September 2022

Wanstead Climate Action is spreading the word about The Great Homes Upgrade campaign, which can rapidly cut bills and emissions from home heating, says Kathy Taylor

It’s a no-brainer. As Professor Katharine Hayhoe says in her book about climate change: “The cheapest form of energy is the energy that you don’t use.” Why not cut bills, reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas, help those most at risk of fuel poverty and save the planet by reducing carbon emissions, all at the same time? It could be a win-win. 

Why then does the government seem so reluctant to invest substantially in insulating Britain’s energy-leaky homes? An investment of £11.7bn, the same amount that it is costing to refurbish Parliament, could upgrade over four million homes to higher energy standards. It would also kick-start an industry that has faltered, owing to short-term grant schemes that have come and then been withdrawn before their time is up, owing to poor management. No industry can flourish in this uncertain environment. 

At the time of writing, the UK government has committed £37bn to help households with energy bills, but there has been nothing to upgrade energy efficiency. As homes account for 20% of UK carbon emissions, we will not get to net zero without a mass insulation strategy. The best way of doing this would be a concerted effort to upgrade homes street by street, starting with retrofits to social housing. 

Wanstead Climate Action has joined forces with the New Economics Foundation campaign ‘The Great Homes Upgrade’, Fuel Poverty Action and many other organisations to call on the government to put this right. And following a successful stall at the South Woodford Jubilee Market in June and several in Wanstead High Street over the summer, we will be hosting another information stall at the Wanstead Festival on 18 September, so look out for us there.

Reducing your heating bill now is also probably one of the most effective actions for a climate-safe future. Major works can daunt even committed people and there is a lack of practical support and information for local residents to reduce their emissions and bills long term. Wanstead Climate Action aren’t experts in energy efficiency, but we’ve seen what can be achieved, even in Victorian terraces, and have started a resource list on our website, including grant information (such as the Redbridge Go Green grant) and advice. You can also use our website to find example letters to send to your local MP.

For those who can fund the work themselves, there is also a list of local insulation contractors. This may be for internal or external solid wall insulation, loft improvements, underfloor work and so on, with a wide range of costs and payback periods. If all of it seems overwhelming, try our advice and planning section.

For more information and advice, visit wansteadclimateaction.com

Yann Corre updates on the success of the Christ Church Green communal compost bin trial, and invites residents to local composting workshops as part of The Great Big Green Week

At the end of June, Cleaner Greener Wanstead and Redbridge Council installed a compost bin on Christ Church Green. It was placed on the grass verge near the entrance of the church. 

Open to everyone, this compost bin is an invitation to reduce our waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The only thing you have to do is throw your fruit and veggie food waste into the bin. And people have been using the bin with success. Tea bags, coffee grounds and appropriate cardboard boxes and packaging have also been recycled in the compost. 

Every year, London Local Authorities collect more than 3.6 million tons of waste, and generating more rubbish for waste collection day means more lorries using more fuel and causing more air pollution and greenhouse gases to be released. Composting significantly reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions. It doesn’t take up much space and produces a soil improver that’s great for the garden and perfect for growing your own plants.

We regularly check the Christ Church Green bin to make it successful. We mix the matter once a week, which is crucial as it is an aerobic process (with oxygen). In order to maintain optimal moisture in the system, it is recommended to add around 50% of soft green material (grass clippings, weeds, uncooked vegetables) with 50% woody brown material (prunings, wood chippings, shredded paper, cardboard or dead leaves). The composting process takes six to nine months.  

No bad smells or major misuses were observed after more than a month of use, and we would like to thank all users for respecting the few rules to make this trial a success. 

If you are interested in this process, come and have a look at the bin and start composting. You will see it is very simple and your general waste bin will be much lighter. 

The Great Big Green Week will take place from 24 September to 2 October. This is the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. During this week, two interactive workshops will take place here in Wanstead. This will be the perfect opportunity to share with us any questions you may have about composting. Support, advice and tips will be provided to teach you what food waste can be thrown in. We will also discuss how you can store your kitchen waste for a few days in your home before dropping it in the communal bin. We look forward to seeing you all during this week, but do not hesitate to contact us right now if you want more information about composting or if you are ready to try it!

Composting workshops will take place by the bin on 29 September (5.15pm to 6.15pm) and on 1 October (10.15am to 11.15am). For more information and advice, email yann-corre@hotmail.com

The Epping Forest Big Walk returns this month, inviting residents to walk the entire length of the Forest in one day. Amy Liu from the Epping Forest Heritage Trust reports

We look forward to welcoming walkers of all ages and from all walks of life to join us and walk the whole length or part of Epping Forest in a day, as the Epping Forest Big Walk returns for its first full-scale event since the pandemic. 

