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WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

July 2016 No. 16, Free www.walthamforestecho.co.uk facebook.com/WalthamForestEcho T @WFEcho E [email protected]

Interview

Feature

History

Event

Column

The founder of victim support charity Haven speaks to Shelly Berry

Traditional East End businesses still survive – but for how long?

Take an unusual journey through the borough's botanical history

Celebrate The Mill community centre's fifth birthday

Debra Oakaby meets a local choir that's hoping to raise the roof

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   P . 11

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Anger as businesses make way for homes

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by James Cracknell & Josh Cheetham

Stats show Waltham Forest provides far fewer jobs than neighbouring boroughs

Ray Ogborn, director of Apollo Cutters Ltd in Brunner Road, Walthamstow

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raders have warned Waltham Forest is "running out of room" for small businesses as industrial land is increasingly sold for housing.   This year several new housing developments have been granted planning permission in the borough at the expense of commercial units used by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ray Ogborn is the director of Apollo Cutters Ltd, a print finishing business in Brunner Road in Walthamstow, where hundreds of homes are being built. Although the firm is moving to an adjacent warehouse, Ray fears it is only a matter of time before it is also sold off. "More and more businesses are moving out of the area," he told the Echo. "We're being outpriced, it is getting really expensive. I think Waltham Forest Council would rather have houses than businesses, and I heard they're trying to get rid of factories because they can get more money for housing.

  "If we have to leave this area, we are going to have to shut down."   The concern among traders is echoed by statistics suggesting Waltham Forest doesn't provide enough employment space. According to data published by the Office for National Statistics, there are 0.46 jobs per person of working age in the borough. This 'job density' is the second lowest in London, ahead only of Lewisham.   Just four London boroughs provide fewer than Waltham Forest's 84,000 jobs. By comparison, neighbouring Hackney provides 132,000 jobs, while Enfield has 128,000 and Newham 111,000.   At South Grove, 656 homes are being built in two schemes both granted permission this spring. Although developers claim up to 90 new jobs will be created, there is expected to be a net loss of employment from the area as several organisations are forced to leave.   MOT testing centre Premier Workshop Ltd has already relo-

cated, to a warehouse in the last remaining corner of the industrial site yet to be sold for housing. Joint owner Tariq Mahmood says he thinks the business, employing nine people, will close within a year: "When we have to move, that will be the end," he told the Echo. "We have looked around and all the other sites we could move to are being developed. There are no units in Waltham Forest left for businesses like ours."   Alpha Business Centre, which is also set to be demolished to make way for homes in South Grove, provides 49 units for hire by small businesses and community groups, although many have been vacated since the area was first earmarked for redevelopment four years ago.   Anna Agboola, who runs a Caribbean café there, told the Echo: "It used to be very busy, the café was full of customers, but I'm not leaving until the council finds me somewhere else to go. They are demolishing a business centre – but what about us?"

  A foodbank and a group tackling gang crime are among the community groups currently using Alpha Business Centre. Its manager Hassan Chaudhry said: "People come in looking for small business space, but we turn them down. These businesses are being forced to look elsewhere."   South Grove is not the only site where industrial space has been sacrificed for housing. Last month a development scheme of 300 homes in Lea Bridge Road won permission on a site comprising small warehouses. The manager of charity furniture shop Remar UK, Allan Joy, admitted: "It's a good location and it will be difficult to find somewhere else."   In response to criticism from business owners, a Waltham Forest Council spokesperson said: "We want to support local businesses and help them grow and prosper. We put in place a strategy to work with small businesses, which includes promoting new business space, enhanced support, and establishing a charter. We will also offer special-

ised support to aid growth of creative, construction and urban services. Business space in the borough is well used, and we have clear evidence that businesses want to stay and grow in Waltham Forest. We recognise there is displacement due to the South Grove regeneration scheme, so in response we're providing new business space within the development, and seek to support businesses with relocation."   Meanwhile, the borough's last remaining dairy, Parker Dairies, has been given another year to find a new home after its site was earmarked for flats. Paul Lough, managing director, said it still wouldn't be easy. "The Olympics sucked up a lot of brownfield sites," he said. The 120-yearold firm, currently employing 32 people in Wood Street, has been looking as far afield as Beckton for a large enough site. But profits are growing, and Paul remains defiant: "Wherever we find a home we'll continue serving the people of East London." Advertisement

See a selection of our properties inside! p. 8–9 and 15–16 Anna Agboola, who runs a café at Alpha Business Centre in South Grove

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

COMMENT

This scheme is a missed opportunity An architect shares his critique of a 300-home development now granted planning permission FELLOWSHIP IS LIFE

JULY 2016  –  No. 16 Waltham Forest Echo is an independent community newspaper for everyone living and working in the borough. We publish monthly and distribute 20,000 free copies of each issue to libraries, cafes, pubs, and other places around Waltham Forest. Publisher David Floyd Editor James Cracknell Art Direction Jonathan Duncan Distribution Shop Drop

Artists' impression of the development at 97 Lea Bridge Road

Contributors Josh Cheetham Jonathan Crossley Russell Hargrave Shelly Berry Silvia Krupinska Linsey Wynton Adjoa Wiredu Katie Robinson Arnie Hemmes Deborah Nash Helen Johnston Sarah Jones Debra Oakaby Amina Ahmed

by Jonathan Crossley

Members Darrel Hunneybell Sarah Jones Gen Ford David Hamilton Chris Lemin Jean Duggleby David Gardiner Melanie Strickland Michael Grimshaw Advertising Sales T:  020 8521 7956 E:  [email protected] The member organisations of WFWellComm CIC are: Community Transport Waltham Forest, Social Spider CIC, HEET. WFWellComm CIC Management Board: David Floyd (Social Spider CIC) Tom Ruxton (HEET) Helen Tredoux (Community Transport WF)

Waltham Forest Echo Social Spider CIC, The Mill, 7–11 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, London E17 7HA Waltham Forest Echo began with funding by The National Lottery through Big Lottery Fund

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t is natural for developers – whose central objective is to maximise profits – to want to maximise development. This also has to be balanced against a political will of government to increase housing supply. Targets are set with local authorities that put them under considerable pressure to look for places where additional housing can be built.   The site at 97 Lea Bridge Road, granted planning permission by Waltham Forest Council last month, sits at a principal location on the edge of the Lea Valley. It is currently home to some industri-

al units and shops.   Sites like these undoubtedly play an important part of London's future growth, and it is not change and redevelopment that is questioned here, but the manner in which it is done; how existing communities have a say in their changing environment, and the general quality and rigour of new interventions.   Three hundred new homes, a tidy part of the local authority's annual target of new housing, are to be built there. With five-storey buildings in Lea Bridge Road and Burwell Road, and three towers facing the Lea Valley of 14, 16 and 18 storeys, this is a considerable project – the kind that sets an im-

portant precedent and moulds aspiration for others.   Council planning officers presented a report to the planning committee recommending approval of the proposals, after they had been the subject of numerous meetings with the planning department over the previous year-anda-half. You could probably build a small house with the money spent on professional fees producing the numerous consultants' reports required for such an application.   The issues presented to the committee by the public fell into several categories; lack of real consultation and affordable housing, size and scale of the development, and its basis in policy. Its support in policy is very important, and this assessment is the primary role of the planning department.   The proposals for 97 Lea Bridge Road are considerably more than double the guideline density for such a location, and there are many unresolved issues in the design as a result; its out-of-keeping scale, a single refuse collection point, staircases and corridors not naturally lit, and almost a quarter of the flats being single-aspect – many overshadowed by the development itself. There are also windows of habitable rooms six metres apart, or facing on to brick walls. It is not clear if the developer's brief of 300

homes was ever questioned.   All the more concerning were apparent errors in the report. In this most significant aspect of the argument, the density guidelines were incorrect; a higher range applicable to central London was quoted. Not only this, but the area action plan cited to justify the development is not adopted policy, and the proposals have little relationship to the immediate surroundings – something which is required by core strategy policy and the council's design charter.   The planning committee listened to comments from concerned local residents, and a ward councillor, about how no real dialogue had been opened up within the consultation process; their principal concerns about scale of the development went ignored.   The summing up of the meeting; an opinion that any development at all would be welcome and would be positive, reveals the inability – or perhaps unwillingness – to make the most of these opportunities.   In an environment where developers are queuing up to build, we should be striving for brilliant buildings and urban spaces that set the standard; that build on what is here already, and not simply obliterate and replace with the banal and generic.

