December 2023

A crowdfunding campaign to improve St Gabriel’s Church hall in Aldersbrook has raised £12,432.

“We aim to transform our hall into a sustainable and accessible community space and to reduce our carbon footprint while making the hall more widely available to the community,” said Father Martyn Hawkes.

Fundraising by the Friends of St Gabriel’s has already seen the installation of solar panels on the hall roof, with more fundraising initiatives planned in the run-up to the centenary of the hall’s opening in 2027.

As we venture into 2024, we must remember to limit the pressure we put on the youth in our community, says Wanstead resident and A level student Zadie Larsson

As an A level student, it becomes hard not to associate this New Year with impending exams and uncertainty over my next steps. Whether you are choosing to go to university, an apprenticeship or straight into the field of work, the prospects of moving on from school into the adult world can be scary.

There is also the added pressure of being sure of what career you want to pursue. Many young people have an immense feeling of uncertainty over choosing their prospective career options. It is important to normalise the feelings of uncertainty that many youths feel.

For a lot of us, 2024 marks the most important exam year yet, the impending dread of A levels looms, and instead of being excited for the New Year, young students in the community can feel extremely anxious. I invite the adults reading this to limit that pressure as much as possible and to feel compassion towards your children, grandchildren or friends. Anxiety can show itself in a myriad of ways, the NHS saying that signs of anxiety can be seen in ‘irritable’ behaviour, demonstrating how easy it is to confuse ‘acting out’ with genuine worry. Children who find schoolwork a struggle, or those with special educational needs or mental health difficulties, may be more likely to experience academic anxiety. However, so can high achievers, particularly children who are overly perfectionist or whose parents have very high ambitions for them. No one is exempt from these feelings; there is such a broad spectrum of what anxiety can look like for each individual person. For a lot of people, exams add to – or actually cause – the anxiety that a lot of students feel. Academic anxiety is likely to increase as children get older, although primary school teachers have reported anxiety in their pupils too. It can be argued whether such young children need this academic pressure put on them. However, the only thing we can control is the way in which we help our children and young adults through these difficult times.

In this New Year, I urge you and your families to pay attention to the small signs that you may miss in your children and to understand that 2024 might not hold the same excitement for everyone.

To the youth of our community, this year might seem scary and full of change, but with change comes excitement! If we try to have the most positive mindset we can and flip the negatives into positives, then this year won’t seem so daunting. If we start to mentally prepare ourselves now, then one big change can be broken down into small, manageable ones, ultimately resulting in an easier transition into adulthood.

Wishing everyone the most fabulous New Year! If you feel scared or nervous about exams, don’t worry. We are all in this together.

For information and support on the issues covered, visit wnstd.com/youngminds

In the fifth of a series of articles, Revd James Gilder of Wanstead Parish says thank you to all who offered support and donations after thieves stole a safe from Christ Church a few weeks before Christmas

Just before Christmas, Christ Church suffered a break-in. The thieves hacked a hole in the front doors of the church and made a real mess inside, making off with an entire safe, which contained cash we were collecting for the Children’s Society. Even more sadly, the safe also contained all the parish records of baptisms, weddings, confirmations and interments in our Garden of Remembrance. These will have no value to the thieves and may be discarded, so please do keep your eyes peeled for these hardback books full of handwritten ledgers.

CCTV showed it was two young men who broke in, in the dead of night. Their getaway vehicles of choice were a bicycle and an e-scooter, and one of them – in a feat of acrobatics – somehow managed to balance the safe on the e-scooter and then proceeded to drive off, sitting on the top of the safe. It would be laughable if it weren’t so serious. Our friends at the United Reformed Church were also subject to an attempted break-in that same night, and two other local churches were burglarised in the preceding weeks.

It took a little while for us to get back on our feet, especially as lots of things, like Christmas orders of service, had been carefully prepared and printed, and were now scattered all over the office, amongst bits of all the furniture the thieves had broken. The initial shock quickly turned to unexpected joy, however, as offers of help began to flood in. In the space of 24 hours, the good people of Wanstead donated more than £2,000 to replace the Christingle collection – far more than we had originally raised. I had over 50 offers of help from individuals to clear up the mess, and offers of painting and carpentry, too. I would like to use this space to say a huge thank you to everyone. Your goodwill far outstripped the negativity and evil committed by the thieves. 

