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Free WALTHAM May 2019, No. 50 Email [email protected] Facebook /WalthamForestEcho Tweet @WFEcho FOREST ECHO Visit walthamforestecho.co.uk

Features News Comment Arts & Culture Sport Founders return to Report slams council How penalties for Comedy charity night Promotion back to celebrate 25th birthday as 'willfully ignoring dropping rubbish are announces Edinburgh Football League beckons of the Hornbeam Centre extremist activity' being driven by profit preview shows for plucky Orient P . 5 P . 6 P . 9 P . 12 P . 15 Youth violence report published

by Alice Richardson, Local Democracy Reporter "Never forget prevention borough-wide report into youth violence is is better calling for early interven- tion, a halt to cuts and than cure" Athe prevention of school exclusions. The report by campaign group the report, titled Waltham Forest Waltham Forest Citizens has been Citizens Commission on the Civil produced through talks with more Society Response to Youth Violence. than 1,200 young people, schools Waltham Forest Citizens is already and youth services, and calls for acting on some suggestions and is more youth workers to be made increasing the availability of men- A climate demonstration outside Waltham Forest Town Hall was attended by more than 300 people available to help troubled children. toring opportunities, encouraging It says there is an urgent need to greater youth dialogue with the reverse cuts to youth services, provide police and offering work experi- Climate emergency declared greater support for children who ence through local organisations. have had adverse experiences early Leyton Sixth Form headteacher the bank cancel its investments in The demands include declaring in life and to intervene to prevent Gill Burbridge, who helped lead on by James Cracknell fossil fuels, including fracking. A a climate emergency, reviewing school exclusions. One finding was the creation of the report, said: spokesperson for XR Walthamstow the council’s carbon reduction that funding cuts to schools and “Schools have a duty to protect stu- ocal activists from Ex- said: “Instead of digging more coal plans, setting up a citizens’ as- youth services is “costing lives.” dents and staff from risks posed by tinction Rebellion (XR) mines, drilling more oil fields and sembly, creating a public action Kamahl Sami-Miller, a 22-year-old other students. However, the con- persuaded Waltham building more pipelines, we need plan to achieve zero carbon emis- member of Waltham Forest’s Youth sequences of excluding vulnerable Forest Council to declare to radically transform our energy sions by 2025, and protecting the Independent Advisory Group, students must also be considered. La 'climate emergency' and take infrastructure and build a green borough's biodiversity. said: “The first time I saw a stab- “Young people who have been action to slash emissions. economy that benefits the many.” A motion to declare a climate bing was a family friend; at the time excluded are often more suscep- More than 300 people attend- Prior to the XR protests in central emergency, proposed by Cllr he was only 13, I was ten. The stab- tible to being drawn into harmful ed a protest outside Waltham London that attracted worldwide Loakes, was due to be agreed at a bings turned him into a vegetable behaviours. A specific proposal of Forest Town Hall two days before attention, schoolchildren had been council meeting on Thursday 25th and after a few days the machine this commission is to urgently find the council was due to debate going on strike to call for action to April, as the Echo went to press. had to be turned off. Instead of the funds to shore up the loss of whether or not to agree to the tackle climate change, including in It states: “We now face a ‘climate waiting for these young people to youth services across the capital.” group's demands – a flower bed of Waltham Forest. Around 200 chil- emergency’ and urgent action is re- commit a crime or worse, prevent it. At the end of April Waltham lavender was even planted by dren also turned up at last month's quired to restrict global warming to “Send them to interventions, offer Forest Council was due to launch the activists in the shape of the town hall protest, with the demands a maximum of 1.5°C. This council counselling. Never forget preven- a new Waltham Forest Violence campaign's logo. made by XR Walthamstow being calls on the UK government to tion is better than cure.” Reduction Partnership, bringing Earlier in April they had also pro- handed to Clyde Loakes, the provide the necessary powers and Schools including Leyton Sixth together professionals from the tested outside the Walthamstow council's cabinet member for the en- resources to make local action on Form College and Connaught council, Met Police, local schools, branch of Barclays, demanding vironment, by four-year-old Aniela. climate change easier.” School for Girls helped draw up NHS and charities.

Celebrating our 50th edition – turn to Page 2 2 No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO COMMENT The problem with NHS outsourcing Local service collapse shows NHS outsourcing doesn't work, argues Norma Dudley from Waltham Forest Save Our NHS FELLOWSHIP IS LIFE eremy Hunt, in 2016 when This was Neighbourhood Mid- timately does not work, either for he was the health secretary, wives’ first NHS contract, and they patients or taxpayers, if we want "It exemplifies MAY 2019 – No. 50 promised that maternity started caring for pregnant women a safe reliable and comprehensive Waltham Forest Echo is an services in England would in Waltham Forest in November public healthcare system. the risk of independent community Jenable women to choose 2016. The service was popular Despite what's often said, the independent newspaper. We publish monthly personalised continuity of care, and clinically effective. A report to NHS has been rated one of the and distribute 12,500 free copies from a small team of named mid- Waltham Forest Council's health most cost effective healthcare providers of each issue to libraries, cafés, wives, throughout their pregnancy, scrutiny committee in March 2018 systems in the developed world. going bust" pubs, and other places around labour, and post-natal experience. found that the number of home Private providers are required to Waltham Forest. Although this sounds wonder- births and use of the midwife-led make a profit, which they can private sector will not touch, and ful, health professionals found Lilac Unit at Whipps Cross Hos- only do either by charging more however much it is overstretched Publisher it difficult to see how it could be pital had increased among women to the taxpayer or by reducing and faces funding cuts, it never David Floyd achieved when we were experi- using Neighbourhood Midwives. the quality of healthcare pro- closes for business. Editor encing the biggest sustained fall The contract was therefore extend- vided. Neighbourhood Mid- Importantly, outsourcing also un- James Cracknell in NHS spending for any period ed until November 2019. So imagine wives, while providing excellent dermines the NHS, by diverting Designer since 1951. the shock when expectant mothers care, ran into serious financial funding from local services. The Jonathan Duncan That same year Waltham Forest were given one week's notice that the difficulty reporting that “the only realistic way that any health Clinical Commissioning Group service would close on 31st January. payment system based on tariffs minister could ensure all women Manager (CCG) agreed a two-year contract During the remainder of their preg- was not designed for small in- have a personalised maternity Penny Dampier with Neighbourhood Midwives; nancy the women would have to dependent providers”. service would have been to sig- Contributors a social enterprise and private rely on mainstream NHS services, This exemplifies the risk of nificantly increase the funding of Norma Dudley, Alice provider whose chief executive, mostly from Whipps Cross. independent providers going all NHS maternity services across Richardson, Sally Brincklow Anne Francis, was a member of The sudden demise of Neigh- bust; the NHS then picks up the the country; a strategy which House, Gill Poulter, Charlotte NHS England’s maternity review bourhood Midwives demonstrates pieces. It cares for sick patients Waltham Forest Save Our NHS Palmer, Sue Wheat, Leo team at the time. why outsourcing NHS services ul- with complex needs that the would wholeheartedly recommend. Lawrence, Irena Barker, Ian Waterman, Stephanie Waterman, Louise Krzan, Sandrine Ceurstemont, Helen Bigham, Michelle Edwards, Youssef Taha, Sara Shokra, Celebrating our half century Jess Howe, Deborah Nash, Shelly Berry, Jim Nichols An introduction from Echo editor James Cracknell The member organisations of WFWellComm CIC are: council scandals and big wins for members and contributors, who Community Transport Waltham local campaigns. all help make this paper an en- Forest, Social Spider CIC, HEET. Launching a new print publi- tertaining and informative read cation, and making it successful every month. My job as editor WFWellComm CIC Board: in the long-term, is no mean feat often feels like putting together David Floyd (Social Spider CIC) in this era of sharp decline for a jigsaw, trying to put the various Tom Ruxton (HEET) the regional press. We're doing it pieces of the puzzle together and Helen Tredoux the hard way, surviving without hoping that the final result is one (Community Transport WF) any support from Waltham For- that is reasonably comprehensible est Council as it continues to publish and pleasing to the eye! its fortnightly taxpayer-funded By relying largely on voluntary publication against government contributors – who still write Waltham Forest Echo orders, and constantly fighting three-quarters of our articles – The Mill, 7 - 11 Coppermill Lane, E17 7HA to persuade potential advertis- it makes the paper an incredibly E [email protected] ello and welcome to May and everyone is welcome. ers that print is indeed still alive. varied read from month