October 2024

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands and Epping Forest have lodged objections to the planning application to build a golf centre on Royston Gardens Open Space.

“It would be damaging to an area of ecological value, adjacent to Wanstead Park. The proposed project is unlikely to be viable in the long term, and its failure could open the way to something even worse,” said a Friends of Wanstead Parklands spokesperson. A petition against the development has received over 3,700 signatures.

Visit wnstd.com/rgpetition

Broadmead Road bridge has reopened to motorbikes and bicycles, but remains closed to cars and heavy vehicles.

“Engineers are currently analysing in detail the results of the concrete testing to assess the weight that can be taken across different parts of the bridge… We will publish a simplified version of the Principal Inspection report by mid-November, along with the full inspection report,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson.

The 87-year-old bridge has been closed to traffic since July 2023 due to significant structural defects.

Redbridge Council has approved the development of a new Education and Youth Hub on the site of the former Wanstead Youth Centre, which closed in October 2023 for repairs.

The £6.5m project will see the facility remodelled, with the addition of classrooms, a café, playrooms and office space. “We are redeveloping Wanstead Youth Centre to bring an under-used facility back to life,” said Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council.

Under the plans, the centre’s rear gymnasium will be converted into a dining hall and multipurpose space, which has sparked concern among campaigners. “We are shocked the council approved the option to demolish the only remaining large indoor sports hall in the west of the borough… The other option – to build the classrooms in the smaller gymnasium – was ignored,” said Liz Martins of the Save Our Wanstead Youth Centre campaign.

The new hub is expected to open in September 2025.

More than 100 local residents attended a meeting with TfL last week to highlight the problems caused by recent changes to local bus routes.

TfL bus planner Stephen Walker embarked on a ‘W-bus’ tour with Save Our Local Bus Services campaigner Liz Martins ahead of the event. Mr Walker said September’s cyber attack meant timetables were still unavailable for the W14 service. Regarding calls for improvements, he said: “I’ll have to wait to see the data.” Campaigners have called for him to act immediately.

Local photographer Deepak Dembla recorded the Northern Lights over Wanstead Flats for the second time this year.

“This was a truly wonderful experience. I was out from 9pm until 3am. By the lake, it looked like paradise watching from the copse!” said Deepak, who first captured the phenomenon in May.

The sun is currently near the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, with high solar activity giving an increased chance of seeing the Northern Lights. The current peak is expected to last until mid-2025.

A council by-election will take place in Wanstead Park ward on 14 November.

It follows the resignation of former councillor Bayo Alaba, who became MP for Southend East and Rochford in July’s General Election.

The successful candidate will join the current Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Sheila Bain, in representing the area.

The candidates are: Forhad Raj (Reform UK), Neil Hepworth (Lib Dem), Sharula Kangle (independent), Daniel Moraru (Conservative), Emma Shepherd-Mallinson (Labour) and Syed Siddiqi (Green).

Art Group Wanstead member Gina Wade has been creating coloured pencil drawings of pets and wildlife since lockdown

I was born in The Netherlands to a Dutch mother and an English father. We spent the next few years in Germany. Then, we lived in Cyprus, Aden and Belgium, in between returning to Holland, where I spent nearly five years at a Dutch school. You may have gathered my father was in the Forces. His last posting was in England, in Upminster. Currently, I live in South Woodford. 

I have one son and three beautiful grandchildren, living in Sydney, Australia. So there is still lots of travelling between visiting family there and the Netherlands, and holidays, of course.

I started oil painting at school in Belgium. Here, in the UK, I did various part-time art courses. Drawing animals was never my thing and I was pretty bad at it, but lockdown started and I saw a picture of a cat which had been done in coloured pencils. After a bit of investigating, I decided to have a go. This got me watching YouTube and Instagram, where there are lots of good coloured-pencil artists giving demonstrations and tips. A lot of them also do classes on Patreon. After honing my skills, I now specialise in drawing pets and wildlife.

I have lived in the area for more years than I can remember, but until lockdown, most of my social life was in London. I have now joined Art Group Wanstead, and was delighted when I sold one of my earlier drawings of a German Shepherd at one of the group’s exhibitions. 

