Family Festive Day: Sat 17th December 12-4PM

Over 50s Christmas Tea Dance - Wed 14th December 2016

This Wednesday sees the Annual Christmas Tea Dance for the over 50s at at the Art Pavilion in Mile End Park. Entertainment will be provided by the Sunshine Kings and Dance Leader Barry Gordon. Put on your festive party clothes and come along for an afternoon of dancing, light refreshments and Christmas cheer.

FREE admission but advance booking is essential. 

Booking opened on Monday 28th November but phone 020 7364 7916 (9.30am to 4pm), or email festivalsandevents@towerhamlets.gov.uk if you want to come along.

Sorry for the late notice.

Litter Pick this Sunday 10am by the Art Pavilion

This dumped rubbish was reported over a month ago, but will it still be there on Sunday?

This Sunday is our monthly litter-pick of Mile End Park. We meet at 10am by the Art Pavilion (behind the Grove Road Texaco Garage) and stroll around the park for an hour or so picking up litter as we go. We then go for a coffee and cake in the Coffee Room.

Be great if you could pop along. It is quite sociable and good exercise!

Tower Hamlets Parks and Open Spaces Consultation Event - Wednesday 23rd November (Ecology Pavilion)

Tower Hamlets Council is developing a five-year plan for its parks and open spaces and it is crucial that the plan takes on board the views of the community. With that in mind, this Wednesday sees a couple of consultation events at the Ecology Pavilion in Mile End Park.

The first session runs from 14.30 to 17.00, and for those unable to make that one, there is an evening session from 17.30-20.00. Both sessions will begin with a short presentation from the Council about our parks and open spaces and then users will have an opportunity to express their views on how they would like to see the borough's open spaces develop (for want of a better word).

Maybe you'd like to see more community events put on, better lighting, more children's activities? Pop along and let the council know your views.

The Friends apologise for the late notice, but we were only given short notice of the event ourselves. If you can make it to one of the sessions (or part thereof) it would be great.

Photomonth: Uncertain States series of Exhibitions at the Art Pavilion (Fri 4th-Sun 27th November)

This Friday sees the start of Uncertain States, a series of three exhibitions at the Art Pavilion that forms part of Photomonth East London. With a huge number of artists over the three week period there looks to be something for everyone.

UNCERTAIN STATES OPEN CALL 4 - 12 November 2016 
Private view Thursday 3 November 2016 6:30 - 9:30 pm
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11 am - 6pm

Uncertain States Open Call 2016 is a unique opportunity, celebrating the very best in Contemporary British Photography.

The exhibition at will showcase nine selected artists: Lydia Goldblatt selected by James Russell Cant, Chris Dorley Brown selected by Cathy Lomax, Klaus Thymann selected by Joy Gregory, Nick Sargeant selected by Bob and Roberta Smith, Aviv Yaron selected by Susan Derges, Stephanie Jamieson selected by Shoair Mavlian, Liz Orton selected by Sue Steward, Sam Ivin selected by Johanna Neurath and Jonty Sale selected by Uncertain States.

Each selector was asked to champion one artist. There was no discussion, no consensual compromises, just an individuals’ passion for each of the works finally chosen.

EMERGENCE 4 -12 November 2016 
Private view Thursday 3 November 2016

Emergence showcases five student artists (those in or recently graduated from full time education) selected by UCS from suggestions put forward by leading UK art schools.


UNCERTAIN STATES ANNUAL 2016, 18 - 27 November 2016 
Private view Thursday 17 November 2016
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11 am - 6 pm

Uncertain States returns to The Mile Art Pavilion with Uncertain States Annual Annual 2016 to coincide with Photomonth, London. In its seventh year, the Annual show is one not to miss. Around fifty artists including Mick Williamson, Susan Andrews, James Russell Cant, Ania Dabrowska, Fiona Yaron-Field, David George, Spencer Rowell, Sonia Lenzi, Richard Ansett and Street Level Glasgow represent the diverse and exceptional photography Uncertain States champions. As part of the exhibition, UCS has also put together a weekend programme of artists talks, film night, camera and artists book fair.

