IG4 Area Guide

A practical heritage gardening day for garden enthusiasts, amateur and expert alike! Floristry workshops all day. Free entry. Donations welcome. Have you ever wandered around a park or garden and wondered about the people who created it? A talk, entitled "The Head Gardener With a Fertile Pen of Ink" by garden historian Francesca Murray about the life and times of William Earley and his fascinating and varied career in Victorian horticulture. William Earley was head gardener at Valentines during the ownership of Sarah Ingleby. Francesca will be helping us get under the muddy fingernails of an impressive Redbridge gardener who personified the entrepreneurial style of Victorian gardening, from the networks of head gardeners, garden journalists, and garden owners, to the illustrations and advice from his practical and entertaining publications, including High-Class Kitchen Gardening. The Rosery and the American Gardens in Valentines Park date from around Williams garden headship in the late nineteenth century, but he was also a celebrated writer on gardens and expert vegetable and fruit grower. William was a Committee member of the Gardeners Royal Benevolent Institution in the 1860s, advocating for the cause of indigent and elderly gardeners who had been left with nothing at the end of their careers. Francesca is a garden historian, teacher and lecturer who delights in nineteenth century horticulture. She has completed her PhD at Queen Mary University of London, researching nineteenth-century gardeners, nurserymen, and the associations that came to their aid and has a Masters in Garden History from Buckingham University (2015). Her book 'The Eighth Wonder of the World, Exbury Gardens and The Rothschilds' with Lionel de Rothschild, was published in 2019 (Exbury Gardens Trust). Francesca teaches garden history on the RHS Diploma of Horticulture course at RHS Wisley and London. She is a Trustee of the Gardens Trust and a member of their Education & Training committee. She lectures at the Garden Museum and to horticultural societies around the country. She is a guest speaker for Perennial (formerly known as the Gardeners Royal Benevolent Institution). Pre-booked seats for the talk will be held until ten minutes before the start time.

Welcome on board HMS Pinafore, flagship of Her Majestys Royal Navy - the perfect place to mock such stalwart institutions as Government, patriotism and even the Great British Class system! No wonder Queen Victoria said of the original production in 1878: We are NOT amused! Josephine, the captains daughter, is in love with Ralph, a common sailor. But her social-climbing father insists that she is to marry Sir Joseph Porter, First Lord of the Admiralty whose roving eye has already noticed her. The young lovers are caught as they elope from the ship and Ralph is locked in the ships dungeon. Can revelations made by Buttercup, the dockside vendor, enable everyone to marry their true hearts loves? Full to the gunwales with sharp dialogue and catchy tunes, this timeless comic opera is performed outdoors by a cast of 6 outstanding performers on a spectacular nautical set, using Sullivans full score. Running time (approx): 2hr (inc 20 minute interval) Suitable for all ages. Bring your own seating/rug, suitable clothing and a picnic Only assistance dogs are permitted. Venue is wheelchair accessible.

Do you want to learn to sing near you? The Wanstead (Woodford) Rock Choir is led by local vocal coach Nicola Cain. The Wanstead (Woodford) branch is part of the unique national singing family that is Rock Choir. Whilst retaining our focus on Wanstead (Woodford) community causes and events, the local branches of Rock Choir led by Nicola come together in regional and even national groups for bigger events, such performing en masse at the 10,000 seat Wembley Arena, achieving album sales that enter the charts, radio appearances and Guinness World Records and helping to raise millions for charity. Joining this incomparable musical national treasure is very easy, there are no auditions, there's no need to read music and we're open to everyone in your local community! We attend weekly rehearsals where you learn pop, rock, Motown and every now and again a 'pop gospel' song. You can try a FREE taster session to see to experience the easy going atmosphere and expert vocal tuition. Go to https://www.rockchoir.com/join to book you own FREE singing session to get a taste of singing with us Here is a quote about our choir - 'Rock Choir is great as it has given me the opportunity to sing again without the constraints of a formal choir. The pieces are broken down so you are able to learn them and you can also download songs to practise at home. Its a great way to release the stresess of life. Singing can help you to releases' happy hormones' which make you feel happy and you leave in a better state of mind. It has helped me through a difficult time. It is fun. The people are welcoming and friendly.' - Angela (Rock Choir member) Rock Choir is a winner of the Red Ribbon 'Big Heart' Award [https://rockchoir.com/awards-achievements/]. and holds 1 former and 2 current Guinness World Records. The choir is also credited with single handedly starting the contemporary choir movement.

Style & Pattern parties are the event that consistently provides great vibes & energy all night long! Partying until 4am with a crazy line up as per usual! To make it even more special, we're celebrating the CEO & UK grime pioneer Sharky Major's birthday!

Community Action Day in Barkingside Recreation Ground. For ages 16+ Families welcome Activities may vary: Planting Flowers, Maintaining Planted Areas, Weeding, Mulching, Watering, Pruning, Maintaining Hard Surfaces, Maintenance Projects, Leaf Removal, Updating Noticeboards, Litter Picking and Sweeping Sport Courts.

Help celebrate Elmer’s birthday with us! Make your own special Elmer bookmark to take home - or even decorate a birthday card for Elmer! And don't forget to bring your books along to swap at our very special Elmer Day Book Swap! For ages 5+ Drop-in, Free - First come, first served