It feels rather like Wanstead has been beset with crime over the last year. I have no stats to back this up, merely anecdotes of some terribly violent things happening on our High Street, and I see for myself the antisocial behaviour that goes on in the churchyard at night. However, in this instance, the degree to which Wanstead people showed how much they cared proves that – no matter how bleak things can feel – there is a goodness in us that can beat the worst. 

January is a time when that bleakness can feel overwhelming. It’s a time of tax returns, dark days and bad weather. The good news is, Easter comes early this year! If you find yourself unable to shake off the gloom, a reminder that our mental health support group meets in Christ Church vestry at 5.30pm on the first Sunday of every month.

Thanks again everyone – I’m truly grateful for all your support.

To contact Reverend James Gilder, email wansteadparishadmin@uwclub.net

Local artists are invited to display their work in the reception area of Compassionate Funerals on Hermon Hill.

“We had an amazing year hosting artists in 2023. If you would like to showcase your work at our lovely new shop in 2024, we are now taking bookings for our next season of Artists in Residence. Each artist has a two-week residency, with the opportunity to hold a private view. It’s all part of breaking down the barriers and preconceptions people often have about visiting a funeral director,” said Allistair Anderson.

Call 020 8989 0493

A monthly evening bereavement cafe will launch in Wanstead on 9 January.

Hosted by volunteers, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm at Christ Church, offering support and guidance for anyone struggling with feelings of loss. The new evening session will continue on the second Tuesday of each month and is in addition to an established morning session (10.30am) on the third Tuesday of the month.

Call 020 8530 8743

Tour guide and author David Charnick will discuss the criminal history of the East End at the Wanstead Historical Society’s meeting on 8 January.

“My talk looks at historical crime in the Whitechapel area and considers how some criminal activity develops with the times, while other crime remains constant,” said David, whose book, The Dark Side of East London, is a study of 18th- and 19th-century crime and wrongdoing. The presentation will take place at Wanstead Library from 7.30pm (visitors: £3).

Call 07949 026 212

Redbridge Council is petitioning the government for financial support to repair Broadmead Road bridge in Woodford, which has been closed to traffic since July. Essential structural repairs are expected to cost at least £25m.

“The Prime Minister’s decision to cancel the northern leg of HS2 means billions are available to help fund transport projects… We are calling on the Transport Secretary to allocate urgent funding to help cover the enormous cost of this unforeseen project,” said Councillor Kam Rai.

Visit wnstd.com/brr

Local swan rescue volunteers have offered advice amidst concerns over cold conditions.

“We get numerous calls when lakes are frozen regarding waterfowl being ‘stuck’ on ice. But birds are well adapted to the cold. Swans have 25,000 feathers, which form a complete shell, meaning their skin doesn’t actually come into contact with the ice or water at all, and their legs have a special blood supply. But please do control dogs around icy water. Panicked waterfowl will flee and skid on the ice, which can cause nasty injuries,” said Louisa Green.

Wanstead Village councillor Jo Blackman spoke at the public inquiry into London City Airport’s expansion plans earlier this month.

“Redbridge Council has consistently opposed City Airport’s plans for more flights in the early morning and Saturday afternoons. Wanstead is under the current flight path and particularly impacted by these plans that would lead to more noise and air pollution, as well as exacerbating the climate crisis,” said Councillor Blackman.

The inquiry will continue at Stratford Town Hall in the New Year.

A new police hub on the Orchard Estate in Woodford will become a base for local Safer Neighbourhood Teams, including those covering Wanstead Park and Wanstead Village wards.

“The new hub will be home to at least 20 officers, working in partnership with council staff and Redbridge housing officers to prevent antisocial behaviour and support people across the west of Redbridge,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson. Local police will continue to be based in Barkingside until the hub is operational in the summer.

Village Vouchers booklets are now available to buy at Wanstead Library.

