News and Events

Some excellent news and much deserved congratulations for the East End Trades Guild having raised the amount they needed to produce a map of East End of Independents. We are massive supporters of their campaign to put small business back on the map, literally!

In celebratory fashion, they are holding a Christmas takeover at Old Spitalfields Market on December 1st between 11am – 5pm. Head along on the day with your friends and family to get all your festive shopping in order! with some great independents. Also, you can pick up a free copy of the map to keep #winning

& just like that, it’s nearly December. Season greetings!

We’re putting our #E2ToDo list out a day or so early, to make sure you get to see a couple of events that take place this coming weekend, & then we’ve peppered the rest of the list with plenty more festive goodness as we move closer & closer to 2019. The reality is that we’ll all spend a few quid over the coming weeks – so listed here are some of the better ways we can all go and do that in terms of supporting businesses & organisations that operate at a hyper-local level. Have a safe & peaceful December, & we’ll see you in 2019…

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Roman Road Market Square Christmas Celebration 

Saturday 1st December – 12-4pm

Roman Road Market Square will be buzzing with festive fun this Saturday 1st. This event is a collaboration between Tower Hamlets Council and Tower Hamlets Homes, working together with local schools, community groups, partner organisations and residents. There will be lots on on the day, with bulb and tree planting at Meath Gardens, as well as an opportunity to meet Santa at one of his Grottos!

More info on what to expect on the day here.

Roman Road Market Square, E2 0RN

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LADA Festive Fair 2018

Sunday 9th December – 12-6pm 

Please join Live Art Development Agency as they host their first ever Festive Fair, with over 15 exciting stalls run by local artists, activists and social action groups selling art, gifts and tasty things, as well as promoting a range of campaigns around social and environmental justice.

In 2017, LADA moved to its new home at The Garrett Centre in Bethnal Green, a former Unitarian mission that began as a centre for social action in the late 19^thcentury and continues to be a hub for working with local communities by housing arts, ethical and community focused groups.

The Festive Fair is part of LADA’s new developments for its new home and new neighbours in the East End.

All proceeds from the Festive Fair are retained by stall holders and reinvested into their work.

The Garrett Centre, 117A Mansford Street, E2 6LX

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 Uncharted Crossings – brand new work from Grand Union Orchestra

Sunday 9th December – 8pm

This brand new show stretches our E2 borders slightly, but features the full Bethnal Green based Grand Union Orchestra, celebrating not only Black British Music in east London, but the music of the whole of the African-descended diaspora.

This story began over 500 years ago, with the transatlantic slave trade, when millions of Africans were transported to Brazil, Cuba and the West Indies, and to the southern states of the USA. In horrific circumstances, they took their customs, their culture and their religion with them. Remarkably these survived in the New World, and above all their music has developed into an extraordinary legacy.

This is a story the Grand Union Orchestra is well-equipped to tell, with its core company including many musicians and singers of African or Caribbean descent. Several are first generation migrants themselves, but all of them fine exponents of their art – from West African drumming and chant, through Latin-American and Caribbean music to jazz.

Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old St, London EC1V 9LT

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Christmas Nativity Story, Live on the Roman Rd

Saturday 15th December – 2pm

This promises to be a seriously entertaining take on the Nativity story. It’ll feature a Community Gospel Choir, mince pies, carols & drinks, not to mention a real donkey!

Outside IDEA STORE, Roman Road, Bow E3 5ES

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New Years Eve at Pickle Factory & Oval Space

Monday 31st 9pm – Tuesday 1st January 7am

This NYE Oval Space and The Pickle Factory join forces for a double-venue party befitting the magnitude of the occasion. Your ticket grants access to both venues, which hosts the finest DJ’s across the dance-music spectrum, accompanied by extra-special production flourishes.

At Oval Space, UK icon and perennial tastemaker Gilles Peterson is joined by Oval Space’s resident-in-chief Sadar Bahar (pictured) from Chicago, who’ll soundtrack the infamous midnight countdown with his unparalleled selection of rare funk and soul – then expect house & techno ’til dawn.

