E List January/February 2019 by Paul Lindt

ISSN 2058-2196

In & Around London’S NEW EAST

January/February 2019 No 65

The fresh angles of cover artist Ben Pearce London Borough of Culture is here! Photographer Barry Crawston captures Banksy Skater legends unite in Walthamstow DJ magazine’s best VJs in the world

Fellowship is Life

COVER STAR Ben Pearce

How have you found it? It’s great! I love the variety and the choice of work and it’s exciting to experience different offices and work cultures. With freelancing I’m brought in to do a specific job in a limited time, so there’s a sense of urgency that I find very productive. You’re always trying to build new relationships, so there’s a real incentive to do your best.

Introduce to us the creative world of Ben Pearce I’m a freelance illustrator and animator based in Walthamstow, working for creative agencies and production companies across London. As an animator I often have to work in a simplified, stripped down style in order to make production achievable within limited timescales and budgets. Working within these constraints has had a big influence on my work. I like to see how far an image can be reduced before it reaches abstraction. You were originally a design director. What does that involve? I spent 7 years at an agency in Shoreditch working with creative teams, developers and designers to create print campaigns, websites, ads, games and animations. It was a great education. As a design director, you really need to know the people in your teams. Designers can get fed up quickly if they’re not exercising their creative muscles so it’s important to understand where their strengths lie and get people on the right projects. There can be a lot of different voices on a project, so a big part of the

job is having a clear vision for what you’re trying to achieve. It’s all about pulling together diverse talents to create a concise and well crafted piece of work. What made you decide to go freelance? The company was bought by a big network. The culture slowly evaporated and the work became very dry. I was creatively frustrated so I left. I was excited by the prospect of moving around different agencies working on cool projects.

How does it feel to bring your illustrated world to life through animation? Animation can be a laborious and frustrating process. You can spend days perfecting a tiny detail. Other times it can be completely immersive. There are always surprises during the process and often a scene turns out better than expected. When you achieve a scene, a mood or an effect you’ve been striving for it’s hugely rewarding. You’re creating new worlds! What have been your career highlights so far? The highlight this year has been a nationwide print campaign for Deliveroo. My illustrations were on billboards, on the tube (above left), on the sides of London buses and in magazines. It was everywhere! I’m proud of a lot of the work I’ve done over the years, but often I’m playing a small part in a large production. That was a highlight for me because my work took centre stage. Some of your work is inspired by some well known and some not so well known local landmarks. What’s the story? I made a conscious effort to start doing more personal work, so I started doing sketches of the things I see around me every day. London is an endless source of inspiration. I love the grit. Evidence of human endeavour is everywhere. I love the backs of houses you see from the train. There are extensions on extensions, amateur plumbing, washing lines, steaming pipes, satellite dishes, broken toys, forgotten rubbish and empty paint tins. It’s this human side of London I try to capture.

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I started posting the images on Instagram so they didn’t end up in the graveyard of unfinished projects languishing on my hard drive. I started getting some really positive comments, and I’ve found my work has progressed more quickly since I started doing this. I treat it as a kind sketchbook - I don’t strive for perfection with it. What plans have you got for this year? Last year I did some editorial commissions for magazines. A lot of my work lives only in a digital space, so it was really exciting to see my work in print. I’d like to do more of that this year. 2

I have a 6 month old daughter so last year was pretty turbulent to say the least! It would be good to take a break this year and go away somewhere as a family. I’ve been working hard on her musical education so far, and now I think it’s high time she did some travelling.

benpearce.com @albionworks Questions by Paul Lindt

new Year, new start. and what a year 2019 promises to be. At E List we never doubted Waltham Forest’s cultural credentials which saw us beat off the competition to be London’s first Borough of Culture. Since records began, even before William Morris became one of our first local artists to sport a hipster beard, Waltham Forest has been home to creative folk (see page 28). Sam Hunt, Creative Director of London Borough of Culture, spoke to us about the role culture has in binding community (page 5). The programme involves hugely ambitious participatory projects to bring us together, nurture and celebrate talent. Opening the festival, Leyton-based award winning audio-visual duo Addictive TV have worked with over 40 musicians to showcase local talent and create a unique musical experience which will be projected on to the front of the Town Hall (page 17). Addictive TV have performed at venues around the world - from Beijing Olympic Stadium to Glastonbury. This year, like many other successful artists they are “Coming Home” and working within the local community to tell the story of our multicultural and diverse borough. Indulge me here but maybe this is the cue for a song, “It’s coming home, it’s coming, culture’s coming home...”

Dismaland

Walthamstow Jazz Festival

15 17

Blackduke + Insane

The start of a new year can be a time to look forward, make resolutions. But it can be a particularly difficult time for some. In this issue we meet people who are working to support those who might be struggling with their mental health. This month’s local Hero is ELOP, a charity providing social, emotional and support services to LGBT communities. Read about their work on page 33. Our community is much more than just the geography of where we live. It’s as much about the places and people that surround us. Harmony Hall provides a hub for mental health and faith groups. It’s also home to exhibition space run by Think Arts for those who use art as part of their recovery from mental illness. Read about its past and present on page 39.

addictive TV

Mark Tugwell

an early ‘Borough’ of culture?

Inside this issue… The year London Borough of Culture begins

Two local authors have published books dealing with mental health. In his best-selling book, multi-instrumentalist Nick Bottini explores the mental health challenges faced by musicians (page 20). Mark Tugwell has turned his life around after many years in prison. His book shares his own story of a life of crime and drug use. By doing so, Mark hopes to deter others from falling into the spiral of crime and addiction (page 22).

Photographer Barry Cawston and Banksy’s dismaland

Tom Gaul’s A Spotter’s Guide to Local Streetlife Walthamstow Jazz Festival

Blackduke + Insane – Ged Wells and Boma Jaja

Addictive TV launch year of culture Can music make you ill? Musicians and mental health

Penny Rutterford, Assistant Editor.

The Power of 3: featuring Pia Pica, Fiona Bevan and Sam Kurt 21

editor@theelist.co.uk

Mark Tugwell and The Lie That Made Me Elevate Film Lab 2019

The Tricycle Thief, a kid’s film for Waltham Forest

Peculiar Times: An early ‘Borough’ of Culture?

E~dEN: The Home directory including House doctor – Lighting

E-LICIouS – Sean’s Tipple Tips; A new world of Whiskies

Three poems by Michael Shann

Local Hero – Sarah Humphreys and ELoP

E-VoLVE: Health and Fitness directory including PAuSE yoga studios

Harmony Hall

Listings

The E List is available for FREE at approx 100 venues across E4, E7, E10, E11and E17. See theelist.co.uk for your nearest venue. As copies disappear quickly we aim to restock the most popular venues during the month so please keep trying. Editor and design: Paul Lindt editor@theelist.co.uk Listings: Danny Coope danny@theelist.co.uk. Advertising: ads@theelist.co.uk Contributors: Karen Averby, Kath Cockshaw, Karen Dunn, Tom Gaul, Dom Mandrell, Chris McAndrew, Jessie Mellor, Lisa Moore, Sean Pines, Penny Rutterford, Mike Sims, Adam Taylor, Paul Tucker, Stephen Vitkovitch.

The E List is distributed by

For the latest listings, a digital version of the E List magazine and back issues

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@zedlbwf

People Get Ready With an exciting programme of projects and events coming up over the next 12 months, Sam Hunt, Creative Director for London Borough of Culture talks to Penny Rutterford about some of the aims and ambitions for the year ahead. Shade your eyes because the spotlight is on us as Waltham Forest embarks on its year as the first London Borough of Culture. Waltham Forest’s winning bid for Borough of Culture comes with some very ambitious targets which include engaging 85% of the borough’s households and attracting a million visitors during the year so that Waltham Forest can be seen as a cultural destination.

The opening extravaganza “Welcome to the Forest” and the eclectic core programme were just coming together when I met with Creative Director Sam Hunt as he gave me an insight into the plans for the year ahead. With a CV that included festival director when Hull was City of Culture, Sam is now resident in Walthamstow and getting under the skin of our borough. continues over.

“ Culture is not a ‘nice to have’ and is not a luxury. Culture is central to human identity”

Left to right. Top row: 1) Africa Express 2) New Adventures: Dancers in Residence © Alicia Clarke 3) Duckie Loves Fanny. Middle row: 1) Talvin Singh 2) From Page to Pavement 3) Waltham Forest Borough of Culture, Neon Work, God’s Own Junkyard. Bottom row: 1) Welcome to the Forest 2) Artist Zarah Hussain. 3) Walthamstow Jazz Festival.

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Sam Hunt, Creative Director for London Borough of Culture. Photo © Andrew Baker.

“Engagement means more than just being a passive audience. This project is about the people who live here. Look at the diversity of the borough, and how fluid the population is. It’s a really interesting mix of people, many of whom would not necessarily think that they have anything in common. But what they do have is the shared geography of this place. Our programme should be a catalyst for wider celebration of cultures across the borough. We aim to create the atmosphere where anyone, any community, can self define and celebrate culture however they see fit.” “We are absolutely clear we are not going to be ‘doing art’ to Waltham Forest. This is about commissions working with socially engaged artists, those who have a massively participatory practice. The process is just as important as the product ensuring that as many people as possible are working on, or co-creating the work. If you look at the core programme, on the whole everyone from Zarah Hussain, to Artillery, to Blackhorse Workshop are locally based. We are not bringing people in for the sake of it. People like Damon Albarn or Matthew Bourne are coming back because they want to. We’ve asked what they are doing to hand the ladder back down, and that’s been very important when engaging major names.”

“Waltham Forest was already a borough of culture. You can see this with things like the E17 Art Trail, or the explosion of live music venues in Leytonstone. No-one needs the council’s permission to get involved. This is a one time opportunity for a borough of this major city to have the spotlight shining on them and we want to make sure we show the best of Waltham Forest to the rest of the world.” “You cannot put a price on community cohesion. Arts and Culture are just one part of a wider civic role. But culture is not a nice to have and is not a luxury. Culture is central to human identity”. With a festival of this scale, highlights are almost too many to mention but on the right is a brief taste of what’s to come in the next few months.

January - March

new adventures: Dancers in residence Matthew Bourne’s award winning dance theatre company’s Dancers in Residence project with Roger Ascham Primary School. 16 February

Walthamstow Jazz Festival Including legendary and cutting edge talent Ginger Baker, Emma-Jean Thackray and Django Django. (see feature on page 19). 25 - 29 March

africa express: circus

wfculture19.co.uk To find out more, pop into One Hoe Street, pick up a flyer, or log on to wfculture19.co.uk

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a show of togetherness by musicians from different cultures, genres and generations in Leytonstone where founding member Damon Albarn grew up.

e Brick "Th Room"

17 January gallery 020 8520 9300 estates17.co.uk

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Lettings

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This stunning home can only be described as heavenly. From the moment you step through the front door, you can tell this is a property where every single detail, no matter how small, has been carefully thought through and executed, resulting in a simply stunning finish throughout.

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The two reception rooms both have richly coloured stripped floorboards, which when combined with the muted colour palette on the walls and the aforementioned art, creates a pair of wonderful spaces in which to relax. Wander upstairs and the exquisite presentation continues, with three bedrooms and amazing family bathroom (complete with roll top bath) on the first floor, plus a loft room on the top floor.

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Lettings

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A brilliant home office is hidden away at the far end of the garden, it’s ideal whether you want to work from home, or just additional entertaining space. It all adds up to something pretty amazing in our opinion. As you can probably tell, we really, really, REALLY like this house, and we’re totally convinced you will too…

Earlham Grove, Forest Gate E7 Studio flat to rent £900 pcm Vicarage Lane, Stratford E15 Commercial Property to rent £1,400 pcm

Behind you. Photo © Barry Cawston

For his exhibition Are We There Yet? photographer Barry cawston visited Banksy’s Dismaland fifteen times and juxtaposed images of the ‘bemusement park’ with local life in Weston-Super-Mare. The photographs blur the line between art and reality, showing the light and the dark side of both. With the show coming soon to the Walthamstow Village Window Gallery Kath Cockshaw takes a closer look. Dismaland’ (20 Aug - 27 Sept 2015) was a brilliantly conceived intervention in the English seaside town of WestonSuper-Mare, shrewdly curated by Banksy and invited artists. The show made grave attacks on global power structures which promote economic and environmental ruin, and permit thousands of refugees lives to be lost at sea. Audiences delighted in playing pointless, commercially and politically themed games which were impossible to win, and queued up to be shown how they had participated in the death of Princess Diana. It was an orgy of

deep satire which British and international audiences had been waiting for, and its timing was perfect. Photographer Barry Cawston documented Banksy’s ‘Dismaland’ fifteen times from its launch through to its grand finale. On each occasion, he went in to Weston-Super-Mare town centre, and captured local life there. Back in his studio, he began to juxtapose the images. The resulting body of work is a snapshot of the British public at large and their interaction with art that was, paradoxically, a satire on their own reality.

The title of Cawston’s project, ‘Are We There Yet?’, makes a nod to seaside nostalgia, while asking us to reflect on the state of society. The visual similes which he constructs between his images of downtown Weston, and the scathing sideshows of Dismaland brilliantly encapsulate current social, political and economic issues and our inept behaviour in facing them. The images are portentous; the juxtapositions often playfully dark. Cawston is clearly on Banksy’s wavelength. theelist.co.uk 11

Not for nothing did the world’s most famous street artist choose Weston as the venue for his harshest satire fest to date. Like many Bristol kids, Banksy used to holiday in Weston and play at the Tropicana leisure centre, where he was to install his vast ‘Bemusement Park’ thirty years on. With its tourism industry in tatters over many decades, by summer 2015, Weston-Super-Mare had become an impoverished town with widespread social problems, and a high rate of unemployment. Through experience with major projects in Bristol in 2009 and New York in 2013, Banksy and his team knew Dismaland would bring in considerable revenue to Weston through hotels, restaurants, transport, parking and retail. In social terms, the impact of Dismaland reached further still. Dismaland and the art therein, by 50 international artists, demonstrated new ways to communicate to young people in Weston about social and political issues which affect them. Staff who answered the job ad to be a ‘runner’ on a new film set a few weeks before its opening, said it was the opportunity of a lifetime. As a parting shot, the Dismaland production crew arranged for the building materials from the site to be taken to Calais to make shelters for the refugees - a move that was always going to be popular with the public, and which really galvanised the media. Dismaland provided a new focus for everyone in Weston, whether they welcomed the intervention or not. Inhabitants, the local workforce, the

authorities, town centre retailers and hoteliers, those who worked on the Dismaland project, and all those whose livelihoods and businesses were augmented by it, were given confidence by the experience.

