Monday 12 December 2011

Organising in Walthamstow: a newly active member’s perspective


This is copied from the Movement for Change blog
Agnes tells us about her recent experience of being part of a community campaign in Walthamstow CLP.
In September I attended a Movement for Change session in Walthamstow, it was my first Labour Party meeting for several years and I was a little apprehensive about how it would go and whether I would be somehow talked into leaving with 5,000 leaflets to deliver. What actually happened was a very professional training session, where a diverse group of participants, members old and new could express themselves and rediscover their own motivations for being part of the Party. The organiser Kathryn brought together a group who had many shared aspirations and ideals yet came from different backgrounds, some more political than others, all of whom cared deeply about Walthamstow and  wanted to do something to help the area improve.
The session gave us a chance to think about what community organising might look like in Walthamstow and how this would differ from the Party’s traditional structure of organisation. We understood that we could all play a key role in developing the Party’s links within the area and that our friends, neighbours and other local contacts could all benefit each other and the wider community by talking to each other more and taking joint action. The only frustration at the end of that first meeting was that there was no one clear issue to start building around. We wanted to go out into the community but there were so many local issues to talk about, where would we start?
The answer came very quickly via a meeting in Parliament for local residents who had taken part in the positive local response to the August riots which had sadly spread to Walthamstow. The Riots, Communities and Victims Panel had been set up to investigate why the August riots took place and what could be done in the future to prevent such scenes occurring again. Responding to the Inquiry was an obvious first step for our group to work on together, as it would be a way of us going out into the community to build relationships beyond the local Party.
Our group met again to decide how to go about responding. We had a short deadline to complete our task in order to influence the Panel’s interim report so we had to act quickly. We decided that each member of the group would talk with as many local people as possible. We were keen to talk to anyone with a view on the riots, there was a feeling that ordinary people had a lot to say about this event and we wanted to capture that. We also wanted to talk to people in positions of authority and those in contact with young people and faith groups. Our network of members meant that we were quickly able to reach out to local people, set up meetings and gather testimonials. One of the most positive aspects of this project was how responsive people were to being asked their views. The riots had really upset and angered people locally and they wanted their views to be represented. We also gathered video testimonials in the town square on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Then came the mammoth task of collating all the responses and drafting our response. Luckily we had a small but dedicated team who were prepared to wade through all the evidence and bring it together into a coherent document. There were many different views collected and we tried to represent the diversity we encountered. A number of themes did emerge, in particular a feeling that there was not enough support or activities for young people in Walthamstow, that this group needed positive intervention and that local investment was needed. However there was also a very positive feeling about the area, that it is a great place to live, that the people are good and that we will move on and improve as an area.
We submitted our response and recently have seen the Panel’s interim report being published. The Panel also plan to visit Walthamstow to talk to local people themselves.
The whole process was an excellent first project for us as a Movement for Change group. It made us work together, talk to people who do not normally work together with the local Party, and also come up with a concrete outcome which was satisfying. We received good local feedback from the wider local Party and council and some members of the group also had the opportunity to present our findings to David Miliband MP when he visited Walthamstow in November. The project gives us a sound base to build on and I hope that it is only the beginning of our new way of working.
Agnes, Walthamstow CLP

Saturday 3 December 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week


  • Saturday 3 December attending the Priory Court CityYear Event (see below for details) 
  • Tuesday 6 December speaking in a Westminster Hall debate on the effects of sport in reducing youth crime. 
  • Wednesday 7 December hosting Walthamstow church leaders at a reception at Parliament 
  • Friday 11 December attending the Over 60s Christmas lunch at Walthamstow Assembly Hall and then holding an appointment only surgery – to book a place please call 020 8521 1223.

