Here are details of all 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)
Memories of Shops and Shopping around St James Street – An exhibition which you can view in The Mill’s living room until 22 April 2017. Over the last year, LBWF, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has been restoring historic buildings and improving shop fronts and the street environment in the St James Street 
Conservation Area. As part of this project, Waltham Forest Oral History Workshop (WFOH) members and volunteers have been interviewing shoppers, shop workers and stallholders and have created a collection of more than 30 recordings to bring the area’s history to life. Extracts from these recordings can be heard in the exhibition alongside other voices from the archive, some dating back to the First World War. There are vivid memories from many decades ago together with local people’s hopes and opinions about the future of this part of Walthamstow. WFOH has also explored archive sources in Vestry House Museum and selected images from its extensive collection of historic photographs, to demonstrate how local shops and the local population have changed over more than a hundred years. For more information contact WFOH by email or ring 020 3002 0111 (during office hours).
Monday 27 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 28 March
4pm-7pm – Community Acupuncture Clinic – For full details of this low-cost acupuncture clinic click here for contact details and how to book (booking essential)
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 29 March
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.
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
6pm-8pm – Public Consultation- Draft New South Grove/St James 
Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The council has prepared a new draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to take account of changing circumstances in the South Grove/ St James area and provide an updated framework for how the area can be developed. The Mill is one venue for a public consultation event open to all. To find out more go to.
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 30 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 booking is essential– in person by visiting The Mill, or ring 020 521 3211
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 (concessions) per session and further discounts are available. For more information email Ania or visit website.
Friday 31 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 29 March – 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 1 April
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-2pm – Drop-in to find out more about volunteering at The Mill – our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Ruth Mitchell, will be at The Mill and looking forward to meeting people who would like to know more about volunteer opportunities.
11.00am-1pm – Mill Gardening Group – Drop in to join the team of volunteers who tend The Mill’s “Secret Garden”. The bluebells are about to flower… To find out more email.
Sunday 2 April
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. 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
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