On seeing Dismaland for the first time and being fairly local to Weston, Cawston says he ‘immediately got it’, and developed a real obsession with the place, but says that he didn’t fully appreciate the significance of his own project when he started it.

All of this has contributed to a series of further positive developments in Weston. The revenue from tourism is up, with a rise in the number of overseas visitors. The Tropicana, which played host to Dismaland, has taken on a new lease of life as an arts venue. Weston has a new leisure complex and cinema, and a new university centre.

With the encouragement of cocollaborators, including Dismaland contributors and staff, Cawston’s photographs have now become a book and touring exhibition. The book, which takes us from hazy morning beach scenes through to after dark revelry, reveals satirically delicious pairings of Dismaland and Weston shots, setting up uncomfortable dialogues between closed pages, now destined to endure.

As a designed intervention, Dismaland paid off in spades, socially, culturally and economically. All the projects which happened as a result of Dismaland, are evidence of a developing sense of foresight on the part of Banksy and his team. Wherever Banksy’s work proliferates, the resulting ripples spawn the perfect climatic conditions for new impactful creativity to thrive. Cawston’s photography project, as well as associated exhibitions, creative writing and poetry are examples of this. We have elevated the myth of Banksy to such a height, and we have allowed his street stencil idiom and satirical installations to nestle so comfortably in to the British cultural scene, that he is able to use his position as artist and curator to create opportunities for other artists and their work; drive social agendas; and build real, measurable economic growth in the communities where he operates.

Top left: Life can change. Top right: Superwhip. Photos © Barry Cawston

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In these images, as Oscar Wilde said, “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life.”

At the time of going to press the dates of the exhibition are still to be confirmed so please visit

wvwg.co.uk @wvwg_e17 More photographs from the project will be on display at the Walthamstow Village Window Gallery, 47 Orford Road E17 9JN. A link to the book Are We There Yet? can be found at the official Dismaland site dismaland.co.uk and

www.barrycawston.com

Car Crash Princess. Photo © Barry Cawston

A SPOTTER’s Guide to LOCAL streetLIFE for East London’s people watchers.

From a series by Walthamstow resident, illustrator Tom Gaul. instagram tomgaul_doodles

www.tomgaul.com

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This year the New York Times and Rolling Stone have been preaching about London’s ‘New’ jazz scene. I’m not sure the application of ‘New’ is quite right (just look at Soweto Kinch’s tour dates in the last few years) but there is a younger crop of artists demanding attention. With London Borough of Culture quickly descending on us this year, I talked to guitarist (and local) John Russell about pulling together a major jazz festival for Walthamstow, building on his Discovery Festival. And with the strong support of the amazing Borough of Culture team, here we are: Walthamstow Jazz Festival! Saturday 16 February sees a one day festival bringing together legendary and cutting edge talent, with Cream drummer Ginger Baker headlining, free jazz pioneer Evan Parker, and up and coming acts of the scene such as Emma-Jean Thackray, Binker Golding, Cykada and others.

bassist Alec Dankworth, and percussionist Abass Dodoo. Trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist EmmaJean Thackray is a rising star of the UK scene, championed by Gilles Peterson, Theo Parrish and more. And you know you’re onto a winner when an artist plays at Sónar! She’s a Red Bull Music Academy alumnus, is holding down a bi-monthly show on Worldwide FM, and has recently led London Symphony Orchestra in a sold out show. Brighton based experimental group Vels Trio scored a nomination for Jazz Album of the Year in the Worldwide Awards with their 2017 Yellow Ochre EP, and have been strongly featured by taste-makers Rhythm Section. their sound is characterised by heavy grooves, emotionally charged songwriting, coupled alongside expressive, progressive modern musicianship to create an excitingly frenetic, and irresistibly engaging live sound structures.

Django Django © Fiona Garden

all that JAZZ Ginger Baker headlines a new jazz festival for Walthamstow, bringing fresh talent like Emma-Jean Thackray and Vels Trio, and established names like Evan Parker and Thurston Moore to the beautiful Assembly Hall. Put 16 February in your diaries! Organiser Stephen Vitkovitch reveals what’s in store. I took a conscious decision not to focus on one style of jazz, so there should be something for everyone - from hardened improv cognoscienti to those looking to get to know new talent, from indie fans to anyone after a more straight up interpretation of jazz. It should be a great introduction to the spectrum of jazz for anyone who’s curious. Picking out three acts, it’s natural to start with Mr. Baker. The term legendary is bandied around a lot, but here it really is merited. Ginger Baker, founded the world first and best power trio Cream with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce, played with the Graham Bond Organisation, and in Blind Faith, before decamping to live in Nigeria where he played and recorded with Fela Kuti, sitting in for an ill Tony Allen. Ginger’s Jazz Confusion setup sees him working with funk giant Pee Wee Ellis, former bandleader for James Brown who co-wrote ‘Say It Loud – I’m Black And I’m Proud’ and ‘Cold Sweat’,

Expect a day of incredible live music in the beautiful Walthamstow Assembly Hall, a chance to get your hands on some exclusive releases from labels like Wormfood, YAM, Thurston Moore’s Ecstatic Peace Library and more, and top class beer and spirits from our main partners Adnams of Southwold, as well as delicious Sodas from Dalston’s and coffee from E17’s Perky Blenders. My aspiration is that this becomes a regular fixture for Walthamstow, with another festival next year, but that relies on you turning up!

Ginger Baker © Alexis Maryon

Emma-Jean Thackray

Walthamstow Jazz Festival Saturday 16 February Tickets at www.tinyurl.com/jazz19

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Project Karnak

Left to right Ged Wells and Boma Jaga

Skater GODS UNITE

Photos © http://mcandrewphoto.co.uk

Artist Ged Wells and Boma Jaja - E17’s go-to for mid-century furniture, have combined their eclectic aesthetics in a joint-venture design store in Walthamstow Village. Lisa Moore went to meet them. Photos by Chris McAndrew. Boma’s shop Blackduke is already a landmark for designsavvy locals who can spot an Eames chair at 50 paces: And now Ged’s urban pop art and clothing brand Insane, along with a curated selection of other British, independent brands and artist editions, aims to bring a new dimension and vibrancy to the newly launched Blackduke + Insane shop. Ged’s career as an artist, and the birth of Insane, date back to the mid-1980s when he competed internationally

in skateboarding and wrote for R.A.D skateboarding magazine (he and Boma first became friends while skating around London). At the start of the 90s Insane was sold and distributed through the now legendary Slam City Skates. The brand’s bold-line strawberry and twisted-teddy graphics caught the eye of a then young musician, producer and designer Hiroshi Fujiwara, who introduced Insane to Japan, where it’s still sold today.

In the years since then, Ged has exhibited in UK and Japan, with credits including the Pure Evil gallery in Shoreditch, while several of his sculptures formed part of the Fleurnication group show at The Modern Institute in Glasgow. More recently he collaborated with Goodhood design store in Shoreditch, as part of TSHIRTNOW/ TSHIRTTHEN, an exhibition of past and current iconic graphic t-shirts, and The Art of Skateboarding exhibition in aid of the Save the Southbank campaign.

The idea behind the new Blackduke + Insane shop and gallery is to recreate an earlier venture when the two partnered to run the Insane skate and art shop in Camden at the end of the 90s. Selling and wholesaling Ged’s art and Insane skate wear in the UK, Europe and Japan, the two also encouraged and supported new ‘counter-culture’ talent. Artists Gasius (Russell Maurice), Mark Foster (Fos) – the artist behind Heroin Skateboards, and Spanish artist Fernando Elvira, all exhibited at Insane in the early days of their careers. theelist.co.uk 15

+ Insane with Ged means we can harness some of that energy and tap into the connections we both have to build something new: We’ll be hosting plenty of exhibitions, both here in the shop and in the wider Walthamstow community, stocking more limited-edition art and lifestyle goods, and of course I’ll continue to source and select mid-century furniture.”

Photos © http://mcandrewphoto.co.uk

Says Ged: “Back then, independent shops that combined urban art editions, clothes and accessories were practically non-existent. At the time I was screen-printing and selling my art and that of other people in skate culture, but we couldn’t wholesale prints because pre-Banksy most shops didn’t understand how to sell urban art. Even though people often bought skate decks for their artwork – Banksy did the graphics for Clown Skateboards before he was famous – urban art was very niche. “We really want Blackduke + Insane to continue the collaborative ethos. For us it’s about finding and introducing innovative and individualistic products and art from our creative community. Everyone is looking for something fresh and we know people are doing fresh, but don’t necessarily have an outlet for it. In the West End, it’s very difficult for anyone to introduce a new brand without investing hundreds of thousands of pounds, so that’s why places like Walthamstow are such

magnets for creatives. We want to collaborate with those artists and makers to bring their work to a wider audience.” Already in store is a selection of products by artist Kid Acne, clothes from skate brands Trisickle and Meanwhile, and urban clothing brand Briar London. The new venture also builds on Boma’s love and understanding of good design - he cut his teeth in retail working for high-end menswear brands in the Kings Road back in the late 80s and early 90s - and his support of Walthamstow creatives over the nine years he’s traded in Grove Road. Says Boma: “Of course, the mid-century furniture is at the heart of what I do, but I’ve always thought it is important to open up the space to the creative community. The first event I got involved with was the Walthamstow Film Festival run by Liza and Paul Fletcher. I cleared the shop and set up chairs to create a tiny cinema to screen local arthouse, short films. Since then I’ve hosted numerous exhibitions – many as part of the annual Art

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Trail - including work by local artists such as Linda Green, Saskia Huning and Carl Harris (Catboy) and photography from Matt Scandrett. I also worked closely with Debbie Daniel of collective Craft Guerrilla for a long time. “I love the energy of this area and creating Blackduke

Ged kicked-off a series of intended Walthamstow exhibitions before Christmas in the Queen’s Arms, Orford Road: Insane Paradise features new work that takes inspiration from, and pays homage to, William Morris with a set of humorous prints. At the same time Hucks coffee shop next door to Blackduke + Insane is already playing host to its second Insane exhibition. “Next year we’ll be inviting other artists to exhibit in our shop and at other events we curate around the area, plus we’ll be collaborating to bring new products to Walthamstow that you simply won’t find anywhere else,” promises Ged.

Blackduke + Insane 83 Grove Road, Walthamstow E17 9BU 10am - 6pm 7 days a week.

Addictive TV launch year of culture Having performed in more than 50 countries, an audio-visual duo from Leyton now have the perfect opportunity to exhibit their work closer to home as Waltham Forest becomes London’s first ever Borough of Culture. Adam Taylor met one half of Addictive TV, Graham Daniels, to find out more.

They might not be household names but Graham Daniels and Mark Vidler have spent the past 14 years gracing some of the biggest and hippest stages across the world. Known as Addictive TV, the Leyton-based duo perform innovative live shows blending music and video. Sampling and remixing from movies, television and pop videos,

Graham and Mark create unique musical experiences that have won countless awards and global acclaim.

(January 11-13), Addictive TV are creating a large scale projection that showcases the musical talents of our local area.

Next on the agenda for the two artists, who are supported by producer Francoise Lamy, is a special appearance at Waltham Forest Town Hall to celebrate becoming the first ever London Borough of Culture. As part of the three-day launch party

Created for the event’s opening night, the unique piece of work will champion the borough’s remarkable multicultural diversity and musical depth. Featuring everything from heavy metal guitar, grime to spoken word and a harp, the three-and-a-half-

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Addictive TV filming for their piece for the launch party for the Waltham Forest Borough of Culture launch

minute installation will see footage of over 40 local artists sampled and projected onto the front of the Town Hall. If, like me, you’re wondering how this process can produce something coherent, I assure you it will! And it marks a milestone for Addictive TV. “To be involved in this project is the icing on the cake – a homecoming,” says Graham. “And hopefully a cue for us to do far more locally. It’s been really great making all these connections with local musicians. “It’s a challenge making all their samples work together as there’s so many. They’re playing all sorts of instruments – a bass viol played by Layil Barr, a violin by Kat Richmond, steelpan drumming from the Walthamstow School for Girls, freestyle rapping from Lemzi and even a flugelhorn from James Brady – so it’s a real mixed bag!” The Town Hall installation will be an extension of Addictive TV’s existing live performance project called Orchestra of Samples, which has seen the duo record over 200 musicians from 30 countries in the past 10 years.

“We’re creating new music by sampling musicians around the world,” says Graham. “Bringing people together and the massive range of instruments that exist out there – most of which would be new to most people – sampling allows us to blend traditional instruments with electronics in really off-the-wall combinations that doesn’t normally happen in the real world. “And now we get to inject a big dose of Waltham Forest talent into the mix!” Voted the best VJs in the world by DJ Magazine and described as “next level shit” by Grandmaster Flash, Graham and Mark have performed at venues including Beijing’s Olympic Stadium, the Pompidou Centre, Glastonbury and the Southbank Centre. Once Waltham Forest won the Borough of Culture award – a year-long cultural event – it was the perfect opportunity for Addictive TV to bring their global work to our doorstep. Producer Francoise Lamy says: “I’ve lived in Leyton for over 15 years and it’s been really exciting to witness the transformation, especially since the Olympics, and now this can only increase. Orchestra of Samples is a fantastic opportunity to bring a truly international project home.”

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Addictive TV’s pioneering work has also made them highly attractive to a number of big brands and film studios. Having created commercials and video installations for the likes of Adidas and Red Bull, their film credits include Fast & Furious, Slumdog Millionaire and Iron Man. But as with all artists they had to start somewhere, and for anyone aspiring to make their own creative mark or build a career in the music industry, Graham’s message is simple: “Keep knocking on doors. Don’t take no for an answer. Believe in yourself.” If you’re still wondering what Addictive TV’s work is all about, I assure you it’s genuinely brilliant. Make sure you get to the Town Hall launch show and check out some of their work on the links below.

Where to watch Waltham Forest Borough of Culture launch: January 11-13 St John’s Music Hall, E11: Orchestra of Samples January 25 or find the Addictive TV magic at www.addictive.tv and www.orchestraofsamples.com

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Can music make you ill? Walthamstow is known for its thriving and diverse music scene – yet here and across the UK, many performers struggle for their art. Local resident Nick Bottini has written a bestselling book exploring why so many musicians face mental health issues. Words by Adam Taylor.

