Waltham Forest will join the likes of Royal Windsor, the Tower of London and Kew Gardens in providing residents and visitors the opportunity to trip the ice fantastic with their friends and family after the Planning Committee agreed the siting of an ice rink on the Arcade site this winter.

High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke said: “I’m delighted that our amendment to a Council motion last year has resulted in exciting events, such as the ice rink, coming to the Borough.

“This will be a great temporary addition to the High Street which will provide a fabulous leisure activity for for all and hopefully draw visitors from far and wide to the town.” 

Following the successful Lib Dem campaign to open up the former Arcade, plans have been submitted to have an outdoor ice rink on the site this Winter.

If approved Waltham Forest will join the likes of Royal Windsor, the Tower of London and Kew Gardens in providing residents and visitors the opportunity to trip the ice fantastic with their friends and family.

High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke said: “I’m delighted that our amendment to a Council motion last year has resulted in exciting events, such as the ice rink, coming to the Borough.

“This will be a great temporary addition to the High Street which will provide a fabulous leisure activity for all and hopefully draw visitors from far and wide to the town.” 

Over 350 individual and groups of young people were nominated for Waltham Forests first ‘I make a Difference Awards’ which were held last night at the Leyton Orient Olympic Suite.

The nominations where judged by an Executive Committee, made up of councillors from across the different political parties, people who work for the council and young people to chose the final ten young people to receive an award for ‘I make a difference’.

Cllr O’Rourke who was one of the judges said:

“It was humbling to see the wide range of achievements made by these young people ranging from a very special young woman who took her attacker, and killer of another young woman, to court and was the first case in the UK to use the new double jeopardy law resulting in his conviction to a young man sitting on my table who has become an inspiration to his peers and school for overcoming his educational difficulties.

“Congratulations to Waltham Forests Children’s Commissioner, Annie Tennant, and the steering group of young people who supported her for showing just what young people and adults can achieve when working in partnership”.

High Street ward hosted the 100th anniversary celebration of the first all-british flight by Sir Alliott Verdon-Roe on Walthamstow Marshes today.

Hundreds of people, including the decendants of A.V. Roe, met at the spot on the marshes where 100 years ago, on Monday 13th July 1909, he flew his triplane for a whole 4.2 seconds.

Cllr James O’Rourke who attended the opening event and unveiled the Waltham Forest commemorative plaque said: “As an amateur Walthamstow historian it was fantastic to see the replica of A.V. Roe’s original triplane and meet with his decendants. It is fabulous to represent a ward which has an incredibly rich history and such beautiful biodiversity in Walthamstow Marshes.”

The Historical Group of the Royal Aeronautical Society plans to take the replica plane on a short flight at RAF Woodvale near Southport later this year.

The most westerly end of High Street ward includes Walthamstow Marshes which lies within the Lee Valley Regional Park which stretches an incredible 26 miles along the leafy banks of the River Lee, from Ware in Hertfordshire, through Essex, to the Thames at East India Dock Basin.

Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats will visit Walthamstow for the latest in his Nick Meets… public meetings across the UK. You have the chance to ask ‘any questions’ in this open invitation forum.

At Nick Meets… Walthamstow Nick is keen to discuss his plans to rebuild the economy and fix our broken politics. This said, he would really like to hear your views and your questions.

Nick will be at Mission Grove Primary School, Buxton Road, E17 on Thursday 16th July 2009 from 6.30pm.

Seats are limited to a max of around 130. If you would like to attend please register by clicking here.

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.

This weekend Cllr James O’Rourke opened Waltham Forest’s annual International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) event, at Waltham Forest Town Hall, to remember Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) victims who have lost their lives or have been affected by homophobia and transphobia across the world.

May 17th was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental diseases.

Cllr O’Rourke said: “I welcome the opportunity to celebrate and support the LGBT community in Waltham Forest and make a visible stand against all forms of hate crime. Hate crime is under reported and it is vital that, if you are a victim, it is reported.” 

If you are a victim of Hate Crime you can report it on line by clicking here.

Waltham Forest LGBT matters survey

We want to find out about the experiences and needs of LGBT people who live, work and socialise in Waltham Forest. Help us by completing the online survey by clicking here.

Recently the Children and Young Peoples and Community Safety and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committees, chaired by Cllr James O’Rourke, joined forces to take evidence on how Knife Crime was being tackled in Waltham Forest.

Sixty people attended representing a myriad of internal and external key partners involved in tackling knife crime in Waltham Forest. A number of interested residents also attended.

Evidence was taken from a wide range of witnesses including the Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Job Centre Plus, schools & colleges and trading standards. Vital evidence was supplied by three representatives of the Youth Independent Advisory Group who gave Councillors of the committees and other attendees an enthralling account from young people’s perspective.

Disappointingly, the only media coverage, by WF Guardian, concentrated on the Police when curiously, their reporter, in her blog, gave a marginally better account of the meeting than was officially reported in their website and paper.

Cllr O’Rourke said: “The point that needs to be made is we managed to get sixty people from partners relating to knife crime to start the debate on how to eradicate this serious problem. I agree with the reporter that a three hour meeting cannot address the ills of the world. However, it was a start and I will not allow the issue of knife/youth crime to disappear into the ether to await another tragedy. Watch this space.”

Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Sheila Smith-Pryor, met people with special needs, including Cllr O’Rourke’s brother Tony, and carers who attended the annual dance of the Waltham Forest Catholic Handicapped Fellowship.