Jointly published by the Wanstead Village Directory and the South Woodford Village Gazette, each booklet contains 100 discount vouchers for shops, salons, cafés and pubs across the two areas. “There are some great offers to get people shopping locally, like a free slice of cake at The Larder, a free dessert at The Cuckfield and 20% off at Wanstead Dry Cleaners,” said editor Lee Marquis.

The booklets (£4) are valid until 31 March.

Visit wnstd.com/save

Advertisement Feature

THP Chartered Accountants, based on Wanstead High Street, is proud to announce the appointment of two new directors to our board. Both Shahid Hameed and Miles Girdlestone have been promoted to Client Director with immediate effect. 

Shahid and Miles bring vital experience and support to our current board of directors. This will be essential in the coming months and years as our business continues to grow rapidly.

Shahid Hameed FCA FCCA
Shahid has gained a wealth of experience in auditing, having helped to almost double our audit portfolio over the last three years. As our Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Shahid has always ensured THP is on top of internal compliance matters and that our teams are up to date with AML compliance issues. He is looking forward to attracting more clients who need audits including charity audits and help with solicitors’ client money rules.

Keen cricket fan Shahid said on his appointment: “Having worked at THP as a Client Manager for several years I have always enjoyed the variety of work, professionalism, freedom, and top-quality service we provide to our clients. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity provided in this new role and will do my best to support my fellow directors in maintaining our high standards. At THP we have always worked as a close, friendly team which is the key to our success and growth; and I have no doubt that this support will continue during my transition into the directorship.”

Miles Girdlestone FCA
Miles joined THP in 2014 from one of the big six firms and has built up a broad base of skills and experience, ranging from corporate services such as statutory audit, accounts and corporation tax return preparation, through to personal tax services. Miles also manages our grant audit services for new and existing clients.

A boxing and football enthusiast, Miles is delighted by the opportunity to join THP’s board. He said: “I am incredibly grateful and honoured to have been appointed as a director. In this role, I will strive to bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and strategic insights to the table. Ultimately, our success is directly linked to the satisfaction and loyalty of our client base and the attraction of future clients. Our clients have choices, and I am grateful for their decision to choose us as their accountants. We strive to build strong and long-lasting relationships based on trust, reliability, and mutual respect. Our clients are not just a number to us; they are valued partners, and we are as committed to their success as we are to our own.”

Congratulations from Mark Boulter, Managing Director
THP’s Managing Director, Mark Boulter, is thrilled to welcome two further colleagues to our board. He said: “Miles and Shahid share 25 years of loyalty with THP, gaining a wealth of experience between them, using their talents to both deliver exceptional service and to attract new business. I know I am speaking for the whole board when I say that I’m looking forward to their involvement in shaping the future of our company which is soon to be celebrating its 50^th anniversary.”

To learn more about how THP can help your business, call us today on 0800 6520 025. 

Redbridge’s first-ever Youth Climate and Sustainability Forum took place in November.

Eco-minded students from across the borough came together for a day of activities, workshops and panel discussions promoting greener living for all. “It was great to welcome so many inspiring young people to the town hall to discuss how we can work together to tackle the climate crisis,” said Councillor Jo Blackman.

A White-cheeked Turaco called Bob, who lived wild in Aldersbrook for over a decade, died earlier this month.

The distinctive bird fell ill in October and was found in a garden unable to fly.

“When I found Bob, he was wheezing badly, so I took him to South Essex Wildlife Hospital, where he was cared for until his death on 4 December,” said Sarah Venis, whose crowdfunding efforts have raised over £1,500 for the hospital.

A post-mortem revealed Bob’s liver and gall bladder were diseased, and it is likely he had a chronic condition that had been worsening for some time.

“I have thanked the hospital for all the care Bob received. We are all so sad and will miss his lively personality and enduring (unrequited) love for chickens! Thank you to everyone who has donated. I will leave the fundraiser up for anyone who wants to donate to the hospital in memory of Bob.”

Visit wnstd.com/bob

In the seventh of a series of articles featuring the images of local photographers who document the wildlife of Wanstead Park and the surrounding area, Deepak Dembla presents his festive feel-good image of a Robin

My name is Deepak Dembla and I’m an IT professional. Photography, stargazing, fitness and dancing are my passions. Covid lockdowns made me explore Wanstead Flats and Wanstead Park more than ever with my camera. And ever since, nature has always surprised me with something amazing: wildlife, beautiful sunsets and sunrises or something amazing in the sky, like a beautiful rainbow or a comet, the moon and planets. I must say, it’s a treasure!