Meanwhile across the road at The Pickle Factory, peerless German artist Move D holds it down for 6 hours. His longevity is testament to both his timeless productions from the early 90s to the present day, and his imitable DJ style. Not. To. Be. Missed.

29–32 The Oval, E2 9DT

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On Saturday 1st December 2018 between 12-4pm, Roman Road Market Square will be buzzing with festive fun! a collaborative effort between Tower Hamlets Council and Tower Hamlets Homes, working with local schools, community groups, partner organisations and residents. There will be lots on on the day such things as bulb and tree planting at Meath Gardens, as well as an opportunity to meet Santa at Santas Grotto!

Click on the link below for more information about what’s happening on the day.

Roman Road West Christmas event 1st December

Bring your friends and family along on the day to enjoy all things festive! The address for the event is Roman Road Market Square, E2 0RN.

We’ve skipped Autumn, it seems. We’re already on the brink of winter with all its crispness, its need to walk a little quicker and its sharpening of cosy programming across Bethnal Green. The nights may have drawn in, but those in charge of bringing brilliant stuff to us here in E2 have been busy as ever. Check this lot out;

Backyard Comedy Club – Thursday Night
Thursday 8th November – 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm | £5

This is an exclusive sneak peak of brand new material from the great and the good of the comedy world. Every week on a Thursday, the show features established acts trying out new material, big TV names warming up for national tours and festivals, and some of the most exciting rising stars from the comedy circuit.

Previous names have included: Russell Howard, Seann Walsh, Russell Kane, Omid Djalili, Jack Whitehall, Jon Richardson, Katherine Ryan and Ed Byrne to name just a few. With resident hosts, David Ward and David Whitney.

Tickets here

Backyard Comedy Club, 232 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 0EL

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A Drunken Sailor Presents; Playback

Wednesday 14th November – 8pm – 9pm

A Drunken Sailor offers enthralling drama anytime anywhere: from the top of a bus to international festivals to national theatre tours. These Playback sessions are an open rehearsal combining improvisation techniques with Indian storytelling and the actors spontaneously playing back full length stories and moments from the audience or their own lives. It can be anything from a mundane event on the way to the theatre to a traumatic childhood experience.

For each session a conductor invites audience members to come up and share their stories and then between two to four players; these roles can shift during the session or remain fixed. The company use different forms and structures and coloured cloths to support the story telling. As well as focusing on the therapeutic benefits of sharing stories, Playback can also provide relief through comedy.

Free

St. Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PL  

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EFG London Jazz Festival 

Friday 16th – Sunday 25th November 

The capital’s biggest pan-city music festival, which has long been acclaimed for showcasing a heady mix of talent from around the world is back this November, & our mates over at Rich Mix are right in the thick of it – hosting some superb stuff over the course of 10 days.

Widely acknowledged for delivering world-class artists and emerging stars, the Festival continues to take jazz to a massive audience, in one of the UK’s landmark music events.

Check what Rich Mix are hosting here, or see the full festival listings here

Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA

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The Green at Oxford House

Tuesday 20th November – 6pm – 7:30pm

We will be getting together again at Oxford House for our meeting of ‘The Green’ – an opportunity for businesses and organisations locally to share their work face to face, and for us to explore your plans for Small Business Saturday this year.

We want to promote your work and it doesn’t cost you a penny. Can’t say fairer or clearer than that.

Come and see us – book in for it now.

Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, E2 6HG

Let’s be honest, if you get out of bed on the right side, Autumn can be a magical season. A lot of us can feel like this is the time of year to embrace the new, saying goodbye to what has been a long hot summer and considering where we want to take things as the nights draw in, and we buckle down for some colder weather and some more considered times. Good luck with your next steps – and we hope you find something that appeals taking place this month in Bethnal Green.

LoveBethnalGreen Networking Breakfast 

Tuesday 9th October – 9am – 10:30am

Join us for breakfast at St. Margaret’s House, & introduce yourselves to the LoveBethnalGreen network. On the morning, we will also hear from some impressive social businesses operating in the Bethnal Green area. We will be joined by the following social business leaders, who will be telling us about the challenges faced and the passion required to make social enterprise really work;

Jim Blakemore – Bikeworks

Sabeha MIah – Juta Shoes

Julius Ibrahim – Second Shot

Last few tickets available here.

St. Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, E2 9PL

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BOYZ NITE OUT at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club

Friday 12th October – 9pm – 2am

Get set for a proper proper night out at Bethnal Green’s favourite under the radar hedonist haven. This month, BOYZ bring you a retro boyband realness at their Drag King Club Nite. If that all sounds a bit much, then that’s the idea. BGWMC continues to support art and creativity from what for many are still the margins, and this evening of no holes barred entertainment promises to really hit the high notes. Get your tickets here.

Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club,  E2 6NB

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LoveBethnalGreen #SocialSaturday Market 

Saturday 13th October – 10am – 4pm

LoveBethnalGreen.com are disrupting Bethnal Green Road market on Saturday 13^th October by giving some stalls to social businesses in the area. We want to hear from purposeful people in the area who are making great products, delivering great services or just doing great work.

So far we’ve got beatboxers, funders, self-love projects, pottery initiatives, an emissions reduction programme & some quality leather produce made entirely from offcuts. Come and join us on Saturday 13th, and learn about who’s delivering purposeful work in the area.

Bethnal Green Road Market, E2

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Anglo-Somali Society Panel Discussion at Oxford House

Monday 22nd October – 6pm – 7:30pm

The Anglo-Somali Society is a not-for-profit international society whose
objective is to foster friendship and understanding between the Somali and English speaking
worlds, by developing cultural and social relations. This evening will feature
a discussion with Dr Joanna Lewis, Associate Professor in International History at LSE
who has specialised in the history of encounters between Britain and Africa since the
19th Century. Joanna is currently working on a research project funded by the Institute
of Global Affairs to investigate how refugees are forced to flee from conflict. She focuses on
how refugees survive the trauma of relocation, rebuilding new lives in London,
and then turn their attention to helping the homeland they have fled. This evening, she will
be talking about this in a lively discussion with the audience.

Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, E2 6HG

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Keir Vine (Portico Quartet) intimate gig at St. Margaret’s Chapel

Tuesday 23^rd October – 7:30pm

Keir Vine from Portico Quartet will be playing a special show, to celebrate the launch of his debut solo album, ‘Instance’ forthcoming on Trestle Records.

Support on the night will come from EQLS (Milo Fitzpatrick/Nick Siddall). This promises to be an intimate gig in the Chapel behind St Margaret’s House, with a maximum capacity of just 40. Just 20 or so tickets are available to purchase, so be quick if you’re keen.

Tickets £8 advance, £10 on the door.

St. Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, E2 9PL

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It’s September and it’s time to get back in touch with what’s happening here in Bethnal Green. As the uniforms are dragged back on and the shorts find their way back to the bottom of the drawer, we’ve picked out some key bits and pieces for the month where Virgo meets Libra. So as the signs of the Zodiac and the seasons change, we can be re-assured that #E2 is consistently delivering the goods – it’s a pleasure to shine a light on such a variety of excellent activity.

Summer Jamboree – A family day by St. Margaret’s House

Saturday 1st September – 11am – 3pm

Round off the last weekend of the school holidays with the return of St. Margaret’s ever-popular family day Jamboree.

This year they’ve curated even more excellent activities for the whole family, with a special focus on creativity and wellbeing.

They have teamed up with some long-time friends of St. Margaret’s House to bring us a wonderful mix of activities throughout the day, so make sure you get along to say farewell to the summer holidays. Booking is required for some of the sessions to avoid disappointment.

St. Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, E2 9PL

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‘Time to Talk Business’ – Leyton Orient FC 

Wednesday 5th September – 12:30 – 2:30pm

Join East London Chamber of Commerce for their ‘Time to Talk Business’ event and take the opportunity to network with up to 80 local, like-minded business professionals in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. We speak from experience when we say that attending this monthly event is a great way to strengthen existing relationships and create new business opportunities. Come along and let the rest of the east end know what you’re up to here in E2. Book now, & use the free guest code TTSEP2018.

