July 2020

Last month saw an unexpectedly high turnout for a clean-up session in Wanstead Park, which has joined many other beauty spots across the country suffering from lockdown litter louts. Richard Arnopp reports

The coronavirus lockdown coincided with a long spell of warm, sunny weather. The Friends of Wanstead Parklands are delighted that so many new people have been discovering and enjoying our green spaces during this difficult time. However, the increased number of visitors has unfortunately included a minority who spoil the experience for others by leaving their rubbish behind.

This has been a nationwide problem. On 1 June, the BBC reported: “There have been widespread cases of littering at beauty spots and public spaces over the weekend as warm weather coincided with an easing of coronavirus restrictions. Rubbish piled up in areas including Cornwall, Dorset, Birmingham, London and the Peak District.”

Epping Forest, the 15-mile swathe of woodland and heath which helps to make this part of London so special, has not been spared. A number of volunteers already collect litter in Wanstead Park and the Flats, but their efforts were being overwhelmed. To help, the Friends announced monthly litter picks in Wanstead Park, initially from June to September.

The first event was held on 7 June, in collaboration with Epping Forest, which provided trigger-action litter pickers and builders’ bags. It was publicised on social media and we expected about a dozen volunteers. We were astonished when nearly 40 turned up – a measure of public concern about littering. Fortunately, we had erred on the side of safety in terms of providing equipment: most individuals got a litter picker, and most couples got at least one between them! Fanning out across the park, they collected a huge quantity of rubbish.

Although, in an ideal world, they shouldn’t have to do this, a number of our volunteers commented that litter picking is actually quite fun! It’s also satisfying and appreciated by the local people who love and respect our open spaces. As we worked, many said they were grateful for what we were doing.

Littering is, sadly, just part of a spectrum of antisocial behaviour on Epping Forest land. In recent years, fly-tipping has become a major problem, with hundreds of incidents each year. Epping Forest has become a leader in tracking down those responsible, accounting for a significant proportion of prosecutions nationally. Also, despite recent devastating fires on Wanstead Flats, there have been a number of barbecues on Forest land.

Epping Forest keepers need the public to act as their eyes and ears. If you spot any problems in the Forest – fly-tipping, fires, obstructions – please let them know.

Like many others, in recent weeks Crispin Acton has spent more time than usual walking around Wanstead. Here, the secretary of Redbridge Liberal Democrats reveals the discoveries from his lockdown rambles

The London Encyclopaedia (2008 edition) notes: “Unlike most suburbs, Wanstead is still clearly identified. Separated from Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Forest Gate and Manor Park by continuous portions of Epping Forest and from Ilford by golf links and Wanstead Park, it is only to the north, where Wanstead meets Woodford, that building straddles the boundary.”

I discovered during lockdown that it is possible to walk through the continuous fragments of Epping Forest. A near three-quarter circle can be made around Wanstead by walking from Eagle Lane onto Leyton Flats, across the Green Man roundabout to Bushwood, walking due south to Wanstead Heath and then heading east to Wanstead Flats. You return to Wanstead by aiming for the spire of St Gabriel’s, Aldersbrook and walking up Park Road to Wanstead Park, then along the Heronry Pond, leaving the park by Warren Road. Altogether, it takes me about an hour and a half.

The Ordnance Survey map reveals a Centenary Walk through the length of the Forest, from Manor Park to Epping, 15 miles in total from south to north. I walked one afternoon about five miles from Snaresbrook to Whitehall Plain, near Buckhurst Hill. Most of the walk is through tree cover, with occasional open spaces. The Forest is truly that, full of ancient and mature native trees. You have to make road crossings, but these are easy, with some footbridges, including one over the North Circular. I nearly reached Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge at Chingford but was put off by knowing it would be closed.

