Welcome to the current series of programmes from
Forest Radio
NOTE ON STOPPING & RETURNING TO WHERE YOU LEFT OFF You can return to any point in a programme without starting again. In order to do this don't press 'stop' straight away but press 'pause' instead. Take a note of where you are on the time line as indicated on the right hand side of the player. When you want to return to this point, first press the 'play' button and then move the cursor along its channel until the correct time reading appears at the right hand side of the player. Then you have to wait until the computer downloads all of the file that comes before that point in the time line. As soon as it gets to your chosen starting point it will start playing, but the process isn't instantaneous. For our massive three-hour-forty-five-minute programme (Programme 14), depending on your connection speed, it might need a couple of minutes to get to the selected starting point, so please be patient.
A return visit to the Markhouse Centre closure debate is an update on the meetings that have taken place since the public one organised by the Save Markhouse Centre campaign On Wednesday 11th September, which we recorded in its entirety and
can be found on the link further down. As part of the update this item includes a full sound recording of the meeting on Thursday 17th October organised by the Waltham Forest Chamber of Commerce, slightly edited for length.
An Assessment of Carbon Capture Technology is an independent expert discussion regarding the likely contribution of the relatively new technique of sequestering greenhouse gases and other pollutants underground in the quest for net zero and victory over climate change. The cutious overall conclusion is that its contribution is small as yet, being more expensive and less efficient than simple reforestation, but that it holds out promise for the future.
Recycling – A Load Of Old Rubbish is a new film by Walthamstow Community Video Workshop. It's a documentary dealing with how rubbish, both domestic and industrial, is collected and disposed of, both here and around the world, and the effectiveness and limits of the recycling technologies available to deal with it. It's an impressive film in every respect, visually, technically, artistically, in terms of what it sets out to do, and in meeting its own ambitious targets.
Waltham Forest Council is planning to close down the Markhouse Day Centre for adults with learning disabilities or neurodivergence. This has been a showcase service with a 100% excellent rating from the CQC for more than 25 years. It is loved by its service users and their carers and has been a second family to many of them for the entire period of its existence. This is a cynical move by the council to sell off the site regardless of the misery it is going to cause some of the most vulnerable people in its care. Listen to a recording of a public meeting about the issue and
sign a petition to reverse the closure decision on this page.
We were greatly saddened to hear of the death of actor and blues singer Cleo Sylvestre who died on Friday 20th September 2024 following a stroke. Cleo was a long term friend of Forest Radio, though her life was so busy, even as she approached her 80s, that we didn't get to see her nearly as often as we would have liked
Mark Nicholas is an award-winning comedian and dedicated champion of equal rights for people like himself who have disabilities or are neurodivergent and are trying to make a career in the world of entertainment. Mark is interviewed by Elin Morgan and Jean Duggleby for Forest Radio.
Fiona Fouhy, who lives and works in Walthamstow, is part of the East London Printmakers Studio community where she is a permanent keyholder and tutor, and was elected an Associate Member of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers in 2023. Here she is interviewed by Elin Morgan about her life and work including the technical details of the processes she uses and her interests and vision as an artist.
Tyneside Rain – A Work in Progress This is a page that I (David) have created for Roger Wicks, a Newcastle man who, like me, has attempted to create an original stage musical. He is keen to hear your feedback and if you are a singer or musician he would be very grateful for help with demo versions of the songs.
We take a walk through Leyton's 2024 MAS Festival in Coronation Gardens, E10 5NG, an informal family-friendly and of course much smaller version of Noting Hill Carnival where local people of all ethnicities simply gather together to have a good time. It's very much angled towards the children, who will be in a festive mood having just broken up from school for their summer holidays.
Hilary Davis, Local Textile Artist Jean talks to Hilary Davis, textile arist, quilter and teacher of sewing at The Mill, Coppermill Lane, who guides us through a display of her work and tells us about her life and why she moved from her career as a science teacher to discover her talent for the creative arts and begin her love affair with quilting
Questions Unanswered British-Spanish singer-songwriter Alba, a long time friend of Forest Radio, uveiled what she has announced as her debut EP "Questions Unanswered" on June 14th 2024, although she has a large body of earlier recorded work.