My first cat and dog drawings were started with a box of 24 Faber-Castell Polychromos. The most important thing is shading, lights and darks. I then gradually added to my pencils, buying mostly loose pencils. I now also use Caran d’Ache Luminance 6901 series, Derwent Drawing, Derwent Lightfast and Derwent Studio and Caran d’Ache Pablos. The type of paper is also really important. I started with a pad of Strathmore Bristol Vellum 300 and off I went. The various types of paper I now use are Pastelmat, Derwent Lightfast, Dura-Lar 0.005, Polydraw 0.50 and Grafix 0.005. The latter and Pastelmat are my favourites.

There are different techniques you must use with the various types of paper. Pastelmat is the most forgiving. You can colour light over dark, whereas most of the other papers you can’t. With Grafix, Dura-Lar and Polydraw you have to have a really light touch. I use a mono zero 2.3 eraser and Faber-Castell kneadable eraser. I use them both to not only erase but to also create hairs, shadows and whiskers. A Helix Metal Erasing Shield and Scotch Magic Tape, again to create shadows. I do have an electric eraser but hardly use it. If you are starting out, then this is something I wouldn’t buy. 

So, with all this information, I hope there is someone out there who is going to give coloured-pencil drawing a go!

My ambition is to enter more exhibitions. One of my dreams would be to get something entered in The David Shepherd Wildlife exhibition. Another thing I aim to do is give a drawing to an animal charity for them to auction off. In the meantime, I am doing commissions.

To view more of Gina’s artwork, follow her on Instagram @GinaWade03

Jo Cullen from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash takes a look at some of the legislation which is expected to be introduced as part of the government’s ‘new deal for working people’

The King’s Speech in July confirmed Labour’s commitment to implementing their “Plan to make work pay: delivering a new deal for working people,” which sets out ambitious changes to workplace rules and regulations. 

An Employment Rights Bill will introduce new laws to implement the proposals under Labour’s ‘New deal for working people’. It is expected the new legislation will include:

• Day one rights for all workers: this will cover rights for parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal. 
• Zero-hour contracts: banning exploitative contracts, making sure workers have a right to a contract that reflects the hours they regularly work.
• Fire and rehire/fire and replace: ending current practices by reforming the law and replacing the statutory code currently in place.
• Sick pay: removal of the lower earnings limit and waiting period for statutory sick pay.
• Flexible working: making flexible working the default position for all workers from day one of employment.
• Protections for new mothers: strengthening rights making it unlawful to dismiss a woman who has had a baby for six months after she comes back to work.
• Fair Work Agency: creation of a new agency to enforce workplace rights.
• Fair pay agreement: introducing a new agreement for the adult social care sector.
• Repealing the law on minimum service levels in relation to industrial action.
• Simplifying the process of statutory recognition for trade unions.
• Introducing a right for workers and union members to access a union within workplaces.
• A timetable has not yet been published for the implementation of the proposed changes but the promise by Labour to introduce the Bill within the first 100 days of taking office suggests it may be presented to Parliament in the autumn. 

Separately, a draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill will tackle inequality for ethnic minorities and disabled people to create a more equal society and to support a growing economy. The draft Bill will look to expand equal pay protections and introduce mandatory ethnicity and disability pay reporting for larger employers.

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

Local councillors have organised a meeting with TfL officers to to address concerns about the recent changes to the W12 and W14 bus routes.

“As local councillors, we’ve been raising concerns with TfL since these changes were proposed last year, in particular about the impact on the Nightingale estate and access to Whipps Cross. We hope this meeting will offer an opportunity for TfL to hear directly from residents about how the changes have impacted them and that we’ll be able to work together to find a solution,” said Councillor Jo Blackman.

The meeting will take place at Wanstead United Reformed Church at 3pm on Friday 11 October.

Email jo.blackman@redbridge.gov.uk if you would like to attend.

In the ninth of a series of articles, Revd James Gilder of Wanstead Parish introduces two local volunteering opportunities that residents may wish to take part in

There is something about the shortening days of autumn that seems to spur me into action. Looking at the world as it is, it can be easy to feel, occasionally, there is perhaps not much point in action – because everything seems to just get worse! In truth, I guess the stories of things getting better don’t always make for interesting news. 