Music-related mental health stories have been grabbing the headlines recently, with performers such as Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell and Linkin Park frontman Chester Benning tragically taking their own lives. Sadly, this is far from a new phenomenon as we know both Beethoven and Tchaikovsky suffered from depression. According to a 2017 report by charity Help Musicians UK, musicians are up to three times more likely to suffer from problems with mental health than the general public, but talking openly about it remains a taboo for many. Local resident and musician Nick Bottini has decided to tackle this in a practical book designed to help musicians cope with the emotional rollercoaster of pursuing a career. Just Play: The Simple Truth Behind Musical Excellence provides a clear guide for the 50,000 professional musicians working in the industry, as well as the many amateur and student musicians out there. Topics covered in the book include dealing with performance anxiety, creativity and emotional resilience. Nick believes the most fundamental problem is not actually the music industry itself, but misunderstanding the mind. “Musicians, like all passionate creatives, tend to identify strongly with their work,” he says. “However, in a highly competitive and challenging sector such as the music industry, it can be very easy to make feelings of insecurity all about yourself or your ability, rather than recognising them as part of the normal functioning of a perfectly healthy mind.” While the traditional advice given to performers involves using visualisation

techniques, positive thinking or psychological coping strategies, Nick takes a different approach. “We all know that happiness and confidence come when we’re not overthinking, but most of us ignore this and try to think our way out of a problem,” he says. “If you’ve been doing this for many years, the chances are you are overcomplicating things significantly. By contrast, I want to show people the simplest way possible.” When not writing, Nick is a multiinstrumentalist who was brought up on the violin and then shifted to the saxophone. Having learnt his trade in both the capital and abroad, he’s been a head of music in various London schools, plus a consultant and performance coach. It’s the latter that led Nick to believe that creative minds need nurturing. “Creative industries are growing at an incredible rate, but it can be an overwhelming career path,” he says. “Given my own experiences and the fact that all the musicians I spoke to reported staggeringly similar stories, it was clear that there was a need in the industry for this kind of message and support.” Half of author royalties are going to support Music Minds Matter, the 24-hour mental health helpline set up by Help Musicians UK. “It’s great to raise money for the charity, who are changing the culture and getting people to open up. My hope is that the book that shows people that peace of mind and capacity for creative brilliance are already part of their nature.” The reviews on Amazon and the book’s appearance in bestseller lists suggest that Nick’s publication has struck a chord. Written for an industry that contributes around £4.4bn to the UK economy and

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supports over 140,000 jobs, the book actually provides support even if you’re not working in music. Whether you have a creative urge or you’re seeking a more balanced and productive mind, Just Play is a first step in the right direction.

Just Play: The Simple Truth Behind Musical Excellence £14.99 on Amazon Musician and Just Play author Nick Bottini

And what about the final artist Sam Kurt? Sam is a local female artist who lives and plays in Walthamstow, she’s been a regular at the Wild Card Brewery. Her songs are direct and straight from the heart and cover classic themes of love and loss. She recorded her new EP in Los Angeles and her material has a distinct Americana sound. I see all proceeds from the night are going to the Women’s Trust Yes it’s in keeping with the theme. As I mentioned earlier lots of women have been subject to abuse, and The Women’s Trust is an excellent charity supporting both the physical and mental recovery of vulnerable women. Headline act for the evening PicaPica.

REDRESSING THE BALANCE London Borough of Culture (LBOC) funding has already connected upand-coming artists with headline acts and helped showcase local talent that might otherwise remain under the radar. Dom Mandrell from Soul Picnic catches up with John Sweeney to discuss his LBOC funded gig The Power of 3 happening in February at Mirth. I notice your bill for this gig is all female. Was this a conscious decision? Very much so. The three artists performing – PicaPica, Fiona Bevan and Sam Kurt are fantastic commercially successful musicians and songwriters but perhaps aren’t as widely known in their own city. And why would you say that is? There’s huge pressure on women to conform to male stereotypes when it comes to the marketing of music; if you are not easily pigeon-holed or, sometimes, even considered the right age, that can often weigh heavily against you. Misogyny and sexism are widespread in the entertainment world which is what the #metoo movement highlighted - sadly the world of music is no different.

So this gig is about redressing that balance in some part? Very much. Listening to PicaPica, your headline act I was reminded of bands like Pentangle from the 70’s, or a more modern day equivalent like This is the Kit. Yes - they are very folk influenced - a four piece band with the music very much hanging on the vocal talents of Josienne Clarke and Samantha Whates. It’s hauntingly beautiful stuff - it beguiled iconic record label Rough Trade into signing them up for their recent debut album Spring and Shade. Moving on to Fiona Bevan I see her as a solo songwriter/ troubadour in the grand tradition of say, Joan Baez.

I was struck by the familiarity of her vocal style but struggled to completely pin it down - I heard shades of Marina Topley Bird, even Liz Frazer from the Cocteaus on the intro to her tune Slo Mo Tiger. Yes and that track was picked up and used on a recent HSBC advert which proves she has both a remarkable voice as well as songs with commercial appeal. She’s written tunes for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Tom Walker and 5 Seconds Of Summer amongst many others. She has also just finished a tour supporting The Wandering Hearts so has just finished playing 1000 capacity venues all over the UK. She’s really looking forward to playing this more intimate gig in her hometown of Walthamstow.

So its three sets of local musicians playing fantastic music for a good cause in a beautiful venue all for a fiver. What’s not to love?

The Power of 3: featuring PicaPica, Fiona Bevan and Sam Kurt Mirth, Marvel and Maud 7.30pm til late, 2 February 2019 186 Hoe Street, E17 4QH £5.00 from ticketsource. co.uk (search PicaPica). All proceeds go to the Women’s Trust charity.

theelist.co.uk 21

was trying to control me and I couldn’t wait to get out. Then I was 17 and still getting beaten for coming in late. He thought he was beating the bad out of me but his beatings put hatred in me. You lived back and forth in Hackney and Brooklyn when you were younger and then Waltham Forest? Yeah, Chingford, Walthamstow, Leyton, Leytonstone - all of it. Waltham Forest is my manor. The book spans a lot of years and you went from being a ‘successful’, feared criminal to being strung out on crack. When did you feel you were at your lowest point? The shift came when I was homeless because even when I was first smoking I had my flat, my headquarters and now when I’m on the street, and I’m staying in crack houses for one or two days. I was in the mode where I was around people I didn’t trust - that was 2001, the wild west days for me. That was my lowest point - it was me against the world. I didn’t trust nobody and I lost the ability of caring because I thought no-one gave a sh*t about me.

The Drugs Don’t Work Mark Tugwell had spent almost half his life in prison before he started writing about what had led him there. Local journalist Jessie Mellor asks him how he went from ‘road man’ to author of The Lie That Made Me. Photography Chris McAndrew. How much of your childhood informed the criminal and drug-addicted life you talk about in your book? I was an only child for starters. I was born in 1966 and grew up in America but in the house it wasn’t really stable. I was living on the

‘frontline’ from age 12 in Brooklyn, New York, and because both my parents were Jamaican I was treated different by the other kids, even the black kids. But really I was in a ‘prison’ from a young age. My dad would lock me in the house while he

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What gave you the idea or strength to write a book and get it published? In prison I read a lot, philosophy books, loads of books to keep busy. Then I started writing down just thoughts and when I came out, now one of my mates Adrian Dixon started talking to his friend Chris Sibia about it and he got the laptop out and we wrote the book from there; he became my ghost writer and selfpublished it. He’s also got his own book out A Product of My Environment (available from Amazon). A lot of people say they’ll do these things but they don’t do it, but I talked about it then did it. I was inside for fifteen years and nearly a year after release I’ve got a book out — that’s a big achievement. People on road don’t get to do that and I’ve come from nowhere and done that. It was the support network around me that helped me to get it done. If I didn’t have people like Chris and Adrian in my life, it would be different. How did you survive prison? Just by being calm, thinking about the end result ie. getting released. You can’t fight your way out so you’re going to have to conform. Part of your book is about how prison isn’t set up for rehabilitation? Rehabilitation don’t exist at all, right now. It’s more just punishment, it’s more trying to antagonise you, to make you snap.

There’s many self-harmers in jail - they are the prison junkies. They don’t even need crack, weed etc, they just get their pills from the pharmacy and they will look like the junkie on heroin on street - mashed up. And how have you adjusted to life outside? It took five parole reviews to get released but I’ve never come out and been so long like this - signing on etc. It took a lot to get released. I was one person before I went in, now I’ve come out I’m much wiser. I’ve still got that same personality that I went in with but I can control myself - anger, emotion, taking other people’s perspectives on issues. Whereas before I was on a care not attitude. Now I’ve got to make my life be worth something. What are your plans for the future? Looking at trying to get The Lie That Made Me turned into a film and working with User Voice who help prisoners survive the system. I’ll be doing mentoring with them and all over, hopefully. What do you hope to be able to pass on as a mentor? I’m going to give kids the realities of road life and show them what

DESKS OFFICES TRAINING EVENTS SOCIAL SPACE E17

they’re worth because some of them don’t believe they’re worth anything. I’ll tell them - you’ve got one life and you could go [out] like that [on road] … but then suddenly you’re history. And you might not even have a legacy to leave because you’ve just started your life.

The Lie That Made Me: The Mark Tugwell Story £9.99 Can be purchased directly through the author: mktugwell66@gmail.com

User Voice is a charity whose aim is to improve offender rehabilitation, led by and delivered by ex-offenders.

uservoice.org

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theelist.co.uk 23

television. Recent credits include “Fantastic Beasts” Films 1 & 2 and “The Legend of Tarzan” for Warner Bros. Camilla is passionate about working with young people to ensure that the industry actively seeks out and provides valid opportunities for new talent from diverse backgrounds.

Elevate Film Lab 2019 Putting emerging talent first in the Borough of Culture

Could E17 springboard new entrants into the creative industries this year? Liza Fletcher and Camilla Wren are launching an initiative that could change the future of film talent from our borough… With the onset of a year celebrating the Arts as Waltham Forest hosts the London Borough of Culture could the year also be an opportunity to focus on the borough’s emerging talent and the direction of the film industry as it strives to redefine itself and through new voices? This is the hope behind the Elevate Film Lab 2019, a series of workshops, training, career advice and support for new writers to tell entertaining stories in their unique way. A significant part of the project will be the opportunity to offer work to young

people in film and media organisations to give valuable work experience. In the Future Film Focus event held in November at The Empire Cinema Walthamstow, many E17 based industry professionals networked with Waltham Forest’s young talent and were truly impressed by the sheer ambition, drive and determination displayed by the attendees aged 16–20. “What became clear at #FutureFilmFocus is that young people are often eschewing the university route or looking to start as apprentices or get into the industry via work experience or internships”

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said Camilla Wren. She added “While a job is not guaranteed by this route, it represents a chance to learn the industry and craft with producers, directors and commissioners.” Elevate Film Lab founders think that the concept of a programme that could promote future stars of the industry would be a wonderful legacy to the Borough of Culture. Camilla Wren is a prolific Producer and Script Consultant. Founder of Frolic Films, Camilla has worked with some of the most celebrated names and innovative scripts on internationally acclaimed projects, both in film and

Says Fletcher “Our call to action to Creatives is to work with us to develop a network of paid work experience opportunities.” She adds “Young local apprentices like Tamuka from ITN and Lauren from Flint Digital, who spoke on the “Be Inspired” panel at the Future Film Focus event impressed the audience with their energy and industry knowledge. Through my links with schools, I know that there are lots more young people who show the same drive and promise”. After attending the packed event, Borough of Culture’s Creative Director, Sam Hunt was obviously inspired in the same way: “Thanks to #futurefilmfocus for the invite - a room packed with the next generation of talent boded well for @WFculture19 and beyond!!”

For more info e17films@gmail.com

Photo © paultucker.co.uk

November’s Future Film Focus event held at The Empire Cinema Walthamstow

Liza Fletcher has worked in the UK Broadcasting sector since the mid-1990s in a career embracing PR, Broadcasting Diversity Development Networks and Community Engagement with schools through the Walthamstow International Film Festival. Liza runs a charitable community company with Emerging Talent at its heart to promote the short films of young people in Waltham Forest.

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Waltham Forest The movie Stow Film Lounge has been keeping the movie lovers of Waltham Forest entertained since 2011. Now they’ve created their first film, The Tricycle Thief, with a cast from the local community. Karen Dunn meets up with them to find out more…

Stow Film Lounge are proud to have been described as the Paddington Bear of London cinema and “a warm hug of a movie club”, for sharing their love and enthusiasm for film with the young and old of the borough for the last seven years. Now the two men behind the guerrilla cinema, Nick Bertram and Marcus Shepherd, have decided to step behind the camera to create their own children’s film set in Waltham Forest. If you grew up on the Children’s Film Foundation capers, The Tricycle Thief will ring a familiar bell. Filmed over 12 days during the hottest summer in recent memory, Nick and Marcus, with the help of Polly Wines, created their first film together with a cast of local residents, many of which had never stepped in front of a camera before. Following the film’s premiere at Mirth, Marvel & Maud on 23 December, we caught up with the friends, who first met when working together 25 years ago at the BFI’s Museum Of The Moving Image, to find out how easy it was to capture the spirit of the borough on film… How did The Tricycle Thief come about? Nick: The idea of doing a film together had

been germinating for a while and the time finally felt right to do it. Marcus: I’d been making films for quite a while, so it made a lot of sense. In April we decided to do it and it was filmed and finished by the end of September, so it was a really fast turn around. We had made a documentary about the Children’s Film Foundation last year, and kid’s films are always the best ones, so we decided to do that. Everything was written before we started filming - there were no scenes added afterwards. A 35-page script became a 50-minute film. How easy was it to find locals to be in the cast? Nick: We put a casting call out on social media and through places we do screenings at like Centre17, then had a three-hour Saturday morning workshop. Marcus: Many of the kids had never acted before, but everyone who wanted a line in the film got one. We have 40 children in the film, there are some who had a little acting experience, but most had never acted before, which was the same for the adult actors too. One of them, Maurice, who is 80 years old was fantastic. His son didn’t know he’d done this role for us and got quite emotional when he saw it.