to month. T 020 8521 7956 Issue 50 of Waltham When we launched the Echo as There is frankly no guarantee While there are the usual familiar Advertising Enquiries Forest Echo. a quarterly publication in July that we will still be here in another issues that crop up on a regular Contact Ben Cawthra: To celebrate the 2014 it was a bit of an experiment five years – the pressures and chal- basis such as housing, health, E [email protected] Hlandmark of reaching the fiftieth – we didn't know if it would be lenges for print media remain transport and education, we have T 020 3892 0061 edition of the paper, this month popular, sustainable, or how local extremely difficult to overcome also run articles on everything we are hosting an event at Today people would respond. Since then – but through our unique social from environmentally-friendly Bread in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, we have increased the paper's fre- enterprise model and the contin- wedding dresses to hurricanes in when we will be premièring a short quency to monthly; launched a ued determination and resource- the Caribbean, community food film about the paper and how it is paid membership scheme that, fulness of my colleagues David growers, Victorian steam engines, valued by local people. We'll also be by complete coincidence, now has Floyd, Anna Merryfield and Penny female genital mutilation, the The Echo began with Big Lottery funding. running our annual 'Article of the 50 members; provided a platform Dampier, in finding new funding borough's best pizza restaurants, Year' competition, for which you for hundreds of local voluntary sources and solutions to keep this and the plight of Leyton Orient

Waltham Forest Echo is a member of can now send your nominations groups to promote their work; paper going, I believe that we will Football Club (for whom there is IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of The Press. For more information to me at WFEcho@socialspider. and broken dozens of important be here for a long time to come. finally some good news on Page on the Echo’s complaints policy and com. It takes place from 6.30pm news stories, from threats to green On 23rd May I look forward to 15 of this month's paper)! how to make a complaint visit: walthamforestecho.co.uk/complaints until 8.30pm on Thursday 23rd spaces and community centres, to seeing lots of our fabulous readers, Here's to the next 50 editions. No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 3 Features Founders return to celebrate 25th NEWS birthday of the Hornbeam Centre P . 5 Police appeal over teenager's death Pocket parks ew 'pocket parks' could soon be created in Wal- £20,000 reward on offer one year on from Walthamstow killing Ntham Forest after the arriving at the hospital, being told council received a grant of Amaan Shakoor was killed outside there was no hope, being told "Our family will £70,500 from the government. Kelmscott Leisure that my beautiful son was surely The 'Pocket Parks Plus' grant will Centre on 2nd April 2018 going to die. only gain some fund four parks in different parts “We love Amaan very much and peace when of the borough after plans were almost a year later we are struggling drawn up by growers' co-operative to carry on with life without him. the murderers OrganicLea, Love North Chingford Every day is a constant reminder of our beloved Community Interest Company (CIC), of how much he meant to us and and Wood Street Walls CIC. The how much we all miss him. Amaan are council will work with these groups “Amaan was still a child, he came serving a to design and create the pocket parks, from a good family and was raised which will be open for everyone. with endless amounts of love and life sentence" Clyde Loakes, cabinet member affection. He had a stable family for the environment, said: “Pocket and a good home. He was an was found injured outside the parks provide small areas of calm in innocent victim of a despicable leisure centre along with a 15-year- our bustling borough, where anyone and brutal crime. old boy. They were both taken to can take a few minutes to relax and “Our family will only gain some an East London hospital, where enjoy the natural surroundings of peace when the murderers of our Amaan died. The 15-year-old boy grass, plants, and trees.” appeal last month, on the anni- beloved Amaan are serving a life was treated for non-life threatening by James Cracknell versary of his death. He was shot sentence. Anyone who knows injuries. A post-mortem examina- outside Kelmscott Leisure Centre anything about what happened, tion gave Amaan’s cause of death olice have offered a £20,000 on 2nd April 2018 and later died however small, please contact the as gunshot injuries to the head. Junction reward for anyone who in hospital. police either directly or indirectly Since the launch of the murder can help catch the person Mohammed Shakoor, Amaan’s via Crimestoppers.” investigation by the Metropoli- revamp who murdered a Waltham- father, said: “It all seemed to Police were called at around 10pm tan Police’s Homicide and Major he junction between Pstow teenager one year ago. happen so quickly. Going to the on Monday 2nd April 2018, to Crime Command, two people Blackhorse Road and Forest The family of 16-year-old Amaan scene, being at the hospital, talking Markhouse Road. Officers and have been arrested, but both were TRoad, one of the borough's Shakoor made an emotional to the doctors, family and friends paramedics attended and Amaan subsequently released without busiest, is set to be revamped. Advertisement charge. Detective Inspector Darren Work will start this month on a Jones said: “We believe Amaan was set of plans for the junction that the victim of a targeted attack, were consulted on two years ago. Leyton great hall with the chief suspects being two Thousands of homes are being teenage males. built in the surrounding area. “Amaan was on the brink of an Changes will include new exciting time of his life and was segregated cycle lanes, wider a member of a close-knit, loving pavements, tree planting, and family. It is our understanding that better bus facilities. The work is Amaan was on the periphery of due to be completed in summer activity linked to gangs, and we 2020 – Waltham Forest Council has believe his death may be linked to this. warned of additional congestion “It is important to talk about until this time. this element of the investigation, as we believe the key to solving his murder is held by those he may have had links with through Air monitor gang activity, whether this was hipps Cross is one of directly, or indirectly. ten London hospitals in Leyton Great Hall is the jewel in the crown of the Legacy Business “Nothing excuses or justifies the Wpolluted areas to receive Centre in Leyton, E10; a Grade II listed building, fully restored. taking of a life, and Amaan’s death new air quality monitors. Leyton Great Hall is arguably one of (if not) the finest venues in is a tragedy. At only 16 years old, The monitors will help target east London and stands as a testament to the glamour of the era of he was callously shot in the head measures to reduce patients, at close range. These individuals visitors and staff’s exposure to toxic Art Nouveau. must be caught and removed from air pollution, as part of a wider our streets.” ‘Breathe London’ project to create For all Leyton Great Hall hire enquiries please contact Maria on a comprehensive citywide network Anyone with information is of air quality monitors. 07484 916080 or visit our website on www.leytongreathall.com. asked to contact the Met Police's incident room on 020 8345 1570 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan Leyton Great Hall is suitable for all kinds of celebrations and occasions. It is or via 101, quoting reference said: “Vulnerable hospital patients suitable for weddings, birthdays, christenings, bar mitzvah, anniversaries, 6727/02APR2018. are more susceptible to the harmful To give information anonymously effects of our toxic air pollution theatre and concerts and many more events! Charitable organizations, leisure contact the independent charity health crisis that harms lung and corporate clients will be able to cater for any of their requirements for their Crimestoppers: growth and is linked to asthma, Call 0800 555 111 cancer and dementia.” event in Leyton Great Hall. Visit crimestoppers-uk.org 4 No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO FEATURES Stan's the lollipop man Chingford school bids farewell to retiring crossing warden by Sally Brincklow House hildren, staff and parents his daughter, Sarah Lawrence, is cur- at a Chingford school rently a learning support assistant. gathered in their hun- When asked what he’s going to dreds to say a massive miss least about the job, Stan said: C'thank you' to their lollipop warden “The rude motorists, the traffic who has retired after 21 years on pollution, and having to take the job. holidays during school breaks!” Stan Silverston, 86, started as a Stan went on to say he has fond crossing patrol officer in 1998 on memories of the life-saving role and Winchester Road in Highams Park, appreciates the kindness and gener- later moving to the crossing on the osity of parents and children with busy Kings Road outside Ching- presents at Christmas time. Pupils ford Church of England Primary presented him with cards and gifts School. He has never been late for at their end-of-term church service. a shift and has had to contend with Headteacher Lindsey Lampard led not just wind, rain, snow and occa- the school in their thanks and appre- sional heatwaves, but traffic pollu- ciation for Stan, saying: “You really tion and rude motorists. care about all the children and we Stan said he is going to miss all are going to miss you very much.” the children “immensely”. Over Stan recently helped the parents the years he has seen the children at the school launch a road safety grow into young adults, including campaign demanding the council his own grandchildren who went to act to reduce the speed limit outside the primary school. Stan’s family the school to 