Your independent community newspaper WALTHAM · P . 11 P . 14 News Feature History Column Food Free WALTHAM March 2017, No. 24 FOREST ECHO Your independent community newspaper Email

P . 11 P . 14

News Feature History Column Food

FreeMarch 2017, No. 24WALTHAM

FOREST ECHO

Your independent community newspaper

Email [email protected] /WalthamForestEchoTweet @WFEcho Visit walthamforestecho.co.uk

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Leytonstone Job Centre closure plans described as 'outrageous'

Two young people on whether Walthamstow is changing for better or worse

The council homes in Bakers Arms that come with a slice of history

Meet Chingford's community-minded coffee shop owner

Local family shows how to make salad the Palestinian way

Spike in families in temporary housing

he extent of the housing crisis in Waltham Forest is exposed by new fig-ures on temporary ac-

commodation – now higher than at any time in a decade. The most recent data, highlight-ed by housing charity Shelter, shows that 2,238 households were living in temporary accommodation provid-ed by Waltham Forest Council at the start of October last year. Such households are families who face becoming homeless without the council's help, and which the authority has a legal duty to house because of their desperate situation. There are 800 more households

from Waltham Forest placed in tem-porary accommodation compared to this time three years ago, with numbers reaching their highest since Shelter first began collating data in 2005. Kevin Garvey, explaining Shelter's policy on the issue, said: "A short-age of affordable accommodation means councils make last-minute decisions about where to put home-less households. Families forced to uproot their lives and move out of their local area represent the sharp edge of a housing crisis." The type of temporary housing for families varies, and is often located outside the borough be-cause of lack of space. Government data shows, of the 2,238 households placed in temporary accommoda-tion by the council last autumn, 145

were in bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and 144 were in hostels, with the remainder in private, housing as-sociation, or council-managed ac-commodation. Campaigners argue B&Bs are not suitable as accommo-dation, especially for families with children. Legally, councils must not keep families in B&Bs for more than six weeks. In 2015, research by Trust for London and New Policy Institute ranked Waltham Forest Council as the fourth most likely local author-ity in the capital to place people in temporary accommodation outside of its borough, with 56 percent forced to move away. A BBC Newsnight investigation last month showed families from Waltham Forest being moved as far away as Welwyn Garden City

in Hertfordshire. Shakeria Wright, living in a studio flat with her two children, said: "My partner got in trouble and went to prison, and I was evicted by my housing associ-ation. I spent the whole day at the council, until they told me they were sending me to a place I'd never heard of. I emailed them [about cramp con-ditions] but they never got back." In a statement on the worsening situation, a council spokesperson said: "Rising rents and an increas-ing number of evictions in the private rental sector has led to more people living in temporary accommodation. Safe and secure temporary accom-modation for residents most in need is our top priority, and whenever pos-sible we place families close to their school and work. However, due to a shortfall of properties we, like many other London councils, have to place some applicants in temporary ac-commodation outside the borough. "We're doing all we can to deliver more homes, including council homes. We're raising private renting standards and increasing support for tenants. But with £31,582,673 spent in the past year on homelessness in our borough, this is a London-wide crisis and we need more money."

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A lack of available housing means many families get moved out of the borough by Waltham Forest Council

by Russell Hargrave & James Cracknell

Hospital to be rebuilt

he organisation that runs Whipps Cross Uni-versity Hospital is set to submit a bid to rebuild it.

Barts Health NHS Trust has confirmed it intends to revamp the Leytonstone hospital, and that the A&E and maternity de-partments will be retained. Plans for a new 'healthcare campus' will combine a modern hospital with community, primary and social care facilities 'fit for the changing needs of patients in future'. While much of the existing Wh- ipps Cross site comprises build-ings more than 100 years' old, some parts have been modernised. It is not yet clear which buildings will be kept as part of the rebuild. A 'case for change' states that to fix all ongoing maintenance issues across the hospital would be 'more expen-sive in the long-term' than redevel-opment; that the A&E department is already one of the busiest in the country; that the ageing buildings and sprawling layout of Whipps Cross make it 'increasingly diffi-cult' to provide the range of services required; and the changing popu-lation means 'different packages of care' will be needed in future.Barts Health chief executive Al- wen Williams said: "We have a golden opportunity to improve the care and experience of local people." A group where residents can help 'shape' the plans for Whipps Cross will also be set up.

TMore than 2,000 borough households currently in emergency shelter

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I spent the whole day at the council, until they told me they were sending me to a place I'd never heard of

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For more information:Email futurewhipps@ bartshealth.nhs.ukVisit bartshealth.nhs.uk/futurewhipps

2 No. 24 MARCH 2017 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

MARCH 2017 – No. 24

Waltham Forest Echo is an independent community newspaper. We publish monthly and distribute 20,000 free copies of each issue to libraries, cafes, pubs, and other places around Waltham Forest.

PublisherDavid Floyd

EditorJames Cracknell

Art DirectionJonathan Duncan

Project ManagerAnna Merryfield

ContributorsRussell Hargrave Michelle EdwardsAfua Nkansah-AsamoahChristine BakerAdam OlsenKatie RandallGregory RobinsonMike GrimshawBobbie MakoniJo SealyDarragh MartinFunke OhamMark ScottKatie Robinson

MembersChris LeminDarrel HunneybellDavid GardinerDavid HamiltonDexter ColesGen FordJean DugglebyManual Arroyo-KalinMelanie StricklandMichael GrimshawRoland KarthausRos KaneSarah Jones

The member organisations of WFWellComm CIC are:Community Transport Waltham Forest, Social Spider CIC, HEET.

WFWellComm CIC Management Board:David Floyd (Social Spider CIC)Tom Ruxton (HEET)Helen Tredoux (Community Transport WF)

Waltham Forest EchoThe Mill, 7 - 11 Coppermill Lane, E17 7HAE [email protected]

The Echo began with Big Lottery funding.

COMMENT

FELLOWSHIP IS LIFE

The 'sharp edge' of the housing crisisAn introduction from James Cracknell, editor of Waltham Forest Echo

ello and welcome to issue 24 of Wal-tham Forest Echo. Over the past year

or two we've reported on many different aspects of the 'housing crisis' affecting not just this area but most of London and south-east England. The first article I ever wrote for this paper, in summer 2014, was about rising house prices. At that particular moment in time, average prices were rising faster in Waltham Forest than anywhere else in the capital, soaring to a massive £323,000. The average price now? More than £100,000 higher than that. House prices are only one, al- beit crucial, aspect of the story. Other articles the Echo has pub-lished over the last few years have

included reports on the regenera-tion of council estates (including Marlowe Road resident Michelle Edwards' latest piece, above); the construction of affordable housing; applications by devel-opers to build huge tower blocks; plans to sell off part of Leyton Marshes (see Page 3 for the latest update); and campaigns against landlords hoping to turf out long-term tenants. This month, perhaps more than any other, our front page article focuses on the most serious aspect of the housing crisis. While many now struggle to buy a home in the borough, being faced with home-lessness is a problem on another level altogether. So it is stagger-ing to think that there are now more than two thousand house-holds locally who, for whatever

reason, have nowhere else to go. Whether they've been evicted for failing to keep up rent payments, losing their benefits, or because of a sudden domestic problem, these are families that have turned to the council and declared homeless-ness as a last and desperate resort. Incidentally, two young people wrote to me this month with similar stories to tell. They had both returned from university to find their hometown, Waltham-stow, much changed. But has it changed for the better, or worse? And do those changes have un-intended consqeuences for their generation? Other articles to look out for this month include a 17-year-old campaigner calling for more people to get active on Page 5, an interview with a communi-

ty-minded coffee shop owner on Page 11, and Katie Robinson's regular food column on Page 14 that comes inspired by a Palestin-ian family in Leytonstone. Enjoy the paper!