The EP has been produced by Alba and "edbl", and recorded at Europe’s first solar-powered studio “The Premises”, with a special contribution from the London African Gospel Choir.
Forest Radio is proud of its association with this rising young socially and politically involved star.
Elin talks to Lara Parmiani, the Artistic Director of Legalalienstheatre The first in a new series of interviews of people from the world of art and culture conducted by Elin Morgan in Walthamstow's Wetland.
Introducing Elin Morgan A very brief introduction and welcome to a new member of the Forest Radio team, Elin Morgan, who is presently completing an MA in creative writing but has a background that includes podcast radio, writing, theatre and much more. We are delighted to have her on the team.
Holiday in New Zealand and Singapore, 2024 As some of you will know Jean and I (David) had a holiday in New Zealand and Singapore in January and February of this year. This is very much a "home movie" so don't expect too much. It was patched together from the video clips and still photographs we had on our "Smarphone" when we got back. The film was an afterthought so please forgive the imperfections.
Waltham Forest Earth DayThis event provided an opportunity for we the people of Waltham Forest people to discuss the state of the planet as well as our hopes and fears for the future. We were welcomed to the town square to make our views known and at least a hundred people, many of us members of environmental, libertarian, social equality or anti-war pressure groups took up the offer..
Celebration of the Life of John Whitehorn.
Forest Radio remembers the life of a very good friend and regular contributor to our
programmes. His special fields of expertise were the folk tradition of London and the history
of music hall in London and the rest of the UK. His death is a sad blow to the Forest Radio team.
Something has been going seriously wrong in the last few years at King Solomon School, Ilford, and in Management Crisis at King Solomon School Michelle Rosenberg reporting in Jewish News Online and Bob Archer try to give a balanced account of both sides of the dispute.
Tanya Frank talks about Zig-Zag Boy, the book in which she tells the story of her son's journey through a series of psychiatric disgnoses, treatments and medical institutions both in the USA and Britain. Amazing honesty and openness, and told in elegant and poinant prose.
Whatever mental image you may have of a singer/songwriter you can forget it. John Arthur Hewson is, forgive the over-used word, unique. Totally compelling, with something to say and employing his own rules about how to say it. An absolute one-off.
How to Bake Irish Soda Bread. The long-promised tried and tested recipe for Irish Soda Bread which has been praised by everybody who has eaten it so far.
Walthamstow Folk ClubChristmas Party 2023 An irreverent Christmas sing-song at "Ye Olde Rose & Crown" public house on Sunday 17th December 2023
Genefire Local author Dr. James M. Flanagan, Reader in Epigenetics at Imperial College London, was kind enough to visit us at the Elmsdale Road house to talk about his new sci-fi novel Genefire
Music gig with Marilyn Joy and the band David Croneberg's Wife at the Leytonstone Ex-Servicemen's Club on Friday 8th September 2023.
Interview with members of The Drive Housing Co-operative at 8 The Drive, E17 3BW
Stories to Tell Part of South Asian Heritage History Month
Piper playing the English border pipes in Walthamstow town square on Sunday 6th August 2023
Book Launch of "Telling Our Story" an anthology of selected work created in a Waltham Forest Twinning Association writing course
BBC Radio 4's "Any Questions" and "Any Answers" phone-in on the real nature of the alleged housing crisis.
