The Enfield Town, Chingford and Cheshunt branches of London Overground will all be given the Weaver Line name this autumn to celebrate the capital’s historic textile industry

London Overground passengers are being invited to take part in a “community weaving session” and other activities to celebrate the launch of the newly-named Weaver Line.

Transport for London (TfL) wants local communities to get involved as it prepares to rebrand the London Overground line that connects Liverpool Street Station to Enfield, Waltham Forest and Haringey boroughs with its new name and colour scheme.

The Enfield Town, Chingford and Cheshunt branches will all be given the Weaver Line name this autumn to celebrate the rich history of tapestry, art and design from the areas of Liverpool Street, Spitalfields, Bethnal Green and Hackney that each branch runs through. These areas of London are all known for their textile trade, shaped over the centuries by diverse migrant communities and individuals.

Next month free community weaving events in collaboration with Chingford Community Hub and Cockpit will see a Weaver Line roundel for one of the stations along the route created by local people.

On Sunday 8th September, Londoners are invited to join the two free weaving sessions with participants working together to create a woven textile of the roundel that will be displayed in one of the stations along the Weaver Line for millions of people to see. It will spotlight the organisations that are passing on London’s weaving traditions and legacies to Londoners today.

In addition, TfL is running a competition to celebrate the rich history of the six new names and colours for London Overground lines. People are being encouraged to create a poster or poem for each line that will feature on the London Overground network later in the year. The closing date to enter is 30th August and more information can be found on the Made by TfL blog.

Emma Strain, customer director at TfL, said: “The Weaver Line, which will launch this autumn, runs through an area with deep rooted connections to all things textile and this free community event offers Londoners a truly special opportunity to become a part of this legacy. The completed tapestry will symbolise the power of collaboration, unity and the creativity of Londoners.”

The weaving sessions on 8th September will be held at Chingford Community Hub, which is next to Chingford Station. The unused Victorian-era spaces at Chingford and Highams Park London Overground stations were renovated and transformed into dynamic community hubs using funds from Arriva Rail London, Waltham Forest Council, community groups and lottery organisations. The new station community hubs now offer spaces for residents and local groups to host events and work flexibly.

Cockpit is a charity and award-winning social enterprise, home to 160 independent creative businesses in London who offer studio space and business advice for people starting craft-related projects and businesses.

Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s deputy mayor for communities and social justice, said: “Naming the London Overground lines will make it easier to navigate the network while honouring and celebrating London’s unique local history and culture.

“The Weaver Line, launching in autumn, runs through areas of London known for their textile trade, shaped over the centuries by diverse migrant communities and individuals.

“I encourage Londoners to take part in these free community sessions, which are a brilliant chance to create a lasting piece of artwork for the Weaver Line.”

Jonathan Burton, CEO, Cockpit added: “Cockpit is delighted to be working with TfL on this project celebrating London’s rich heritage of textile production. As a community of professional makers, Cockpit recognises how craft, creativity and skills can bring people together, creating something exceptional to be shared with the public and encouraging us to reflect on those industries that supported so many in the past.”

For more information about the free community weaving sessions on Sunday 8 September and to reserve a place:
Visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/weave-your-way-into-tfl-history-a-weaver-line-community-weaving-event-am-tickets

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