November 2023

Often too busy to visit his Woodford constituency, Churchill would send his wife in his place. Now, director Chris Jaeger is bringing the play Mrs Churchill – My Life With Winston to South Woodford this November

Winston Churchill is one of the most famous Englishmen that has ever lived. Several years ago, he was voted first in a top 100 Englishmen poll. He is often portrayed as a bulldog because of his tenacity as a politician and his toughness on the international stage.

He was an MP for 62 years but there were many other sides to him. He was a talented painter, he wrote many books, winning a Nobel Prize for literature; and, of course, nobody could forget his biting humour (eg. Nancy Astor: “If I were married to you, I’d put poison in your coffee.” Winston: “If I were married to you, I’d drink it.”)

They say that behind every great man, there is a great woman. Was this true in Churchill’s case? What of Clementine, his wife of 56 years? Did he bully her like he did so many other people? Was he as grumpy and irascible at home as he often was in the House of Commons? Given his strength and conviction, did Clem have any influence on him at all? Or was she ‘the little lady at home’? The clue lies in another of Winston’s quotes. He said: “My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.”

Despite his bullish and aggressive reputation, when Clem first met him, he was a tongue-tied, stammering young man with few social graces. Yes, he was already a war hero. Yes, he was already an established politician. But these were men-dominated areas and he’d had little contact with women. Clem was very unimpressed with him and they did not meet again for four years. It was better the second time, and despite Winston treading on her feet several times while dancing, they talked and talked and found they had much in common. Within six months, they were married.

In truth, Clem was really the only person who could control him. It didn’t happen very often, but when she put her foot down, he rarely went against her. A prime example was the D-Day landings. Winston wanted to be in the lead boat, but the navy was very unhappy about that and talked to Clem. She told him he wasn’t going… and that was that.

In the play, not for the first time, Winston is too busy to attend his local Woodford constituency and is sending Clementine. She says: “Tomorrow, I shall thank the good people of Woodford for their loyalty and their kindness. You have taken us both to your hearts and I’m delighted we’ve been able to serve you for 30 years and more.”

But what of her children, her life and her grief at his death? All these questions will be answered, and many more, in Liz Grand’s superb, moving, funny, sensitive and informative portrayal of Clementine Churchill. This was one of the great love affairs of all time.

Mrs Churchill – My Life with Winston will be performed at Redbridge Drama Centre in South Woodford on 17 November (7.30pm; tickets: £16.50). Visit wnstd.com/mrsc

Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering has launched a nail cutting clinic at its Wanstead Activity Centre.

“Many older people find it hard to cut their own toenails. This can lead to a risk of foot problems as well as being uncomfortable. As of this month, over-50s can have their nails trimmed on Mondays at the Allan Burgess Centre on the corner of Grove Park and the High Street,” said a spokesperson. Booking is required.

Call 07943 877 035

There have been plenty of reasons for climate doom recently, says Councillor Jo Blackman, who is keen to highlight Redbridge Council’s work to tackle this locally, and give cause to feel more upbeat 

Whilst our summer this year took a while to warm up, globally, temperatures soared, and on a third of days in 2023 it was more than 1.5°C hotter than pre-industrial levels – a critical threshold that has scientists worried. Yet, every day brings more news of the government rolling back on its climate policies, stoking the culture wars and fuelling conspiracy theories. 

However, a visit to the Labour Party conference gave me cause to feel more upbeat. Rather than join a race to the bottom on climate policy, Labour is developing its vision for a shift away from fossil fuels and a mass home insulation scheme. And there was genuine enthusiasm from businesses and NGOs about the potential for change.

Here in Redbridge, we are in the third year of the council’s climate action plan and we’ve had another consecutive year of reductions in council emissions. Mainly through switching to renewable sources of energy across council buildings, but also thanks to embracing innovative ways to reduce emissions. We have been one of the first councils to retrofit solar panels on council vehicles to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. And our recent trial of new technology to fill potholes is very efficient and generates 25 times less emissions than traditional techniques. We have also recently consulted on our electric vehicle charging strategy and will be installing hundreds of new chargers across the borough to aid the transition to greener vehicles.

School streets schemes continue to be rolled out in the borough and are making the roads around schools safer and encouraging walking and cycling. And we have new cycle schemes in the pipeline, including for Wanstead.

Our recycling rate is up 10% since we increased the range of materials that can be recycled and introduced wheelie bins. And overall, waste being generated has decreased.

Redbridge Council recently ran a successful clothes swap event at Wanstead Library and uniform reuse schemes are being embraced by our local schools, including Wanstead High, as well as on the High Street, with the Saint Francis Hospice shop dedicating a stand to pre-loved uniform from Aldersbrook Primary.

It’s not just the climate crisis we face; nature is also under pressure. Our tree pit adoption and pollinator pathway schemes empower residents to work together to make their street more nature-friendly. And this month, we are hosting a youth climate summit at the Town Hall because we want to work with our young people to build a sustainable future.

So, let’s ditch the culture wars, roll up our sleeves and do our bit for the future of our community and the planet.