UCS Weekend Programme - Saturday 19th November 
10am start - Camera & Book Fair
Vintage and modern camera equipment, including old photos/glass plates
Including, artists photographic books Hoxton Mini Press, A&E Photobooks,

Talks: 12.30 -1.45pm Street level artists, 2-5pm -LAPC
Practice and Process
hosted by Melanie King and Alumudena Romero
speakers: Bindi Vora, Corinne Silva, Ackroyd & Harvey, Robin Cracknell, Tony Cairns

Film Night 6.30pm till late
Hackney by night dir: Umut Gunduz (short)
Cut off by Mountains dir: Rod Morris (28mins)
Secret Screening of Roast Beef Production latest feature documentary 

Halloween Events this week for Little and Big Pumpkins

Halloweek Events

This week Mile End and Victoria Parks are putting lots of spooky activities for a special half term Halloweek!
All of the events are free, but some have very limited spaces so will need to be booked in advance:

Pumpkin Carving | Monday 24 October | 12pm - 3pm
It’s time to get your scare on! Start your Halloween this year by making your own Petrifying Pumpkin!
Meet at The Hub Building.
For more information, please email here

Creepy Crafts | Tuesday 25 October | 12pm - 3pm
Scary spiders, blood-curdling bats and ghastly ghosts! Come and get creative with the Community Park Rangers.
Meet at The V&A Building.
For more information, please email here

SOUP DAY |  Tuesday 25 October 12-4PM
Come and brew up some delicious soup with produce from the Park's Grow Zone 
Mile End Children's Park, Locksley Street, E14 7EJ. No need to book. Call 020 7364 3937  or email here for more info.

TEENY  Halloweeny | Wednesday 26 October | 12-3PM
Spooky Halloween Treasure Hunt 1pm and repeated at 2pm
Apple Bobbing | Face Painting | Arts & Crafts
Mile End Children's Park, Locksley Street, E14 7EJ. No need to book. Call 020 7364 3937 or email here for more info.

Spooky Seeds and Tree Fruit Walk | Thursday 27 October | 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Join Terry Lyle (Friends of Tower Hamlet’s Cemetery Park) on a hunt around the park to find mysterious hidden seeds and fruits. See, taste, learn, collect and eat!
Spaces are limited – to book a place, please contact 0207 364 7968 or email here

Parks after Dark - Werewolves, Wizards and The Mystery of the Dogs of Alcibiades | Friday 28 October | 6pm - 9pm
The highlight of our Halloweek is a truly terrifying night time tour of the park. Join the park staff for a horrific history stroll meeting werewolf’s, wizards and witches along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll break the spell of the Dogs of Alcibiades and survive to tell the tale!
Not suitable for under 5s.
Places MUST be booked in advance - to book, please contact 0207 364 3937 or email here

The Big Draw 2016 - The Junk Monster invades Vicky Park | Sunday 30 October | 11am - 3pm 
Join our community rangers to create Vicky Park’s most important historical monuments using recyclable household items and paint – then create a monster to destroy them! Hosted as part of The STEAM Powered Big Draw Festival 2016.
Spaces are limited – to book a place, please contact 0207 364 7968 or email here

Memories of our Park Life: Community Fair and Dog Show

This is a great video from Arthur Hyam who did some excellent juggling demos and workshops at our fair back in July. It's wonderful to see so many happy kids and adults enjoying the day.

A Day by the Seaside - Wed 17th August 11am - 4pm

Next Wednesday sees Mile End Park's Play Pavilion turn into Costa del EastEnd with the return of  "A Day by the Seaside".

This fun day brings the seaside to the city. Attractions on the day include donkey rides, arts and crafts, Punch and Judy, children's rides, sports, sand and water play, face painting, Helter skelter, trampolining and much, much more.

The event is FREE

Summer Activities in the Park

Schools out for Summer, and this year Mile End Park is hosting a range of sports and activities for youngsters. Mile End stadium is hosting two weeks of events giving 8-16 year-olds the chance to try out lots of athletic disciplines. Throughout July and August, Mile End Park itself is putting on a range of fun activities and in addition, the Urban Adventure Base is open with plenty of opportunities to try out adventure sports such as climbing, canoeing and mountain biking.

Eco Pavilion this Saturday: Urban Makers East Summer Market

This Saturday sees the return of the popular Urban Makers East Summer Market to our Eco Pavilion. The market then moves to Roman Road on the Sunday to form part of their annual festival.

