Leyton LifeIndependent magazine for Local Residentswww.leytonlife.co.uk

Valentine Hanson

What’s on

Post Games CPZ

Picturehouse offers and events

£20 competition

Miracles happen?

Celebrations

Take a peek for more...

Take me, I’m Free

FREE Bi-monthly magazine 5000 copies distributed in Leyton and surrounding areas

KarateMondays - St. Andrews Hall, Colworth Road, London, E11 1JD

Adults 7.30pm • Juniors (from 7 years) 6.30pm

www.leytonkarate.co.uk tel. 07976 732103

Issue 38 Nov. - Dec. ‘12

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Editor’s note...Leyton life

Contact details:PublisherYasmin AllenLeyton LifePO Box 54442London E10 6TA(M) 07415254649(E) leytonlife@googlemail.com(W) www.leytonlife.co.uk

We are grateful to the advertisers in this issue for supporting the local community magazine. However, Leyton Life is unable to bear any responsibility for the content, any errors or omissions in the advertisements and advertorials in this magazine. We also cannot endorse any companies, products or services that appear in this magazine. Every effort has been made regarding the accuracy of the information given and printed by Leyton Life (magazine & website) As this cannot be guaranteed Leyton Life accepts no liability for printing information believed to be correct.

Issue 38Novmber - December 2012

Leyton LifeIndependent magazine for Local Residents

Free copies available from: ASDA, Tesco, Leyton Library. Lea Bridge Road Library, Harrow Green Library and Leytonstone Library, High Fry Fish Bar (Bakers Arms), Community Centre Leyton (Alert Waltham Forest), Veta health foods, Galaxy Travel, SCORE Complex, Cafe’s, Doctors, Dentist, Launderettes, PC Xpress, Morrisons, E15 Library, Newsagents, Butchers, Off Licences and many more independent businesses.

Dear Reader,Welcome to the Jan-Feb issue of Leyton Life magazine, we have a contribution from a local celebrity Valentine Hanson on p7 and our regular contributor Denise Rodgers p5 who has her own blog and for those wanting a trip down memory lane a great article about the Leyton sports ground by Doreen Harding and Pete Towler p9 another great picture from Brian Page below. Getting a great selection of local contributions, that is exactly what Leyton life is about so if you would like to get involved please send your items in this could be jokes, poems pictures, articles recipes or something else you want to share.

As it is Christmas time I have included an article titled “miracles happen” this is something people may have strong views about. Amazing how controversial this subject can be those of you who do take time to read this should also go the the website as then you may get a better idea of the author and his intention. If you do try any of his techniques, or have examples of your own miracles, or believe in Angels please take time to write in and share any experiences. Those of you who may be cynical are also welcome to write in with your views.

£20 Competition only requires you to send in your name address and where you picked the magazine up from. Email: feedback.leytonlife@googlemail.com postal info on the left.

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas, health prosperity in 2013

Yasmin Allen

From the Old Box

“The Green Man Leytonstone about 1913”The picture shows the original public house. The present Public House stands further back.Source: East of London old and new Vol. 2 1988 The picture was sent in by Mr. B.J. Page

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You looking at me?I SAID, YOU LOOKING AT

ME?

Leyton Life Advertising from 83 pence a day

Special offers for those placing an order by December 3rd for the

January/February issue.For more details call Yasmin on:

07415 254 649 Or text “info” with your e-mail address for

a media pack or “call back” for a phone call to the above number.

or email to: feedback.leytonlife@googlemail.com

Leyton Life, PO Box 54442, London E10 6TA

For further information on advertising please call 07415254649 or email leytonlife@googlemail.com4

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Post games controlled parking zone consultationFeedback so far has been a confirmation of what a lot of residents had feared and predicted who had controlled parking zones (CPZ) introduced for the Olympic period, which was the council will try and get CPZ into the streets without con-sulting the residents.