Birthdays and botany An introduction from James Cracknell, editor of Waltham Forest Echo

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ello and welcome to Issue 16 of Waltham Forest Echo.   With every big new housing scheme, there are going to be people adversely affected, but it's the job of developers and the council to strike a balance between social cost and social benefit. Whether you agree with Jonathan's analysis (above) you probably have an opinion, and perhaps there are other local developments over which you're concerned. As a newspaper, we will continue to scrutinise these large schemes and give a voice to those affected.

  Elsewhere in this issue we are as usual championing the borough's community groups, such as on Page 5 where we meet the founder of Haven, a local charity for abuse victims that has gone from strength to strength despite facing its fair share of challenges.   On Page 10 we highlight how a new series of food markets is bringing a welcome buzz to the shopping streets of South Chingford, while on Page 12 we look ahead to the fifth birthday celebrations of The Mill. At the Echo we'd like to add our own congratulations to the team that runs this Walthamstow community centre,

which has done a remarkable job taking a shell of a building and turning it into a bustling hub of creativity, hosting everything from children's chess and Urdu lessons, to knitting classes and mindfulness training. And I'm not just saying this because The Mill provides a home for the Echo! I'd also implore you to read on Page 11 an incredible account by Deborah Nash of how two plants make Waltham Forest botanically famous. If nothing else, I hope it encourages you to make the most of the summer and visit one of the many beautiful wild spaces the borough has to offer.

  Last month Waltham Forest residents voted in favour of the United Kingdom remaining a member of the European Union by 64,156 votes (59.1 percent) to 44,395 votes (40.9 percent). If like me you were one of the majority of local people voting 'remain' you'd have been disppointed to discover that the rest of the country had voted 'leave'. With that said however, I am delighted to bring you some good news as well: Waltham Forest Chinese Association, whose eviction we reported last month, has found a new home at the Resource Hub in Russell Road, Leyton.

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

Interview

NEWS

The founder of victim support charity Haven speaks to Shelly Berry     P.5

Tributes to young victim of First World War

The ceremony to remember Jack Cornwell at Coronation Gardens

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memorial has been unveiled honouring a Leyton boy who was the youngest naval officer to receive a Victoria Cross in the First World War.   John 'Jack' Cornwell, aged 16 when he died 100 years ago, is now remembered by a special stone at the foot of the war memorial in Corornation Gardens, close to where he grew up. He has also been honoured by the renaming of Skeltons Lane Park in Leyton as Jack Cornwell Park.   In the Battle of Jutland, Jack was posted as a sailor on HMS

Chester, which came under intense fire from four German marine cruisers. The gun mounting where Jack was a sight-setter was hit by four heavy shells, killing or mortally wounding the gun's crew. After HMS Chester retreated, ship medics arrived on deck to find Jack the sole survivor, still looking at the gun sights despite shards of steel penetrating his chest. He later died in hospital.   To mark the centenary of his death, relatives attended a ceremony in Leyton. Roger Cornwell, whose grandfather was Jack's cousin, said: "It's difficult to

imagine these days that we would put a young man of 16 into such a dangerous situation or give him the key role of sight-setter, but that's what happened.   "He had his duty to perform and he did it even at the cost of his own life. That makes me very proud."   At the memorial event for Jack, hundreds of super-sized poppies were also temporarily installed in Coronation Gardens. Walthamstow-based social enterprise Significant Seams had led a project which saw local residents stitch, knit, crochet and weave the poppies. The purple, white and green, as well as traditional red poppies, aimed to encourage conversations about how the First World War influenced awareness of women's rights, mental health, and the peace movement.

The new Jack Cornwell memorial stone

Cyclists ride for a summer holiday

Martyn Bellamy and his co-riders in Southend

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team of charitable cyclists have raised thousands of pounds to help give disadvantaged children a seaside holiday.   The first in a series of summer fundraising events saw business development manager Martyn Bellamy join nine others for a 70-mile ride from Walthamstow to Southend and back, finishing in just five hours and 41 minutes.   The event was called the David Bellamy Memorial Ride, in a tribute to Martyn’s late father who died ealier this year.   “We really smashed it,” said

Martyn. “We beat our previous best time by 17 minutes and 30 seconds and my maximum speed was 42.3mph, not bad for a 60-year-old big bloke on a bike!”   Further events planned include a quiz night in Leyton and another cycle ride, the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on 31st July. Martyn and his co-fundraisers Angray Kang and Paul Smyth have raised more than £3,000 so far, but want to eventually raise £20,000. It would be enough to take at least 500 children on a trip to the seaside.   Martyn, who completed the David Bellamy Memorial Ride despite his spinal disability and having previously suffered two heart attacks, works for EAST Community Transport.   The organisation is part of a group of East London charities that includes Waltham Forest Community Transport and provides assistance to vulnerable people who need help

with mobility.   The planned seaside holiday in Southend for 500 local children, using Waltham Forest Community Transport’s fleet of minibuses, would include lunch, ice cream, a visit to Adventure Island, as well as a dip in the sea.   Martyn explained why the trip was so important: “All children deserve to have great memories of their childhood.   "We are asking people to help us realise this for children who may not be enjoying the best start in life.   “No matter how it came about, it isn’t their fault. We want help to make that right even if only for one day.”

To donate to Martyn Bellamy’s fund, which will go towards the seaside trip for 500 local children: Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ team/dbmr2016

Greener than green New sustainability award won by retired teacher

Local Sustainable Hero Catherine Thuaire

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he first-ever 'Waltham Forest Sustainable Hero' has been crowned after showing how a lot of little things go a long way to making a big difference.   Catherine Thuaire was chosen for the inaugural award, launched this year by local sustainable business ItDoesTheJob. com, after being nominated by her husband Charles.   The retired primary school teacher from Walthamstow told the Echo: "I have got parents who never wanted to waste anything and that has become my

mentality as well. I make my own yoghurt, I buy seasonal veg, I buy second-hand clothes, I reuse foil, and I mend things instead of throwing them away. "It is an attitude of mine, to help the planet and make the best use of whatever you have got."   The Waltham Forest Sustainable Hero scheme was launched by ItDoesTheJob.com through an Echo article in April, and it saw 20 local green champions nominated. Presenting the award during June's third-annual Green Open Homes weekend, the firm's co-owner Dee Wood said: "It's these little things people do that all add up to something.   "Anyone can install solar panels if they have the money, but there are many other things you can do, and we wanted to hear about those people who go a bit further."   Dee added that she hoped the sustainable hero award could become a regular event on the Waltham Forest community's calendar.

Support group for parents of deaf children launched

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support group has been started for parents and carers of children affected by deafness in Waltham Forest.   The group, launched by the National Deaf Children's Society, brings together parents, guardians and friends of deaf children and deaf parents of hearing children across Waltham Forest and Redbridge to give them the opportunity to make friends and share information.   Cora Murphy is the co-chair of the newly-launched Foresters Deaf Children's Society. She said: "There are more than 45,000 deaf children in the UK and 90 percent of them are born to hearing parents with little or no experience of deafness or knowledge of how to communicate with them. That can be really isolating, both for the child and their parents.   "In this group, members from Waltham Forest and Redbridge will have access to information

Children at the launch of the Foresters Deaf Children's Society group

and emotional support, and get the opportunity to take part in fun social activities. Most importantly, it's a fantastic way for deaf children to meet one another and make friends."   Support groups such as Foresters are run independently by parents and volunteers and provide peer support to families of deaf children from diagnosis to the subsequent years. For more information: Email [email protected]