The walk was previously known as the Centenary Walk, as it was established in 1978 for the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Epping Forest Act 1878. The route covers the whole length of the Forest, starting from Manor Park in Newham, skirting Wanstead and Woodford towards Highams Park, passing Chingford Plain, High Beach and going all the way to Epping in Essex. 

Organised with support from the West Essex Ramblers and the City of London Corporation, the event provides the opportunity to walk the entire length of Epping Forest, about 14.1 miles, in a day. It is now one of the biggest annual events celebrating Epping Forest and its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture and heritage. The walk will take us through some of the most iconic locations and ancient monuments, as well as provide the chance to experience the mosaic of habitats the Forest encompasses, from grass plains, heathlands and ponds to ancient woodlands. 

The route will be guided by volunteers from Epping Forest Heritage Trust and West Essex Ramblers, and it will be nicely paced with three main stops along the way – at Highams Park Lake, Chingford Visitor Centre (Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge) and High Beach Visitor Centre – for breaks and refreshments. There will also be short informative talks along the route, from which you will learn more about the wildlife, conservation, history and management of Epping Forest. 

Everyone is welcome! It is an event for communities to come together, celebrate and get inspired by this wonderful ancient forest. You do not need to be a professional hiker to join us. Depending on your preference, you can choose to walk the full route or take part in one of the smaller local sections. Here is the timetable for the full route:

• 9am: start at the junction of Forest Drive and Capel Road, near Manor Park Station.
• 10am: depart Green Man roundabout.
• 11.25am: depart from Michael Mallinson Scout Centre, Highams Park Lake.
• 12.40pm: arrive at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge; 1.30pm: depart Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge.
• 2.30pm: depart High Beach Visitor Centre.
• 4.30pm: arrive at Bell Common, Epping.

The Epping Forest Big Walk 2022 will take place on 25 September. To register (free; donations welcome), visit wnstd.com/bigwalk22

The Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group will be holding a 50th-anniversary celebration at Wanstead Golf Club on 8 October (4pm to 10pm; tickets: £10).

“The event will be a chance to meet our new patron, Gayle Chong Kwan, an award-winning artist who lives locally and whose work addresses our relationship with waste, nature and diverse ecologies. The event will also showcase the winners of our photography competition, and we’ll have a ‘fireside’ chat with our founding members,” said a spokesperson.

Visit wnstd.com/wren

Mixed media artist Anna Bisset has been a tutor at Wanstead House Community Association for 20 years. Here, she explains some valuable lessons she has learned

It all started by assisting Bill Porter with his watercolour classes, which were so popular, he needed an extra tutor. Bill was a member of Essex Art Club, and many of its members were in the class. When Bill retired, I took over his classes at Wanstead House and continued to teach watercolours, adding acrylics, pastels and pen and ink to the mix. There is still a thriving art community there after 20 years.

Recently, I also took over the portrait art class from Eamon Everall, who taught at Wanstead House for many years. He said the class was originally established by renowned local artist Haydn Mackey. Mackey’s great friend and student, Walter Spradbery, helped set up Bedford House Community Association in Buckhurst Hill after the Second World War. Both artists were involved with Essex Art Club, which based many of its activities at Wanstead House and still does. I feel privileged to run classes at both Wanstead House and Bedford House and to be part of their shared history.

Originally, I studied at Bath Academy of Art in Corsham, Wiltshire, where I was taught by contemporary artists, including Peter Kinley. I followed the traditional path in learning to paint. Then, unconventionally, I worked in a foundry, my family’s business, before taking an MA at the University of East London. Figurehead for Docklands, my sculpture made out of steel scrap, was placed at Poplar Dock in 1998. I also created a large-scale 3D Peace Dove for Wanstead in 2014 to mark the centenary of the First World War with Art Group Wanstead.

After my MA, I started teaching (I have worked for Redbridge Institute of Adult Education for 25 years) and then developed painting and drawing with a series of exhibitions in Suffolk. I showed my landscapes and seascapes alongside the work of photographer Paul Tucker – now my husband – and silversmiths Plenderleith. Collaborating with other artists, be they my contemporaries or my students, has become a recurring feature. I enjoy the energy that is created in a group and it gives a focus for all to work towards.

I continue to take part in exhibitions with ex-Corsham students, which is a great way of keeping in touch and continuing to support each other’s development as artists. In 2021, the Corsham Studio group came together for the E17 Art Trail, and I produced a silk-screen print, Rule of Six, for the event.

Combining the roles of artist and teacher sometimes creates opportunities for my students outside the classroom, such as at Loughton’s Lopping Art exhibition a few months ago. In 2010, we displayed students’ work at Christ Church in Wanstead when the pipe organ was renewed. In 2011, we had a display at The Corner House showing images depicting the renovation of the building. I have shown students’ work at St Mary’s Church on Overton Drive several times, visiting the church to draw with the class. Taking part helps to extend students’ skills. Vitally, the support and encouragement given by other students, as well as by the tutor, helps students to progress and enjoy their art.