Friday 25 November 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week


  • Friday 25 November holding a jobs fair for residents at William Morris Community Centre
  • Monday 28 November speaking the London School of Economics on responding to the riots (see below for more details)
  • Tuesday 29 November chairing a Progress seminar on developing a new political economy
  • Friday 2 December holding an appointment-only surgery at Waltham Forest Direct – to book a place please contact my office on 0208 521 1223

Saturday 19 November 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week


  • Friday 18 November speaking at a debate at Southampton University on consumer credit
  • Saturday 19 November holding a drop in advice surgery for residents at the NCT toy sale in the Asian Centre in Orford Road
  • Tuesday 22 November hosting a workshop for Walthamstow residents on healthcare in parliament
  • Thursday 24 November holding a Labour campaigning fundraiser withDavid Miliband 
  • Friday 25 November holding a jobs fair for residents at William Morris Community Centre – see below for details

Thursday 17 November 2011

Campaigner of the Year: Stella Creasy MP

From "Coffee House", the blog of The Spectator Magazine:


Wednesday, 16th November 2011

The Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year Awards winners

PETER HOSKIN 11:02pm
The Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year Awards bash took place this evening, CoffeeHousers, and a  jubilant time was had by all. We shall be putting out a supplement celebrating the event, and Parliament's most preeminent performers, in tomorrow's issue of The Spectator. But, in the meantime, here's the list of all the winners from tonight:

Newcomer of the Year:
 Dominic Raab MP
Select Committee Chairman of the Year: Andrew Tyrie MP
Campaigner of the Year: Stella Creasy MP
Inquisitor of the Year: John Whittingdale OBE MP on behalf of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee
Backbencher of the Year: Adam Holloway MP
Double Act of the Year: The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC MP & The Rt Hon Theresa May MP
Speech of the Year: Charles Walker MP
Survivor of the Year: The Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP
Readers’ Representative of the Year: Philip Davies MP
Minister of the Year: The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Politician of the Year: The Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP
Parliamentarian of the Year: The Rt Hon Baroness Williams of Crosby PC

Sunday 13 November 2011

Dinner with David Miliband- One Week Left to Book

and its nearly sold out! Walthamstow CLP Curry Fundraiser: Thursday 24 November 2011, Grove Road Hall, Walthamstow 
Walthamstow Constituency Labour Party is proud to present our autumn fundraising dinner with special guest speaker David Miliband M.P.

This very special event will be held at the Grove Road Hall (19 Grove Road Walthamstow E17 9BU) on Thursday November 24th 2011 starting at 7pm. As well as an opportunity to meet and hear from David Miliband, there will be a three course curry meal. Soft and alcoholic drinks available. With people from across the Atlantic and across the river to attend this will be a very special evening indeed and not to be missed!

Please note, over two thirds of tickets for this event have already been sold so it is vital to book in advance! Tickets are £30 each or £17 for unwaged and senior citizen, £250 for a table of ten. Any additional donations to enable us to keep the price of concessionary tickets low are welcome. Please note entry is by ticket only and tickets will not be available on the evening. All tickets must be paid for by November 21st 2011.

You can buy tickets by using our donation site to donate the cost of a ticket or any additional donations. You can also ring our campaigns team to book tickets, pay by cash or cheque on 07957 228 019.
First put in your details, then enter in the other space that appears the amount payable for the total cost your ticket(s) and add your card details. Cross the box that says you have read the terms and conditions and finally click the donate button.

If you have any questions about this event or this booking form please contact campaigns@workingforwalthamstow.org.uk or ring 07957 228 019.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 24 November for this special evening and thank you for your support for Walthamstow CLP.  

Boris Johnson challenged to act on London Transport high-cost credit adverts


This press release was issued by Ken Livingstone's office this weekend: Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy and Ken Livingstone have called on Boris Johnson to give a cast-iron commitment that high-cost credit companies will not be allowed to sponsor free New Year travel this year, and to reverse his ‘hands off' policy towards payday lenders and other high-interest credit companies.
            Last year Boris Johnson controversially chose the online payday lender Wonga to sponsor travel on New Year’s Eve and allowed the company to place highly prominent advertising across the London transport network. In addition these ads failed to show the typical APR of a Wonga loan, which stands at an astonishing 4,214%.