The council did do a “consultation” so far there has been evidence from some areas where individ-uals did not receive a consultation pack, but were made aware of these through individuals that keep an eye on local council activities and those who attend local neighbourhood meetings. Packs were allegedly distributed to all homes by a door to door company those who wanted to get a pack were unable to download the “whole pack” with the response page therefore had to order one to be “re- delivered”. Some residents who highlight-ed the non- delivery in the first instance did get packs delivered again after having raised the issue at local meetings for their street.

Other criticisms include:• No signature strip.• No information of how many people per

household could apply.• No Text, email, fax or online option for send-

ing a response back.• No option to give any feedback about the

consultationThe vast majority of individuals object to controlled parking when asked why, main reasons being:• It is just a money spinner for the council.• People are paying too much already in “Bills”• Intrusive way of keeping tabs on peoples

comings and goings.• Creating no go areas for those who drive.More pressure on businesses who are already find-ing it hard to operate locally could end up paying up to 18 times more than local residents this is without the visitor permits. There were also quite a few petitions being carried out by local shops and individuals opposing the CPZ.

If you have any comments about the consultation processes do write in especially if you did not re-ceive a pack. The results may be out by the time you are reading this but it is still worth writing in.

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A TraditionalChristmasIf you celebrate Christmas, you could well be busy planning and preparing for the special day. For some people it’s a chaotic and stressful time of the year filled with plenty of expense.

Others enjoy every moment of Christmas from putting up their first Christmas card to cooking up a Festive Roast. Christmas time is especially magical for children and if they are lucky enough to receive their longed for presents, they will feel as though their dreams really have come true.

Christmas is also full of age old traditions and associations that have been going strong for Decades.The following gives a brief insight behind some of those traditions and associations.

Christmas CardsWere introduced in 1843. Sir Henry Cole wanted to connect with his friends over the festive season but didn’t want to keep writing letters so he asked the painter John Horsley to make a card which he made using Black and White print which was then coloured in by hand.

Christmas TreesThis tradition started in Germany and was then introduced in 1800 by Queen Charlotte the German wife of George III. She is said to have had a family celebration which introduced the Christmas tree to Royalty. Then in 1845 Prince Albert allowed a printed picture to be released of the family gathered around a Christmas tree. This furthered the popularity from within Royalty to a general scale.

Christmas CrackersThey were invented by a sweet seller called Thomas Smith in

1846 he first sold a sweet wrapped in tissue paper however he noticed it sold well particularly around Christmas time. Gradually he included a motto with the sweet by 1860 he added a banger made of paper. Soon after he replaced the sweet with a small gift and in the 1900s a paper hat was added eventually jokes and anecdotes replaced the mottos

Father ChristmasHe is based on the 4th Century patron St. Nicholas who is said to have given money to unassuming poor people. He often left coins in their shoes. Legend has it that one day he climbed to the roof top of a house and threw a purse full of money down the chimney.

Robin Redbreast The Robin has always been an association with Christmas and there is a legend why. It has been said that a Robin sat on Jesus’ shoulder and sang a soothing tune to ease his suffering. Then the blood trickling down from Jesus’ crown of thorns fell upon the bird’s chest and stained it red.

Written by: Denise RodgersFor my Opinions/Short stories view my blog at: http://deemarie.blogspot.com/

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For further information on advertising please call 07415254649 or 7

Valentine HansonActor, Storyteller and Freelance Theatre Practitioner

I developed a passion for storytelling at an early age when I met the inspirational local writer and poet Michael Rosen in Hackney, where I was born and raised.

I graduated from drama school and have been working ever since regionally, in the West End and on television as an actor, as well as working on educational, cultural and community based arts projects both in London and all over the UK. My profession can have its ups and downs as work can be irregular, but I have always kept myself busy devising work about lesser known Black figures from history, both ancient and recent, for schools, community projects and corporate events. I’ve lived in Waltham Forest for the past 10 years and in that time I’ve seen an increasing mix of different cultures, from Eastern Europe to West Africa and am proud to live, work, and raise a family amongst such a rich mix of people. My most recent work can be seen at The Firepower Royal Artillery Museum Woolwich, where I play an African soldier in free public performances.