I never had any formal education in photography. While in college, I joined an astronomy club called ABAA. This is where I met Dilip Kumar, former president of the club. I was inspired by his amazing astrophotography, landscape and wildlife photography skills, and bought my first camera and started playing with it. When I moved to London 16 years ago, I always made sure I lived close to a park or a forest to enjoy nature and practice my photography skills.

I love that Wanstead Park is just a few minutes’ walk from where I live. I try to visit the park every week if I can. I can easily spend four hours or more just trying to see and capture something new in the park.

While shooting birds, I use a 500mm zoom lens so I can shoot from a distance and not disturb them. The UK’s favourite bird is pictured here, the European Robin, known simply as a Robin or Robin Redbreast. It is found across Europe, east to Western Siberia and south to North Africa. Robins are small, insectivorous birds, around 12cm to 14cm in length. Unlike other small birds, Robins are not so shy, and one can get really close to them if they don’t feel threatened.

As a non-migratory species, Robins can be seen throughout the year, although there are quite a few legends surrounding their relation to Christmas. One legend goes back to Victorian times, when the tradition of sending Christmas cards started. They were delivered by postmen wearing bright-red coats. These postmen were nicknamed ‘Robins’ or ‘Redbreasts’ with the popular early cards of the era displaying the Robins who characterised them. A theme which continues to this day. 

But legend also has it that the Robin’s redbreast has a direct link to Christianity. One fable suggests that when the baby Jesus was in his manger, the fire which had been lit to keep him warm started to blaze up. A brown Robin, noticing that Mary had been distracted, placed himself between the fire and the face of baby Jesus. The Robin fluffed out its feathers to protect the baby, but in so doing, its breast was scorched. This redness was then passed on to future generations of Robins.

To view more of Deepak’s wildlife photos, visit wnstd.com/deepak

In the fourth of a series of articles, Revd James Gilder of Wanstead Parish talks about gift-giving and receiving, and explains why the commercial side of Christmas should not be dismissed completely 

Are you a Christmas list writer or do you prefer surprises? I’m a keen Christmas list writer, though I have noticed a tendency in myself in recent years to include increasingly banal items. What I really long for this Christmas is a new offside front shock absorber for the car (parts and labour) – though I doubt any of my nearest and dearest are likely to shell out on such an expensive item! 

Writing a Christmas list is perhaps a bit presumptive, but I think it’s far harder to cater to those who can’t think of anything they want, or – worse still – those who don’t write lists on principle and who also refuse to engage with what’s on yours!

I often call to mind my grandfather, who told me that he and his brother always exchanged a sixpence at Christmas in lieu of a present. Indeed, the grumpier side of me is occasionally inclined to wonder whether this ritual ought to be resurrected, as it would certainly be a lot easier than buying for some people!

Many column inches have been devoted over the years to bemoaning the commercialised nature of Christmas, and I’m sure most of us at one point or another have felt a little uncomfortable at the seemingly ever-increasing length and excess of the festive season. Of course, for many, the pressure to spend and to consume can be difficult or even destructive – but let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

For all I groan inwardly at the thought of having to select presents for everyone, the truth is that gift-giving and receiving is fun – because for most of us, this process is about far more than just obtaining some new stuff. Much anthropological research has been carried out into the meaning of gift-giving and receiving in cultures around the world, and there is an almost-universal link, it would seem, between gifts and relationship formation. Gift-giving and receiving is often a sign of love. I’m sure you’ll have noticed that the most precious gifts we are given are often not the most expensive. Instead, we treasure the ones which have the greatest meaning behind them.

Christmas seems like the ultimate time for gifts, primarily because the Christian faith believes the coming of Jesus to be the ultimate gift to the world. A gift to us all, wrapped up in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. A gift that Christians believe cements forever the love between God and humankind. And much like the best gifts, the idea is that we don’t leave it wrapped up in the cold and dark but that we unwrap it and treasure it forever.