Stella Creasy MP said: “London suffers from higher debt levels than the rest of the country and we need the Mayor to act to promote responsible lending. The proliferation of payday lenders and home credit providers on our high streets and online is leading to thousands of Londoners getting into severe debt problems. Today Ken and I have set out clear proposals the Mayor could adopt which would help tackle this growing problem. It’s time for Boris Johnson to show some leadership on this issue, starting with a commitment not to give any high-cost lender a massive primetime advertising opportunity through sponsorship over Christmas and New Year on London transport. . . Rather than shrugging his shoulders, the Mayor should be leading the charge to regulate the high-cost credit industry and in doing so providing much-needed support for financially vulnerable Londoners.”

Ken Livingstone said: “The Mayor should use the influence and resources of City Hall to promote responsible lending and alternatives to high-cost loans such as credit unions.” Currently, high-cost lenders are allowed to charge whatever they like for credit. Stella and Ken are calling on Boris Johnson to recognise the damage that high-cost credit can cause by:
1.        Giving a cast-iron commitment that no high-cost credit company will be allowed primetime advertising space on public transport this Christmas and New Year.
2.        Banning all high-cost loan ads on the London transport network until there are caps on the cost of credit. Consumers urgently need these caps to be introduced, but until that happens the Mayor should seek to protect consumers from the marketing strategies of high-cost credit companies.
3.        Ending sponsorship of GLA group events by high-cost credit companies until caps on the cost of credit are introduced. The Mayor should bring in new rules within the GLA group (TFL, MPA, LDA and LFEPA) to stop sponsorship by payday lenders (like Wonga), home credit providers (like Provident Financial) and hire purchase agreement providers (like BrightHouse).
4.        Changing GLA group advertising rules to stipulate that all adverts for financial products must include clear and prominent information about APR rates.
5.        Reversing City Hall’s ‘hands off approach’ to rising levels of debt. It’s time for the Mayor to actively encourage alternatives to high-cost lenders and provide greater support for organisations committed to a fair credit deal such as credit unions and debt advice charities.
            The latest figures show Londoners suffer from higher than average personal debt levels and are much more likely to have taken out high-interest loans:
· 13% of Londoners are in debt arrears compared to the national average of 10%.
· There has been a 75% increase in average debt levels amongst 17-24 year olds in London since 2008 from £3,500 to over £5,500. (Capitalise, 2010)
· Paydaybank.co.uk say over a third of all their loans are made to London residents

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week


  • Sunday 13 November attending the Remembrance Day service at the Town Hall
  • Tuesday 15 November holding a reception in Parliament for Walthamstow parents, teachers and governors- if you wish to attend please contact my office.
  • Wednesday 16 November holding an appointment-only surgery at Waltham Forest Direct – this surgery is now full but if you wish to book for a later surgery please contact my office on 020 8521 1223.
  • Thursday 17 November speaking at an ECCR public debate in central London on trafficking women
  • Friday 18 November attending the Waltham Forest Parent Forum at Vestry House (see below) and later speaking at a debate at Southampton University on regulating the high-cost credit sector

Thursday 10 November 2011

News from GLA member Jennette Arnold


Olympic torch comes to north east London

Local residents will feel even closer to the Olympics after the fabulous announcement that the Olympic torch relay will spend a considerable amount of time in our area. After being lit by the sun's rays at the Greek Temple of Hera in Olympia, the torch will eventually find its way to north east London.

On 21 July the torch will pass through Waltham Forest and Hackney and on 26 July the flame will come Islington.