Firepower -The Royal Artillery MuseumRoyal Arsenal, Woolwich, London, SE18 6STGeneral Enquiries: info@firepower.org.uk or valentinehanson@yahoo.com.

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by Pete Towler & Doreen Harding

The PastEssex County Cricket Club (ECCC) founded in 1876 had its first home at Brentwood. However, needing somewhere more accessible, a ground in densely populated east London was sought. Experimental games at Leyton’s Lyttelton Ground proved successful and in 1886 Essex decided to purchase the ground from Lord Lyttelton, the then owner.

Between 1886 and 1934, what became known as the Leyton County Ground, was then occupied by the ECCC as its headquarters and home ground.

The impressive cricket pavilion, which was completed in 1886, is a Grade 11 listed building. Although ECCC moved to Chelmsford in 1934, it continued to use the Leyton Ground until 1976. Over those ninety years some of the world’s greatest cricketers played there, including W.G. Grace, Don Bradman and Denis Compton.

In 1905 Essex beat the touring Australians, in what was one of the most famous matches at the ground. Its most celebrated moment came when Herbert Sutcliffe and Percy Holmes of Yorkshire made a world record first-class partnership for any wicket of 555 in 1932. In 1948 the whole site was transferred to Essex County Council with Covenants requiring that it is preserved as an open space and maintained for the enjoyment and recreation of local youth. Essex returned to play matches at Leyton in 1957 and continued until 1977.

The cricket matches were immensely popular with local supporters and those from further afield. Queues would form along the outer wall from eight o’clock in the morning anticipating a great day of cricket supported by home-madesandwiches and a bottle of Tizer! It is hoped

that future games may be organised bringing back the spirit of the past.An exhibition was mounted at the Vestry House Museum in Walthamstow in 2011 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Essex’s purchase of the Lyttelton Ground. ECCC’s President, Doug Insole, stated that ‘it was very well presented. Congrats to all concerned”. A very popular exhibition bringing back many happy memories.

The Present In 1965, the site passed to the London Borough of Waltham Forest. However, in 2009, the Council proposed a plan to build a new school on the site. This proposal was soundly rejected by the residents of Leyton and various meetings were held to discuss the pros and cons of such a plan. Retaining the historic Cricket Ground as an Open Space was paramount and eventually the Council’s plans were overturned and the true spirit of the Covenant waspreserved.

Leyton Sports Ground (LSG) is now used by local clubs for a variety of sports activities. These include cricket, football, weight training, badminton, volley ball, martial arts, pilates and zumba dancing. Local schools also use the large playing field for rounders, athletics and other sports. It is a valuable community facility for both the young and not quite so young.At the beginning of 2012, Waltham Forest Council set up a management committee for

Leyton Sports Ground (Crawley Road, off High Road Leyton)

Image from Vestry House Museum, LBWF

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LSG. This committee currently comprises two local councillors, two local residents, representatives from the sports providers, the ECCC and Council Officers. The committee advises the Council on all issues relating to the management of LSG.

The FutureIt is the management committee’s aim to commission a study to consider the opportunities for improving and extending sports facilities at LSG and securing funding for these changes. In developing these proposals, the committee will consult young people, sports providers, users and residents.The Sports Ground is one of the ‘jewels in the crown’ of Leyton and its worth is not always appreciated. The intention is to make this special and historic part of Leyton even more successful as a local sports centre. If you are a resident and would like to contribute to the consultations, please send your details to Amanda.Adegoke@walthamforest,gov.uk or phone Amanda on 020 8496 1791.

