March 2024

The historic High Stone at the junction of Hollybush Hill and New Wanstead has been repaired and reinstated following damage sustained in a car crash last August.

The work cost £2,700.

Originally a mile marker showing distances to Epping, Ongar, Whitechapel and Hyde Park Corner, an obelisk has stood in the same location since the 18th century, although the current High Stone dates from the 1930s after the original was also damaged by a vehicle. The base of the monument is a remnant of the original 18th-century stone. 

Drivers can now use PayPoint locations to pay for parking in Redbridge.

“The PayPoint scheme gives people the opportunity to pay for a range of goods and services at local retailers signed up as a PayPoint site. More than 100 sites already exist across the borough, and since the start of March, they have been activated to accept payment for parking, including by cash,” said a council spokesperson.

The PayPoint scheme is offered in addition to the existing RingGo parking payment service.

Visit wnstd.com/paypoint

Ahead of a fundraiser for Wanstead-based children’s charity CHAOS, co-founder Norman Haynes reflects on the organisation’s beginnings and explains how the money raised will be put to good use

CHAOS (Children’s Holidays and Other Specialities) was founded by myself and two friends – Stuart Ludlow and Mick Bacon – in 1976. We were all aged 22 and, having recognised our own good fortune in life, wanted to do something to help those less fortunate. We visited schools across East London and met with social workers to spread the word that we were offering free camping holidays for eight- to 11-year-olds who would not otherwise be receiving a holiday that year – an escape from the pressures of inner-city life for poverty-stricken children.

We spent the first year recruiting friends, raising funds through sponsored walks, jumble sales and suchlike, booking a campsite and coaches, borrowing camping equipment, selecting the children and organising the programme for a week away at Stubbers Adventure Centre in Upminster. In addition to the sports onsite, we had trips planned to the seaside, Chessington Zoo and a farm in Sawbridgeworth. Our first camp took place in 1977 with 37 children and 10 adults. It rained six days out of seven! But the germ of an idea had sprouted and we grew from there, becoming registered as a charity in 1981.

Our camps provide a safe, nurturing, learning, loving and most importantly, fun environment where kids can just be kids. On a CHAOS camp, children learn a great deal about teamwork and how to look after each other through games, nature walks, camping and beach activities. For some of the more deprived children, waking to the sound of farm animals, meeting the farmer or climbing into the cab of a tractor will be a memorable and positive experience of country life. And nothing beats having hot chocolate and biscuits whilst singing songs around a campfire! The joy this charity brings to kids’ lives is absolutely invaluable. It provides an opportunity to build their confidence, gives them a break from the daily hardships they endure and also affords a brief respite for their families during the long summer holidays. 

The number of children who have benefitted from our camps has been lost in the mist of time, but it is well above 2,500. An interesting side effect of the charity’s work is its lasting impact, which is evidenced by the number of children who choose to return to the charity as adults and volunteer as members of staff. 

When we set up this charity to help alleviate poverty, never in our wildest dreams did we expect the situation to become worse! Each year we are oversubscribed for places on our camps and it is very sad to be turning deserving children away due to a lack of funds. The fundraising events we hold – such as the one at Wanstead Golf Club this month – are invaluable to supporting our work.

A dinner and dance in aid of CHAOS will take place at Wanstead Golf Club on 26 April (tickets: £60; book by 12 April). For more information and to book tickets, call 07982 442 538 or email secretary@chaoscharity.org

To donate to CHAOS, visit donate.giveasyoulive.com/charity/chaos

Redbridge Council’s External Scrutiny Committee met with TfL last month in light of planned changes to local bus routes.

“We raised several concerns, including the impact of a reduced service to the Nightingale Estate and the new W14 not stopping inside Whipps Cross. TfL acknowledged the issues but reiterated points in the consultation response. We did manage to secure a commitment to review the impact after a year,” said Councillor Daniel Morgan-Thomas. The new routes take effect from September.

Visit wnstd.com/bus 

With pay and display parking machines no longer operational across Redbridge, drivers are reminded that free parking is still available via the RingGo app.

Users should check their app settings to ensure SMS reminders are turned off, otherwise RingGo will charge 15p to confirm a booking by text message and another 15p for an expiry reminder message.

A new PayPoint service has also been introduced as an alternative way to pay for parking.