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

NEWS

Coroner's warning after patient death by Russell Hargrave

P Wardley Lodge resident Paul McPherson

Hostel closes amid £1m cuts to homelessness service by James Cracknell

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uts to services supporting homeless people in Waltham Forest could result in a rise in rough sleeping in the borough, a local charity has warned.   Spending by Waltham Forest Council on projects which help single homeless people is being cut by just under £1million over the next two years.   SHP, which runs four homeless shelters in the borough, has warned that the loss in funding will see just 27 out of the 147 bed spaces in supported housing remain.   Already confirmed is the closure of Wardley Lodge, a 23-bed hostel in Leytonstone providing support and accommodation to homeless people struggling with a range of problems including mental ill health, substance addiction, and a history of rough sleeping.   The hostel, run by SHP for the past 35 years, provides intensive support for local people who have been assessed as having high-support needs. While the council has pledged to rehouse existing residents after concerns were raised by SHP and its clients, the charity fears that in future, vulnerable people may end up homeless.   The chief executive of SHP, Liz Rutherford, said: "Wardley Lodge plays a critical role in the borough's strategy to sustain a reduction in

rough sleeping and I can't see how a closure won't result in a rise in street homelessness. Even if all existing residents are rehoused with the right support, where will those who follow after go?"   The council's cuts come as rough sleeping in London is rising. SHP claims a head count in Waltham Forest on one night in autumn 2015 found 33 people sleeping on the streets, up from just three in 2013.   Councillor Khevyn Limbajee, cabinet member for housing, said: "We want to help homeless people get off the street for good and that means providing support to help them find a home, improve their health, find training, and get a job.   "We have developed our new homeless support service, which replaces existing hostel services on 1st July, by talking to homeless people, charities, local organisations and existing providers, to ensure we provide more than just a place to sleep for the night.   "A review of existing services in Waltham Forest found they are not effectively supporting homeless people, and money is not being spent in the most effective way. Our new service will see us working with a leading provider of support services to homeless people and rough sleepers, in partnership with local organisations. Together they have access to over 2,000 beds across London and will help us turn lives around.   "The council has worked closely with existing hostel providers, in-

cluding SHP, to secure alternative accommodation for residents. This includes social housing and sheltered accommodation to the most vulnerable residents, assistance with rent deposits, and payments to find private rented accommodation for less vulnerable residents.   "We continue to fund a specialist hostel that offers accommodation to former rough sleepers who have more complex needs."   However, SHP remains critical of the new service. Wardley Lodge service manager Simona Giunta said: "Wardley Lodge is the only hostel in the borough appropriate for single homeless people with high-support needs. Our residents have led chaotic lifestyles. Many find it difficult to live independently. Hostels like this provide a lifeline for people who would otherwise be stuck in a revolving door of services."   One hostel resident, Paul McPherson, has physical and learning difficulties and a history of mental illness. He said: "Without Wardley Lodge I'd be dead. Before I came here I was suicidal.   "When I first arrived I spent three months locked away in my room, I had no confidence. But there's a fantastic community here. It's done wonders for my recovery, and I'm about to start a part-time job at an allotment.   "The uncertainty I'm facing now is incredibly stressful. I don't feel like I have a say in my future."

atient safety is at risk because of a shortage of neurologists at Whipps Cross University Hospital, an inquest into the death of a patient concluded.   Marina Fagan, a 51 year-old mother of four from Chingford, died from a rare neurological condition in October 2015. A coroner's report into her death identified several missed opportunities to diagnose Marina, who attended Whipps Cross on 17th September complaining of severe headaches.   No neurologist was on-call at the time Marina was first admitted to hospital, according to the specialist who eventually treated her. He also told the inquest of his concerns there were too few neurologists locally to guarantee patient care.   Marina received a neurological examination when first admitted, but was discharged from Whipps Cross in Leytonstone after two days when no abnormalities were found. She returned to the hospital when her symptoms worsened later the same day, and again five days later, but no MRI scan was taken until 30th September. The scan found that Marina suffered from the rare and untreatable condition Posterior Reversable Encephalopathy Syndrome, and she died on 6th October.   Concerns about local provision of neurological care were also raised by Marina's doctor, who told the inquest the current waiting time to see a neurologist in the outpatient unit is 72 days.

  The coroner concluded that although Marina's condition would not have been treatable, it could have been diagnosed earlier.   Hodge Jones & Allen, the legal firm representing Marina, said in a statement on behalf of her family: "Mrs Fagan's family are hugely concerned about the time it took the hospital to diagnose such a severe and life-threatening condition. Mrs Fagan continually presented at Whipps Cross with extreme and persistent headaches, yet she was not seen by a specialist neurologist or given an MRI scan. It is clear from the coroner's report her case raises significant concerns about the shortage of neurologist cover. It is hoped Barts Health NHS Trust will take immediate steps to address this."   A spokesperson for Barts Health, which runs Whipps Cross, said: "We are deeply sorry that Mrs Fagan was not seen by a neurologist sooner, although the coroner found that it is unlikely an earlier diagnosis would have prevented her death.   "Along with the rest of the country we have a low number of neurologists. We look forward to welcoming an additional neurologist in August, and in recognition of the challenges we are exploring how we can work more effectively for the safety of our patients.   "In the meantime we are meeting the waiting time standard we are set nationally for appointments and continue to share resources across our hospitals to ensure that patients can be seen by our neurology team if necessary."

Become a member of Waltham Forest Echo Do you think our media could be different? Could we create our own media together? Being a member means you get a bigger role in shaping our media. You will be invited to discuss the Echo and your name will be printed in the paper. All money received will be invested in the running of Waltham Forest Echo. Visit walthamforestecho.co.uk/members to find out more and sign up, or email WFEcho@ socialspider.com

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

Feature

INTERVIEW

Traditional East End businesses still survive – but for how long?     P.7

Keep on surviving The founder of victim support charity Haven speaks to Shelly Berry

Chris Casey, founder of Haven – The Survivors of Abuse Network

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ike most of you reading this, until recently, I'd never heard of the Walthamstow-based charity Haven.   Set up in 1982, Haven – The Survivors of Abuse Network has been supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and violence for more than three decades.   While I can thankfully say I've never needed to access its support, my work in the public sector has taught me just how valuable such a service is to those grappling with traumatic experiences – something Chris Casey, its founder, has experienced first-hand.   "I set it up because I'm a survivor of abuse," she explains. "I'd been through all the NHS psychiatrists and psychologists, and none of them could help me.   "They all said 'we don't know what to do with you, perhaps you're making it up' and said it never happened or 'you imagined it'. So I knew there was a need [for a charity like Haven]."   It didn't take long for the word to spread about Chris' work.   "Social workers would hear about the group and take women to the door. They'd say: 'Don't tell them we've brought you here, but we think this is the best place for you.' So women started coming along, and then started to want to work with me on a one-toone basis."   Initially known as Waltham Forest Incest Survivors Group, and subsequently Waltham Forest Haven, the charity decided

to extend its work beyond the borough when Waltham Forest Council ceased funding it in 2010. It then became known as Haven – The Survivors of Abuse Network, and started to provide a service across London. But it wasn't the easiest of circumstances.   "For the first year our funding was cut I ran Haven out of my own pocket," said Chris. "I'd just been widowed and I couldn't really afford it, but we just had enough money to pay the rent.   "People made small donations, and then five years ago I got funding from the Ministry Of Justice's rape support fund, a grant from the Lloyds TSB Foundation, and some funding from the Walthamstow and Chingford Almshouse Charity."   It was support from these, as well as from other small donors, that kept Haven going – along with Chris’ determination and good money sense. But it isn't just funding that Chris has seen marked changes in over the years; attitudes towards domestic violence have also changed. Despite this, sexual violence and abuse still remain difficult for a lot of people to understand – and accept.   "People don’t realise that behind closed doors, as women are being physically or emotionally abused, there are often children who are being raped and abused as well."   Chris is pleased that more abuse survivors now feel able to come forward and speak about their ex-

