy prior to their inspec- to the council for investing in community infrastruc- tonstone academy have only tion provided by assessors and employ- tion, since it began offering ture – from £1.1m to £4m. Construction is expected “a limited understanding” of them in 2019. to finish by 2027. what they are learning, educa- “Apprentices are not able Advertisement Ction watchdog Ofsted has found. to clearly explain the new Limm Skills Academy in Church Lane WEBSITE offers apprenticeships for adult care knowledge they have gained… workers – but is not properly checking or the content of the most recent Radeke17furniture.com E17 FURNITURE their work or giving “useful feedback”, work they have submitted” according to the Ofsted report pub- EMAIL - BESPOKE KITCHEN FURNITURE AND WORKTOPS, lished mid-May. ers about apprentices’ progress, and this [email protected] The report, which follows an inspec- information is not always accurate. tion in March, found some apprentices’ “As a result, leaders are not aware of PHONE SHAKER STYLE, LACQUERED, LAMINATED work had “considerable omissions” or the strengths and areas of weakness AND REAL WOO D 07933420115 / 0208 227 1233 seemed to be plagiarised from others within their apprenticeship, nor do - BESPOKE BATHROOM FURNITURE, on the course. they have in place appropriate plans The academy also offers apprentice- to make improvements.” LOCATION - BESPOKE WARDROBES, BOOKCASES, ALCOVE , ships in business management, but the She added that assessors do not pro- Unit 3, CUPBOARDS AND OFFICE FURNITURE . majority of trainees during the inspec- vide “useful feedback” that is specific Walthamstow Business Center tion were training towards a level three to each apprentice or even “accurately Clifford Road, qualification in adult care work, qual- track the attendance” of apprentices - REPLACEMENT OF KITCHEN FRONTS . ifying them to be “lead frontline staff” at training. E17 4SX in nursing homes and other facilities. Overall, she deemed that the academy Walter Mugisha, from Limm Skills had made “insufficient progress” in all Academy, told the Local Democracy of the three areas she examined, includ- Reporting Service that the academy ing safeguarding. would work to improve on the areas of An Ofsted spokesperson confirmed concern Ofsted had raised. that providers who have made insuf- In her report, Ofsted inspector Gayle ficient progress in safeguarding “nor- Saundry wrote: “Apprentices are not able mally receive one further monitoring to clearly explain the new knowledge visit” within four months. they have gained… or the content of the As Limm Skills Academy was deemed to most recent work they have submitted. have insufficient progress in all three areas “Portfolios of apprentices’ work seen examined, it should also receive a full by inspectors were incomplete with inspection “within six to twelve months”. 8 No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO SPORT Leyton women’s football club no longer Orient The team, formerly Leyton Orient Women FC, has parted ways with The Os by Elizabeth Atkin It read: “As part of an all-encom- a complete shock. LOFC have passing strategy to develop female removed the women’s teams’ abil- he women’s team for- football in the area, the club will ity to play under the Orient name merly known as Ley- be launching an academy that in and identity, and have done so… ton Orient Women FC time will include age groups from without due consideration for the (LOWFC) is no longer under 9s to under 18s, mirroring impact on players and volunteers.” Toperating under the Orient name. the boys’ academy. The women’s side wrote that they The women’s club was origi- “This will be supplemented by offered LOFC their FA Women’s nally called KIKK United, before development centres, college pro- National League (WNL) tier 4 it received permission to use the grammes and will lead into a first- licence and to “manage the current Orient name in 2015 – despite team that will compete initially at women’s structure internally” – being managed by a separate, step six of the pyramid under the though say this was rebuffed. not-for-profit organisation. direct control of the football club. “LOFC have declined to even For six years, they successfully “We would like to place on record consider or discuss this option. represented Orient in tier four of our thanks for their [LOWFC] This would have enabled LOFC to the FA’s Women’s Football Pyra- efforts and achievements and wish continue to have WNL teams and mid – notably winning the 2018– them every success for the future provide the new girls’ academy 19 Isthmian Cup. as an independent organisation.” with a clear pathway into a high But on 28th April, a statement Director of Football Martin Ling The women’s team in their new Invest in Women team kit (provided courtesy of Adidas) level of women’s football.” posted to Leyton Orient FC’s added: “This is an exciting time for there is a bigger long-term picture staff at Leyton Orient Women’s Crucially, the decision took place (LOFC) website severed ties – the development of female foot- involving increased activity and FC are intensely disappointed at days before an FA deadline of 1st seemingly abruptly – between the ball at Leyton Orient. opportunities for more players.” the decision of Leyton Orient FC May, which would require the wom- two organisations. “We will be establishing key rela- The women’s team responded in to end its six-year relationship en’s team’s new name to be decided. LOFC said it would focus on tionships with local professional a statement, admitting they were with the women’s team,” their “There was little sympathy for the developing its own lower-level and grassroots clubs and hope left in “complete shock” by the statement read. negative impact of their unilateral women’s team and manage it to make progression at all levels. sudden decision, of which they “This decision was communi- decision and the urgent remedial internally, as well as create a new Whilst we will be initially dropping were informed on 20th April. cated… without any prior indi- action that it would necessitate,” girls’ football academy. down within the pyramid, for us “All of the players, coaches and cation or discussion, so came as the statement concluded.

