Issue 01 March - April 2010
Question time with local general election candidates Save our cinema latest on the EMD campaign The Stow interview with Walthamstow’s hottest band
Your free community magazine for East 17
Editorial
Welcome
Welcome to the first edition of Walthamstow Now, your new bi-monthly community magazine. With such a diverse range of people living in Walthamstow the magazine hopes to bring people of all backgrounds together and spread optimism by reporting inspiring stories and presenting those who are really making a difference from campaigners to local leaders, and anyone who has something to say. Walthamstow Now will also uncover the best restaurants, events and activities with tips on what’s happening in the area. We hope that you will share your ideas and thoughts with us and we look forward to hearing your opinions on our blog. Editor: Audrey Indome Business Manager: Zohaib Khan Designers: David Warrington and Anna Selby Staff Team: Mark Brown, David Floyd and Stephen Gardiner
Contents 06 08 10 12 13
In issue 1 of Walthamstow Now you can find out about the contribution the Friends of Lloyd Park are making to your community, a local cashless barter scheme that’s growing every week, take a look at new band, The Stow, who are destined for big things in 2010 and discover how people really feel about the closure of the EMD cinema. So sit back and enjoy and if you have anything to say visit our blog at www.walthamstownow.org.co.uk Or email us at wneditorial@socialspider.com Audrey Indome. Editor Advertising: To advertise, please call 020 8521 7956, email advertising@walthamstownow.org.uk or download a media pack from www.walthamstownow.org.uk © Social Spider CIC, 2010. www.socialspider.com
Question Time Who wins? It’s up to you The Stow Walthamstow’s hottest band Making a Difference LETS get together Save Our Cinema How to get involved Your Say Do we need a cinema? Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
news Reports of a pungent smell emerging from water in Walthamstow are being investigated.
A community activist goes Whipps Cross Hospital is head-to-head with the three reopened after a Norovirus main parties in a bid to win outbreak. the next local election.
What’s happening
The latest news in Walthamstow
Big funding for Waltham Forest £210,000 has been awarded to community projects in the Borough of Waltham Forest through the Big Lottery Fund. 25 community-based projects will benefit from the money after the Awards for All small grants scheme was established 18 months ago. Any local voluntary groups that are interested should get in touch at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.
Walthamstow’s smelly water investigated Reports of a pungent smell emerging from water in Walthamstow are being investigated after hundreds of complaints were made by residents. Thames Water has stopped using sources from the River Lea while the situation is being looked into. Tests have been conducted but so far nothing abnormal has been found.
Community activist to run for election A community activist has decided to go head-to-head with the three main parties in a bid to win the next local election. 64-year old Michael Gold has been a prominent force in campaigning for the William Morris Park and promises to back community-related campaigns such as saving the EMD cinema in Hoe Street.
Whipps Cross to reopen Most areas of Whipps Cross Hospital have reopened after being closed to visitors due to a Norovirus outbreak. After direction from the Health Protection Agency Whipps Cross stayed closed to ensure that the had cleared. Visitors are being asked to follow hand hygiene procedures while at the hospital. Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
05
feature
Question time Why are you the right person to be the MP for Walthamstow? I have spent my whole life living, working and enjoying my social life in and around Walthamstow. Like the majority of Walthamstow residents, I wish to see the streets cleaner, safer and actually usable, which so many are not at present. I am working class and have had to contend with such horrible circumstances as redundancy, brought on by Labour’s horrible mismanagement of the British economy. I wish to see Walthamstow become a great place for us all to live, work and enjoy life.
Conservatives Andy Hemsted
Like the majority of Walthamstow residents, I wish to see the streets cleaner, safer and actually usable
Why are you the right person to be the MP for Walthamstow? I came to Walthamstow as a young boy and grew up here. We need a local MP who will stand up for local people, has an office that’s open at least five days a week for local residents to come to and get help and stand up in parliament and
I came to Walthamstow as a young boy and grew up here. We need a local MP who will stand up for local people.
