Below are details of activities/events taking place at The Mill this week which are open to newcomers as well as regulars. Information given includes cost (if any), if booking is required or if you can just drop-in, and who to contact for more information.
But – remember – you don’t have to join an activity. Everyone is welcome at The Mill 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 March
The Mill is closed on Mondays – except for those who have booked for one of the following activites.
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. Booking is essential – for full details – including cost – and to book your place please contact the tutor by email Jason Hawkridge or by ringing 07786 495005.
Tuesday 7 March
10am-12pm – Real Coffee @ The Mill – call in for 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 – Full details of this low-cost acupuncture clinic click here for contact details and how to book (booking essential)
7pm-9pm – Mill Book Club – everyone welcome to join in on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, email Emily Fletcher.
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 8 March
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 ring 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.
6pm-8pm – Women in Print – talk and demonstration. Anna Alcock, printmaker artist and director of Inky Cuttlefish Studios, will give an overview talk on the art of printmaking from a woman’s perspective. Participants will have the opportunity to create a little intaglio plate. £2 contribution for materials. Booking essential – click here.
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 March
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 Arts Club – For children of 6+. Each week of five sessions there will be a new approach. It’s best if you can make all sessions but we try to accommodate drop-ins and a few younger children. Children under 8 must be accompanied. Remember – being creative can sometimes be messy! Donation (to The Mill) of £2 per child. Spaces are limited so please book – in person by visiting The Mill, or ring 020 521 3211
4pm-8pm – Public exhibition of revised proposal for development on South Grove site – call in to view the developer’s revised proposal which will include higher build to accommodate 50 more homes. For more information go to their website.
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 March
10.00am-1pm – Knitting Group – 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.
10am-2pm – Community Voices – see above – Wednesday 8 March – for details.
Saturday 11 March
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.
10am-10.50am and 11am-11.50am – Grow your Own Theatre –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
Sunday 12 March
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.