Leyton Orient Football Club, Matchroom Stadium, Brisbane Road, Leyton,  E10 5NF

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Kokoroko Live –  Rich Mich Centre

Saturday 15th September – 8pm

The relentlessly rhythmic and colourful sounds of Kokoroko have been captivating audiences around the London live scene for many years. Their intrepid horns, polyrhythmic percussion and Jazz arrangements coalesce to create one of the most unique and soul-lifting Afrobeat sounds around. This one is not to be missed, and to entice you in, we’ve teamed up with our pals at Rich Mix to giveaway two tickets to the show. Just subscribe to our newsletter, and we’ll pick a winner at random from our new subscribers in September. Or if you want to guarantee not to miss this show > cop your tickets here.

Inspired by the greats of West African music such as Fela Kuti and Tony Allen, the band simultaneously bring energy, atmosphere and a sense of escape to every live show.

Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA

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“Dissecting the Joke” – Backyard Comedy Club

Tuesday 18th September – 7:30pm – 10:30pm

Join the under-the-radar heroes at Backyard, for a night of comedy covering all things health and medicine. Contrary to popular belief (and lazy comedy writing) laughter isn’t the best medicine, but it will take your mind off the fact we’re all falling apart at the seams. An amazing lineup of comedians and doctors tell you everything you did (and didn’t) want to know about staying alive in the NHS. Below are a few of the lineup highlights – don’t miss this unique confluence of the hilarious and the biologically knowledgeable!

KWAME ASANTI

Nominee: Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer 2017

Kwame is a comedy writer and performer, who works as a Junior Doctor in the NHS.

OLGA KOCH

Nominee: Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer 2018

Amused Moose National New Comic Award 2017 Finalist

Leicester Square New Comedian of the Year 2016 Finalist

STEVE CROSS

Steve is a geek comedian, presenter and producer. He is the founder of Science Showoff, Museums Showoff and Bright Club.

231 Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 0EL

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Feminist Fightback Filmclub – The Common House 

Join Feminist Fightback for their monthly film screening. Exhibiting anger/ joy during the film at oppressive behaviour/ high points of struggle is very much encouraged, so if you’re feeling like venting, this could be the evening for you. The group always has a discussion after the film, and drinks and snacks will be served too. For details of the film screening this month, search for ‘Feminist Fightback Film Club Presents…’ on Facebook, or email feminist.fightback@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list. There’s a lot of great stuff bubbling at TheCommon House – a real hidden E2 gem.

The Common House, Unit 5E, Pundersons Gardens, London E2 9QG

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There are lots of ways that London Borough of Tower Hamlets supports local business, regardless of what stage of the entrepreneurial journey they are at.

LoveBethnalGreen.com wants to provide up to date information on what those offers are, and how you can access them, so please check back to this very section of LoveBethnalGreen.com, and we will keep it up to date with the latest offers.

Have a look below at the support that’s available, and click through to find out more;

Third Sector & Social Enterprise

Retail Marketing Ready

Supply Ready 

Good premises for business 

And if you aren’t sure what support will work best for you and your ideas, please fill out this form and someone from the Enterprise Team will be in touch.

If you would like to chat to someone at the Enterprise Team about anything you have read here, don’t hesitate to give them a call – 020 7364 2278

This month we look forward to some lesser known happenings that E2 has to offer in August. There is such a huge amount that goes on in this pocket of London, we’re looking to really celebrate the sheer range of activity that businesses and organisations put together to keep us challenged, intrigued and inspired. Remember – if you have anything coming up that you would like us to promote on your behalf – simply tag @LoveBthnlGreen on Twitter or Instagram (no vowels in Bthnl!) and use the #E2ToDo, & we’ll help get the word out. To August!

