North By Northeast: Forest Cinemas to open this summer
I'm absolutely delighted to be able to tell you that a new operator is now in place and the former Empire in Walthamstow High Street is set to reopen in the summer as Forest Cinemas.
The cinema closed its doors abruptly in July 2023 after the operating company went into administration and I vowed at the time to do everything in our power to bring a cinema back to Waltham Forest.
The new operator is PDJ Cinemas, a family-owned firm that runs four cinemas across the country. The independent chain specialises in world class films at local prices, offering value for money and exciting programming that mixes Hollywood hits with international and independent cinema. PDJ has an impressive record of being heavily involved in the communities in which it operates. The full range of prices will be confirmed closer to opening but there will be discounts available for children, seniors and families, with the aim of making prices accessible to all, at the same time as offering the latest cinema technology to movie-goers. You can read more about the plans on our website.
For those who don't know, Walthamstow was once the centre of the British silent film industry, and our borough has a long-running connection with the silver screen, from Leytonstone’s legendary director Alfred Hitchcock to current Hollywood stars like Naomi Ackie and Harris Dickinson, who grew up here.
The new name celebrates the borough’s links to Epping Forest, which was regularly used as a location during Walthamstow’s leading role in the UK silent film industry of the 1920s. The name also acknowledges that it will be a cinema for the whole of Waltham Forest.
Thank you for being so patient throughout this process. I am thrilled that we have been able to secure such a great new operator. PDJ has exciting plans for the cinema and I'm sure, like me, you can't wait for the big screen to come back to Waltham Forest this summer.Â
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
 Forest Cinemas is set to open in the Scene in Walthamstow this summer
Click the postcode nearest you to find events coming up around the borough.
 We are working with local charity HEET to help you get advice and information on your energy needs and apply for any extra funding you may be eligible for. Drop-in energy advice sessions are taking place at locations across the borough in the coming weeks, so do pop along.
 Elections for the Mayor of London and Greater London Authority take place on Thursday 2 May across the capital.
- To vote in person, you will need an accepted form of photo ID. If you haven't got one or you're not sure if the photo ID you have counts, check here. If you don't, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
- Or you can register for a postal vote, which is also helpful if you have mobility issues or travel a lot. You must apply by 5pm, Wednesday 17 April 2024 to get a postal vote for the 2 May elections.
- If you can't remember if you're registered to vote or not, visit our website to check and register if you need to. It’s quick and easy – you’ll be done in 10 minutes.
 Do you need support getting online or using your device? Our Let’s Get Digital drop-in help sessions will be starting in Chingford Library from next Thursday, 18 April, and then take place every Thursday from 3pm to 5pm. Look out for our Digital Champion volunteers in pink T-shirts who will be available to provide you with free, one-to-one help with everything from setting up your phone to online banking, shopping and more.
 Out in the Forest invites you to join an in-person panel discussion with black elders from the LGBTQ+ community. The panellists will be discussing their lives, aspirations and activism, as well as what we can all do to support older members of the black LGBTQ+ community.
The event takes place on Sunday 21 April from 2pm to 3.30pm at Good Shepherd Studios, 15A Davies Lane, E11 3DR. Spaces are limited, so book your free ticket today.
 Head to Fellowship Square this Friday, 12 April to see the BAFTA- and Oscar-winning 2023 film Poor Things, starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe.
Doors open at 7pm; film at 7:45pm. Full price tickets are ÂŁ12, with concessions available.
Then on Saturday 13 April, join Remy the rat for the heart-warming adventure, Ratatouille. The fun-filled family screening will also offer pre-film craft activities and snacks, popcorn and soft drinks to enjoy with the film.
Doors open at 10am; film at 11am. Child tickets are ÂŁ6, with accompanying adults ÂŁ4.
 If you’re passionate about the environment and looking for a fulfilling career, come along to our very first Green Construction Jobsfest, taking place at the London Academy of Sustainable Construction in Leytonstone on Wednesday 15 May.
Meet employers and get to know more about sustainable construction through talks and demonstrations – whether you’re a recent graduate or seasoned professional.
Places are free but you will need to book in advance.
 Lloyd Park volunteers meet every week
If you're walking through any of our parks in the coming weeks, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful botany on display. Thanks to a crack team of dedicated volunteers, including the residents in our picture, who meet up every week in Lloyd Park, the flowerbeds and gardens are set to become even greener and more nature friendly as spring blooms. There are volunteer schemes in Chingford's Ridgeway Park and Leyton Jubilee Park, as well as Lloyd Park.
 Come to a free family yoga class at Walthamstow Family Hub, 313 Billet Road, E17 5PX on Wednesday 10 April, from 1pm to 2.30pm.
The class has been designed for all physical abilities, and all ages over six years. You can either attend by yourself or with your child.
This is the last spring session, but we hope to have more soon.
You can enrol on the day, but please bring a mat.
 Earth Day 2024 takes place on Monday 22 April and has a particular focus on tackling plastic waste. This year's theme is Planet versus Plastic, with a call for a 60 per cent reduction of ALL plastic by 2040.
Monthly drop-in sexual health clinics near you
A regular sexual health check-up is just as important as a regular trip to the dentist or the GP. Regardless of your recent or long-term sexual experiences, it’s good for your health, and peace of mind, to get checked for infections, many of which don’t have any symptoms. Get free testing, confidential support and free contraceptives at monthly clinics in Chingford, Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone Family Hubs.
Sustainability survey
We're working with a number of organisations looking into sustainable solutions in the borough. One of these, Yodomo, is running a survey to help them address textile waste and the energy crisis and they would really appreciate your help.
It should take less than 10 minutes to complete. The deadline to submit your responses is midnight, Sunday 21 April.
Housing roadshow at Priory Court
Priory Court Community Centre is hosting a housing roadshow on Thursday 18 April from 2pm until 7pm. Council services and officers will be present giving residents the chance to report repairs, see the Rent Officer or Tenancy Officer and get information about the community centre and its activities. You'll also be able to meet the contractor appointed to build the new homes, MUGA and play area on the estate
Green homes webinar for trades people and businesses
On Wednesday 1 May, we’re holding a free Green Homes webinar for local construction businesses and tradespeople who would like to learn more about the opportunities available around making homes greener, through measures like installing solar panels, insulation and heat pumps.
Come along and find out:Â
- how retrofit skills can help to future-proof your business
- what free or low-cost training is available in Waltham Forest
- the help we can offer youÂ
Free digital skills training for over 65s
Ability Net is running three free digital skills training sessions for over 65s at Priory Court Community Centre, 11 Priory Court, E17 5NB. No need to book, just turn up.
- Friday 19 April, 10.30am to 12pm: Getting to know your tablet or smartphone
- Friday 26 April, 10.30am to 12pm: Using social media
- Friday 3 May, 10.30am to 12pm: Booking GP appointments
Current council vacancies and other local jobs
We regularly update the vacancies and local jobs listing on our Waltham Forest Jobs website. Explore available job opportunities and apply for roles that suit you.Â
You can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website, and check out our LinkedIn.
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