Liberal Democrats Farid Ahmed
06
Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
fight for local residents rather than tow the party line. These are all the things I want to do if local residents support my campaign to represent them in Parliament and these are the things I think all MPs should be doing.
Walthamstow Now talks to the four main candidates for the upcoming general election What’s the best thing about Walthamstow? The people, who are, on the whole, friendly, hardworking and really do care about the area and people around them. Oh and the different types of food it is possible for me to eat! What’s the worst thing about Walthamstow? The way it has been taken for granted by both Labour and Liberal Democrat Councils and MPs so that they have let things slowly get worse, instead of fighting to make things so much better. Which three government policies would you change to make life better for people in Walthamstow? Giving parents and teachers more control over the running of THEIR schools. Harder and tougher sentences for antisocial behaviour so we can reclaim our streets. Lower taxes when it is sensible to, so that people can spend THEIR money enjoying their lives with their families and friends.
What’s the best thing about Walthamstow? The diverse and vibrant community makes Walthamstow an amazing and interesting place to live. What’s the worst thing about Walthamstow? Street cleaning; so much more needs to be done to give Walthamstow’s residents cleaner safer streets. Which three government policies would you change to make life better for people in Walthamstow? Scrap ID cards and use the £1 billion saving to pay for 3,000 more police. Introduce the Lib Dems ‘Fair Deal for Children’ policies to give children and young people a head start in life this would include scrapping University tuition fees. Stop all NHS cuts that are reducing frontline services; while the government needs to make cuts to the budget it’s important the quality of patient care is not affected.
feature Walthamstow’s current MP, Neil Gerrard (Labour) is retiring at the election.
Why are you the right person to be the MP for Walthamstow? I believe I am the right person to be MP for Walthamstow because I have a real passion for a fairer society. I aim to be as transparent as possible and will remain accountable to the constituents of Walthamstow.
What’s the worst thing about Walthamstow? The fact that people are living in unfair conditions, from poor housing to a low wage. Many people in Walthamstow still have to choose between heating and eating, which should not be the case in the 21st Century.
What’s the best thing about Walthamstow? The best thing about Walthamstow has got to be its diversity. It is awash with an eclectic mix of economic and cultural opportunities, such as Walthamstow Market, which provides us with the unique landscape that we all identify with.
Which three government policies would you change to make life better for people in Walthamstow? Ending the privtisation of our health services and protecting the NHS as a service that is publicly accountable and free at the point of use. Tackle rising unemployment levels and strengthening our local economy by a significant government investment to create jobs in Walthamstow in sectors including public transport, social care, house building and green industries. A universal free-school meals service in our primary schools to ensure our children get a healthy nutritious lunch, reduce social stigmatism, and help with the cost of family life.
I believe I am the right person to be MP for Walthamstow because I have a real passion for a fairer society.
Why are you the right person to be the MP for Walthamstow? Walthamstow is home to me; I’ve been an active community campaigner. Whether fighting for the jobs and investment we need, or lobbying for services for vulnerable people and to cut carbon emissions, my commitment is to act on the issues that matter. What’s the best thing about Walthamstow? It’s the people who make E17 so special. We’re proud you can buy a mountain of bananas in the market for £1. Or how lovely it is to go for a walk in the Marshes and feel a million miles from the centre of town. What’s the worst thing about Walthamstow? The worst thing is to see opportunities being missed. We have to confront gang culture and ensure our young people are given the support and direction they need in education and through youth services to achieve their potential.
Green Party Daniel Perrett
It’s the people who make E17 so special. We’re proud you can buy a mountain of bananas in the market for £1.
Which three government policies would you change to make life better for people in Walthamstow? Building on the achievements of our Children’s Centres or introducing a London Living wage so everyone can earn a decent living. We need to support local small businesses and entrepreneurs. They will be key to ensuring our economy can thrive in future. Here in Walthamstow we have all fought hard to protect our NHS and will continue to do so. We need to invest even more in the early detection and treatment of diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. This would improve and save the lives of many local people.
