November 2021

Saint Francis Hospice is seeking to recruit a new team leader for its Wanstead shop.

“An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team of professional retailers in this multi-site charity retail business. The team leader will support volunteer workers to achieve sales targets, follow operational and digital processes and demonstrate the hospice’s values,” said a spokesperson.

The charity – based in Havering-atte-Bower – is also looking for a Redbridge-wide cluster manager.

Visit wnstd.com/sfhjobs

The Poppy Pantry – a cafe in the grounds of the City of London Cemetery – closed last month following the City of London Corporation’s decision to end its lease.

It follows a petition to save the family-run business which received more than 6,000 signatures.

The venue’s lease has been awarded to the charity Royal Voluntary Service, which, with its network of cafes and shops, is one of the largest retailers in the NHS.

The new operators are expected to refurbish the premises and create a new menu.

Eight activists from Wanstead Climate Action are travelling to Glasgow this month to add pressure on world leaders at COP26, the international climate summit.

“We want a fair and rapid transition to a fossil-free world. The answers and technology already exist. All that’s lacking is the political will,” said Tina Nieman Da Costa. The group will also be joining a national day of action on 6 November, including a family-friendly event at St John’s Church in Leytonstone from 12 noon to 4pm.

Visit wnstd.com/climate

The Wren Wildlife Group’s practical work sessions have resumed in Wanstead Park (first Sunday of the month and most Thursdays, from 10am to 12.30pm).

“We carry out a variety of tasks including clearing scrub, keeping paths open, and various pieces of work as requested by the City of London. For example, we are clearing alder regrowth on the banks of the Ornamental Water in Wanstead Park… You need no particular expertise or strength… We just need some enthusiasm,” said a spokesperson.

Call 07716 034 164

Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday commemorations will take place in Wanstead this month.

Residents are invited to a service at the Snaresbrook Garden of Remembrance on 11 November (arrive by 10.45am). This will be followed by a gathering at the Wanstead War Memorial on 14 November (arrive by 12.15pm).

“From the hymns and wreath-laying through to the sounding of the last post by a lone bugler, I am always struck by the solemnity and peacefulness of both occasions,” said organiser Colin Cronin.

The Wanstead Society has launched a series of videos on its Facebook page to help explain the work it does.

The first video showcases Marian Temple and her achievements with the Wanstead Community Gardeners.

“Next year is our 25th anniversary and we wanted to do something to highlight our projects to a wider audience. We hope these mini videos will help explain what we do and why. The next video will outline our work on planning and conservation,” said chair of the Wanstead Society Scott Wilding.

Visit wnstd.com/wsvids

A message from Jim and Sue Carroll, organisers of the Poppy Appeal in Wanstead: “Good news for this year – the poppy collection is back! All of the shops on the High Street that usually take part will have poppies available until 14 November.”

“However, the Metropolitan Police are only allowing us collectors two days (12 and 13 November) to be out pounding the pavements. Also, this year, Poppy Man Jim will have a card reader for anyone who wants to make a non-cash donation to the Royal British Legion.”