About the Centre
The centre was built in 1962 for the local residents to use for social events, classes and meetings. One of the weekly activities were the two table tennis groups which are still going strong after 60 years.
The centre provides much needed facilities and social opportunities to a diverse range of local residents. These range from karate and drama for young people, to Tai Chi, Table Tennis and Art for older people, as well as several drama groups for all ages. Being community based, costs are kept as low as possible.
The Forest Community Centre is fully accessible, with its own car-park, wheelchair access (step-free access) and disabled toilet.
It is fully equipped for drama productions including computerised lighting. This makes it an excellent introduction for youngsters thinking of learning stage production, lighting, scenery design as well as acting itself.
Drama Groups
- Waltham Forest Youth Theatre
- Global Productions Drama Group
- Drama Workshop of Waltham Forest
- Wadham Players Drama Group
- Children’s Drama Workshop
Plus holiday workshops for up to 15 year olds in school holidays.
Karate for young people
Sensei Charlie Collins, 3rd Dan, who runs the UKA Karate classes at the Forest Community Centre, has been European and World champion in Kumite as a child, junior and senior across multiple governing bodies.
At 6 years old Sensei Charlie dreamed of being a power ranger and so joined the East London Wado Kai Karate club, training in Wado Ryu under Sensei Eric Krappinger.
Sensei Charlie’s fondest memory is winning the WUKF World Championships, in the heavy weight cadet category. Charlie cherishes the moment he walked off of the mat and saw how proud Sensei Ian was of his achievement.
Sensei Charlie believes there are many incredible life skills to be attained through Karate training. Charlie feels the most valuable to him are developing the dedication and determination to overcome any obstacle, no matter how hard things get, you keep moving forwards towards yours aspirations.
Tai Chi for all ages
Qigong courses
Table Tennis for over 60s
Table Tennis League Games
First Aid Courses
Approximately 3 times a month on various days
Art classes for older people
Trinity College (London) exam preparation classes
Speech, Drama and Communication Skills classes working towards examinations. Most weekdays after school.
Other Activities
Shows – plays and pantomimes – at least 6 shows a year with audiences of approximately 60 each performance
Charity Events – e.g. “Crisis at Christmas” tea party
Annual Drama Festival – part of the National Drama Festival Federation, lasting up to a week. It is the London branch of the Nationwide festival and involves local drama groups and many others from neighbouring boroughs. The website for the Waltham Forest Festival of Theatre is www.wffot.co.uk/