You can explore the map of the route in detail here

Saturday 5 November 2011

Nov 24th - Dinner with David Miliband; Walthamstow Labour Party


Tickets are going fast for our Labour Party campaign fundraiser - David Miliband is our special guest - on Thursday 24 November 20011, starting at 7pm. Venue 
Grove Road Hall
119 Grove Road, Walthamstow E17 9BU
Book online at:
IMPORTANT - to get your ticket number, about 48 hours after your online payment either contact campaigns@workingforwalthamstow.org.uk or ring 07957 228019.
Or book by post: 
  • send cash, or cheque (payable to Walthamstow Labour Party), to 'David Miliband Event Team', 23 Orford Road, London E17 9NL. Include your name and address, so we can send your ticket number.
Ticket Prices: Tickets include a fabulous three course meal with vegetarian options. We've kept concessionary ticket prices as low as possible. If you can make a further donation we'd be very grateful. Tickets must be paid for by 21st November.
  • Single tickets: £30 [concessions £17].
  • Multiple ticket DISCOUNT: £250 for a table of ten. 
For more information Contact campaigns@workingforwalthamstow.org.uk or ring 07957 228019

Saturday 8 October 2011

Lea Bridge Station to Re-Open?

Jennette with MP Stella Creasy and Peter Woodrow of Chingford Line Users Association
Jennette, with Stella Creasy MP,
and Peter Woodrow of
Chingford Rail Users group
In Jennette Arnold's report this month there's hopeful news about local rail services:


Jennette has been backing a long running campaign to see Lea Bridge Station re-opened increasing the connectivity for the area between Tottenham and Stratford. Good news about a re-opening may be on the horizon.


Waltham Forest and Hackney Boroughs are examining the possibility that the station may be reopened as early as March 2014. Jennette has argued strongly for the station's re-opening emphasising the economic benefit the reopened station would bring to the area. Watch here for more news as the plans develop.

Jennette is member for the North East London constituency of the Greater London Assembly. To receive Jennette's report on a regular basis subscribe by sending an email to: 
mary-clare.connellan@london.gov.uk

Friday 7 October 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week


  • Saturday 8 October holding a drop-in surgery at The Mall from 12pm to 2pm – all Walthamstow residents welcome
  • Monday 10 October participating in the Public Accounts Committee’s enquiry on oversight of user choice and provider competition in social care markets
  • Tuesday 11 October meeting with several organisations to discuss the campaign on legal loan sharking and supporting new legislation to promote co-op housing
  • Wednesday 12 October participating in the Public Accounts Committee enquiry into HMRC structure cost reduction
  • Friday 14 October attending a presentation of school sports equipment to local schools in the Bakers Arms 

Saturday 1 October 2011

'Dupiaza with David' 24th November in Walthamstow - Labour Party fundraiser!



David Miliband is the special guest of  Walthamstow Labour Party at a campaign fundraiser on 

Thursday 24 November 20011
at 
Grove Road Hall
119 Grove Road, Walthamstow E17 9BU
starting at 7pm 

2 ways to Book your tickets:
  • online by donation. Click the link below to go to the Labour Party donate web page. You can either choose to make a donation of a pre-set amount, or choose the 'other amount' option, and fill in the exact amount.  Here is the link to the donate web page:

IMPORTANT - When you have made your online donation please allow 48 hours and then either contact campaigns@workingforwalthamstow.org.uk or ring 07957 228019, in order to get your ticket number.
  • by post; send a cheque payable to Walthamstow Labour Party, or cash to 'David Miliband Event Team', 23 Orford Road London E17 9NL. Please remember to include your name and address, and any other contact details, so we can get you your ticket number.
We want to make this a fully inclusive event by keeping the price of concessionary tickets as low as possible. If you are able to make an additional donation towards the cost of this we would be very grateful.

Ticket Prices
Special Discounts
  • Before 1 November tickets are £25 each or £17 for unwaged/senior citizens.
  • Multiple ticket discount: £250 for a table of ten. 
  • After 1 November tickets are charged at the full price of £30/£17. 

Tickets include a fabulous three course meal with vegetarian options
For more information Contact campaigns@workingforwalthamstow.org.uk or ring 07957 228019

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week


  • Monday 3 October holding an appointment-only surgery at Waltham Forest Direct, then attending a meeting at Mission Grove School to discuss the 1200 Pupils Campaign for our local schools (NOTE VENUE CHANGE) 
  • Tuesday 4 October speaking at a Credit Conference to make the case for regulating legal loan sharks, and then speaking at the Hackney Co-Op branch’s meeting
  • Friday 7 October visiting Holy Family School and then holding an appointment only surgery at Waltham Forest Town Hall. To book an appointment call 020 8521 1223.
  • Saturday 8 October holding a drop in surgery at Selbourne Walk Shopping Centre between 12pm and 2pm. All Walthamstow residents welcome. 