It seemed odd to me that there were no signs at all for the Centenary Walk. In fact, there are no signs of any kind for walkers in the Forest south of the North Circular. The Centenary Walk was created in 1978 to commemorate the Epping Forest Act, 1878, which ensured conservation of the Forest we now have. Surely, it is something to celebrate?

The City of London has been the conservator of Epping Forest since 1878 and has done well to prevent encroachment. Perhaps, though, it could help us to enjoy the Forest better. Its own Forest map does not mark footpaths clearly and does not mention the walk.

One of the benefits of lockdown for many has been enjoyment of the natural world. We are fortunate to live near a wonderful, historic forest. We have heard a lot about statistical modelling helping the government to decide its next steps on Covid-19. Similar kinds of modelling work by public health researchers have shown access to plentiful green spaces can really make a difference to both quality and length of life. The way that humanity treats – or mistreats – nature was at the root of the Covid crisis. A better relationship with nature could help us in many ways.

Wanstead Village councillors Jo Blackman, Daniel Morgan-Thomas and Paul Donovan invite you to drop a pin on the Redbridge Active Travel map and submit your thoughts about shaping a greener Wanstead and Woodford

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused terrible loss of life across the country. These have been challenging times for our community, but it has been fantastic to see people stepping up to help out in so many ways.

And many people have spent more time exploring their local area on foot and by bike.

Now, as we come out of lockdown, there is the possibility of shaping a whole new way of living. The chance to draw on some of the positives of the past three months – the reduction in pollution and carbon emissions. Silence all around. The chance to hear the birds and see the stars.

We must not let all of these gains be thrown away, with a rush to fill the skies with planes and the roads with cars in an effort to make up for loss of economic activity over the pandemic period. There is the chance now to move to a way of living that preserves and builds on some of the gains of the past three months. A transition to a way of living that helps confront that other great crisis in our midst – climate change.

We are keen to find a way to maintain and promote more forms of sustainable transport beyond the current pandemic as part of a green recovery.

The trial closure of some streets in Wanstead Village to enable social distancing could pave the way for street spaces that promote and encourage cycling and walking. Changes such as these could help us achieve those goals of a cleaner, greener way of living. An environment where both young and old can move around more freely, breathing cleaner air.

We know there is much more the council can do to improve cycle paths, walkways, junctions, improve bike storage and encourage the use of electric vehicles.

Redbridge Council wants to hear residents’ views about how we can make our streets safer and promote cycling and walking. So, please share your views and suggestions on the Redbridge Active Travel project’s interactive map.

We know from our inbox and advice service that local residents have lots of ideas about how to make our streets work better for pedestrians and cyclists. Now is the time to share those views to shape the future design of our streets, pavements and cycle paths. If you don’t speak out, nothing will change.

Covid-19 has shown how we can work together to build our communities and support each other. Let’s build on that to ensure a positive legacy for our streets, ward and borough.

Wanstead resident Paul Canal has spent lockdown refurbishing donated bicycles for families in need, raising funds for Haven House Children’s Hospice in the process. Now, Wanstead UpCycles needs your help

Six weeks ago, there were no bicycles in our back garden. Today, there are over 40. Kids bikes, teenagers bikes, classic Raleighs, rusty racers, even a couple of 1950s boneshakers. How did our house become Steptoe and Son’s Bicycle Emporium? And why is my wife frowning?

I was supporting a foodbank run in Woodford.  Along with food parcels, they supply toys and clothes to families in need. I was asked if I could source a bicycle for a young girl from a less well-off family. A short appeal on the Wanstead Community Hub on Facebook and a beautiful bike was rehomed to an ecstatically happy five-year-old.

There is nothing as efficient as the ‘Wanstead Bush Telegraph’. All of a sudden, people were arriving at our door with magnificent bicycles that required a bit (and sometimes a lot!) of TLC. I now had more bicycles than recipients, but thanks to the dastardly Covid-19, I also had a lot of time on my hands. (When will the Manor House reopen!)