H

Waltham Forest Echo is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor of The Press. For more information on the Echo’s complaints policy and how to make a complaint visit: walthamforestecho.co.uk/complaints

the council's planning, when a res-ident asked at a meeting whether those businesses would remain as part of the regeneration, a council representative said both would be retained and "there will be more commercial space provided in the development". In a further meeting, nearly two years ago, the council confirmed it had reached an agreement for the new location of the Co-op on the site of the current plaza in Wood Street, after the first phase of con-

struction was completed. It was also said that the post office would remain where it is until a new unit had been built. No such dispensation was given to the smaller businesses around here. Current traders tell me they are being offered no help relocating and have not been kept informed, though the council refutes these claims. As it stands, four shops are closed. Seemingly, their trade wasn't seen as being of any partic-ular value. A year ago the Cat Rescue charity shop and Limpopo Butchery were served notices to leave within six months and three months respec-tively. Mat Cosmetics was given just one month. More recently, in December, New Hing Loon sur-rendered its lease 'through negotia-tion'. Staff at the eatery told me the owner decided to retire rather than start again elsewhere. With the ex-ception of the Chinese takeaway, I believe these notices were served prematurely. Given that works to the estate commenced in October, these businesses could have contin-ued until then. Traders are constantly fielding such threats to their livelihood. Last

year, two letters headed 'Stickers on Shop Frontages' were circulated. The first said they could be liable to a fine if illegal fly-posting attached to their shop front was not removed within a week. The second wrote with a proposal to 'provide a one-off service to remove those stickers free of charge'. If they failed to take ad-vantage of the offer and the stick-ers remained, the traders would find themselves subject to 'a fixed penalty notice or court fine'. On another occasion, a letter was sent explaining that the car parks surrounding Northwood Tower, behind the post office and next to the basketball court, would all be closing in early January, leaving proprietors and their customers without spaces. Despite repeated pleas with the council, their concerns about losing trade fell on deaf ears. Businesses around here believe the council wants to drive them out slowly by imposing unman-ageable 'red tape' to exhaust them into turning over their units, which differs somewhat from their PR spin that everybody connected with the regeneration is happy with how it is progressing. They are not.

Council putting traders in a spin

ince my first column in the Echo I have been inundated with stories about Waltham Forest

Council from traders affected by the Marlowe Road Estate re-development. In all of the council steering group meetings I have attended since 2014, it has been evident the authority is principally concerned with two businesses – Wood Street Post Office and Co-operative Food supermarket. At an early stage of

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The view of Marlowe Road resident Michelle Edwards, as she monitors the ongoing redevelopment of her estate

Michelle Edwards in Marlowe Road

3No. 24 MARCH 2017 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO

NEWSNews

P . 4Leytonstone Job Centre closure plans described as 'outrageous'

althamstow Toy Library is cele-brating a £6,000 funding boost

thanks to a partnership with The Mall. The toy library, which provides a place for children under five years to play and learn, won an online vote to become the shopping cen-tre's charity partner throughout 2016. A series of fundraising events were held to support the charity, based at Comely Bank Commu-nity Clinic in Ravenswood Road. Helen Crockford, toy library centre manager, said: "The money will allow us to continue de-livering vital community ser-vices, including our breastfeeding support group, outreach work, and of course, toy loans and daily play sessions."

wo dedicated foster carers, Pauline Cole and Peter Filmer, were rec-ognised at the Waltham

Forest Foster Carer Awards. The couple have provided a home to children and young people in need for nearly ten years and have also given respite to more than 80 young people in their role as emergency out-of-hours carers. Pauline said: "We began foster-ing because it was something we had always wanted to do. When our children were older and we had space at home we felt it was the right time to do it."

petition against con-centrated flightpaths in the skies above Leyton and Leytonstone has

been handed into the Civil Avia-tion Authority (CAA). Local MP John Cryer says he's been contacted by thousands of constituents affected by the 'air-craft superhighway' since it began a year ago. The petition was sub-mitted in February with 680 names, as a review gets underway. John said: "Air traffic is now more concentrated, affecting many residents. I hope London City Air- port will listen to complaints and the CAA will take these into account as part of the review."

Toy library joy

Carers recognised

Flightpath petition

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railway line closed since last June has was due to reopen at the end of February following en-

gineering work – but a series of blunders mean it will have to close again in the near future. The London Overground line between Gospel Oak and Barking, including four stations in the bor-ough used by 7,000 passengers daily, will need to be closed for several more weekends and another

indefinite period later this year. This comes after a number of problems arose during the work to electrify the line that will eventually, in 2018, mean longer trains can be introduced to double its capacity. Among the major gaffes during the eight-month engineering works were 'incorrectly designed' new overhead lines that couldn't be in-stalled at the planned locations, as well as the late delivery of materi-

als and structures. It is also under-stood that a sewer pipe was pierced during the installation of an over-head pylon in Walthamstow, re-quiring pumps to clear up the mess. Network Rail's route managing director Richard Schofield issued an apology after admitting to the errors. He said: "I sincerely apol-ogise to passengers that we have not been able to complete all of the work in the time we set out, and for the future disruption we will cause to their journeys. "I have instructed the project team to quickly deliver a robust plan to finish the work before new trains arrive next year, and pas-sengers can be reassured that the line will reopen later this month to diesel trains as planned. A full review into what went wrong has already begun. "I recognise also that we will further inconvenience those living next to the railway line, I apolo-gise and thank them for their con-tinued patience while we complete our work to enable new electric trains to run next year." A schedule is being finalised for the completion of the remaining engineering work, but is expect-ed to include weekend closures for several weeks, followed by another

full closure in the summer. The work so far has involved upgrading ten new bridges and lowering platforms at Waltham-stow Queen's Road. Although not yet finished, Blackhorse Road Station is also getting new lifts to enable step-free access. While Network Rail is delivering the upgrade, it is being funded by Transport for London and the Gov-ernment and had been expected to cost £133million – though this may now rise because of the unexpect-ed problems with electrification. Glenn Wallis, secretary of the Barking Gospel Oak Rail Users' Group (BGORUG), said: "With rail replacement buses that missed out half the stations and limited refund arrangements, passengers have been left to largely fend for themselves [during the closure]. Now we learn that although trains are to start running again, passen-gers' pain is far from over."

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Major gaffes delay railway upgrade

New lifts at Blackhorse Road Station are not expected to be ready for use until April Credit BGORUG

Save Lea Marshes campaigners outside Waltham Forest Town Hall after handing in their petition

and green spaces in applications referred to him. "He will be making the most of brownfield sites across the city, which are ripe for building the homes Londoners so urgently need." Labour-led Waltham Forest Council has been in discussions with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) about rezon-ing an area of MOL, adjacent to the Waterworks Nature Reserve in Leyton Marshes, for housing. LVRPA is keen to sell the land to fund its new ice rink in Lea Bridge Road. At the end of January a peti-tion against the 'Lea Valley East-side' proposal was submitted to the council by campaign group Save Lea Marshes. It had been signed by 4,651 people, but con-tinued to be signed online during February and has now well sur-passed 5,000 signatures.