Meet Anna at the Wanstead Festival, when Art Group Wanstead will be displaying its work. Visit artgroupwanstead.com

To view more of Anna’s work, visit annabisset.co.uk. For more information on Anna’s art classes at Wanstead House, visit wansteadhouse.co.uk

St Mary’s Church and Christ Church in Wanstead are open for tributes to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who died yesterday.

“Following the sad news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, both St Mary’s and Christ Church in Wanstead will be open all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for people to light a candle, leave their floral tributes, sign a book of condolence, and to mourn,” said a church spokesperson.

Notice of a special service to mark Her Majesty’s death will be released in due course.

A book of condolence has been opened at Wanstead Library for residents to express their grief and gratitude to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who died yesterday at Balmoral Castle.

 The Queen, aged 96, was the longest-serving monarch in British history, beginning her reign in 1952 at age 25.

There are six books of condolence at venues across the borough (Hainault Library, Central Library, Goodmayes Library, Wanstead Library, Woodford Green Library and Valentines Mansion) and Redbridge Council has said floral tributes can also be left at Christ Church Green.

A special vigil will take place at 6pm on Monday 12 September.

“This is a time of shared public grief, during which people from all communities and backgrounds, are joining together to mourn Her Majesty,” said the Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Thavathuray Jeyaranjan.

As a mark of respect, the Union Jack flag is being flown at half-mast at Redbridge Town Hall.

Messages can also be sent via the royal.uk website.

Based in Wanstead, the East London ME/CFS Support Group has been a lifeline for those living with chronic fatigue syndrome. Long COVID sufferers, like Tim Armitage’s wife, are also invited to join them

My wife, Sally, has had ME for the last six years. The effects of her condition are varied. There’s extreme fatigue, where doing even light work around the house or ‘just popping to the shops’ can wipe her out, muscle aches and weakness, sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction, where facts and figures that were once readily available are now difficult to remember.

After activity more strenuous than a short stroll, she experiences post-exertion malaise, meaning that at any time, from a few hours later to the next couple of days, she is exhausted. Her symptoms become more intense with no amount of sleep lessening the effects. She calls this payback!

Then, in 2020, she caught Covid.

This worsened her existing problems and added new ones on top. She now suffers from regular migraine attacks and an altered sense of taste and smell.

As a family with two teenagers, we’ve adapted. She and I used to be a partnership, splitting household jobs equally, but now most things fall to me. As someone who was always on the go, my wife has found this difficult. It’s one of many things that’s changed.

We have to limit social activities, dog walks and holidays. Everything is planned with precision. Public transport is often not an option and I have to drive and drop her close to the door. We also limit the time spent somewhere so she doesn’t get too tired, and sometimes I’ll go out with the kids on my own so she can rest at home. It’s not how we would choose life to be, but, unfortunately, it’s our new reality.

My wife likens living with ME to a smartphone that can’t be fully charged. Even if it’s plugged in all night, by morning it’s still only at 25%. And by lunchtime, it’s empty.

This forces her to make micro decisions about how she spends what little energy she has and how to programme in small periods of rest for recharging, simply to make it to the end of the day.

One thing that has kept her sane has been the ME support group she came across in 2018. They meet monthly, on Saturday afternoons at the Wanstead House Community Centre. They have been a lifeline. The informal drop-in group share their experiences and knowledge of having ME.

My wife wants to spread the word to anyone suffering from either ME or Long Covid that there is a supportive, local group waiting to help and listen to those who need it.

The East London ME/CFS Support Group will meet on 10 September, 15 October and 26 November at Wanstead House, 21 The Green, E11 2NT between 2.30pm and 5pm (free; donations welcome). For more information, call 07957 152 566

As the Wanstead Fringe limbers up for its ninth annual showcase – with a range of real-world events running from 9 to 25 September – founder Giles Wilson has one eye on the 10th anniversary next year

It’s not a pretty word, but it is powerful: meatspace. It’s the opposite of cyberspace. While for two years we conducted all sorts of social interactions online, we are now back, fully, in the world of meatspace, where real people actually meet other real people, in real life.

When we started the Fringe in 2013 it was a bit of a joke at our own expense. We loved Wanstead, yes, but we knew that cultural activities were a bit thin on the ground here, and we had a limited choice of venues. So, we decided to improvise with what we had – the open-air Kinema being the prime example.

We didn’t have any money either, so again, we improvised with some sponsorship – from its earliest days (as now) with Petty Son and Prestwich being the first to put a hand in their pocket.