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An Early Years experience with a difference Why not come and see for yourself?

Come and explore our newly developed Early Years setting which now hosts its very own Forest learning provision.

In our Early Years setting, Sybourn learners benefit from Call us to book an appointment regular on-site Forest learning sessions to further enhance our curriculum offer. Sybourn Early Years 2a Perth Road, London E10 7PB Forest learning provides our pupils with the opportunity, space and freedom to discover, play, explore and learn Telephone 020 8539 4110 within a natural, outdoor setting. Email [email protected] No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 9 COMMENT Old school fun The people behind the 101-year-old Walthamstow Trades Hall social club write about their triumphant return after a rollercoaster year Club Secretary Abby-Lee Widger explains: “During the pandemic, we had major works on the building, which if we’d been trading as normal last year we’d have been able to afford. “Around a third of this funding will go towards replenishing our reserves, giving us the secure platform we need to trade. It means the club has a base from which to relaunch all the music and performance events we run for our members and the wider public.”

“Our members really love this club and the fact that it’s a fun, safe environment, but half the battle of running a successful club is keeping on top of everything”

The management team at the Trades is led by women, and is redefining the role of working men’s clubs for the 21st cen- tury – as cultural centres for local com- munities, especially communities that are under threat from gentrification. Long-standing members and bingo/ Club president John Lawrence and granddaughter Lacey, who works as admin and behind the bar Credit Dean Belcher dancefloor stalwarts Eileen Smith, now 90, and Brenda Shearing, 80, say they bit like the Tardis, the 1970s is keeping on top of everything. the club and want to make sure we’re “cannot wait” to be back inside the time capsule that is Waltham- “We are lucky that so many members are welcoming to everyone.” club they love. stow Trades Hall, Hoe Street, willing to help out whenever something It seems to be working. In February And Vice President Julia Spicer agrees: seems bigger once you step needs doing. You can’t just live in the past 2021, the local community rallied “It’s fantastic that we’ll be able to con- footA inside. Boasting a capacious – you have to adapt or you go under. behind a GoFundMe page, to raise tinue to provide local residents and the dancehall with a sprung dance floor, “Obviously, the worry among the £6,100 to help keep the club afloat wider community, with low-cost music an intimate upstairs bar and a meeting older, established members when you and repair the damage. experiences and much, much more.” room for hire – its evocative interior try and change things is that you’re And in April, it was announced that If Covid guidelines allow, the coming has made it a location scout’s go-to trying to force them out. That couldn’t the Trades Hall’s bid to Arts Council months promise to be fantastic entertain- setting for East London authenticity. be further from the truth – we’re trying England had been successful – grant- ment – with a number of popular acts 2020 and 2021 have presented huge to ensure that everyone can feel part of ing an incredible £80,000 through the already booked in. Look out for The Bikini challenges for clubs and venues every- the club. We have all ages of people in Cultural Recovery Fund. Beach Band, Captain’s Beard, George where and the pressures on the Trades – Michael and Elvis tributes, and The Electric founded just over a century ago as The Landladies – to name but a few. Walthamstow Society of Amalgamated Expect regular appearances by popular Engineers, now a vibrant social club local DJs, and fresh from The Victo- for all – have been considerable. ria pub, C’n’N Karaoke and It’s Her From the outside, things may have Factory nights. And who can forget the seemed quiet, but behind closed doors Rock and Roll Book Club, or our favou- a huge effort has gone into completing rite lodger Red Imp Comedy Club? vital structural repairs and mainte- Everyone is welcome to our events, as nance. Burst pipes (ruining a refur- they’re open to the public – members bished upstairs bar), a new boiler and just get discounted tickets. Though we replacing damaged furniture were just should add that not every night is a a few of the issues to tackle. party: the Trades is also a great place Club president (since 2018) and for enjoying life’s simple pleasures: 40-year member John Lawrence says board games, darts, perhaps even a of the challenges: “Our members quiet drink over a newspaper... really love this club and the fact that To find upcoming events at Walthamstow it’s a fun, safe environment, but half Trades Hall, visit walthamstowtradeshall.com/ Dean Belcher the battle of running a successful club Vice President Julia Spicer and Club Secretary Abby-Lee Widger Credit whats-on 10 No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO COMMENT The ripple effect of life on the estate Our long-standing columnist Michelle Edwards on facing electoral register removal – and happenings at neighbouring Walnut Court