Sadiq Khan vows to protect open landayor of London Sadiq Khan has re- iterated his pled- ge to protect green

open space and urged local au-thorities to reject "inappropriate development". Asked for the Labour mayor's thoughts on a new development plan in Waltham Forest that des-ignates five acres of Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) for housing, a spokesperson from his office told the Echo that Sadiq would use his "full range" of planning powers to protect such space. The spokesperson said: "The mayor believes that the strongest protection should be given to Lon-don's Metropolitan Open Land and any inappropriate develop-ment should be refused. Working with his planning team, the mayor will continue to use a full range of planning powers to protect open

M

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A full review into what went wrong has already begun

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and Pensions claims Leytonstone Job Centre, based in Lemna Road, is no longer 'needed' and that it is 'reasonable' to expect jobseek-ers to travel to its next nearest branch, in Walthamstow. The secretary of Waltham Forest Trades Council slammed

the decision. Linda Taafe told the Echo: "Vulnerable people's task, of getting the services they need, will be made more difficult. It is a wicked decision, because job centre users are being singled out for cuts. It is outrageous. "If you live in Leytonstone it is not easy getting to Walthamstow. The government is careless." Linda says the PCS (Public and Commercial Services) trade union has launched a campaign against the cuts, with 78 job centres around the country facing closure in total. The government's consulta-tion document on its plans said "it is a reasonable expectation that claimants travel to an office within three miles or 20 minutes by public transport of their exist-ing job centre" – but an annex to the document admitted a typical journey from Leytonstone to

Walthamstow by public trans-port takes 36 minutes. The document further ex-plained: "We have carefully con-sidered where the workload and services of the job centre proposed for closure could be relocated. We propose that service delivery for Leytonstone Job Centre will relo-cate to Walthamstow Westbury Job Centre. Although we expect that this will be the most convenient al-ternative job centre for the major-ity of claimants, all claimants are able to attend the site which is most convenient for them based on their own travel arrangements." If the Leytonstone Job Centre closure does go ahead, a "work coach" would be based in a "com-munity location" on a part-time basis to provide "job search advice". A public consultation on the government's plan was due to end on 28th February.

A proposal to spend £1.6million on giving residents smaller whee-lie bins has been ditched by Wal-tham Forest Council. The council had announced in January that it wanted to re-place the large black 240-litre general household waste bins with smaller, 140-litre bins. A decline in recycling rates was stated as the reason for the move. But Councillor Clyde Loakes said: "Following further as-sessment we will not be taking forward plans to reduce the size of refuse bins. The council has been offering residents the oppor-tunity to slim down their wheelie bins to a smaller size for years, as many recognise they can recycle more and no longer need three large bins. We are pleased this ap-proach has been taken up by thou-sands of households and encour-age more to consider this option."

Job centre closure plans 'outrageous'

he government wants to close one of the bor-ough's two job centres, forcing unem-

ployed people to travel up to three miles further to reach their nearest branch. The Department for Work

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Bins plan binned

Leytonstone Job Centre in Lemna Road Credit Glyn Roberts

NEWS

Leytonstone on list of 78 job centre closures nationwide

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Feature

P . 7A painter and decorator has launched a campaign to 'end homelessness'FEATURE

The future can be bright

by Afua Nkansah-Asamoah

was born in Ghana and moved to Waltham Forest when I was 12 years' old. I have a passion for doing com-

munity work to help the lives of others, and my first charity project was through my secondary school. I had to select a charity, research it, and then do a presentation on it. The project allowed me to learn about how charities work to help others, and was a first step to getting involved locally. In 2015, I joined the 'Young Leaders Programme' delivered by Active Change Foundation, a charity for young people based in Lea Bridge Road. The programme provided me with the platform to learn new skills, develop my leadership ability, meet like-minded young people, and receive support to achieve my goals. Even after the programme finished, I am still an active member of the charity, attending various youth-centred programmes and activities. Just recently I organised and deliv-ered a youth-crime awareness event in the local area. This expe-rience increased my enthusiasm for helping people and led to me becoming a youth ambassador for ONE, a global campaigning and advocacy organisation. Last year I became more active on social media and followed all the disasters happening around the world. I felt powerless and small

because I was unable to change the course of these events. I would not have imagined just a year later being given the platform to cam-paign for the concerns I have always wanted to. This means I get to be part of a community that holds Members of Parliament to their promises and create change instead of simply feeling sad in the comfort of my room. UK aid is something to be proud about as it shows we care and are not blind to the concerns of others. It is what makes our country great, our compassion for those less fortunate. I will be looking to work with Waltham-stow MP Stella Creasy and other people in the community to raise awareness in future. The ONE campaign does not want your money; we just want your voice. There are 55 other youth ambas-sadors across the country, and this is the fourth year the scheme has run. Past ambassadors for ONE have campaigned to cut extreme poverty in half. Let's shout so that poverty is no longer a thing. We live in Waltham Forest, one of the most deprived bor-oughs in the UK, yet house prices are ridiculously high. Historically Walthamstow's name meant 'Wel-come-stow', a place of welcome, but we don't always reflect this because of fear and division. As there is a shift from communi-ty to individualism, I say let's re-member and speak out for the less fortunate. By passively watching you are indirectly being complic-

it. I ask you to be anti-something, where you challenge that which is wrong and unfair. Hope should rise from Waltham Forest – #Rise-Strong and, like a little candle, light up others. The reason I am doing this is because young people can do something positive. There's more behind our makeup and hoodies, and we don't just live online. Sometimes the media doesn't see it, or chooses not to see it. My friends campaign about issues in Syria and Palestine. Building a school in Jerusalem, starting a youth centre in Slough, demand-ing that decisions-makers listen to us. I meet creative and innovative minds from strong negotiators to fundraisers, driven by cause for change in their communities. We are sold the illusion that ev-erything is bad and the future cannot be bright. If we are still alive and have the will to make things better, why not? That is the reason I am part of the #RiseStrong cam-paign, and the reason I am now a ONE youth ambassador; to allow young people to be the voice they want to hear.

I

Afua Nkansah-Asamoah

A young campaigner from Waltham Forest urges local people to get active in their community

To find out more about the ONE Youth Ambassador Programme:Email [email protected]

For more information about Active Change Foundation:Call 0208 279 1258Visit activechangefoundation.org

Name Change Notice

I, RABIATH UL BASRIA SYED, residing at Flat 1, 3 Bromley Road, London E10 7AD, have changed my full name from RABIATH UL BASRIA SYED to RABIATH UL BASRIA ABDUL RAWOOF via deed poll dated 10th Feb 2017

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence

ASHVIN GUNGADIN trading as GNS COMMUNICATIONS LTD of 170 WALPOLE ROAD, LONDON, N17 6BW is applying for a licence to use BAY 5, SAFE STORE, SHADBOLT AVENUE, LONDON, E4 8PZ as an operating centre for 6 goods vehicles and 6 trailers.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

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FEATURE

For more information about Arts Commune and to find out how to get involved:

Call 020 8935 5962

omething arty is hap-pening at the Pimp Hall Nature Reserve in Kings Road, Chingford.

Arts Commune, based in the Pimp Hall Learning Lodge situat-ed adjacent to the historic Grade 2- listed Dovecote, offers a wel-

come retreat for artists keen to unleash their inner creativity but who need help to find it. The part-time courses, run on Tuesdays, are a new concept in adult creative art with an easy step-by-step guide to drawing, painting and creating. It's 'hands on' and all about having fun while learning new skills. Arts Commune is run under the auspices of artist Adelaine Frank, herself a local resident in Chingford's Kings Hill. Adelaine, originally from South Africa and a freelance illustrator, came to England in 2000. She says: "I see how much pleasure drawing and painting gives to people but so many are scared to start. Stu-dents in our classes are having a fabulous time being creative." The Franks are a talented family with daughter Kelly, aged 22 and eldest of four children, a keen artist working out of a studio in the garden. While a

student at Trinity School, Kelly was put forward by her art teach- er to produce a drawing or painting to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, with those successful being presented to the Queen. Kelly's portrait of Nelson Mandela was selected and she indeed duly met the Queen: "I was thrilled and quite overwhelmed to meet her. It was a fabulous experi-ence and one I will remember for the rest of my life." The writing, as they say, should have been on the wall after such a tremendous accolade but, as Kelly says: "I was set on be-coming an architect and created a strong art portfolio of tech-nical paintings while doing my A-Levels. Following uni and working for a year in industry I realised it was not the best use of my skills." After a stint at Barcelona's Academy of Art last year, Kelly

is now carving out a better suited career and also picking up com-missions. All Adelaine's classes have the added benefit of tutor Jim Jack, a sculptor and local artist. She also runs similar classes at Loughton Methodist Church on Wednesdays under the mantle of 'Seasons Art'. Adelaine says: "So many people think they can't draw and are put off. We show them how easy it is, and more important-ly, how good it feels to create something they can be proud of. That's our job – theirs is to enjoy the process."