20mph and add traffic have many links with the school; calming humps to slow vehicles his wife, Ann, worked there as a down. To sign the petition visit: Stan Silverston with schoolchildren, teachers and parents on his crossing patrol Credit Nicky Bamber Photography midday assistant for 25 years and chingfordcofe.org.uk Friendly shopkeeper retires after 30 years bought the Coppermill Lane purchases at Londis are Kinder years, said: “I’ve never heard him shop for 19 years, added: “JD and by Irena Barker shop after seeing it advertised – Surprises and Chupa Chups lollies, utter a bad word. He was always up his family have been part of our lives following in his parents' and grand- according to JD, although his own for a little chat, asking about elderly for so long we are going to miss their esidents in the St James dad's footsteps. favourite is Cadbury’s whole nut customers, and seemed to remem- friendly smiles, and their ability to Street area have bid a The shop sale went through chocolate. The business has now ber a lot of local children by name. greet our children by name, even heartfelt farewell to one when Lata was in labour with their been bought by Jagdeep Singh, who He has been such a caring, consid- remembering their favourite treats. of Walthamstow’s best- second son, Pranavraj. Their older has plans to extend opening hours. erate member of our community.” “My son’s first trip out of the house Rloved shopkeepers. son Shailraj was aged five. There Jan Rowles, a resident of Morland Natalie McCormack, from Salop alone was to Londis and I knew I Narendra Jadeja, known as ‘JD’ followed some tough years bring- Road who has known JD for eleven Road, who has been visiting the could trust JD to see him right.” to his customers, has run the busy ing up two sons, running the shop, Londis grocery shop on Coppermill and arranging delivery of 500 Lane, with his wife Lata, since 1989. newspapers a day. During his three decades behind the “When I first came here up counter, he provided locals with to 50% of the customers were everything from sweets and drinks pensioners and they did not have to washing up liquid and – impor- a lot of spare cash, so it was really tantly – a listening ear! hard work,” he said. Now, JD and Lata have sold the But the shop is now a thriving shop to a new family and hope to hub and meeting spot for everyone spend a relaxing and well-earned from young children to pensioners, retirement in the leafy streets of parents, commuters, and sports Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. JD players from nearby Douglas Eyre. told the Echo: “I will miss the con- “The area has improved a lot,” versations I have with my custom- says JD, adding: “The community ers and most of all the children, I is friendly and supportive.” will miss their smiles.” Without his wife Lata, JD may JD, who is 63, first moved to not have succeeded with the shop London from Malawi in 1976 and at all. “She had to look after the worked in a warehouse and even a children, look after the house, feed factory making darts. He also us, and help me in the shop as well, turned his hand to cab driving and so she had a lot on her plate.” ran a petrol station, then finally Younger clients’ favourite sweet Narendra Jadeja has run the Londis grocery shop in Coppermill Lane with his wife Lata since 1989 No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 5 News New report slams council as FEATURES 'willfully ignoring extremist activity' P . 6 Happy birthday, Hornbeam! Ditching Walthamstow environmental charity celebrates 25 years plastic finished your day job. by Leo Lawrence by Sue Wheat “Seeing it thriving 25 years later has made that investment lastic-Free Leytonstone is a he Hornbeam Centre – so worthwhile.” new campaign to support 25 years old last month The Hornbeam now has many P the area in leading the – is a story of environ- more strings to its bow. It con- way in tackling our reliance on mental passion, com- tinues to run a vegan café from single-use plastics. mitment,T and fun. Tuesday to Sunday, using veg now Co-ordinated by Waltham Forest On St George's Day 1994, at the grown by its sister organisation, Friends of the Earth, the cam- Bakers Arms end of Hoe Street, Chingford growing co-operative paign kicked off in March with a something special happened. OrganicLea, but also champions survey that aimed to understand A group of concerned environ- the use of surplus food by running local residents’ views around mentalists had coalesced around a food rescue project which distrib- waste and the use of plastics. It an idea of an environmental centre utes food that would otherwise is clear that our community is for Waltham Forest – and opened be thrown away. On Mondays, concerned about this important the doors to The Hornbeam Centre volunteers prep and cook food for a issue and that there is an appe- and Café. sit-down pay-as-you-feel lunch for tite for action. Forest Recycling Project (still going anyone to come and enjoy. Collectively we can make a from strength to strength after The Hornbeam provides a space change at the individual, house- nearly 30 years) had just started out, for all sorts of community groups hold, business and council level. so Jowanna Lewis and Diane Sizer, to use. Events in May include We consume single-use plastics who’d met at a Palmerston Road workshops with Hedge Herbs every day; in coffee cups and café, decided an old newsagents learning how to make herbal plastic bags, packaging and in Hoe Street would be the perfect medicine, a session on how to straws. Although these prod- venue for the new centre. minimise food waste at home, ucts tend to be used for just Their enthusiasm soon rubbed and the café and meeting room minutes, they have a devastat- off on other people. With a small is being used by various commu- ing and long-lasting impact on amount of funding, a lot of vol- nity gatherings from book clubs the environment, polluting land unteer effort, and an incredible to knitting meet-ups and envi- and water, harming wildlife amount of dust, they turned that ronmental campaign meetings. and people, and contributing to newsagents into a centre for envi- The Hornbeam also now runs the climate change. ronmental causes. It’s still going Learning Lodge at Pimp Hall Nature At Waltham Forest Friends of the strong today, with its vegan café Reserve, which hosts family events Earth, we recognise the enormi- and restaurant (previously called on weekends and during school hol- The Hornbeam's founders outside Gannets in 1994, before being renamed the Hornbeam Cafe ty of this challenge. Nat Harding, Gannets) and a community space idays at this beautiful green space in group co-ordinator, says: “Our that provides a vital venue for envi- Chingford. Sunday Family Club is plastic consumption globally is out ronmental action in the borough. every first and third Sunday of the of control. Around eight million month, and during May there’s an tonnes of plastic end up in the eco-printing and weaving work- world’s oceans every year – around "Seeing it shop using food dyes and an Afro- one rubbish truck every minute! Brazilian drumming workshop. “But we can all help to make a thriving 25 Anne Redelinghuys, Hornbeam’s change. We have a responsibility co-ordinator, says: “The aim of The to think about the impacts of our years later Hornbeam is to strengthen and everyday habits and we’re excited inspire and we’ve had so many to be launching Plastic-Free has made that success stories over the last 25 years. Leytonstone to see what changes investment so “For instance, one of the groups we can achieve together locally.” we have supported through to If you’d like to get involved, or worthwhile" independence recently is the hear more about or contribute Hornbeam JoyRiders Women’s to the campaign, all are welcome Last month some of those Cycle Club. They have just been at the next Waltham Forest original idealists met up at The awarded 'Club of the Year' by Friends of the Earth meeting at Hornbeam to see how their vision London Sports and are now able Luna Lounge in Leytonstone on has evolved. Jim Craddock, a to leave the Hornbeam fold and Tuesday 15th May, from 8pm. local Greenpeace volunteer in run the group independently.” Our survey is also still open if the early 1990s. was among those SpiceBox, an amazing vegan Indian you'd like to give us your views at who came back to the centre for food business, also had the same surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2Z7SRDG the first time in almost 20 years. experience – they were supported Jim said: “We didn’t realise what to run a vegan pop-up kitchen at For information about Waltham A 25th birthday party was held at the Hornbeam last month and was attended by the charity's founders we were getting into back then, the Hornbeam for three months Forest Friends of the Earth and but there was something infec- so successfully that they now have To still have this amazing, cosy, their new campaign: For more information about The Email foe.walthamforest@ tious about giving up your week- their own restaurant in Hoe Street. friendly, supportive environmen- Hornbeam Centre and Cafe: ends to build the place, and then The Hornbeam founders were tal space, is one of the things that gmail.com Twitter @hornbeamcafe – once it had opened – volunteer- way ahead of their time and should makes Waltham Forest so special. Visit friendsoftheearth.uk/ Visit hornbeam.org.uk groups/walthamforest ing at the restaurant once you’d be proud of the legacy they left. Here’s to the next 25 years! 