id you vote in last month’s According to the residents (mainly dis- mayoral and local elections? tressed mothers) I spoke to, neither the Now that you know about council nor Countryside, the developer, Labour’s crushing defeat communicate well with them. A conver- Din the Hartlepool by-election and just sation with the management of Aston how well Conservative mayoral can- Group – who are responsible for deliver- didate Shaun Bailey performed given he ing the heating/hot water service – didn’t received little backing from Number 10 support the allegations in full. – I may as well tell you that I was very Had Waltham Forest Council com- nearly stripped of my constitutional plied with their obligations under the right to put my X on the ballot. Freedom of Information Act (FOI), Out of nowhere, I received a letter in I could have verified their account with March from Electoral Services headed some certainty. But a disclosure on this ‘Your vote matters’ stating: “Your entry in topic, which was due on the same day as this Ongoing works at Walnut Court the electoral register for this address has Credit Michelle Edwards column, didn’t arrive. A pattern seasoned been removed.” Oh, and it said I didn’t readers of the Echo know all too well. “need to do anything else” unless I “should for the elections, they returned any poll with the construction of blocks P5, P6 and Eyebrows were raised too when residents be registered at this address”. cards they couldn’t deliver. In my case, P7 – which comprise the 98 private units of Walnut Court discovered they were You wanna run that by me again? My “the canvasser said they couldn’t deliver under construction in Phase 2A of the to lose their existing parking spaces to vote matters? Yeah, okay. But I’ve been to your address due to it being boarded development – residents of Walnut Court, a make way for spaces exclusively for the kicked off the electoral roll. By whom? up. If we get any indication that someone five-minute walk away, appear to be sharing new occupants. Again, I’m waiting for And if somebody screwed up, I should get is not residing at an address, we start the some of the undesirable impacts with us. verification of this point. in touch. Why so? deletion process.” While they’ve had none of the upheaval, Nonetheless, the entire stretch of road Perfectly properly, I sent an email to Elec- How dangerous is that falsehood? And increased rents or destabilisation of exist- around the court has been dug up, leav- toral Services to find out what’s going on. how many others might that have hap- ing networks to contend with, since it was ing an almighty mess. Put another way, The Senior Electoral Registration Officer pened to in and around the estate? not earmarked for the wrecking ball, I’m low-income groups and individuals con- came back to explain that in the course As the demolish and rebuild of Marlowe told that there have been multiple heating tinue to take a back seat to property devel- of their canvassers delivering poll cards Road Estate has broadened and deepened and hot water outages there. opers and the burgeoning gentrifiers.

Advertisement Waltham Forest Parent Forum Your local solicitors If you are a parent or carer of a child or ARONA No legal problem is too large or too small. young person with special educational St JAMESOLICITORS S If it matters to you, then it matters to us. needs and/or disabilities (SEND) aged • Avoiding court cost and want to agree legal • We remain open and 0-25, live in Waltham Forest, and want separation talk to us - we are divorce and can carry out remote children law experts appointments. better services for them and support • Family Law and children matters (Judges have for you and your family... 5* star google reviews moved to remote hearings), Wills and Probate, Immigration EU applications and Nationality law Will writing service • Discount for all Wills and Lasting powers of from £200 + VAT THEN JOIN US NOW! attorney drafting for all NHS workers 020 8175 5000 www.AronaStJames.co.uk Find us: walthamforestparentforum.com 63 St James St, Walthamstow, London E17 7PJ Email us: [email protected] Defending Human Rights Call us: 07528 433640 or 07794 298496 We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority number 619031 No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 11 LETTERS