Thai Boxing Fighters Academy AGM – Garrett Centre 

Monday 6th August – 7pm-9pm

The Thai Boxing Fighters Academy isn’t nearly as mean as it sounds. The great work that founder Gohar Ghouse has delivered over the years in the borough has helped its beneficiaries with discipline and fitness, as well as supported many dealing with mental health issues back into work. Its impact is far reaching, and this AGM gives Gohar and his team the chance to reflect and look forward.  Join them to hear from special guest speakers, and to have a bite to eat too on them. RSVP to thaiboxingfightersacademy@yahoo.co.uk

Garret Centre, 117 Mansford Street, E2 6LX

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Sara Pascoe – Backyard Comedy Club 

Wednesday 8th August – 8pm-10pm

Sara Pascoe is becoming a staple of the panel show circuit, with regular slots on ‘Have I Got News For You’, ‘QI’ & ‘Frankie Boyle’s New World Order’. She brings a refreshing blend of matter of fact, deadpan realism to the table, and never seems to over-cook it, relying more on her capacity to connect with audiences in an understated way. Get over the intimate surroundings of the Backyard Comedy Club to see her re-work some material before heading out on tour.

231 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 0EL 

Opening Night of The Bethnal Green Tavern – Bethnal Green Road 

Wednesday 8th August – 5:30pm onwards

The ever-changing face of Bethnal Green Road gets another nip and tuck in the form of The Bethnal Green Tavern, which opens its doors for the first time in its new format on Wednesday 8th August. There will be music from Whiskey Symposium, as well as tasters of their food and drink menu. Come on down from 5:30pm and see what the latest pub offering on Bethnal Green Road has to say for itself…#BethnalGreenTav

456 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0EA

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‘The Green’ partnership meeting 

Tuesday 14th August – 6pm-7:30pm

It’s time to get together again for our partnership meeting, bringing together businesses, organisations and individuals who live in the Bethnal Green area to hear what they’ve got coming up, and offer them support to really promote themselves via our channels and activities. This month, we’ll be looking ahead to Social Saturday in October, when we’ll be shining a light on the excellent work of social enterprises across the area. Come and have your say!

Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, E2 6HG

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MAKEMORE Festival – Victoria Park 

Thursday 23rd – Monday 27th August

MAKEMORE is a new kind of festival – a festival for your hands. Come and spend the day having a go at all different kinds of making, under the expert guidance of some of the most exciting makers working today. You can discover what kind of maker you are through a series of quick hands on activities. Get inspired by the creative energy, some great live music and stand up comedy, plus the best in bars and streetfood.  Get your tickets now for this unique east end gathering.

Victoria Park, E3 5TB

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Summer Fun Day & Gym Launch – Pollard Square 

Monday 27th August – 11am-4pm

Join us for a day of family fun and the launch of the new outdoor gym. This is the launch of a new outdoor space for you to get fit and socialise at, with weekly classes every Monday 6-7pm & every Tuesday 1:30-2:30pm. For more information contact mileendpark@towerhamlets.gov.uk or 0207 365 5227

Pollard Square, E2 6LP

SummerOutdoorGym_PollardSq_A5

January seems to have lasted an eternity. 5 Monday’s in one month, with freezing weather to match. Long live February! To make sure you start the month off right, we’ve compiled a list of highlights as usual, picking the best bits Bethnal Green has to offer so you don’t have to!

Tower Hamlets Labour Party Winter Jumble Sale -3rd February – St Margaret’s House

Whether you enjoy politics or not, everyone loves a bargain and that’s exactly what you can expect to find at the Labour Party Winter Jumble Sale. With a range of gadgets, toys, books and kitchenware all on sale at rock bottom prices, pop down to St Margaret’s House for some austerity essentials. You can also donate items that are cluttering up your life – drop them off at 11am on the day. 

Entrance is 50p for Labour members, £1, for others

12pm – 4pm, St. Margaret’s House 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PL

Super Bowl Party – 4th February – The Star of Bethnal Green

Touchdown at The Star for the screening of the 52nd Super Bowl. With special Super Bowl themed food, special drinks promotion and pre-game entertainment; there will be nowhere better to watch the game and soak up the atmosphere. All tickets come with a free beer and a bag of popcorn to kick things off. What better way to check out the banging refurbishment at one of Bethnal Green’s smoothest venues?