If, like me, you get that slight itch to do something new, something productive, as the nights get shorter, you might be interested in a couple of things you can volunteer for that will undoubtedly make a difference (though possibly not get you in the news). 

At the Parish of Wanstead, we help to run the Forest Churches Night Shelter throughout the winter months. Starting on 1 November and running through to the start of April, the shelter provides beds and warm meals for homeless people in north-east London. You might recall in the old days we used to run this from the parish halls, but now it is all run in conjunction with the YMCA on Forest Road, Walthamstow. This enables service users to have a proper bed and a shower, as well as an evening meal, and means people don’t have to pack up their belongings every night to travel to a new church hall the next day. Wanstead volunteers’ night at the shelter is Tuesdays. The volunteers cook a meal at home for about 15 people, and then take it along to the shelter in Walthamstow, serve it up and eat with the service users. Afterwards, the volunteers clear up and chat or play some board games with the service users. Volunteers are always paired-up and a professional member of staff is on hand at all times to assist. You don’t need to stay overnight. The meal is usually served about 6.45pm and the shift is over by 9.30pm. Volunteering at the shelter last winter, we were astounded at the amount of homeless people who were well-qualified and who even held down full-time jobs despite not having anywhere to call home. It was a salutary lesson that everyone is only a few unfortunate decisions away from being homeless. People who volunteered really enjoyed the experience and the interactions they had, and we were all on the rota only about five times throughout the winter, so it wasn’t arduous.

There’ll be another volunteering opportunity at Christmas. Last year, we held a free Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day in the parish halls. This was for anyone who wanted to come, with a view that nobody should be alone on Christmas Day. It was a jolly occasion and we had about 30 guests, and excellent food (thanks to The Duke, who supplied all the meat). We’re fully intending to run the same this year. Perhaps you would like to help? Or maybe you would just like to come and eat with us? If you would like to volunteer for either of these initiatives, please let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

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

Amidst concerns over the health of Wanstead Park’s iconic Map Tree, Richard Arnopp takes a look at the 200-year-old specimen. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson

In Wanstead Park, the Long Walk once provided the eastward vista from Wanstead House toward the Ornamental Water. Near the end stands a lone Cedar of Lebanon on the bank of the lake. It is something of a landmark, and the only example of its species in the park.

At some point, this tree acquired the nickname of the Map Tree or the Tree of England, on account of its shape. Viewed from the north, its lopsided profile, with its longest branches spreading over the lake, give it something of the appearance of a map of England and Wales.

The Map Tree also has a pronounced lean toward the Ornamental Water, which appears to have increased over time. This has provoked some concern that time or a winter gale will cause it eventually to topple over. Epping Forest is on the case and Ben Murphy, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, has confirmed they are aware of the problem and the tree has been inspected, revealing damage to major structural roots. Epping Forest’s conservation team are looking at options to prolong the tree’s life as much as possible and will announce their decision later this year. 

The Map Tree is interesting because it must have been planted in the very last days that the gardens of Wanstead were being actively augmented (probably up to about 1818). It appears as little more than a sapling in one of the illustrations (above) of a charming book from 1827 (Rambles in Waltham Forest. A stranger’s contribution to the triennial sale for the benefit of the Wanstead Lying-in Charity). This shows the Grotto (to the right), the Straight Canal (centre) and tip of Rook Island (left). The perspective may have been tweaked a bit to get them all in.

Cedars of Lebanon, frequently mentioned in the Bible, were introduced into this country about 400 years ago and became very popular ornaments in parks and gardens (though they have an alarming habit of shedding branches without much warning). The Map Tree is over two centuries old, but hasn’t grown very large, as I assume the gravelly soil doesn’t suit it. 

It would be a great pity if the tree were to be lost, but it was planted very close to the bank and, as it has grown, it has become unstable. If the branches over the lake had been cut back at an earlier stage it might have stabilised (while regrettably losing some of our western counties). It may be too late for that now, but we must await the verdict of the arborists.