Here at the college, we also vigilant. Those who take their thought it was important to faithful companions to work in LICENSING ACT 2003 LICENSING ACT 2003 Creativity Notice Of Application Notice of application for launch a new, online Wellbeing a van are now, sadly, becoming for a Premises Licence a Premises Licence under Hub, so the conversations can targets for ruthless dog thefts. section 17 for kids Notice is hereby given that Ana Florea (Anamea continue beyond just one week. I have volunteered to help Ltd) has applied to the London Borough of Applicant: The Beerblefish Brewing Company Limited Dear Waltham Forest Echo Waltham Forest for the grant of a Premises Licence Premises name: Beerblefish Brewing Co. The hub is designed to provide find lost and stolen pets in at 840 High Road Leyton, London E10 6AE. Premises address: Unit 2A-4, Uplands Business I believe it’s important to have advice for maintaining positive London for many years, yet Park, Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow E17 5QJ • The application seeks to permit sale of alcohol to consume off premises. Proposed licensable activities: sale/supply of creative initiatives for children mental health. this year I have seen a drastic alcohol and provision of regulated entertainment, The proposed hours are: Mon–Sun, to include: live performance of music and dance and young people that are We are proud of how resilient increase. Dog theft as a crime 07:00–22:00 and the playing of recorded music. based in, and reflect commu- our students have been over is receiving more attention, but The Licensing register listing full details of the Full details of the application can be inspected on nities. That’s why I decided to the lockdown period, as the it goes largely un-investigated application is kept by the Licensing Service, 3 The the licensing register during normal business hours Square, Leyton E10 5NR. The application may be at the address given below. viewed Monday to Friday between the hours of create Seedlings Drama Club, pandemic has affected many and unpunished, despite the Responsible authorities and interested parties 9am–5pm (except Bank Holidays). (people living or working in the vicinity of the in Leytonstone. young people’s mental health fact it rips the hearts from the Any person wishing to make a representation in premises named above) wishing to make a Seedlings is a place for chil- and wellbeing. Getting our dogs’ owners. They’re left alone respect of the above activities may do so in writing representation about the application should do so in to the Licensing Service, 3 The Square, Leyton, E10 writing, stating the licensing objectives upon which dren to play, be creative and learners back into classrooms and helpless, not knowing what 5NR or via email [email protected] the representation is based. Representations must be received no later than Any representation must be received within 28 days of the have fun with others; a space was a vital step in supporting to do or where to turn. 18/06/2021 date of the application by 17/06/2021 at: The Licensing Section, 3 The Square, Leyton, London E10 5NR. where they can let their imag- their recovery, too. The press have shown interest, It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a ination run wild, trust their To find out more, visit but it’s difficult to get their atten- statement in connection with an application. A false statement in connection with an application. person is liable to an unlimited fine on conviction The maximum fine for which a person is liable on instincts and grow. waltham.ac.uk tion if there is no obvious violence should such a false statement be made. summary conviction for the offence is £5,000. As a child I loved being imag- or trauma – ignoring the fact that Waltham Forest College staff inative and creating stories this heartbreak is a trauma in itself. but at some point growing up The victims of these crimes need I started to feel different from help. How do they even begin to Licences For LICENSING ACT 2003 my classmates because they got Save these find a stolen dog? Special Treatment Application for the Grant other interests. One day my I urge Waltham Forest residents Public Notice of a Premises Licence dad saw an advert for a local to help continue to spread the Notice is hereby given that Dolce Patisserie Ltd stolen pups Notice is given that Panchali Jayaratne has has applied to the London Borough of Waltham drama club in the newspaper word, to help these families applied to the London Borough of Waltham Forest for the grant of a Premises Licence at: 735 and he took me to one of their Dear Waltham Forest Echo and help these poor dogs. The Forest for a Special Treatment Licence for: High Road, Leytonstone London E11 4QS • The nature of the application is as follows: meetings. To meet a group of Two French Bulldogs, Tina search for Tina has its own • Thai Massage Sale of alcohol – (on and off sales): • Indian Head Massage 12:00 – 22:00, Monday – Sunday people, who weren’t afraid to and Manny, were cruelly sto- Facebook group: facebook. • Full Body Massage play around and be imaginative, len recently. Tina was stolen com/groups/805323607056678 The Licensing register listing full details of the Licence for the premises: application is kept by the Licensing Service, 3 The really helped me develop as a in Chingford (E4), and Manny You can also use #FindTina Square, Leyton, London E10 5NR. The application • Pure Spa Massage, 78 Markhouse may be viewed Monday to Friday between the person. I felt ten feet tall and from the E2 area. Both were sto- on Twitter and Instagram to Road, London E17 8BG hours of 9am – 5pm (except Bank Holidays). gained confidence in myself. len from work vans in separate reshare posters. Any person wishing to make a representation Anyone wishing to oppose the application in respect of the above activities may do so in My hope is that Seedlings will incidents – but their absence has We must help recover these dogs must give notice in writing to the Licensing writing to the Licensing Service, 3 The Square, Officer, Resident Services, Licensing Service, Leyton, London E10 5NR or via email: Licensing@ become a similar place for chil- the same devastating impact. for their heartbroken families. 3 The Square, Leyton, London E10 5NR walthamforest.gov.uk dren in E11 to grow. We need to raise awareness of within 28 days of publication specifying the Representations must be received no later than grounds of opposition. 17th June 2021. At Seedlings there is no pressure the risks, so owners know to be Anonymous It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a Persons objecting to the grant of a licence false statement in connection with this application. to perform. It’s all about partici- must be prepared to attend in person before A person is liable to an unlimited fine on conviction pating and having fun. Seedlings a Committee of the Council. should such a false statement be made. is not about being the best – it’s about being part of a team. Get in touch at e11seedlings. com, or find us on Instagram NEWS at @e11seedlings. THE OLD STATION YARD CAFE Nanna Juel Jensen BREAKFAST, LUNCH, EVENTS & CATERING Seedlings founder

Have you tried our Afternoon Mental Teas? Traditional & vegan options. health Full menu on matters our website. Dear Waltham Forest Echo Tel 07757 742305 From 10th to 16th May, Waltham Email [email protected] Address 186 Wood St, Walthamstow E17 3NA Forest College staff and students Website oldstationyardcafe.co.uk celebrated the launch of Men- tal Health Awareness Week, Sign up to the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health. Throughout the week, students the WFE Send your letters were given access to a range of resources that allowed them newsletter Send letters (up to 200 words) to discuss what mental health means to them, along with the to [email protected] opportunity to take part in out- Sign up: bit.ly/3aNv4hH door activities, in keeping with by Tuesday 15th June the official theme: nature. 12 No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO PHOTOGRAPHY

We want your photos! Send your images, connected to the borough of Waltham Forest, to [email protected] Our next quarterly theme is ‘Community Spirit’. Deadline: 5th July

Nature’s patterns by Laura Martinez Da Silva

This photographic series seeks to show the patterns of nature and the attractive colours that always catch my attention.

