May 2025

From Wanstead walks to life-changing work, Misha Gondhia shares her rewarding experience fostering Ralph, a guide dog in training and future companion to someone living with sight loss

My name is Misha Gondhia, and I am writing this article to share with you my journey as a local volunteer dog fosterer at Guide Dogs.

I love living in Wanstead; it’s the perfect balance between a city and a small-town feel, with greenery just steps away from the central London buzz. Last year, I found out the Guide Dogs centre in Woodford Green was recruiting dog fostering volunteers and I was very happy to discover that Wanstead (being only 15 minutes away from the site) is a key area in which volunteers are needed. I had always wanted to foster a guide dog in training, and it seemed like the perfect time to try, so I made the leap.

Before starting my role as a dog fosterer, I completed training and was provided with lots of important information. I felt supported in every step of my onboarding journey and I felt prepared for this rewarding role. The Guide Dog’s YouTube page also has lots of insightful videos on the journey of a guide dog, which I would highly recommend watching.

Ralph, a beautiful Labrador cross Golden Retriever, came to live with me from July to September last year. On Mondays, I would drop Ralph off at the Guide Dogs centre in the morning and have a chat with the health team about how Ralph was doing and laugh about any of his cheeky moments over the weekend. The local team is lovely and always answered any questions I had. I’d then collect Ralph at the end of the day and keep the same routine for the rest of the week, with evenings consisting of lots of rest and cuddles.

Ralph was a big fan of both Costa and City Place coffee shops on Wanstead High Street, which we would visit on weekends when he wasn’t in training. As a dog fosterer volunteer, you still get to do fun things in your free time, and for me, it was lovely having a dog accompany me around town.

The first thing people asked me when I told them I was applying to be a dog fosterer was how would I be able to give the dog up when it’s time? It was difficult; a dog comes into your home and very quickly becomes a part of the family. There were tears when Ralph left, but it was time for him to move on and have a huge positive impact on someone else’s life. Knowing that I was a part of that journey really did help.

So many people rely on the services provided by guide dogs and without people volunteering, the process will only take longer. Reminding myself of that and the fact that I can do something which contributes to changing someone’s life is incredibly empowering. I know there will be another dog on their journey in need of a loving foster home that I can go on to help next.

For more information about fostering a guide dog, visit wnstd.com/gdfoster

In the 14th of a series of articles featuring wildlife images from Wanstead Park and Wanstead Flats, Kevin Wright presents three images taken as part of a weekly photo challenge

Sometimes, you need to make time. I have been photographing as a hobby for 18 years on digital, and before that on film when I was a teenager. I’m a member of Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society and for a few years now, some of the members have been participating in an online photography challenge called 52 Frames, which sets a weekly challenge.

As I’m still working, I never thought I would be able to find the time to get involved with the challenges. This year, however, I joined anyway. Surprisingly, I haven’t dropped out yet or missed a week. I have managed to find the time. The challenges are varied and push you into doing things photgraphically that you may never have tried. Some examples so far are self-portraits, mood and levitation! Often, you don’t feel inspired or motivated straight away.

One particular week in March, all I had to achieve was a photo with a shallow depth of field. That usually means a sharp subject with a blurry background. I’ve shot a lot of sport before, so that was doable. Then, all that week, whilst cycling home from work past Alexandra Lake on Wanstead Flats, there had been geese and ducks sitting on a spit of land which appears as the higher water levels of winter subside. So, that Saturday evening, I grabbed my camera and telephoto lens and headed to the lake to get some shots. When I arrived, all that was there was a badly placed duck! I almost turned around but decided to go and have a closer look. Maybe I could convince the duck to move? As I got closer, I was very surprised to see a large Red-eared Terrapin basking in full view. Who needs geese and ducks? I set up the camera and tripod, keeping a decent distance. People passing by were also intrigued. I had a conversation with a lady who was convinced it wasn’t real, and another with a guy and his friends who said they had never seen one in 20 years.

I’m no wildlife expert. However, I do know that Red-eared Terrapins are not native to the UK. I briefly looked into it and it seems they were probably set free in the nineties; people had them as pets, possibly linked to the popularity of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Apparently, they can be quite easily seen in the pond in the City of London Cemetery and also in Wanstead Park. This one must have been around a while as it was quite big, its shell being eight to nine inches in length.

While I was there I got some other shots at the other end of the lake. First, an Egyptian Goose (bottom photo), which are also non-native and first established themselves in the London area in 1990, and later on Wanstead Flats in 2011. My last shot was of a Coot. I know they are not exotic but they do make a characterful subject.

I was glad I found the time.

For more information on the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, visit wnstd.com/wwps

Kavita Rana from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash explores the complexities of disputes relating to the right to inheritance after death and challenges to the validity of wills

Disputes concerning wills and inheritance can be tricky and sensitive. 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 of 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 facts.

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 the property be transferred from the estate to the individual, even if the will does not provide for this.