My wife, Karen, and I have raised money for Haven House by running a series of charity suppers with the support of friends and great restaurateurs like Chris Trouard of Marmiton and Jason Flack of the Sir Alfred Hitchcock Hotel. Covid-19 stopped the suppers, but Haven House’s need for support has never been greater. Could the donated bicycles become a source of support? From that germ of an idea, Wanstead UpCycles was born. I now refurbish donated bicycles and either pass them on to a local family in need, or ‘sell them’ in return for a donation to Haven House. I am also carrying out simple bicycle repairs, again for a charity donation. We have a dedicated Facebook page to promote the appeal and are hoping to raise £1,000 for Haven House.

Which is where you come in! I need more adult bikes to restore for a waiting list of people eager to start cycling. I am still accepting and upcycling children’s bicycles. I am also keen to know of any families or individuals in need who would like a bicycle.

I am also looking for help! I need a couple of volunteers to join me and help to clean up and check over the donated bicycles. I have promised Karen her garden back! The wages are miserable, the working conditions dire, the banter poor, but I do offer free tea and coffee.

Finally, I offer a heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported this new venture so far. You have helped a doctor get to their Whipps Cross shift after dropping off their child; you have brought joy to a young boy living with his mum in a women’s refuge; you have made a six-year-old squeal with delight at his first “grown-up” bike. Above all, you have shown that community spirit is alive, well and thriving in this wonderful place, Wanstead, that Karen and I are proud to call home.

Diana Varakina reports on her new job as the first Co-op Member Pioneer for the Wanstead and South Woodford area, a position she believes can improve our wellbeing and build community resilience

My name is Diana, I moved to Wanstead two years ago. Right from the start, I loved the area, from the vibrant High Street to the local swans, the neighbourly and community feel, the green open spaces and Epping Forest.

After lockdown started, and with more time on my hands, I wanted to help during the pandemic. I found that Co-op was actively looking to employ people to support their local community. I applied, was selected and am now excited to be the very first Co-op Member Pioneer for the Wanstead and South Woodford area.

Co-op values and principles resonate strongly with me. People over profit, contribution, self-responsibility, democracy, equality and solidarity – these all meant I could do something for my community with a partner who believes in the same things as I do.

The Member Pioneer role is designed to increase cooperation and participation in the community, working with local colleagues, causes and members to enable great things to happen. My aim is to be a genuine local voice in the community, promoting Co-op member involvement and the Co-op values and principles. What this means in practice is connecting people and building relationships, listening to what matters to people and identifying issues affecting the community and then using Co-op’s reach and resources, as well as other local initiatives, to make a positive difference.

Co-op is the world’s largest consumer co-operative, owned by its millions of members and recognised for its social goals and community-led programmes. It’s also the UK’s fifth-largest food retailer. Many people do not know that every time members buy Co-op branded products and services, 1% of their purchase is donated to local causes in their community.

As a Member Pioneer, I am in a great position to listen to the needs of the Wanstead and South Woodford community and work alongside the residents to reach solutions that not only solve the issue, but do so in a way that empowers the local community and respects equality, human rights and the environment. Now more than ever, we’re seeing the difference these Co-op member donations are making to some amazing causes, especially those supporting people through the current crisis.

Whilst I’m new to the role, I’m excited to play a part in the community and connect with local residents, business and organisations. As we collectively face a challenging period, it is community and togetherness that can make such a difference to people’s lives.

No one can fail to have noticed something happening on the traffic island between The George pub and Wanstead Station. The strings of bunting make it look a bit like a village fete. Hardly likely! This is the final stage of a project Wanstead Community Gardeners have had in mind for some time.   

Three years ago, we took over the wider empty part of this patch with the idea of planting wild flowers there. We had a degree of success, but problems with couch grass and ivy threatened to overwhelm the area. Also, the concrete-like soil didn’t help. Last year, our councillors advised us to apply for a council grant for help with this difficult patch. We were successful but there were complications.