The Fellowship, in its 41st year, celebrated the achievements of two of its founders, Benny and Ann Scott, and in their absence committee member, Phyllis Flynn, was presented an award from the Mayor in recognition of their dedicated service to WFCHF.

Cllr O’Rourke said: “My mum and dad, Frank and Anna, were amongst the founders of the Waltham Forest branch of the Catholic Handicapped Fellowship and not long after my election in 2006 I followed in my dad’s foot steps and became chair. Waltham Forest is full of people like Benny and Ann and my mum and dad and it is right that we should recognise their valuable contribution to our community. Our fundraising events enable us to provide valuable support to people with special needs and their carers in Waltham Forest and I am pleased to announce that we raised nearly £800 at the dance”

Click on the pictures for larger versions and for more information about the Waltham Forest Catholic Handicapped Fellowship click here.

The Mayor of Waltham Forest was joined by the Mayors of Barking & Dagenham, Camden, Ealing, Haringey, Havering, Islington and Redbridge to celebrate her civic service at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Woodford Green. Waltham Forest Liberal Democrat, including Cllr James O’Rourke, and Conservative Councillors also joined the celebrations.

Cllr Shelia Smith-Pryor said: “I am delighted my civic service was so well attended and would like to especially thank my friend, the Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Loraine Sladden, for allowing me to hold the service in her borough. It was humbling to stand alongside representatives of other faiths at a catholic service.” 

Mass was led by the parish priest, Fr. Isidore Faloona, and a reception held in the Becket Centre next door.

Cllr O’Rourke added: “I am lucky to have been involved in a number of events with the mayor and I look forward to attending many more in the future.” 

Click on the picture for a full size version and click here to get a list of mayoral attendees.

This mornings BBC Radio 5 Live Weekend Breakfast programme was broadcast from Walthamstow market.

With billions of pounds being wiped off share values and a ‘wad war’ looming following the dramatic collapse of Icelandic Banks Rachel Burden presented live from Walthamstow Market as she asked stall holders, shop keepers and punters how they felt about the week’s financial uncertainties.

“It was fitting for the BBC to visit the longest open air market in Europe as since it began in 1885 it has survived two world wars, the depression and numerous recessions.” said High Street ward Councillor James O’Rourke.

He added “It was interesting to hear stall holders say the credit crunch was not yet affecting their trade. I am pleased that it may be the case for them but it is certainly hurting local government.”

To hear the programme and Walthamstow market interviews click on the following link - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dsr01

The Mayor of  Waltham Forest, Cllr Shelia Smith-Pryor, accompanied by, High Street Councillor James O’Rourke, joined the congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary & St Patrick Church in Blackhorse Road tonight to celebrate 100 years of worship on the site. The packed church heard Mass led by The Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood who was supported by the parish priests of the five catholic churches in Waltham Forest. Local children entertained with a dance as part of the celebrations.

The Mayor, herself an active member of the congregation at Our Lady of Grace and St Teresa of Avila, Chingford, said: “I was delighted to attend such an auspicious occasion by joining parishioners in celebrating 100 years of worship at St Patrick’s Church. The celebration highlighted the diversity of Waltham Forest with attendees from the four corners of the globe. What an honour it is to serve such a vibrant community.”

Cllr O’Rourke added: “Congratulations to the parishioners and in particular Fr John Brown for organising the celebrations. Sitting in the front row with Madam Mayor and watching proceedings brought memories flooding back of when I attended St Patricks and was an alter boy there.”

Following Mass a buffet was available to all in the Parish Hall.

The Church was officially opened on 3rd October 1908, after costing the grand sum of £2,400 to build, and was a grand affair as the Walthamstow District Times reported in their edition of 9th October.

The parish have produced a a centenary celebration book costing £10. If you would like a copy contact the parish priest Fr John Brown on 020 8520 3647 or email jfb2@btinternet.com .

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. 

Last weekend saw the best of Asian music and dance, art exhibition, children’s  entertainments and a large spice in everyone’s Sunday lunch with lots of “big hot eats” zones serving alfresco cuisine at Aveling Park/Lloyd Park.

It was a fabulous turn out show casing Waltham Forests diverse community with families enjoying a day out. In addition to the food stalls there was an array of jewellery and henna stalls alongside Council information whilst on the stage famous asian singers and dancers entertained the crowd.

Kashmir Relief & Development Foundation (KRDF), a Walthamstow based charity, also had a stall raising funds to rebuild schools devastated in the 2005 earthquake. Waltham Forest Mayor, Cllr Sheila Smith-Pryor, and High Street ward Councillor, James O’Rourke, visited the KRDF stall. Cllrs Smith-Pryor and O’Rourke congratulated the volunteers for the good work they are doing for the children of Kashmir.

Cllr O’Rourke said: “The Kashmir earthquake of 2005 was devastating not least for the children. As Chair of the Council’s Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee I’m proud to show my support for such a worthy cause.”

Following in the footsteps of local Waltham Forest boy, William Miller, who starred in a recent BBC adaptation of Oliver Twist, Coppermill Primary School presented their own version this week.

High Street councillor and a governor of the school, James O’Rourke, was honoured to be invited to watch the performance.

After the performance Cllr O’Rourke said, “The children should be very proud of all their hard work which resulted in such a professional production. As both governor and ward councillor I congratulate the parents for their support and thank the staff, particularly Sally Barlow, for directing and choreographing the show”.