I find it really interesting how the extravagant forms stand out from the space in which they originate, and how our eyes follow every line they have. The beauty of nature is something I’m always looking to photograph.

Follow @laura_martinez_photography on Instagram No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 13 COMMUNITY Keep it querky Bella Saltiel meets Faisal Miah, the man behind Walthamstow’s quirkiest café Chai was a staple drink in his family home. Nowadays Faisal is a big coffee fan, which is why Querky also has its own house roast blend of Ethiopian, Indian and Indonesian coffee beans, to try in-venue and available to buy at the counter to take home. To keep Querky inclusive, Faisal’s menu is Halal. An inten-

tional choice because, although Sandie Sutton he is not specifically targeting in her studio the Muslim community, he is a practicing Muslim himself – and has experienced being unable to Rewiring our thinking eat at cafés he would’ve loved to try. With a sizeable Muslim community here in Waltham- post-lockdown stow, he wants to make sure that at Querky, no one feels left out. Artist and sculptor Sandie Sutton During lockdown, Faisal reveals all about Rewired, the E17 Art opened up two more branches: one in Forest Gate and the other Trail’s sustainability-inspired exhibit in Shadwell. He says he’s proud of what he has managed to by Penny Rutterford of Walthamstow wildlife. achieve – despite ever-changing Sculptor Sandie is used to work- restrictions and the overarch- ow are you feel- ing with reclaimed materials, her ing fear that they might’ve been ing about coming care and respect for the natural forced to shut for good. Opening out of lockdown? world often reflected in her work. two more branches proved – to Excited? Nervous? “We were inspired to create himself – that by sticking to a HA little bit of both? an exhibition after noticing concept that offers a little bit of When we chose our theme of the amount of discarded rub- Querky Café in St James Street, Walthamstow something for everyone, he is Possible Futures for this year’s bish which we saw throughout able to serve three unique and E17 Art Trail, we weren’t just Waltham Forest after lockdown aisal Miah wasn’t Pink Chai: a speciality tea made by diverse communities. thinking about emerging from restrictions started to ease,” expecting to start a brewing green tea leaves and bak- Currently, customers receive ten lockdown. We were also think- Sandie explains. hospitality business but, ing soda, then mixing with milk, percent off their first order and ing about how we are facing a “We had all become attached working in the City for resulting in a dusty pink colour. 20 percent off every fifth order. It climate crisis – and the impact to and involved with the local Fa multinational company that It’s worth visiting Querky just to makes Querky Café a hit for peo- that has on the work of artists plants and wildlife which we kept EST hours, he was rarely try this hard-to-come-by beverage. ple looking for something tasty in the materials they use, what saw during our daily walks – at home in the evening. Starting The Chai menu reflects Faisal’s to eat, somewhere friendly to sit inspires their work, and how and felt the mess of litter keenly. a café venture offered a way out Bangladeshi background, where – and to make a small saving, too. they share that passion to shine “We wanted to show an alter- of endless night shifts, and the a light on environmental issues. native reality, where a healthy, chance to spend more time with Forced to stay at home over the greener future could exist, mov- his family. last year, perhaps we explored ing away from the current care- That’s when the idea for more of the green spaces and less disposal of rubbish and to Querky Café was born. Faisal natural wonders on our door- focus on the connectivity of a envisaged a café that serves the step. Will we continue to trea- healthy environment that helps community. So far, he has man- sure and protect them as we get to provide a place for all living aged to achieve his vision by cre- back to business? things to thrive. ating an inviting and friendly Artists Sandie Sutton, Abi- “Our art practices include work space, with a funky interior gail Brown and Helen Maurer within the community and in that attracts families, teenagers, are exploring that theme in a schools. Shared creative thinking groups of friends, and just about collaborative, immersive exhibi- is important. Imagination opens everybody else. tion called Rewired, which will so many fresh avenues of think- Querky Café, on St James Street, appear at Switchboard Studios ing and approaches.” has a large menu with an array of as part of the trail. ‘Rewired’ will be on display at hearty foods, including burgers, Helen Maurer’s projections Switchboard Studios (E17 5QJ) full breakfasts, pancake stacks, will transform found materials from 9th to 11th July vegetarian and vegan options. collected on walks around E17, Enjoy the E17 Art Trail from 1st There is also an extensive Chai while Sandie and Abigail are to 18th July. For more info, visit Tea menu that includes Kashmiri Faisal Miah working in the café creating a recycled menagerie e17arttrail.co.uk 14 No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO ENVIRONMENT Wildlife wonders in Waltham Forest

