Here 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 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 to find out what else is going on throughout Waltham Forest. There’s always someone on reception to welcome you and give more information.
All week (except Monday)
You can view the latest exhibition of artwork on the walls of the living room. Ink, Press, Go! Is an inquisitive exhibition, showcasing the talents of people in the local community who have been exploring printing techniques in the most varied methods.
Monday 6 February
The Mill is closed on Mondays, except for those who have booked to join one of the yoga classes.
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 7 February
10am-12pm – Real Coffee @ The Mill – the best (and cheapest) coffee in Walthamstow. Just £1 a cup + free home-made cantucci (almond biscotti).
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.
6.30-7.30pm – launch of Mill’s Strategy – an open event for all … There will be some short speeches, light refreshments, and a chance to talk to some of the local people who have played a part in The Mill’s journey so far, and learn about our plans for the next five years.
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.
7.30pm-8.30pm – Mill Book Group – meets monthly. For more information about dates of future meetings and books to read email.
Wednesday 8 February
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 by email or 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.
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
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 9 February
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 – Please note, this extremely popular after-school activity is now fully-booked until the end of the current 2017 Spring term – but there are sometimes cancellation places, to find out more please email.
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 10 February
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 8 February – for details.
2pm-3.15pm – Bongalong -Fun music sessions for under 5s and their carers together: Singing, dancing, make believe and amazing percussion instruments. Bongalong provides opportunity for fun and interactive learning aimed at supporting social, physical, creative and intellectual development. Booking essential to build familiarity and confidence. Cost – classes work out at £5.25 a week. Come for a trial session £5.50, then book for the remaining weeks. To book contact Fiona by email or 07811 460114
Saturday 11 February
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.
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
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.
Sunday 12 February
10.30am-11.30am – Stay, play and protest – is an informal drop-in for parents and their children with a twist – we’ll be talking about things that make our lives difficult and how as a group we can make them better. The group is open to anyone with children under 18, although you don’t have to bring the kids along to attend. To find out more visit the group’s Facebook page.