SA portrait of Nelson Mandela, by Kelly Frank

Art for all abilitiesA new weekly course in Chingford gives people the confidence to create by Christine Baker

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FEATUREFeatureTwo young people on whether Walthamstow is changing for better or worse P . 8

My mission to end homelessness

by Adam Olsen

Shocked by the rise in homelessness, a painter and decorator from Chingford launched a campaign to eliminate it

ver this past winter major charities such as Crisis have spoken out following the pub-

lication of government statistics that show rough sleeping has in-creased by 16 percent in a year. The number of London 'hidden homeless' – which includes any un-recorded people who are without a permanent dwelling – is estimat-ed to be greater than 114,000. Offi-cial figures only include those who have sought temporary accommo-dation from their local council. Waltham Forest currently ranks as the seventh most deprived bor-ough in London, and while the 'vast majority' of homeless here are not sleeping rough (17 were recorded in the last three months of 2016 by charity St Mungo's)

there are still hundreds of hidden homeless. These numbers appalled me, as I have for many years lobbied on issues relating to social injustice, and in 2010 stood for parliament in Chingford and Woodford Green as an independent candidate. Once you start being aware, look at the number of people sleeping rough on our streets, and hear from people who have lost their home, or are living on a sofa, it becomes clear just how big this issue really is. What shocks me is why there is even a problem in the first place. This is a wealthy country, in the 21st Century, and yet adequate housing and services just aren't sufficient to provide for basic human needs. The lack of truly affordable housing for people is stark. In Waltham Forest the average prop-erty, according to the UK House

Price Index, costs £438,294 – but the average salary is £30,900. It simply puts deposits for purchas-ing or renting beyond the reach of many people. Homelessness can affect any-one. Lose your job, have a relation-ship breakdown, suffer from men- tal illness, and you’re there. It can mean losing your identity, the system breaks, and it becomes a trap. So last year I decided to act; I raised a new national petition and campaign called 'Eliminate Homelessness'. As a start, I re-cruited a homeless man off the streets to help me with my paint-ing and decorating business. But getting signatures for the peti-tion was a struggle. It needs to gain 10,000 names to secure me a meeting with Gavin Barwell, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning. To help my campaign I turned

O

Chingford resident Adam Olsen, who has launched the Eliminate Homelessness Campaign

to a local marketing consultant; Mark Elliott, managing director of Sparks4Growth Ltd in Ching-ford. Since then, the number of signatures has trebled to more than 3,000 and is growing steadily. Mark also secured the approv-al of Brighton folk band, Level-lers to use their track Our For-gotten Towns for a campaign video, which was mostly filmed in Station Road. Having expe-rienced hard times in life them-selves, the band were keen to get behind the campaign. As bassist Jeremy Cunning-ham explained: "At one point or another all of the Levellers have been homeless. Luckily we had friends on the squat scene so it was very rare that we ever went without a roof over our heads, thankfully. But it gives us an inkling as to the plight of the homeless today - which is why we support Eliminate Homelessness. Raising awareness is essential." This support, along with the frugal use of a very small budget to drive social media, has driven the campaign's profile much high-

er. I have been talking to volunteer groups, shelters, homeless people, Members of Parliament, not-for-profit organisations such as Foo-dinate, strategists such as Amy Varle, and members of the public in general. I hope to soon secure national media coverage for the campaign, and with people's help, eliminate homelessness once and for all.

An Eliminate Homelessness fundraiser is being hosted by Closet Vinyl at Mo-Bo Cocktail Bar, 160 Station Road, on Friday 3rd March. To buy tickets:

Visit wegottickets.com/event/387808

For information about the campaign and to sign the petition:

Email contact@ Sparks4Growth.comVisit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/eliminate-homelessnessWatch youtu.be/fre01SvjFRk

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Katie Randall, aged 21

eturning to Waltham-stow after three years of studying in Not-tingham, I felt like I

had come home to a complete-ly different place to the one that I'd left. Hoe Street was not the Hoe Street that I remembered. No longer just the home of kebab shops and greasy spoon cafés, I found an influx of coffee shops, blackboards outside their door-ways featuring witty quotations, burger joints that served actual burgers, and, although I've yet to pay a visit myself, a shop selling beard oil. The Bell, a pub my mum warn- ed me was 'a bit dodgy' is now one of Walthamstow's most highly recommended pubs on TripAd-visor, and my beloved Waltham-stow Pool and Track where I learnt to swim and conquer fears by launching myself off a five-me-tre diving board on Sunday af-ternoons has been rebuilt and renamed as 'Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre'. There is even now an industrial park with micro-brewies! How things change. When I moved into my univer-

sity halls in 2013 and told people that I was from Walthamstow, no-one had ever heard of it. Since then, because of places like God's Own Junkyard putting it on the map, less often can people look at me with puzzled faces. Waltham-stow is now 'cool'. There are now more places that might appeal to your average twenty-something, back from university and living with their parents again. It has made the transition smoother than I had ex-pected. Young couples move here to start families and my friends from other parts of London aren't as averse to coming out to visit me all the way at the end of the Vic-toria Line. All this being said, Waltham-stow is not somewhere I would, or even could, consider living in future. With the cost of living soaring ever higher, it would be near impossible to consider renting, let alone buying here. For my parents, who bought in the Eighties, it seems inconceiv-able that their three-bedroom, one-bathroom terrace house could now sell for nearly half-a-mil-lion pounds. This is the price that many will pay, literally, for

Walthamstow becoming cool. By making the area more appealing to someone like myself, it also ex-cludes me, and many other young people from considering the area as a feasible place to live.

There is also the worry that Walthamstow’s charm will dis-appear. Will haunts for hipsters, such as over-priced coffee shops, replace traditional pubs and fam-ily-run coffee shops? I wonder too if Walthamstow will become just another Shoreditch, Hackney, or Brixton. The things that I love about Walthamstow haven't, for now, changed. It remains diverse, something that really stands out after three years in Nottingham. There is a huge mix of people, something best represented by Walthamstow Market. Different accents, food, and fabrics, from all over the world.

Gregory Robinson, aged 20

never realised how signifi-cant the place you came from was to other people until I moved to the West Midlands

from London to continue my ed-ucation. I told people I was from Walthamstow knowing the other person, usually from outside London, would have no idea where it was: "It's in East London. Near Stratford, not Shakespeare's Stratford, Olympic Stratford!" Moving away has indeed made my heart grow fonder for my hometown Walthamstow, as I am now able to look at the area with a fresh perspective. Revealing where I am from is something I now willingly tell people as often as possible. Walthamstow is, of course, one of the most culturally significant areas in East London, and it is changing at a faster pace than I had previously thought. In the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games, Waltham-stow and other nearby areas such as Leyton and Leytonstone re-ceived slight makeovers, includ-ing refurbished roads and build-ings, in order to welcome the world into more of a 'polished' East London. But the changes were even more substantial in the years that fol-lowed. One only has to walk around Walthamstow Village to see how many roads have been transformed to resemble Amster-dam. The High Street has also changed, with new shops, restau-rants and a cinema. While many of these changes appear to have a good impact on the local community, there is always the looming fear of Walthamstow possibly changing too much from the area we all love. The rejuvenation of Waltham-stow High Street is one which I did not realise was needed until I moved away and now has made the area an even more attractive hang-out for young people with money to spare. Most of these shops, and the Empire cinema in particular, are still affordable for local young people including myself and do not seem to have made too much of a change on the cultural roots of our area. Despite the changes, one thing

which has never changed since I moved is its diversity. Waltham-stow is a very culturally diverse area in which people from many different continents, countries and cultures come together, live together and work together.

