On Saturday 17 December Screen17 cinema's Kids' Film Club will be screening 'The Wizard of Oz' (Dir Victor Fleming, 1939, U). Suitable for 11 years and under. Doors open 10am. Scribble and Smudge film related craft session 10am – 10.30am. Film starts 10.45am. Tickets £5.50 child, £4 adults, under 2s free, and available on the door or online.
On Saturday 17 December come and celebrate The Mill's first Christmas fair from midday till 3pm. Activities include a festive tombola, face painting, henna decoration and nail painting, paper chain making and bring along a small orange to make a traditional hanging decoration. Bring food and drink to share! It's 50p for adults and £1 for families, but you can swap your ticket for a drink or one of the activities.
On Saturday 17 December local residents in Wood Street are holding a festive gathering in Wood Street Plaza on from 4pm – 6pm. There will be carol singing, music, a 'best dressed festive dog' competition and free mulled wine (non-alcoholic) and cakes. Indoor space is available in case of bad weather.
On Saturday 17 December WideWorld Music E17 will be featuring Congolese band Egokomotomoto and an African drumming workshop. 7.30pm to midnight, at Walthamstow Cricket Club, 48A Greenway Avenue, E17 3QN, Adults £6, Children £3.
On Sunday 18 December the Friends of Lloyd Park will be holding their festive singalong at the entrance to the park at Winns Avenue. From midday to 3pm, mulled wine and mince pies, £1 entry for adults.
On Sunday 18 December Lot One Ten Antiques will be hosting 'Miss Latilla's Fancy Bazaar'. On sale will be antique and collectable ceramics, glassware, cutlery, tableware, books, magazines, tablecloths, ornaments, and toys; with free hot crumpets and scrumpy for all. 78 Hoe Street, E17 4PG (Between the Rose & Crown and the Bell Pub) / 020 8926 4234.
On Sunday 18 December East London Out Project will be holding a end of year celebration for LGBT families at The Limes Community and Children's Centre. 2pm – 4pm, Adults £3, Children £2, book by calling 020 8509 3898 or by emailing.
Between Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22 December The Limes Community and Children's Centre will be holding a December Play Scheme for 5 to 12 year olds. Sessions cost £12.50 for the first child, and £10 per sibling, for adventure playground, soft play, arts, crafts and games. Info on 020 8509 8985 or by email . Saturday short breaks also run on the first and second Saturday of the month.
On Tuesday 20 December Tina T will be hosting her Soul and Funk Jam Christmas Party at the Rose & Crown Pub, 53-55 Hoe Street, E17 4SA. 8pm – Midnight. If you want to perform , please come early.
On Friday 23 December all self-employed Walthamstow residents are invited to the self-employed Christmas party! At 8pm at the pool table end of the Rose & Crown Pub, 53-55 Hoe Street, E17 4SA.
Studio lighting photography workshop in E17
Local photographer Matt Thompson is running a workshop dedicated to the art of studio lighting on 28 January and 18 February. Book now for an introductory price of £125 which includes lunch. Questions and booking by email.
Where to find me this week...
• Friday 16 December campaigning at lunchtime in the High Street against payday lenders (details below) and then attending the Over 60s Christmas Party at the Town Hall.
• Monday 19 December holding an appointment-only surgery for constituents (now fully booked), attending the Labour Women's Safety Commission meeting in South London and holding a meeting of my youth forum at Parliament for young people from Waltham Forest.
• Thursday 22 December please note my office will be closed on this date (as I will be cooking Christmas lunch for my hard-working team)
Tackling Legal Loan Sharks; Tomorrow 1pm Walthamstow High Street outside Oakum
Tomorrow lunchtime we will be outside the payday loan shops in Walthamstow leafleting to raise awareness of the problems their unregulated industry causes and of our local credit union as an affordable alternative source of funds. If you like to join us in this campaign please do get in touch or come to the St James Street end of Walthamstow High Street for 1pm. Please note that cameras from ITV's Tonight programme will be joining us at this protest.
Sadly Ken Livingstone is now unable to join us, but he plans to show his support for a future session in the New Year. I've been calling on the government to cap the costs these companies can charge for such loans - if you haven't already please sign the petition.
Groups for families affected by autistic spectrum disorders
Two groups are running for families affected by autistic spectrum disorders this December:
• A Teenage Group for students with Aspergers who are attending a secondary school or a college in Waltham Forest. There will be a sports group/film club session on Monday 19 December and a music session on Tuesday 20 December from 10 am until 3.30 pm and it is free of charge.
• A Sibling Group for students who have a brother or a sister who is autistic. There will be a sports group/film club session on Wednesday 21 December and a music session on Thursday 22 December from 10 am until 3.30 pm and it is free of charge.
These sessions are being supported by Frederick Bremer School. If you would like more information please do get in touch.
Volunteer for the William Morris in Leyton Exhibition
During 2012 the William Morris Gallery will be presenting a temporary exhibition, William Morris: Designer, Craftsman, Local Celebrity at the Leyton Municipal Offices as part of its exciting development project. The exhibition will be open to the public 10am – 5pm, Wednesday to Saturday, February – July. The Gallery staff are looking for volunteers to supervise and support visitors to the exhibition, this will include invigilating visitors to ensure their safety and that of the objects on display, welcoming people to the exhibition, answering questions and engaging them in conversations about William Morris and the Gallery. Volunteers should be able to do at least half a day each week. For more information or to apply call 020 8496 1465 or email.
Tackling domestic violence
As a member of the Labour Home Affairs team I have been challenging the Government on the support they give to victims of domestic violence. This week I welcomed the announcement that they would consult on widening the definition to include 'coercive control', but questioned whether the changes they are making to legal aid will make it more difficult for victims to leave abusive relationships. You can read the full BBC news story and see the question I asked the Home Secretary in Parliament on Monday.
Stella Creasy, Labour and Co-Operative MP for Walthamstow
23 Orford Road Walthamstow E17 9NL 020 8521 1223
www.workingforwalthamstow.org.uk
