December 2023

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