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Nick: One of the kids in it has now got an acting scholarship, although that was nothing to do with us. Some are just pleased to say they’ve done it, while others are already asking for a part in the next one! There was so much enthusiasm to make the film we hope there’s the same to see it. How did you find filming in the borough? It’s not a Tom Cruise film you can’t shut off Forest Road… Nick: Didn’t you see the helicopters? Marcus: Actually we didn’t have any problems. I think doing it so quickly meant the kids didn’t have time to get distracted. Parents and carers came along too, so it didn’t feel too stressful. There were only a couple of days in the summer when the kids maybe had a bit too much Sunny Delight and were impossible to manage, but that’s the summer holidays for you! We live in a very photogenic borough and I think we’ve captured that. Did it test your 25-year friendship? Marcus: Only when Nick parked at mine for six hours and kept using all my onehour parking vouchers rather than asking for a five hour one. That was the biggest test for me!

What was the most difficult part of the project? Nick: Because the tricycle becomes the object that everyone wants, it was important to get it right. We looked at tons of tricycles on selling sites all around the UK, until we came across one on Gumtree just outside Guildford. It was perfect because not only did it fit the look we wanted, but the man who was selling it was given it by his father in 1943 when they were evacuated from Leyton. It was little things like that that helped spur the project on. What has the reaction to the film been like so far? Nick: We had a screening of the trailer at Henry Maynard Primary School and the reaction was great they didn’t want it to end. Kids won’t pretend to like something either, so it was incredibly positive. Marcus: Kids are so used to seeing cartoons or American films they’re excited to see something that’s modern and relatable. Is this the first of many? Marcus: We need to focus on this one for a little while, then we’ll get the next one up and running in the Spring. It won’t be a cast of 50 next time though, and it will be a film for adults.

What’s next for Stow Film Lounge? Nick: World domination, obviously, but in a cuddly way. We’ve got big plans! There will be more screenings, including double bills with The Tricycle Thief. We want to expand the ‘cinema for hire’ element and are working with more event companies and creative agencies. We’re also involved with Welcome To The Forest and Leytonstone Loves Film in September as part of the Borough of Culture too. Exciting times are ahead.

To find out more

stowfilmlounge.com @stowfilmlounge

Top: The film’s screening at its premier at Mirth. Above: Poster for the film’s premier in December. Below – far left: Film’s screening at Centre17. Below right: Marcus and Nick of Stow Fim Lounge with Polly of Polly Wines and the Red Tricycle. All other images are stills from The Tricycle Thief.

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definition: things that are strange; queer; odd; uncommon; unusual; distinctive in nature or character from others; characteristic of; belonging exclusively to an area. Architectural historian, Karen Averby seeks out such things from this corner of London’s rich and varied past

An early ‘borough’ of Culture? As you’ll know by now this year sees Waltham Forest celebrating being the first London Borough of Culture with a varied programme of events showcasing its diversity of cultural activities. But long before the borough was even a twinkle in the civic eye, when Walthamstow and environs provided the perfect rural setting for country retreats of distinguished city folk, the area was linked with several distinguished men of the arts.

was in the arts; he later gained his doctorate in medicine at Leyden, where he wrote the earliest printed account of rickets. Despite marrying a rich widow and becoming a successful society doctor, he amassed large debts and embezzled funds from the College of Physicians. Twice-married Solly pioneered the mathematisation of logic in England. He was one of seven children born to Nonconformists Thomas and Mary Solly, and later relocated to Germany where he met his second wife, and lectured in English language and literature at the University of Berlin.

Notable musical figures include composers Martin Peerson (d.1651) and John Stanley (1714–1786). Peerson owned property at Walthamstow although as Master of Choristers at St Paul’s Cathedral he undoubtedly George Gascoigne (left) and Gascoigne presenting a manuscript to Elizabeth I resided in provided accommodation. As well as a musical legacy including pieces written for One of the earliest was Elizabethan poet the lute, he bequeathed funds which provided George Gascoigne (c.1525–1577) who weekly twopenny loaves to the poor of March, is said to have lived at Thorpe House, his birthplace. Walthamstow where Thorpe Hall Primary School is now located. Gascoigne authored Stanley lived in Salter’s Buildings at Forest the first comedy written in English prose, Rise. Although left virtually blind aged two used by Shakespeare as a source for The following a fall onto a hearth, his exceptional Taming of the Shrew, but perhaps more memory enabled him to excel musically in remarkably, his works contributed to the composition, performance and teaching... and creation of Elizabeth I’s persona of a virgin he was also a formidable opponent at cards. queen married to her people. An accomplished organist by age nine, aged seventeen he became the youngest person to Writers of Walthamstow past include writer and physician Daniel Thomas Solly’s Baptism entry. Whistler (1618-1684) and philosophical writer Thomas Solly (1816–1875), both born in Walthamstow. Whistler’s first degree 28 To advertise your business contact ads@theelist.co.uk

John Stanley

obtain a music degree at Oxford University. In 1734 he was appointed organist to the Society of the Inner Temple, and in 1779 he also became Master of the King’s Band of musicians, for whom he composed numerous New Year and Birthday odes. The area has of course irrecoverably transformed since the times of these men, but so too has the diversity of those creating the wonderful variety and breadth of arts and cultural activity at the heart of our community. archangelheritage.co.uk

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House Doctor

Penny Fielding offers creative solutions to everyday niggles you may have with your home. In the dark days of winter it’s even more important that you have a well lit home. Good lighting can make your home feel warm and cosy. It’s not only the light source but what you’re lighting that’s important. With under cupboard lighting in the kitchen for example, you don’t want to see the light fittings, just the lit countertop, so use a baffle or install something more chic like light box panels. Verner Panton (if you don’t know his work, check him out) invented the 60s in the 1950s and made lighting integral to his interior design. As well as designing some beautiful light fittings he used hidden lighting to light up his amazing colour schemes creating a glowing environment. I’m not suggesting that you do this all over your terraced house or flat, but

a slice of it here or there could be joyous, especially in conjunction with the current trend for the grey interior. Light a wall by creating a box pelmet along the length of it, to house hidden LED lighting. This will create a wash of light over the wall. Reverse the box pelmet and you will light wash the ceiling. Look out for how this is used in bars and hotel rooms. Super-saturate a coloured wall (say pink) by using (say pink) lighting. Never use blue lighting, its just plain ugly and a bit scary. Why it’s used in street lighting I have no idea! I’m not a fan of floor lighting – unless it’s exterior – people don’t look great when they are lit from underneath. As well as being practical, lighting is there in all its diversity to make you and your home look its illuminated, beautiful best. What niggles you about your home? Email penfielding@gmail.com with your thoughts. To book a session with the House Doctor please email: penfielding@gmail.com or call 07725 645 359.

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Mortgage advice that’s right up your street Marsh Street provides comprehensive mortgage advice for everyone. We source from a wide range of lenders and have access to a number of different products. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly and high quality bespoke service that ensures that you are treated fairly at all times. We have the experience and ability to identify your needs, to cut through the fine print and explain the pros and cons of each product to make life easier for our customers.

Marsh Street was the original name of Walthamstow High Street where a number of large manor houses were used as weekend or summer retreats. Samuel Pepys’ bosses had houses here, and after visiting one of them Pepys described how they had drunk wine from a local vineyard and “the whole company said they never drank better foreign wine [than this one] in their lives”.

Not only will we help you find the right mortgage, but we will use our knowledge and expertise to ensure your mortgage transaction is completed swiftly and effectively, so you can concentrate on the other parts of buying your dream home.

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. There will be a fee for the advice given, the exact amount will depend upon your circumstances but we estimate it will be £495 or 1%.

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E~LICIOUS a Guide to Fine things to Eat, Drink and Savour

Sean’s Tipple Tips Roll over Rabbie! As many of us enjoy a ‘wee dram’ on Burns Night on the 25th January, Sean Pines looks beyond Scotland at the increasingly good whiskies coming from around the globe.

For some Burns Night is the first justifiable reason to break the self-imposed dry January rules, and probably the first time many can face alcohol after the New Years shenanigans. Whilst my long lasting love for malt whisky from Scotland, the spiritual home of whisky (see what I did there!) endures, I have been very impressed by the quality of whiskies coming from parts of the world other than the usual suspects of Ireland and America. Here are but a few I recommend you look out for. India Whisky is very popular in India, and Asia in general is the second largest importer of Scotch. However, India does have its own distilleries. Amrut and John distilleries produce world class spirits. Look out for Amrut Fusion which is distilled from malted barley from both Scotland and India (thus the fusion) and is a fruity oaky delight. Paul John Single Malt Bold is a complex peaty dream maker.

australia Starward New World Malt Whisky from the Starward distillery. Matured in re-used Apera (a wine similar to Sherry) barrels and is very fruity with figgy coffee notes. Wales Penderyn Celt from the Penderyn Distillery. Finished in peated casks this fine whisky has vanilla and orange flavours with a smokey peaty finish. Japan Japan are big consumers of whisky and have close links with Scotland including ownership of several Scottish distilleries. From their own distilleries Yoichi and Yamazaki are probably the most famous here. Look out for Nikka Coffey Malt from Yoichi. Nothing to do with coffee, it’s the type of still used to make it. It has a honeyed fruity maltyness. I could go on to include examples from Taiwan, Sweden and England, yes England! Whichever you choose, enjoy one of, if not ‘the’ greatest of spirits. Hope you have a great 2019.

Sean Pines is a wine consultant and monthly wine and spirit tasting host.

sean@pineswines.co.uk @pineswines

@seanswines theelist.co.uk 31

Three poems by Michael Shann London Traffic News It’s not schadenfreude exactly, but when I hear on the radio that all three lanes of the northbound A12 are solid and the Victoria Line’s suspended, it feels good to be slicing onions in the kitchen, my route to a fish pie unimpeded, knowing just what it’s like to be not too far from home and stranded.

The London Eye What shall we do, when the tourists have gone, with its rusting scaffolding, its glass pods. Thirty-two rotating greenhouses? No! I like that. Or how about a prison for dozens of disgraced celebrities? Mmm, I suppose not. What we’ll really need is to rise above ourselves, to look down on everything we had, and then let rot.

Walthamstow Wetlands A large, umbrella-like bird almost skims the surface of reservoir number five. You said it could be a cormorant or a shag. They’re pretty much the same, you said, except one of them has waterproof feathers. That night I get a text. It wasn’t a shag, you say. Shags live by the sea. And that bit about the feathers, you’d made that up.

Michael Shann has had three books of poems published by the Paekakariki Press: Euphrasy (2012), Walthamstow (2015) and To London (2017). A second volume of London poems will be published in 2018. www.michaelshann.com

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attitudes. At the time, there was little support in East London for LGBT people and ELOP filled this gap. My role is Chair of the Board of Trustees, so I lead the team of trustees and work with the CEO on the strategic vision and direction of the organisation and work to ensure that we make this a reality. ELOPs approach is described as holistic. What does this mean and why is it so important? We see our approach as one of looking at the wider determinants of health and wellbeing. We don’t exist solely as individuals and our experience of ourselves and our interactions with others shapes who we are. Sadly when we hear repeating messages that being LGBorT is something to be mocked, made fun of or be disgusted by and experience visible and invisible barriers to accessing services, this has a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing as a whole. ELOP want to address this by supporting individuals directly in our counselling service and by supporting them socially with our safe space social groups, and practically though signposting and working with other agencies to ensure their inclusion.

LOCAL HERO

Sarah Humphreys and ELOP

Photo © paultucker.co.uk

For over 20 years ELOP has been supporting local people who identify as LGBT and those who are questioning their sexual identity. They provide an array of services for all age groups around the diverse and evolving challenges LGBT people face. Paul Lindt spoke to Sarah is the ELOP’s Chair of the Board of Trustees. Photo by Paul Tucker. Hi Sarah. Introduce us to the work of ELOP? ELOP was established in 1995 as a community counselling service, with the aim of providing supportive, affirming, quality counselling for LGBT people, by LGBT people. We have grown and changed over the years led by our user’s experiences and the varying additional

needs and experiences they had, as well as the changing legal environment. Our range of services include support for LGBT young people, LGBT young adults, LGBT asylum seekers, LGBT families and those with a range of support needs. Our work lessens isolation, builds social networks and often saves lives.