Snaresbrook station car park has closed ahead of the construction of two blocks of flats on part of the site.

“This will allow work to deliver 74 new affordable homes to commence. Due to the complexities of the construction work, there will be limited access to Blue Badge spaces, but we will work to keep these spaces available as much as possible during construction,” said a spokesperson for Places for London, TfL’s commercial property company.

A smaller car park with 22 spaces is expected to reopen in spring 2026.

A decision on the planning application to build a block of flats on Evergreen Field has been delayed again.

“The developer has been considering [council] feedback and making amendments to their scheme. They have now submitted those amendments… The scheme will be referred to the planning committee for a final decision,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson. The application – which was first submitted in July 2023 – now has a target date of 30 April. Comments can be submitted until 2 April.

Visit wnstd.com/efapp

Pupils at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Wanstead enjoyed a week of workshops as part of World Book Day celebrations in March.

“Pupils had a lesson with cartoonist James Parsons, were entertained with Caribbean folktales by storyteller Wendy Shearer and completed a poetry workshop with World Poetry Slam champion Harry Baker. The week ended with a whole-school storytelling bonanza, including a parent session with tales from around the world led by storyteller Pat Ryan,” said headteacher Ruth Boon.

A hustings will be held at Wanstead Library in April ahead of the GLA elections on 2 May.

Jointly organised by Wanstead Climate Action and the East London Humanists group, the debate is set to have an environmental focus. “A candidate or representative from each of the main parties contesting the Havering and Redbridge constituency has been invited… There will be many topics on the election agenda, but few can be as important to the future of Londoners as how issues facing our environment are tackled… This is a rare and important opportunity for local people from across the political spectrum to gather to quiz candidates and hear them discuss the issues,” said a spokesperson.

The hustings will take place on 17 April from 7.30pm to 9pm. Written questions can be submitted in advance (see below) or on the night.

Submit a question for the hustings:

Click here for a full list of Havering and Redbridge constituency candidates.

In the 10th of a series of articles featuring the images of local photographers who document the wildlife of Wanstead Park and the surrounding area, Mark O’Dell presents his shot of a Mute Swan in flight

I took this image of a Mute Swan flying towards me in Wanstead Park. I find photographing wildlife is a fantastic way to capture the beauty of the natural world, get out in the fresh air and exercise both body and mind. 

I’m a professional photographer and content creator based in Woodford Green. I’ve shot a diverse range of subjects for commercial and editorial clients and the occasional wedding, too. I enjoy photographing people, both professionally and those I meet in day-to-day life. I love telling stories through my images and my love of photography allows me to connect with awesome companies and individuals. I also provide one-to-one photography training sessions, covering aspects such as setting up your camera, learning about exposure, flash or anything connected to photography. I now also provide advice and tuition on getting to grips with wildlife photography. When I’m not working, you’ll find me out and about photographing the wonderful wildlife we have locally. 

We are so lucky in Redbridge, having access to fantastic parks and, as individuals, there are numerous ways we can engage with and support wildlife conservation efforts. I support the RSPB and regularly visit their reserves throughout the country. I also photograph birds and insects that exist within the borough and share my images with the local community (some of which are housebound) through social media. Bringing the outside world to them through my images and words is particularly fulfilling. 

On my regular walks in the local parks, I’ve met and photographed some interesting people and made some long-lasting friendships, too.

A lot of our parks, including Wanstead, rely heavily on volunteers to keep them looking shipshape by litter picking and other manual labour, so a big shout-out to those who give their time freely to maintain and improve these green spaces.

To view more of Mark’s wildlife photos, visit wnstd.com/odell

For more information on Mark’s portrait photography, visit markodell.com

The public inquiry into London City Airport’s expansion plans ended last month. As we await a government decision on the plans, Councillor Jo Blackman explains her contribution to the proceedings 

London City Airport was originally designed for business travel and smaller aircraft in the late 1980s. However, it has since seen a significant increase in jet engine flights, with leisure flights now making up 50% of trips. And the concentration of flight paths in 2016, including over Wanstead, exacerbated the impact of aircraft noise and pollution. So, the airport’s latest plans to increase passenger numbers from 6.5m to 9m a year, with more flights early in the morning and on Saturday afternoon, are a cause for concern. 