On air readings of three of my stories on Vision Australia Radio
Radio 4 news magazine Broadcasting House on the housing crisis for the lower paid
Save Our Square speakers voice concerns about the fire safety of the Monster Blocks"
Professor Peter Doyle's talk to the local branch of The Western Front Association about "Princess Mary’s Christmas Box"
Downloadable photographs of Walthamstow from around the turn of the 20th century
Christmas Special 2022: an informal Christmas look back at 2022 and forward to 2023 by the four main members of the Forest Radio team. Includes musical choices
A complete performance by the Three Valleys Male Voice Choir including two solo piano recitals from 14-year-old Ziyue You
Telling Our Story: guest night showcase by Creative Writing Group of the local Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association
A rehearsal of The Three Valleys Male Voice Choir in Waltham Abbey + interviews with members
Invitation to a free professional therapy series from In Therapy
After seven years of opposing the Town Centre Redevelopment Scheme, Save Our Square refuses to give up
Peer Power, an "empathy-led" charity striving to empower young people to make their voices heard
A stroll through Walthamstow's "Mile Long Street Party" – 5th June 2022
Music duo Fransismusiofficial busking in Walthamstow market Sunday 29th May 2022
Old Time Music Hall from St. Andrew's Church Upper Leytonstone E11 1JD, Saturday 9th April 2022
A talk by Extinction Rebellion Waltham Forest at Harmony Hall, Saturday 2nd April 2022
Graham Sclater, Musician, Author, Publisher and Creative Writing Seminar Leader
A Taste of Honey – a film by Tony Richardson (1961)
An evening of Old Time Music Hall at the Mary Ward Centre
A film about Orford House Social Club's 100 years of history
Norman Enders talks to Adele, Jean and David about his life and WW II flying career
Homelessness activist Tommy Anderson tells us about an instance of Council malice
Frances Simmons of Action4Whipps talks to us prior to handing in a petition about the Margaret Centre
Forest Radio talks to Norma Dudley of Action4Whipps about the present state of play of the campaign
Oldest living Pearly Queen Phyllis Broadbent tells us about the movement and her life
Updates from LBC on the various campaigns to remove LTNs (Low Traffic Neighbourhoods)
Launch of an attempt to remove the LTNs (Low Traffic Neighbourhoods) in Walthamstow by referendum
Christmas Special from Forest Radio, 2021
Comedian Mark Steel comes to Walthamstow to take a look at the town and its council
Colombian dancers in the town square as part of Walthamstow's "High Street Adventure", 4th december 2021
A major fire broke out within 1 K of the Forest Radio house at about 2.20pm today, 5th December 2021
actioon4Whipps holds protest rally against Council's "Rubber Stamping" of Whipps Cross' Planning Application
John Whitehorn examines the musical traditions of London and Londoners
The campaign to save 122 Trees in Orient Way Pocket Park in Leyton
Live folk concert in support of "Sue's House" Cancer Support Charity in Ilford
Forest Radio talks to singer/songwriter Andrea Dee
Nick Ferrari's latest Mini Holland phone-in + the 2017 documentary Mini Holland – A Discussion.
John Whitehorn's "Desert Island Discs".
Opening Event at Fellowship Square, Walthamstow, 14th August 2021.
Two East London women born in 1938, one from Trinidad and one from London, talk about their lives.
Waltham Forest's attempt to evict mother of three Nadia Zaman Attaria.
Save Our Square holds its first public meeting of 2021.
Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich gives a talk at Kingsmead School, Enfield.
Adel's "Desert Island Discs" choice of her favourite music. 2nd programme in this series.
Another Visit to Walthamstow's Sunday Social Market
David the DJ, David's "Desert Island Discs" without the desert island, or indeed Lauren Laverne
Jazz on a Summer's Day, the cult classic film of the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island State, USA.
Interview with Frantisek Brikcius – A Preview of Waltham Forest Cello Fest No. 3
Finnish comedian ISMO explains the subtlies of ass references in American English
A project by St. James Street Big Local to record the memories of long-term Walthamstow residents
A visit to Walthamstow's Sunday Social Market on 9th May 2021
