July 2023

Redbridge Libraries will launch the Fabula Reading Challenge this month, open to all two- to 12-year-olds in the borough.

“Read whatever you enjoy. We’ve got thousands of books and comics for kids to discover at your local library or from home in our virtual library. Participants will get a certificate and be entered into a prize draw,” said a spokesperson.

Designed to encourage reading over the holidays, the challenge will run until September, with a number of creative workshops planned.

Visit wnstd.com/fab23

As the Wanstead Fringe gears up for its 10th season, festival director Giles Wilson wonders if the annual series of events can help change perceptions of Wanstead – both here and further away

What would you say Wanstead is like? Young or old? Rich or poor? Your descriptions will no doubt depend on what you do, where you live, who you mix with. How you think about the place you live in can have a huge impact.

This idea of the stories we tell about ourselves is going to be one of the things considered in this year’s Wanstead Fringe.

The Fringe started as a very modest venture in 2013 with a handful of events spread over just eight days. This year, it will run for more than three weeks and will have more than 50 events in venues all over Wanstead. Hundreds of people will be taking part in one way or another and, as before, it will be put together entirely by volunteer residents. Though we are very grateful for the practical support Vision RCL gives us, we receive no public money. It’s all funded by your ticket sales and the continuing generous support of our sponsors.

The details of events will be revealed over the coming weeks, but at this stage, I can tell you that there will be more theatre than ever, and once again we will be having a pop-up pub theatre at The Bull. The book festival, part of the Fringe, has a fascinating and diverse range of names coming. The Kinema returns, as does the jumble trail, The Duke street party, star-gazing evenings and the spoken word night. 

One major development this year is a renewed emphasis on music. Anyone who came to St Mary’s churchyard last year to hear internationally renowned opera and concert singer Lucy Crowe sing will not forget it – and we’re delighted that she and husband Joe Walters will be returning to the programme this year. But, inspired by Lucy, who was recently awarded an OBE, we are stepping up our musical ambitions with a number of concerts, from brass to guitar to voice to musical theatre. Many of them will also be taking place at St Mary’s, a gem of a venue, especially lovely since it’s Wanstead’s oldest building.

The idea of the Fringe is to encourage cultural activities in Wanstead. Our most treasured vision – the story we hope we can tell about ourselves in years to come – is one where Wanstead is alive with all sorts of cultural activities which appeals to and benefits young, old, rich and poor. And the gifts of our geography, not least our train, rail and road connections, will mean the joys can be shared with those living nearby too, with the rest of Redbridge and other boroughs.

Wanstead Fringe 2023 will take place from 9 to 30 September at a range of venues across Wanstead. For more information, visit wansteadfringe.org

Following a positive response to his article earlier this year floating the idea of a Wanstead Beer Festival, Councillor Paul Donovan is now part of the organising committee bringing the event to a head in October

The Wanstead Beer Festival is up and running. Save the date: 14 October in the halls of Christ Church. It is hoped this community-based event will put Wanstead on the beer festival map, as well as raise money for local charities. All are welcome, from novices to seasoned real ale drinkers.

A small group of enthusiasts have come together to form the organising committee, but the more the merrier – if you believe you have something to offer, please get in touch, via the email below.

The Wanstead Beer Festival is set to run from midday into the evening. The aim is to get as wide a range of beers as possible, drawn from local breweries and some more further afield. A keen team of researchers have already taken on the task of sourcing the beers. 

Cider enthusiasts are welcome, with some special choices on offer. There will also be lager, and wine and prosecco will be available, too, so hopefully, all tastes will be catered for. And food will be supplied from local sources.

The event is now looking for sponsors, ideally drawn from the local community. It is hoped a special Wanstead Beer Festival glass will be produced, unique for the event. Everyone will get a glass as part of the admission price. A sponsor for the glass would be great.

The event is not for profit, with whatever money made above the operational costs going to a number of local charities.

A real ale aficionado himself, the priest in charge of Wanstead Parish, Reverend James Gilder, is pleased to be a part of the team that is working to bring together the first Wanstead Beer Festival: “I’m really pleased that we are able to host the beer festival in the parish halls. Churches and beer have had a long history, with monks brewing ales for many centuries. Until quite recently, it was usual for a church’s bellringers to keep a cask in the tower, which they often partook of during services! I am sure this event will be a joyous chance to once again see that great Wanstead community spirit coming to the fore, and to spotlight some of our local businesses,” said James.

The response since the idea of a local beer festival was first launched in the February edition of the Wanstead Village Directory has been amazing. Lots of people have come forward and there is a real buzz about the event.

We have a great venue lined up, so now all that remains is to get everything in place for 14 October. No small task, but given the great start, all is looking good so far.

Watch this space.

For more information on the Wanstead Beer Festival, email beer@wnstd.com

Residents of Lake House Road, Belgrave Road, Windsor Road, Richmond Way and Blake Hall Crescent will be selling pre-loved items from their front gardens on 16 July (11am to 3.30pm) as the Lake House Jumble Trail returns.

“We’re excited the trail is back for a second year due to the overwhelming success of our first one in 2022. People came from far and wide to visit, and we hope it’s becoming a destination trail. There’s still time to sign up for a stall (£6), with proceeds going to the British Red Cross,” said a spokesperson.

Call 07916 786 099

Residents opposed to the Snaresbrook Station car park development have renewed calls for planning permission to be denied, citing a report that claims the proposed flats fail to meet critical fire safety requirements.

The independent report by Apex Strategies concludes that emergency access is below London Fire Brigade minimum standards.

“We’re in favour of affordable housing, but this proposal creates unthinkable safety risks for potential residents and neighbours,” said Mike Calvert of the Real Snaresbrook campaign.