May 2022

Local filmmaker Marc Coleman’s comedy-horror ManFish is now being promoted internationally.

“Last month, we released the trailer. It was picked up by a sales agent and will now hopefully be sold around the world. You should be able to spot a few Wanstead streets in the trailer, as well as a Leytonstone pub and the amazing Redbridge house where most of the film takes place. The rest of the film was shot on Canvey Island, where the story is set. Thanks to all who supported this project,” said Marc.

Visit wnstd.com/manfish

This month’s Wanstead Historical Society presentation will explore the year the Queen ascended the throne.

“My talk will look at the way we were in 1952; a country exhausted by war. A year that saw the Lynmouth floods and the London smog. It was also in the middle of the first wave of the Baby Boom and a time of great building programmes. But 1952 was also the year when a king died and his daughter became queen,” said Janet Seward, whose talk will take place at Wanstead Library on 9 May from 8pm (visitors: £3).

Call 07949 026 212

An early morning bird walk will take place on Wanstead Flats this month.

“Join us to learn about the role temporary fencing has played in helping to protect our breeding ground-nesting birds. We will be looking and listening out for skylarks, meadow pipits, breeding migrants like whitethroats, and possibly some passage migrants like whinchat and wheatear. Bring binoculars if you have them,” said a spokesperson for the Wren Wildlife Group.

The two-hour walk starts at 8am on 7 May (free; booking required).

Visit wnstd.com/birdwalk

Wanstead resident Helen O’Rourke will be running in the Vitality London 10K this month to raise funds for local swan rescue volunteers.

“Gill Walker, Louisa Green, Andy Miller and their team are on call 365 days a year to keep our swans and water birds safe. The veterinary ambulance has covered 6,000 miles since 28 January and the petrol is paid for by them. Money raised will go to cover this and other consumables needed for this vital rescue work,” said Helen, whose daughter Katie is also taking part.

Visit wnstd.com/orourke