Programme 24, all uploads completed Monday 3rd May 2021
Mass destructionof trees in Walthamstow by Network Rail just as nesting season begins
Planet of the Humans, a controversal ecology documentary by Jeff Gibbs & Michael Moore
A Year to Change the World ~ documentaries about Greta Thunberg
A new opportunity for short story writers and readers
NHS physiotherapist Claire Stainton writes about her experiences on the Covid ward
April Fools' Day nation-wide protests from Extinction Rebellion
Cartoon from www.one.org condemning our failure to distribute Covid-19 vaccines worldwide
The Waltham Forest Antigua Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association
1960s style housing estate planned to replace Fulbourne Road Homebase
New song from Alba – Child of theStars
Complete recording of the meeting of Waltham Forest Planning Committee held on 27th Jan 2021
Report on a particularly despicible armed robbery in Walthamstow
A New Song From Marilyn Joy
Programme 23 – the Christmas Special
Live "Smiling Sessions" from Shapeshifter Productions
Interview with Rosida and Paul from the Christian Kitchen charity
Other Theresa at Walthamstow Trades Hall on 6th Dec 2020
Interview with John Arthur and Maggie Houlihan
The Poetry and Songs of Other Theresa
Adrian Stannard gives the first of his talks on our changing Waltham Forest street scene
Adrian Stannard gives his second talk on our changing Waltham Forest street scene
Adrian Stannard gives his third talk on the changing Waltham Forest street scene
Adrian Stannard gives his fourth talk on the changing Waltham Forest street scene
The Show Must Go Online ~ Episode 3: a dress rehearsal from The Cirencester Theatre Company
Smoke and Mirrors – The Reality of Town Planning
Jean introduces the poetry and music of Ros Kane recorded at her Leytonstone home
Save Our Square Rally in the town square, 24th October 2020
Promotional film for Engineering Paradise the novel becomes "age restricted"
Alfred Hitchcock in East London (documentary film)
Action4Whipps website hosted by Forest Radio
Interview with "Other Theresa" about her coming series of six free Creative Writing workshops
Working Illegally – the plight of UK residents denied the right to work
A shocking indictment of the failings of Test and Trace
A debate on "Equality" from the Institute of Art and Ideas
The music of Walthamstow's John Blood
"The Suicide Monologues", a film created at the University of Sheffield
Gerri Ellis, teacher of Pilates at The Mill Community Centre
Institute of Art and Ideas free public lecture on Artificial Intelligence
"Sister", a new song from Alba
William Blake, London's greatest poet, evaluated by Simon Schaman and Testament
Jean Duggleby talks to David Gardiner about his project to launch a new short story journal
Philosophy on Forest Radio – three recorded lectures of philosophical interest
Local poet Aimée King and Orla Bradfield discuss Aimée's new poetry collection "The Empath"
Lily Brooke's New Song Stand (acoustic version)
Ian Maclean (guitar and vocals) and Julia Clarke (vocals) ~ "Now We Are Old"
Recording of a public meeting hosted on Zoom by Waltham Forest Save Our NHS
Alba: Let's Heal The World
Classical Music in the Park from Bess Solomon & Sally Johnson
A Lockdown Homage to Desert Island Discs
Jan Hart Invites You to Join Her On A Journey to the Moon
Waltham Forest Extinction Rebellion invites you to "Vote With Yout Feet"
Ghost Town (Walthamstow) performed by Jan Hart and Guilia Marta
Lily Brooke's Thirty Day Song Recording Challenge
Applause for Waltham Forest's NHS Workers
Message to Waltham Forest People Suffering from Diabetes
“Pinocchio” – a magical theatrical presentation for all the family
The Effects of the Virus on the Homeless
A Vaccine for Covid-19 ~ BBC World Service broadcast
Special Announcement from Forest Radio.html
Documentary film: My Home Town – Walthamstow.html
Programme 22
Walthamstow Honours Former Doctor with Blue Plaque
Anthony Noun talks about the future for council owned buildings
New Single: 'Mass Extinction' by Alba
Cllr Ahsan Khan talks about the council's Violence Reduction Partnership
Concrete Soldiers UK ~ a documentary film
Programme 21
An informal chat with local novelist Shelly Berry
Somewhere to Live – A Look at the Housing Crisis
Neil Wilcock – Philosophy for 3 and 4 year-olds
