Listen and learn — musicians
Features

Listen and learn

In the 56th of a series of articles, David Bird discusses the work of Redbridge Music Society and introduces local flautist Daniel Swani, who will perform with pianist Cathy Davies in Wanstead this month A central aim of Redbridge Music Society is to promote and support new generations of talented young musicians, and in Wanstead this month, outstanding local flautist Daniel Swani, accompanied by local pianist Cathy Davies, will demonstrate the flute’s versatility with an exciting and wide-ranging programme of music. Daniel started woodwind lessons at age 10 and whilst attending Woodbridge High School studied at Redbridge Music School. He studied at the Purcell School and the Junior Royal Academy of Music, winning the senior woodwind prize at both institutions, and also played in the National Youth and London Schools’ Symphony Orchestras. Daniel studied flute, recorder and baroque flute at the Royal Academy of Music,...

WVD November 2026 — remembrance
News

Services of Remembrance in Wanstead and South Woodford

Three Remembrance services will take place across Wanstead and South Woodford this month. The first will take place on 7 November at the Woodford War Memorial, outside St Mary’s Church in South Woodford (arrive by 8.40am). This will be followed by a gathering at the Wanstead War Memorial on the High Street on 8 November (arrive by 12.15pm). A final service will take place on Armistice Day at the Snaresbrook Garden of Remembrance, off Snaresbrook Road, opposite Eagle Pond (arrive by 10.45am)....

WVD November 2026 — stitches in time featured
Features

Stitches in time

In the eighth of a series of articles charting the Christ Church kneelers project, Susan Allison presents two Remembrance-themed examples which have powerful stories to tell

WVD November 2026 — big rail story
Features

Big rail story

One writer, one Interrail pass and a wildly over-ambitious, 37-stop journey to test railway accessibility in Europe. Wanstead-based travel writer Carole Edrich presents the ninth instalment of her Big Rail Story

WVD November 2026 — hot street
Features

Hot street, Wanstead

A survey by Wanstead Climate Action has revealed how this summer’s heatwaves affected local businesses. The group says better preparation is needed as extreme heat becomes more common. Sunil Kapur reports

WVD November 2026 — santas next stop
Features

Santa’s Next Stop

Paola Noto reports on a new home for the Haven House Santa’s Grotto and a magical Christmas trail through the charity’s Woodford Green woodland, raising vital funds to help seriously ill children