In the case of Gee vs Gee (2018), the court found in favour of a son 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 a 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

After years of responding to emergencies across East London, Inspector Nick Sutton is now proud to be part of neighbourhood policing in Wanstead and all other Redbridge wards north of the A12

After over two decades on the frontline in East London, I’ve now stepped into the role of inspector for Redbridge North. For the past 18 months, I’ve served as the Acting Chief Inspector for Redbridge’s emergency response teams, so I know this borough well; its challenges, its complexity and most importantly, its people, both in the community and in the teams who serve it every day. Taking on this new neighbourhood role is a genuine privilege. But I don’t want to use this space to talk about me – I want to tell you about the team I’ve joined.

Neighbourhood policing has faced relentless pressure. Like many other areas, we’ve been impacted by financial constraints and frequent abstractions – with officers regularly redeployed to support emergency response teams or central London operations. Despite this, the Redbridge Neighbourhood Police Teams have stayed focused on what truly matters: their communities.

They continue to show up, stay visible, and engage with those they serve. They solve problems quietly but effectively. They work with council and housing partners, tackle antisocial behaviour, engage with schools and youth groups and remove dangerous offenders from our streets. They do all this with limited resources and without ever seeking the spotlight. That level of commitment deserves recognition.

My role now is to support and champion their work. I want to protect their ability to focus on the issues that matter locally – to give them the time, tools and encouragement to continue building trust and delivering real results. That means enabling their ideas, reinforcing the impact they make and ensuring neighbourhood priorities are not overshadowed by competing demands.

Neighbourhood policing might not always make headlines, but it’s the foundation of public confidence. It’s what reassures residents, prevents harm and creates safer, more resilient communities. I’ve spent my whole policing career on the frontline and seen time and again how strong local relationships can make the difference in preventing crime and building lasting trust.

In my first few weeks, I’ve spent time listening to officers, to partners and to the people we serve. The message is clear: there’s more to do, but there’s a strong base to build from. The challenges are real. But so is the dedication of this team. They’ve stayed committed, focused and deeply connected to their communities. That’s something I’m proud to be part of.

To contact Wanstead Village SNT, call  07766 247 245 or visit wnstd.com/snt

To contact Wanstead Park SNT, call 07769 498 676 or visit wnstd.com/snt

To join the Met’s WhatsApp channel for Redbridge, visit wnstd.com/rwa

A Wanstead resident has launched a free weekly Zoom chat group for dads.

“As a new dad myself, I’ve really felt that safe spaces for dads to talk and grow are missing – so I wanted to create one,” said Matt Lo, who has named the group The Dad Table. “No pressure, no advice-giving, just a space to talk, share a bit or even just listen in if life’s been feeling a bit full-on. If you’re a dad juggling a lot or just need some headspace with others who may be going through the same thing, you’ll be made very welcome.”

Visit wnstd.com/dads

In the first of a series of articles, Benjamin Murphy, Chairman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, reports on the improvement projects that will be getting underway in Wanstead Park this summer

Wanstead Park is a Grade II* Registered Park and Garden and has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register since 2009. In 1954, the Temple and the nearby Grotto were designated as Grade II listed buildings, while in 1970 the Wanstead Park area was designated as a Conservation Area. The Wanstead Park Conservation Area was added to the Heritage at Risk Register in 2010, while the Grotto was separately added in 2017.

Over the next few months, work will begin on several heritage and conservation projects in Wanstead Park as part of our ongoing efforts to care for this much-loved historic landscape.

Thanks to donations from the Friends of Wanstead Parklands and Aldersbrook Families Association, the play area will be getting a facelift, including new play equipment, signage and a surfaced path to an accessible nest swing. During this time, the play area will need to be closed completely, and we hope to have the work finished this summer.

As readers may already know, the Grotto is in need of work to stabilise its structure to remove it from the Heritage at Risk Register. This essential work, led by the City of London Corporation as conservators of Epping Forest, will also begin this summer and is expected to continue until the end of the year. Works will include removing and replacing decayed bricks and loose pointing and reinstating new flaunching – the mortar base holding the chimney stacks in position. From a distance, these changes might not look like a lot, but along with a steel frame that will be erected at the back of the Grotto, they will stabilise the brickwork and ensure it remains in good condition.

As outlined in my January article, Wanstead Park’s British Isles-shaped ‘Map Tree’ has a pronounced lean toward the Ornamental Water and exposed roots at the base of the trunk (see picture). Sadly, these roots are being damaged from heavy footfall, so, in the next few weeks, a low fence will be built around this 200-year-old cedar to help protect it. The roots not only carry nutrients and water but anchor the tree firmly in the ground. Please help us preserve this much-loved specimen for as long as possible by keeping off the roots. There remains some optimism the tree may surprise us and continue for decades to come, but we are also making plans to plant a replacement nearby.

There are also several projects underway to improve the water resilience in the park.  Our new Wanstead Park Projects Officer is coordinating these to ensure their successful delivery over the next couple of years. More to follow on this in a future issue.