Councillor Jo Blackman (Wanstead Village, Labour) is the Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability. Email jo.blackman@redbridge.gov.uk

The Friends of St Gabriel’s has invited local historian Jane Skelding to host an event exploring the history of the Aldersbrook and Lake House estates. Georgina Brewis finds out more. Photo looking across Alexandra Lake, Wanstead Flats (circa 1910) courtesy of The Wanstead Image Archive

How many servants lived on the Aldersbrook or Lake House estates in 1911? What sorts of ‘modern’ jobs were residents doing in 1921? Why were there so many teachers? And what on earth was the Aldersbrook Parliament? These questions, and many more, will be answered at an event entitled Who Do We Think We Are? 

Jane Skelding is an Aldersbrook resident whose long volunteer involvement with heritage organisations, including the East End Women’s Museum, Redbridge Heritage Centre and the National Trust, has now led to a PhD funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in collaboration with the genealogy website FindMyPast. Her research explores language use and marginalised histories in the census. For this event, Jane has been delving into local history, using the 1911 and newly-released 1921 censuses to discover who we were then. 

When were the Aldersbrook and Lake House estates built?
Houses in Aldersbrook were built on farmland on the edge of the former Wanstead House estate between 1899 and 1910. The school, parade of shops (pictured here, circa 1910), children’s home and two churches were developed over the same period, and by the outbreak of the First World War, the estate looked much as it does now. Controls on house design, such as a requirement for brick walls between front gardens, resulted in its unique character. The Lake House estate was developed between 1907 and 1916 with a slightly different feel.

What was the social make-up of Aldersbrook and Lake House?
The estates were mainly populated by a class of better-off tradesmen and business owners working in West Ham, Ilford or as far as the City. By 1921, more residents – both men and women – were clerks, but there was also a notable number of teachers. Reflecting the ‘modern’ world of the 1920s, people were taking jobs in cinema, motoring and even advertising. 

What strikes you about the estates in the 1920s compared with life today?
Many things are surprisingly the same, with the school and churches still the hubs of the community. Although we don’t seem to have the same mania for whist drives as they did in the 1920s, events from birthday parties to live music keep the halls booked up. The most striking change can be seen on the parade of shops, with its smart matching awnings housing a bakery-cafe, butcher, post office, bootmaker and draper. Back then, there was probably little need to travel into Wanstead at all, although the 101 bus was ever-present if you did.

Jane’s talk will also offer some top tips for researching your own house history and will be held at St Gabriel’s Church, designed in 1913 by Charles Spooner, an architect heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement. There will be stalls by local history groups, including the Leyton and Leytonstone Historical Society, alongside a display of archive materials, self-guided trails exploring architectural features of the church, and refreshments. 

All proceeds from the event (which has been kindly sponsored by The Stow Brothers) will go to the church hall refurbishment fund. Plus, there will be chances to win some great history-related prizes, including two hours of family history research and a subscription to Who Do You Think You Are? magazine.

The event will take place at St Gabriel’s Church, Aldersbrook on 9 November from 6pm (tickets: £5). Visit wnstd.com/weare

Last month’s Wanstead Beer Festival sold out, with over 400 people attending the inaugural event.

“The long-anticipated festival proved a big hit with the local community. Hundreds of beer drinkers came along on a bright autumn day to the halls of Christ Church. There was a really welcoming, friendly atmosphere engulfing the day and a lot of money was raised for the two local charities nominated: Tin in a Bin and The Wanstead Charity. We’ll now start planning the next one!” said organiser Paul Donovan.

The City of London Corporation has carried out investigative works on Wanstead Park’s 18th-century Grotto to establish the extent of the existing foundations and current soil conditions.

“The works, consisting of window samples and hand-dug trial pits, were carried out under archaeological observations. The results will inform an assessment of the structural integrity of the Grotto and any recommendations for repair,” said a spokesperson.

The Grotto was part of the estate of the long-lost Wanstead House.

Nominations for the Mayor of Redbridge’s annual community awards are now open.

“Do you know an unsung hero within your family, your street or anywhere within your community? Or a group or organisation that has made a positive and selfless contribution to the lives of Redbridge residents? If yes, please nominate them for an award!” said a spokesperson. Nominations close on 31 December.

Visit wnstd.com/ma2024

A small herd of English Longhorn cows returned to Wanstead Park in October to graze over the winter months.

“The cows will have an important job to do grazing the main acid grassland to remove course vegetation and young scrub, which improves the biodiversity of this special area of Epping Forest. Grazing is particularly important for Wanstead Park because to mow with machinery would destroy one of the main features of wildlife interest, the Yellow Meadow Ant hills,” said a spokesperson for the City of London Corporation.

It follows a successful trial in 2020 when cows made a historic return to grazing in the park. The project was halted last year because of drought conditions.

“Please walk and act calmly around cattle; sudden movements can scare them. Keep your dogs under control, do not allow them to chase or harass the cows in their temporary home,” advises posters in the park.

A 2024 calendar featuring photographs of locations across Epping Forest – including Wanstead Park and Wanstead Flats – has been produced by local photographers.

“If you love Epping Forest, then this is a must-have, and will make a great present as well. All photos were taken by local photographers, including four from Wanstead,” said Don Taylor, who compiled the calendar. Available in two sizes (A4 for £10 and A3 for £12), all profits will go to the Epping Forest Heritage Trust and The Swan Sanctuary.

The calendars are now sold out.