perience. But this also adds a strain: "There is an enormous amount of pressure on Haven's services, because we're a survivor-led group. As the NHS is closing its waiting lists for counselling, our services are even more in demand than ever. In addition, there is a serious lack of funding for organisations like us."   In recent years, Chris has witnessed a large increase of victims and survivors referred to Haven from various ethnic minority communities, and has noted that more young people and older women are being subjected to online abuse. There has also been a marked increase of referrals for older men seeking support too. But what makes them come to Haven?   "I think what's unique about us is that we are a survivor organisation working for survivors. Research has proven time and time again that victims and survivors who get support through survivor organisations heal and move on quicker than if they go to an outside, clinical setting. We are friendly; we make people feel at home, we work with the person; it isn't a one-shoe-fits-all approach." Whereas a lot of services offer a set number of counselling sessions, it is noteworthy that this is not the case at Haven.   Chris explains: "If someone needs ten sessions they get ten sessions, if they need 30 sessions then they get 30 sessions. If you've been abused practically every day for the first 15 years of your life, is 15 hours going to help you move on?" While Chris is clearly passionate about her work, her ambition is not only for Haven to grow in size, but also evolve in knowledge and wisdom – things she wholly admits she wishes for herself too.   "I'm a specialist but I'm not an expert, there's always something you can learn. As Haven grows bigger, I would make sure that it never loses its identity and stays true to its cause.   "We're all in the same boat, we're all survivors, and that's how I want it to remain. We are a community here and everybody is welcome."   With an average of 500 referrals a year, Haven does well to respond to a staggering demand for such a small organisation. It endeavours

to make contact with all of those referred to them and prides itself on being available to anyone who needs their help.   "Sometimes people just want five minutes of your time to chat," Chris points out. "It's not always that people want one-toone counselling."   With such numbers approaching Haven for help, it's no surprise that those seeking one-to-one support are currently waiting for up to 12 weeks on average. But while most are referred to Haven by other agencies, survivors can self-refer via the website or on the phone.   "We make everyone welcome, we are non-judgmental, we're here to support as much as we can. Don't feel embarrassed, everything's confidential, and people can heal."   Chris sums it up: "Our strapline is 'from victim to survivor to thriver'. If I can go through it and come out the other end, and if you

“

  I'd been

through all the NHS psychiatrists and psychologists, and none of them could help me

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think of the thousands of lives that we've changed, we must be doing something right."   And, with three awards (including a 'lifetime achievement' award) under her belt, I'm not about to argue with her. Haven is based at The Peterhouse Community Centre, Walthamstow E17 3PW. For more information about Haven or to make a donation: Call  020 8520 0755 Visit havennetwork.org.uk Advertisement

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

FEATURES

The art of the wetlands Leytonstone artist Silvia Krupinska explains how water inspires her work

Silvia Krupinska at Studio Hide, her Walthamstow Wetlands-inspired art installation Credit  Marta Pinilla

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here does our water come from before we turn on the tap? I decided to investigate and explore this during my two-year course in art and science at University of the

Arts London.   I have been a Londoner for the last eighteen years. It has been great for me, I love the city. But what I love even more is the nature, where I get most of my inspiration from.

  I have had my art studio in Archway for nearly two years. On my daily commute sitting in a London Overground train, I always wondered what the large 'waterscapes' spreading out between Blackhorse Road and South Tottenham stations were.   I soon discovered that the shining reservoirs are what will soon be called Walthamstow Wetlands, the largest fishery in London. It turned out to be so captivating for me, that I turned it into my final Master of Arts (MA) project. It became my outdoor art studio and exploration laboratory at the same time.   I have been studying the place for nearly a year now. Each time I go there, I learn and discover something new. As an art practitioner originating from Slovakia, I had the need to ground my work, my explorations of nature, near where I lived. I began a self-initiated art and research residency at Walthamstow Wetlands, which

will officially open next year as a nature reserve run by London Wildlife Trust..   When I go there, I buy a daily birdwatchers’ permit, carry a pair of binoculars, camera, and small dictaphone. Each device helps me to get to know the place better. Over the past few months, I have collated a visual, material and audio archive of things I have come across and events that grabbed me. To mention a few, these have been cormorants diving for fish too big to swallow, a young swan sitting in her impeccable nest, a blue kingfisher flying over Coppermill Stream, and a lone pheasant marching beside me.   I have also created a series of outdoor temporary installations there, which were recently exhibited with my collections and documentations from Walthamstow Wetlands during my university's degree show. I have also presented my Studio Hide installation,

Donate to help refugees

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s a mum I cannot imagine anything more horrendous than having to flee a war zone with my children, or not knowing where in the world my children were.   Myself and a team of local people are sending three caravans as homes for the most vulnerable refugee children in Calais as a tribute to Jo Cox, the MP who was murdered in her Yorkshire constituency.   Residents still have the opportunity to donate supplies via the Salvation Army or Waltham Forest Community Hub in Orford Road, and you can also purchase useful items from an Amazon wish list; including bedding, non-perishable foods, books, and games.   A charity called Side by Side Refugees fundraised to buy the three caravans, which will offer solid temporary homes to lone children and the most vulnerable families. The project is being backed by Walthamstow MP

Stella Creasy, who was a friend of Jo and is keen to create community cohesion in the wake of the recent EU referendum result. Celebrity knitter Debbie Bliss and a team of local knitters are hand-making blankets.   The caravans have also been nicknamed 'Wilcumstowe Wagons' because historically Walthamstow's name meant 'Welcome-stow'. They will be cleaned, fixed and decorated before they leave E17.   There is such goodwill in Waltham Forest, and we hope the community will do all they can to equip these caravans as homes for some of the world's most needy people.   Film-maker Natalie Sloan is making a documentary about the project, and according to her: "This is a great opportunity to showcase the generosity of the community."   Natalie has been collecting donations for refugees for he past year. She added: "The Caravans for Calais project is particularly

a place somewhere between an art studio and a birdwatcher's hide, transplanted to an urban setting. All materials and images contained within either originate from the wetlands or are recycled. I do not see it as the final stop, but a humble beginning.   Studio Hide is a proposal for a live laboratory in a new or an existing hide in Walthamstow Wetlands. I would like it to become a resource not only for me, but also for a wide community of local artists and those interested in getting to know the place where their tap water comes from. After all, Walthamstow reservoirs store and supply water to 30 percent of London's households. I think it is an ideal place to get to know local nature. See more of Silvia's artwork: Visit www.silviakrupinska.net Tweet @silviakrupinska

by Linsey Wynton

special. With a little effort, someone's safety, comfort and wellbeing can be drastically improved." It'd be great if you could donate items to this project from the below list. These can be new or second-hand, if they are clean and in reasonable condition. Caravans for Calais need: Single and double duvets, covers and sheets Sleeping bags Blankets Towels Cooking pots Towels Solar-powered camping light Washing-up liquid First Aid kit Fire extinguisher Sets of six mugs, six bowls, and six plates Sets of cutlery for six Food parcels – ring-pull tins, rice, tea, coffee, UHT milk, biscuits, olive oil, honey, salt, sugar, tinned fruit, spices, chickpeas, red lentils, passata, cereal bars Wet wipes

Film-maker Natalie Sloan with donations received for refugees

Bin bags Cloths Tea towels Pack of Strepsils Fairy lights and batteries Water bottles Cushions Awning and groundsheet Battery pack for phone charging Games Coloured pencils Learning English book Dynamo radio Torch Pens and paper

Donations marked 'Calais Caravans' can be dropped off at the Salvation Army, 434 Forest Road, or to Waltham Forest Community Hub in Orford Road. Donations made after 2nd July will be donated either to Side by Side Refugees, Eat or Heat foodbank, or Salvation Army. Alternatively, there is an Amazon wish list for donations: Visit amazon.co.uk/gp/registry/ wishlist/2GGZCRGKU1RID/ ref=cm_wl_sortbar_v_page_1 Email [email protected]

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

History

FEATURE

Take an unusual journey through the borough's botanical history     P . 11

Under the railway bridge

by Adjoa Wiredu

Traditional East End businesses still survive – but for how long?