6 No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO NEWS Report slams council's record on extremism Nationwide investigation into hate groups highlights borough's role Guardian, a flat was purchased on Forest Road by a group of Islamist terrorists in what judges called a "The local “somewhat opaque” transaction. Several Islamist martyrdom videos authority has were then uploaded to the inter- net from that address. Two of the appeared to plotters later jailed for life had have wilfully been arrested close to Waltham Forest Town Hall. ignored Charlotte's report extends across the UK, investigating instances of extremist anti-Ahmadi extremism in Cardiff, Birmingham and Glasgow, and is activity" due to be published in June. It is understood the government is also ed quickly to criticism following preparing a cross-party report into the visit of Siraj Ul Haq in 2016 the discrimination faced by the and brought in a new protocol to Ahmadi-Muslim community that ensure the incident wasn’t repeated. is due to be published this month. “We have a strong record in tack- A spokesperson for Waltham ling extremism in the borough and Forest Council refuted the alle- have been nationally recognised for gations made and said: “We host our work to oppose the terror threat. regular visits from officials from “Waltham Forest Council does around the UK and abroad to learn not support hatred or extrem- from what we do and were the ist views of any form or nature, first local authority to secure an and condemn them entirely. We Anti-Social Behaviour Order are proud to be a tolerant and Waltham Forest Town Hall, where Siraj Ul Haq, head of Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami Islamist party, was invited to in 2016 to receive an award from councillors Liaquat Ali and Ahsan Khan against a hate preacher. Our origi- welcoming borough where nal programme has gone on to form residents from all walks of life, regard to extremism and there- ranged the visit and use of the part of the national approach.” cultures, and countries can make by Local Democracy fore benefits from greater govern- town hall, the cabinet member for They said the council had respond- the very most of their life chances.” Reporting Service ment resourcing and support. But community safety told the Evening Advertisement the former counter-extremism co- Standard he “completely disagrees former counter extrem- ordinator, who now works for with [Siraj Ul Haq’s] views”. LICENSING ACT 2003 ism co-ordinator for community cohesion group Faith According to Charlotte’s report, Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence Waltham Forest Council Matters, said: “Despite this the the borough’s links to other Islamist is writing a national local authority has appeared to have groups promoting extreme views Notice of application for the grant of a Premises reportA that singles the borough wilfully ignored extremist activity.” is an ongoing issue. A number of Licence under section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 out as having a “grim history of In the past, Charlotte has accused high street stores in Leyton have Notice is hereby given that St James Street Limited has applied to the extremism and terrorism”. the council of “colluding in sec- been found to have collection London Borough of Waltham Forest for the grant of a Premises Licence The report, as yet not published, tarianism” for its failure to act boxes on their till counters to raise at: 18-20 St James Street, Walthamstow, London E17 7PF. The nature highlights incidents in Waltham when claims were made of discrim- money for groups such as Dalwat- of the application is to permit the following: Forest including a prominent ination against Ahmadi Muslims e-Islami and Madani. Extremist – Films, Live music: 17:00–23:00 daily Islamist being given an award by in the borough, namely on the organisations have also held – Recorded music, opening hours: 08:00–23:00 daily the council and collection boxes Waltham Forest Faith Forum – an conferences in Walthamstow, includ- – Sale of alcohol consumed on and off the premises: 08:00–23:00 in high street stores for groups allegation the authority said was ing Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, an anti- Mon–Fri, 09:00–23:00 Sat–Sun advocating extremist ideologies. “misleading and inaccurate”. Now, Ahmadi group based in Pakistan. Charlotte Littlewood, 27, was at in her report, she cites a number of In November 2015, Channel 4 Interested parties or responsible authorities can make written the council for almost two years incidents over the years to show documentary ISIS: The British representations regarding this application and must give notice before being dismissed after facing a how she believes the council has Women Supporters Unveiled also in writing to: disciplinary hearing on allegations turned a blind eye. found a council-owned building – The Licensing Section, Magistrates Building, that she breached her employment One incident in 2016 saw the was being used for meetings by 1 Farnan Avenue, London E17 4NX contract – something she denies. current head of Pakistan’s three sympathisers of the terror- – Email [email protected] All local authorities now have a Jamaat-e-Islami Islamist party, Siraj ist organisation. The Asian Centre – Internet www.walthamforest.gov.uk duty to prevent people from being Ul Haq, receive an award from the Waltham Forest later banned The date by which an interested party may make representations to drawn into terrorism under the council to “honour” his visit to the sympathisers' group, Islamic the relevant licensing authority: 16th May 2019. Counter Terrorism and Security Act the borough. Two current cabinet Circles for Women, from meeting 2015 – and counter-extremism co- members, councillors Liaquat Ali there after its “shocking” preach- This application and register held under the Licensing Act 2003 may ordinators help do that. and Ahsan Khan, were photo- ing was revealed. be inspected during normal office hours at the above address. In Charlotte's report, funded by graphed with Siraj as he received A foiled terrorist plot to plant It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in anti-hate charity Ahmadiyya UK, his award in the council chamber bombs on trans-Atlantic planes connection with an application. A person is liable to an unlimited she states that Waltham Forest is of the town hall. When it was in 2006 was also partly planned in fine on conviction should such a false statement be made. considered a priority borough with found Cllr Khan’s father had ar- Walthamstow. According to The No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 7

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Photographs by Ian and Stephanie Waterman We are local photographers and members of Walthamstow and District Photographic Society, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year and is always looking for new members. It's a great place to meet other photographers and develop skills and ideas – check out WDPS.org.uk. We have been photographing local music events for eight years and Stow-a-Thon is the most challenging – a 24- hour music marathon – but the atmosphere and raising money for local charities Send us your photos make it worthwhile. These pictures are from previous events – see Page 13 for To submit your photos for consideration: a preview of this year's Stow-a-Thon, taking place on 5th and 6th May. Email [email protected] No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 9 Arts & Culture Comedy charity night announces COMMENT Edinburgh preview show P . 12 Litter company is abusing power How penalties for dropping rubbish are being driven by profit reputation. The company's tactics by Sandrine Ceurstemont have been questioned by the press, where they are suspected to seek "It didn’t arlier this year I received out easy targets such as elderly seem right a litter fine in Waltham- people who are likely to pay up. stow when I accidentally The firm also makes a share of that I had dropped a receipt after the profit, which can vary from Edoing some shopping. 50% to 100% in different areas, so been given a I was charged £150, which is the officers have an incentive to collect maximum amount for an on-the- more fines. A recent investigation hefty penalty spot fine. If I didn’t pay promptly, by The Guardian reported that for something it was set to increase to £2,500 with Kingdom collected £1.4million in the risk of a criminal conviction. fines over a period of eight months so trivial" As a science journalist who often in one area where they operate. covers environmental issues, I Profits do seem to be overshadow- saying that even dropping some- support efforts to clean up the ing reason. In other cases, Kingdom thing by accident was an offence. area. But with numerous cases of has dished out penalties for unin- The council does seem to have fly-tipping and intentional littering, tentionally dropping a bookmark a different attitude. Determined it didn’t seem right that I had been and even feeding the birds. The to fight my case, I emailed them given a hefty penalty for something officer that stopped me didn’t use directly and got a reply a few days so trivial. Furthermore, these fines any discretion when I explained later. My fine was cancelled. I can’t be appealed, although there that it was a genuine mistake and was told that the council wanted is an email address for complaints. wanted to pick up the receipt and to target people who deliberate- After digging deeper, I real- keep it for my records. Instead he ly drop litter, making the area ised that the scheme isn’t run by kept pointing to the bodycam he untidy, and not accidents such as Waltham Forest Council itself; it is was wearing, saying that he had in my case. outsourced to a private company filmed me committing the offence Councils using private companies called Kingdom Services Group. and was just doing his job. for such schemes can be a money- This could explain the rigid The complaint process didn’t saving tactic. Kingdom guaran- approach taken by officers. seem to be impartial, either. When tees no cost to the local authority, Although the council claims to I emailed to explain my case, I because it recovers its costs from have “zero tolerance” for littering, received a reply from Kingdom penalty fines issued. But the power their interpretation of this and over a month later, saying that they they are given risks being abused the values behind it seem to clash were confident the penalty had been when their ultimate goal isn’t to Litter often ends up clogging waterways Credit Wikicommons with Kingdom, which has a bad issued correctly. It quoted the