Help the Trades Hall

The Trades Hall is a very special place in Walthamstow.  A place where old and young can mix and mingle, enjoy live music and DJs, comedy and Bingo.  All tastes catered for!  Numerous community groups call it home, from the local WI, a dance class, a choir, salsa dancing.  It is an inclusive members’ club, famous for having the cheapest drinks in Walthamstow.  Not to mention a proper sprung dance floor complete with disco ball, available to hire for a very modest sum.  What’s not to like?

The club nearly died off a few years ago:  long standing members were moving out of Walthamstow and newbies to the area didn’t know it existed.  But a new group came in and saw what a treasure we had and started getting all their friends to join, suggesting new acts and generally promoting this lovely venue.   Some very amazing members then stepped up to the committee because they really wanted to make a difference.  And make a difference they did!  So much work has been put in - from getting every source of funding possible, arranging improvements like attracting new acts, changing the bar system, arranging partnerships with local breweries, renovating the upstairs bar, all done on a voluntary basis.  

And then.... Covid!  The curse of 2020.  But not to be discouraged, the team of volunteers have persisted - kept this gem open as much as is allowed during the restrictions.  Implementing one way system, hygiene measures, online ordering.  This was one of the success stories of 2020... Red imp comedy club have put on some nights there just before lockdown as the place is massive and allows for social distancing.  Some of our favourite acts from the much loved Victoria pub nearby have put on nights at the Trades while the Vic gets a makeover.  It was all going so well and we were so optimistic and looking forward to a glittering future under thefamous glitterball.  Membership is increasing and there is a real buzz about this local treasure. 

alas, there is a twist in this story and not a good one.  The cold weather has brought disaster - burst pipes, ruining the newly refurbished upstairs bar.  .  The boiler needs replacing.  The furniture needs replacing.  The bar might even need to be replaced and insurance won’t cover most of this.

can you spare a fiver? A tenner? A bit more?  We’re having a whip round to keep this place going.  Please give what you can, and then comeand have a pint here if you haven’t already (as soon as we’re allowed ) and join the club if you like it (I know you will )