Alan Emery outside Auto Clinic, in Midland Road

A

uto Clinic is one of the last 'proper' East End mechanics still operating under a railway arch; a rare sight these days that may not last.   Railway arches all over London are being refurbished to make room for new cafés, bars, restaurants and even climbing frames – often as part of lucrative deals for Network Rail or Transport for London. The growing concern, however, is that older businesses are being priced out of a space that helped establish a specialist trade along the Victorian railway lines.   Mechanics at both ends of Leyton Midland Road Station – Tilbury Road and Midland Road – have occupied arches here for nearly 50 years. They simply helped each other by being in the same patch and providing everything a customer could possibly need for their car, within a short walking distance. Head into that area now and it's a smattering of shops, a tyre garage, a paint workshop, and the last of the mechanics. Of the 34 railway arches in this area around the station, 27 appear to be either businesses or being used for storage.   I met with Alan Emery, who

has been in the area for 40 years and currently runs Auto Clinic, tucked under Leyton Midland Road Station and set slightly back from the high street. He tells me the business has been through many changes: "We started off there in 1968," as he points to the car wash next door, "and then we went to Leytonstone High Road, and now here." Alan has seen it all, but unfortunately he feels it's all nearly over. "I came here in 1980... it's only us here now and when our lease is up, I don't expect they will renew it – we've got another six years I think."   Alan's new neighbours are a photography media company, a bakery, and a sushi takeaway business. When Alan first moved into these arches, it was very different: "There were repair shops up there, Fordco, that have now gone, but sold second-hand spares. We could accommodate anybody at any one time right here. All the main dealers and the big spares people have had to move out because local rent was so high.   "So you have a bit of a job sourcing parts today, whereas 30 years ago, it wasn't a problem. They don't stock as much now, the main dealers, because parts are so

“

  Every three

years we have a rent review and it goes up

”

dear. If you want anything now it has to come from Germany, so that's two or three days. I have an Audi in there, waiting for some air-conditioning pipes – that's seven days."   But it has been a successful business, Alan says, and they have benefited from being under the arches. "We did very well in the first few years, right up until the recession hit. We had 24 people working here at one time, a lot of people, then the recession hit and then we had to cut down."   The area has had its fair share of trouble, it wouldn't be the East End if it had not. Alan notes that these arches have also cleaned up. "They were all virtually derelict and every tom, dick and harry had one with different businesses. There was a club down there at one time and now they have refurbished them all. The railway and police closed them down because

there were drugs and what knows down there."   When I ask Alan how he's managed to stay in Leyton, he makes it clear that it is not low rent. The rent has been increased every year expect once; the year of the Olympics. "It's really expensive," he says. "In 1968, I had a railway arch and I think that was about £4 a week and then ten years or so later Network Rail, which was then called Railtrack, realised the potential of renting these arches and started putting the rent up. So then it's just been going up and up. Every three years we have a rent review and it goes up."   When I approached Network Rail and asked about rental rates and their plans for arches in London, a spokesperson told me: "Our strategy for the management of our commercial estate is to work with our tenants to support the communities we operate in while delivering on our obligation to generate a return for the taxpayer.   "We have a number of arch enhancement projects in our development pipeline and are currently assessing which projects will provide the best outcomes for tenants and local communities."   Alan believes Network Rail

“

  We had 24

people working here at one time, a lot of people, then the recession hit and we had to cut down

”

is now targeting a different type of business to fill the arches. It was a buzz when it started for them all those years ago but it seems that mechanics are not welcome now: "Fifty years ago, [mechanics] came to life, the rents were affordable, today it's a lot of money."   Alan has retired now but it is very much a family business; his son is taking over. If they do need to move, he says, Auto Clinic may continue elsewhere, but it's a shame for Leyton and Waltham Forest to lose a locally-grown business. He adds: "All the lads that have been here with me have been here from ten to 15 years, one just retired after 35 years."   It's also a great shame that a lifelong trade synonymous with its patch and its people, may need to find a new home. Advertisement

Professional, experienced but newly opened dressmaking/tailoring studio offers a range of sewing services in Walthamstow, East London. Our services include alterations, bridal alterations, general repairs, tailoring, dressmaking and much more. Everything is made to measure, individually for you, for competitive prices. Happy to help students and beginner designers create collections and personal designs. For more information, prices and consultation you can visit us at 77 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London E17 4SA. (Home visits can also be arranged in some cases) Opening times: Monday-Friday  11:00 – 19:00 Saturday  11:00 – 18:00

8

No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

Bedford Road, Walthamstow O.I.E.O £660,000 Freehold Three bed, mid-terrace

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Tel: 0203 397 9797 / Web: stowbrothers.com Email: [email protected] / Twitter: @stowbrothers 236 Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 3AY

9

No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

Carisbrooke Road, Walthamstow £2,850 PCM Four bed, mid-terrace

Carr Road, Walthamstow £1,350 PCM One/Two bed, purpose-built

Higham Street, Walthamstow £1,200 PCM One bed, purpose-built

High Road, Leyton £1,500 PCM Two bed, purpose-built

Lancaster Road, Walthamstow £1,450 PCM Two bed, mid-terrace

St James Street, Walthamstow £1,900 PCM Three bed, conversion

Tel: 0203 397 9797 / Web: stowbrothers.com Email: [email protected] / Twitter: @stowbrothers 236 Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 3AY

10

No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

FOOD

Take a walk and pack a snack Local food blogger Katie Robinson makes an energy-boosting snack for those long summer walks

Homemade booster bars

O

ne of the best things about our lovely borough is how much green space there is.

  You don't need a car to enjoy the beauty on our doorstep as it is accessible by bike and, often, by bus or train. Just pack some

snacks, such as the energy-giving booster bars I've written the recipe for this month, and if you time it right you may come across blackberries or wild garlic too.   My favourite tried-and-tested spots are Hollow Ponds in Leytonstone, where I feel like I am abroad and there is boat hire and ice creams; Walthamstow Marshes, where there is open countryside, the river, train views for the kids, and the London skyline; Highams Park Lake with its pretty woodland, swans, play area and wild garlic in season; the Waterworks Centre in Leyton where there is a café, fields, a bridge for pooh sticks, picnic tables and a boat to play in; and Mansfield Park in Chingford with its hill-top city views, a favourite spot for flying kites. Of course, we are also spoilt for choice with the miles and miles of Epping Forest!   I hope you have a great summer, and if you know any favourite local spots or picnic suggestions I'd love to hear from you.

Barely-any-cooking booster bars Makes 15 bars. Full of goodness and quick to prepare, the perfect snack to accompany a trip outside

Ingredients · 200g dates, roughly chopped, or 200g raisins/cranberries · 170g roughly chopped nuts (any is fine, I used mixed nuts) · 30g seeds e.g linseeds/ pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds · 100g oats · 100g honey · 85g peanut butter · Grated zest of one lemon or orange

heat, then add the other ingredients and mix well. ii)  Line a smallish baking tray with greaseproof paper and spoon the mixture in, patting it down so it is evenly spread and tightly packed. iii)  Once cooled put in the fridge for an hour or so to harden, then cut into bars. They will last a few days in a sealed container.

i)  Melt the peanut butter and honey in a saucepan on a low

iv)  While the cake is warm, brush the top with extra honey to soften the crust. It should keep for several days.

If you have any comments, ideas or tips about food in Waltham Forest, please get in touch with Katie:

Email  [email protected] Visit  katielovescooking.com Twitter @ktlovescooking

Method

The Italian job

by Arnie Hemmes

Outdoor food markets are bringing an international flavour to South Chingford

I

t's early morning, and yet Albert Crescent, in the heart of South Chingford, is a flurry of activity as the stall holders of the Italian market are spreading out their delicious wares, ready for the day ahead.   And what a splendid day it turned out to be! For the second time in six months, Italia in Piazza transformed our corner of London into a bustling market with an authentic Mediterranean feel.   For most Italians, food is a serious matter, something that becomes immediately apparent by the pride the stall holders of this Italian market take in their produce. They all have an infinite knowledge of Italian food and are more than happy to share this with their visitors. They are passionate about fresh produce and travel frequently around their native Italy to source the best they can find.

  There are stalls with an abundance of delicious cheeses and mouth watering soft nougat, both originating from Lombardy. The amazing array of pasta and sauces are produced in Puglia, the same area where the wide selection of extra virgin olive oil is sourced. The bread stall offers the most delicious home-baked breads and it proves to be impossible to walk past the pizza stall without sampling one of their freshly-made slices.   There are meats, irresistible homemade antipasti and olives, pesto, chillies, a wide selection of the most delicious sweets and much, much more. And perhaps best of all, the sun is shining and all around me people are chatting, eating and sampling food and generally enjoying themselves.   The idea of hosting country-specific markets at Albert

Crescent was the brainchild of the founder members of Love South Chingford, a campaign to rejuvenate and improve our high street. Hosting these markets is far from the only thing the team is working on, but it has already proved to be popular; on both occasions residents and visitors alike came out in force.   It shows our community appreciates events like these and there are now plans to expand the size of the markets. Hosting regular markets is a first step towards restoring the appeal of our own high street and ultimately Love South Chingford hopes this will attract more of the type of quality shops the residents of South Chingford want.   Italia in Piazza is certainly not meant as a market for your weekly shop. Instead it's a rare treat to sample food that can only be found in the Italian regions where

The Italia in Piazza market held recently in Albert Crescent, South Chingford

it is sourced from, an opportunity to try out new and unknown tastes, a chance to soak up the at-

mosphere and enjoy time in the community, with the community. Job well done, South Chingford!

