Seasons Greetings!

As first citizen of this wonderfully diverse borough, I’m delighted to wish everyone a very merry Christmas. Regardless of faith or background, the Christmas period can be a time when families can come together, when people’s thoughts turn to kindness and compassion and we are encouraged to consider others a little more than ourselves.


I hope this Christmas time brings you peace and happiness and I also send you my very best wishes for a healthy and successful 2014.



Sheltered Housing Pensioners Group

At 1pm I attended the Waltham Forest social club in the Town Hall Complex where pensioners from the Sheltered Housing Groups within Waltham Forest, met for their Christmas Dinner. The event Co-ordinator, Mr Tommy Anderson met me and the Member of Parliament for Waltham Forest, Stella Creasy.

Carol Concert in The Mall

On Monday 16th December 2013 I went to the Mall in Selbourne Walk where children from some of our primary schools were singing Carols by the Christmas tree. I was a lovely event and members of the public showed their support by offering donations to my two charities. I am supporting the Respiratory unit at Whipps Cross Hospital and William Morris Young Peoples programme.

Christmas Charity Meal

On Saturday 14th December 2013 I went to Leyton Orient Football Club to meet members of three Care Charities. The Lung club, who assist people with Lung issues. Reaching out who assist people with Disabilities and Arthritis Care who support people with Arthritis. Each Charity had invited a number of guests. I was priviliged to meet some of these people




John Putland a previous chauffeur to the Mayor to Cllr Laurie Braham

 

One hundred guests had been invited for Christmas Dinner.

Walthamstow Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch

Tuesday lunchtime saw me at the Chingford Assembly hall hosting two hundred and fifty eight senior citizens for Christmas lunch. This was a wonderful occasion and all who attended had a fantastic time. Our very own Lisa Carlisle was present and sang for everybody. She has a truly wonderful voice.

Road Safety Presentation

Three lucky students from sixth form colleges in Waltham Forest will be able to learn to drive safely and with confidence, after winning driving lessons at a road safety event.

The three were among nearly 1,000 16-17 year old students who attended the Safe Drive Stay Alive theatre education event held in Chingford on 1 and 2 October. This hard hitting event, seen by students across the UK, is aimed at new drivers and uses real life emergency service workers and crash victims to illustrate the impact of drink driving, speed, peer pressure and seatbelt use in the event of a crash.

After leaving feedback for the event on the Safe Drive London Facebook page their names were entered into a prize draw sponsored by “Project Centre Ltd” one of the main companies providing highways safety schemes to Waltham Forest Council.

I presented John Heath from Waltham Forest College, Mervay Kmt from Holy Family Catholic School, and Danielle Thomson from Sir George Monoux College, with their prize vouchers.



Danielle Thomson from Sir George Monoux and Mervay Kmt from Holy Family





John Heath from Waltham Forest College









John, Mervay and Danielle



Leyton Orient Christmas Dinner

On Monday 9th December 2013 at 12:30pm Waltham Forest Council held a Christmas Lunch for some of the older members of our community.

Two Hundred guests were invited to a traditional Christmas Dinner held at Leyton Orient Football club.

There was a quiz and raffle with 25 prizes and our own Lisa Carlisle from Communications sang five songs to a rapt audience. She was Brilliant!!!!The event was organised by the Leader of the Council Cllr Chris Robbins.

Everybody attending the event had a great time, My sincere thanks and congratulations to all who assisted in organising and delivery this special occasion.

Charity Jewellery Sale Friday 6th December

On Friday 6 December at 11am I attended the Christmas charity jewellery sale, in the Town Hall Chamber Annex hosted by Cllr Marie Pye and Cllr Karen Bellamy.

This was in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and all of the jewellery had been donated by Cllrs or the Leader’s office.

It was an opportunity for people to buy something glittery, stylish or just different to wear at Christmas.

There was a mixture of new, used and vintage jewellery and all reasonably priced.

I bought a set of cuff links.

The event raised £300

Well done to both Cllr Marie Pye and Cllr Karen Bellamy.

Nelson Mandela

Like millions around the world, I am saddened today by the death of Nelson Mandela. He truly was one of the greatest world figures of the 20th Century. An inspirational leader who sacrificed so much in the pursuit of his goals, Mr Mandela’s influence will be felt in South Africa and beyond for years to come. For me personally, when I think that he was in prison for nearly as long as I have been alive, his greatest attribute was the lack of bitterness he showed to those who had gaoled him.

A man of peace, a man of principle, a man of honour; Nelson Mandela was an exemplary statesman whose passing is keenly felt. I offer my condolences to his family.

A book of condolences will be available in the Town Hall for signing

The Lighting of Spitalfields Christmas Tree Lights

On Friday 6th December at 7am I attended Spitalfields market and was privileged to be asked to turn on this years Christmas Tree lights. I was then able to visit the Market which houses nearly 125 businesses and meet some of the traders. I was made very welcome and enjoyed the visit immensley. A big thank you to all at the Market.

Walthamstow School for Girls presentation Evening

I was guest of Honour at the Walthamstow School for Girls Annual presentation evening, I had the pleasure of meeting the Head teacher and some school Governors before watching and presenting awards to top students.

This year the school has excelled in their results with an incredible pass rate in A and A* of 38% what an achievement Well done

The Jack Petchey "Speak out" Challenge - Frederick Bremer School

On Wednesday 4th December I went to The Frederick Bremer School in Siddeley Road for the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge regional final. Seventeen young people from Schools across the Borough took part in this event. The young people each spoke on matters close to their hearts to an Audience and were judged for there endeavours. I have listed the winners and congratulate all those that took part. Well Done

1st Place Alina Khan
Walthamstow School for Girls “Sheep”

2nd Place Abdushshakoor Suleman
Norlington Boys School “Peace and Inner Peace”

3rd palce melody Adebisi
Buxton School “Give Them More”

Charity Lunch Tuesday 3rd December

I was invited to the County Hotel  in Woodford Green for the Walthamstow and Chingford Almhouse Charity Christmas Lunch. The event was well attended and the lunch superb.