£5 ticket – complimentary beer and popcorn

£17 ticket – complimentary beer and super bowl platter (Smoked BBQ Rib Chunks, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings, Deep Fried Pickles and a Homemade Potato Salad)

10pm – 3am, The Star of Bethnal Green 359 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6LG

New Acts of the Year 2018 Comedy Selection – 6th February – Rich Mix

Comedy nights can often be extremely expensive, especially in and around East London. However Rich Mix are showcasing new, exciting young comedians battling it out to be chosen in the heats for their New Acts of the Year series, where 12 will eventually feature in the showcase final. With free entry, go have a laugh on the cheap!

18+, 7.30pm Rich Mix

35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA

and from the team at Oxford House….

“The Green” – 20th February – Oxford House  –  Tuesday 20th Febraury

“The Green”, our monthly meeting, will meet once again at 6pm, Oxford House, on Tuesday 20th February, to discuss ourlatest business support news as well as taking a look at the issues that are affecting residents in the area. 

This month, our guest speaker is Michael Smythe, project lead at Phytology and the Bethnal Green Nature Reserve. Michael explores mental and physical well being in our increasingly cramped urban environments. We’re looking forward to hearing how access to nature and complex ecosystems is really important for this.

To get involved in the meeting and to add an agenda point you feel needs addressing please email: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk

The strength of these meetings is in the guestlist, so please do share this opportunity far and wide; businesses, residents, organisations  –  all welcome.

Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Compiled by Thufayel Ahmed

Photo is from Museum of London and shows an evicted matchbox maker, circa 1910, in Bethnal Green.

Funded by Tower Hamlets Council

Supporting our High Streets and Town Centres

The year has flown by, but to make sure you get off the best start in 2018 we have put together a few activities happening in Bethnal Green that you simply cannot miss.

Coming or going –3rd -31st January – Oxford House Gallery
Whilst Brexit has already happened, there was a key demographic that were not allowed to vote within Brexit, even though it affects them the most. There are over 3 million EU citizens residing in the UK, yet they were not allowed to vote in the referendum despite working and paying their taxes. This project by Stephen Bell and Jon Chater aims to give these EU citizens a voice. Alongside photographs of the citizens in their workplace, there will also be text from a short interview conducted with them, to find out how Brexit has affected them on an emotional level. This exhibition is incredibly interesting as it shares real life stories and shows what Brexit means, and how it has directly affected people beyond the contest in Westminster. The private view will take part on the 5th of January with beers and wine also available.

Private View: 5th January – 6-9pm
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Money Smart Kids’ workshop -13th January – V&A Museum of Childhood
The holidays are always rough on the wallet; however this workshop at the V&A Museum of Childhood can help you recover from this money stress. Led by professors from London School of Economics, financial teachers from MyBnk and others, this is an invaluable workshop on how kids learn about money, the challenges that arise and how we can aid their learning from an early age. This interactive workshop promises to be fun as well as incredibly useful for children as well as adults.

Admission: Free, children 8+, 11.00-12.00pm
Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9PA

The Green Meeting – 16th January – Oxford House
The Green will meet again in January to discuss the regeneration programme within Bethnal Green and engage residents in discussions about how Bethnal Green can be improved. During the meeting, some of the exciting plans for 2018 will also be shared. Oxford House is keen to support businesses and residents in the area and the best way to do that is by joining the discussion.

To bring any discussion points to the table this month, please email: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk
Admission: Free
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Burns Night – 26th January – Oval Space
On Friday the 26th Oval Space will indulge in everything Scottish in honour of Robert Burns – the legendary Scottish poet. The in-house Scottish chef has come up with an amazing 3 course authentic Scottish menu (with vegetarian alternatives). Alongside the menu there will be a whiskey dram as well as whiskey cocktails. Whether you are a fan of poetry, culinary cuisine or even whiskey this promises to be a great way to spend the last Friday of January. As well as the food there will also be entertainment provided on the night courtesy of Ceilidh Tree.

Tickets: £55 (include a starter, main, dessert, whiskey dram and a welcome cocktail.)
29-32 The Oval, London E2 9DT

By Thufayel Ahmed

“The Green” will meet on the 19th December for a Christmas special. At this meeting, we’ll reflect on the partnerships that are developing for the benefit of the area, as well as looking ahead to 2018 and the support that Oxford House will provide to Bethnal Green businesses and residents. The more the merrier, so please do come and join us for a minced pie and some festive refreshment.

