The BIG event this week is on Saturday 20 May – an afternoon of activities and much more for children to enjoy a Star Wars vs Harry Potter event. And read on for details of all other activities/events taking place 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. And there’s always an art exhibition in our ‘living-room’ for everyone to enjoy …
All week (except Monday)
Come along to view the latest exhibition – Wonderful Wetlands – which celebrates the wildlife, history and development of the amazing Walthamstow Wetlands. See works by local artists, and look out for swifts overhead. There are poems and photographs too. For more information click here – and note that on Sunday 21 May there will be a special Swift Talks Afternoon.
Monday 15 May
The Mill is closed on Monday except for those who have booked to join one of the following 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.
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 16 May
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 – For full details of this low-cost acupuncture clinic click here . Booking is essential.
Wednesday 17 May
1.30pm-2.30pm – Urdu Conversation – Asima Baig is a qualified experienced Pakistani Urdu teacher. £1 donation to The Mill. For more information email Asima or ring 07450 282735
4pm-5.30pm – Spanish and French for children – Arno teaches Spanish and French, under licence from the well-recognized language programme “La Jolie Ronde”. His classes are for children 5-7 years and are 30mins long with a maximum of 10 children to ensure they all get the attention they need. Cost: £5.50 per lesson + £20 for activity book and CD The first session is free as a taster. Spanish 4pm-4.30pm, French 4.45pm-5.15pm. If you would like further information or to book a free taster session please contact Arno – call 0784601821, email or visit the website.
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 18 May
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-5pm – 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
7.30pm-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 19 May
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 – 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
2pm-4.15pm – 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 20 May
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.
2pm-5pm – Star Wars versus Harry Potter. A themed Mill Event for children and families. Click here for more information.
Sunday 21 May
10am-1pm – Mill Radio – Mill Radio is a small group that meets at the Mill to make recorded programmes for podcast (distribution on the Internet) and distribution by means of free CDs at the Mill reception desk. Our aim is to explore issues that matter to local people, give a platform to local creative talent and engage in informal chat about all our lives, interests and opinions. Please check out our past programmes here – and join us on the third Sunday of each month between 10am and 1pm to make new ones.
2.00pm-4.30pm – Swift Talks Afternoon – a special event related to the Wetlands Exhibition. Click here for more information.