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

In the fourth of a series of articles charting the experiences of a Wanstead-based travel writer, Carole Edrich – who is now a TMA Travel Writer of the Year finalist – recalls caving in Slovenia

So, here I am. Stuck. Not writer’s block stuck. The occasional, unexpected, ADHD overwhelm makes that a mere aspiration. I am physically, scarily, logistically stuck. Humiliatingly stuck. Much worse than being stuck in public. I’m jeopardy stuck. I’m with a bunch of other journalists, and the thing about journalists is that if they can’t think of anything else to write about on this press trip, they’re going to write about me. 

It’s dark and we are caving. We traipse through slippery, dripping dampness when the going’s good, and squish through tight, sloshy wetness when it’s not. Over the centuries, the karst caves under Predjama Castle have dissolved into huge caverns with stalagmites and stalactites big as trees, tiny tunnels with underground springs of fresh, super-cold water, and everything in between. The general public isn’t allowed here. It’s scientists only, and our special optional treat.

I’m not in Slovenia for its nature, its history or architecture, or the famous castle above. I’m not here for the impressive and super-accessible public caves with their huge flat walkways and special options for those with impairments. I’m not here for the hotel or the spa or the food. Not even for the olms; tiny baby dragons found only in this area. Olms may be cute and amazing. They may catch my imagination with their mysterious life cycle. I may enjoy the challenge of photographing them. But they’re not what my commission’s about. I’m here to cover this caving experience for the hardest-core, hard-core adventure magazine I’ve ever written for. I’ve fought tooth and nail to become their extreme sports and adventure specialist. If this article’s good enough, the role will likely be mine. Original photos aren’t vital, but if I get them, I can sell another photo-story. I know my low-light photography is excellent, so it might even net me a prize.

But I’m stuck. Not because I don’t fit through the gap. I can get myself through it head-first or feet-first; not crawling, but squirming. I’m stuck because of my pride. I didn’t need to bring my Nikon. It is a valued gift and has won me several competitions. I’m stuck because I can’t bring the camera with me. I could tether it and drag it behind me, but it’s my pride and joy, and the only one I have. Faced with the choice of completing the caving or keeping my camera, I wuss out.

Years later, and I work with three cameras, lots of insurance and an extra old one for dodgy situations. Nobody wrote about me, and although I wrote for Real Travel regularly, I didn’t push for the title because my pride had taken a blow. Lesson learned. You’d think. Just last week I reached the finals in the TMA Travel Writer of the Year Awards. Hopefully, my pride in this achievement won’t get me stuck anywhere, but if it does, it’ll make a great story. Right?

To read more of Carole’s work or to listen to her podcast, visit caroleinnit.com

Over-55s poetry group the Redbridge Rhymesters will be reflecting on memories of Wanstead at their next creative writing session.

“We’ll be joined by pupils from Snaresbrook Primary School for this event, which will take place on 5 November, so we’ll also be inspired by fireworks as well as local history,” said group founder Alexandra Wilde.

Taking place at Age UK’s Allan Burgess Centre in Wanstead from 10am to 12 noon, the free event is open to anyone over the age of 55 with an interest in poetry.

Call 020 8989 6338

In the 40th of a series of articles, David Bird discusses the work of Redbridge Music Society and introduces pianist Emilie Capulet, who will be performing at Wanstead Library this month

Two essential aims of Redbridge Music Society are to enhance musical knowledge and music appreciation within the borough via high-quality, live chamber recitals featuring distinguished musicians. These aims will be realised on 22 October at Wanstead Library when celebrated pianist and lecture-recitalist Emilie Capulet will introduce and perform a diverse programme of music, featuring works by Haydn, Beethoven, Dohnanyi, Tomasi and Debussy.

Emilie is a cross-disciplinary musician and academic having a Master of Music in Performance, an MA on Shakespeare and a dual French Doctorate and British PhD on musical forms and aesthetics in the works of Virginia Woolf. Whilst touring Latin America, she received the ExpressArte award for her contribution to Nicaraguan culture, art and education. She is in much demand and is regularly invited to give recitals and concerts at music festivals and concert venues across Europe, USA and Canada. Emilie is also in demand as a guest artist on luxury cruise liners and musical river cruises.