The current 24-hour respite period (from 12.30pm on Saturday to 12.30pm on Sunday) was considered a crucial condition in the original agreement to allow residents a break from aircraft noise. Arguably, this is more needed than ever as flight numbers have increased and the population has grown around the airport.

The government requested a public inquiry after City Airport’s expansion plans were rejected by Newham Council. 

I spoke at the inquiry in December and highlighted concerns raised by residents about the plans, as did John Cryer MP and Stephen Timms MP. I highlighted the current impact of City Airport on noise and air pollution in Redbridge for those living under the flight path, in particular in Wanstead. I shared concerns from residents who are woken by the morning flights and are unable to sit outside during flight times. I also highlighted concerns about the impact on Epping Forest as a Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is an internationally important site afforded the highest level of protection due to its habitats and species that are vulnerable or rare and under threat. 

The additional emissions generated by the increased passenger numbers would also contribute to climate change. Our borough is already suffering from more extreme weather events – droughts and flooding – and an increase in emissions has both global and local impacts through changes in the climate. 

The public inquiry ended on 2 February and the inspector now has three months to write the report and recommendation, which will go to the Secretaries of State (for levelling up and transport) who will make the final decision on whether the expansion plans can proceed. 

London is well-served by many airports which are accessible and aren’t in such built-up areas. Let’s hope the Secretaries of State recognise the adverse impacts on residents and the climate when considering the inspector’s report later this year.

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

Disputes concerning wills and inheritance can be tricky and sensitive, and the courts have jurisdiction to make changes, says Kavita Rana from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash

When a person dies, their estate is administered in accordance with their wishes in the will. If the deceased does not have a will and dies intestate, the intestacy rules govern the distribution of the estate.

There are a number of grounds to contest a will. One ground considered by the courts is whether the deceased had the relevant mental capacity to understand their decisions at the time the will was signed. A person making the will must be of ‘sound mind, memory and understanding’. Dementia and old age is often a common complaint in deciding whether the deceased had capacity, but it is not the only factor. A failure to satisfy the test could result in the will being invalid.

It is important that any lawyer advising on the will checks whether the person making it understands the consequences of their actions and is of sound mind. If this did not happen, you may have a claim in negligence against the professional.

A will can also be overturned for undue influence. If you feel the deceased was pressured, forced or coerced into making the will or the content of it, this may give rise to an action to declare the will invalid.

If an individual feels they have been inadequately provided for in a will, this might result in a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The law allows close family members and dependents to apply to the courts for reasonable financial provision from the estate, where there is inadequate provision in the will. Here, the will remains in place but the law protects individuals in certain circumstances. The court’s award will depend very much on the individual circumstances.

If an individual relied on the deceased’s assurance of property and acted to his detriment as a result, the courts have jurisdiction to enforce the promise and order that the property is transferred from the estate to the individual, even if the will does not provide for this.

In the recent case of Gee vs Gee, the court found in favour of a son, John, who was cut out of a promised inheritance of farmland worth in the region of £8m. John worked on his father’s farm since the 1970s for low pay and gave up his own career in reliance on his father’s promise that he would receive “the lion’s share” of the farm. Before he died, the father transferred the asset to his other son, Robert, in 2014. Despite this, the court awarded John a 52% controlling interest in the farm and 48% interest in the land.

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

In the fifth of a series of articles to mark Wanstead High School’s 100th anniversary, former student Baroness Gillian Merron (class of 1977) reflects on her memories and a pathway that led to a role in the Coronation 

Born in 1959, I grew up on a council estate in Dagenham and travelled many miles on the 148 bus to get to Wanstead High School. It was on those long journeys I bonded with friends and homework was done. And on the way home, much time was spent hanging around Ilford, and conversations about every subject under the sun were had and then continued on the phone once we’d reached our homes. Everything seemed so important then.

My memories of Wanstead High School include going from one school site to another before Wanstead and Aldersbrook joined together to become a comprehensive. The hot summer of 1976 also stands out in my mind, along with the thrill of having lessons in the quadrangle. Then there was an exchange trip with a school in Denmark, which all seemed so exotic, and a geography field trip to North Yorkshire, where I didn’t make it to the top of Roseberry Topping. I also recall modelling the proposed new uniform for girls with my late friend Joanne Wallen so the school governing body could decide (which they did) to let girls wear trousers, which were previously banned. And on top of all that, there were many happy times in The George pub, where sixth formers and teachers would enjoy plenty of chat!