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

Event

HISTORY

Celebrate The Mill community centre's fifth birthday     P . 12

A botanical mystery tour Playwright Deborah Nash takes an unusual journey through the borough's botanical history

Illustration of the adder’s tongue fern taken from a book published in 1892 on the ophioglossum vulgratum (written in Russian)  Credit  Linnean Society of London: www.linnean.org

Walthamstow Marshes

A

s we comb Walthamstow Marshes looking for the adder's-tongue fern, Eamonn Lawlor, a Lee Valley Park ranger, tells me: "It's a charismatic little plant."   But it's shy. "You have to dig your eyes down deep. You have to focus on it." We 'dig' for about an hour among the long lush grasses near the crater pond, but we don't find this fern that looks unlike any fern you might have seen. It has a distinctive blade-shaped frond out of which rises – priapic-like – a tall spike lined with spores. You may be able to catch its likeness on Google, but the reality is rather different: Its diminutive size, the fact that it is solitary, and grows close to the ground.   I'm bent double with clouds on my back when suddenly I see it. I holler confidently and Eamonn stumbles from his patch to shoot a sharp glance at where my ecstatic finger is pointing. "That's not it," he says, and my sense of triumph dissolves with the first spits of rain. "It's bright green," he adds, helpfully.   The presence of the rare adder's-tongue fern growing in the marshes protected them from redevelopment in the 1970s, assigning to them the status of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This you can read on Lee Valley's multitudinous information boards, but I intend to explore a little further.   Two days in two libraries later, I've uncovered some interesting

facts and folklore about the retiring adder's-tongue fern. Firstly, it has one of the highest chromosome counts of any species; between 120 and 720 chromosomes. Humans, by comparison, have just 46. With such a wealth of genetic material I would expect it to walk, talk and prop up a bar, but no, this fern's main characteristic, besides its scarcity, is as an ingredient in adder's spear ointment, once used to heal the inflamed udders of cows. This fact I forage from the Dictionary of Plant Lore where someone by the name of Versey-FitzGerald observed in 1944 a second application: "Crushed and boiled in olive oil, it is used as a dressing for open wounds. Most gypsies… denied knowledge of it, but I have had it given to me by three old women in widely separated districts."   At the Linnean Society's library in central London, there is a book dedicated to the Ophioglossum (the nomenclature of the adder's-tongue fern derives from Greek, meaning 'snake tongue'). The slim volume is locked away behind the grille and glass doors of the bookcase. Naturally, it is also on the top shelf that you can only reach if you are at least fivefoot and ten-inches tall and happy to climb the step ladders, fumble with the keys, and locate the correct volume. This I do; the librarian takes the book and places it gently on the white pillow on the desk where I settle down to peruse it. I am looking forward to

reading a tome describing this extraordinary plant, but not a word can I understand. It is written entirely in Russian.   The adder's-tongue fern puts Waltham Forest on the botanist map. But imagine, there's several more. Luzula Forsteri takes its name from Edward Forster the Younger (1765-1849) whose family lived in Cleveland House, Hoe Street. His two brothers, nephew and father were keen plantsmen and their genealogical tree branches through the generations with the same leafy obsessions, the same banking professions, even the same Christian names. In less than a century, one line holds five Thomases, two Edwards and

two Benjamins. Luzula Forsteri is a narrow-leafed rush. It usually grows wild in acidic woodland soil. I have kept an eye out for it on my damp tramps around Epping Forest and Hollow Ponds but you will be unsurprised to hear that it remained safely undiscovered.   Never one to give up (even when I really should) I scoured the internet and sourced a nursery in Dublin, the only place in the world where you can buy Luzula Forsteri. I paid £30 to bring it to Walthamstow, which is a lot for a clump of grass. Four days later it arrived in a grey plastic bag inside a taped, padded envelope. I'm fond of the Luzula Forsteri; it's a pretty plant. It has a dense

crown of long slender leaves that are topped by sprays of tiny rust-coloured flowers and buds that look almost bridal in their decorativeness. I'm pleased to see it has weathered its journey, and I pot it and take it to the front doorstep of Cleveland House where I photograph it. Luzula Forsteri had finally come home, 210 years after its naming.   After two more days in two more libraries, I am out in St Mary's churchyard in Walthamstow Village searching for the Forster family vault, which I manage to locate. This esteemed family of banker-botanists rests in a tomb whose inscription is so worn you can scarcely read the names of Edward, Benjamin and Mary, and whose lid is broken and has fallen in; a presumptuous horse chestnut sapling sprouts out of it, a flourishing vegetal flag. Shelley's poem Ozymandias came to mind: "Nothing beside remains, round the decay, of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare."   Yet it's not quite true in the case of the remarkable Forsters, of whom plenty still remains if you know where to look. Once again, I'm back at the Linnean Society. In the council room on the fifth floor, there's an oil painting of Edward Forster the Younger, the society's vice-president in 1828. He sits in line with other stiff Victorian gentlemen, whose personalities are as impenetrable as their dark coats.   One can picture them stepping purposefully out of their frames to draw up a chair at the long conference table, over which their portraits hang, to discuss their latest discoveries. Edward Forster wears a heavy jacket with gilt buttons. His face is soft, round, gentle; a little feminine. It seems fitting that the whimsical Luzula Forsteri should be named after him. The Mysteries in a Box, Deborah's theatrical response to the plant life of Waltham Forest, will be performed later this year, as part of the Walthamstow Mysteries series. For more information:

Luzula Forsteri

Visit facebook.com/ WalthamstowMysteries

12

No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

EVENTS

Celebrate The Mill's fifth birthday

A

Walthamstow community centre is launching a summer of celebrations to mark its fifth birthday in style with a big beached-themed birthday party.   On Saturday 9th July from 1.30pm The Mill in Coppermill Lane is inviting all local residents to come and party with them at their Beach Birthday Party. There will be food, a raffle, arts and craft activities for all ages, a photo booth, face painting, and more. It is free, so bring along sun hats and flower garlands and celebrate 'South Pacific' style!   The Mill was established in 2011 after a successful campaign to retain the closed St James Street Library building for community use. Back in 2010, the building was on the brink of being lost to local people forever. So a group of local

Children's art at The Mill

residents applied to Nesta's Neighbourhood Challenge to help keep the building in use as a community hub – somewhere for everyone to bring their skills, to reach out to their neighbours, and to visit, use and enjoy. The old library building was transformed into a welcoming community space and 'The Mill' was born.   The Mill is now a thriving organisation, offering space for groups to meet, drop-in social areas, and an active arts programme of exhibitions, events and courses. The Mill does things slightly differently, and does not run services or decide what happens on its premises. All of the groups, events and activities that keep The Mill alive are brought there by local people who want to make something happen in Walthamstow.   The Mill's volunteer coordina-

by Helen Johnston

tor, Ruth Mitchell, shares why she thinks it is so special: "The Mill is a place that keeps your world quite round, and big; it's a space for people across our community to come and interact.   "There is something for everyone, from knitting and sewing social groups, the children's art club, language classes, yoga and personal development courses, or you can just drop in for a cup of tea and a chat or a game of cards. People know your name, and are happy to see you when you come." The Mill's Beach Birthday Party runs from 1.30–4.30pm on Saturday 9th July at The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow. For more information: Call  020 8521 3211 Email [email protected]

Laughing til we're red in the face A comedy out of a crisis A preview of Red Imp Comedy Club's Edinburgh preview season by Sarah Jones