law, look out for the public good. Our fears over new incinerator A campaign has been launched against the construction of a new waste plant near Chingford the North London Waste Author- sion filters, incinerators still by Louise Krzan ity (NLWA). Estimated as costing contribute considerable amounts taxpayers around £650million, it of harmful toxins, pollutants ousehold waste has could lock us into burning 700,000 and ultra-fine particles into the to go somewhere, but tonnes of waste, much of it atmosphere and the monitoring in this era of climate recyclable, every day for the next results are not adequately open change protests and 30 years. A study last year by to public scrutiny. Hultra-low emission zones, we have the UK Without Incineration The more we looked into this, a huge opportunity to develop Network (UKWIN) estimated the more the decision to build a sustainable, clean, environmen- one tonne of CO2 was emitted new incinerator seemed like an tally-friendly waste solutions for by incinerators for each tonne archaic way to deal with waste. the future. of waste burned. The planned incinerator con- So why, as the current Edmon- Stop the Edmonton Incinerator tradicts the Mayor of London’s How the new Edmonton incinerator will look, as seen from the Chingford side of the River Lea ton incinerator comes to the end Now is a campaign started by pledge to increase London’s which, combined with generous gov- locals about what the incinerator of its life, has the government concerned local mothers from household recycling rate to 65% ernment subsidies – as evidenced by rebuild would mean for them and agreed plans to replace it with Walthamstow and Chingford. by 2030. Imagine how far just other boroughs with incinerators – to challenge the notion that in- one of the largest incinerators in Worried about the air pollution half of that £650m would go if actively discourages investment in cineration is the only way to deal Europe? The Stop the Edmonton children are already exposed spent on education and support recycling and other more sustain- with London’s waste. Incinerator Now campaign aims to, an incinerator rebuild also for residents and businesses with able forms of waste management. to challenge this decision. locks future generations into low rates of recycling? The Stop the Edmonton Incin- For more information The proposed new incinerator, huge carbon emissions without The incinerator’s high capacity erator Now campaign, support- on the campaign: branded an ‘Energy Recovery fully exploring the alternatives. and financial viability depends on ed by UKWIN, is raising aware- Visit stop-edmonton-incinerator.org Facility’ (ERF), is the brainchild of Despite using advanced emis- a constant supply of waste to burn, ness and providing information to 10 No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO LETTERS

racism – but we need a majority of Society is encouraging everyone to positive impact on our ability to Stop dumping governments to back the proposal. Do something take action by starting a conversa- tackle air pollution now that is Please sign the petition! Go to: tion; whether it’s calling a relative has been introduced. Diesel cars waste overseas actions.sumofus.org/a/stop-fake- for dementia with dementia or visiting a neigh- manufactured before 2015, along- Dear Waltham Forest Echo plastic-recycling-now Dear Waltham Forest Echo bour, it’s time to start talking! side most pre-2006 petrol cars, will Betsy Campbell-Craig I’m sure many of your readers will We understand that it can be diffi- be charged £12.50 to come into In March you published an article Highams Park know of someone with dementia or cult to know what to say. But we’re central London at any time. This about the council exporting our are directly affected by it – in Waltham here to provide information and will be in addition to the existing waste plastic to Turkey and the Forest there are 2,055 people living tips on how you can start a con- £11.50 congestion charge, which Philippines (Act to combat plastic with the condition. Our research versation. To find out more about operates from Monday to Friday, pollution, Page 2, Issue 48). Help find shows that every three minutes, dementia and events taking place 7am to 6pm. Buses, coaches, lorries I would like to draw the attention someone in the UK develops across London visit alzheimers. and motorbikes will also need to of your readers to a petition by my cousin dementia. Despite almost all of us org.uk/DAW comply with European emissions SumOfUs.org, which tries to put Dear Waltham Forest Echo knowing someone affected, two- Linda O’Sullivan standards or face charges. a stop to that practice. thirds of people living with demen- Head of London Region, The implementation of the In early May, governments from I am trying to make contact with tia report feeling isolated and lonely. Alzheimer’s Society world’s first ULEZ is a significant around the world will meet in Swit- a cousin who I last met in the Alzheimer’s Society is working facet of a package of measures zerland for a vote on international 1960s. She lived at Trevose Road, with the Mayor of London to make that City Hall is taking to clean rules to help force wealthy states Walthamstow. Her name was London dementia-friendly. We want Mayor is up London’s toxic air. In taking and corporations to stop treating Elaine Slater, and her best friend to make our vibrant capital a place drastic action now, the Mayor of developing countries like dumps was Jenny Hatchard. These were where people living with dementia cleaning up London can ensure the capital is for their plastic rubbish. In the past their maiden names. Today she feel supported and able to take part firmly on the path to achieving two decades, not only rich govern- would probably be in her late 60s in all that London has to offer. But our streets zero emissions from road trans- ments but also their businesses have or early 70s, like me. Her father we need everyone to get involved, Dear Waltham Forest Echo port by 2050. been exporting millions of tonnes was my 'uncle Bert'. I am part of to take an action and support those It is a scandal that air pollution is You can access the ULEZ vehicle of plastic waste overseas. That’s the Slater/Cole family. If anyone living in their local communities. causing thousands of premature checker via tfl.gov.uk/modes/ how European and North Amer- can put me in contact with either Many people are worried about deaths each year in our capital and driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/ ican plastic ends up choking the of them, or their family, please ‘saying the wrong thing’ to someone stunting the lung development of vrm-checker-ulez rivers and coasts of countries like email me: [email protected] with dementia, yet a friendly face or our children. This is why I am sup- Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. listening ear can make the world of porting the roll-out of the Mayor’s Jennette Arnold Together, we can fight that Philip Stevens difference. This Dementia Action Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ). London Assembly Member plastic flood and environmental St Ives, Cornwall Week (20th–26th May) Alzheimer’s The ULEZ will have a hugely for Waltham Forest Advertisement come and see howdifferent a nurserycan be!

Something special is happening at Willow Brook Primary School and Nursery! All children flourish in our Early Years. They have excellent relationships with staff and it is Call us to book an appointment normal for children to exceed their expected levels of progress. Willow Brook provides a Willow Brook Primary School & Nursery happy and secure environment in which to learn, and our pupils enjoy their time at school 190 Church Road, Leyton, London E10 7BH so much they don’t want to leave! Tel: 020 8539 1428 Why not come and see for yourself? There are tours and stay and play sessions every [email protected] www.willowbrook-gst.org Wednesday 8.30am to 9.30am and 12.30pm to 1.30pm, or parents can book an appointment for a one-to-one meeting with the head. @WillowBrookGST No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 11 COLUMNS Finding the forest Helen Bigham reflects on how nature can play a part in Waltham Forest's year as Borough of Culture we should be excited about the Big Creative Education, a creative many artistic events on offer – my college in Walthamstow that spe- personal favourite being the E17 Art cialises in the creative industries Trail. They all rightly hold a place and provides apprenticeships and in the Borough of Culture legacy. training, has taken up the offer for However, I hope that experiences their 'Wild about Art' programme. and new places local people are Speaking to a friend while introduced to during the year will showing them around Suntrap, not be one-off. For me this means they explained that although they recognising the importance of work in the borough, it has never making full use of the woodlands occurred to them to stay on the in our borough. train and get off at Chingford One project encouraging peo- to experience the forest. They ple to enjoy the outdoors is the described it as “eye opening” and Suntrap Forest Centre's work wanted to encourage everyone to with secondary school students in take advantage. Walthamstow, exploring their own We talked about the Forestry Com- imaginative response to Epping mission’s bid to tackle the lack of Forest. Through the 'Great Place: diversity in both conservation and Creative Connections' scheme British nature writing; one strategy (funded by Arts Council England has been the appointment of writ- and National Lottery Heritage er-in-residence Zakiya Mckenzie. Fund) the team will be running She’s committed to increase the fun practical activities to help involvement of black and minority young people discover and learn ethnic communities in the environ- more about our diverse local her- mental sector and has talked about