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10 For further information on advertising please call 07415254649 or email leytonlife@googlemail.com

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It’s always cheaper when you’re a member at Stratford Picturehouse, whether you want the latest blockbusters, world cinema, or live theatre and opera broadcasts. It’s all available on your

doorstep. Leyton Life have 3 Joint Memberships (worth £50 each and including 3 free tickets per member for standard film performances) to give to its readers, courtesy of Stratford Picture-

house. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question correctly:

Which Ken Loach film featured the character Billy Caspar and was based on a novel by Barry Hines?

Send your answers to: Leyton Life postal and text info p2 or email: feedback.leytonlife@googlemail.com

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For further information on advertising please call 07415254649 or email leytonlife@googlemail.com16

Miracles Happen...Miracles happen when God’s love flows into my heart and mind, but it’s not the mind that makes the miracles take place. It’s the power of God’s love that makes them come to pass.

God designed my mind to be the door through which the power of his love flows into my life. My mind is where God’s love is brought to bear on the problems of life. When I fill my mind with the power of his love, miraculous things happen. But it’s not the mind that makes them take place. It’s God’s love that makes the miracles come to pass.

God’s love is the definitive cure for damaged emotions. God is a specialist at healing my heart and mind through the power of his love. He can heal my emotional wounds, remove my emotional scars, and wash away my guilt. God’s love gives me a completely new way of thinking and feeling.

Although God’s love will not change the bad things that happened to me in the past, it will erase their power. His love not only points me in the right direction, it also gives me the power to make the trip.

The most powerful force in the universe is God’s love, and when it fills my heart and mind, my life is never the same.

You are a miracle.People are always looking for miracles, but they overlook the obvious.

They are a miracle of God’s creation and love. Every breath they take and every beat of their heart resonates with the miraculous.

Here is a small list of God’s miracles in your life.1. You have an immune system that keeps you

alive in the presence of trillions of hostile viruses and microbes.

2. You have eyes that let you see.

3. You have ears that let you hear.4. You have a brain that has unlimited power to

imagine and create.5. You have a mouth and a digestive system that

provides fuel for your life.6. You have kidneys that maintain your body in

perfect fluid balance.7. You have lungs that breathe in oxygen and

exhale carbon dioxide.8. You have a circulatory system that delivers

oxygen and nutrition to every cell in your body.

9. You have 24 chromosomes that contain 30,000 genes that make you who you are.

From the top of your head to the tip of your toes, you are a miracle.

Every time you think that you need a miracle, stand in front of a mirror and take a look at yourself. You are God’s greatest miracle, and the fact that you came from the dust is one more miracle to add to your list. For as long as you’ve been on planet earth, God has been working miracles in your life.

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Prime the pump of miracles in your life

You need to start taking miracles personally and expect a miracle every day.

It’s not enough to accept the fact that you are a miracle from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. You must also develop positive expectations and discover the miraculous in your life.

Jesus meant it when he said, “As you believe, so it shall be done unto you.” He was talking about the facts of life as He knew them to be. He said that anything is possible to him who believes. Jesus came to change your expectations about your life in a big way. He said, “I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.”

When you change your beliefs about who you are and what you can do with your life, and when you get in agreement with God, miracles start to happen. You become a new person, you take new actions, and you get a new life. You say good-bye to your addictions and hello to God’s love. The most powerful force in the universe rolls through

your heart and mind, and it rocks your world. Old things pass away and all things become new.

It’s time to prime the pump of miracles in your life with the power of God’s love. It’s time to develop positive expectations. It’s time to start living God’s dream for your life. It’s time to act as if you cannot fail. The Positive Thinking Network has something positive for everyone. There’s Adventure, Positive Music, Positive Self-Talk, Positive Spirituality, Positive Graphics, Positive Podcasts, and much more. If you are fighting against depression, visit Eradicate Depression.If you struggle with negative thinking, visit No Negative Thinking.

The wheel of change always turns in the direction of what you put into your mind, and the Positive Thinking Network fills your mind with good things.