Things seem to be working. Starting on Friday 9 September, there will be a wider range of Wanstead Fringe events than ever before. Three different plays; some 10 book events in the inaugural Wanstead Book Festival; pottery classes; live music; comedy; more open-air cinema; quizzes; talks; spoken word artists and the return of the jumble trail.

The number of venues has grown. For the first time this year, we’ll be in the excellent Wanstead High Theatre, something of a hidden gem.

And more sponsors have joined too. Along with Petty’s, we now have Edwards Duthie Shamash, THP Chartered Accountants, The Wanstead Society, Eton Manor RFC and The Duke – names I never tire of reciting because, without them, there wouldn’t be a Fringe.

So, as we head into a 10th anniversary year, where do we go from here? How do we embed the Wanstead Fringe as a cultural anchor? What do we need to do now to make sure it’s around for a 20th anniversary?

Part of it is having the right people involved. Part of it is having the right ambitions. Part of it is growing as Wanstead grows. But I’d be a fool if I didn’t say a large part of it too will come down to having enough money.

So, we’re coming up with some ideas for how people can join in this homegrown venture, either with their time, their ideas, or if they prefer, with their money. Thousands of people will be taking part in Fringe events this month. If you’re one of them, and you want the Fringe to be around for future generations of Wanstead people, please take a look at the website to see how you can help.

But for now, it’s back to the meatspace. I love the internet as much as anyone, but I can’t wait for this Fringe to begin, in real life.

For more information and to book tickets for all Wanstead Fringe events, visit wansteadfringe.org

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
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Wanstead band Tall Poppies will be providing the soundtrack to the opening of this year’s Wanstead Festival.

“The twin sister-fronted alternative pop act will bring their unique live set to Christ Church Green with some new material and old favourites,” said the band’s manager. Originating from Australia, Susan and Catherine Hay are joined by Diarmuid Nugent on violin and Doug Fink on drums.

The group have recorded three albums, and their new single, Big Shake, has enjoyed national radio play.

Visit wnstd.com/tp

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Visitors to this month’s Wanstead Festival will be able to view art and get creative, courtesy of Art Group Wanstead.

“Feast your eyes and try your own hand at artwork at our festival stand. There will be a varied visual display by members who previously took part in the local art trail. Now, the group is looking for suitable venues to show members’ work together. Children and adults are invited to drop by for our ‘Hands On’ workshop throughout the day,” said a group spokesperson.

Visit artgroupwanstead.com

The East London and Essex Electronic Keyboard Club is in desperate need of more members if its 40-year history of providing music for the Wanstead community is to continue. Club secretary Derek Farr reports

The East London and Essex Electronic Keyboard Club (formerly known as the East London and Essex Organ Society) is 40 years old. Founded by budding organ players and encouraged by their organ teacher, Martyn Rice, and David Thomas (our club president), the club was started in July 1982.

Our first meeting venue, like so many organ clubs, was a public house. For us, it was the Maypole in Barkingside. In those early days, the members entertained themselves, playing organs brought along by our president from the local music shop. Members would also bring along food they had made and a good time was had by all. The society started with a membership of 53 and this number soon rose to 74 – not bad for a new club. The pub soon became unsuitable, so a search was made to find a new meeting place. Wanstead Library, having a hall called the Churchill Room, looked promising. That was back in 1983 and it has proved very successful; we have remained there ever since.

Our first artistes were unknown players at that time. To name a few, they included David Thomas, Danny O’Sullivan and a young man called Mark Brown. Some of the first real professionals we booked were artistes you may know: Steve Lowdell, Byron Jones, Robert Beadle and Harry Jackson. The committee today still endeavours to engage the very best artistes, including some up-and-coming new faces. It is our aim to encourage new talent, as well as supporting established organists.

But with a dwindling membership following the pandemic, keeping the club going has been tough. And last month, at our AGM, we had to vote on the worst decision of the club’s existence: do we close or do we strive to find new members? I am glad to report the members voted to keep going. So, we are now making a plea to Wanstead residents and those from the surrounding area. If you enjoy listening to music, please come and visit us!

We have provided excellent music for the community these past 40 years. The music is varied, from classical to big band and up-to-date tunes, and we are now hopefully adding jazz to the shows. Artistes come from all over the country to play for two hours, with a 25-minute break when you can enjoy some refreshments and socialise.

East London and Essex Electronic Keyboard Club is well known on the keyboard circuit and, I might add, respected for enjoying the music and a social evening. This is why we have gone on as long as we have. But we need more people to come and enjoy a couple of hours away from their TVs and smartphones, and belong to something special.

The club meets at Wanstead Library on the second Wednesday of the month (doors open at 7.15pm; concert starts at 7.50pm). Annual membership is £20. Monthly tickets are £10 (visitors: £12; under-16s: £2). For more information, call 020 8530 3717