One Festival - Two Venues

2016 Park Life: Community Fair & Dog Show 3rd July 12-5PM

This year's Park Life is only four weeks away and is going to be jam-packed with something for everyone.

Activities Galore

Face Painting | Newspaper Stixx Sculpturing | Wire & Tape Sculpturing

Juggling Workshops and Show | Bobby Bubbles & His Amazing World of Bubbles

Coconut Shy | Fair Rides | Bouncy Castle | Inflatable Mid Dragon Slide

Climbing Wall | T-shirt Printing | Inflatable 5-a-side Football Pitch | Jewellery Making

Dr Bike will be there so bring your bikes along.

For Your Entertainment

Capoeira Display

Shkembe Soup (Arabic/Turkish/Roma Gypsy Music & Dance)

Stalls 

Bric-a-Brac | PDSA Advice Stall | Tutor Doctor 

Local Councillors | Veolia Recycling Team | Local Artists  

Refreshments 

East End WI with Cakes galore and teas and drinks | Smoothie Bike

 Ice Cream Van | Burger Van | Waffle Stall 

And of Course The Dog Show with the following categories:

1. Waggiest Tail
2. Most Endearing Rescue Dog
3. Most Courageous Golden Oldie (7 and over)
4. Most Fabulous Fella
5. Loveliest Lady
6. Most Stunning Big Dog
7. Best Trick

This year we will also be running Dog Agility demos and try-outs. So bring fido and see how he likes our agility course.

BMX & Mountain Bike Sessions this Half Term

Eco Pavilion: Urban Makers East Spring Market

Our 2016 AGM (27-04-2016) and Other Diary Dates

The 2016 Friends of Mile End Park AGM is Wednesday 27th April at 7.15PM in the Art Pavilion. Please do come and join us if you can.

As well as the short formal proceedings outlined below, it is also a good opportunity to meet and socialise with fellow park users over wine and nibbles and meet some of those who look after and manage our park.

AGENDA
1. Apologies for Absence  (to our secretary Kerrin in advance)
2. Minutes of last AGM
3. Matters Arising
4. Election of Officers
5. Chair’s Report on Activities & Developments
6. Treasurer’s Report on Finance: Annual Accounts
7. Update on Future Events:
a) Dog Show &  Fair
b) Our monthly litter picking get-togethers
c) Suggestions invited
9. Any Other Business

Wine, nibbles and light refreshments provided.

St George's Day Tea Dance - Wed 20th April 2-4.30PM

The Art Pavilion will rock and roll, twist and shout on Wednesday 20th April when it hosts the St George's Day Tea Dance from 2-4.30PM

This annual Tea Dance for Tower Hamlets residents over 50, has live music from The Sunshine Kings, dance host Tony Lane and refreshments to help you dance the afternoon away, and raise a teacup to the Queen in celebration of her 90th Birthday!

The event is free of charge but advance booking is essential. 

Booking opens on Monday 4th April
Please reserve your place by calling 020 7364 7900 between 9.30am and 1pm, Monday to Friday or by emailing festivalsandevents@towerhamlets.gov.uk 

Art Pavilion Exhibition: A New Home (1-23 Feb)

Lidija Antanasijevic — In Transit

Leather and silicone 18cm x 26cm x 3cm

This mixed media exhibition features works by members of the East London Printmakers print studio and guest artists. The theme is ‘belonging’, and it explores issues around identity, migration and a sense of home. As East London has been a gateway for centuries for those who have crossed continents to make a new home in the UK, it is a very apt time and place to display thought-provoking and adept creative responses to this theme. There will be a series of accompanying workshops and events.

There are also a series of workshops to accompany this exhibition - details here for the 'Traditional Pub Games session - www.towerhamletsarts.org.uk and here -www.towerhamletsarts.org.uk for the 'Build a Dragon' Workshop. 

www.eastlondonprintmakers.co.uk 
www.artcatcher.co.uk

Safer Neighbourhood Meeting 22nd February

Park users may wish to attend the above meeting.

Over the past few months an increase in anti-social behaviour in Mile End Park has led police to increase patrols there. In December two were arrested after they were found with a stolen moped that had been linked with a number of robberies in the vicinity. In January another two were arrested: one for drug offences and another for public order offences. Weapon sweeps have also been used to great effect in the area.