Mission Grove Primary School

On Monday 2nd December I played host to children from Mission Grove Primary School. They came to visit me at the Town Hall. I showed them my parlour and the Council Chamber and answered questions. It was a great day and I know they all enjoyed themselves.

Support the Philippines

On Sunday, 1^st December I attended an event to support the Philippines at St Barnabas Church. In aid of this disaster on Monday, 2^nd December there will be a 40ft container leaving Waltham Forest, inside this are blankets, pots and pans, food, etc. This will meet with Father Saxby in the Philippines where he will help to distribute all the wonderful things people have donated to the people who really need it most. I’m very proud of all the work and effort put into this and a big thank you to everyone that took part.



Present at St Barnabas were Saira Mir, Plate for You Project, Sister Chris Brown, Oblates of the Assumption, Jane Bugnosen, Churchwarden of St Barnabas, Sheikh Rabbani, Faizen e Islam, Florence Cayboen, Filipino Domestic Workers' Association, myself, Mariko Hayashi, Walthamstow Migrants' Action Group, Father Salvador Telen, St Saviour's Walthamstow, Conchita Pooten, Pooten Forwarding International, Father Steven Saxby, St Barnabas, and others.

The Fox and Bear

At 7pm on Thursday 28th November I had the privilige of opening a new shop in Beulah Road. The Fox and Bear is a vintage clothes and exchange shop. Its name is taken from the pet names that the owner and her partner had for each other soon after they first met.

Christmas Charity Bake Sale

 

Monday afternoon I made a trip over to Sycamore House where the wonderful Holly Welsh and Lauren Sharkey had set up a Christmas Charity Bake Sale! They made all the cakes themselves and they tasted and looked beautiful. I was very honoured that they chose my charity to raise money for, so thank you both so much for all the hard work and everyone who was lucky enough to buy one of their cakes thank you for your donations.

Citizenship Ceremony Wednesday 27th November

This Morning I had the honour of hosting this weeks Citizenship Ceremony in the Council Chamber in the Town Hall. Forty seven new Britsh Citizens were attested during the ceremony, which was attended by relatives and guests.

Saturday Afternoon 23rd November 2013

I attended Lea Bridge Library in Lea Bridge Road and presented certificates to some young people at the "End of the Project" ceremony. These certificates were awarded to young people who had entered the course to prepare for either Sats or those undetaking subject selection in year 9 at Secondary school. They were taught word command, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, mathematical laws, Science and presentation and debating skills.

Community Health Event Saturday 23rd November

From Limes in Somers Road I went to The Asian Centre in Orford Road where I was met by the treasurer Mr Shahid Majid.

The theme of the day was healthy living with free advice and health checks. I managed to have my blood pressure tested

and have the pain in my neck treated. Oh that's nice that's it just there..........

........................Ouch!!!!

Morning start on Saturday 23rd November

Well we have another busy day today. I started here at the Limes Children and Community centre in Somers Road. This Charity has benefited from the Heritage Lottery fund. Those using the centre have learnt about the History of the Centre which was built by volunteers 100yrs ago. Those attending learnt a little about the history of William Morris Hall.


I met some of the staff and volunteers

I was Honoured to present Sue Roberts with a "Volunteer of the year" Award

Air Cadets 75th Anniversary

I was guest of Honour at the 75th Anniversary of 12F (Walthamstow & Leyton) Squadron,

Air Training Corps, held at the TA Centre, in Eatington Road.

I was privileged to take the Salute during the Squadron March Past.

The event was extremely well attended with a large number of Guests including our previous Mayor and local ward Councillor Richard Sweden, RAF Senior officers and very proud parents.

Councillor Sweden with the Cadets and Squadron Colours.

After a short speech of Congratulations and thanks…….

I was asked to present special awards to Cadets and was proud to hear of their achievements.

I witnessed the presentation of the Cadet of the Year award. Very well deserved!!!!!

Citizen Ceremony Wednesday 20th November 2013

Today’s Ceremony was held in the Council Chamber in the Town Hall. Thirty-five new British Subjects attended the Ceremony.

All Good Sports!

On Thursday 14 November, Walthamstow Assembly Hall was the venue for the borough’s annual Sports Awards.  There were fourteen presentations made on the night; I was given the honour of handing over the Under 18s Junior Team of the Year Award.  As you might expect, I was very impressed by the levels of success on display and proud to be able to share the evening with such a great bunch of high-achievers.  Plus the night itself, with a magician and some very convincing ‘living statues’, was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion.

 

 

Caribbean Community - Town Hall Gathering

I enjoyed another gathering in the Town Hall as we welcomed people from the Caribbean community on 15 November.  It was a relaxed and informal evening, with people enjoying some food, music and – above all – each other’s company.  As ever, I’m grateful to the organisers for all their hard work in arranging another successful occasion.



Inter Faith Service

Hello Again, Sunday 17th November was another busy day for me. I attended an Inter faith Service at St. Peters and St. Paul's Parish Church, The Green, Chingford which was organised by Mrs Tara Khare.

I then attended The Great Hall, in Adelaide Road for a Pakistani Cultural Day with other Councillors and Community leaders. The event was well supported and I enjoyed it immensely.