A spring in your step
If you’re like me, you’ve been staring sadly out of the window recently wondering when spring will finally appear. Thankfully, it looks like warmer weather and even – whisper it quietly – some sunshine could be heading our way between the showers. So, as the Bank Holiday approaches, why not take some time to explore some of our wonderful green spaces and parks?
When our borough was created in 1965 it was called Waltham Forest for a reason, with Epping Forest touching many of our neighbourhoods, from Bushwood and Hollow Pond in the south to Highams Park Lake and Chingford Forest in the north.
We know access to green space promotes exercise and benefits mental health and we are lucky to have so much on our doorstep. The third mission of our Mission Waltham Forest programme shows our commitment to making our borough a great place to live and age well. As National Walking Month begins, going for a stroll or brisk walk is a really easy way to improve our fitness and connect with other people and the places we live in, so why not check out these local routes to help you explore the borough?
I hope you enjoy the warmer weather over the Bank Holiday weekend, whatever you do. And if you're reading this on Thursday evening, don't forget to vote in the Mayor and GLA election – you've got until 10pm tonight. And please remember to take an accepted form of Photo ID with you!
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
 Hands up if you're going to vote tonight
Click the postcode nearest you to find events coming up around the borough.
Please note, if your postcode is IG8, your nearest events will appear under E4. If you live in E7 or E15, check out E11.
 Before and after in Upper Walthamstow
Thanks to reports from local residents, our Neighbourhoods Team sorted out this corner of Upper Walthamstow, removing an old skip, cutting overgrowth back and clearing the paved area. We are on a Mission to make every neighbourhood safe and green, and somewhere you can thrive.
If you know somewhere that has fly-tip, or might need a clean up – please do report and our team will work hard to sort it for you.
 Do you know a young person with an interest in working in museums and galleries? Are you interested yourself? William Morris Gallery is offering adults aged 18 to 25 the opportunity to take part in a curatorial interpretation course inspired by the next exhibition launching at the Gallery in November 2024.
William Morris and Art from the Islamic World introduces Morris’s personal collection and how objects in it came to influence his pattern-making. You’ll be part of a group of 20 young people participating in a five-day training course from Monday 22 to Friday 26 July 2024. Application deadline: Friday 31 May 2024.
 Stalking drama Baby Reindeer, based on a real-life story, is currently enjoying huge success on Netflix.
Sadly, research suggests that one in two domestic stalkers, if they make a threat, will act on it. Suzy Lamplugh Trust defines stalking as 'A pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim.’
If you’ve been affected by stalking or the issues Baby Reindeer covers, you can get help:
In an emergency, always dial 999.
 Nathan Fake will be headlining at St John's Church. Image by Tim Saccenti
This Saturday, 4 May head to Leytonstone for an all-day live music festival taking place across five venues. It features Dreamhouse Records, Walthamstow Rock ‘n’ Roll Book Club, Uplands, Underdog and Fiesta Not Siesta Family Disco, offering music and a series of talks and interviews.
The line-up includes Nathan Fake, Ethan P Flynn, Alena Arpels, Donna Thompson, Jenny Moore’s Mystic Business and many more. One ticket gets you entry to all venues throughout the day and night, tickets are £22 with a special price of £10 for young people aged eight to 17, or 65 and over.
 Image: Magpie Eye Photography
Did you know Fellowship Square hosted over 600 weddings last year? And we just love it!
We’re so lucky we get to see so many families, like Daisy and Tom, pictured, create their own special days at Fellowship Square. These photographs were captured by the very talented Magpie Eye Photography.
If you or someone you know has recently got engaged, then Fellowship Square might have what you need. It's an accessible, inclusive venue that offers tailored weddings for less than 10, to 120 people, and our Marry Me team is on hand to help you create the day you want.
 The Varied Abilities Forum, formerly our Disability Forum, is for council tenants and leaseholders with varied abilities. It provides the opportunity to share ideas, experiences, information and knowledge in a safe space. We are re-launching with an exciting mini conference to bring people together and share information. It also includes aromatherapy and cost of living advice workshops, plus Morgan Sindall Property Services is hosting a soup-making stall. Enjoy an exclusive recipe for a tasty soup, alongside a complimentary hand blender and all the necessary ingredients. Join us on Thursday 9 May 2024, from 10am to 2pm at Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre, 170 Chingford Road, E17 5AA.
 Our expert judging panel from left to right: Tori Allison-Powell, Lara Kinneir, Stephanie Edwards, Nisha Kurian and Alex Ely
Our expert judging panel has shortlisted 11 entries in this year’s Waltham Forest Design Awards. The awards celebrate high quality design, and showcase extraordinary architecture and landscape projects across the borough.
Scroll through the shortlisted entries and pick your favourite for our People’s Choice Award by Friday 24 May.
 Want to be healthier without crash diets and unrealistic goals? We have two programmes that could help.
Beezee Adults is a free healthy lifestyle programme for adults in Waltham Forest who are overweight or obese. It promotes small, realistic changes which are designed to build healthy habits for life.
Beezee Families works with children aged five to 15 to promote healthy lifestyles, using practical advice and lots of fun activities.
Careers Guidance for NEET people
Do you know a 16- or 17-year-old child not in employment, education, or training – also known as NEET?
Career guidance appointments are available at Leyton Library every Thursday from 10.30am to 4pm. To book, please email participationservice@walthamforest.gov.uk.
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.
You can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website, and check out our LinkedIn.
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