DR. DAVID J. ABBOTT M.D www.positivebutterflies.com

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Billy’s CARPET WORKSHOP 477a High Road Leyton E10 5EL

Mob: 07846 147 415 Email: leytonlife@googlemail.com (please put “Billy’s” in subjectline)

CARPETS • VINYLS • WOOD • CERAMICS • RUGS We don’t do:

January sales, Easter sales, summer sales, Autumn sales, Winter sales, Bank holiday special sales, Silly Billy Bonker wop bam boogie sales

or any other kind of sale.

But we do do:All year round amazing deals, and promise to try and beat any like for like genuine offer you may have had at any time throughout the year

We also offer when availble:Discontinued ranges

Ends of RollsBankrupt Stock

Contractors clearance stock

These are at Silly Billy Bonker prices

Try us now, but my advice is, don’t come to us before you have shopped around for other quotes, we can’t be fairer than that can we. £££££Discount Voucher: 5%Off

when you hand in this couponLeyton Life November - December 2012

19For further information on advertising please call 07415254649 or email leytonlife@googlemail.com

Billy’s CARPET WORKSHOP 477a High Road Leyton E10 5EL

Mob: 07846 147 415 Email: leytonlife@googlemail.com (please put “Billy’s” in subjectline)

£££££

Celebrate CelebrationsAll Saints Day 1st Nov This day is set aside by many churches where Anglican and Catholics take specific time out to honour the Saints and martyrs who may have devoted or surrendered their lives for Christianity. A chance to include especially those Saints who do not have their own special day!

All Souls Day annually observed on 2nd November, All Souls’ Day is an important Christian religious holiday that is dedicated to the remembrance of the departed. Celebrated under various names in different nations, this is an occasion that testifies to the fact that death can never lessen the love of man for his dear ones.

Karwa Chauth 2nd Nov or Kadwa Chauth is a festive ritual. It is observed by married women, its aim being the longevity of women’s marital life. In India, a marriage is considered to be a bond of a lifetime. This marital bond is considered very sacred.

13th Nov Diwali celebration is contagious and is picking up across the globe, wherever there is a strong Hindu and Sikh population. The event signifies the defeat of the evil, and marks the Hindu New Year. It is also a time for token spending, to welcome the New Year with decorating the house, new clothes, and performing pujas at the local temples.

15th Nov 13th Dec One of the two holiest Islamic occasions, Muharram shares its name with the first month of the Islamic calendar when it is observed. The event serves to remind Muslims of the brutal assassination of Husayn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his entire family thousands of years ago. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year. Hence it is a little different from the Gregorian calendar that is used in the western nations. When compared with the Gregorian calendar, which is a solar calendar, the lunar month of Muharram shifts from year to year.

Hanukkah 8th-16th Dec The holiday originated when Judah the Maccabee and his followers reclaimed the temple in the village of Modi’in from Syrian King Antiochus IV. The temple was cleansed and prepared for rededication. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication.” When the sacred temple Menorah (candelabra) was relit, there was only enough sacred oil to burn for one day. Yet, according to tradition, the oil miraculously lasted eight days until more purified oil could be found.

Christmas 25th, Dec Christmas is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for coming together with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages... But mostly, Christmas is for love. It was this love for which Jesus came to this world and sacrificed his life.

Thus Christmas is a celebration of love and mirth symbolized by the Nativity, the Santa, the caribou, the poinsettia and the evergreens. All that bring home the spirit of love and life. And this is the spirit that makes Christmas so popular throughout the world.Though originated by the Roman Catholics who commemorate the December 25th as the day of birth of Christ Child, it has gradually come to be celebrated by the non-Catholics as well.

Look out for Christmas events at local websites as there are usually many fun filled family events most of them free.

A lot of Churches also hold special services and bazaars with Santa’s grottos so worth looking at the notice boards.

http://www.theholidayspot.com/

Harrow Green Library under 5’s club Tuesday 10.45-11.15Storytelling, toys, and sing along.

