April 2025

Scott Wilding, the former chair of the Wanstead Society, was honoured at the Redbridge Mayor’s Community Awards last month.

“Scott has been committed to environmental stewardship and community enhancement in Wanstead. Under Scott’s leadership, the Society demonstrated how grassroots involvement can create lasting, positive change… Scott symbolises the spirit of civic responsibility and environmental stewardship that makes this borough special,” said an event spokesperson.

Wanstead milkman Steve Hayden was honoured at the Redbridge Mayor’s Community Awards last month.

“Steve’s dedication goes beyond just delivering milk, he is a true champion of Wanstead and Aldersbrook, going the extra mile for his customers and everyone in the community. We are very proud of Steve’s unwavering commitment to his customers. Thank you, Steve, for your hard work, kindness and passion for the community,” said a spokesperson for Parker Dairies.

The Wanstead Repair Café will return this month as part of four events planned for 2025.

It follows the success of a pilot event in October, which attracted over 100 visitors who could register items to be fixed for free, including electrical appliances and clothes. “After the last event, we applied for funding and we are now able to run four more repair cafés this year in collaboration with Christ Church,” said a Wanstead Climate Action spokesperson.

Taking place in the church hall, this month’s event will feature more electrical and sewing specialists alongside bike and jewellery repairers.

“There will also be other activities, such as hand-sewing and art workshops and a listening station. So, bring along broken items poised for landfill and see if we can save even more carbon than last time!”

Repair cafés are free to attend and will take place from 10.30am to 1pm on 12 April and 14 June, with two more dates to be confirmed.

Email wansteadrepaircafe@gmail.com

Wanstead Village ward councillors Paul Donovan, Jo Blackman and Daniel Morgan-Thomas have issued a statement following concerns over the recently installed yellow box junctions on Wanstead High Street.

“We have been in touch with highway and parking officers to address these concerns. We have been informed that drivers should not be penalised for stopping in a yellow box to allow pedestrians to cross the zebra crossing. We have also requested a road safety audit and the results of this will inform the next steps.”

Redbridge is celebrating 60 years since its creation as a London borough.

On 1 April 1965, the London Government Act 1963 came into force, which reduced the number of local government districts from 86 to 32 London boroughs. Redbridge replaced Ilford Borough and Wanstead and Woodford Borough and also took in parts of Chigwell and Dagenham. Celebratory events will take place across the capital.

Visit wnstd.com/60th