Wanstead High School was my route to Lancaster University to study management sciences, where I got my first and exciting taste of politics as a student union activist. My first job took me to Derby, where I became very involved in both my union and the Labour Party, such that in 1995, after many defeats at the General Election, and having been a business advisor, welfare rights advisor and trade union official, I took the big step of putting myself forward as a candidate and was selected – then elected in 1997 – as the MP for Lincoln. Having served as a member of the last Labour government for 13 years as an MP, whip and government minister in five departments, I lost my seat in 2010. I then volunteered, studied and worked for myself for a few years, after which I was appointed chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the representative body of the Jewish community.

Fast forward seven years and I was deeply honoured to be ennobled by Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition, and now serve as Baroness Merron of Lincoln and Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care. Last year, I played a historic role in the King’s Coronation by presenting the Robe Royal to His Majesty as the Peer representing the Jewish faith.

And, of course, in all of this, I couldn’t have known that Wanstead High School would play a part in my life that would lead me to the House of Lords – something I could never have dreamt of.

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

A butterfly identification and recording workshop will take place in Wanstead Park next month.

“London is home to a surprising diversity of butterflies and moths. Over 25 of the UK’s 59 butterfly species can be spotted in the capital,” said a spokesperson for Big City Butterflies, which is organising the event in partnership with the Friends of Wanstead Parklands.

The free workshop – which will take place on 27 April from 1pm – will consist of a one-hour presentation at the Temple followed by a guided walk.

Visit wnstd.com/bfly

Rosemary Walker looks at the history of the Wanstead Grove Conservation Area and encourages residents to take part in Redbridge Council’s appraisal and management plan consultation

Wanstead Grove Conservation Area provides a well-preserved area of late-Victorian and Edwardian suburban housing that represents an important stage in the development of Wanstead from a country village to a middle-class London suburb.

The different periods of buildings allows one to understand the historic development of the area, while the largely unchanged forms and details of the houses result in an attractive and verdant suburban area. A number of architectural gems, including the large 18th-century house of Applegarth and the 1890s Arts and Crafts almshouses at Roding Cottages, Nutter Lane, further raise the standard of the area’s architectural interest. The well-maintained public open space of the Nutter Recreation Ground contributes to the rural feel of the winding path of Nutter Lane, and the historic Nightingale Green is a reminder of the area’s rural beginnings.  

During the mid-late 19th century, much of the land in Wanstead was sold for housing development. The residential dwellings constructed on the land were predominantly well-proportioned, detached and semi-detached. The Grove Estate was sold at auction in 1889 and the large country house – which stood on the junction between Grove Park and The Avenue – was subsequently demolished. The Grove Estate was gradually developed after 1889, starting with houses in Grove Park and The Avenue. Two 18th-century garden buildings, formerly part of the formal gardens, remain in the rear gardens of properties on The Avenue. A gazebo remains in the garden of 20 The Avenue, which is Grade II* listed, and a temple at number 14 survives and is also Grade II* listed.

In 1921, Nutter Field was donated to the people of Wanstead by the Nutter sisters (daughters of a wealthy cheese merchant and who the lane is named after) for the purpose of leisure and recreational use. 

By the early 20th century, the Estate was well established and development was dense. As a result, there were land shortages for further homes. This stimulated the construction of flats. The Shubbery, located on Grosvenor Road, was constructed in 1935 by Cockett, Henderson & Gillow for the North-East London Property Company Ltd. The apartment blocks are constructed in an Art Deco style and are now Grade II listed. Grove Cottage – which formerly stood on the corner of Nutter Lane and Leicester Road – was known to have been one of Wanstead’s oldest buildings but was demolished in 1957.

The Wanstead Grove Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan document will guide future development and design within the conservation area. The council now needs your feedback to ensure it incorporates local knowledge and responds to local priorities.

The consultation is open until 15 April. To take part, visit wnstd.com/grove

A former Wanstead resident is seeking help to organise more litter-picking sessions at Eagle Pond in Snaresbrook.

“Myself and the other Fabulous Litter Pickers group leader no longer live here, so we can only organise monthly events. More locals would be great. When I lived in Wanstead, I litter picked every Sunday and got the litter down to a good level so we didn’t have to spend so long,” said Shelley Holmes. In February, 10 bags of rubbish were collected, including a knife, which was handed over to the police.