Saturday 24 September 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week


  • Saturday 24 September holding a drop in advice surgery at the NCT sale at the Asian Centre at Orford Road
  • Sunday 25 September speaking at a British Youth Council Fringe meeting and the Movement for Change rally at Labour Conference
  • Monday 26 September Speaking about the campaign to tackle legal loan sharking at the Labour Party Conference
  • Tuesday 27 September speaking at Fringe meetings for the IPPR, Policy Exchange and ResPublica at the Labour party Conference 
  • Wednesday 28 Septemberparticipating in a seminar on how to engage young people in politics at Labour Party Conference 
  • Thursday 29 September taking part in a discussion organised by the Walthamstow Labour party at the Rose and Crown Pub at 7.30pm on how to contribute evidence to the National Riot Panel – all welcome. 

Saturday 17 September 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week


  • Saturday 17 September attending a celebration of Eid and Pakistan Day at the Harmony Hall on Truro Road and then attending a second Eid celebration by the Pak Cultural Society in 
  • Wednesday 21 September attending the Schools Forum meeting to discuss the start of our campaign for a new school for Walthamstow.
  • Thursday 22 September speaking at the Waltham Forest Voluntary Action Conference at Waltham Forest College
  • Saturday 24 September holding a drop in surgery at the Walthamstow NCT sale at the Asian Centre on Orford Road

Walthamstow Village in Bloom - GOLD

Congratulations to all who helped to win gold for Walthamstow! Especially to Helen Lerner who has been the driving force behind this. Here is her latest posting on the facebook group page

Walthamstow Village in Bloom: ""Walthamstow Village was awarded our first GOLD medal and London's Best Urban Community for the third year running at City Hall on 16 September. Many, many thanks to our brilliant Gardening Club volunteers, our residents, businesses, community groups and gardens, Vestry House Museum gardeners and staff, the almshouses, Henry Maynard School, St Mary's Church, I Kuan Taoists and not forgetting Paul Tickner and Waltham Forest operatives, Kier Group, Hoe Street Ward Councilors, MP Stella Creasy and EVERYONE who joined in to make this success possible. And, last but by no means least, our in Bloom team Teresa Deacon, Graham Sherman and John Chambers (and me, Helen Lerner). The Britain in Bloom finals are in St Andrew's on 24 September! We'll keep you posted!"


'via Blog this'

Monday 12 September 2011

Walthamstow stays, in the draft Boundary Commission review

The process to review all the parliamentary constituency boundaries (such as Walthamstow) in England is now well under way. Here is a link to the first draft of the Boundary Commission proposals, officially due out tomorrow, and this is what they have to say about Walthamstow [on p.11]:

"In Waltham Forest, we noted that the electorate of the borough is such that it could be divided into two constituencies. However, having decided to include Waltham Forest wards in a cross-River Lee constituency, we propose to create a Walthamstow constituency containing ten central Waltham Forest wards, including one (Hale End and Highams Park) from the existing Chingford and Woodford Green constituency and two (Forest and Leytonstone) from the existing Leyton and Wanstead constituency. The four southernmost Waltham Forest wards are included in a Stratford constituency together with five wards from the north west of Newham"

There is now a lengthy consultation process, in the course of which many details may change. The boundaries should be all but fixed by the end of 2012, though the changes are not in effect until the legislation receives the Royal Assent, probably in late 2013.