A very happy Christmas to you all.

To contact Reverend James Gilder, email wansteadparishadmin@uwclub.net

With former members having served in two world wars, Eton Manor RFC is now planning to build a memorial wall to honour its fallen heroes. Michelle Linaker reports

In 1909, a philanthropically-minded group of Old Etonians: Arthur Villiers, Gerald Wellesley, Alfred Wagg and Sir Edward Cadogan, set up a charitable mission to give the children of London’s East End the opportunity to try out all kinds of sports and leisure activities. In 1912, the site of the previous Manor Farm in Hackney Wick was purchased to build a new clubhouse and sports ground, and the Eton Manor Boys’ Club was established. 

Activities at the Eton Manor Boys’ Club included boxing, amateur dramatics, debating, drawing, squash, tennis, football, cricket, rugby, billiards, table tennis, photography, badminton, athletics and rifle- shooting. In 1923, the club moved to 30 acres of waste ground known as ‘The Wilderness’ at the eastern end of Hackney Marshes. The Wilderness remained the home of Eton Manor until its closure in 1967.

Eton Manor RFC continued to play on Hackney Marshes before moving to our current home at the ‘New Wilderness’ in Wanstead in 1996.Eton Manor RFC is one of the last sporting clubs still existing to have grown out of the Eton Manor Boys’ Club. Eton Manor Athletics Club continues in Leyton, while Eton Manor Football Club was based in Hertfordshire until closing in 2017.

Many members are still in contact with one another today and all acknowledge the profound impact the Eton Manor ‘family’ has had on their lives. The club now holds mixed teams up to the age of 12, and we are proud to have under-12s, under-14s, under-16s and under-18s girls’ rugby, as well as a thriving women’s team. We still hold true to our values of inclusivity and keep fees low to ensure rugby is available for all to play. We even have bursaries and support for those who do not have the funds to play. 

A total of 22 members of Eton Manor died in the First World War, and out of 600 that served, 59 died in the Second World War. ‘Lest we forget’ is a term often used, and at Eton Manor, we are keen to ensure we give those who gave their lives the respect and honour they deserve. So, to this end, we propose to build a beautiful memorial wall. It will be 15 metres long and formed of a board-finished concrete (to remember the shoring of the trenches), consisting of 15 facets on a 15m radius. It will feature the names of Eton Manor’s fallen, with space for 280 plaques available for purchase by members to remember their loved ones. Up to 15 benefactors will also have the opportunity to have their names engraved in perpetuity as those who helped build the wall.

We plan to involve the local community and will be hosting an open event to talk in more detail about the history of some of our local lads who gave their lives for our freedom.

For more information on the project, email michellelinaker@mirror.co.uk. To donate, visit wnstd.com/emwall

From insurance to aftercare, Bradley Wright from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash takes a look at some of the important matters to be aware of if you are considering cosmetic surgery abroad

All surgery – cosmetic and medical – has risks attached, whether it is carried out in the UK or abroad. The Royal College of Surgeons recommends patients carry out extensive research as standards and guidelines vary from country to country.

Cosmetic surgery abroad may be less expensive compared with the UK, but any savings should be compared with the possible risks in respect of complications (safety standards may not be as high), who will look after you and whether you will have to travel abroad again for repeat surgery.

When considering cosmetic surgery abroad, patients should be wary of any hospital which markets cosmetic surgery as part of a holiday package. You should never agree to cosmetic surgery prior to meeting the surgeon who intends to carry out the procedure, and you should also visit the hospital where the procedure will take place. This will allow you to ensure the surgeon speaks English (or another language you both speak) and find out about all the planned and possible future costs, especially if things do not go to plan.

When choosing a surgeon abroad, ensure he or she has the same skills and experience as if you were choosing a surgeon in the UK. You should also check the surgeon is insured to carry out the procedure; ask to see details of their insurance and find out if the overseas clinics have someone in the UK you can turn to if there are any problems after.