Visit wnstd.com/fabpick

A project which hopes to make up to 50 new kneeling cushions (hassocks) for Christ Church is inviting the community to take part.

“In addition to sewers, we are looking for funders, designers and archivists to get involved. The kneelers can be made from a pre-designed kit or be a personal design. A record of each kneeler and the story behind them will be assembled to form part of our local heritage,” said Susan Allison. An introductory meeting will be held at the church on 17 April at 1.45pm (repeated at 7pm).

Visit wnstd.com/kneelers

In the sixth of a series of articles, Revd James Gilder of Wanstead Parish explores the pathway of Easter, reflects on the century so far and urges us not to give up hope

Easter is almost as early as it can be this year, and it’s taken us all rather by surprise. I write this on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent and it feels as though we’ve only just left Christmas behind! Nonetheless, the snowdrops have been out for quite a while and the daffodils are starting to poke their heads up in between the leaves, the grass and the never-ending stream of litter brought into my front garden by the Wanstead foxes. 

It’s amazing to think almost a quarter of this century has now gone by. It doesn’t seem so long ago that we all got excited (or not) about the Millennium Dome, and pictures were beamed around the world of the Queen looking rather nonplussed at having to hold hands with Cherie Blair whilst singing Auld Lang Syne as the clock struck midnight.  

At that time, it seemed like the biggest worry for the world was the millennium bug, which – you may recall – turned out to be a storm in a teacup. (For those under the age of 25, the millennium bug referred to how many computer programs used to represent the year with only two digits, making the year 2000 indistinguishable from 1900, and the inability of computers to distinguish dates correctly had the potential to bring down worldwide infrastructures, it was thought).

Yet, not much more than a year later, with the attack on the Twin Towers, it felt rather as though the world had entered a grim new era. Throw in several wars in the Middle East; the 2008 recession from which we never seemed to fully recover; the pandemic and goodness knows what else besides, and it’s clear that the 21st century has not got off to the most auspicious start.

Perhaps it was ever thus; after all, history doesn’t seem to be a mark of linear progress, and whilst we improve at some things, in other areas, it feels like we go backwards. In the Christian calendar, Lent is purposefully a time of scarcity and solemnity. On Ash Wednesday, we say ‘remember thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return’, whilst marking foreheads with ash. This practice may sound strange, but – whether we have faith or not – remembering that we humans sometimes need to take a rain check on our own species’ self-belief isn’t a bad thing. After all, it tends to be humanity’s hubris that leads us in destructive ways.

By the time you read this, we will be well into Lent and on the path through the darkest hours of Good Friday to the joy of Easter.  This is our annual reminder that, whilst dark days come for us all, and for the world, we can’t ever give up hope – not for ourselves or for others. Let’s not give in to cynicism and not put up with it in our local, national or international life either. The Christian faith believes in happy endings.

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

In the 37th of a series of articles, David Bird from the Redbridge Music Society introduces local flautist Daniel Swani, who will be performing at Wanstead Library this month

Redbridge Music Society’s current programme of events aims to bring high-quality, live chamber recitals to the Redbridge public and to promote young, talented musicians by providing them with the opportunity to perform in front of an appreciative and supportive audience. On 12 March, outstanding young local flautist Daniel Swani will perform an exciting programme of works, ranging from the baroque to contemporary, including music by Bach, Fauré, Ian Clarke and others at the Churchill Room in Wanstead Library.

Daniel started flute and recorder lessons at the age of 10, and whilst attending Woodbridge High School he also studied at Redbridge Music School. He has fond memories of his time there and also of when he was principal flute in the Redbridge Music School Orchestra. He also studied at the Purcell School and the Junior Royal Academy of Music, winning the senior woodwind prize at both institutions. He was a member of the National Youth Orchestra and was also principal flute with the London Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.

Daniel studied flute, recorder and baroque flute at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with first-class honours in 2021. Whilst a student, he won a number of prizes and awards, including the Nancy Nuttall Early Music Prize and the Jonathan Myall Piccolo Prize. He also gained a teaching diploma and currently teaches at the Royal Academy of Music (Junior Department), the City of London School for Girls and Wellington College in Berkshire.

