Here are full details of activities and events taking place this week which are open to newcomers. But – remember, you don’t have to join in an activity. The Mill is Walthamstow’s ‘living room’ and everyone is welcome Tuesday-Friday from 10am-6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm. You can borrow a book from the honesty library, bring your little ones to enjoy all the toys in the playroom, make a cuppa and have a chat – and we also have leaflets, flyers and posters on display so you can find out what else is going on throughout Waltham Forest.
All week – except Monday
On Tuesday to Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday you can view the exhibition on the walls of the living-room – Tales From the Marsh which unearths the magnetic pull of Walthamstow and Leyton Marshes in this collage of local people’s narratives, reminiscence, poetry, artwork and photographs. The exhibition will continue until early December.
Monday 28 November
6pm-7pm – Gentle Yoga – Learn some gentle healing poses and relaxation techniques, which you can also do safely at home. For more information and to book your place send an email to Josetta.
7pm-8.30pm – Ashtanga Yoga – This class is also led by Josetta who specialises in teaching beginners this dynamic style of yoga, but all levels are catered for.. For more information and to book your place send an email to Josetta.
7pm-9pm – Make Your Mark –A life drawing course for all abilities. A relaxed approach will allow you to develop at your own pace and explore your own ‘ways of seeing.’ Paper, pencils ,charcoal and pens are supplied, however, having an A3 sketchbook is advisable. The classes alternate between The Chequers pub (Walthamstow High Street) and The Mill. For full details – including cost – and to book your place please contact the tutor by email Jason Hawkridge or by ringing 07786 495005
Tuesday 29 November
10am-1pm – Sociable Sewing – Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or an experienced sewer, all are welcome. You can bring your own sewing, patchwork, darning or mending. Learn a new skill, have fun with fabric or just sew in company. An experienced sewer, Hilary, will be on hand for help and advice, and we have sewing machines available if you need them. £1 donation + small costs for materials. For more information, please email
4pm-7pm – Community Acupuncture Clinic – This community clinic offers low cost, professional acupuncture treatments making treatments affordable to everyone . Patients receive treatments in small groups in reclining chairs or on massage tables distributed in the same room. You decide what you can afford on a sliding scale between £20-£40. No income verification or questions asked. Bookings are by appointment only and there are limited spaces, so to book visit the website or ring 07809211013.
7pm-9pm – English for Beginners and Improvers – General English classes for beginners and elementary level, working towards IELTS and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively. The groups are small and students participate as much as possible, working on their own, in groups and as a whole class. The majority of the students are Bulgarians but any other nationality is more than welcome. The classes are a maximum of 10 students and there is a fee. For more information – including details of the cost – email or ring 0778603876.
7.30pm-8.30pm – Yoga for Cyclists – This yoga course is geared toward the cyclist continues. The 1 hour classes are recommended as a course, though drop ins are also welcome (space dependent). To find out more email Vicky.
Wednesday 30 November
10am-12.00pm – The New Parents Social Drop In is an informal coffee morning for parents of pre-crawling babies to get to know others who are also welcoming a new little person into their family. . Email Jo for further information.
10am-2pm – Community Voices – A programme of ESOL, aimed at migrant women of all backgrounds who want to integrate into their community, train as a volunteer, run local community events and gain an ESOL speaking qualification. The level is intermediate, Entry 3/Level 1. For more details please contact Hilary on 0207 2756750
12pm-2pm – Laughter Club – Meets weekly and is for people to socialise and make new friends and enjoy pleasant company. Set up originally for people who are on employment support allowance on the work programme with SEETEC, but others are welcome. For more information email.
6.30pm-8pm – Knitting Drop-In – Suitable for experienced knitters or the complete beginner. Support and teaching where required. Everyone welcome for £1 donation. For more information email – or just come along.
Thursday 1 December
12pm-1.30pm – Words, Conversation and Scrabble group – Come along to gain confidence in spoken English, or simply if you enjoy a good game of Scrabble to help improve your vocabulary. All nationalities welcome. For more information contact Adele Tinman: tinman.adele@yahoo.com
12pm-2pm Asian Women’s Support Group – A group for Asian women to socialise and learn skills. For more information email Amarjit: amarjit786@hotmail.co.uk
2pm-3.15pm – Rhythm, Rhyme and Drumming Stories for Babies and Toddlers. Weekly music and storytelling sessions for parents, babies and toddlers, including nursery rhymes and stories. A relaxing and fun environment for parents and small children to interact together and engage musically with song and stories. Cost: drop-in £7 per session (reduction available for multiple session booking). For more information, email Amie McBye: or ring 07751 717120
4pm-5.30pm –Junior Art Club – These after-school sessions are for young people aged 6+ who want to have fun making art. There are limited places so, please, click here for more information about how to book.
7pm-9pm – English for Beginners and Improvers – see above – Tuesday 29 November – for details.
7.15pm-9pm – Singing Class – Have you ever wanted to join a singing class but felt too scared? Then this is the perfect class for you! Come and enjoy some deeply nourishing singing in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. No auditions or music theory needed. All levels welcome. Perfect environment for complete beginners. All songs are taught by ear. No need to book – just turn up! Classes are £9 / £7 (concs) per session and further discounts are available. .For more information email Ania: or visit website.
Friday 2 December
10.00am-1pm – Knitting Group – Suitable for experienced knitters or the complete beginner. Support and teaching where required. Everyone welcome for £1 donation. For more information email – or just come along.
10am-2pm – Community Voices – see above – Wednesday 30 November – for details.
1.30pm-2.30pm – Learn Urdu – Asima Baig is a qualified experienced Pakistani Urdu teacher. £1 donation to The Mill. For more information email: asima76baig@yahoo.co.uk or ring 07450 282735
Saturday 3 December
10am – 11am – Spanish for you … Español para usted. Classes run by a native Spanish speaker for beginners and improvers (of any age) The cost is £6 per session (6 week term payable in advance). You are welcome to come along to a class and try it out. For more information or to enrol please contact: Roxana – 07709937543 – roxanaspanish@yahoo.co.uk
11.00am-1pm – Gardening Group – Call in to join the team of volunteers who help keep The Mill’s garden flourishing. You don’t need green fingers – just enthusiasm … ! This week the focus will be on ‘decking The Mill with boughs of holly … ‘ To find out more email.
Sunday 4 December
11.00am-1pm Chess Club – A drop-in session for beginners and improvers. Everyone aged 11+ is welcome. Attendance is by donation of £2 (all proceeds to The Mill). A few chess sets will be available, but if you have one, please bring your own set.
11am-1pm Mill Bike Group – A gentle 2 hour cycle paced well for all ages and abilities to join, exploring the River Lea and surroundings and stopping for a cup of tea to say hello and stick our noses into the the fresh air. Meet at 11am in front of The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane for departure at 11.15am. For more information contact Katja by email: or ring her on 07799 411 587