Saturday 10 September 2011

Boundary Commission review - the timetable


General Boundary Review timetable for England
Sept 2011Provisional proposals published by Boundary Commission for England
Initial consultation phase opens with written submissions
Oct/Nov 2011Public hearings take place in English regions
Dec 2011Initial consultation phase end
Spring /Summer 2012
Representations and Transcripts of Public Hearings published
Secondary phase of consultation (written only) lasting four weeks
Late 2012
Revised recommendations are published by the Boundary
Commission (these are unlikely to change)
Consultation on revised recommendations opens
Consultation on revised recommendations close
By October 2013Boundary Commission submits review of boundaries to the government with finalised electoral map (Commission is likely to aim to submit its report well in advance of that).

More on the Boundary Changes - from Lewis Baston

The first draft of details of proposed changes will be published by the Boundary Commission for England next Tuesday, 13th September. Lewis Baston, writing in the autumn newsletter of the Labour Campaign for Electoral Reform, has interesting things to say about the process. These are some extracts [not available online, so uploaded as jpgs - please excuse strange layout!]


 




Friday 9 September 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week


  • Sunday 11 September holding the first meeting of the Walthamstow Young leaders forum and attending the closing ceremony for the Walthamstow Film Festival.
  • Monday 12 September speaking at aPolicy Exchange debate, then participating in the Public Accounts Committee hearing on funding for local government and then hosting a thank you party for the volunteers involved in running the Police respite centre during the social disorder in Walthamstow 
  • Wednesday 14 Septemberparticipating in the Public Accounts Committee hearing on localism. 
  • Friday 16 September holding an appointment only advice surgery for local residents – to book a place please contact my office on 020 8521 1223. 
  • Saturday 17 September attending the Senior Asian Citizens Group Eid Party and the Pak Cultural Society Eid Party 

Tuesday 6 September 2011

What happens to Walthamstow in the Boundary Commission review??


The process to review all the parliamentary constituency boundaries (such as Walthamstow) in England is under way, and aims to complete in time for the planned general election in May 2015. It is quite possible for the current parliament not to last that long, in which case the changes might be dropped. However the first draft of details of proposed changes will be published next Tuesday, 13th September and you will be able to see the initial proposed effects in Walthamstow, and nearby. They will be available on the Boundary Commission for England website. (This link takes you to the London pages.) 

The Commission will be  holding five public hearings in the London region and you will be able to register in September 2011:
  1. Monday 17 to Tuesday 18 October in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, 97 Cromwell Road, London SW7 4DN
  2. Thursday 20 to Friday 21 October in the London Borough of Brent at the Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 9HD
  3. Monday 24 to Tuesday 25 October in the London Borough of Lewisham at the Lewisham Town Hall, Catford Road, Catford ,London SE6 4RU
  4. Thursday s 27 to Friday 28 October in the London Borough of Newham at the East Ham Town Hall, Barking Road, London E6 2RP
  5. Monday 31 October to Tuesday 1 November in the London Borough of Wandsworth at the Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, London SW18 2PU

‘New NHS’ spoof video - what will our NHS look like in 5 years’ time? | NHS Alert

‘New NHS’ spoof video - what will our NHS look like in 5 years’ time? | NHS Alert:

UNISON have made this brilliant and funny, yet terrifying, video about what our NHS could be like if Cameron gets his way. Watch it now, then sign up to help save our NHS.


'via Blog this'

Monday 5 September 2011

David Miliband comes to Walthamstow, November 24th

We're delighted to be able to announce that David Miliband will be coming to Walthamstow on November 24th as special guest of the CLP at our Autumn fundraiser. More details will be announced about how to book as soon as they become available.

Friday 26 August 2011

What’s on in Walthamstow this week


(From the Working for Walthamstow website of Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow.
Click here
 
to read more)


On Monday 29 August the Walthamstow Family Bike Club is going for a ride to see the Markfield Beam Engine in the Lea Valley. The club meets at 1pm on the corner of Orford Road and Church Lane, and they aim to get back no later than 5pm. For more info contact Paul at paul.gasson@gmail.com.