In comparison to my univer-sity’s campus, which despite the brochure has a serious problem with diversity, it is always refresh-ing to see so many different types of people in Walthamstow. Diver-sity makes our everyday lives more intriguing and rich-er. Whenever I walk the length of Walthamstow Market, I can find the best of what the world has to offer. Two other features of Waltham-stow which many take for granted are transport and affordability. My university can often feel iso-lating despite it being relatively close to the city centre, and many places outside London often feel like the middle of nowhere despite them actually being far from it. The tube and bus services here are now things I have a new-found appreciation for. But as property prices become unaffordable for many people who already live here, it would pain me to see a divide along class lines. The gentrification of many of London’s historically working class areas is an issue which con-tinues to be relevant and I would hate for Waltham Forest to change beyond recognition. It is imperative residents and the council work together in order to maintain the aspects of Walthamstow which make it such a central part to the culture of East London.

R

Walthamstow High Street

Is Walthamstow changing for better, or for worse?Two young people return from university to find their hometown a different place

FEATURE

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With cost of living soaring, it is near impossible to consider renting, let alone buying

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Walthamstow is, of course, one of the most culturally significant areas in East London, and it is changing at a faster pace than I had previously thought

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9No. 24 MARCH 2017 WALTHAM FOREST ECHO 9

Homes with a slice of history

ust a few yards from the busy crossroads of a part of Leyton known as Bakers Arms is a walled enclosure.Many visitors – and even

locals – stop and look through the wrought-iron gates and wonder: "What manner of establishment is this?" Some think it an exclusive residence reserved for retired army officers. Some have thought it to be a convent. Surely somebody im-portant must live here – someone rich and famous? The buildings in question con-stitute the London Master Bakers Almshouses (Bakers Almshouses for short). As charitable housing provided for people, typical-ly elderly people who could no longer work, almshouses were often targeted at the poor of a lo-cality, such as those from certain forms of previous employment, or their widows. They were gen-erally maintained by a charity or the trustees of a bequest. The 52 almshouses in Leyton were built between 1857 and 1866 by the Master Bakers' Benevolent Institution, now the Bakers' Benev-olent Society, for "any respectable member of the baking trade fallen into poverty, eligible according to

the rules, or to the widow of such".They were constructed on three sides of a square, with turrets at the angles, in the Italianate style by architect Thomas Edward Knightley. At the time, this area was little more than a crossroads between Leyton and Waltham-stow, but gradually became built up in the late 19th Century. The Bakers Arms pub from which the area now takes its name was itself named after the almshouses. Closed in 2010, today the pub is a Paddy Power bookmakers. On 24th September 1916, during the First World War, 22 of the almshouses were damaged by bombs dropped from a German airship, Zeppelin L31, as part of a raid that killed eight people along Lea Bridge Road. More than 50 years later, the almshouses were compulsorily purchased by the Greater London Council for a road-widening scheme. The last retired baker moved to new accommodation in Bakers Lane, Epping, in 1971. However, the almshouses were saved from demolition because of their 'architectural merit' and given Grade II listed building status. They were subsequently pur-

chased by Waltham Forest Coun-cil and refurbished as residential homes. Yes, today the Bakers Almshous-es are home to council tenants, and my wife and I consider ourselves very privileged to live there. Ten years ago, like thousands of others in the borough, I was on the list of those waiting to be housed by the council. Every time I made a bid for a property that became available, I was about 90th on the list – often for a featureless high-rise flat. When one of the Bakers Almshouses became available I applied, thinking I didn't stand a chance of getting it, but to my surprise I was only fourth in the queue. I couldn't believe that there would be so few applicants for it. Although our first bid was unsuc-cessful, when a second property came up we were second on the list, and were amazed when a lady from the council later phoned to say the first applicant was no longer in-terested. We were so happy to move to the Bakers Almshouses, and have been ever since. Each home is modest in size (ours is a one-up, one-down) but full of character and old-world charm. Having been brought up in

what had been an 18th Century coaching inn, I have always had a great love for old houses, and the almshouses are probably the oldest in the area. Being a Grade II-listed build-ing carries some limitations – for instance, double-glazing is not allowed – but the privileges far outweigh anything which might be considered by some as a disad-vantage. Tenants here are the envy of many of our friends. The baking firm that was the benefactor of the almshouses later became known as Rank Hovis McDougall, manufacturer of the famous Hovis bread brand. The names of many of the members of the Rank family still adorn the walls. It was the same family that gave us Rank Organisation films, and I often wonder why companies don't use the premises when they are shooting period films. The Bakers Almshouses are an oasis of the East End and it cer-tainly provides a local place of in-

terest. Let us treasure such beauty spots and do everything we can to ensure they are not encroached upon, overshadowed or spoilt in any way. May this spot, which gave the area of Bakers Arms its name, be preserved in a good state forever.

JBakers Almshouses, today council homes, were originally built for local bakers who had 'fallen into poverty'

A resident of Bakers Almshouses tells the fascinating story of one of the borough's oldest housing estates

HISTORYColumnMeet Chingford's community-minded coffee shop owner P . 11

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Let us treasure such beauty spots and do everything we can to ensure they are not encroached upon

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DETAILS OF THE DECEASED:

DECEASED SURNAME: Jarvis (Otherwise: Evanson-Jarvis)DECEASED FIRST NAME: ArnoldDECEASED MIDDLE NAME: GarfieldDATE OF DEATH:16 April 2014CLAIMS DEATH: 15 April 2017

LAST ADDRESS OF THE DECEASED: 38 Theobald Road, Walthamstow, London E17 8JQ

DETAILS OF THE EXECUTOR/ADMINISTRATOR:

EXECUTOR/ADMINISTRATOR SURNAME: JarvisEXECUTOR/ADMINISTRATOR FIRST NAME: UdokaADDRESS: 43 Goldsmith Road. London N11 3JG

LEGAL INFORMATION:

Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 27 (Deceased Estates) of the Trustee Act 1925, that any person having a claim against or an interest in the estate of the deceased person whose name and address are set out above is hereby required to send particulars in writing of his claim or interest to the Executor/Administrator whose name and address are set out above, and to send such particulars before the date specified in relation to that deceased person displayed above, after which date the personal representative will distribute the estate among the persons entitled thereto having regard only to the claims and interests of which they have had notice and will not, as respects the property so distributed, be liable to any person of whose claim they shall not then have had notice.

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by Mike Grimshaw


LETTERS

If you believe that libraries still have an important role to play in Waltham Forest, please support us by helping keep Hale End Library for future generations. Last year, our building was under threat of being sold by the council, and the library moved to smaller accom-modation. Thankfully, Waltham Forest Council has delayed con-sulting on this idea – but to keep the library in its fantastic, perma-nent building, we need to make better use of it. How can you help? Firstly, if the library in Highams Park is your closest library, please fill out our survey at tinyurl.com/higham-sparklibrary by 17th March. The more we know about what people want from their library, the more it will be used. Secondly, if you run or know of a group, course or activity that could use the li-brary's community rooms, please email us: [email protected]. Introductory hire rates are very reasonable, and some ses-sions are even free. Finally, please do use the library! If you need an excuse to come along, we'll be hosting a Love Hale End Library event on 22nd April, with a Vintage Market, storytell-ing, crafts and performances. The Highams Park community thanks you for your help!

Oliver ShyklesLove Hale End Library campaign

I am cautiously pleased to learn that the owners of the Regal Cin- ema are putting together a plan to include three cinema screens, paid for by developing some housing on the site. The Highams Park com-munity feels very strongly about bringing back the Regal. I will con-tinue to put pressure on the council for assurances that the communi-ty gets the high-quality leisure facility Highams Park deserves at this important location in our town centre. We have seen steps forward in Highams Park, but a cinema would be a giant leap. There was an informative meet-ing at the town hall in February, to establish where we are with the Regal Cinema development. Waltham Forest Council has am-bitious aspirations for the site, especially in the light of interest shown by cinema operators previ-ously. Because of the demographics of the area, an 'art house' cinema format is felt to be ideal. Across London, there are now many suc-cessful art house operators. This is key to the further investment and improvements to Highams Park town centre. The council, the Regal's owner, and a specialist cinema architec-tural firm, are working closely together on this very positive de-velopment. Lots of detailed dis-cussion is to be had based on a forthcoming pre-planning appli-cation proposal.