Children enjoy making a den in Epping Forest itage and natural environment. her feelings as “the only black face The free outreach sessions will in the forest”. This was something his year we celebrate definition of culture is: “The customs shared.” be full of inspiration, ideas and my friend also identified with and I Waltham Forest being 'way of life' of groups of people, I like this description as it advice aimed at providing the hope that when our year as Borough the first London Bor- meaning the way they do things... encompasses more than just ‘high perfect guide to develop a deeper of Culture ends, part of the legacy T ough of Culture. A the outlook, attitudes, values and culture’ such as the arts. Of course, understanding of their local area. will be a change in this viewpoint. Last orders Marlowe Road Estate resident Michelle Edwards reacts to some more bad news from the council he Echo's editor recent- much detail. News London last year – we had book Big Capital, a key incentive ly reminded me that Waltham Forest Council only been asked to participate in for developers and local author- I have left new and instructed Sharpe Pritchard Solic- a “fact-finding exercise” for which ities to pursue demolition over "I can spot seasoned readers of itors and Parliamentary Agents to “our answers were not decisions”. refurbishment is the fact that bad news Tthis column hanging since July 2018. 'advise' the remaining residents and Cleverly, the CPO is being new-build homes are exempt from What, he asked, has happened leaseholders on the estate that the further justified because the the 20% VAT to which refurbish- just by the since I was served a Notice of authority had made a Compul- estate has “poor housing stan- ment is subject. Seeking Possession – essentially sory Purchase Order (CPO) on dards, poor public realm, After being lectured by residents packaging; an eviction order – on my birth- 13th March 2019, to acquire the high crime levels, anti-social for the last seven years about day last year? remaining land. As if it were on behaviour issues and high levels their lack of transparency, mis- a white A4 There are good reasons for the purpose, these bombshells always of deprivation”. This has man- information, legal breaches, and absence of an update. So many drop during my short getaways. I ifestly happened because the inability to perform their duties, franked things happen week-by-week on can spot bad news just by the pack- council conducted a lengthy pro- the council eventually scrapped envelope the Marlowe Road Estate that it's aging; a white A4 franked envelope gramme of 'managed' decline. its monthly steering group meet- often difficult to balance what I and a red stamp with the word 'im- The mass evacuation of Marlowe ings – silencing dissenting and and a red experience as a stand-alone portant' in bold and capital letters. Road Estate is not dissimilar to marginal voices. It's no coin- occupant against the collective In the council's 'statement of how Margaret Thatcher's closest cidence that the move follows stamp" experiences of other tenants, lease- reasons' for making the CPO, they ministers came close to writing the victory of Northwood holders, businesses and stakehold- regurgitate the lie that “consulta- off Liverpool in the aftermath Tower residents to retain the fuming at the unexpected inter- ers. Never one to take centre-stage, tion responses from residents on of the 1981 inner-city riots, security gates around their block, vention of a 'designing out crime' I prefer to walk you through the the estate indicated widespread although the genuine attempt to on the back of a weighty petition police officer who alleged that he 'us' aspect of the estate's redevel- support for the council's propos- destroy council housing estates in supported by the Metropolitan had been lied to by the council opment. Having also instructed a als”. It's the same bullshit they London has more to do with tax. Police. The council and estate about the preferences of North- solicitor, I shouldn't go into too used to counter my piece for ITV As Anna Minton explains in her developers Countryside are still wood Tower residents. 12 No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO ARTS & CULTURE

Heart of the matter by Deborah Nash Taste of the nitter Harriott Knuck- know how many times a heart Middle East les, winner of Waltham beats in a minute? And what is it by Jess Howe Forest’s 2018 Art Road doing when it beats? And what Show, has her winning can the root of a tree or a leaf or a he Hornbeam Café is set Kentry on display at a new exhibi- seed do in the same minute? I like to welcome its first plant- tion in Mile End – ahead of her new to think of this constant motion Tbased Palestinian kitchen. artwork being a star attraction at inside us as time.” What the Fattoush? serves vegan this year's E17 Art Trail. Harry worked as a set builder meals where 10% of the profit is Harry’s artwork is a giant-sized until spinal stenosis forced her to donated to SkatePal, an organisa- human heart made in her custom- stop and she took up knitting for tion supporting young people in ary ragbag style of assorted materi- “something to do”. By interpreting Palestine through skateboarding. als (silk, wool, acrylic, metal, plastic the body’s organs in wool, Harry Myself and Meg Maule are the threads), chunky shapes and vivid had to understand their function driving force behind it. We were colours. Harry's Heart was origi- and how they worked. As well as taught to cook authentic Middle nally created for a Valentine’s Day Harry's Heart, she has made a series Eastern food when volunteer- window display at a Clapton wool of dead heads, eyeballs, hands, ing at refugee camps across shop. Since then, it has acquired fingers, intestines and kidneys. Europe and Palestine. Starting some sylvan branches and neatly Currently, Harry is working on as a six-date supper club to raise fits the current exhibition’s theme her most challenging piece; a larger- money for aid charity Help Ref- We Grow into the Forest – a group than-life size human brain, a com- ugees, the success of What the show of artists inspired by nature. mission for the Alzheimer’s Society. Fattoush? encouraged us to take Harry’s catalogue entry reads: it full-time. We've hosted charity “An oversized pouch sprouting Harry's Heart is on display dinners at House of Vans, take- thick scarlet and patched-up blue at The Art Pavilion, Mile End over kitchens in East London, and blood vessels that look a bit like Park. Harry’s Brain will be are planning our first international the branches of a tree. It’s in all of shown at No 70 Hoe Street as art exhibition. Palestinian human part of this year’s E17 Art Trail, us, this pump, sending fresh new 1st-16th June. rights are at the core of what we do. blood round our bodies. Do you With Middle Eastern inspired cocktails and our famous Pales- tinian breakfast (including vegan ‘woke yolks’) the menu caters for those who know Palestinian cuisine and those who can’t tell their Kicking the comedy can kibbeh from their maqlubeh. We aim to put Palestinian food on the A charity stand-up night in Walthamstow has announced a string of Edinburgh preview shows Walthamstow map! The Hornbeam and What the by Sara Shokra to think that's where we come in. Fattoush? are a match made in “Canned Laughter gives them a foodie heaven. We've noticed taste of the Edinburgh chance to help out and watch some through our supper clubs that there Fringe is coming to great comedy at the same time. With is no better place to open up a con- Walthamstow with some comedy nights in London versation than over a plate of food. nine acts, including charging over £15, our audiences Cooking Palestinian cuisine is SuziA Ruffell, Sindhu Vee and Gabby often comment on the quality of more than sustenance to us, but a Best, gracing the stage at The the acts for such a small entry fee.” way of bringing the importance of CentrE17 over four nights in June. The team has partnered with Palestinian human rights into our Canned Laughter is a commu- Eat or Heat, a local foodbank everyday experience. The Horn- nity organisation that has been established in 2011. The charity beam’s community-orientated roots fighting food poverty through tackles food poverty, helping mixed with our charitable back- comedy since October 2017. It families who are forced to reg- ground means you’ll leave with a is the brainchild of three friends ularly make the difficult choice full heart as well as a full stomach. – Kenny Tanner, Ali Severs-Ruiz between heating their homes and While maintaining the organic and Helen Taylor – who came up feeding their families. and plant-based ethos of The with a simple concept; they invited Since its inception, Canned Laugh- Hornbeam, What the Fattoush? audiences to pay £5 for a night of ter has raised more than £11,500 will support other local businesses stand-up comedy and asked them for Eat or Heat – audience dona- in Walthamstow, from breweries to bring along five items to donate tions stocked the foodbank for 36 to greengrocers, as well as buying to the local foodbank. weeks last year. Every show has products from Zaytoun; a Fairtrade