S

top the papers, cancel the milk, and block out the diary because if it's July then it must be Edinburgh preview season and whether it's Mark Thomas, Kerry Godliman, Shappi Khorsandi or Richard Herring that make you laugh out loud, comedy is the new rock'n'roll and Waltham Forest has it in spades.   Susan Murray's widely acclaimed Red Imp Comedy Club at Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, has announced another bumper mini-comedy festival for the fifth year running to include previews, work in progress, and one 'best of' to form another richly varied season from 5th  –   16th July.   Susan, a fabulously funny MC, comedian and writer with perhaps the best contacts book on the circuit, has brought a veritable Smörgåsbord of world-class comedy greats to Walthamstow in recent years, including legends such as Barry Cryer, Stewart Lee, Alan Carr, Omid Djallili, Tim Vine, Micky Flanagan, and Phill Jupitus,

through to younger stars such as Sara Pascoe and Josh Widdicombe. It has earned Red Imp great reviews, including this mention recently in Time Out: "Catch some of the best names in comedy in the super intimate setting upstairs at the Rose & Crown."   Super-intimate is a reasonable description, and the room has been known to get a little warm. But regular 'Impers' will be thrilled to learn there is no need for the dozens of paper plates cut in half and handed out to act as impromptu fans this season. "We're hiring air con for the first time this year," said Susan. "Central Estates have kindly decided to sponsor us for it, so that should make it more comfortable for everybody and hopefully it won't be too noisy either. We're quite excited about that."   Rightly proud of Red Imp's reputation, Susan only books the very best – and these are not necessarily always the biggest names. She is passionately keen to provide a platform for lesser known comedians as well as emerging talent: "I would love our punters to have a look at the less-known names such as Beth Black, an utterly hilarious Goth; Sean Meo, an evil

genius; and Carey Marx, a dark, hilarious, 45-year-old heart attack survivor. They won't be disappointed if they go off piste."   As a regular myself I’d wholeheartedly agree, but in the meantime below is this year's fabulous Edinburgh preview line-up. 5th July Arthur Smith & Jo Jo Smith 6th July Mark Thomas 7th July Lucy Porter & Phil Nicol 8th July Bridget Christie & John Gordillo 9th July Simon Munnery & Beth Black 11th July Mitch Ben & Sean Meo 12th July Shappi Khorsandi & Alexis Dubus 13th July Richard Herring 14th July Kerry Godliman & Sarah Kendall 15th July Zoe Lyons & Carey Marx 16th July Stephen K Amos & Addy Borgh

by James Cracknell

M

aking climate change entertaining is a challenge almost as great as reducing carbon emissions 80 percent by 2030. That is to say; difficult but not impossible.   Although more often than not I have been disappointed, my morbid fascination with climate change has always drawn me towards any creative attempt to interpret and communicate it. So when I saw that an amateur dramatics society was performing a play about the subject, it was too intriguing for me to avoid, and I enthusiastically ambled down one Saturday evening to Leytonstone High Road's Welsh Church Hall for the Woodhouse Players production Resilience.   The story, written by Steve Waters and first performed in 2009, pits two argumentative scientists against two argumentative politicians and throws in a romance and a family drama for good measure. Somehow among all that lot, a bit of humour seeps through. Director Anna Treadway described it herself as The Thick of It meets 2012.

  The problem, of course, is that a script heavy in climate science is never likely to generate curtain-to-curtain laughs. The comedy elements instead come almost entirely from a single character, the Malcolm Tucker of the piece, who spends much of the play eating pizza with his trousers off. He also delivers the best lines, including: "I’m not prepared to be the minister who consigned Nelson's column to the North Sea."    The serious lines in the script, of which there are many, are instead left to the two bickering scientists to deliver. Monologues about glacial melt and tidal surges, although impressively delivered, unfortunately sit in the awkward gaps between Tusker-esque rants. Being expected to laugh at a man in his underpants one minute, and mourn the deaths of people drowning in Skegness the next, is perhaps a little too much to ask. So while I'm still searching for a defining dramatical intervention in the era of man-made global warming, I would certainly commend Woodhouse Players for taking on such a daunting subject and for adeptly performing a script that has more ups and downs than a graph plotting 800,000 years of Antarctic ice-core data.

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

Column

LISTINGS

Debra Oakaby meets a local choir that's hoping to raise the roof     P . 14

Upcoming What's Cookin' Wednesday 6th July, 8.30pm Leytonstone Ex-Servicemens Club, 2 Harvey Road, Leytonstone, E11 3DB Stephen and Ali welcome you to What's Cookin'. It's a little bit country, but it's mostly a big bit of rock'n'roll! On 6th July we welcome East Nashville singer-songwriter Amelia White, accompanied by English singer-songwriter Dan Webster, in support of her acclaimed 2016 album Home Sweet Hotel. What's Cookin' shows are normally every Wednesday, plus the first and third Saturday of the month. Free entry, donations Email  [email protected] Visit  whatscookin.co.uk/wchome.html

Art for All: The Beauty of Epping Forest Wednesday 6th July, 10.30am   –  12pm North Chingford Library, The Green, Chingford E4 7EN Art for All is a monthly programme for adults exploring different art styles with professional artists, where all levels are welcome. For 'The Beauty of Epping Forest' we invite you to discover the wonders and colours of our local forest in this mixed media workshop. Free entry, book ahead Visit  artforalle4.eventbrite.com

From the Ground Up Saturday and Sunday 9th and 10th July, 2.30pm Coppermill Field, Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow E17 7HE Made in collaboration with three local groups, From the Ground Up explores the magnetic pull of Walthamstow and Leyton marshes. Through creative workshops and walking conversations, Siobhan O’Neill has carved out a space for inhabitants to reflect on their diverse lived experiences of the Marshes. Live performance, reminiscence, image, poetry and landscape combine to create a quirky and poignant evocation of this urban wildness. Free entry, book ahead Call  07989 519 522 Email  [email protected] Visit  eventbrite.com/e/from-theground-up-tickets-25992011807

Walthamstow Family Bike Club Sunday 10th July, 1pm Junction of Orford Road and Church Lane, Walthamstow Village

Ongoing Technology Workshops for Older People Thursday 14th July, 10.30am   –   12.30pm and 2.30pm   –    4.00pm Waltham Forest Resource Hub (North), 58 Hall Lane, Chingford, E4 8EU Age UK Waltham Forest is hosting two technology workshops for older people on 14th July. The first, at 10.30am, shows you what happens when you hit 'save' on a computer and how to import and move files and folders around. The second workshop, at 2.30pm, shows you how to learn to use your mobile more confidently, send text messages, and save numbers to your address book. First workshop £5, second £2 Call  020 8558 5512 Email  e.tozer@ageukwalthamforest. org.uk

Flower Show and Plant Sales Saturday 16th July, 1pm   –    4.30pm Unity Hall, 144 Bramley Close, Walthamstow E17 6EG Whittingham Gardening Club invites you to come and enjoy floral art and plant displays, craft stalls, great plant sales, gardening advice, delicious homemade cakes, refreshments, and raffles.

Transition Art Exhibition Until 17th July; Thursday, Friday 2    –    6pm; Saturday 10    –   5pm; Sunday 12    –     4pm The Stone Space, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone, E11 1HG An exhibition by artists Alexandra Harley and Alex McIntyre. Sculpture and drawings exploring different perspectives on movement and transition. Free entry Visit  thestonespace.wordpress.com

East of England Burlesque Festival Friday 29th until Sunday 31st July Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road Leytonstone, E11 4JU The festival will see some of the best performers take the stage, while also offering educational workshops. Activities and ticketed shows are planned, including free events such as a beginners class, life-drawing session, body confidence workshop, samba dance lesson, vintage makeovers, and an inspirational talk about performing with a disability. Among the shows is an open-stage matinee in aid of Mind. Free entry for some events Visit  behindburlesque.co.uk/eebf

Community Mondays Every Monday, 11am   –    2pm Hornbeam Centre and Café, 458 Hoe Steet, Walthamstow, E17 9AH

E17 Designers' Shop Every Wednesday-Sunday, 10am  – 5pm Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road, Walthamstow E17 9NH

The Hornbeam is a resource for many working for a better community. We play host to language classes, music classes, discussion groups, local activists and our space is much needed. Community Mondays are a chance to pick up some skills and have lunch.

E17 Designers feature in a concession at the local history museum, Vestry House, over the summer. Jewellery, prints and accessories are for sale, all made by local designer-makers.