Tony BellCouncillor for Hale End and Highams Park

After a track inspection on Friday 11th February, the Barking to Gos- pel Oak line carried its first trains over the following weekend; divert-ed freight trains and London Over-ground test and 'driver familiarisa-tion' trains. These are expected to operate over the following weekends prior to reopening to passen-gers and freight on Monday 27th February. Passengers at Leyton Midland Road and Leytonstone High Road will be pleased to find new platform shelters awaiting them. Lifts to the platforms at

Blackhorse Road are expected to be ready by April. This means that work on the electrification scheme will come to a halt. As the line is now needed to carry diverted freight trains due to weekend works on the North London Line, the earli-est that Barking–Gospel Oak weekend closures can resume is in June. A longer blockade is ex-pected for August, with the pos-sibility of further closures at the schools’ autumn half-term holiday and over Christmas and the New Year. The work remaining is mainly between South Tottenham and Woodgrange Park although the road bridge at Crouch Hill Station has to be jacked up by 30cm. The main object must now be to get the overhead wiring completed, tested and made available for electric trains by the end of the year. The first of the new four-carriage elec-tric trains for the line is expect-ed from the Derby Workshops between December and Febru-ary next year.

Glenn WallisSecretary of the Barking– Gospel Oak Rail User Group

Recently I was nearly hit by a car backing out of a residential drive on to a main road. The driver was very apologetic and I could not be cross because a couple of years ago I nearly did the same thing backing out of my own drive. Since then I have changed the way I park, and now I always back into the drive instead of out of it. Backing out of a drive, it is hard, even with good use of mirrors, to be watching the road and the pave-ments at the same time, particular-ly if there is vegetation or other ob-structions around the drive. Backing into the drive is a much safer option. You sometimes have to wait a little while for a suitable space, but once in, you then have a very clear view and a much safer exit out. With so many busy residential streets in the borough, I encour-age other residents to try this and reduce potential accidents.

Mary SeabrookEndlebury Road, Chingford

Help save our library

Bring back the Regal

More work planned for rail line

Don't back out

Dear Waltham Forest Echo




Letters on issues of local importance should be emailed before 15th March for consideration in the April edition of the paper. Submissions should be under 200 words in length. Please include your name and either your street address or the name of the organisation on behalf of which you are writing. Letters for publication will be chosen on the basis of quality and relevance.

Send your letters to the Echo

Distributors of Waltham Forest EchoChingford Green Grocer; The Wine Factor; The Feel Good Cafe; Organiclea; The Royal Forest Hotel; The County Arms; The Harvester; Queen Elizabeth; The Dovecote; The Mall; Hucks; L. Manze Pie and Mash; Chequers Pub; Walthamstow Library; Juniper House; The Lord Raglan; Mirth, Marvel and Maud; Le Délice Cafe; Ye Olde Rose and Crown; E17 Art House; The Bell; YMCA East London; The Duke's Head; Blackhorse Workshop; Gnome House; The Mill; The Coppermill Pub; Significant Seams; The Flower Pot; The Old Station Yard Cafe; The Nags Head; Spar Supermarket; Active Change Foundation; Hornbeam Cafe; Bootlaces; Leyton Technical; Smoothies; Birckbeck Tavern; Northcote Arms; The Red Lion; The Star of India.

We are fortunate in London we still have a large number of parks and green spaces, but such areas are increasingly under threat from those that wish to make short-term economic gains for the few rather than embrace long-term stewardship for all. Local cam-paign groups, including Save Lea Marshes, have been battling to protect marshes in the Lower Lea Valley for many years. Despite significant local oppo-sition, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has endorsed a plan by Waltham Forest Council that in-cludes development on protect-ed Metropolitan Open Land. I visit Leyton Marshes regular-ly to wander in search of birds and other wildlife, and there are always others using the marshes for a wide range of recreational activities. It is an appalling dere-liction of duty that those charged with protecting and enhancing the marshes should be abandon-ing our natural heritage to boost short-term finances. We stand with Save Lea Marshes to ensure the long-term survival of this im-portant green space for the benefit of all local residents.

Rob SheldonWaltham Forest Green Party

US President Donald Trump's at-tempted travel ban restricting travel to the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries is cruel and discriminatory. I have a clear message to the 3,000 people living in Waltham Forest who were born in one of the banned coun-tries: You are welcome here. Last month I backed a London Assembly motion that welcomed

Save the marshes for all

Government must condemn US travel ban



the Mayor of London's "imme-diate and unequivocal condem-nation" of the travel ban. It also called on Sadiq Khan to make rep-resentations to the government to ensure any trade agreement with the US will be a fair deal for London and the UK. I am proud to have voted for this motion. The travel ban panders to peo-ple's fear and prejudice, and can make people born in those coun-tries feel targeted and discrimi-nated against.

Jennette ArnoldLondon Assembly Member for Waltham Forest


EventsWhat is planned in the borough for International Women's Month P . 13COLUMNS

fshan Ahmed runs an independent, family friendly, 'foodie' coffee shop and larder based

in Chingford that specialises in fresh, innovative foods, homemade cakes and locally-sourced gifts and food products. I asked what was her drive to start up her business, Oh My Coffee; Afshan said: "I had an idea to create a place that was family friendly, where children could develop their social skills in an environment that felt welcoming. "When I started up, I found lots of information online, and through asking lots of questions. I felt the bank and tax offices were helpful. I am a great believer in planning, planning, planning. "It's not been without its chal-lenges though – building our fan-tastic team of staff has taken time." The businesswoman and mum says that her biggest achievements have been growing the business

every year and not staying static. The coffee shop has won awards for good service and prides itself on its sense of community, which includes offering book and craft clubs. The recent opportunity to expand into next-door premises was a calculated risk which proved to be a turning point for the future of the business. "In 12 months' time, I would love to see all our plans coming into fru-ition. We are working to increase our own range in the larder, which stocks lots of great locally-pro-duced products, and bring added interest to the high street. Watch this space!" Afshan is passionate about having a vibrant high street with diverse shopping opportunities. She says: "We do not consider rivals or competition, we see other shops as adding something dif-ferent to the high street which is in turn great for us, almost like partners. A diverse shopping area

is great for all local businesses." What advice would she give to those thinking of starting a busi-ness? "My advice to budding en-trepreneurs would be to see every hurdle as an opportunity, and keep positive. "The most satisfying part of running my own business is I love what I do. Every day is different, from business planning to making handmade chocolates. I love the flexibility it gives me. I am a great believer in 'you reap what you sow'."

Sweet treats in the high street

AIn her column focused on small businesses, Waltham Forest Business Network's Jo Sealy interviews a community-minded coffee shop owner

e've all seen at least one of those mind-boggling badminton rallies

which have gone viral on social

media. While most of us could only dream of such mastery over the racquet and shuttlecock, bad-minton remains one of the world's favourite pastimes for people from

all walks of life. The modern version of the game is believed to have been developed in the 19th Century from the earlier game of battle-dore and shuttlecock. The Danes were initially standout perform-ers until the sport developed an Asian following. Here in Waltham Forest, we have a club that seems to have replicated the sport's worldwide success on a local level. Every Tuesday evening at 8pm, the Wal- thamstow Whackers pile into Walthamstow Leisure Centre, for-merly known as Kelmscott. What started as a council-run beginners' course has now become one of the most oversubscribed activities in the borough. As I enter the gym I pass courts full of doubles play, with people of all ages and abilities engrossed in rallies. There is also a contin-

gent of players waiting in the wings for their turn on court. After months of visiting local clubs, I've learnt that what makes many of them so special are the people that hold them together. And through the Whackers I met my favourite volunteer to date. At '80 something' years old, equipped with two hip replacements and a pacemaker, John Chester is the man pulling the strings here (sometimes literally). A certified badminton coach for more than 25 years, John manages the busy session with ease and ef-ficiency each week. While players are itching to get on court, John maintains his cool and calm de-meanour, keeping people in good spirits and making sure no-one feels short-changed. Rashal Lid-dar, who has been playing at the club for 15 years, stated that while he enjoys the informal and friend-

ly nature of the session, "my fa-vourite part of the club is John". But for John, it's all about keeping people participating: "As long as we get a good crowd through the door each week, to keep the sport going, that's all that matters. Everyone mix- es despite their level of ability and this only drives improvement across the board." Players are paired up on arrival and tend to get between nine and ten games per session. The pro-gramme is so popular that there is a waiting list in operation! Those tempted to play are encouraged to sign up sooner rather than later.