Labour Stella Creasy
Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
07
The Stow What’s the next best thing to come out of Walthamstow since, well, E17? Exciting new band The Stow. In their short time together they have established themselves on the new music scene and are set for big things in 2010.
T
he Stow are Haydn 27, Shi 24, Will 24, Dave 21 and Matt22 and after winning MEmusic and Nissan QASHQAI’s Online and Ontour competition, the band were given the opportunity to tour with fellow home grown talent, VV Brown. What’s different about The Stow? They have a style that cannot be categorised drawing from a range of musical influences, their sound is unique and is bound to get people talking British talent. Rapper and songwriter Haydn tells Walthamstow Now about the band and what fans can expect. Each member has a musical background but how did they come together to form the band? Haydn says, “I started 08
Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
off as a solo artist and I’ve always loved live music, so I made a mix tape album and my drummer, Will played on it. Then we put out a few ads and Bob’s your uncle. We auditioned people and at first Will didn’t want to be part of the band, but then he came around to the idea. Matt was the only person I approached personally and I asked him to join us and Shi was originally our backing singer”. Most great bands end up together by accident and this was no different for The Stow. Having set up an audition process to select potential members Haydn didn’t have a specific idea of what he was looking for but it all managed to fall into place and ended up creating a sound that worked and The Stow was born. “It all just happened, originally we wanted a keyboard player
Most great bands end up together by accident and this was no different for The Stow.
feature
“Matt is our sex symbol the girls go crazy for him, especially when he plays guitar solos.”
but we realised that we liked the sound we made without one”. The band have only been together a year but prove that it’s all about the quality of the music you make. They produce music which will have you thinking they’ve been around for years. For all five members music is their number one love. As Haydn explains, it is what everyone has always wanted to do: “Every one of us has wanted to do this all our lives”. With each member of the group coming from a solo background trying to forge individual careers, do egos ever get out of control? “No not at all, with us we have been so lucky that everyone gets on so well. When we did the tour that was the test to see if we could get on, so for two weeks we were together constantly. Shi’s the only girl and she
relates to us guys just fine. Matt is our sex symbol; the girls go crazy for him, especially when he plays his guitar solos”. So what does the future hold for The Stow and what are the aspirations for the band? “Whatever happens we’ve got a very busy year ahead and we’re fully booked up until July. Apart from that we just hope that our fans enjoy what we’re doing, and look forward to making music and doing what we all love”. To find out more check their MySpace: www.myspace.com/thestow. Or see The Stow live on the following dates: 19 March 2010 at Barfly in Camden 25 March 2010 at The Cooler 31 March 2010 at The Metro Wrap party Vinyl Factory Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
09
feature
LETS make a difference Waltham Forest is, like many neighbourhoods around the world, fighting off the deepening gloom in the real economy. How? By developing an alternative local economy which is easy, builds the community and saves its members a lot of cash money.
T
he Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS) allows its members to exchange goods, skills and services without using cash. Members offer each other anything from cat-feeding and lawn-mowing to DIY, music lessons or yoga. When these services are used by other members the provider gets an agreed sum - in a fictional currency. Waltham Forest’s LETS currency is the ‘Beam’, named after the Hornbeam environmental centre where the scheme was started in the 1990s. They then use this credit, recorded on the LETS online trading system, to employ other members to provide services for them. The system is tax free, almost cost free and, unlike the real economy, not prone to collapsing under a mountain of bad debt. All that’s required is a certain amount of spare time. Waltham Forest LETS has a renewed vigour since its re-launch last year which doubled its numbers overnight. Since then, recruitment has increased steadily and the scheme now has around 170 members many, of whom trade regularly. Sue Wheat has been a member of
10
Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
Waltham Forest LETS for two years as a regular trader and is now the group’s Chair. “I think of LETS now before I buy almost anything, now we have everyone’s ‘offers’ and ‘wants’ online, it’s easy to check if someone can provide you with something you need. So I have about six people on my mobile I can ring when I need a lift. I have had lots of picture frames made by a picture framer who lives just over the road from me. I’m getting regular DIY help in my house from an ex-builder. And I am getting piano lessons, which I am really excited about.”