Also on Monday 29 August the Friends of Stoneydown Park are hosting an afternoon of racket, bat and ball games and other entertainments at the park. The event starts at 2pm and there are refreshments on offer from The Hut. For more info contact Fabien at northcoteroade17@yahoo.co.uk.

On Thursday 1 September a pop-up local cinema, Screen 17, is launching at the Orford House Social Club. On the night they’ll be showing “This Sporting Life”, in keeping with the E17 Art Trail theme “On your Marks”, and tickets are £8 on the door. For more info email  info@screen17.co.uk.

On Friday 2 September the Hornbeam Centre is offering a free guided walk at Hollow Ponds on Whipps Cross Road to observe bats in their natural habitat. The walk starts at 7.15pm - to book a place or to find out more contact Teresa on 07985 014815 or on info@highbeam.co.uk.

On Saturday 3 September and every alternate Saturday there will be a free Tai Qi class at the I Kuan Tao Temple in the Old Town Hall on Orford Road. The class starts at 2pm and lasts until 4pm – for more information contact Ming at ming22leong@yahoo.co.uk / 07535 259 066.

Friday 19 August 2011

What’s on in Walthamstow this week

(This is taken from the Working for Walthamstow website of Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow.Click here to read more)

On Saturday 20 August the I Kuan Tao Temple is holding a car boot sale in their car park by the Old Town Hall on  Orford Road. Proceeds are going to charity, and it’s running from 10.30am to 4.30pm. For more information contact Ming at ming22leong@yahoo.co.uk or on 07535 259066.

On Sunday 21 August there will be a “Zumbathon” at Epicentre on West Street. This is a three-hour non-stop dancing lesson from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. It costs £10 to enter and the money goes to charity. For more info contact itslevy@gmail.com.

From Sunday August 21st until Friday September 3rd, local resident Martin Greaves is cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. He and four friends plan to cover the 1050 miles in 12 days, with one rest day at half distance. You can follow their progress of their adventure on their website at http://joglejam.com, where you can also make a donation.

On Monday 22 August the formal council consultation on proposals to redevelop the Walthamstow Dogtrack into flats put forward by London and Quadrant will close. If you wish to take part in the formal consultation process you can do so here, quoting application 2011/0898 re Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium, 300 Chingford Road.  
On Tuesday 23 August there will be a nature and art workshop at Higham Hill Recreation Ground off Hecham Close.  This is for children aged 8-11 to print, draw and make, creating images and objects of the natural environment. It’s free and lasts from 2pm to 5pm – for more info or to book contact Hannah at wearemakingthings@gmail.com / 07970 164 424.

Also on Tuesday 23 August there will be an evening at the Walthamstow Assembly Hall on Forest Road commemorating the abolition of slavery. There will be live music, poetry and dance and it’s free to enter provided you book your place. To do so contact Waltham Forest Direct on 020 8496 3000.

On Saturday 27 August the Hornbeam Centre is offering a free guided walk at Highams Park Lake on Charter Road to observe bats in their natural habitat. Up to two children per accompanying adult are welcome. To book a place or to find out more contact Teresa on 07985 014815 or oninfo@highbeam.co.uk.

Friday 5 August 2011

What’s on in Walthamstow this week

(This is taken from the Working for Walthamstow website of Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow. Click here to read more)


On Saturday 6 August the McGuffins Film and TV Fundraising Quiz night returns to the Rose and Crown Theatre Pub on Hoe Street. Starting at 8.30pm and costing £1.50 per contestant for teams of upto six people, this raises funds for the campaign to restore the EMD as a cinema. The winners will receive £50 and second prize is £20. For more details visit here

On Sunday 7 August there will be the annual E17 Jazz Picnic in Stoneydown Park on Pretoria Avenue, near Blackhorse Road tube. This free event is organised by local volunteers and starts at 1pm in the park – there will be refreshments including Pimms and a barbeque as well as a bouncy castle, hula hoop workshop and a hotly contested "tug o’war" competition. E17 Jazz are a local collective that perform regularly in the borough and who are all top UK musicians.