The Cornerstone149 Canterbury Road E10Tel: 020 8558 2121

Tuesday Lunch Club 12:30-2pm£3.00 sign up/pre-booking required. A senior members of the community club. Delicious lunch, entertainment. Chance to make to new friends and much more

Toddler group Thursday 9:15-11:15

Aerobics Friday 9:30-10:30£3 per class£1 per child for crèche pre booking required

Forest Philharmonic plays Brahms and Strauss4th November 6.30pm-11.45pmWalthamstow Assembly Hall703 Forest Road, London E17 4JD £15, £10 (concessions £8, £12, under-18s and students £3)David Hoskinsdavid@davidhoskins.net

Fireworks5th November 2012 5pm-10pm Chestnuts FieldWaltham Forest Town Hall ComplexWalthamstow, E17 4JF Admission: Free Event arts&events@walthamforest.gov.uk 020 8496 3000

Jumble Sale 16th NovemberThe Cornerstone149 Canterbury Road E10Contact Runa Tel: 020 8558 2121Morning session 9-10amLunch time session 11:30-1pmAfternoon session 3-4pmRefreshments availablePick-ups from all local areas

Diwali 16th November 7pm-11.30pm Walthamstow Assembly HallForest Road, Walthamstow, E17 4JFAdmission Free - By Ticket

Restoring life ministriesChanging lives – bringing hopeHope drop in project

Every Friday 10:30-3pmCome and have a chat with a sandwich and a hot or cold drink all are welcomeAdvice for: Counselling, Housing, drugs, alcohol, and benefits just to name a few.Contact Joe & Monica Shepherdson

07951 365 557/07988 441 953At Wesleyan Christian Centre1 Harrow Green RoadLeytonstone E11 3HP

Community information

SILVER SCREENEvery Wednesday, over 60’s can come to any matinee show for only £2.20, and get a complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits. KIDS’ CLUBEvery Saturday morning, we show a selection of kids’ films, from family favourites to recent releases, with games and activities beforehand. Tickets cost £2.00 for Kids’ Club members, or £3.00 for non-members. MONDAY SPECIALSAll tickets £3.50 on Mondays. (Excluding Bank Holidays) AUTISM-FRIENDLYSCREENINGSAutism-Friendly Screenings are especially for children and adults with autism and their family, friends or carers. These are run regularly.

Picture House Stratford Events 0871 704 2066

Leyton life

what is happening, where and when?

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21For further information on advertising please call 07415254649 or email leytonlife@googlemail.com

How can we help you?Alzheimer’s Society Waltham Forest provides information, guidance and

support to people worried about their memory, people with dementia, their

carers and anyone needing information about dementia.

If you are worried about your memory or you are caring for a relative or friend with

memory problems please contact us

Alzheimer’s Society Waltham Forest Waltham Forest Resource Centre (South)

T 020 8503 1613Email walthamforest@alzheimers.org.uk

E17 Designerswww.e17designers.co.uk

Flash stall at London Farmers Market, Sunday 25 Nov, 10am-2pm

Town Square, Selbourne Walk Shopping Centre, High Street,

Walthamstow E17 7JN.

At the Asian Centre, E17, on Friday 30 Nov, 7-10pm. The first of two seasonal events to bring you a selection of designers work for

sale. £2 entry for a free drink and entry to the goody bag prize draw! (Keep your ticket to

get in for half price on Saturday!).

Saturday 1 Dec, 2-6pm £2 entrySecond market offers one-of-a-kind gifts

from a different set of designers

For further details please contact Carolyn Abbott: 07904 546294, or by email: carolyn@carolynabbott.co.uk

Restoring life ministriesChanging lives –

bringing hope

Hope - drop-in project

Every Friday 10:30-3pm

Come and have a chat with a sandwich and a hot or cold drink all are welcomeAdvice for: Counselling, Housing, drugs, alcohol, and benefits just to name a few.

Contact Joe & Monica Shepherdson07951 365 55707988 441 953

At Wesleyan Christian Centre1 Harrow Green RoadLeytonstone E11 3HP

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