If someone came and dug your allotment for several hours they might want to charge more than if they just came and fed your cat while you were on holiday.
big bonus. “There’s no way I would have piano lessons, for instance, at the moment as I just don’t have the spare cash.” In return she offers members a copywriting service, sewing, and rental of tools, books and DVDs. The value of one Beam is roughly equal to £1 (although they cannot be exchanged for sterling), and there is a general understanding that everyone’s time is valued at the same rate, which is 10 Beams per hour. There is room for negotiation though. “If someone came and dug your allotment for several hours they might want to charge more than if they just came and fed your cat while you were on holiday,” explains Ms Wheat. “So it’s up to the buyer and seller to negotiate between them. “We marketed the scheme in Waltham Forest as a way to beat the credit crunch, but a lot of people join saying they want to use it to get to know people locally too, which is great,” she adds. “People become great friends and the scheme is as much about building the community as anything.”
As Sue has recently been made re- Visit www.wflets.org. dundant, having the option of buying Email info@wflets.org things with Beams instead of pounds is a Phone 0844 561 0545
great campaigners of Walthamstow
Bottom right: the Friends of Lloyd Park, hard at work. Top: people enjoy the snow in Lloyd and Aveling Park. Bottom left: William Morris Gallery.
Friends of Lloyd Park Over a million people visit Lloyd and Aveling Park every year. Now with a £3.48 million cash boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Friends of Lloyd Park want to make the Parks an even more rewarding experience.
W
ithin the local community there are those who are passionate and determined to advocate change in Walthamstow - committed individuals who dedicate their spare time to issues affecting the area. One such group is Friends of Lloyd Park, local residents who have taken it upon themselves to be the voice of Lloyd and Aveling Park, one of the borough’s greatest attributes and visited by over a million people a year. Formed in 2004, the voluntary group also ensure the organisation and progress of the park making sure that it is fully available to park users. Not only do they work hard to assure the smooth running of anything concerning the park but they have also managed to obtain a 3.48 million cash boost from Heritage lottery to improve the park and its facilities including a new cafe, skate park, and play area. Friends of Lloyd Park chairman, Adrian Stannard says: “After five years of working closely with the council’s Greenspaces department it is great news that the lottery has decided Lloyd Park should be one of
The skaters will have a state of the art Skate Park. The cafe will be a centre of learning excellence for students.
the successful national projects to benefit from lottery funding. Lloyd Park can now upgrade its facilities making them environmentally friendly and creating an exciting experience for park visitors. The skaters will have a state of the art skate park, the cafe will be a centre of learning excellence for students from Waltham Forest College and a range of exhibitions will be mounted in the new gallery. The new club hut for the Walthamstow Bowling Club will be available for community use and the children will have a great play space.
“Congratulations must be given to all the council officers who have worked so hard to Ensure this successful outcome and we look forward to using the new facilities in 2010.” Councillor Geraldine Reardon, Waltham Forest Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Culture, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the announcement. This success is a real testament to the hard work and ambition of everyone involved in the bid, which included council officers, the Friends of Lloyd Park, park organisations and volunteers. They all put in an enormous amount of time and effort to make sure our bid was as good as it could possibly be.” “Lloyd and Aveling Park provides a great place for rest, relaxation and recreation for Waltham Forest residents, and we will be making some impressive changes to ensure it is an even more popular destination for generations to come.” If anyone is interested in joining visit www.friendsoflloydpark.org.uk Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
11
feature
Top: residents gather in support, and clockwise: behind the boarded up windows, the cinema is as spectacular as ever.
Save our cinema For seven years The McGuffin film society and residents of Waltham Forest have put on a united front with one aim to Save Walthamstow Cinema.