Ellie and Kate
The Origins of Music Hall Part 2
Poetry of Mawlana Jalaldin Mohammad Rumi
The Origins of Music Hall Part 1
Programme 20: This Time it's Personal
Waltham Forest Rally in Support of School Kids' Strike – 29th November 2019
Rebecca Dyer, Animator and Illustrator
Prison Life – a First-hand Account
Carnival Fantastico in Coronation Gardens, Leyton, 28th September 2019
Jack PetcheySpeak Out Challenge Regional Final 2019
Hibo Wardere talks to Forest Radio about FGM
Wiilma Community Arts Project
Mental Health, Family & Wellbeing
The Gospel Show, Jordan's Demeanours Exhibition - 24th October 2019
14th Scouts Walthamstow
Programme 19
The Newham Writers Event at Leytonstone Library, 24/10/19
Dede Godfrey, Team GB Player & British Horseball Association coach
Interview with gang member Jonathan
Maxine Beuret & Steve Heyden talk about door-step milk delivery in Waltham Forest
World Osteoporosis Day Appeal
A Portrait of Walthamstow Market – Film – 5 minute version
A Portrait of Walthamstow Market – Film – 30 minute version
Walthamstow's Farmers' Market
St. Lukes in the High Street – a New Kind of Church
PL84U Al_Suffa World Homeless Week October 2019 in Waltham Forest
Wayne Walton talks to Sarah Purchase of Borrowed Light Florals
Programme 18
Interview with Rachel Cardel of the Big Local, St. James Street
Forest Radio Campaign for Safer Buses
A report on the homeless people in Stratford Centre for World Homeless Week
An Easier Way to Live – Eco-Back-Packers Andrew and Zoe
Mervin Caesar-John talks about Black History Month
Greta Thunberg's speech to the United Nations
Interview with Gavin Litton of Pillars Brewery, E17 9HQ
Songs and Smiles - fund raising event for children and adults
Extinction Rebellion Update 20th Sept 2019
An interview with Chantelle Michaux of Mbilla Arts
An interview with Winstan Whitter, creator of the film Legacy in the Dust
A guided tour of God's Own Junkyard
Adam Land talks about the winding-up of Carefree Kids
Young people raise money for Waltham Forest Community Hub
Windrush Compensation Scheme
Programme 17
Interview with Emma of Beatroots
Interview with Sam Jones, Headteacher at Kelmscott School
Eggs and Bread Cafe, 191 Wood Street, E17 3NU
A New Whipps Cross Hospital?
Interview with Esther Manito, comedian
Interview with Elsie
Tanaka and Lister
Rendezvous Projects
Programme 16
Leyton Mela, 2019
Kukoolala Cafe in Leyton Jubilee Park
Leyton Jubilee Park Market
Waltham Forest Pride Day 2019
Waltham Forest Extinction Rebellion ~ talk ~ Heading for Extinction
Interview with Sam Jones of the One Hoe Street Hub
Islamic Art and Heritage Exhibition at One Hoe Street E17
Binning Knives Saves Lives Revisited
Blackhorse Arts ~ One Act Plays at Walthamstow Garden Party
Programme 15
The Reality of Stop and Search
Conversation With Ahmed Hussain About Making the Invisible Visible
Interview with a Female Boxer
Celebrating Refugee Week
Waltham Forest Migrant Action
Matthew Roberts ~ Teach
Seva Street ~ Serving With Love
Binning Knives Saves Lives
Extinction Rebellion Rally in the Town Square
Know Your Bike
Saving Harmony Hall
Epping Forest Food Bank
Inter Faith Walk 2019
Alba's Forest Radio Interview of 27/05/19
The Inspired Art Exhibition at The Mill
All About Eve
Father's Day ~ 16th June
E17 Art Trail 2019 ~ Final Roundup
Leytonstone Art Trail 6th-14th July 2019 ~ Preview
Programme 14
Return to the Human Library
Extinction Rebellion ~ The Marble Arch Camp
Showcase for Engineering Paradise the Musical
Walthamstow Art Trail 2019
National Volunteer Awareness Week
Human Library Project
Extinction Rebellion at Marble Arch
Mental Health Awareness Week 2019
Programme 13
The Archipeligo Project ~ Full Version
Visit Visit My Mosque ~ Mansfield Road 2019 ~ Full Version
Jack Petchey 'Speak-Out' Competition, Waltham Forest 2018-19 Regional Finals
Programme 12
A Tribute to the Late Joyce Bennett
Programme 11
Programme 10
Programme 9
Waltham Forest Pride Gathering
Programme 8
Programme 7
Marilyn Joy, singer/songwriter
Jonathon Holder And The Good Thinking
Mental Health Awareness Week 14-20 May 2018, Part 1
Mental Health Awareness Week 14-20 May 2018, Part 2
Don Campbell at 100
Charlotte and Paul ~ healthy eating
Programme 6
RECENTLY ARCHIVED MATERIAL
spanning the period between
5th Aug. 2017 and 20th March 2018
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