You may be already familiar with our July interview involving the wonderful people behind The Amazings, a London community based project that aims to bridge the gap between the elderly and youth of today through workshops, where pensioners share their life skills with the junior members of our society.

We managed to grab photographer Andrew Pegram, the man behind The Amazings’ lens, for a quick chat, to find out a little more about this fantastic social enterprise and just what makes him tick…

But before we do that, we want to share news of The Amazings’ fantastic walking photography tour of Stratford. This is an exclusive opportunity to walk through Stratford alongside Andrew, who knows the area inside out might we add.

Andrew will rewind the clock and take you right back to the area’s industrial history right up until the present day Olympic transformation. What’s more, you’ll be behind your own camera lens to record everything. Spaces are very limited though, so get involved now!

The Amazings is such a wonderful idea. How did you become involved in the project?

I was approached by the Amazings in Broadway Market. I am an exhibiting artist (printmaker/photographer) and had two exhibitions there at the time. They asked me if I had any skills that I could teach to members of the public and, after discussing a list of options, we decided that I would teach sessions of Street Photography.

Where did you pick up your photography skills?

I have been a photographer since childhood. But my interest increased when I took a BA in Fine Art (2005/8). I often use the photography as a basis for my art – particularly my printmaking and slowly it grew and grew into a major life skill of its own. I travel everywhere with a camera and am very rarely to be found without one. This allows me to “seize the moment” in the manner of Cartier Bresson.

What are your favourite photography spots in London?

Any Market – Leadenhall, Columbia Road, Petticoat Lane, Portobello Road…

Community is at the heart of culture in London – how far do think The Amazings has gone in re-emphasising the importance of community in everyday living?

Community is very important to me – I have been a volunteer for many years. Where the Amazings scores is twofold: it uses older people to teach life skills some of which might otherwise be lost and it rewards those older people for doing that work.

If you could go anywhere in the world on a photography trip, where would you go?

I love the street markets of the world and have photographed in Europe, North America and Asia. I’d love to visit the Far East and photograph more markets – Hong Kong for example.