Emilie has developed a considerable reputation as a guest speaker and lecture-recitalist and is often invited to give talks on the relations between music and other art forms and to give piano master classes and workshops in colleges, schools and universities worldwide, including the Liszt Academy in Budapest, the Sorbonne in Paris and Chichester University in the UK. 

She has appeared on radio and TV in France, Germany, Canada, Nicaragua and the UK and has made recordings of works by Beethoven, Chopin, the contemporary composer Richard Lambert and the French-Corsican composer Henri Tomasi (an award-winning and ground-breaking recording of his solo piano music).

Emilie is currently BMus (Hons) Programme Leader at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Greenwich. Previously, she held the posts of Head of Classical Performance Studies and Course Leader in undergraduate and postgraduate Music Performance courses at the London College of Music, University of West London. She has been a Music Lecturer at the University of Surrey and was recently appointed Visiting Fellow at Keble College, Oxford University, for 2025. She is very active in research and is currently the recipient of a prestigious Leverhulme Research Fellowship to write the first critical study and biography of Henri Tomasi.

Please come along to support the opening event of Redbridge Music Society’s 76th season and to hear Emilie perform and talk – a recital not to be missed.

Emilie will perform at Wanstead Library on 22 October from 8pm (tickets on the door; visitors: £12; members: £9). Call 07380 606 767. Redbridge Music Society is affiliated to Making Music.

Cakes and Carols – a Christmas event for the over-65s – will return to Wanstead United Reformed Church this year.

“We are looking for contributions from bakers and for families to volunteer to help on the day. We would also love some young musicians or any choirs to perform for our senior guests. If you can help in any way, please get in touch,” said Suzi Robinson, who has organised the annual event since 2014.

The free festive celebration will take place on 21 December from 1.30pm to 4pm.

Call 07917 670 664

South Woodford Library and Kenneth More Theatre have closed following the discovery of RAAC concrete.

“RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was a lightweight concrete used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s. When it degrades, it must be replaced. We therefore have no choice but to close both buildings and find alternative spaces for the events and activities wherever possible. Sadly, some shows will need to be cancelled where there is no other option. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment this will cause,” said a spokesperson for Redbridge Council.

The closure means the theatre’s annual pantomime has been cancelled, with a smaller Christmas show to take place at Redbridge Drama Centre in South Woodford instead. “Although the venue accommodates far smaller-scale productions than the one originally scheduled for the theatre, it will still be full of fun, song, and Christmas spirit.”

Engineers have conducted a detailed structural survey to assess the theatre building, and whilst no timescale for the work has been provided, a spokesperson said: “Shows throughout the autumn and winter and into next year will not be able to go ahead.” Refunds for cancelled shows will be processed automatically.

South Woodford Library will be closed for an estimated 12 months, with extensive work required.

“We have worked hard behind the scenes to find alternatives for those who use the library and gym. We will open a pop-up library, cafe, fitness studio, and study area in Redbridge Drama Centre, a few minutes walk from South Woodford Library. A number of rooms within the drama centre will be converted into a multi-purpose gym, and the equipment will be moved here for people to use.”

Books can be returned via a drop box at Redbridge Drama Centre or at the libraries in Wanstead and Woodford Green.

“We understand the closure is frustrating, and we apologise for the inconvenience it will cause. The safety of local people will always be our top priority.”

In the fifth of a series of articles charting the challenges facing Aldersbrook Medical Centre, Paul Wildish reports on the latest developments in the procurement of a permanent GP contract

Since February 2024, the patients of Aldersbrook Medical Centre (AMC), led by their Patient Participation Group (PPG), have been conducting a campaign to achieve a permanent settlement of GP providers of our choice from NE London Integrated Care Board (NELICB).

When the temporary contract expired, we wanted the providers from the Richmond Road practice in Hackney to remain, as they had introduced so many beneficial changes to what had previously been a failing practice. NELICB had other ideas and offered an extension of Richmond Road’s contract at a price they couldn’t afford. The PPG felt this could be construed as a ‘constructive dismissal,’ despite Richmond Road’s universally recognised award-winning clinical practice. We were determined to resist.