How did you become involved in the organisation and what is your role? As one of the founding members, I was part of a group of local people who had an interest in ensuring that LGBT people had a positive experience of support from the first point of contact, ensuring LGBT people could receive support from discrimination and prejudicial

Many of your services are for young people. What can people expect? At its simplest level we provide a safe space for young people to meet other people like them. We ensure our groups have activities that promote wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem: understanding of key community experiences that they may not get elsewhere and supporting them to feel positive about their identity. For some young people coming out to their family and friends is not something they feel enabled to do as it may put them at risk of danger or homelessness. Many young people still hear negative messages in their schools and communities so we work to address this. There are so many assumptions and stereotypes around of what it means to be theelist.co.uk 33

lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans that it can be hard to see where you fit so we offer young people the space to work things out for themselves. What kind of individual support can you give them? As with the other age groups ELOP support we provide support which can look at an indiviual’s needs and whether they would benefit from counselling or individual support such as mentoring and tailored one to one support to meet specific needs. Tell us about Club Mellow. Club Mellow is the name for ELOP’s range of social groups. Groups mostly meet in our centre with activities to support and facilitate member interactions with each other. So many people in our community experience loneliness and isolation or don’t feel comfortable in a pub or club environment, so we provide a safe space where they can meet others in a friendly, supportive way. We have monthly meet ups for men, women, and LGBT families; we have weekly meet ups for LGBT people seeking asylum in the UK, we have weekly support groups for 12-15s and 15-18s and twice monthly meet ups for 18-25s. In wider society gay life is still largely perceived as being inextricably linked to brash pubs and clubs or ‘The Scene’. Many of your groups are described as giving people the opportunity to meet and socialise ‘away’ from The Scene. Why is this important? Historically, the common meeting ground for LGBT people was based around pubs and clubs, which is where the term The Scene comes from. The Scene or Gay Scene also suggests the celebration of all that is LGBT with Pride being the biggest expression of this annually. Many people enjoy being seen on The Scene and feeling part of a community, however others find The Scene to be uncomfortable, either because they don’t like pubs or

clubbing spaces, they don’t feel that this enables them to make meaningful relationships or want to meet others in a space that is not based around alcohol and clubbing. It is important that there is a range of spaces that are safe for people to meet in. ELOP was originally formed in 1995. The world for LGBT people has changed a lot in 30 years. To your mind what have been the greatest changes in that time and what do you see the greatest challenges the community and groups like ELOP now face? The greatest changes have been in legislation and the increased awareness and inclusion of LGBT people in media and services. The greatest challenge is the apathy that many people have around their belief that everything is ok now for LGBT people, whereas the lived experience can be quite different. The recent research in England shows just how difficult life is for many LGBT people and how many people are not able to be out in their families, friendships groups, at work or in the communities they live in. The research also shows how LGBT people still face discrimination in services such as health and education - the basic services we all use. The LGBT voluntary and community sector also faces many challenges and receives far less funding than mainstream services. The greatest challenge that ELOP faces year after year is the increasing demand for our services whilst still facing great difficulties to find the funding to match the need. One recent development for your organisation is your work with local migrant communities. Yes we offer support to LGBT people who are seeking asylum in the UK and we do this through a weekly social and peer support group, which allows people to network and support each other in a safe space. We also have a group that supports members to develop key skills, such as CV writing and

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interview skills in preparation for volunteering and engaging in UK life and for future work. People we meet have such a range of experiences around their sexual orientation and gender identity. Most have had to hide their emerging identity all their lives and live with the understanding that their life would be at risk should they ever be discovered. Many have lost their families when they have discovered their identity and many too have experienced extreme violence, torture and the murder of partners at the hands of their local communities and police. All fear returning home and would be forced to live a lie, hiding their true identity, never having opportunity to have an open loving relationship, being forced into marriage with someone their family has identified or being sent to prison, at best, or worse, murdered. You not only help members of the LGBT community but also those people including professional who work with the community. Can you tell us a little about this? We feel that it is important that LGBT people not only have a good experience when using ELOP’s or other LGBT services, but any service when they need support. We anonymously use the experiences that our communities share with us in our counselling and other services to identify barriers in generic services and work to develop training around these. We are part of The National LGB&T Partnership and have been working with the NHS, Public Health England and Department of Health since 2010, advising on policies and consultations and developing awareness briefings and seminars around LGBT matters. We are part of a number of other partnerships, for example an anti-HBT Bullying alliance (homophobic, biphobic & transphobic) that works with schools to review their policies and practice and a VAWG (violence against

women and girls) partnership that addresses child sexual exploitation. We promote our training and support that other agencies can purchase so we can support them to have a greater awareness and improve their inclusion of LGBT people. New year is a time when many of us are motivated to try and improve our physical or mental health, whether it’s joining a gym or dealing with something holding us back. For those struggling with aspects of their sexuality might this be a good time to speak to someone like ELOP and maybe meet other people in a similar situation? Sometimes it can feel like there’s never a good time to address things that we are struggling with, but we would encourage anyone who feels this way to just reach out and talk to someone who can support them. Whilst most people who use our services identify as LGBorT, some don’t, but want support to explore their sexual orientation or gender identity. We’re here to support them through that, as well as any other life difficulty. We aren’t here to label anyone, just to help them find a way of understanding themselves that feels comfortable for them. Finally what would you like to see for the coming year? We would like to see ELOP continue to grow and become increasingly sustainable with more secure, long-term funding. Our communities are increasingly asking for our support and we want to continue to meet that demand, but need more resources to do that. We would like to see a world that celebrates diversity and difference in all its forms and is free from discrimination and hatred for all people.

020 8509 3898 info@elop.org elop.org

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E List Promotion

Pause Yoga Studio Perfectly named, Pause yoga studio sits right in the heart of Leyton on Francis Road. And you will want to stop here. Surrounded by small independent shops and cafes this tiny pedestrianised enclave of East London feels like a village. E-List’s Penny Rutterford dropped by to meet Pause studio’s owner Louise Jackson. Louise Jackson opened Pause back in 2017 and it has become very much part of the community. There are classes in yoga, pilates, barre and meditation to take you through all stages of life: from the commuter who wants to sweat at the barre or find peace at the end of the working day; to mother and baby classes or those who want to stay supple into old age. With a maximum class size of twelve, the teachers at Pause are able to give everyone attention; they can respond to each person’s needs in a way that the larger studios can’t. Louise has been keen to create a warm and friendly atmosphere far removed from some of the larger studios in central London which can sometimes feel a little intimidating, especially for someone that’s new to yoga. Her own route to becoming a yoga teacher was through her personal need to manage the anxiety and stress of a busy working life. She used her yoga practice as a way

of finding balance in her own life and she hopes this makes it more relatable for those coming to classes for the first time. The studio runs classes seven days a week and the timetable has been designed in a way to cater for everyone’s needs, whether you’re a complete beginner or have a more advanced practice. With such a wide variety of classes on offer from pre and postnatal classes, dynamic vinyasa, restorative yoga, children’s yoga and barre, it can sometimes be difficult to know which class is right for you. That’s why the studio has an intro offer for new customers in which you can enjoy unlimited classes in your first two weeks for £30. As well as their weekly classes, Pause also offers specialist workshops and courses throughout the year including monthly Hypnobirthing courses with Blume, 4 week beginners yoga and pilates courses, meditation workshops and sound healing to name a few. There’s also the chance to book one to one

sessions with one of their experienced teachers to concentrate on a particular health need or maybe to deepen your practice. Walking to the studio along Francis Road during the day, the street is a-buzz with young families. People stop to greet each other - there’s definitely a family friendly feel to the place. And this is just as true at the studio. So whether 2019 brings the possibility of a new arrival – drawing you to the hypnobirthing courses and pre or post natal classes – or you just want to take better care of your mind and body, then Louise and her wider team will be ready to welcome you. Pause Studio 187 Francis Road, Leyton E10 6NQ

To find details of the classes on offer

pausestudio.co.uk theelist.co.uk 37

Relax. Unwind. De-stress. Improve your mental and physical health £40 for a 1 hour treatment in E17 therapy room £45-£50 for a 1 hour treatment in your home (depending on location) Under 18s: £20 for a 30 minute treatment £5 off first treatment Bookings T 0770 4947 898 E annawoodwardreflexology@gmail.com

Dance Thursdays ChutneySOCA Fitness YMCA, 642 Forest Road E17 3EF ChutneySOCA Fitness, a carnivalinspired fusion of Soca, Bhangra and Bollywood is open to all, whatever your level, offering feel-good, irresistible fun! ChutneySOCA challenges and supports you whilst getting your sweat on! Please wear comfortable clothes and be sure to bring some water. Get ready to party! 6.45-7.45pm. £5 for block bookings of 4 classes, £9 drop-in. Vanessa 07958 523431 info@khyalarts.org.uk Wednesdays (term time only) Women’s Morris Dancing for Beginners St Gabriel’s Family Centre (back hall), Havant Road, Walthamstow E17 3JF Blackhorse and Standard are a friendly women’s Morris side welcoming you to have a go at Morris dancing. We are also looking for enthusiastic traditional musicians (any gender) to play for us regularly. 8-10pm. £30 per term, first term FREE. Wendy 020 8527 2926 blackhorseandstandard.org.uk

Fitness & Sport Saturdays 5 & 12 January NEW Crunch & Brunch with SuperFood HiiTStars Lloyd Park and SuperFood SupperClub, Bedford Road E17 4PX Exercise and a healthy brunch. Experience training and eating techniques that work for sustained weight loss, health, better skin and youthful vigour. Experienced trainer and member of the Naturopathic Nutrition Association. 12 week bootcamp program follows. Booking Essential. 10am-12pm. £14.99 Sarah 07789 434860 sarah.brocklehurst@icloud.com

Mondays NEW Fitness Fundamentals; Winter 2018 Leytonstone Community Sports Centre, James Lane E11 1NS From balance, coordination and flexibility, to strength, stamina and speed, you’ll practice the well-known components of fitness in a weekly session, with a group of others, making the commitment to get fit! 7-8pm. £7. Sophie Tosone 07583 505339 st-trainingpt.co.uk/classes

Yoga, Meditation & Tai Chi Wednesdays for 6 weeks NEW Holistic Core Restore® Every Woman: 6 Week Foundation Course Leyton Yoga, First Floor (above USSR), 691 High Road, Leyton E10 6RA Improve back pain, flatten your belly, strengthen your pelvic floor, learn how to nourish your body and de-stress. Appropriate for small diastasis/mild prolapse. Includes access to an online homework portal. 9.45-10.45am. £15. Children welcome but must be non-crawling. Please note: a 1-2-1 session before attending the course must be completed, £37 including a homework kit. Melissa Gaul 07793 394531 melissa-movement-massage.com Saturdays NEW Beginners Yoga in Chingford Mount Murray’s Studio, 1 Salisbury Road, Chingford E4 6TA Slow paces yoga with a focus on deep breathing and tension release. Mats are provided. 12.30-1.30pm. £7. First class FREE. kate@findtheom.com findtheom.com Saturdays NEW Weekly Saturday Morning Yoga Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN A 60min energising flow yoga class, combining movement with rhythmic breathing. We’ll stretch and strengthen the body, whilst calming the mind, and step off the mat feeling zen! Beginners welcome. 11am-12pm. £7. contactyogaannie@gmail.com yogaannie.org/schedule

Fridays NEW Weekly Friday Yoga Slowdown Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN This weekly Friday Slowdown class aims to bring some yin to the yang of your busy week and create balance within your body and mind. Starting with a Vinyasa flow and ending with Yin postures. Mats included. 6.45-7.45pm. £10, or £8 for 5. 07415 206297 zoeroweyoga.co.uk Tuesdays NEW Todos Yoga Host of Leyton, 658 High Road Leyton E10 6JP Vinyasa yoga class. Special membership discount available. Email for more info or to book a place. 6.457.45am. £10. Haydeevf@gmail.com Tuesdays NEW Post-Natal Yoga CentrE17, 1 Church Hill E17 3AB New mum and baby yoga class. Heal, strengthen and nurture yourself. Bring your little one and be part of a community of new parents. 1-5pm. £8. lorenarodrigo.com Wednesdays NEW Pilates Health Works, 111a Hoe Street (entrance on Cairo Rd) E17 4RX Pilates enables you to improve your quality of life, and my classes are designed to get you moving properly, while being fun and challenging; for body and mind”. 10-11am or 11.15am-12.15pm. £12, block of 6 classes for £66. 07587 638152 thehealthworks.co.uk Mondays NEW Gentle Pilates with Marjan Health Works, 111a Hoe Street (entrance on Cairo Rd) E17 4RX As above except Beginners 4-5 pm and Intermediate/Advanced 5-6pm. Tuesdays NEW Pregnancy Yoga Quaker Meeting House Wanstead, Bush Road E11 3AU For pregnant ladies - to connect to their bodies and their babies. Learn how to breathe and focus the mind for your upcoming labour. A chance to meet other pregnant ladies. Beginners welcome. 6.45-8pm. £13, just drop in. Helen Georghiou 07956 807675 helenyoga.co.uk Tuesdays NEW Mindfulness Yoga & Meditation Quaker Meeting House Wanstead, Bush Road E11 3AU Come join this lovely welcoming yoga class that’s been running for over 6 years. A great venue and beginners welcome. Bring a yoga mat if you have one. 8-9.15pm. £60 for 6 weeks or £12 each. helenyoga.co.uk

Wednesdays Tai Chi Principles / Mindfulness Training through Movement Grove Residental Home, 109 Grove Road E17 9BU Want to improve your energy, health, and develop better mental focus? Join us to learn Tai Chi principles through the Chinese Martial Art ‘I Liq Chuan’, training your body and mind, finding balance from the inside out. No experience needed, everyone welcome. Please contact before attending. 7.308.30pm. £10, first class FREE. m.watan@iliqchuan.com Mark 07824 395814 iliqchuan.com Wednesdays Yoga in Chingford Mount St Edmund’s Church, Larkswood Road E4 7EN Slow paced all levels asana practice with focus on breath, safe alignment and body awareness. Mats, blocks and straps are provided, but feel free to bring your own. 7.30-8.30pm. First class FREE then £7 or £20 for 3. kate@findtheom.com Wednesdays Tai Chi for Health and Balance Leytonstone United Free Church, 55 Wallwood Road E11 1AY Learn Tai Chi in a fun, comfortable environment. Suitable for all, beginners and all fitness levels welcome. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. 12.30-1.30pm. £8. Gemma 07916 334670 facebook.com/mdaforestgateleytonstone Tuesdays Mummy & Me: Postnatal/Baby Yoga Class Quaker Meeting House Wanstead, Bush Road E11 3AU A great, fun, happy post natal/baby yoga class for both you and your baby to enjoy. The first half focusing on yoga for new mums and then the babies get involved. Please bring a yoga mat if you have one . For babies from 6 weeks-12 months. 10.45am-12pm. £10 drop in, or £8 block bookings. Helen 07956 807675 helenyoga.co.uk Wednesdays NEW Prenatal Pilates Quaker Meeting House Walthamstow, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Pilates is the ideal way to keep fit and strong through your pregnancy. This class supports postural changes and helps prepare you for birth, including relaxation and breathing techniques. 7-8pm. £12. Block booking or drop in available - booking essential. Lily Dettmer 07941 862972 lilydpilates.com

For lots more dance and fitness classes please visit

theelist.co.uk

38 The E List makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. Please confirm with the venue before setting out.

Bigger on the inside Behind its modest exterior Harmony Hall accommodates salsa and circus skills training, while many mental health and faith groups also call it home. Mike Sims looked in, tempted by Bulgarian folk dancing, You might pass Harmony Hall on Truro Road on your way to the tube or returning from the market. It has an interesting history: it was founded as a mission hall by Marsh Street Congregational Church in the 1930s following the closure of several Ragged Schools in Clerkenwell. In the early days the Marsh Street Mission did a lot of work with young boys in the Walthamstow area. During the 1940s and 50s it hosted a popular boys’ club, the ‘League of Three’. There’s at least one local resident still claiming to be a member! Church mergers followed and the hall was renamed the Truro Road Community Centre in the 1960s. After the church gave it up, it went through various management arrangements until 1999 when the owner, The Shaftesbury Society (now known as Livability), asked the excellent Walthamstowbased charity CREST to take it on. In the 2000s, its name was changed again to Harmony Hall, to better represent the diverse, multicultural community it served.