Just as you would if the surgery was being carried out in the UK, make sure you research what the procedure will involve in terms of consultations, the procedure itself, risks, complications and aftercare. Follow-up care is a vital part of any treatment, and you need to ascertain where your check-ups will take place, how easily you can travel back to where the surgery was carried out and how much that will cost. Be clear what your aftercare package includes. Make sure you have the details of a named doctor who can deal with any complications rather than a helpline.

And don’t forget travel insurance. It is likely ordinary holiday insurance will not cover you if something goes wrong during or after planned treatment abroad.

Most importantly, remember the NHS is unlikely to help you unless you have a serious complication which needs emergency or lifesaving treatment.

The last thing we want is for anyone to suffer because of negligent cosmetic surgery, but if mistakes are made, you should seek legal advice.

Edwards Duthie Shamash is located at 149 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL. For more information, call 020 8514 9000 or visit edwardsduthieshamash.co.uk

When you support a small business, you are supporting someone’s dream, says Wanstead resident Paul Canal, who urges us all to enjoy the High Street and shop local this Christmas

The sight of our bustling High Street thronged with Wansteadians, their friends and visitors gladdens the heart and quickens the pulse. Our High Street is the heart of our community, with an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that is the envy of our neighbours.

Our local businesses are the backbone of our community in Wanstead, both culturally and economically. The knowledge, expertise, products, services and sense of camaraderie we get from our local independents is something we cannot mimic elsewhere. Put simply, local is our past, present and future.

Our local entrepreneurs emerged from Covid bruised but defiant, and were then hit by the Ukraine tsunami with rocketing fuel costs and tighter domestic budgets. Many are still paying back Covid loans or dipped deep into personal savings. They need our help to survive and thrive. Ghost towns happen when we don’t shop locally. It is time for us all to step up and spend more of our hard-earned cash in our local shops.

This Christmas, Britons will spend over £80bn. Here in Wanstead, the average family will spend over £2,000. Collectively, we will spend over £26m. Imagine the impact if we all pledged to spend a proportion of that here in Wanstead with our local independents.

When you support a small business, you are supporting someone’s dream. 

Environmental sustainability is another key advantage of shopping locally. Our local independents invariably have a smaller carbon footprint compared to larger chains and e-commerce giants. 

That is why I am challenging every reader of the Wanstead Village Directory to spend more locally. Buy your wine from Daygustation, your fish and smoked salmon from Wanstead Fish, the best panettone from More Italy. Get your cards and gifts from The Art Shop and Moments, your books from Wanstead Bookshop and make sure your Christmas flowers come from Lillies and Daisy florists, who beautifully bookend our High Street. Adorn your loved ones with jewellery from Keatings and perhaps some festive fashion from Azzurra. Laden with bags, put your feet up at City Place, enjoy a coffee at Bare Brew, sip a glass of wine at The Cuckfield or lounge at The Larder, as no High Street has our range of amazing bars and cafes.

And as you relax, let’s not forget those who are less fortunate; let’s spread the love. Please buy some extra food for the Tin in a Bin foodbank network (wnstd.com/tinabsites) or make a donation direct to The Wanstead Charity (wnstd.com/charity), who support the homeless. That way, we can all have a happy and healthy Christmas.

Paul Canal is a Wanstead resident and Conservative councillor for Bridge ward. 

Cattle warden volunteer Gill James reflects on the recent return of cows to Wanstead Park. Photo by Tony Morrison

When three large mammals with massive curving horns appeared in Wanstead Park recently, there was shock. We did not expect to see cows here so late in the year. We had no cows at all in 2022, due to the long drought ruining the grazing. 

So, the cattle warden volunteers rushed into action, sporting smart new City of London high visibility jackets. Our main aim was to tell people why the cows were there and to discourage them, and their dogs and children, from getting too close, especially keen photographers and small children. Ten metres was the rule. Some people had never seen a live cow before. Most dogs and their owners wisely decided to keep a healthy distance. A few owners had not trained their frisky dogs to come when called, but soon learned to keep them on a lead when near the cows.

We expected a few people to be angry. “Do you think you own this park?” “What about my dog’s right to roam?” “Why were there so few warning signs up?” But most people were delighted to welcome ‘our’ cows back, and many people remembered them from 2021. A surprising number were well informed already. 