On Saturday 13 August Shernhall Methodist Church on the corner of Shernhall Street and Oliver Road is holding an indoor and outdoor boot sale and coffee morning with bric-a-brac, clothes, jewellery, cards, toys, books and more. Hot and cold food and refreshments will also be available and admission is free. The event runs between 11am and 1pm and for more information contact events2visit@gmail.com

Monday 25 July 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week

  • Friday 22 July speaking at the McGuffins Film Society Soiree at Orford House
  • Saturday 23 July speaking at the Choose Youth rally in central London to support the provision of services for young people
  • Friday 29 July doing a ward walk around the Bakers Arms area to look at issues of housing and antisocial behaviour with Ascham Homes and local police
  • Saturday 30 July meeting with the Waltham Forest Women’s Interfaith Network Friendship Pilgramage Walk (see below for details)

Monday 18 July 2011

Forthcoming Events for Labour Party Members

BAME Labour Summer Conference - Saturday 30 July, 10am – 4pm - tickets cost £10, with a £5 concession -  to register click here  (open to all ethnic minority Labour Party members; BAME Labour members; and ethnic minority supporters)
Annual Conference 2011 - to apply now click here , for enquiries about accomodation email
conferences@merseyside.org.uk , call 0151 237 3925 or visit www.visitliverpool.com and click on "accommodation". Any queries call Conference Services on 0870 043 5533
National Women’s Conference @ Annual Conference on 24 – 25 September in Liverpool. If you are already attending Annual Conference you can attend for no extra cost, just reserve your place by emailing
equalities@new.labour.org.uk or click here  if you are not already attending conference and you wish to purchase a special place for £10.
Youth Day @ Annual Conference on Wednesday and Thursday - to register for a special youth rate of £5 for both days click here , if you've already applied for a pass there's no need to apply again - you will still be able to attend Youth Day activities.

Saturday 16 July 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week

  • Sunday 17 July going to the Thuso garden party (see below) and then attending St Patrick’s School summer fete
  • Monday 18 July holding an appointment-only surgery at Waltham Forest Direct, then participating in the Public Accounts Committee’s enquiry into armoured vehicles.
  • Wednesday 20 July visiting South Grove Primary School to teach a citizenship lesson
  • Thursday 21 July going to Woodbury Road School for a coffee afternoon and meeting with local school governors to discuss concerns around funding for school places.
  • Friday 22 July speaking at the McGuffins Summer Cinema Soiree at Orford House Ballroom.  Tickets are now extremely limited so see here for more information

Saturday 9 July 2011

Where to find Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow this week

  • Friday 8 July attending a meeting on healthcare planning with local MPs, then a meeting to discuss Walthamstow Dog Track’s heritage status and then visiting Woodside School to teach a citizenship lesson
  • Saturday 9 July holding a drop-in surgery at The Mall on Selborne Walk from 12pm to 2pm – all Walthamstow residents welcome
  • Monday 11 July participating in Education Question time in parliament to ask about the provision of youth services and then the Public Accounts Committee’s session on aircraft carriers and armoured vehicles
  • Wednesday 13 July attending the Public Accounts Committee’s session on the Parliamentary Expenses System
  • Thursday 14 July attending the Walthamstow CLP Fundraising dinner “Spaghetti and Meet Balls” at Mondragone’s on Orford Road with Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls MP– for full details visit this page
  • Sunday 17 July attending the Thuso Garden party- for details see below- and then the St Patricks School Summer Fete.

Saturday 2 July 2011

To miss this would be 'Pasta Joke' - Meet Balls on 14th July!

Don't forget we have our brilliant Fundraising dinner* at Mondragone's Italian restaurant, right next to the Labour Party Offices in Walthamstow Village on Thursday 14th July. Tickets are now seriously in short supply, so if you don't want to miss out book yours in the next few days. More details by clicking here.

*Walthamstow Constituency Labour Party's Summer Social and Fundraising fantastic three course Italian Dinner with special Guest the Shadow Chancellor the Rt Hon Ed Balls MP.