The real game changer came when the council cut down the shrubs which filled the long neck of the traffic island down to the traffic lights as they had become a drivers’ sight line issue. Suddenly, we realised we could use the whole bed, a much larger area. We wanted to create a flower meadow there but conditions are tough. No possibility of watering and long dry spells. Time was ticking on for seed sowing. Finally, we managed the weed eradication programme and the necessary lapse of time, but we had some serious work to do before seeds could be sown.

With the coronavirus, the traffic on the dual carriageway was minimised and there were lots of people with time on their hands.  People gave what time they had.  Keeping a cow distance apart, they dug out the shrub roots and removed decades worth of rubbish trapped in the shrubs (every spadeful of earth brought up more bits of plastic, silver paper and cellophane). The concrete soil was pickaxed to loosen it and all was raked smooth. What a project! What a lot of hard work!

We had our sights firmly fixed on the date for the next real rain. Our seeds would need that to germinate. On 27 April, the deed was done. A very tough mix of seeds sown and footed in. That night, and for the next two days, it poured with rain. The answer to our prayers. There has been little rain since then but the seedlings are growing and the first ones are flowering: Californian desert bluebell. With a name like that, it has to be tough. Watch this space!

Woodford Town FC’s return to the local area has been delayed by lockdown, but club officials remain optimistic they will be playing at a revamped Ashton Playing Fields by the start of next season.

“Woodford were always a big name when I was growing up, and so many people have told me about the impact the club has had on their lives. We’re doing all we can to get Woodford home and hopefully a major force again,” said club chairman Tony Scott. The club currently groundshare with Harlow FC.

Visit swvg.co.uk/wtfc

An annual cake sale in aid of Haven House Children’s Hospice raised £21,695 in June, enough to pay for more than two days of care at the Woodford Green charity.

“I am totally amazed and overwhelmed how a little idea only a few weeks ago became such a fantastic event supported by the whole community. I thought I was going to have to cancel the 15th annual cake sale – which is usually held in our house and garden – until I thought about the idea of a virtual cake sale with the possibility of a stall outside so we could confirm to social distancing rules. Almost as soon as I put the idea out on our local neighbourhood group, I was inundated with offers of help. So, very quickly it evolved into a cake trail across Wanstead, Woodford, Walthamstow, Buckhurst Hill and even Australia and the USA! It was an incredible team effort,” said Michelle Vanlint.

The Woodford and District branch of the National Trust has announced its new programme of talks, which are set to resume in October.

“We have to look to the future and very much want our centre to flourish again with varied talks and activities,” said a group spokesperson. On 13 October, Greville Weltch will give a talk about Waltham Abbey Church (10.30am at the Memorial Hall in South Woodford). Future events are titled ‘East Anglian families of influence’ and ‘The history of Ongar High Street’.

Call 07774 164 407

Wanstead travel agent Darrell James Travel will relaunch this month as a chocolate and gift shop, in addition to travel planning services.

“After seven years occupying the old Truffles shop, and with residents saying how much they miss it, we are now bringing truffles back to the High Street,” said owner Darrell Toakley, whose new offerings will include handcrafted items from around the world alongside those of local makers.

Located at 46 High Street, Darrell James Truffles, Travel and Trinkets will open on 4 July (government advice pending).

A photobook entitled Wanstead Cares (£15) – which documents the creative window displays seen in homes across the local area – has been published.

“The books have been printed, and the first batch have been delivered to those that have pre-ordered. Now you can buy them, and I will deliver as soon as possible. And remember, £5 from every sale goes to local good causes – the first donation has been made!” said photographer Dan Clarke, who is keen to hear from shops that can stock the book.

Visit wnstd.com/cares

A network of foodbank collection points at 34 homes across Aldersbrook, Wanstead and South Woodford have collectively received over 10 tonnes of donations since the initiative was launched at the end of April.