W
ho would have thought that after the closure of Walthamstow’s EMD cinema in 2003 it would still be standing unused and neglected? The derelict venue was once home to one of London’s most historic cinemas, a place where Alfred Hitchcock watched films and the entertainment world’s elite took to the stage including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jayne Mansfield. The exquisite building closed in 2003 after a controversial purchase by Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) for more than twice the market value, the organisation was refused planning permission and bought the building even though it was not for sale. This sparked outrage within the community and it was clear that UCKG had a fight on their hands. It seemed that UCKG made an offer that could not be refused and had plans to turn the cinema into a place of worship. The McGuffin film society began in 2001 and has been committed to ensuring that the EMD remained a historic part of Walthamstow and have been prominent campaigners in the fight to keep the
12
Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
“The EMD is probably the most loved building in the area and people were quick to rally ot its defence.”
cinema in its original state and have it re opened to the public. Bill Hodgson of the McGuffin film society says “The church originally applied for planning approval to convert the cinema for religious use before they even bought the venue, the council voted to refuse permission but UCKG went ahead and purchased the building anyway, paying the previous owner more than twice the market value to gain control of the site. It was an aggressive move and it succeeded in totally alienating local opinion”. Waltham Forest has a population of 225,000 people one of the
largest in London and with no cinema the closure of EMD caused uproar with the local community. Even with the huge public backlash and the government’s refusal to use the building for religious purposes. UCKG still refused to sell the building and as it stands the stunning art deco inspired cinema remains empty. One thing is for certain the ongoing concern revolving around the cinema has brought the community together and in a united front over 400 people protested outside the venue opposing the idea on the 5 year anniversary of the cinema’s closure. “The outpouring of support for the cinema was overwhelming, says Hodgson. The EMD is probably the most loved building in the area and people were quick to rally to its defence. It is an architectural masterpiece and the last substantial entertainment venue left in this part of London”. As it stands The EMD cinema is still awaiting a result about its future. The decision will be made by the council and UCKG and a verdict will be reached in May 2010. For further details visit www.mcguffin.info
your say
Your Say
Your thoughts on the closure of the EMD cinema.
Walthamstow definitely needs a cinema. I travel to Wood Green and I live in Chingford. Alexaivdro Ionat
Walthamstow absolutely needs a cinema. The EMD was beautiful and local to me. Now I have to travel if I want to watch a film and with terrible weekend travel it’s a nuisance. Helen McAtamaney
Having a cinema means that you don’t have to travel far away to watch a film. Travelling is inconvenient and I often have to go all the way to Stratford of Wood Green. Cristina Avadanei
We definitely need a cinema. The nearest for me is Woodford or Stratford and that is way too far. Randy Semanhya
We should have a cinema. There is a large Asian community and we have to travel all the way to Ilford to watch a film. Having a cinema in Walthamstow is an investment and leisure in the area is important. The one thing we’re missing is a cinema.
We used to do our shopping and go to the cinema in the afternoon for a matinee. We used to really look forward to it. We didn’t care what we watched. The old buildings been allowed to run down and it’s sad.
Mehmood Ghamznawi
Helena Roberts
Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
13
What’s On
What’s On
Upcoming events and activities near you.
If you have an event to promote send details to wneditorial@socialspider.com
Improvzone Wednesday 31 March The Plough, 173 Wood Street, Walthamstow, E17 3NU An electronic ambient chill out live instrumental music evening that has been running in London since February 2007. Improvizone use effects technology and increasingly their own software to create an evening of beautiful and totally unusual music. For further information contact Andrew Booker at contact@improvizone.com
Past and Present Antiques and Crafts Fair Saturday 20 March, 10am-4.30pm Christchurch Hall, Wanstead Place, E11 2SW Jewellery, collectables, antiques, vintage clothes and other items, perfumes and handbags, household items, plants, greeting cards, and lots more. For further details contact Susie on 07958695801 or by email at dotcomIsusie@gmail.com
Tea Dance Afro-Caribbean Elders Association
Every third Wednesday of the month, 2pm-4pm The William Morris Community Centre, Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow, E17 6Q You can listen and enjoy or dance to your old time favourite music Caribbean Style. Refreshments are provided. Come and have two hours of fun.