The show is now run by Kenny, sold out and a host of famous acts Canned Laughter comedy nights ask audience members to bring foodbank donations with them organisation dedicated to support- Ali and friends Amelia Vickery, including Nick Helm, Aisling Bea, ing farmers and growers in Palestine. Josh Grant and Ronan Shiels. Russell Kane and Josie Long have without them.” Kenny, a long-standing comedy headlined over the past 18 months. As well as the Edinburgh pre- Canned Laughter’s Edinburgh What the Fattoush? Is hosted at fan who works in TV produc- Kenny adds: “Max and Ruth, views, Canned Laughter will preview shows run on 13th, 14th, Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street, 20th and 21st June. Tickets are from 8.30am until 4pm on weekdays tion, said: “People lead busy lives the duo behind The CentrE17, continue to run its regular stand- £5 per show, £8 for two or £14 (except Mondays) and 10am until – they want to do good for their have been incredibly supportive up nights. Their next show is on 4pm on weekends, plus 6pm until for all four. For more information: 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights. community, but not everybody of us since day one. We really Friday 24th May and will star Steen Visit cannedlaughter.co.uk Visit hornbeam.org.uk knows where to start, so we like couldn’t have achieved all this Raskopolus and Mawaan Rizwan. No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 13 Sport Promotion back to Football League ARTS & CULTURE beckons for plucky Orient P . 15 Music Going back in tin marathon With help from local children, Youssef Taha discovers tow-a-Thon is back with 24 the history of the borough's toy-making industry hours of free live music at Sthe Rose and Crown pub on ifty is the number of aged in plastic accompanied by a Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May. protons in an atom discussion of how harmful that is This annual bank holiday event of tin, and interactive to our planet and oceans. is fundraising for local charity, event Atomic 50 – Time Next was a visit to 'Grandma’s The Haven – an organisation that FTravels in Tin celebrated Waltham House', complete with a gramo- supports, assists and empowers Forest’s heritage as a centre for phone and chandeliers made of individuals who have suffered from metalworking, linking it with a tin utensils. A few minutes sat at sexual violence. universal message of protecting a large dining table made the chil- The event is now in its sixth year the environment and saving the dren think about how to cut waste and proceedings are opened by planet for future generations. and replace plastic with recyclable the irrepressible Graham Larkbey In the 20th Century Waltham- and natural materials. They then on guitar. Local collectives stow was home to leading toy visited the 'Tin Factory', where they Electronic 17, She17, Waltham- companies Britains and Wells were introduced to classic machin- stow Folk, Waltham Forest Voices, Brimtoy, where some of the world’s ery used in metalworks, producing and Big Creative Academy, are all most collectible tin toys were made. their own cones which they punch taking part. In collaboration with acclaimed and rivet and take with them to the The bill this year also features performance artist Abigail Con- 'Shed'. There the message of recy- local favourites Cowboy Flying way and set designer Soraya cling and using natural materials Saucer and The Outbursts. Gilanni Viljoen, Blackhorse Work- was highlighted again, underscor- Catering for all tastes, music is shop created an immersive expe- ing the performance’s ingenious 'Atomic 50: Time Travels in Tin' took place at Blackhorse Workshop last month Credit Ellie Kurttz performed by everyone from rience to inspire local children. merging of practical teaching with talented youngsters to ageing The experience began with a pro- immersive theatre. used the cones to record their per- she wanted the audience to be at rockers, choirs, and singer song- jected film of the borough’s metal- The children completed the finish- sonal messages to be stored in the the centre of the experience, which writers. It’s also plenty of fun with work heritage, combined with three ing touches to the Atomic50 badge, archive. The youngsters unani- she designed to be “engaging, par- a ceilidh by Jig17 and a turn by actors dividing children into three made of tin of course, and were mously voiced their excitement ticipatory and physically tactile.” local drag artist, Victoria Sponge. groups – all colour-coded. The all excited to stamp their own ini- about what they described as one Atomic 50 has been one of the Chris Casey, founder of The group clocks in before visiting the tials on it before pinning it to their of the “best days of their lives”. highlights so far of Waltham Forest's Haven, said: “It's an honour to be 'Future Mart', where food is pack- clothes. In the studio, the children Show creator Abigail Conway said year as London Borough of Culture. involved in the event again. When we first linked up it all sounded a bit improbable to be honest. But they pulled it off and we couldn't believe how friendly and welcom- Making my Markhouse ing everyone was. “We run an important service for Artist Shelly Berry puts her work on show at a new local art studio local people, so it's great to get out As well as having my work on show Hearing that one visitor to the into our community and see just throughout April and May, on 13th shop had commented that I clearly how much support there is. April I set up camp in the shop and had “issues” was quite a revelation “Our charity is the only survivor- invited residents to come along to – and learning the (often hidden) led organisation in Waltham Forest talk to me about my art – and their creative passions of others, from that supports victims and survivors own creativity. Although at first a poetry to photography, was also a of all forms of sexual and domes- little self-conscious as I got down privilege as well as an inspiration. tic violence. We are thrilled that the to some painting, I soon got into Norah Zeale Studios is taking Stow-a-Thon has chosen to support my groove and made a start on four part in the E17 Art Trail in June, our vital work in the borough!” pieces while residents looked on. as will I, this time at the recently The event was originally set up by I always have a meaning in mind restored St Saviours Church further Adam Taylor as an offshoot of the when I start a piece of work, but it’s down Markhouse Road. After now defunct Stow Music Festival. always interesting – and rewarding that, who knows where my artistic He said: “You don't have to go to – to hear how others interpret the travels will take me! In the mean- Chestnuts Field to experience the end result. As an artist, the symbol- time, I hope to see you at Norah Borough of Culture – it's actually ism of colour is really important Zeale Studio or the church soon. everywhere. Just go to your local to me, but hearing how someone café, pub, park, church or mosque. saw the red in Child as represen- Something will be going on. Find out more about artist tative of blood and loss, and how residencies at Norah Zeale Studio: “Where else could hundreds of Shelly Berry at Norah Zeale Studio the blue and pink in Sky One and performers put on live music for Email hello@ s a resident of the that seems to be lagging behind Two was linked to questions of norahzealestudio.co.uk 24 hours and actually all walk to Markhouse Road area others. As well as selling crafts gender made me look at my own Instagram @norahzeale the venue. Not even Camden could I was really pleased to and vintage homewares, owner work through a different lens. Visit norahzealestudio.co.uk manage that!” see Norah Zeale Studio Sounia is also keen to engage with Musings about the use of naked opening at the end of last year. the local community, arranging figures being “free”, yet often Follow artist Shelly Berry: A Instagram @shellyberryoriginal Close to the junction with workshops and residencies for turned away, also made me con- Stow-a-Thon starts at 12pm on Twitter @ShellyBerryUK Sunday 5th May at Ye Olde Rose Queen’s Road, it is a much-needed local artists – a position that I was sider sub-conscious messages that I Visit shellyberryoriginal.co.uk and Crown in Hoe Street addition to a part of Walthamstow really excited to take on this spring. hadn’t even realised I was making. 14 No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO LISTINGS Upcoming Ongoing

The Craft of Games Japanese Flower Arrangement St Barnabas Sunday Concerts Des and Ken's Old-Ass Women's Silver Exercise Group Thursday 9th May, 7pm–9.30pm Friday 24th May, 12pm–5pm, and Presents: Musicians Without Borders Reggae Records Tuesdays, 11.30am–12.15pm William Morris Gallery, Forest Road, Saturday 25th May, 10am–5pm Sunday 26th May, 4pm–5pm Every last Saturday, 8pm–11.30pm Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 4PP One Hoe Street, 1 Hoe Street, St Barnabas Church, St Barnabas Sinbin at the Plough and Harrow, Walthamstow E17 4PP Walthamstow E17 4SD Road, Walthamstow E17 8JZ 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU We host an evening of discussion and Women’s fitness class, ideal for over-55s. performance exploring video games as Ohara School of Ikebana England Fabulous music by composers who Come skank to some dusty old Jamaican We do exercises specific for bone health, a contemporary craft discipline, plus a Chapter is delighted to showcase the thought outside the box and followed records. Trojan, Studio One, lovers’ rock, muscle toning and resistance, and pelvic live performance by award-winning com- art of Japanese flower arrangement. more than one profession, from Alex- roots, rockers, rock steady, ska, dancehall, floor health and strengthening. All exer- posers and percussionists Louise Anna Come and enjoy different styles of ander Borodin, Charles Ives, Franz Liszt, dub – all strictly vinyl! Caribbean food until cises can be easily practised in your own and Zands Duggan. Booking essential. arrangements created by the members. and more. Gillian Keith, soprano, Tom 9pm by The Groves Kitchen. home. This is a great way to meet other Randle, tenor, František Brikcius, cello, local women while enjoying the outdoors. Tickets £12, concessions £8 Free entry George Ireland, piano. Free entry We meet by the basketball court. Visit wmgallery.org.uk Email [email protected] Visit facebook.com/ Visit oharaikebana.eventbrite.co.uk Free entry, donations in support of events/2247059092242881 Tickets £5 Librarian Theatre presents Mental Health UK Email [email protected] The Green Ship Beating the Bounds Visit stbarnabassundayconcerts. Leyton Jubilee Park Market Tuesday 21st May, 6pm Sunday 26th May, 1.30pm– 4pm weebly.com Saturdays, 11am– 4pm Disco Rani: Bollywood Bhangra Walthamstow Library, High Street, Starting outside the Princess of Wales, KuKooLaLa Café, 3 Marsh Lane, R&B Mujra Party Walthamstow E17 7JN Lea Bridge Road, Leyton E5 9RB Inspired! An exhibition for E17 Art Trail Leyton E10 7BL Every third Friday of the month, Thursday 30th May, 9:30am– 6:00pm 10pm until late A groundbreaking arts organisation, Join Save Lea Marshes and take part in