The return of Waltham Forest Pride
Waltham Forest has a proud and longstanding history of celebrating our wonderful LGBTQIA+ community. That's why I'm proud to stand alongside our partners at East London Out Project (elop) to celebrate Waltham Forest Pride this year.Ā
From 3pm to 8pm this Saturday 27 July thereās a variety of free fun activities at Fellowship Square showcasing local LGBTQIA+ talent. You can enjoy music, poetry, and speeches throughout the day while you browse a great range of stalls offering tasty food and drink.Ā
It is a free event but will be ticketed, with wristbands given on entry so that it is possible to leave and re-enter.
William Morris Gallery is also hosting a free Pride Family Day from 1pm to 4pm, where storyteller Luke Saydon will take you on a journey celebrating the unique you.
While you're at Fellowship Square Iād recommend checking out our newly opened The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden which includes an amazing Henry Moore statue available for everyone to enjoy for free behind the town hall.
I know all too well the challenge of finding new and fun family activities to do as we go into the school summer holidays. The good news is that our Discover Your Summer programme is jam packed with activities to help you make the most of your summer, including daily Free Family Sessions for children aged 5 to 11, Nature Storytime at Walthamstow Wetlands for children under 6, and free creative activities for the whole family at William Morris Gallery to name just a few.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Please note, if your postcode is IG8, your nearest events will appear under E4. If you live in E7 or E15, check out E11. You can also find online events on our website.
 We're celebrating Love Parks Week 2024 - from Friday 26 July to Sunday 4 August - with six free events taking place in green spaces across the borough.
You can look forward to an array of activities, run by the Conservation Volunteers, from seasonal arts and crafts, to scavenger hunts and colouring. Hopefully there will be plenty of summer sun and local families and residents are welcome to drop in and get involved.
 L to R: Mike Woolliscroft and Kevin Delve, Countryside Partnerships, Linzi Roberts-Egan, Chief Executive, Cllr Grace Williams, Leader, Joe Garrod, Acting Director of Place, Cllr Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Housing and Regeneration
The Civic building on the site of the former Magistrates Court in Fellowship Square will provide a ground floor restaurant and cafƩ as well as a civic office space above. Located directly opposite Walthamstow Assembly Hall, the Civic building will complete the original masterplan for a trio of buildings originally designed by architect Phillip Hepworth.
On Thursday 18 July, the start of the build was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony where Councillor Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, was joined by the Councilās development partner Countryside Partnerships (part of Vistry Group) and its East London Managing Director, Kevin Delve, to officially kick off the works.
 Wesleyan Day Care Centre's Cook and Collect Programme launches this Saturday 27 July in Leytonstone with sessions to take place from 4pm to 6pm on the last Saturday of each month through to May 2025.Ā
Attendees will learn how to grow produce at the centre's new allotment and how to prepare and share a delicious meal on a budget.Ā The project has been made possible through the Waltham Forest Councilās Food Innovation Fund.
There is not need to book and everyone is welcome.Ā The Wesleyan Centre is located at 1 Harrow Road, Leytonstone E11 3HP.
 Waltham Forest is developing a local response to the national housing crisis - but we must be realistic. We cannot solve it alone.
Housing associations provide over 17,500 homes in the borough, a significant proportion of which are affordable. Our new Housing Compact plan outlines how we will work with over 30 housing associations, to improve the supply, quality and service standards of social landlords in Waltham Forest. Last week our Housing Compact partners met to discuss the boroughās housing priorities, and how we can tackle the challenges that the borough faces.
 If youāre looking for things to do with kids over the next few weeks, you can drop in for free self-led activities at William Morris Gallery.
On the first floor landing, youāll find activities themed around the Art Without Heroes exhibition. Weave a pot, embroider a sashiko bookmark or enjoy colouring and drawing activities.
At the front desk, pick up a Morris Explorers Satchel - these sensory bags have been designed with SEND families in mind and have been created to provide fun and interactive ways to explore the Gallery.
If youāre visiting the collections and special exhibition, complete the Family Trails around the Gallery and gardens to claim your prize!
 Film fans in Waltham Forest can look forward to another two screens opening in the borough after a planning application for the Regal Cinema site in Highams Park was approved at Planning Committee on Tuesday 16 July. Plans for The Regal, which is owned by Mammoth Capital, include: Ā·
- the retention and restoration of the street frontage historical faƧade
- the construction of a part two, part six storey building
- a two-screen cinema and a cafƩ bar on the ground floor level
- 33 residential apartments on the floors above
The Highams Park Planning Group has also been redesignated for the third time since its formation in 2014, enabling the group to continue to prepare statutory neighbourhood planning proposals for a further five years. Further details on the Highams Park Planning Group and neighbourhood planning process are available on the Councilās Neighbourhood Planning Webpage
 Our summer cycling school is back!
Free cycling lessons start on Monday 29 July in Leyton Jubilee Park and Lloyd Park, with sessions in Chingford to follow later in the summer.
The sessions are free for any primary and secondary aged children who live or study in Waltham Forest, and Learn to Ride, Level 1 and Level 2 sessions are all available.
If youāre an adult who would like some training or youād like to take part as a family, you can also book free lessons.
 Good news!
South Access Road Reuse and Recycling Centre is getting a makeover. The exciting refurbishments include:
- more waste containers
- better signage
- bike parking
To make these improvements, the site will be closed on Tuesday 30 July. It will reopen with its normal hours on Wednesday 31 July. Our other recycling centres are open on Tuesday.
Small Biz Makers Market this Saturday
CRATE St James Street are hosting a makerās market this Saturday 27 July from 11am to 6pm.
Hosted by Support a Small Business Events, it's an opportunity to browse amazing products from local independent businesses. There will be vendors offering personalised accessories, sportswear, jewellery, homeware and more!
Training for employees and apprentices
Local businesses: did you know we can help you with the costs of training for your employees? Whether itās in marketing, management, finance, sales, HR or much more ā funds are available now for you to use on apprenticeships that help develop your current staff, or to cover the costs of training a new apprentice. The funds are there to be used and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so find out more and apply now.Ā
Fellowship fund applications are now open
The Fellowship Fund 2024/25 offers a chance for voluntary, community interest companies (CICs), community and faith groups to host free to attend events which promote equality and diversity in Waltham Forest.
Grants of between Ā£500 and Ā£2,000 are available to fund one-off events, which can take place between September 2024 and the end of March 2025.
The deadline to apply is midday on Thursday 8 August.
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.Ā
You can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on ourĀ website, and check out ourĀ LinkedIn.
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