After public meetings, pickets at ICB HQ in Stratford and by enlisting the support of local councillors, our former MP John Cryer and Lord Victor Adebowale, Chair of the NHS Confederation, the PPG has engaged with the NELICB constructively to ensure the patients’ voice is heard during the next phase of designing and awarding a new permanent contract that corresponds with our needs. No other PPG in the UK has conducted a campaign of this kind to win such formal negotiating access to be part of the process of the procurement of a permanent GP contract.

What have we won so far? As this will be a permanent GP contract, we know corporate providers are excluded. The NELICB has recognised the AMC surgery must retain GP services on site and not become a part-time or inadequately staffed annexe of a local practice. We insisted the ICB came to meet patients at a public meeting at Aldersbrook Bowls Club to explain the procurement process, answer questions and take regard of patients’ views in the selection process. Our biggest coup has been the secondment of the AMC PPG’s chair Terilla Bernard to the ICB panel. This will put the contract out to tender, conduct the bidding process, interview the shortlisted GP bidders and ultimately select the successful GP team. Hats off to the ICB for taking such regard for the patients’ voice that they have invited Terilla on board to represent us. The procurement process is governed by rules of commercial confidentiality and the contract will meet official NHS specifications. Terilla has therefore been required to sign an NDA until the end of the procurement process. During this time, any negotiations will be under strict purdah.

Until the winner of the bidding process is selected in January 2025, due diligence has been carried out and the successful winners announced, the patients and PPG will remain on tenterhooks. The new, permanent contract will commence in March 2025. We sincerely hope our Richmond Road GPs will win.

For more information about the Aldersbrook Medical Centre Patient Participation Group, visit wnstd.com/amc

In the second of a series of articles by those leading the campaign to save The George, Martin Wheatley reflects on some of the qualities of Wanstead’s ‘pub for all seasons’

The George truly is a pub for all seasons. We see the newly legal drinkers showing their ID with an air of feigned indifference; young men and women enjoying their well-earned leisure time, perhaps even experiencing the spark of young love without the aid of an app; families, from toddlers to grandparents, gathering for a meal; retired couples on a budget treating themselves to a few drinks and perhaps a bite to eat; pensioners keeping warm in winter more cheaply than heating their own homes, with the bonus of a drink; single men nursing a pint; folk attending a wake and raising a glass to the departed.

How does The George achieve this? Value for money is a factor but not the only one. There is no muzak, conversation is possible without shouting. Admittedly, there are some televisions but they, thankfully, are silent. Whenever I’m at the bar, the screen seems to be showing news of ghastly goings-on around the globe, which only serves as a reminder of what I came to the pub to escape. There is a good selection of real ale (even if this isn’t your tipple, I would hope the preservation of this uniquely British drink in the uniquely British environment of the pub is something you’d support). And they take cash. Paying for a pint of cask ale with coin of the realm is by no means possible everywhere, not even in Wanstead!

Above all, it is a public house. All members of the public are welcome and can feel comfortable there.

So, what can be done to save The George? None of us is privy to the financial ins and outs behind the scenes, but I imagine the rent is not cheap. On top of that, pubs have been mercilessly targeted for taxation by all governments and for a long time. The George looks busy enough but, I should say, less so than in years past. All that we cherish in our communities – church, post office, independent shops – all that actually constitutes a community, will wither and die if we don’t make use of them.

Do sign the petition, do lobby your MP, do whatever you can, but above all, put aside social media, the podcast, the boxset and head pub-wards to The George for a drink.

“Change your hearts or you will lose your Inns and you will deserve to have lost them. But when you have lost your Inns drown your empty selves, for you will have lost the last of England.” Hilaire Belloc wrote those words in 1912. They still hold true but we are drinking in the Last Chance Saloon Bar.

Redbridge Council is seeking feedback on leisure and culture offerings in the borough.

“As we develop a new leisure and culture strategy, we want to ensure Redbridge continues to offer opportunities that meet the evolving needs of our residents and visitors… We would appreciate your participation in our survey to help us plan for the next 10 years,” said a spokesperson.

