Below are details of activities which are open to all, including newcomers – and details include whether the activity is free, if you have to book, or if you can just drop-in. But – remember – you don’t have to join an activity …
Everyone is welcome whenever we are open – you can view the latest art exhibition on the walls of the living room, 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 browse leaflets, flyers and posters on display so you can find out what else is going on throughout Waltham Forest. There’s always someone on reception to welcome you and give more information. Meanwhile, read on if you would like to join in a particular activity.
All week (except Monday)
You can call in to look at the latest art exhibition on the walls of the living-room – “Can you see what I see?” An intrepid group of photographers from our Thursday afternoon Junior Art Club went exploring – the results are beautiful, funny and unexpected. We are very grateful to Waltham Forest Council for funds through the High Streeet. Community Ward Forum.
Monday 9 January
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.
Tuesday 10 January
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.
6pm-8pm – ‘Urban Swifts’: a fantastic project looking for experienced knitters. A distinctive urban wetland nature reserve and centre for learning – Walthamstow Wetlands – will be opening in late 2017. In the build up to the launch, a group of local residents working with charity Crest Waltham Forest are developing an exciting knitting project which will form part of an exhibition on the site. Deirdre Nelson, a renowned textile artist, is starting the project in January. It will build on her successful ‘Bird Yarns’ project across the Western Isles in Scotland that drew together communities in response to the loss of the Arctic Tern. The chosen bird for Walthamstow Wetlands is the swift and the aim is to knit 100 ready for the opening. If you are an experienced knitter and would like to help trial the pattern, you can join Deirdre at the Mill on three initial dates:
Tuesday 10 January, 6pm-8pm – and/or
Wednesday 11 January, 6pm-8pm – and/or
Friday 13 January, 10am-1pm
For more information – email Elizabeth Colwell.
7.30pm-8.30pm – Yoga for Cyclists – This yoga course is geared toward the cyclist. The 1 hour classes are recommended as a course, though drop ins are also welcome (space dependent). To find out more email Vicky.
Wednesday 11 January
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 – please note, the club is not meeting at The Mill this week, but will be back on Wednesday 18 January. If you have a query please 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. This session is another opportunity for experienced knitters to learn more about the Urban Swift knitting project – see above – Tuesday 10 January – for full details.
Thursday 12 January
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 email Adele Tinman.
12pm-2pm Asian Women’s Support Group – A group for Asian women to socialise and learn skills. For more information email Amarjit.
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.
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 13 January
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. This session is another opportunity for experienced knitters to learn more about the Urban Swift knitting project – see above – Tuesday 10 January – for full details.
10am-2pm – Community Voices – see above – Wednesday 11 January – 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 Asima or ring 07450 282735
Saturday 14 January
10am-10.50am and 11am-11.50am – Grow your Own Theatre – one of the pioneer groups returns to The Mill! In these drama and making classes children aged 3-5 and 6-8 can make something with Sarah and use it to inspire adventures. As sessions are child-led and focused, no two sessions will ever be quite the same. For full details, click here.
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 email Roxana or ring 07709937543.
11.00am-12pm – High Street Ward Councillor Surgery. On the second Saturday of each month one of the three High Street Ward Councillors holds a surgery at The Mill. Contact one of the councillors if you would like to attend:
Liaquat Ali: cllr.liaquat.ali@walthamforest.gov.uk
Raja Anwar: cllr.raja.anwar@walthamforest.gov.uk
Clare Coghill: cllr.clare.coghill@walthamforest.gov.uk
Sunday 15 January
No particular activities this Sunday – but we will be open as usual – 10am-2pm – so do drop-in to view the latest art exhibition on the walls of the living room, 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 browse leaflets, flyers and posters on display so you can find out what else is going on throughout Waltham Forest. There’s always someone on reception to welcome you and give more information.