“Redbridge Foodbank is getting four times more referrals every week than before the pandemic and is totally reliant on donations. The Tin in the Bin Network has made a huge difference, and we are one of their major suppliers!” said James Paterson, who established the network with Julie Harvey.

Visit wnstd.com/food

A member of the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society is taking part in the nationwide Portraits of Togetherness initiative to offer free photo shoots for NHS staff, key workers or local heroes.

“I will be choosing five or more nominations at the end of the month for their shoot as a thank you for being amazing heroes during the pandemic,” said Anila Hussain.

Those selected will take part in a one-hour outdoor portrait session for up to six people, receiving five edited digital images to download.

Visit wnstd.com/nhsportrait

The Wanstead Society has waived this year’s renewal fees for its members, encouraging them to spend the money in local shops.

“The COVID-19 crises has affected us all, and we know with tough times ahead, every penny counts. That’s why we will give our members a free year (worth £10 per household) if they want it. If you can spare £10, spend it in one of our lovely shops on the High Street instead. We hope this small gesture will go some way to helping them survive,” said the group’s chairman Scott Wilding.

Visit wnstd.com/ws

A flower bed on the path that connects Cambridge Park to Draycot Road, alongside George Green, has been given a new lease of life by the Wanstead Community Gardeners.

“One of our members got so fed up with walking past this litter-strewn, weedy patch that she was galvanised into action. Litter and weeds out, donated plants in. A lot of hard work later, and this patch is coming to life. Kindred, the nearby nursery, is happy to let us use their water until the plants get established,” said Marian Temple.

Local resident Gracie Wolstenholme has set up a YouTube channel to offer an insight into living with cerebral palsy.

“Mum has hardly let me out the house since the beginning of March due to my disability making me vulnerable (for those of you who know my mum, you know she faffs over me!)… So to keep myself busy, I made a series of films to help people understand the disability better. Making these awareness videos has kept me going through the pandemic,” explained Gracie.

Visit wnstd.com/gracie

A group of musicians from the Aldersbrook Estate have created a music video remotely.

“We wanted to share a little fun, love and happiness, and celebrate our community spirit… If you enjoy our performance, please consider donating a few pounds to support local charities at this difficult time,” said organiser Chris Wilcox.

So far, the initiative has raised £1,000, which will be shared between, Aldersbrook Primary School PTA, Aldersbrook Riding School, St Gabriel’s Church and Wanstead Park Preschool.

Visit wnstd.com/av

A brood of up to six cygnets hatched on the Shoulder of Mutton Pond in Wanstead Park have all died.

“It is not unusual for swans to lose many of their newborn – they are vulnerable to foxes, gulls, terrapins and even snakes. But more worrying this year is the increased human footprint in the park because of lockdown. We discovered a path we believe was human-made leading directly to the nest. This may have been innocently done, but it created a direct line for foxes to the cygnets,” said Tracey Adebowale-Jones.

A monthly litter pick in Wanstead resumed last month.

“We may have been in lockdown for the past three months, but that does not seem to mean people have kept their rubbish at home. Plenty has been dumped around the area, particularly in the parks and green spaces,” said Councillor Paul Donovan. The event takes place on the third Saturday of the month from 10am, meeting on the corner of High Street and Woodbine Place.

A 30-minute film documenting the renovation of St Mary’s Church in Wanstead was released last month.

“Filmed by members of Eastside Community Heritage Group and edited by local filmmaker Mark Coleman, the documentary tracks the renovations of the Overton Drive building in 2018 and 2019 – made possible by a grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund – and talks with the parish’s conservation architect, Ian Angus, the designer of the Bishop Edmund King chapel in Oxford, Niall McLaughlin and leading church historian Rev Professor Mark Chapman as they tried to identify what was in the design brief Thomas Hardwick might have been handed when he was appointed architect for the current building at the end of the 18th century,” said a church spokesperson.

Visit wnstd.com/stmarysfilm