The consultation closes on 20 October.

A new swimming pool in Wanstead Leisure Centre is scheduled to open in summer 2025.

Visit wnstd.com/leisure

Organisers of the Haven House Christmas Cake appeal are seeking local volunteer bakers to take part in the festive fundraiser.

“If you can bake a few Christmas cakes, please let us know. And if you would like to buy a cake in exchange for a donation to the children’s hospice, reserve one now, as supplies are, of course, limited,” said Paul Canal.

The appeal is now in its fifth year, with over 300 cakes baked and sold to date, raising over £4,000 for the Woodford Green charity.

Email havenhousebakers@gmail.com

The Wren Wildlife Group’s practical work sessions will resume in Wanstead Park this month.

We are a local conservation group about to start our season of work in Wanstead Park and on the Flats. This involves habitat management, clearing scrub and various other pieces of work as requested by the City of London. We meet weekly on Thursday mornings at 10am and at the same time on the first Sunday of the month. More help is welcome! All tools and gloves provided,” said Peter Williams.

Visit wnstd.com/wren

Paul Donovan invites you to sample all that’s on offer at the second annual Wanstead Beer Festival

The Wanstead Beer Festival will be bigger and better this year, with more beers and the addition of a gin bar. The 40-plus beers and ciders are drawn from across the UK, with Essex-based breweries Brentwood, Elephant and Billlericay all being well represented.

Brentwood’s popular Pride of Prague, brewed to mark West Ham’s European Conference Cup victory last year, will once again be available. Get in quick, as this one sold out last time.

Another Essex-based brewery is Mighty Oak, which brings its champion beer, Captain Bob – always popular and goes quickly.

The popular Sussex brewery, Listers, makes a return, bringing its best bitter. A new one from Listers is their premium bitter, Special Ale. 

Harveys of Lewes will again be represented with Best Bitter and a new surprise beer.

Gloucester brewery, Goffs, makes a first-time appearance with the all-American hopped Cheltenham Gold.

Closer to home is West London-based Portobello, who bring Market Porter and Central Line Red – hopefully they’ll be on time! 

The Wanstead Beer Festival prides itself on its local ethos. So, East London breweries like Redemption, Beerblefish, Neckstamper, East London Brewery and Pretty Decent are all prominent, particularly amongst the keg beers. Pretty Decent’s “I could get better in T*sco’s for a quid” was popular last year, whilst Beerblefish’s Lee Valley lager is another sell-out beer.

There will also be a variety of ciders available. Devon-based Farmer Jim’s will be providing the popular Rhubarb Bob. There will also be a Farmyard Perrie on offer from Farmer Jim.

Those who like their gin won’t be disappointed. New this year is the English gin bar. There will be gins from Essex, Sussex and East London. Plus wine, prosecco and soft drinks will again be available. Christ Church will be doing the food.

Last year, Wanstead put down a marker as a place that likes its beer. The beer trade is under pressure. Breweries and pubs are going under on a daily basis. The George in Wanstead is the latest to come under threat. Wetherspoons are seeking to sell the pub.

The George, in many ways, exemplifies what a lot of people are looking for in a pub – reasonably priced beer and food and somewhere to come and meet other people. The sight of four people sitting around a table on mobile phones is not unusual, but people do actually talk directly to each other as well. Then, there are those who come in for a drink and maybe to keep warm. This is why supporting our local pub and breweries is so important. People across the generations come in to meet and greet one another.

There is the campaign to save The George, which hopefully will succeed, but if not, we need to come up with alternatives. Beer festivals contribute, as do micro pubs. There are all sorts of possibilities. What is for sure is that our pubs and breweries need support – use them or lose them.

On that note, we look forward to seeing you at the second Wanstead Beer Festival. Again, funds raised will be going to charity.

So, plenty to look forward to. More people, more beers and gin – what’s not to like? Last year, the festival proved so popular that tickets sold out a week early. So, don’t miss out this time. Roll on 12 October. It’s your round.

The Wanstead Beer Festival will take place on 12 October (1pm to 11pm) in the halls of Christ Church. For more information and tickets, visit wnstd.com/beer