Family Play Day Saturday 27 March, 12 Noon - 4pm Venue: Kitchener Road Park, Kitchener Road, Walthamstow, E17. Waltham Forest Council in partnership with the Big Lottery presents a Family Play Day.Come along for FREE entertainment. Including art and craft workshops, bouncy castles and face painting. Join in the fun that the whole family can enjoy.
We Need You Are you interested in getting your opinion heard, got a lot to say and passionate about what’s happening in Walthamstow? Then we need you. Walthamstow Now is not only a magazine but a platform for members of the community to express opinions and have their say. Are you a writer or photographer? Do you want to showcase your work and get it published? Well, if you’re interested in contributing to Walthamstow Now please email any letters or ideas you have to wneditorial@socialspider.com, post to Walthamstow Now, 5 Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, E17 4QP or call 020 8521 5495
14
Issue 01 Mar-Apr 10
Electrical Retailers WML520P – Aquarius Washing Machine • 1200rpm Spin Speed • 6kg Load Capacity • Preset Programmes • Eco Cycle • Super Wash And Mini Cycle • Dimensions: H85cm x W 60cm x D 53cm • White
£299.99 WDL520P – Aquarius Washer Dryer • 1200rpm Spin Speed • 7kg Load Capacity • 16 Preset Programs • Variable Temperature And Spin • LED Programme Progress Display • Dimensions: H 85cm x W 60cm x D 57cm • White
£349.99 Beko – WM5100W – Washing Machine • 1000rpm Spin Speed • 5kg Load Capacity • 16 Programmes • Automatic Half Load • Dimensions: H 85cm x W60cm x D 48cm • White
£219.99 277B, Hoe Street, Walthamstow E17 9PT Tel: 0208-521-7491 0208-521-2634
TVM560P – Aquarius Vented Tumble Dryer • 6kg Load Capacity • 11 Preset Programmes • 120 Minute Timed Drying • Cool Tumble • 2 Heat Reverse • Vent Kit Included • Dimensions: H 85cm x W 60cm x D 55cm • Polar White
£159.99
RFA52P – Fridge Freezer • 155/105 Litres (5.5/3.7 cu.ft) Capacity • Two Glass Shelves • One Full Width Diary Compartment • Two Salad Bins • Four Baskets In Freezer With Fast Freeze • Dimensions: H 172cm x W 54cm x D 57cm • Polar White
£299.99 Beko – CDA539FW – Frost Free Fridge Freezer • 134/63 Litre (4.7/2.2 cu. Ft) Capacity • Two Glass Shelves • One Salad Crisper • Three 4*Freezer Storage Compartments • Dimensions: H 153.5cm x W 54.5cm x D 60cm
£269.99
WALTHAMSTOW
BASED ON A SURVEY COLLECTED ON 12-16 DECEMBER 2009
CENTRAL ESTATE AGENTS
D L O S SIGNS
E R O M
THAN
soldsignaudit
34.3% 4
3
5 2
OTHERS Agent 2 Agent 3 Agent 4 Agent 5 Agent 6 Agent 7
forsale
ANY
GENT* A R E OTH
-
16.5% 16.1% 14.0% 5.5% 4.7% 1.7%
Agent 8 - 1.3% Agent 9 - 0.8% Agent 10 - 0.4% Agent 11 - 0.4% Agent 12 - 0.4% Others - 3.8%
*CENTRAL ESTATE AGENTS WAS THE ESTATE AGENT WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF SOLD SIGNS DISPLAYED BETWEEN THE DATES SHOWN.
1
CENTRAL ESTATE AGENTS 34.3%
independenceassured
SIGN ANALYSIS
S A L E S0845 : 030822004 0 8520 0033
SUPPLIERS OF INDEPENDENT MARKET SHARE REPORTS THROUGHOUT ENGLAND AND WALES
forsalesignanalysis.co.uk
For Sale Sign Analysis confirms that this advert is a fair and accurate representation of the information found between the dates shown. The quantity of For Sale and Sold signs does not necessarily equate to the number of completions.