They asked questions. “What happened to the calves they had?” “What are their names?” “Are they pregnant?” “Why are they here so late in the year?” “How long will they be staying?” “What about all these cowpats?” “Where do they go at night?” 

Answers: Quinine, Nina and Mara (new girl). They were delayed by the requirement for bovine TB testing as a nearby farm tested positive. None pregnant. They will stay until the grazing gives out in January or February. They stay out all night. Cowpats are very good for improving the soil and overwintering these hardy cattle encourages certain insect species. The grazing clears the habitat of encroaching scrub and biodiversity is improved.

“The cows 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,” explained a spokesperson for the City of London Corporation, which manages the park.

Mara, Nina and Quinine are magic in an unexpected way. Calm down, you frantic urban creatures, they say. Though not in so many words. And just a few days after that first excitement, the park went quiet. The cow-gazers still came, but now there was acceptance that this was a special space to share and enjoy. Dog walkers, strollers, cyclists, joggers, we all have to make space for each other. And smile. And look.

A heartfelt thank you to Epping Forest from the volunteer wardens for this wonderful opportunity to engage with the public in the park, to hear so many stories about cows in people’s gardens or back home in India or Ireland or Iran, and to enjoy the park we know so well from a new perspective.

For more information about the cows in Wanstead Park, visit wnstd.com/wpcows

In the second of a series of articles to mark the 100th anniversary of Wanstead High School, former student Richard Wisker (class of 2011)reflects on the school’s support as he began his acting career

Wanstead High School holds a special place in my heart, not only for the quality education it provided but also for the invaluable life lessons it taught me. From the moment I stepped foot onto its grounds, I was enveloped in an atmosphere that celebrated diversity and inclusion, making it a place for everyone.

One of my fondest memories of attending Wanstead High was the daily walk to school via the underpass at Redbridge Roundabout. This seemingly mundane journey became a symbol of the path I would later take in life. As I strolled through that underpass, I felt a sense of anticipation and excitement building within me. It was during those moments I realised my passion for the arts, particularly in drama, dance (I was the only boy who did dance in my year) and music, which were fostered and nurtured by the school.

Even in the face of personal challenges, such as the loss of my beloved nan, who also lived in Wanstead, the teachers proved to be pillars of support. They understood the difficulties I was going through and made allowances for me during those tough times. Their empathy and understanding left an indelible mark on my heart and I will forever be grateful for their unwavering support.

Beyond the classroom, Wanstead High provided a backdrop for forging lifelong friendships. On the bustling High Street, my friends and I would congregate after school. We would savour delicious chicken and chips, engage in spirited conversations and even indulge in impromptu football matches on the nearby green. These carefree moments nurtured a sense of camaraderie and belonging that I cherish to this day.

One aspect that distinguishes Wanstead High from other schools is its commitment to accommodating and fostering the extracurricular pursuits of its students. As I delved into the realm of television shows, the school fully supported my endeavours. They not only encouraged me to chase my dreams but also worked around my busy schedule, ensuring my education remained a priority.

Looking back, my time at Wanstead High School was a transformative period in my life. It taught me the importance of embracing diversity, fostering inclusion and supporting one another through both triumphs and tribulations. The school provided an environment where individuality was celebrated, talents were nurtured and friendships were forged. In the annals of my life, Wanstead High School will always hold a cherished place, reminding me of a time when I was surrounded by educators who believed in me and friends who stood by my side. It is a testament to the profound impact that a nurturing and inclusive educational environment can have on shaping the trajectory of one’s life.

For more information on Wanstead High School, visit wansteadhigh.co.uk

A local wildlife group surveyed the fungi growing in the gardens of Wanstead Quaker Meeting House last month.

“This has been a great autumn for seeing fungi in our area. Led by our own mycologist, Tricia Moxey, and Mike Green from the London Fungus Network, we recorded almost 50 species – and many more probably went undiscovered. The variety of colour and form displayed by fungi is quite remarkable. But one small request: please don’t collect them!” said Tim Harris of the Wren Wildlife Group. 