The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane A range of affordable stalls including hot Sinbin at the Plough and Harrow, Librarian Theatre is breathing life back an ancient tradition that celebrates our E17 7HA food, local produce, handmade goods 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU into libraries on a national scale by open spaces and marks parish bound- and pre-loved items, as well as music, temporarily transforming them into aries. The walk will take a couple of E17 artists of all abilities celebrate their bouncy castle and other entertainment A Bollywood Bhangra R&B Mujra theatres. The Green Ship is a beauti- hours, ending at the Hare and Hounds world and all its wonders. A mix of work for children. Takes place behind Ku- Party for Asian LGBTQ lovers and fully illustrated, heartwarming story (E10 7LD). There will be willow deco- in all media exploring nature, science and kooLaLa Café in Jubilee Park. Parking allies. We’re treating you to free entry by Quentin Blake. Librarian Theatre’s rating, music, a little bit of local history the imagination. From the personal to the available. Stalls available. before midnight. And your host Asifa production of the book is its first-ever and children are welcome to come in universal – the world is ours! Lahore is giving the first 25 people free stage adaptation. fancy dress. Free entry drinks too! Free entry Email market@ Tickets £7 Free entry Call 020 8521 3211 thecreativesideoflondon.com Free entry until midnight, £10 after Visit thegreenship.co.uk Visit saveleamarshes.org.uk Email [email protected] Visit thecreativesideoflondon.com Visit facebook.com/discoraniclub

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Changing the way you see lawyers. 02081 311 204 [email protected] www.qualitysolicitors.com/mirza 216 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 3AY *Terms and conditions apply. Free set of second searches if your purchase falls through and you instruct us on another purchase within six months. No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 15 SPORT Promotion beckons for plucky Orient Going to bat althamstow Cricket Club is launching its by Jim Nichols Wfirst-ever women's team. The 157-year-old club announced hen you become its intention to be “genuinely a Leyton Orient representative” and offer women supporter you the chance to play competitively know it is never at Leyton Cricket Ground, where meantW to be easy. Waltham Forest Council is set to The last few weeks have tested create a new ‘sports hub’. the nerves of even the most calm Club chairman Derek Steward said: O's fans, as the 2018-19 National “I am absolutely thrilled that we are League season has drawn to a close. in a position to announce plans to After winning both legs of the FA field a women’s cricket team. This Trophy semi-final in late March follows a significant amount of to seal a trip to Wembley, Orient work, and the support of Waltham found themselves clear at the top of Forest Council, who share our the league with a couple of games ambition to make cricket accessi- in hand over an improving Salford ble and available to everybody in City and a consistently solid Soli- the local area. hull Moors. But defeat at Bromley “Cricket clubs which are not in a tetchy Tuesday night encounter working hard to adapt and advance in the first of those extra games run the risk of losing relevance in the opened the door to their rivals. hearts and minds of the community From then on Orient stayed in the modern era. The key to this ahead of the pack, but they did it is being genuinely representative of the hard way. Cracks appeared in Orient fans celebrate a late goal against Sutton during the club's chase for promotion Credit Simon O'Connor the community in which it exists. the previously watertight defence “In particular, we would like to and during one week they thrill- more routine win in front of the bative opponents. that relegation two years ago is a encourage women and girls of all ingly clawed back deficits against television cameras at home to Har- The O's were now so close to spectacular achievement. ages and abilities, whether experi- Halifax, Eastleigh and Sutton rogate followed, but Salford sealed sealing their return to the Foot- Praise goes to the owners Nigel enced players or novices to the game, respectively to take a vitally a late win to keep the pressure on ball League, two years to the day Travis and Kent Teague, who not to get in touch to find out more.” important seven points. Justin Edinburgh's battling squad. that their 112-year membership only stepped in to save the club Indoor training sessions take place The result at Sutton felt partic- However, on Easter Monday, a of it was ended in such sad and when all seemed lost, but learned on Tuesday evenings at Willowfield ularly huge, with a last-minute large contingent from East London unnecessary circumstances. They quickly from some early setbacks School, with both women and girls penalty gifted by the opposition packed Solihull's small ground for would still require a positive result to build a squad and culture that welcome to attend. keeper and slotted away nervelessly what they hoped would be their at home to relegated Braintree on has contributed massively to this by top scorer Macauley Bonne in last away trip as a non-league club. the final day of the league season season's successes. A promotion For more information about front of the Orient fans. Perhaps The team's fighting spirit was on – just after the Echo went to press and FA Trophy double would be Walthamstow Cricket Club not the textbook way to do things, show again as they ground out a – to seal promotion. But to have just reward for their efforts and for and to get involved: but this was title-winning form. A goalless draw against their com- bounced back from the manner of the supporters' loyalty. Email [email protected] Time for table tennis Paralympian visits Wathamstow school for a game of ping pong able tennis is becoming tables are a roaring success and we Table England.” a big hit at a Waltham- are pleased table tennis is proving Meanwhile, a table tennis player stow school after two so popular with our students. They from Leyton took top honours at outdoor tables were consider it a safe and comfortable the annual Jack Petchey London donatedT by a national charity. sport to play. and Essex Schools’ Table Tennis The tables were gifted to Kelm- “All the tables are being well used Singles Finals. Held last month scott School by the Jack Petchey and we can now offer inter-school at the University of East London, Foundation, which runs its own games and tournaments with our the competition brought together table tennis programme and local adult education centre, the 109 players from 58 schools across organises competitions. The school college, and our local primary London and Essex. already has four indoor tables, but schools. Our wheelchair users are In the girls' under-19 competition, because of demand they are not fans and we plan to run tailored Highams Park School pupil Tiana always available. clubs during school holidays. Dennison beat defending champion Pupils at the school in Markhouse “Having Ashley here has been a Natalia Ianau, from west London. Road were recently inspired by the real bonus. He is passionate about Tiana, 17, has been playing since visit of paralympian Ashley Thomp- table tennis and the students really the age of nine and is coached by son. Ashley, from Bethnal Green, is enjoyed their session with him. You her dad John. Tiana said: “I love currently ranked ninth in the world. never know one day we might have this game and want to play at the Mark Smith, assistant head our own champion to celebrate top one day. I love winning and the Kelmscott School students with paralympian Ashley Thompson, centre, with head of PE Maria Mandoza, teacher at Kelmscott, said: “These thanks to Jack Petchey and Tennis trophies look good on the shelf too!” centre left, and assistant headteacher Mark Smith, centre right 16 No. 50 MAY 2019 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO Support local

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What we do How you can help Here at Waltham Forest Echo, we do things As a not-for-profit publication we rely on the differently. We believe that local newspapers generous support of our community. We look should put the concerns of the local to our readers, who recognise the value of community at the heart of their publication. independent journalism, to help support the We combine professional journalism with continuing publication of Waltham Forest Echo. voluntary contributions from people who live and work in the local area and create Rewards content which is responsive to and reflective of the community. By becoming a member, not only will you support our publication, but you can access rewards. These are challenging times for print media, with many newspapers closing and advertising revenue in decline, but our £3 per month upwards: not-for-profit model offers a new approach membership certificate, name in to creating local news which is inclusive the paper and website, pin badge and accountable. £5 per month upwards: home delivery, tote bag, membership Visit walthamforest certificate, name in the paper and echo.co.uk/join website, pin badge Current members Adam Pike, Chris Lemin, Darrel Hunneybell, David Gardiner, David Hamilton, David O'Driscoll, Dexter Coles, Graham Millington, Jean Duggleby, Melanie Strickland, Michael Grimshaw, Roland Karthaus, Renetta Neal, Graham Larkbey, Paul Schneider, Megan Lucero, Andrew Sharp, Deri Jones, Scott Davies, Abigail Woodman, Pat Stannard, Lee Mitchell, Ian Cadogan, Madeleine Munday, Irena Souroup, Paul Scaife, Roy Sutton, Jon Dalladay, David Kalloo, David McDade, Edward Clarke, Community Counts UK, Esther Neslen, Bright Stars Youth FC, Saradadevii Hull-Jurkovic, Claire Weiss, George Clarke, Ben Marlow, Creative Works, Alex Dandeker, Greg Cochrane, Julie Gibson, Carmen Trachenko, Transition Leytonstone, Clem Cowton, Linda Ridgers-Waite, Cranston Watts, Rachael Castell, Hewing Wittare, Alfred Joyner