WWalthamstow Whackers, who play at Walthamstow Leisure Centre in Markhouse Road

Afshan Ahmed runs Oh My Coffee in Old Church Road, Chingford

For more information on Walthamstow Whackers

Visit walthamsoft.com/badminton

What's all the racquet about?In her latest column on local sports clubs, Bobbie Makoni has her day on court

To find out more about Oh My Coffee:

Visit ohmyltd.com

Do you know a great small business in Waltham Forest with a story to tell?

Email [email protected] walthamforestbusiness.co.uk


LISTINGS

Upcoming

Vintage/Retro SaleSaturday 4th March, 11am – 5pmLister Hall, Leytonstone Methodist Church, High Road E11 3DA

Inhabit: the Permaculture MovieTuesday, 28th March 6:30 – 9pmLeytonstone Library, 6 Church Lane, Leytonstone E11 1HG

A Walk in the ParkSaturday, 11th March, 1 – 3pmMeet at the Lee Valley Ice Centre car park, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton E10 7QL

For nearly all your fab vintage, retro, kitsch fashion, homeware, jewellery, accessories music. Cool stalls bursting with interest-ing goods. Garment repairs done while you wait. Performances by local talent and DJ. Wheelchair access on request. Pet friendly.

Transition Leytonstone introduces perma-culture to Leytonstone; teaching how we might make the inevitable impact of our footprint a healing force. This film is fol-lowed by a Q&A with our special guest, director Costas Boutsikaris.

Join the site ranger for a leisurely-paced walk exploring Leyton and Waltham-stow Marshes. The reserve is one of the few remaining pieces of London’s once widespread river valley grasslands, and a space to treasure for many reasons. There is no need to book, just simply turn up! The monthly walk programme is a part of Lee Valley's 50 walks to mark its 50th anniversary.

£1 entry, children free with adultCall 07956 221 710

Free entryEmail [email protected]

Free entryCall 03000 030 610Visit visitleevalley.org.uk

Ongoing

Scenes from a Virtual Journal art exhibitionUntil 2nd April, 2pm – 6pmThe Stone Space, 6 Church Lane Leytonstone E11 1HG

Side by Side art exhibitionUntil 16th April 2017, 9am – 5pm dailyBuhler and Co, 8 Chingford Road, Walthamstow E17 4PJ

Benefit Gig for Eliminate Homelessness CampaignFriday 3rd March, 7:30pmMo Bo's Cocktail Bar, 160 Station Road, Chingford E4 7BP

Sing17 Community ChoirMondays, 7:30pm – 9:00pmOrford House, Orford Road, Walthamstow E17 9QR

Sewing WorkshopWednesdays, 12pm – 2pmThe Cornerstone, 149 Canterbury Road, Leyton E10 6EH

The latest exhibition at Leytonstone's Stone Space gallery. Scenes from a Virtual Journal by Rose Parker consists of a set of visual representations of words and phrases relating to a traveler's experiences.

The first in a series of 'Look Up' exhi-bitions at Buhler and Co, Side by Side presents pairs of silkscreen prints by Kate Banazi, Frea Buckler, Giuseppe D’Innella, Nounua and Sophie Smallhorn. Collec-tively, they celebrate the power and posi-tivity of a rewarding muse – colour. Look Up is an online print gallery and a platform for artists to explore creative potential.

Closet Vinyl invites you to a night in sup-port of the Eliminate UK Homelessness Campaign. Put on your dancing shoes for a boogie, if you feel like bringing some vinyl along you can play your party tunes (or just dance and drink some great cock-tails)... all proceeds go to the campaign.

Please come and join our thriving community choir. All abilities from beginners to experienced singers are welcome. Absolutely no auditions nec-essary. Just drop in and join in. We are an inclusive, informal and fun commu-nity choir in Walthamstow!

Fancy making something? We are offer-ing a free two-hour sewing workshop for everyone in the community. There is no need to book, just come along and learn how to use a sewing machine in a fun and friendly environment right here in Leyton.

Free entryEmail stonespace.enquiries @gmail.comVisit thestonespace.wordpress.com

Free entryEmail [email protected] lookupprints.com

£8.50 advance (£5 for jobseekers) Email [email protected] wegottickets.com/event/387808Visit facebook.com/events/246791059089128

Taster session free, £6 in advance, £7 pay as you goCall 07813 686 980Email [email protected]

Free entryCall 0203 826 9600 or 07894 936 205Email [email protected]

Holy Family Catholic School Spring Table Top SaleSaturday 25th March 2017, 10am – 1pm Holy Family Catholic School, 1 Shernhall Street, Walthamstow E17 3EA

The Friends of Holy Family Catholic School and Sixth Form are holding a spring indoor table top sale. For sellers, a chance to get rid of that clutter, for visitors, a chance to buy a treat or gift. For all, a chance to enjoy our delicious refreshments and take a homemade cake for later! To book a table, email or phone us. Tables cost £10 in advance, or £15 on the day subject to availability.

Admission 50p adults, children freeCall 0208 520 0482Email t.friends @holyfamily.waltham.sch.uk

For more fashion tips from Cecille:Visit ModeByCece.com

IT'S YOUR CHANCE TO GRAB THIS GREAT DEAL IN WALTHAMSTOW!

Does this sound too good to be

true? Then why not come down

and have a look at the rooms

we have available today!!

All of this is just for

£120 per week

including all of your bills!! You can give us a call on 0208 370 0286

to book your viewing appointment today before the rooms go!

Don't miss these fantastic rooms we have available!

We have a selection of superb rooms now available within our converted property in Walthamstow, East London (E17).

The property boasts ample living space for live-in guardians and has some great key features including; its spacious

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EVENTS A local family shows how to make salad the Palestinian way

Food

P . 14

hose curious as to what exactly a 'dives-tival' entailed found out last month as

Friends of the Earth Waltham Forest celebrated the council's landmark decision to divest its pension fund from fossil fuels. The event started outside Wal-tham Forest Town Hall where people from the campaign and the council held up a 'forest' of large letters that spelled out 'Divest Waltham Forest'. Neither the drizzle nor the challenges of group-spelling could dampen spirits and the crowd reconvened across the road at YMCA East London's community café for the remainder of the planned Dives-tival festivities; live music, poetry, speeches, a giant paper maché tree decorated with people's positive messages, a raffle in aid of com-munities impacted by climate change, and food from Waltham-stow's popular Hornbeam Cafe. The speeches were made by local politicians as well as cam-paigners, both outlining the ur- gent case for divestment. Other speakers included representatives from local environmental groups such as Organiclea. Councillor Yemi Osho noted

hortly after graduating I started a ladies' club in East London, to support disadvantaged women. I

ran workshops as well as outings. News of the club spread, but three years later, I decided to take a break and start a family. In the space of ten months, I lost two babies. Support from my family, prayers, and my purpose in life

t's International Women's Month and Wildcard Brew-ery in Walthamstow Village is hosting an event to celebrate.

