Young people with disabilities from Brookfield House School, William Morris School and The Limes Community Group, based in Somers Road, held a special event to celebrate their achievements last week.

The ‘All About Us’ project celebrated the positive contributions of young people with disabilities and learning difficulties in Waltham Forest by recognising and raising awareness of everything they do in the community.

The young people showcased their work, displaying photos and videos, provided entertainment and cooked a fancy dinner as part of their ‘healthy schools’ programme for the attendees.

Addressing the event Cllr O’Rourke spoke of achievements he had witnessed including his brother, who has severe learning disabilities, living semi independently, a friend with Downs Syndrome getting an O Level (GCSE) in English and his own achievement of being elected a councillor for High Street ward.

Cllr O’Rourke added: “However old we are we should have goals and a disability should not prevent anyone from doing whatever they want to do. My being deaf in one ear has not stopped me.”

“Events like this must continue to recognise the achievements of our young people with disabilities and hopefully, some time in the future, some of the young people being recognised now will be future speakers as councillors.” he concluded.

For over 40 years the 7th Walthamstow Scout group has provided a myriad of opportunities for young people by offering activities and challenges where they can learn skills such as Administration, First Aid and Conservation.

Pathfinder Lodge, in Stephenson Road, has also been the centre of local community activity with groups such as older person’s social groups, a performing arts group and a Turkish language group using the building up until mid 2008 when the leaky roof took its toll on the interior.

With the support of the High Street Focus Team funding was secured and the building refurbished over the last two years. Local community groups are now flocking back to use the facility and despite the Labour ward councillors opposition to the scouts bid for Community Council funding, to finally enable the building to be brought back into use, even he and the outgoing Labour MP are now planning to use Pathfinder Lodge.

High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke, said:

“Communities need to have a focal point and I’m delighted that a building I attended as a child has been given a new lease of life.”

“I welcome the innovative interest shown by groups, like the Blackhorse Action Group to develop a community garden at the site, in addition to the other activities which take place at this facility.”

Lib Dem Councillors joined local residents in calling for the former St James Street Library to be brought back for community use at the Walthamstow West Community Council last night.

A question from a High Street campaign group triggered the Chair of the Community Council to put the proposal to the vote. All nine Lib Dem Councillors in attendance voted in favour and the two Labour Councillors did not vote at all.

It seems that the Labour Councillors did not vote because the Leader of the Council, Cllr Chris Robbins, still wants to sell the building after his plans for a Drugs Centre was thwarted last year.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “Lib Dems are supporting local groups to access the Community Builders Fund to bring this building back into use to benefit the local residents.”

“Here is a classic example of how Lib Dem policy for Local Management Boards can work. Councils need to be smarter about how they manage their assets. This proposal allows the Council to work with local experts and tap into funding not available to Councils.”

“We thank the Councils Chief Executive for agreeing to meet with the lead organisation and Cllr Macklin for allowing the groups to have access to the building to enable them to make their bid.” he concluded.

Click here to find out more about the Community Builders Fund.

High Street Liberal Democrats have joined with three schools, Friends of a park and a national charity to bring a speakers corner to Walthamstow.

High Street Lib Dem Councillors ensured the Speakers Corner Trust and the local community spoke to the right people in the Council to move the initiative forward.

A founding committee has been set up and the launch will be in April 2010.

Hear Cllr O’Rourke’s interview on the BBC Radio London Eddie Nestor Drivetime show below.

A Lib Dem 2006 local election manifesto policy commitment to hand Council assets to Local Management Boards is close to becoming reality in High Street ward.

The High Street Lib Dem Focus Team have worked with members of the Friends of Stoneydown Park (FOSP) and Council Officers to look at the feasibility of enabling the local community to manage and have access to the former Street Wardens hut in the park.

Join us at FOSP’s public meeting this coming Monday 9th November between 7pm and 8.30pm in Stoneydown Primary School if you are interested in helping us. Full details below.

Friends Empowered, a group of children with disabilities, presented their findings of a consultation they carried out with disabled children and young people in Waltham Forest to Cllr James O’Rourke, at a recent event at The Limes, in Somers Road, High Street Ward.

Cllr O’Rourke said “To receive a report in the form of a mini play was a breath of fresh air and as Chair of the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee have invited Friends Empowered to a future meeting to be part of the presentation of the Children and Young people’s plan for 2010-2013.”

Cllr O’Rourke presented awards to all the young people who contributed to the report and Jack Petchey awards to two of the young people for their 100% attendance.

Friends Empowered, a Limes self advocacy group for children & young people, were asked to consult with disabled children and young people in the borough to find out what disabled children and young people think is good and what could be better with their findings to be included in the Children and Young people’s plan for 2010-2013. This plan aims to improve the lives of children and young people. Friends Empowered used many methods to engage children and young people including superhero workshops and performances.

From 1st March a four phase closure of Walthamstow market will take place to enable Thames Water to replace water mains which are between 100 and 150 years old.