It’s no secret that Waltham Forest is packed with nature, but when, where and how can you spot the borough’s brilliant birdlife and try your hand at wildlife watching? We asked some of our local nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers and walking guides to share their top spots, species and tips...

he elusive water vole Walthamstow Wetlands is home to a few water voles – but it’s rare to catch a glimpse of one yourself, says Peter Salter, Visitor Engagement Ranger for the London Wildlife Trust, which man- ages the site. “You’d be very lucky to see one, as they are so shy!” he shares. Sadly, they are an endangered species – much less common Tthan their field vole counterparts – partly due to predatory American mink, but also due to habitat loss.

Water vole The wagtail spotted by “The Wetlands has only a small More marvellous mammals Credit Unsplash/Jonathan Ridley local resident Nicky Dean amount of riverbank and the banks Though some of us will be able to Credit Nicky Dean on Instagram @n.s.dean of the operational reservoirs are spot (and hear!) grey squirrels and either concrete or too steep to be foxes in our own back gardens – to suitable habitat.” see a fox cub, you’ll want to visit the Peter says it is being addressed Wetlands during the summer months. here in the borough. “Planting of reedbeds, improving riparian vegetation and opening the Cop- “If you’re patient permill stream canopy are some of the ways the habitat has been and quiet, you improved. In the hope that it’ll have a chance of increase the connectivity of the Wetlands to the water vole pop- seeing a water ulations in the wider Lea Valley.” These furry, chestnut-coloured vole in autumn!” creatures are active throughout the year, but spring or just after sum- “Beyond that, mammals can be mer in autumn – when there are tricky, for two reasons, they are elusive, young voles about – is your best nocturnal or both!” Peter explains. bet for a sighting: “During the day, you may spot a wea- “If you’re patient and quiet you sel on your visit if you are lucky, but it have a chance! Walk slowly, scan will be almost always a quick glimpse for signs such as nibbled grass, of one as it dashes across the path. latrines, or burrows at water’s “We do have hedgehogs, shrews, edge – and listen out for a ‘plop’ and plenty of bats – but they are UK fox into the water.” all more active at night.” Credit Unsplash/James Armes No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 15 ENVIRONMENT