From the outside, Harmony Hall is a typical Walthamstow building: modest, a bit of a surprise on a street corner, hiding the light of all its history under a bushel somewhat. Inside, however, is a different story – inside is where the magic happens. Harmony Hall welcomes an average of 1,300 people a week through its doors. It’s a haven for 33 regular user groups, including Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service, which runs 21 English language conversation and maths classes weekly. It hosts a Bulgarian dance group, the Walthamstow Youth Circus and a salsa club – oh, to join all three! It’s used by numerous faith communities; the Friday morning mosque is very popular with Muslim High Street traders. And it’s especially important to people experiencing mental health problems: it’s home to a Hearing Voices and a Bipolar Support Group, as well as a mental health lunch club on Thursdays, which attracts some forty diners.

The foyer doubles as an exhibition space run by Think Arts, displaying work by people who use art as part of their recovery from mental health issues. Under the banner of the ‘Harmony Health Hub’, the mental health groups meet regularly to support one another and to help develop new initiatives. This was a major factor in Waltham Forest’s selection as the first-ever funded Hub in London of the national mental health anti-discrimination and stigma campaign, Time to Change. Having been refurbished in 2013, Harmony Hall has a range of spaces for hire: the ground floor ‘Rhapsody Room’ with a proscenium arch and stage, with a new sound system and lighting rig; it’s used for large meetings and some lavish parties and weddings. Upstairs, the Melody Room can be used as a single space or subdivided. There’s also a studio, IT suite and kitchen. Harmony Hall carries its history of good work lightly. Next time you’re on Truro Road, look in and maybe book in as well. There will be a warm welcome.

Harmony Hall 10 Truro Road E17 7BY For more information, email alan.horne@crestwf.org.uk

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ART

BOOKS

CRAFTS

Music, Theatre & Singing

This month in town

Jan/Feb

Exhibitions & weekly events Arts, Crafts & Film Until 26 May NEW Haiki Adventure: The Craft of Games William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP A showcase of original Japanese prints alongside interactive game displays and an overview of the development process, allowing visitors to experience a modern adaptation of an ancient craft. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. FREE. wmgallery.org.uk 10 January-3 February NEW Politics of Translation by Stella Rahola Matutes, Sofia Uquillas and Paul Wood The Stone Space, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG Information lost and found in translation is the common thread of this project where the interpretation of media and its shift between the physical and representational results in a political statement about identity and reality. Thurs by appt, Fri 2-6pm, Sat 12-5pm, Sun 12-4pm. FREE. stonespace.gallery 9-31 January NEW The Forest of Culture E17 Art House, 54-56 Hoe Street E17 4PG A celebration of our Borough of Culture, with work from new artists, and new art from popular Waltham Forest artists including Hennie Haworth and Adam Graff, and Forest window art by Kirsten Schmidt. Tues-Sat 10am-6pm. FREE. e17arthouse.com Until 27 January The Enchanted Garden William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Exploring the response of Morris and other artists to the allure of garden spaces. Artists include Claude Monet, Lucien Pissarro, Edward Burne-Jones, Stanley Spencer, Beatrix Potter, Cicely Mary Barker, Roger Fry and Vanessa Bell. NB the gallery is now open on Tuesdays too! Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. FREE. wmgallery.org.uk Until 27 January Rob Ryan Upstairs at William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP A small solo exhibition of work by renowned fine artist Rob Ryan, featuring highly patterned original papercuts and limited edition silkscreen prints created in response to the Gallery’s collection. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. FREE. wmgallery.org.uk

DANCE/FITNESS

Until 30 Jan Hooksmith Press’ Correct at Time of Printing Le Petit Corner, 734 Leytonstone High Road E11 3AW Letterpress print exhibition by Leytonstone artist Russell Frost of Hooksmith Press using vintage printing methods and equipment. An eclectic mix of subject and material. Open cafe hours Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. FREE. hooksmith.com Until 27 Jan Grow Your Idea: Exhibition The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA The power of an idea: a celebration of local people making things happen. Visit The Mill to find out more about the winners, projects and learning supported by our Grow Your Idea 2 Project. Tues-Sun 9.30am-6pm. FREE. themille17.org 7 February-3 March NEW Transport(ed) by Pat Naylor The Stone Space, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG A personal exploration by the artist of landscapes glimpsed and remembered whilst journeying. The journey is not exotic; rather it is the sort of regular, routine journey common in modern life. Thurs by appt, Fri 2-6pm, Sat 12-5pm, Sun 12-4pm. FREE. stonespace.gallery 21 February-6 April NEW Best In Show: Exhibition The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Although dogs (and cats!) aren’t allowed inside, artists and makers of all ages will cover the walls with them instead in The Mill’s next exhibition! Will Fido or Felix be best in show? TuesSun 9.30am-6pm. FREE. themille17.org 23 Feb-26 May NEW Cultural Revolution: State Graphics in China from the 1960s to the 1970s William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP This exhibition displays a selection of Cultural Revolution propaganda collected in China during the 1970s. This is a touring exhibition organised by the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. FREE. wmgallery.org.uk

Events marked

Fri 22, Sat 23 & Sun 24 Feb NEW Parliament Square by James Fritz Forest Community Theatre, Guildford Road, off Hale End Road E17 4EA Raw, disturbing and compassionate, Fritz’ powerful play forces a confrontation with some of the most urgent questions we face. 7.4510.30pm. £9, £6 conc. 0208 524 7269 dramaworkshopwf@gmail.com Sundays DRAG Out The Weekend The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Free, weekly DRAG comedy cabaret show with the most fabulous drag queens in the biz. 7-10.30pm. FREE. thenorthcotee11.com Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 January Snow White And The Eight Dwarves Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR A fun, community pantomime. Natural Voices Choirs, Orford House and The Starlighter’s Theatre Company collaborate to produce an exciting, family show to bring a smile to your new year. Saturday & Sunday 3-4pm & Saturday only 7-8pm. £10, kids FREE. Lizzy Renihan 020 8520 5687 orfordhouse.org Fridays Karaoke Night with CNN Karaoke The Victoria, 188 Hoe Street E17 4QH Old songs, new songs, rock n’ roll, and blues songs...we have something for everyone. So join us as you take the mic and become the star. FREE entry. Thursdays The Singing Room: Choir & Workshop St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Side Hall, Havant Road E17 3JF Develop and learn a capella (unaccompanied) singing and singing by ear. Lively, fun supportive workshops. Opportunities to sing and perform in the choir. First session free! 7.30-9.15pm. £10, or 10 for £80. Anna Williams 07931 372996 thesingingroom.org Mondays (term time only) Sing17 Community Choir Walthamstow Trades Hall, 61-63 Tower Hamlets Road E17 4RQ Start the new year with a song. Join our friendly, informal choir for some top notch singing. No previous experience needed. Absolutely no auditions. Regular or come-whenyou-can members welcome. See you there! 7.30-9pm. £8 PAYG, £7 in adv, FREE taster. Laura 07813 686980 or sing17.com

FAMILY

FILM

Wednesdays UkulelE17 Jam The Bell, 617 Forest Road/Chingford Road E17 4NE Walthamstow’s free ukulele jam night. All abilities welcome. Check UkulelE17 on Facebook or Twitter for details of where to download songbooks. 8-11pm. FREE. facebook.com/ukulele17 Wednesdays Sing17 Day Choir St Gabriel’s Family Centre, Side Hall, Havant Road E17 3JF Raise your voice and lift your spirits! Make new friends, have some fun. Boost your morale. Sing away your stress. All comers and all abilities welcome. 2-3pm. £5, FREE sessions and concessions available. Laura 07813 686980 sing17.com Mondays (term time only) Waltham Forest Community Choir St Mary’s Church, Church End Walthamstow E17 9RJ We are a friendly choir with a wideranging repertoire. Open to adults living or working in Waltham Forest. No audition required. 7.30-9.30pm. Termly subscription £40-£60 plus refundable deposit for sheet music, first session FREE. Membership Secretary 07954 740745 singwithus.net

Outdoors Thursdays Lloyd Park Volunteer Gardening Meet in the William Morris Garden, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Help keep Lloyd Park looking beautiful, improve your health and well-being, meet new people and gain new skills. 10am-1pm. FREE. ellie.mortimer@walthamforest.gov.uk walthamforest.gov.uk/content/lloyd-park Wednesdays Chingford Green Gym Ridgeway Park, The Ridgeway, Old Church Road Chingford E4 6XU Get physically active and meet new people through conservation of the natural environment, creating new habitats, planting new trees and plants and looking after the local green spaces. All tools and refreshments provided. 9.45am-1pm. FREE. Gareth 07731 450839 tcv.org.uk Fridays Walthamstow Green Gym Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP As above but different day, time and location. 10.45am-2pm. FREE.

kid friendly

40 The E List makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. Please confirm with the venue before setting out.

FOOD & DRINK

OUTDOORS

HISTORY

Games & Social

Museums

Tuesdays General Knowledge Quiz The Village Pub, 31 Orford Road E17 9NL Can you beat the cards? Will you be lucky 7? Or will you be taking home the spoon? Quiz night with cash and wine to be won with Neil’s Big Quiz. 8.30-11pm. £1.50 per person. village-walthamstow.com

Sundays NEW Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum 10 South Access Road E17 8AX Housed in and around a Grade II listed former Victorian waste water pumping station the museum is devoted to the technology, transport and industrial history of Walthamstow and the Lea Valley. Exhibits include steam engines, a two-thirds scale model of the famous London ‘B’ type bus built in Walthamstow plus an original 1968 Victoria Line tube car. Refreshments available. 11am-4pm. FREE. e17pumphouse.org.uk

Sundays General Knowledge Quiz The Victoria, 188 Hoe Street E17 4QH Weekly quiz night, GK questions and specialist rounds including an interval round. Cash jackpot £50+, PYCR. 8.30-11pm. £1.50 per person. Weds 9 & 23 Jan, 6 & 20 Feb etc NEW Play Your Blankety Blanks Right The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Cheekier than your average pub quiz. Four rounds of your favourite TV game shows; Countdown, The Price is Right, Blankety Blank and Play Your Cards Right plus the obligatory music and picture round. Fortnightly. 8-10pm. £2. thenorthcotee11.com

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Saturdays 5 & 19 Jan and 2 Feb NEW Life after Cancer Programme The Salvation Army, 434 Forest Road/ Ruby Road E17 4PY This is for anyone who has been affected by cancer. The programme will help you fulfil your potential after cancer by dealing early on with some of the issues that have arisen by your diagnosis. 10am-4pm. FREE, funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Stephanie Davies 07772 257465 hello@life-aftercancer.co.uk Search eventbrite.co.uk for tickets

Weekly Classes & Events for the Under 18s

Thursdays Seniors Club Waltham Forest Community Hub, 18a Orford Road E17 9LN Meet new friends at this friendly over 60s group. We have tea and biccies, play bingo; games; organise trips and more. 2-4pm. £2, includes refreshments. Sandra 020 8223 0707 wfchub.org Wednesdays Lloyd Park Sharing Heritage Lloyd Park, Community Bowls Pavilion, Forest Road E17 4PP A friendly daytime group for the over 50s meeting weekly to explore the nature and cultural heritage of Lloyd Park. Currently working on a ‘Listening Project, Memories of Lloyd Park’. 10am-12pm. FREE. Vicky Peet 07870 678571 v.peet@tcv.org.uk

Events marked

kid friendly

Fridays NEW Shoto Cubs Karate Class Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre, 170 Chingford Road E17 5AA A small group class for 4-6 year olds to learn basic Shotokan Karate techniques, improve co-ordination and balance, learn to work with others and enhance their listening skills. 5-5.45pm. £6, FREE taster. Liz 0777 6437937 karate-london.co.uk shotokarate.east@gmail.com Thursdays 10 Jan-7 Feb NEW Kids’ Art Club The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA New term of five sessions with David, Jane and Mo - have fun and learn - exploring themes using drawing and painting materials, and clay, collage and print techniques. Can be messy! For ages 6+, under 8s must be accompanied. 4-5pm. £2. Places limited, please book ahead. themill-coppermill.org Various Days Music Groups and Ensembles for Children Waltham Forest Music Service at Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill E17 9RZ Take your musical instrument playing onto the next level by playing in a group with other musicians. Whether beginner, intermediate or advanced we have a group for you. See website for full timetable. £30 for 10 week course, £15 for low income families. WF Music Service 020 8496 1584 walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service

MUSIC

SHOPPING

Wednesdays French for Kids The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Offering kids the chance to enjoy a fun and positive approach to learning a language through our award winning programmes. Classes are based on stories, role plays, games, crafts and songs. 4.15-5.25pm. £5.50, FREE taster. Arno Meyong 07846 018215 lajolieronde.co.uk Thursdays Spanish for Kids The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA As above, except Thursdays 4-5.10pm. Tuesdays Club Mellow: 13-15yrs LGBT Group ELOP Centre, 56-60 Grove Rd E17 9BN This group is a weekly space for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans* young people aged 13-15yrs who want to meet up with others in a friendly, supportive environment. 4.45-6.45pm. FREE. Richard 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org or visit elop.org Tuesdays Club Mellow: 15-18yrs LGBT Group ELOP Centre, 56-60 Grove Rd E17 9BN Weekly social group for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans* young people - as above - but for a different age group. 7-9pm. FREE. Fridays (term time only) Bongalong Music for Under 1s 1 Hoe Street/Forest Road E17 4BF Fun, creative, relaxed music sessions for babies No parking at the venue. 1.302.15pm. £6.50. Book a trial or a term. Fiona 07811 460282 bongalong.co.uk Saturdays (term time only) Drop-in Bongalong Early Risers St Gabriel’s Family Centre (back hall), Havant Road E17 3JF Fun, creative music sessions for under 5s and their carers. Singing, dancing, instruments and a story. Parking available. 9am and 10am. £6.50. bongalong.co.uk Sundays (term time only) Natural Voices: 12+ Youth Choir Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Road E17 9QR New choir for secondary school age looking for singers who love harmony and great contemporary music to join a strong group of singers. For budding singer songwriters! 12-1pm. £6 dropin, £5 if paid termly, FREE taster. Lizzy Renihan 07950 204338 naturalvoices.co.uk