Free entry Email  [email protected]

Ladybird School of Gymnastics Saturdays 9.15am   –   1pm and Mondays 5.15   –    7.15pm YMCA East London, 642 Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 5EF Gym classes on Saturdays include sessions for children aged two to four at 9.15am, ages four to seven at 10am and ages eight and over at 11am and 12pm. Monday classes include sessions for children aged four to seven at 5.15pm and ages eight and over at 6.15pm. Places are limited. First session £4 Call  07506 797 788 Email  ladybirdschoolsgymnastics@ gmail.com

Free entry Call  020 8523 5295 Email  [email protected]

OrganicLea open days Every last Sunday, 12  –   4pm Hawkwood Community Plant Nursery, 115 Hawkwood Crescent, Chingford E4 7UH Come and visit our beautiful 12-acre site and learn all about organic gardening. Free entry Visit  organiclea.org.uk

Next issue listings: To list your community event in August's issue of the Echo email the details to WFEcho@ socialspider.com by 21st July.

Admission 50p Email  whittingham.gardenclub@ yahoo.co.uk Visit  whittinghamgardeningclub. blogspot.com

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Walthamstow Garden Party Saturday and Sunday 16th and 17th July, from 12pm Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow The ever-popular Walthamstow Garden Party returns to Lloyd Park. Last year this free festival weekend saw over 32,000 people visit and 650 performers take part. Acts already confirmed for the Barbican Music Stage include Ma Kalamity, Fanfare Ciocarlia and Asian Dub Foundation, and there will be a food festival, theatre, film, comedy, circus, and much more. Free entry Visit  walthamstowgardenparty.com

Create a Community Garden Tuesday 19th July, 10am    –   2pm Waltham Forest Resource Hub, 58 Hall Lane, Chingford, E4 8EU

Our newcomers ride takes place monthly from March to October for those new to cycling, including families. We ride around the quiet streets in Walthamstow Village, and cover up to five miles. Before we set off we'll check all bikes are roadworthy.

Help transform the outdoor space at the North Hub into a community garden for older and disabled adults. Following a donation by an ex-employee to get us started, we now need help to maintain the raised beds, water the veggies and flowers, and weed. Meet staff and find out more on 19th July.

Free for all Visit  walthamstowfamilybikeclub. wordpress.com

Free entry Call  020 8558 5512 Email [email protected]

Join us at Walthamstow Garden Party 16 - 17 July 2016, Lloyd Park E17 Follow in the footsteps of William Morris and become a master crafter with the Useful + Beautiful Craft Marquee and Trail Try your hand at printmaking; make your own festival t-shirt; build a bee house; create a giant tapestry; bring a puppet to life; design a brooch or decorate a ceramic bowl to take home. walthamstowgardenparty.com

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

COLUMNS

Raising the roof In her regular column Link4Growth volunteer Debra Oakaby visits a local community choir

Wave Community Choir, based in Walthamstow

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elebrity choirmaster Gareth Malone is someone I would like to meet one day, because he has taken group singing to a whole new level. Amateur music-making is popular and it is estimated there are now 25,000 choirs in the UK.

  At a recent Link4Growth meeting, Virginia Firnberg told us about her new community choir, Wave. She started this in April with Jo Clare, who has experience of being in two choirs for 18 years.   The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at Harmony

Hall, Truro Road, Walthamstow. The repertoire is versatile, covering jazz, classical, folk, gospel and pop.   On the evening I visited, there were 13 people in the class. Virginia was at the front playing an electric piano to demonstrate musical scales. She also gave useful music-reading tips in a clear and easy-to-follow way, and her style is engaging and highly interactive.   Virginia is a composer with an impressive biography. Choir member Helen Porter told me she wanted to learn about music and take better control of her voice, and was impressed with Virginia's knowledge and ability to get points across.   Within minutes of starting, everyone was doing some warmup exercises, marching to feel the beat of the music and clapping. They even tried out some cool wrist flicks, normally used by conductors, and clearly they

were having fun.   According to a report by the charity Music In Our Bones: "Due to advances in neurological science, we now have a growing body of scientific evidence explaining what community singers have always known, that singing is good for us!"   Indeed, Marcia White, who enjoys singing with this choir, said: "Singing lifts the mood," and compared it to how you would normally feel after going to the gym. She was surprised to hear that everybody could actually sing, because there were no auditions.   Forming two groups of high and low voices, the class practised an Irving Berlin song called Play a Simple Melody. The enunciation of certain lyrics had some people in fits of laughter. As we approached the break, both groups came together, singing in unison and harmony. Amazing!   During the break I spoke to

Debbie Lafeuillee, who told me this was her first-ever choir practice. Having had some singing lessons, her tutor recommended that she should join a choir, where she could sing with other people, and in her words "didn’t want to annoy the neighbours".   Virginia told me she planned to run a programme of classes, enabling people to build up their skills. She hoped the choir would give three performances a year at community-based events.   Jo Clare added: "It is a totally uplifting experience and we already sound fantastic!"   All adults who want to sing are welcome, no experience is necessary and the first session is free.

To get involved in Wave Community Choir: Call  07813 116 505 Visit wavyline.org

Mel's taste for life In her latest interview with local older people, Amina Ahmed meets the owner of a West Indian food stall

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el Ennis moved to the UK from Jamaica in the 1950s, when she was in her early teenage years.   She lived in Peckham with her parents until she got married 45 years ago and moved with her husband to Waltham Forest. Here she still lives, on the border of Leyton and Leytonstone.   I ask her what Mel is short for and she laughs. "My name is Melviron but everyone calls me Mel because it's so much easier. I really think my grandfather was drunk when he named me such a long and complicated name."   Since moving to the borough, Mel has been involved in running the William Morris Community Centre in Greenleaf Road. The 72-year-old talks about the difficulties women faced at that time with domestic violence and young girls being abused.   She started off helping women from home and was soon able to

get the attention of Waltham Forest Council and was given £30,000 funding to employ someone to take care of the centre. Mel spends every Monday and Wednesday at the William Morris Community Centre and runs or helps run the Afro Caribbean Elders Association, West Indian Association, and Black Business Association.   She tells me a bit about her past" In 1961 she started a nursing course at the Orpington Hospital in Kent, however, when it was time for her to have a baby she was asked if she wanted to be a nurse or a mother.   "At that time, you couldn't be both," she says. "So I chose being a mother."   She started work at the Leyton Bus Garage with her husband to help pay the mortgage. In 1969 she tried her luck again and went back to training to be a nurse but was disappointed when they told her she could not have two jobs.   Once more Mel was forced to

return to conducting, until her youngest of three started going to school. This is when she found a bit of time on her hands and decided to do a course in men's tailoring at the London College of Fashion.   She was finally able to start working at a hospital and afford a place at a private school for her youngest daughter as she did not want her to go to the same "rough" state school as her eldest daughter.   Mel started baking in her own time and this was when she set up her local West Indian takeaway at Walthamstow Market – Mel's Tasties.   She is now starting to fundraise for Great Ormond Street Hospital after her granddaughter was born with a hole in her heart. Her father had the same condition. Sadly, back then they were in Jamaica and the doctors were not able to figure out the problem until much later when he had lost all his teeth

Mel Ennis, outside William Morris Community Centre

and his legs were swollen.   Finally, I ask her what her advice for the younger generation is: "Have an aim and work hard.

If you don't have a vision, you will just go through life without working towards anything. And never give up."

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Join us at Walthamstow Garden Party 16-17 July 2016 Lloyd Park E17 Tel: 0203 397 9797 / Web: stowbrothers.com Email: [email protected] / Twitter: @stowbrothers 236 Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 3AY

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No. 16  JULY 2016  WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

The Stow Brothers are proud to announce that we are once again sponsoring the Useful + Beautiful Craft Marquee and trail at this years fantastic Walthamstow Garden Party, which will be in and around Lloyd Park on the 16th-17th July. We’ll also be in the Useful + Beautiful Craft Marquee with our new ‘Make A Home’ craft activityafter the runaway success of last years bird box, we’ll be making more homes for wildlife, and everyone is invited to join in. Last year’s party was spectacular, so be sure to come along this year to join in the fun, or just pop by to say hello!

Tel: 0203 397 9797 / Web: stowbrothers.com Email: [email protected] / Twitter: @stowbrothers 236 Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 3AY