We’re delighted to say we’ll be joined by guest speaker Gary Haines, archivist at V&A Museum of Childhood and author of the photographic celebration of the area, “Bethnal Green”. Gary was unable to join us in November, so we’re glad he can come and help us see out 2017 this month at Oxford House.

Next Tuesday’s agenda;

– Welcome
– Gary Haines > Guest Speaker
– A word on market surveys
– A word on bike rack developments
– A word on Christmas decorations with Make Good, from Marie Gerring
– Oxford House promotion plan for local businesses Q1 2018
– Time to socialise and enjoy some festive refreshment

To bring any discussion points to the table this month, please email: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk

19th December – 6pm – Oxford House
Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Funded by Tower Hamlets Council
Supporting our High Streets and Town Centres

Christmas is rapidly approaching, and as last-minute shopping begins it can often feel like there is no time to relax and have fun amongst all the busy times during the festive period. When there is spare time, it can be hard to find fun new activities to do with all the family members, friends and colleagues that you catch up with over this period. However, we have found a few amazing activities that will help you do exactly that.

Pyrography – 6th December – St Margaret’s House
Want to write with fire? In a completely safe and legal way, well now you can. St Margaret’s house is holding a workshop where people can make wooden Christmas garlands. Pyrography is the craft of burning leather or wood to create a permanent burn mark –usually in the shape of a pattern you would like. The workshop will use the best specialised irons as well as a range of hot branding tips that will allow for experimentation. Furthermore, you are also given the chance to practice on wood offcuts first before branding a wooden board.

Tickets: £45, 6.30pm-9.30pm
21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PL

Eavesdropping – 8th December – Oxford House
The second evening of Eavesdropping will get under way at Oxford House on the 8th of December. The evening will feature performances from Mira Benjamin (violin) and Alba Cabral (voice/percussion). Come and witness an incredibly intimate performance by two extremely talented musicians. Set in the beautiful, secret chapel it is simply unmissable.

Tickets: £10
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

Anti-Christmas Fayre – 10th December – Bethnal Green Men’s Working Club
The Anti-Christmas Fayre is exactly as you would expect an Anti-Christmas Fayre to be. With items ranging from curses, spells, witchy clothing to protective amulets and bones. This is everything you could want if you have been on the naughty list. As well as all of this there will also be a fully licensed bar. However with arts, posters, prints as well as vinyls there is something for everyone – even the sincerest of Christmas lovers.

Midday- 6pm
Tickets: £3 on door, Bethnal Green Men’s Working Club, 42-44 Pollard Row, London, E2 6NB

Xma(e)s Carols Concert – 11th December – Rich Mix
Join Giovannardi Eleonora, her band and special guests for a charity night of Christmas Carols. The proceeds from this night will go to Cittadinanza Onlus, which is an Italian charity supporting a day-care centre in Vellore, and offering rehabilitation and assistance to young children with neurological disorders. This promises to be an amazing night filled with emotion and is a great way to not only get into the Christmas spirit but also to give to charity.

Tickets: £20, 7pm
35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA

The Green Meeting – 19th December – 6pm – Oxford House
“The Green” will meet on the 19th December for a Christmas special. At this meeting, we’ll reflect on the partnerships that are developing for the benefit of the area, as well as looking ahead to 2018 and the support that Oxford House will provide to Bethnal Green businesses and residents. The more the merrier, so please do come and join us for a minced pie and some festive refreshment.

We’re delighted to say we’ll be joined by guest speaker Gary Haines, archivist at V&A Museum of Childhood and author of the photographic celebration of the area, “Bethnal Green”. Gary was unable to join us in November, so we’re glad he can come and help us see out 2017 this month at Oxford House.

To bring any discussion points to the table this month, please email: bethnal.green@oxfordhouse.org.uk
Admission: Free
Oxford House, Derbyshire St, Bethnal Green, London E2 6HG, United Kingdom

By Thufayel Ahmed