Great spotted woodpecker Credit Sarah Brocklehurst Five species of bat currently “In spring, the leaf cover plot,” she says. “As the foxes and reside at the Wetlands, including can make it more difficult to birds gather for the anticipation petite pipistrelles and Britain’s see birds, but we have lots of of food, I feel privileged to enjoy biggest bat: the noctule. Why so spring migrants pushing up bird this special place.” many bats, you might wonder? numbers. They make up for Wildlife photographer Nicky “The large amounts of water being harder to spot by singing Dean (on Instagram @n.s.dean) attract midges and other flying – especially hard at this time to also recommends the Water- insects, providing a feast for the attract a mate, to warn rivals works Nature Reserve and Mid- bats.” Ah, well that explains it. not to enter their territories. dlesex Filter Beds as a hotspot. They’re near-impossible to see “Now, you need to be alert. “I spotted this grey wagtail on a regular, daytime visit – as Look out for a leaf twitch, listen recently,” he tells us of his close-up they’re nocturnal – but luckily, for a noise in a bush…” snap. “There was a pair hanging the Wetlands offers guided bat There are plenty of wonderful out. Very pleasant to see them walks from time to time, complete species to spy nearby – Sarah has both. I also like the Wetlands for with bat detectors. Keep an eye on recorded 87 in total: parakeets, water birds.” wildlondon.org.uk/walthamstow- great spotted woodpeckers, rob- At the Wetlands, June is generally wetlands-nature-reserve for news. ins and nuthatches among them. considered the ‘quietest’ month for But one bird in particular holds birds – but there is an opportunity Rare and beautiful birds a special place in her heart. for rarer sightings, Peter explains. One thing the borough isn’t “The most exciting bird I’ve “June can be a month to find short on is incredible birdwatch- found at Hollow Ponds is the a rarity – two spoonbills were ing opportunities – for begin- treecreeper, which is one of my seen in 2020, and a long-tailed ners or expert twitchers. favourites,” Sarah tells the Echo. duck in 2018. However, you will Sarah Brocklehurst, who runs “I was talking to an elderly res- see ducklings of pochard, tufted Wildlife Walk for Wellness ident at the time, who was inter- duck and many other waterbirds (newnormalfitness.co.uk) at Ley- ested in my camera. He said, including shelduck and grebes. tonstone’s Hollow Ponds, provides ‘you never see anything here but “Juvenile peregrines are often walkers with expert commentary – rats’ – and just at that moment seen and heard screeching for as well as the know-how to begin the treecreeper flew onto the oak their parents at the top of pylons, birdwatching on their own. trunk behind him! He was too and graceful common terns will The trick is to visit in the morn- slow to see it, and sadly I was be nesting on the rafts and feeding ing – and move cautiously. too slow to photograph it, and on the reservoirs diving for fish.” “Birdwatching field craft works I’ve not seen it since. Beyond June, mid-July is a won- just like hunting, you need to be derful time to spy waders. “There is quiet, try to be as invisible as possi- always a chance of seeing a few wad- ble, to move slowly and to get your ers such as redshank, common sand- senses engaged” Sarah explains. piper, and oystercatcher as they pass “Birds are most active in the “June can be a month to find a rare bird at through, beginning their autumn mornings, they start singing at migration back southwards.” dawn, and activity will diminish as Walthamstow Wetlands – two spoonbills were the sun starts to climb – so you’re Common yet spectacular swifts better to go out early to enjoy the seen in 2020, and a long-tailed duck in 2018” And, of course, who could ever most amazing experience. forget the common swift? Regular Echo contributor David O’Driscoll tells us the best “But in the midst of the place to see them is in Waltham- mid-winter lockdown, I was vis- stow, “in the area around the iting the site daily. It has been a Coppermill Water Treatment particular joy to witness great Centre and Walthamstow Wet- spotted woodpeckers in the first lands, off Coppermill Lane.” flush of romance, darting around Look out for their ‘screaming and around a copse together, parties’, too. “On some evenings, whinnying like a woodpecker you see ‘screaming parties’ regularly carousel. I call this area Wood- featuring many hundreds of swifts, pecker Wonderland. hunting insects. They are extraordi- “There is also Robin Runway, nary mobile flyers and it is quite a Greenfinch Gangway in the Gorse sight to watch them at work.” and Christopher’s Cathedral. Catch them now, adds Peter, Christopher, a wren, sings from before they fly off for the win- one particular tree stump, loud and ter. “This year, the first swift was proud every morning – if you’re seen during the last week of April early enough. It’s in a clearing that and since, the numbers have built looks like a cathedral. He’s often up into their hundreds. busy making up to ten nests with “Their acrobatic flight and moss from the trees ready for a screams of joy as they wheel female to choose just one.” around the reservoirs has to be Local wildlife enthusiast Debo- one of the best Wetlands experi- rah Williams recommends Cheshire ences during the summer months, Fields allotments for bird sightings. before the swifts migrate back to “I love the contrast of the busy south of the Sahara in Africa. sounds from St James Park with They start to do this from late July the serenity and stillness on my and most have left by September.” 16 No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

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www.haringey6.ac.uk #MoreThanACollege No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 17 ARTS & CULTURE Leyton’s new literary star Sarah Fairbairn meets Leyton local Alice Slater, who’s celebrating a high-profile deal for a book about books, set in the ‘stow

riting in Waltham Alice as a bookseller herself, at the Leyton resident and when Roach uncovers her tragic past, Forest seems to be Walthamstow branch of Waterstones author Alice Slater curiosity blooms into obsession...” going from strength to on Selborne Walk. Despite having an MA in prose strength. “Bookselling is the entire backbone fiction from the University of East WJust last month, it was announced of my book,” Alice says. “It’s about Anglia, Alice says she feels lucky to that Leyton resident Alice Slater will two booksellers with very different have secured such a well-established have her debut novel published by values, the ethics of ‘true crime’ and publisher for her first novel. “Writing Hodder & Stoughton. Entitled Death who really owns the stories we tell.” is such an insular process, and it’s just Of A Bookseller, the novel has been The bookshop she’s created to host such a wild ride to suddenly have a described as ‘deliciously dark’. It is the story, however, is a world away team of people who are invested in a crime thriller, set in an imagined from Waterstones. This fictional store your work,” she shares. “I’m still really bookshop nestled halfway down “struggles to stay afloat, and over early in the process but honestly, it’s an Walthamstow Market. the years it has become increasingly absolute dream.” It’s due to hit shelves in spring 2023, neglected”. And as she works through her edits, but Alice’s name may become familiar The novel’s synopsis reads: “Roach, I ask Alice if she has any advice for before then. She currently co-hosts the a bookseller and a loner, is content to anyone thinking about beginning to literary podcast What Page Are You spend her days hoarding true crime write their own novel. On? with former E17 resident and proofs, listening to murder podcasts, “Read deeply, write whenever you author Bethany Rutter. The podcast is and sneering at the predictable tastes feel like it and trust your instincts as a fun exploration of the two writers’ of her ‘normie’ customers. a reader to craft something you’d like reading habits, full of witty insights “That is, until Laura joins the to read yourself. There is no magical on everything from post-apocalyptic bookshop. Everyone loves Laura, with formula, just vibes.” novels to the classics. her neat outfits, literary tote bags, Having lived in the borough since and beautiful poetry. But Laura has a Death Of A Bookseller will be published by 2012, some may even remember dark side that only Roach can see, and Hodder & Stoughton in Spring 2023