In the first of a series of articles monitoring the restoration and maintenance of Wanstead Park’s historic Grotto, Richard Arnopp from The Friends of Wanstead Parklands explains the background

Three years ago, the City of London adopted a Conservation Management Plan for the boathouse grotto in Wanstead Park, which has been in ruins since a fire not long after the park opened to the public in the late 1800s.

Since 2022, the Heritage of London Trust has carried out remedial work on the landing stage of the building, and the site received a visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester. More recently, a working party has started to formulate a vision for the structure’s future. Its task is to identify a sustainable future for the structure and to see its removal from the Heritage at Risk Register, to which it was added in 2017 (the park as a whole has been on the Register since 2009).

The Grotto was begun around 1760 for John, second Earl Tylney of Castlemaine, on a site on the west side of the Ornamental Water. It seems to have been complete and in use when it was visited by the French astronomer Jérôme Lalande in May 1763. It isn’t known who designed the building, though from surviving correspondence, we know the noted Cornish antiquarian and naturalist Dr William Borlase supplied geological specimens to be incorporated into it. Unusually large and elaborate, the Grotto was on two levels, with a boathouse below and a room for entertainment above, with a service area to the side. This may date from when modifications were made in 1781.

The Grotto survived the wreck of the estate and became a popular attraction when the park was opened to the public, with an admission price of sixpence. Sadly, it was burned out during maintenance work in 1884, leaving only the exterior walls. Since then, weathering and vandalism have led to further loss of fabric: little is now left on the landward side, and the spectacular waterside façade survives only as a denuded shadow of its former self. About half of the original fabric of the façade is estimated to survive, with two large areas of complete loss and some unsatisfactory past attempts at restoration. 

The first meeting of the Grotto Project Board has now taken place and there have been some positive developments. A contractor has been appointed to draw up a restoration and maintenance plan, subject to confirmation of funding, and investigations of the structure have indicated no insuperable problems.

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands took an active part in the development of the Conservation Management Plan for the Grotto and a committee member sits on the Project Board. 

Next month, I will discuss some of the work that has been done to make sense of the history of this neglected building.

For more information on Wanstead Park, visit wnstd.com/fwp

Twelve-year-old Wanstead resident Riku Fryderyk shares their journey to publishing their second book, Music to My Ears, which, with a 62,000-plus word count, may set a new world record for a child author 

I have been passionate about writing from a very early age, starting out writing short stories on paper and then moving to writing with a more professional approach, which led to the publication of my first book, The Witching Hour, at the age of 10.

During the process of publication, I began writing a novel whose storyline evolved and changed over time, and countless hours of writing and editing have finally brought me to the moment where I officially announce that Music to My Ears is now available to order on Amazon in eBook and paperback. It is a book in a series called On the Edge of Destruction, which I am planning to continue. 

I am incredibly proud of this book, especially because I believe this is the longest book ever written by a child in the world, coming in at 62,671 words. I am very excited about what the future has to hold for my new book.

Music to My Ears is about a 16-year-old called June Watson, who lives in London and has a passion for creating and playing music. Her GCSE exams are on the approach; however, her life is turned upside down as she battles mind control, is betrayed by those whom she trusted and discovers her father’s secrets. This leads to her being thrown into the midst of an attack on the citizens of London.

It has been quite an uphill battle to write, edit and publish this book, but with a lot of support from my mum, I always regained the motivation to continue until my goal was achieved. As I grew older, the book itself seemed to evolve, with my style and quality of writing changing and the plot becoming more refined and realistic. I like to look back on my original drafts of this book from three years ago. I wrote the majority of Music to My Ears on an electronic typewriter, which allowed me to write distraction-free and for a longer time. Being an author has brought me much joy from hosting my own creative writing workshops, speaking to other writers and seeing my book standing proudly on the shelves of well-known bookstores such as Waterstones in Piccadilly Circus. 

Aside from writing, I have narrated a handful of audiobooks and run a YouTube channel which has grown significantly in the past year. I’ve always been a performing arts lover, too, and love being in productions. 

However, I manage to leave enough time for working on my books and continue my love for writing; a bright, burning candle flame which will never go out.

Riku’s novel Music to My Ears is available from Amazon (£7.99). For more information and to order a copy, visit wnstd.com/riku