Category: Community

On Friday, I cycled down to the playground on Oliver Rd in my ward, opposite the famous Leyton Orient Football club, to see New York youth collective ‘Truce’ bring their message of peace to Waltham Forest, through rap and song.

Truce is a Christian oriented group led by former US gang members, which tries to steer young people from criminality and gang related activity.

This month, Truce is touring all over East London, performing rap and R n B tunes that preach messages of peace, with the aim being to convince our young people, once and for all, that crime just doesn’t pay Continue reading “Calling for a Truce”

www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/news/news-leyton-whippscross-community.htm

Last Saturday, on my 28th birthday (I know, I still can’t believe I’m 28 either!), I spent the afternoon in the company of parents, pupils, teachers and fellow councillors, saying goodbye to Church Mead primary school and welcoming in its succesor, Willow Brook Continue reading “It’s Goodbye Church Mead – and Hello Willow Brook!”

On Friday, I was invited to address a group of ‘ESOL’ (English as a Second Language) students at Waltham Forest College, as part of their British ‘citizenship’ course.

The students had been studying the local elections as part of classes they are taking to learn more about British democracy Continue reading “Getting Political with Waltham Forest’s New Citizens”

The Beaumont Estate continues to receive attention – but now for all the right reasons.

Yesterday, saw the opening of the Beaumont’s new sweet shop, located at the heart of the estate. For me, the opening marked another important milestone on the Beaumont’s long march back to full regeneration.

Lots of local people came along to say hello to Harry Cohen MP (pictured above left), who was the guest of honour, and celebrate the opening with a glass of champagne.

I express my thanks to owners Prem and Bharti Maisura (pictured with me and Harry above) for hosting such a lovely event.

I wish their new business every success.