On Saturday 25th is 'Witches Brew' featuring an all-female line up of DJs from Walthamstow. Kat Richmond is involved in or-ganising the day-long Witches Brew event. She says: "The party was the brainchild of Auntie Maureen, who approached Dol-ores Rocket and myself to collaborate on an event showcasing Walthamstow's amazing women DJs. As three of the biggest music promoters in the area we thought it was about time we had an all-female line up." I asked Kat about sexism in the music industry: "I started out as a violinist, the classical commu-nity never showed any sexism to-wards me, everyone was equal. As a DJ though, acts of sexism happen to me a lot, from being the only female on a line-up, to being further down the listing on event marketing even though

I'm more experienced, to having guys coming into the booth and messing with the equipment while I'm playing. I throw them out pretty quick! "One experience that hasn't ever left me was the abusive and violent relationship I had with a DJ who threatened to take me to court if I mentioned working with him. I was feeling pretty vulnera-ble so hid from the music scene, but over the last four years I've come back and now do things my way. One of the lessons I learnt was to always credit people for their work, as well as balance the programming so there are always women on the line-up." Does Kat have any advice for young women and girls in Waltham Forest? "Just go and do it yourself. You don't need help from anyone. Start collecting the music you love and start putting playlists togeth-er. Find out about your local music scene, and get involved!" Another event held locally during Interna-tional Women's Month includes She17 hosting an acoustic session at Hucks Café on Sunday 12th.

the terrifying impacts of climate change already being felt: "I've seen the damage that energy com-panies have done to the climate, most especially in Africa, in coun-tries like Nigeria." Councillor Simon Miller de-scribed the compelling finan-cial arguments for divestment as well as the opportunity it pres-ents to tackle environmental pol-lution: "We should all be working towards delivering a cleaner, greener future, not just for fund members but for our residents and families." But nine-year old Lilly Obregon stole the show with an inspiring speech about the joys of being a climate campaigner, from making cupcakes and banners for marches in Paris to helping con-vince the local council in South-wark to divest from fossil fuels. Lilly said of her part in the mass climate protests in Paris: "I felt extraordinary marching with so many people." The ultimately successful cam-paign in Waltham Forest might have been on a somewhat smaller scale than that in Paris in Decem-ber 2015 but it did feel extraordi-nary to be surrounded by so many local people working to create a brighter future. Before I got involved with the divestment movement myself, I felt quite overwhelmed by the

enormity of tackling climate change; now I see the value of taking local action that can have an international impact and lead you to meet inspiring people and eat delicious cake. Anybody interested in getting involved with London's divest-ment movement is invited to check out some of the upcom-ing actions scheduled for May. I can't promise that it won't rain but there's nothing like taking action for a better future to keep you warm!

kept me going. In 2007, I had a healthy baby boy, and later had another. Following this time, in 2012, I decided to restart the ladies' club, however, I wanted to create something that would acknowl-edge women's life experiences and stir them to achieve their goals. The idea to start an Inspirational Woman Awards was born. Begun in 2013, it is a platform for women to celebrate, share stories, recognise women who are doing extraordinary things, and inspire ourselves to achieve full po-tential. The awards have attracted hundreds of women from various backgrounds, with high-profile and inspirational speakers. The 2017 awards' theme is 'fear-less in career, business, passion and life'. Come along for an inspi-rational evening with networking opportunities, great fun, enter-tainment and inspirational talks.

T

S

I

Campaigners and councillors celebrate the successful Divest Waltham Forest campaign on the steps of Waltham Forest Town Hall

Funke Oham

Celebrating action on climate change

Inspiring night

A March for women

by Darragh Martin

If you'd like to get involved in the divest movement aimed at persuading large organisations to divest from fossil fuels:

Visit globaldivestmentmobilisation.org/uk

The Inspirational Woman Awards are at 5pm on Saturday 11th March:

Visit inspirationalwomanawards.com

”

We should all be working towards delivering a cleaner, greener future

“

by Mark Scott

by Funke Oham


FOOD

A plate from Palestine

his month I had a great time meeting Palestin-ian Londoners Ghada and Xeinab at Ghada's

home in Leytonstone. I could have spent all day listening to mum Ghada and daughter Xeinab rem-inisce about Palestinian food, a Mediterranean diet full of colour and fresh flavours. Ghada, whose parents moved to Kuwait before she was born, first visited Palestine aged 12, and was overwhelmed

by the array of olive, pomegran-ate, apricot, almond and fig trees within reach. Her grandma would crush lemons to make lemonade and prepare the children a tasty baked dough snack sprinkled with sugar and sesame seeds. A fire would be kept going all day – for tea in the morning, pastries for breakfast, a pot full of some-thing delicious for lunch or dinner, and to sit around and keep warm while roasting chestnuts.

Years later, when Xeinab visited as a child, she would climb to the top of the same fig trees to find the most delicious figs, closest to the sun. Despite the limited re-sources in present day Palestine, people still use their passion and imagination to prepare wonder-ful meals, such as salad baladi ('countryside salad'). Xeinab, Ghada and their family moved to this country in 1992, so have naturally combined British and Palestinian food in their lives. Ghada loves fish and chips and makes her grandchildren fish fin-gers with bulgar, a nutty wheat popular in Palestine. Xeinab de-scribes her mum as a 'perfect cook' and her children particularly love their tata's (nana’s) Palestinian twist on spaghetti bolognese – it is finished off under the grill, then everyone fights over who gets that crispy bit on top! The family also enjoy a tradi-tional mtabal; roast aubergine dip sprinkled with pomegran-ate seeds, around the table with tear-and-share bread and lots of conversation. The mother and daughter don't always agree on food though, with Ghada insisting on chopping every-thing to maximise flavour, and Xeinab preferring the food pro-cessor, much to the amusement of them both! At the very heart of Palestin-ian food is olive oil, described as 'sacred'. Olive trees can live for more than 100 years and through three or four generations, so you can see why. While there are many fewer groves nowadays, you can still see the trees growing by the road. In November/December

time, when the weather becomes colder and the olives are shed, a special celebratory dish is made called musakhan. The olive oil used is so extra virgin that it is green, and is eaten together with chicken, onions, bread and sumac, a special seasoning with citrus fla-vours. Not only is olive oil used in every dish, but also as a remedy for colds and aches. I wish to thank Ghana and Xeinab for a fantastic lunch at their home, where as well as baladi salad with bulgar and lentils, we

also enjoyed sesame and pista-chio biscuits, and pomegranate and rosewater sweets. I came away with dried sage to use in tea, za’atar (a mix of herbs, sesame seeds and sumac) and a strong desire to buy some pome-granate molasses and try out more dishes. Luckily, most Pal-estinian ingredients are available in regular supermarkets or in-ternational shops such as TFC Leytonstone, or Buy and Save in Walthamstow, so there is nothing to stop me!

Local food blogger Katie Robinson enjoys a taste of the Med – in Leytonstone

Ghada enjoys cooking for her family

T

Salad BaladiSimple to make and lovely alongside boiled dark lentils and bulgar wheat with a touch of cinnamon, and topped with fried onions. A dollop of yoghurt, feta cheese and pitta bread would work well with it too. Serves four.

Ingredients· Eight large tomatoes, chopped· One green chilli, chopped small· Half a red onion or four spring onions, chopped small· Large handful of chopped mint· Large handful of chopped parsley· Good glug of extra virgin olive oil· Salt and pepper

Method

i) Mix everything well together. Eat!

The Echo welcomes article ideas for the paper. We rely on contributions from people living and working in Waltham Forest – and everyone is free to pitch a story to us. We will discuss your article idea with you before confirming if it is something we would like to include. Our next deadline is 22nd March.

Do you think our media could be different? Could we create our own media together? Waltham Forest Echo is a community newspaper run by and for the community. It is owned by three non-for-profit organisations and gives local people a platform to be heard.

Being a member means you can take a bigger role in shaping our media. You will be invited to discuss the Echo and your name will be printed in the paper. All money received will be invested in the running of Waltham Forest Echo.

Visit walthamforestecho.co.uk/members

Become a member of Waltham Forest EchoWrite for Waltham Forest Echo

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

Email [email protected] @ktlovescookingVisit katielovescooking.com

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