Thames water says the work of replacing these mains is particularly important as London’s water resources are being put under increasing pressure from the effects of climate change, population growth and rising demand for water.

High Street Liberal Democrats have listed the phases below for your information.

Although the work inevitably involves some short-term disruption, it will bring many long-term benefits, most importantly a reduction in the potential for future bursts and leaks, minimising the need for more streetworks.

Thames Water says all market traders have been informed by the Council’s market management and will be relocated during the works. The market closures will not affect access to shops.

Heavy rain showers didn’t dampen the spirits of Chester Road residents, last Saturday night, from enjoying their annual Street Party.

Outside 57 and 59 marquees were erected to house the DJ (left), a former Chester Road resident, and formed the central area for dancing and socialising. Elsewhere in the road residents put tables and chairs outside their houses laden with food and drink.

Liberal Democrat High Street Ward Councillor, James O’Rourke, returned to the road he grew up in, alongside former residents, to join in the annual Street Party celebrations.  

  Cllr O’Rourke said: “The last time I attended a Street Party in Chester Road was in 1977 to celebrate the Queens Silver Jubilee. I was 15 years old and can remember my brother’s excitement of being dressed up as John Bull. If I remember rightly Tony (Cllr O’Rourke’s brother) won first prize in the fancy dress competition.”

The 1977 Chester Road Street Party was one of 4000 celebrated in London and was filmed, which was later entered into a local competition and won first prize. Apparently the film is in the Vestry House Museum archives. Cllr O’Rourke intends tracking the film down to see if it can be converted to DVD.

See below for memories of the 1977 Silver Jubilee Chester Road Street Party. Click on any picture to take you to the full size version. 

Elmfield Road is a residential street located in High Street Ward, Walthamstow that you would miss, when driving down Coppermill Lane, if you did not already know it was there. Bar two houses, Elmfield Road has only one side of terraced housing and is the last street in Walthamstow’s ‘Western Village’ which made it an ideal venue for the street party held there today.

Residents were out on the green sharing memories, watching children play and tucking into a myriad of traditional food from around the world as music blared from loudspeakers.

Posters were displayed on railings showing previous street parties held in 1935 and VE Day in 1945 whilst, on tables, books and posters were laid out enabling you to read about the history of Walthamstow.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for High Street ward, James O’Rourke said: “Street parties are a great community event, encouraging residents to meet their next-door neighbours and other people within the local area they might not have already met. It was fantastic to have watched the children playing on the green and in the rain and generally everyone having so much fun”.

Organisers hope to hold more street parties in the future.

Cllr O’Rourke added “I would like to thank the residents of Elmfield Road for inviting me to share such a wonderful experience today. I am happy to support residents who wish to promote a sense of community by holding such an event and look forward to being invited to many more street parties in the future!”

Click on any picture to take you to the full size version. 

This week sees the 21st Anniversary for the Waltham Forest Disability Resource Centre (WFDRC) based in Warner Road.

Supporters of the DRC, Waltham Forest Mayor, Cllr Shelia Smith-Pryor and Councillor, James O’Rourke, joined the celebrations with committee members/service users and staff.

Cllr O’Rourke said: “The DRC building holds many memories for me. When at primary school I had my school dinners there and later my brother, who has learning disabilities, and I attended Gateway clubs. The DRC provides vital support and advice for people with disabilities in Waltham Forest and will continue to receive my support.”

The DRC provides daily activities which promote learning, independence and healthy living for people with physical and/or sensory disabilities who live in the Borough of Waltham Forest. It also offers work experience and a trainee scheme which is aimed at providing vocational training and support for people with disabilities.

There are six Community Councils covering Waltham Forest and High Street ward is within Walthamstow West. The Council are changing the budget so that each Ward has £10,000 to spend.

Do you have any ideas on how this money should be spent within the community you live?

Cllr O’Rourke says “Come along to the next meeting at the Walthamstow Academy, Billet Rd on the 6th of October and have your say.”

While attending a Royal Garden Party, yesterday, Cllr O’Rourke and his partner Gill bumped into the Walthamstow District of St John Ambulance.

Cllr O’Rourke commented “It was a fabulous experience for Gill and I to attend such a prestigious event and have the opportunity to walk around a beautiful garden. I am proud and reassured to know that Walthamstow residents were providing such a vital service.”

Talking to St John Ambulance volunteers  Cllr O’Rourke learned of the most common ailements suffered by attendees of Royal Garden Parties; excitement, heat stroke and new shoes!!!

Cllr O’Rourke added “St John Ambulance not only provide support to events such as Royal Garden Parties but also vital first aid training. I recommend people attend first aid training, as I did some years ago, which can provide life saving skills”

If you are interested in supporting, joining or attending courses provided by St John Ambulance either visit the St John Ambulance website or contact the Walthamstow District at 23 East Avenue, E17 9NG Tel: 020 8521 9990.