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To contact Peter Thompson The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc M: 07825 251 473 (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth P: 020 8042 1002 management products and services, more details of which are E: [email protected] set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms to W: one-wealth.co.uk describe St. James’s Place representatives. PETER THOMPSON No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 19 COMMENT Queens Road, my family and me For Janet Ling, a walk down memory lane is a walk through Queens Road Cemetery. Here, she explains her family’s deep ties to Walthamstow’s sinking graveyard

Janet’s paternal grandparents, Louisa and James Ridley. This is the only known My dad, William Ridley, and my mum her tenacity. Remember: this was 1921. photograph of them. Credit Janet Ling Doris Ridley (née Medus), had three chil- There was no NHS, and no support for her dren, of which I am the youngest. My and her large family beyond her own rela- mum knew a lot about her family history, tives. She never remarried, and died aged including the fact her great grandmother 54. You can guess where she too is buried. was buried in Queens Road Cemetery, My parents brought me up to respect and her maiden name was Mary Ann those who’ve passed away. I believe if you Agnes Beauchamp. forget those who have been lost, you have She had married my great grandfa- lost them twice. ther Charles John Medus, who is bur- For this reason, I have challenged ied with her in Queens Road Cemetery. Waltham Forest Council for the way My great grandfather owned Meadows they have failed to level sinking graves at removal company, based on Beulah Road, Queens Road Cemetery. Walthamstow. He sat on the board of Connaught Hospital (open until 1977) and owned a newsagents’ wholesalers. “I have challenged He and my great grandmother had ten children. My mum’s father, my grandfa- the London Borough ther, was John Henry Medus. He was 44 years old when he passed away, and is also of Waltham Forest buried there. for the way they have But my own dad knew very little about his family tree, though he did know his failed to level sinking mother was Louisa Florence Ridley (née Hardy). She had passed away when he was graves at Queens Road away fighting in WW2. He lost his father, Cemetery by starting James Thomas Ridley, when he was just three years old. a campaign” What had happened to him? Where was he? My dad could not tell me; however, he gave me his only photograph of his parents. I started a campaign. It shows the Well, I spent the next 50 years searching strength of my feelings, that justice must for answers. I joined Ancestry UK, and be done for all those who rest there, who began my search. Then, I found him! When cannot challenge the poor condition of I saw his details come up on the computer, their final resting place. I just stared at the screen, frozen in time In August last year, as reported on the – then jumped up and down, then started Echo website, Cllr Clyde Loakes said crying, then more crying. He, too, was said it was not “practical or possible” buried in Queens Road Cemetery! to undertake such work. But there was much more to his story. He “It is unfortunately neither practical had been killed aged 35 in an unexplained nor possible to level the 8,000 grave plots explosion in 1921, at the Bermondsey fac- that are currently at Queens Road… The tory where he worked as a furnaceman. maintenance of individual memorials and althamstow will always be my home, that Newspapers at the time stated that the headstones is the responsibility of the is where my heart remains. I was born explosion threw him through a wall, and families who hold the deeds for them.” there, and as a child I went to Sidney that his body was mangled. Although the campaign slowed over the Chaplin School. I did not pass my 11+ I contacted the cemetery, as I wanted to course of 2020, due to the pandemic, it exam, and found school boring. Ironic, put a memorial on his grave. At first, they has raised awareness – and more volun- as I became a teacher, gaining a BSC said I could, then they told me his grave teers have come forward to help keep the degree in Science and an MA in Edu- had been purchased by another family, cemetery clean. We have achieved some cation. And I am fascinated by history. meaning I could not. Like many others goals: delivering over 6,000 leaflets to One day, on a class trip, we were taken to the Walthamstow Museum. buried in Queens Road Cemetery (an esti- local residents, writing to the council OnW the wall was a painting of Richard de Beauchamp, Lord of the Manor mated 50,000, left with no memorial, not to complain, others have signed and of Walthamstow and the 13th Earl of Warwick. He sat boldly on his even a note in a memorial book), no one shared our petition. white horse wielding his sword, in his armour. I remember standing knows they are there. But my aim is simple: the restoration and and just looking at this painting – really looking at it. I could not imagine how my grandmother rejuvenation of this important Waltham- I didn’t know at the time, but there was a connection here to my Louisa felt when she heard a knock at the stow graveyard. own history. My family history. I’d discover this soon after visiting the door; and was delivered this awful news. museum, as we began to research family trees as part of our schoolwork. She had five young children to raise alone. To join the campaign to restore and This is where my passion to save Queens Road Cemetery in I didn’t know her, but I admire her strength rejuvenate Queens Road Cemetery, email Walthamstow started. of character. I like to think I have inherited [email protected] 20 No. 75 JUNE 2021 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO Support independent local journalism

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