Daniel is a particularly versatile multi-flute player, and since graduating, has embarked on a varied musical career. He is active as an orchestral musician – having performed with leading orchestras such as the Royal Opera House, BBC Concert and London Chamber Orchestras – and also as a chamber player and has played at major venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall. He co-founded the award-winning ensemble Parandrus, who have been featured on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show and Early Music Now and who perform internationally. 

Daniel is equally at home in musical theatre; he has performed in the West End show A Christmas Carol, recorded the music for the West End’s Upstart Crow starring David Mitchell and has performed with Damon Albarn for the BBC’s Later with Jools Holland. He has also recorded for BBC TV, Apple TV, Netflix and BBC Radio 3. 

Please come along to hear and support this exceptionally talented young musician.

Daniel will perform at Wanstead Library on 12 March from 8pm (tickets on the door; visitors: £12; members: £8). Call 07380 606 767. Redbridge Music Society is affiliated to Making Music.

Residents are invited to a night of country dancing at St Gabriel’s Church to celebrate St Patrick’s Day this month.

“Join us for a fun-filled night of country dancing to a live band. No experience is necessary as all the steps will be explained,” said a spokesperson for the Friends of St Gabriel’s. The event will take place on 16 March, with a family-friendly session from 6pm to 7pm; celebrations will then continue until 10.30pm (tickets: £15). All profits will support the church hall refurbishment fund.

Visit wnstd.com/stpat

Pay and display parking machines across Redbridge are no longer operational, with plans for a new PayPoint service to be introduced.

“PayPoint is a widely recognised scheme offering the opportunity to pay for a range of goods and services at local retailers… Later this year, the machines will be physically removed and replaced by PayPoint, enabling people to pay for parking in cash,” said a council spokesperson.

RingGo will continue to be the main method of payment for parking, via the app or by calling 020 3046 0010

A local runner has set an unofficial British record by completing 410 marathons in 410 days, running in Wanstead Park.

“The hardest part was getting up at 3am and fitting a marathon in each day before work! I ran to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery for the charity Hope for Justice. I chose to stop running, but those exploited can’t run away. I will continue raising awareness, but I won’t run another marathon for a while,” said Aaron, who has raised over £26,000 so far.

Visit wnstd.com/410

Woodford Arts Group, Art Group Wanstead and Essex Art Club will join forces for an exhibition this spring. Ged Rumak reports 

The Woodford Arts Group are delighted to present an inclusive celebration of local artists to be held at the Sir James Hawkey Hall this March. Joining us are Art Group Wanstead and Essex Art Club, collectively offering a stimulating celebration of the visual arts.

Irrepressibly creative, painters, printmakers, sculptors and artists working in a variety of media reflect the thoughts, ideas and talents in Woodford and Wanstead and the surrounding area. Recognising the importance of nurturing new voices in the art world, the work of sixth-form students from Woodford County High School will also be showcased. 

Opportunities to exhibit, view and purchase original art from local artists are rare in the local area. Recognising this, when the Hawkey Hall became available, the Woodford Arts Group decided its spring exhibition should be open to all local art groups to exhibit. When purchasing at this exhibition, buyers will not only gain enormous pleasure and brighten their homes, they will also support the local artistic community.

In addition, Woodford County High School’s jazz orchestra will be performing on 12 March between 1.30pm to 2pm. And further embracing the joys of music, Redbridge Music Lounge will be performing over the weekend.

Representing creativity in garden design and horticulture, the Woodford Greeners and the South Woodford Gardeners will be on hand to explain their activities and plans for the area.

Sponsored generously by The Stow Brothers and enthusiastically supported by Vision RCL, even if you have no intention of picking up a pencil, paintbrush, welding torch or musical instrument, I recommend a visit to this fun, dynamic and inspirational exhibition.

The exhibition will run from 9 to 12 March at the Sir James Hawkey Hall, Broomhill Road, Woodford, IG8 0BG, open from 11am to 6pm (free entry). For more information, visit wnstd.com/art

Any vehicle bringing waste from a DIY project to the Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre now requires an appointment.

“This will make it easy for residents to use a new increased allowance of DIY waste while helping to protect the centre from misuse by those who are required to pay to dispose of waste,” said an East London Waste Authority statement. DIY waste includes rubble, kitchen units, structural wood and metal and soil. Bookings can be made between 24 hours and three months in advance.

Visit wnstd.com/diy