COMEDY/THEATRE

Mondays from 7 January NEW Mini Musicians: Next Steps 4-7yrs Community Hub, 18A Orford Road E17 9LN Children will experience and enjoy music as listeners, creators and performers, whilst laying the foundation for future instrumental and vocal training. 4.30-5.15pm. £59.50 for 10 week course, £30.50 for low income families. WF Music Service 020 8496 1584 walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service Tuesdays & Fridays Mini Musicians for Babies & Children Community Hub, 18A Orford Road E17 9LN Music making classes taught by Early Years Music specialists and include singing, dancing and playing with an exciting range of instruments. 10.15am-12pm. £67.50 for 10 week course. WF Music Service 020 8496 1584 walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service Saturdays from 12 January NEW The Little Choir of Joy Waltham Forest Music Service at Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill E17 9RZ For children of all abilities age 6+. Through a wide range of songs from classical to pop, musicals and world music, we cover all aspects of vocal technique to build a solid foundation for singers. 10.30-11.30am. £3 per session, £1.50 for low income families. WF Music Service 020 8496 1584 walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service Wednesdays Viola Classes for 7-12 yr olds Waltham Forest Music Service at Walthamstow School for Girls, Church Hill E17 9RZ Special offer; 30 min beginner viola group lessons including instrument hire. Give it a try! 4-5.30pm. £30 per 10 session term. WF Music Service 020 8496 1584 walthamforest.gov.uk/music-service

Weekly Classes for Adults Mondays NEW WEA Theatre Studies: Molière The Greenleaf Centre, 67-69 Greenleaf Road E17 6QP Read and study three plays by the great French playwright Molière and discuss theatre techniques too. Enrol in advance for whole course. 10am-12pm. £8.60 per class, FREE if on income related benefits. Beatrice Campbell 020 8527 3661 london.wea.org.uk

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ART

BOOKS

Saturdays 12 Jan-16 Feb Creative Writing Class Hale End Library, Castle Avenue, Highams Park E4 9QD Course of 6 fun and practical creative writing sessions with author Deana Luchia. All levels welcome. 2-3pm. £10. Deana Luchia 07523 887619 dluchia@gmail.com Tuesdays until 26 March NEW WEA Evening Class: History of Our Streets Shern Hall Methodist Church Hall, Shernhall St E17 9HX Explore the history of Waltham Forest by studying the buildings and past residents of our streets. Enrol in advance for whole course. 7.30-9.30pm. £8.60 per class, £94.60 per course. FREE, if on income related benefits Beatrice Campbell 020 8527 3661 london.wea.org.uk Mondays NEW Life Drawing in Leytonstone Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU A guided sociable and friendly drop-in life drawing class. Inspiring poses by professional models of different stature. Poses range from 5 to 55min. Quality art materials and paper provided. 7.309.30pm. £10, £5 members. Jennifer Wolf 07792 892405 Search www.meetup.com Tuesdays NEW Life Drawing The Birds, 692 High Road, Leytonstone E11 3AA A guided life drawing class of interesting poses with professional models of different genders, ages and origins. A great choice of art materials provided. Learn something new in this spacious and well lit venue. 7.309.30pm. £10, members £5. j_wolfmail@yahoo.com meetup.com/Life-Drawing-The-Birds Sundays 10 Feb-17 March NEW CreativiTEA Locus of Walthamstow, 1 Chingford Road E17 4PW A series of six thematic therapeutic arts sessions for adults 55 yrs+ to explore life experiences and feelings through making art, tea and talking as a group to share, reflect and discover. Booking essential as places limited. 11am-1pm. FREE. Amanda via asw67@hotmail.co.uk or search eventbrite.co.uk Tuesdays & Thursdays until 2 April Strung Out: Violin Group for Adults Quaker Meeting House Walthamstow, 1a Jewel Road E17 4QU Fun beginners-intermediates violin group for adult enthusiasts. All styles from classical to traditional. 6.307.30pm. £13, conc and early birds available. See website for start dates. shapeshifter-productions.com

Events marked

kid friendly

CRAFTS

Mondays NEW West African Drumming Circle Gnome House, 7 Blackhorse Lane E17 6DS Djembe drumming circle led by Gambian drummer Seneke Sillah. All levels welcome. 7.30-9pm. £9.50 per class including drum hire, £6.50 if you have your own. Discounts available. Chantelle Michaux 07535 326157 mbillaarts.co.uk

Calendar of Events Wednesday 2 January Under 5s, Lloyd Park Nature Explorers: All About Birds Community Room next to Le Délice Cafe, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP We’ll begin with a simple craft followed by a ramble in the park before going back inside for stories and a healthy snack. 10am-12pm. FREE, but donations welcome.

Saturday 5 January Storytime with Christina Bueckling Harrow Green Community Library,The Epicentre, 41 West Street, Leytonstone E11 4LJ Our monthly Storytime session, this month welcomes Christina, who will be telling stories written by herself, inspired by people she met on the Tube. Healthy refreshments in the interval. Especially recommended for children aged 3 to 11 years old. 2-3.30pm. FREE for all. milenedziuk@outlook.com Club Mellow: Men’s LGBT Group ELOP Centre, 56-60 Grove Rd E17 9BN A space for gay, bisexual or trans* men aged 18+ to meet up with others in a friendly, supportive environment away from the conventional gay scene. 7-9.30pm. £2. Richard 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org or visit elop.org

Sunday 6 January Family Day: Walthamstow Wassail Vestry House Museum Vestry Road E17 9NH Celebrate the New Year at Vestry House with the Walthamstow Wassail. Take part in making and singing workshops, meet the apple trees in the museum garden and process along Orford Road. 1.30-4pm. FREE. Walthamstow Part-Singing Wassail Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH In its ninth year; learn a newlyarranged traditional Wassail song, and sing it whilst walking round Walthamstow visiting homes, pubs, a bonfire, wishing everybody a Happy New Year, and sing to apple trees and beehives! 2-8pm. £2. walthamstowwassail.wordpress.com

DANCE/FITNESS DRAG Out The Weekend with Topsie Redfern The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Topsie brings her mix of fun and games to the audience. Beautiful theatre classics and a good dose of pop. Dancing optional but likely. Expect to be part of the show. 7-10.30pm. FREE. thenorthcotee11.com

Tuesday 8 January Family History Quiz Spruce Hill Baptist Church Hall, Brookscroft Road E17 4JP Light-hearted quiz on family, social and local history. Food and drink provided. Wheelchair accessible. 8-10pm. FREE. Mark Carroll 07902 208028 wffhs.org.uk

Wednesday 9 January La Leche League Waltham Forest: Beyond Babyhood Walthamstow Children and Family Centre, 313 Billet Road E17 5PX Relaxed group meeting for mothers and babies 6m+ with a breastfeeding counsellor present. This warm group offers support for individuals with or without current breastfeeding challenges. Second Wed of every month. 10am-12pm. FREE but £1 donation welcome. lllwf.elizabeth@gmail.com

Thursday 10 January Club Mellow: 18-25’s LGBT Group ELOP Centre, 56-60 Grove Rd E17 9BN A monthly space for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans* young people aged 18-25 years who want to meet up with others in a friendly, supportive environment away from the scene. 6.30-9pm. £2. Richard 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org or visit elop.org Music Bingo The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Replacing numbers with song intros. Cross off the songs on your sheet as you hear them. First to win gets the £50-£100 jackpot. First games at 8pm. 7.45-11pm. £1. thenorthcotee11.com John Robertson’s The Dark Room Maud, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Come and play the world’s first liveaction text-based adventure game! The Dark Room blurs the lines between comedy and game show and the audience play as contestants. ‘Not to be missed’ - The Guardian. 8pm. £12. mirthmarvelandmaud.com/event Red Imp presents Josie Long Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA We kick off our 2019 female headliner year with multi-award-winning Josie Long. Support comes from the brilliant Mark Maier and rising star Elliot Steel. Not to be missed. 8.30-10.30pm. £12. contact@redimpcomedy.com redimpcomedy.com

FAMILY

FILM

Friday 11 January London Borough of Culture Opening Event: Welcome to the Forest Waltham Forest Town Hall & Lloyd Park, Forest Rd E17 4JF This spectacular opening event will be the biggest party Waltham Forest has ever seen. Participating artists include Talvin Singh, Greenaway & Greenaway, Addictive TV, Marshmallow Laser Feast, Erland Cooper, Electronic 17 and Gods Own Junkyard. Locallybased international festival curators Continental Drifts will transform Forest Road into a neon-lit, celebratory winter carnival. 6-9.30pm. FREE. wfculture19.co.uk Leki Perspective: LEMZI Album Headline Show Richmix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road E1 6LA A chance to start the new year properly with some of London’s finest emerging artists. Join LEMZI as he brings his debut album, Leki, to life alongside incredible support acts. 7-11.30pm. £8, £10 on the door. richmix.org.uk/events Sonic Rebellion: Rock & Metal Club Night Sinbin at The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU Metal Warriors present your favourite monthly hard rock and heavy metal club night with quality live acts and timeless anthems in the mosh pit! 8-11pm. FREE. facebook.com/SinbinE11 Irish Session led by Wraggle Taggle The Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane E17 7HF Wraggle Taggle features all-Ireland champion musicians Carlene and Goretti Anglim on fiddle and flute, with Mick Bailey on guitar/vocals. Proficient players of Irish folk welcome to bring their own instruments and join in. 8.30-11pm. FREE. coppermillpub.wordpress.com

Saturday 12 January London Borough of Culture Opening Weekend Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road E17 4JF Check website for up-to-date events. 6-9.30pm. FREE. wfculture19.co.uk.

Sunday 13 January London Borough of Culture Opening Weekend Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road E17 4JF Check website for up-to-date events. 6-9.30pm. FREE. wfculture19.co.uk. Moore Moss Rutter at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Awesome traditional tunes from three outstanding musicians. 7.30-10.30pm. £8, £6 unwaged. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

42 The E List makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. Please confirm with the venue before setting out.

FOOD & DRINK

OUTDOORS

DRAG Out The Weekend with Fonda Cox The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Award-winning artist Fonda will share some of the most intimate details of her love, life and aspirations with you. Presented with a splash of stand up comedy in between belting out hits! 7-10.30pm. FREE. thenorthcotee11.com

Weds 16 January La Leche League: Breastfeeding Support Group Lloyd Park Children’s Centre, Lloyd Park (Winns Avenue entrance) E17 5JW Details as Weds 9 January, except different venue on third Weds of the month. For mothers and babies of all ages, focusing on a theme. 10am12pm. FREE but £1 donation welcome. lllwf.elizabeth@gmail.com Hypnobirthing: Free Taster Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road E17 7BY Relaxation and breathing techniques for a calm, empowering labour. Meet the amazing hypnomums community and make some great friends. Free yourself of the fear of childbirth and learn how important a role your partner plays. 12-1.30pm. FREE. Repeated 21 and 30 January. Jo Redmond 07587 638154 hypnobirthingwithjo.com My Year As An Archaeologist Leyton Sixth Form College, Essex Road (off Lea Bridge Road) E10 6EQ Les Capon, of the Leyton and Leytonstone Historial Society, will give his annual archaeological lecture. Come and have a cuppa beforehand. Doors 7.15pm, 7.45-9.45pm. £2, L&LHS members FREE. leytonhistorysociety.org.uk

Thursday 17 January Ensemble Solaire: Wind Quintet St Mary’s Music Church, Church Hill/ Church End E17 9RL Music in the Village presents prizewinning wind quintet Ensemble Solaire, who’ll play captivating music by Samuel Barber and Carl Nielsen plus a sensational new arrangement of Ravel’s F major string quartet for woodwind instruments! All tickets on door. 7.309pm. £13.50, £7 conc. petermccarthy-violone.co.uk Los Otros at The Vic The Victoria, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH All your favourite jazz standards with a bit of Latin and swing. Be prepared for surprises - guest vocalists, upbeat dance rhythms and music for mellow moods. 9-11.30pm. FREE. losotros.co.uk

Events marked

kid friendly

HISTORY

MUSIC

SHOPPING

Friday 18 January

Thursday 24 January

Dial M for Music Sir Alfred Hitchcock Hotel, 147 Whipps Cross Road E11 1NP Monthly music club hosted by superb local band the Persecuted performing original material and featuring different special guests each month. Free raffles, vintage sales and a fantastic atmosphere. A warm welcome guaranteed. 7.45-11pm. FREE, with collection for the bands. bradwry@yahoo.co.uk thehitchcockhotel.com

Music Bingo The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL Replacing numbers with song intros. Cross off the songs on your sheet as you hear them. First to win gets the £50-£100 jackpot. First games at 8pm. 7.45-11pm. £1. thenorthcotee11.com

Saturday 19 January From Monoux and Morris to Beer and Bacon Jam Meet at William Morris Gallery, Forest Road E17 4PP Guided walk exploring E17’s fascinating history. Stories include the Dickens’ plagiarist, the hidden Greek theatre and what Pepys thought of Walthamstow wine. 2-4pm. £12, £9 conc, with £1 from each ticket to Prostate Cancer UK bit.ly/E17MoncrieffWalk

Friday 25 January St John’s Music Hall presents Addictive TV: Orchestra of Samples St John’s Music Hall, St John’s Church, High Road, Leytonstone E11 1HH (See our feature on page 17) The genre-defying artists present their audio-visual spectacular ‘Orchestra of Samples’, a musical journey without borders sampling and splicing over 200 musicians filmed around the world, featuring special guests, local artists Layil Barr and Khaled Hakim. 6.3010pm. £9-£12. musichalls.org

Sunday 20 January

Saturday 26 January

Club Mellow: Rainbow Families LGBT Group The Limes, William Morris Hall, 6 Somers Road E17 6RX A monthly opportunity for LGBT parents and carers with children of all ages to meet, socialise and build support networks, offering children the opportunity to meet other LGBT families and develop a positive sense of self identity. 3-5pm. £2, kids £1. ELOP 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org or visit elop.org

Family Day: ‘En Plein Air’ William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP On the last Saturday of every month the William Morris Gallery is packed full of fun activities for families. Wrap up warm and enjoy painting outdoors and indoors, experimenting with light and shade. Free, drop-in event for families with children of all ages. 1-4pm. FREE.

Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne has exploded to prominence as a solo performer over the last year. A future folk megastar in the making. 7.3010.30pm. £8, unwaged £6. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

Monday 21 January Hypnobirthing: Free Taster Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road E17 7BY Details as 16 Jan, except 5-6.30pm. Club Mellow: Womens LGBT Group ELOP Centre, 56-60 Grove Rd E17 9BN A space for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans* women who have sex with women who want to meet up with others in a friendly, supportive environment away from the scene. 7-9.30pm. £2. Richard 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org or visit elop.org

Happy Birthday Mozart St John’s Church, Leytonstone, High Road/Church Lane E111HH Celebrate Mozart’s birthday in style with the London Gala Orchestra performing highlights from Figaro, Don Giovani, Clarinet Concerto, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Symphony 40. 7.30 -9.30pm. £12. stephenelleryconductor.co.uk/ Leytonstone.html Mingus Elastic Band The Coppermill Pub, 205 Coppermill Lane E17 7HF Tony Mingus and his excellent band make a welcome return with their lively country blues. Fabulous harmonies over foot-stompingly good music. 8.30-11pm. FREE. coppermillpub.wordpress.com

Sunday 27 January St Barnabas Sunday Concerts: That’s All Folk(s) St Barnabas Church, St Barnabas Road E17 8JZ A beautiful exploration of folk music from the far corners of the world ancient melodies, classical traditions and modern twists. All welcome plus reception afterwards. 4-5pm. FREE, but donations to a chosen charity welcome. stbarnabassundayconcerts.weebly.com

COMEDY/THEATRE

Engine Running Day Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum, 10 South Access Road E17 8AX Housed in and around a Grade II listed former Victorian waste water pumping station the musuem is devoted to the technology, transport and industrial history of Walthamstow and the Lea Valley. Exhibits include steam engines, a two-thirds scale model of the famous London ‘B’ type bus built in Walthamstow plus an original 1968 Victoria Line tube car. Today is the once-a-month opportunity to see an 1897 engine running! Refreshments available. 11am-4pm. FREE. e17pumphouse.org.uk It Ain’t No Disco The Northcote, 110 Grove Green Road E11 4EL On the last Sunday of the month. A friendly DJ and chill with no pretentions. Bloody Marys and a read of the papers over a delicious pizza, turns into toe-tapping, turns into a dance floor towards the evening. 1.306.30pm. FREE. thenorthcotee11.com

Monday 28 January Club Mellow: 18-25s LGBT Group ELOP Centre, 56-60 Grove Rd E17 9BN A space for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans* young people aged 18-25 who want to meet up with others in a friendly, supportive environment away from the scene. 6.30-9pm. £2. Richard 020 8509 3898 info@elop.org or visit elop.org East London Humanists Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road E11 2RQ Thought-provoking monthly event. See website for details. Free and open to all. Doors 7pm for light refreshments. Join us afterwards at The George for further socialising. 7.30-9pm. FREE. Paul 07801 429782 eastlondon.humanist.org.uk

Tuesday 29 January Meet the Author: Chloe Mayer Leytonstone Library, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 IHG The library’s first Author Talk of 2019 is with Chloe Mayer whose debut ‘The Boy Made of Snow’ was published in 2017. This interactive session will include discussion, reading and book signing. Her book will also be on sale. 7-8pm. FREE.

Wednesday 30 January Breaking Free Waltham Forest College, 707 Forest Road E17 4JB A panel of speakers including a survivor of domestic violence will speak primarily about financial control as a way to abuse a partner or family member. Women only, 13 years and over. 6-9.30pm. FREE including refreshments. info.wfwn@gmail.com wfwomen.wordpress.com

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ART

BOOKS

Wednesday 30 January continued Hypnobirthing: Free Taster Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road E17 7BY Details as 16 January

Thursday 31 January Waltham Forest Dyslexia Association Quiz The Star of India, 875 High Road Leytonstone E11 1HR Curry and quiz evening with raffle. All proceeds go to Waltham Forest Dyslexia Association. 7-10pm. £10. Lois Hood 07815 800629 wfda.org.uk Stow Film Lounge presents THE DEATH OF STALIN (Armando Iannucci, 2018, Cert 15) Wild Card Brewery, Unit 2 Lockwood Way E17 5RB Combining palace intrigue with rapidfire farce, this audacious comedy is a bitingly funny takedown of bureaucratic dysfunction performed to the hilt by a sparkling ensemble cast. Doors 7.15pm, film 8pm, close 10.15pm. Tickets £8.50/£6.50 conc on the door, buying online incurs booking fee. Pre-booked ticket and pizza offer £15.25. Wild Card bar open as usual. stowfilmlounge.com

Friday 1 February Horsemeat Sandwich Sinbin at The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU Vis The Spoon presents a bap full of energetic post-punk alt-rock’n’roll topped with some prog and spiked with psy flavours! Check Facebook page for updates. 8pm-midnight. FREE. facebook.com/horsemeatsandwich

Saturday 2 February The Power of 3: featuring PicaPica, Fiona Bevan and Sam Kurt Mirth, Marvel and Maud, 186 Hoe St E17 4QH 3 successful but under-the-radar local female led acts you should know more about, playing live: PicaPica, Fiona Bevan and Sam Kurt. Expect Folk, ballads and Americana as part of the Borough of Culture celebrations. 7.30pm-midnight. £5. Tickets from ticketsource.co.uk (search PicaPica)

Sunday 3 February Sunday Blast: Family Concert Maud, 186 Hoe Street E17 4QH Join East London Brass for a noisy family concert. With songs from Frozen, Moana, Tangled, The Lion King and Star Wars… and lots of chances to join in. Bring along something to shake, bang or blow. 8pm. Adults £12, kids £6, under 3s FREE. mirthmarvelandmaud.com/event Events marked

CRAFTS

Women Over Fifty Film Festival: Best of the Fest Mother’s Ruin Gin Palace, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street E17 9HQ Shorts Programme from the Women Over Fifty Film Festival. Come get a little culture and cocktails. Check Facebook for details nearer the time. 2.30-6pm. FREE but Film Festival donations gratefully received. facebook.com/wo50ff Damien Barber & Mike Wilson at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Two of the finest exponents of traditional song in the UK. Damien and Mike have a rich shared repertoire of traditional songs. 7.30-10.30pm. £8, unwaged £6. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

Wednesday 6 February Under 5s, Lloyd Park Nature Explorers: Plants We Eat Community Room next to Le Délice Cafe, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP We’ll begin with a simple craft followed by a ramble in the park before going back inside for stories and a healthy snack. 10am-12pm. FREE, but donations welcome. Red Imp presents Shappi Khorsandi work in progress Ye Olde Rose & Crown Theatre Pub, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Warming up for her forthcoming tour, Shappi returns to the best and original E17 comedy club. Support from Paul McCaffrey - BBC3’s Impractical Jokers and fresh from supporting Kevin Bridges. 8.30-10.30pm. £12.50. contact@redimpcomedy.com redimpcomedy.com

Friday 8 February Lake of Stars & Music Halls Project St John’s Music Hall, St John’s Church, High Road, Leytonstone E11 1HH Two of the borough’s finest promoters join forces to take you on a musical journey of discovery in the atmospheric setting of St John’s Church. 6.30-10pm. £10-12. musichalls.org

Saturday 9 February WMAG Fundraiser Gig #2: Jelly Cleaver The Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street E17 9AH Singer-songwriter Jelly Cleaver’s lyrics are often inspired by social and political issues. Half of the evening’s proceeds go to Walthamstow Migrants Support Centre, offering free legal support to those in need. 8-10pm. £6 in adv, £7on the door. katja@artcatcher.co.uk ticketlab.co.uk/event/id/2377

DANCE/FITNESS Chicken Shack Record Hop Sinbin at The Plough & Harrow, 419 High Road, Leytonstone E11 4JU Original rock’n’roll, rockabilly and jive with house DJs Witchdoctor and Caveman. 8-11pm. £2. facebook.com/TheChickenShackRnR

Sunday 10 February Forest Philharmonic plays Elgar & Bruckner Walthamstow Assembly Hall, Forest Road E17 4JD Soloist Gemma Rosefield joins the orchestra for Elgar’s tempestuous cello concerto, written in the aftermath of the First World War. Bruckner’s majestic epic Symphony No.7 completes the programme. Free pre-concert talk at 5.30pm in the Jubilee Room. 6.309pm. £12, conc £10, under 25s £5. forestfeb19.eventbrite.co.uk

FAMILY

FILM

Hive Collective Networking Event: Digital Presence The Magistrates, 1 Farnam Avenue E17 4NX Come along and have a drink with like-minded small business owners and find out how to successfully execute your business online be it your website, content, social media or e-commerce. 6.45-9.30pm. £10. hivecollectivelondon.com/events

Friday 15 February Dial M for Music Sir Alfred Hitchcock Hotel, 147 Whipps Cross Road E11 1NP The monthly music club featuring talented musical guests - this month Mick Terry who will be launching his new album on vinyl. 7.45-11pm. FREE, with collection for the bands. thehitchcockhotel.com

Saturday 16 February Waltham Forest Vegans Market High Street (St James Street Station end) E17 7PP The popular not-for profit, community and family friendly vegan market returns for 2019. Discover vegan food, products and entertainment. On the second Sunday of the month. 10.30am-3.30pm. FREE. facebook.com/WFVMarket Family Day: Love Letters Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road E17 9NH To celebrate Valentine’s Day have fun with calligraphy and write a letter for a loved one. No need to book. Free event, donations appreciated. 1.30-4pm. FREE drop in event for families of all ages. Delta Ladies at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA A renowned multi-instrumental roots and world music duo - Vi Martin and Dee Stone. Their electro acoustic shows are noted throughout the UK and France. 7.30-10.30pm. £8, unwaged £6. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

Tuesday 12 February Family History Talk: Mo Shanks Spruce Hill Baptist Church Hall, Brookscroft Rd E17 4JP Come and hear local author Mo Shanks describe her life growing up in Walthamstow. Wheelchair accessible venue. 8-10pm. FREE. wffhs.org.uk

Wednesday 13 February La Leche League Waltham Forest: Beyond Babyhood Walthamstow Children and Family Centre, 313 Billet Road E17 5PX Details as 9 January

Holiday Art Workshops for Kids The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA For kids age 6 years plus to get arty on Saturday mornings! The Kids Art Team David, Jane and Melissa - will be running two workshops in the half term break. These will be craft based workshops so dress casual...it can get messy. Please book ahead. 10.30am-12.30pm. FREE. themill-coppermill.org

Sunday 17 February Club Mellow: Rainbow Families LGBT Group The Limes, William Morris Hall, 6 Somers Road E17 6RX Details 20 January Laura Smyth & Ted Kemp at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA Laura and Ted take a no-nonsense approach to traditional English folk song, placing an emphasis on strong vocals, tight harmonies and unfussy arrangements. 7.30-10.30pm. £8, unwaged £6. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

Tuesday 19 February Superhero Wildlife Meet at the Stables beside tennis courts, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP From Batman to Secret Squirrel the animals of Lloyd Park have influenced many super heroes... and villains! Design your own superhero animal outfit and follow a trail of animal superheroes to discover to save wildlife. 10am-1pm. FREE, but donations welcome.

kid friendly

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FOOD & DRINK

OUTDOORS

HISTORY

MUSIC

SHOPPING

Wednesday 20 February

Thursday 21 February

Friday 22 February

Abdominal & Pelvic Floor Workshop 112 Aveling Park Road E17 4NT If you have a ‘mummy tummy’, are suffering with back pain, have symptoms of ‘heaviness’ in the pelvic area, have the occasional leak or accident. Led by an Holistic Core Restore Coach. Limited to 5 people only. 9.45-11.15am. £15. Melissa Gaul 07793 394531 melissa-movement-massage.com

Gems of the Baroque Era St Mary’s Music Church, Church Hill/ Church End E17 9RL Music in the Village presents Vivaldi, Telemann and Valentini plus a new work by Melinda Maxwell, inspired by the Greek Aulos, commissioned by the Music in the Village audience. All tickets on door. 7.30-9pm. £13.50, £7 conc. petermccarthy-violone.co.uk

Blazin Fiddles St Mary’s Church Walthamstow, Church End (top of Church Hill) E17 9RL A fiddle-tastic evening from one of the world’s most prolific and exciting fiddle groups! Described as “the Led Zeppelin of the folk world”, the legendary awardwinning Scottish act never fail to set the audience alight. 6.30-10pm. From £13. musichalls.org

La Leche League: Breastfeeding Support Group Lloyd Park Children’s Centre, Lloyd Park (Winns Avenue entrance) E17 5JW Details as Weds 16 January Shakespeare’s London to the West End Playhouse St John’s Church Hall, High Road, Leytonstone E11 1HH Richard Gray will give the Leyton and Leytonstone Historical Society a lecture about the history of Shakespeare’s plays in London. All welcome. Refreshments 7.15pm. Events markedfromkid friendly7.459.45pm. £2, FREE to L&LHS members. leytonhistorysociety.org

Spring Photo Scavenger Hunt & Seed Planting Meet at the Stables beside tennis courts, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP Search for signs of Spring around Lloyd Park, taking photos on your phone camera or drawing pictures to complete the challenge. We’ll also make pots from recycled materials and plant seeds to take home and watch grow. 10am-1pm. FREE, but donations welcome. Best In Show: Meet the Artists The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Will Fido or Felix be the best in show? Join local artists and celebrate our 4-legged friends at the current exhibition at The Mill. All welcome. Nibbles and refreshments provided. 6.30-8.30pm. FREE. themille17.org

Saturday 23 February Holiday Art Workshops for Kids The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane E17 7HA Details as 16 Feb. The Posh Jumble Wanstead United Reformed Church, Nightingale Lane E11 2HD The hugely popular Posh Jumble is back with fabulous stalls selling high quality, affordable clothes and shoes including many designer items; pictures, household bits, furniture, glassware, books and jewellery. 11am3pm. £1.

COMEDY/THEATRE

Family Day: Screen and Shout! William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road E17 4PP On the last Saturday of every month the William Morris Gallery is packed full of fun activities for families. Today, screen-print a poster inspired by the Gallery’s exhibition of Chinese art. Free, drop-in event for families with children of all ages. 1-4pm. FREE.

Sunday 24 February Luke Daniels and Nancy Kerr at Walthamstow Folk Ye Olde Rose & Crown, 53 Hoe Street E17 4SA This new duo promise a stunning mix of contemporary folk music and inspired instrumental virtuosity. 7.3010.30pm. £10, unwaged £8. walthamstowfolk.co.uk

Monday 25 February East London Humanists Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road E11 2RQ Details as Monday 28 January

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The specially commissioned neon artwork created for Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019. Photo © John Sitwell / PA Wire.

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