June 2020

As the father of two young children, I know only too well the value of having two of everything. One red ball and one blue ball? Arguments will follow. One teddy and one doll? A recipe for chaos. One bag of sweets to share? You get the picture. Sharing may be caring, but kids simply don’t care about that! Sharing is a vital life skill and, like most skills, takes time to master, so continue we must with duplicate toys and treats.

Last month, I asked Wanstead and South Woodford to share this magazine, and I do so again this month. Our way of overcoming the commercial and logistical obstacles imposed by the current crisis. Our way of maintaining our contribution to a united community. Our way of caring.

Of course, I can’t pursue this analogy without juxtaposing my squabbling offspring with the mental image of crowds of Wanstead and Woodford residents tearing this publication in two as they each claim it belongs to them. And I certainly wouldn’t attempt such a crass comparison, not least because there’s only room on the naughty step for two.

But on a (slightly) more serious note, as much as I enjoy the somewhat poetic nature of combining two community publications during these difficult times, I enjoy more the unique identity of our postcode divides. The need for some deadheading of marigolds in E18 and the establishing of a wild flower meadow in E11 are very similar stories, but of very different interest levels depending on where you live. So, as we all continue to adapt to a new normal, please continue to share your sweets for now.

Local artist Karen Humpage has been raising funds for charity by painting house portraits.

“I started painting architecture after visiting London’s historic cemeteries, and was inspired to paint some of the ornate and crumbling monuments… I get just as much enjoyment from painting people’s homes, particularly those with period details and traditional brickwork,” said Karen, who has donated £5 from every commission to The Corner House Project in Wanstead, an initiative which supports the homeless.

Visit wnstd.com/kh

Haven House Children’s Hospice has been chosen as a charity beneficiary in a sponsorship deal between Harry Kane and Leyton Orient.

As well as sponsoring the shirts for the 2020/21 season, the England star has also donated the fee to three good causes, including the Woodford Green charity, which will appear on the club’s away kit. “The hospice will receive huge coverage during the season… and 10% of the proceeds of each shirt sale will be passed to the charities,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/kane