Throughout these important conservation and heritage works, some areas of the Park may be closed off to visitors, for your safety.

For more information and updates, visit wnstd.com/colc

Organisers of the Wanstead Fringe are keen to hear from volunteers to help fill a range of roles.

“The Wanstead Fringe is growing from an annual festival into a larger arts organisation. Getting it together takes cunning and effort from a growing team of wonderful, enthusiastic people,” said Fringe founder Giles Wilson.

Roles that currently need to be filled include publicity, fundraising, business operations and event stewarding.

This year’s Fringe will run from 6 to 27 September.

Visit wnstd.com/wf25vol

From school play to community stage: the Highams Players celebrate friendship, talent and a love of theatre ahead of their next production in Wanstead this month. Rina Davison reports

The Highams Players was founded in 1939 by former pupils of Woodford County High School, known at that time as Highams School. Two of the students formed a drama society and had to search for men for the male parts as it was an all-girls school! Since those humble beginnings, our society has grown and we pride ourselves on being not just members of a drama society, but friends.

Sue and Howard Walters have been members since 1988. Sue is Honorary Secretary and has taken part in many productions over the years. Howard is Honorary Treasurer and a dab hand at set building. Without the loyal support of people like Tony Wright, who has been setting up our lights and sound for many years, and Ruth Lisk, who has joined us recently on the refreshments side (what would Highams be without our famous free tea, coffee and biscuits in the interval?), we would not be able to function!

Our director Dennis Joyce chose Something to Hide for our next performance because thrillers are very popular with the Highams audience, and this is a very good one! In this suspenseful tale, novelist Howard Holt’s country home becomes the setting for a dark crisis when his wife, Karen, arrives late one night, distraught after accidentally killing a young woman in a car accident. This will be Dennis’ eighth production for us and he is enjoying working with a lovely bunch of actors, some of whom are joining us for the first time, while others are of long-standing. I am one of the more recent members. I joined in 2023 when I was looking to add some post-pandemic fun to my life!

Like countless others, Si Hussain’s first experience of acting was at school. Following a long hiatus, his passion was rekindled when he joined Highams Players in 2017. We also have Bobbie Hindman, who joined Highams Players in 2012 and since then has spent many a happy evening either treading the boards or huddled in the prompt corner trying to keep wayward actors on track! Another of our regulars is Stephen Aminzade, who has been involved with Highams for nearly five years and Something to Hide will be his fifth play. Returning to the stage for the second time is Paskell Meal, who attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts NYC, and although she decided to trade in the professional world of acting for working with the LEGO group, she is happier than ever. Joining the cast for the first time is Harry Brierley, a graduate of East 15 Acting School, who brings fresh talent and energy to the stage. He’s joined by fellow newcomer Jessie Smith, whose passion for theatre began in early childhood.

Would you like to join us? Whether on stage or behind the scenes, new members are always welcome. Or simply join us in the audience – no show is complete without you!

For more information and to book tickets, call 020 8924 6987 or visit highamsplayers.co.uk

Redbridge Council is urgently calling on men in Redbridge to prioritise their health.

It follows a report by the council’s Public Health Team, which highlighted that more men die prematurely than women in the borough. The top cause of death was cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke), followed by cancer and liver disease. Redbridge also has the third-highest prevalence of diabetes in London.

Visit wnstd.com/hlth

From an organ made 100 years ago to recorders made out of carrots, the late-spring bank holiday will see the return of the May Music Festival at St Mary’s Church. Festival director Alison Wells reports

I am really excited about this year’s May Music Festival programme, which features family fun with the London Vegetable Orchestra, rising stars of the Royal Opera House’s young artist scheme, music of the golden age of the guitar and a celebration of St Mary’s organ. 

As usual, we’ve tried to combine the best of local talent with amazing musicians at the start of their careers. Our own Martin Wheatley – a member of the St Mary’s congregation and one of our volunteer organists, as well as being a leading jazz guitarist in the UK and abroad – will be leading a concert of popular music featuring guitars, Hawaiian guitars, banjos, ukeleles, violin and double bass… and some singing. And there will also be some rather more eccentric and fun items in this year’s programme.

The London Vegetable Orchestra certainly answers to the eccentric description, and their event on Saturday 24 May is going to be lots of fun for all ages; we’ve introduced a family ticket for that event, which is very good value. They will be showing us how to make a recorder out of vegetables – yes, really! We have lots of peppers and carrots on order!  And if you need any further endorsement of this event, look no further than the King himself, who played a carrot recorder with the London Vegetable Orchestra during a reception at Windsor Castle last month. Also, we’re excited that Reuters will be filming this event for a documentary.

That evening, mezzo-soprano Ellen Pearson and baritone Sam Hird, who are about to start their Royal Opera House careers, will be presenting a lovely recital of songs and duets, showcasing their talents and their wonderful communication skills. I am honoured to be accompanying them for this performance. Both these young singers, graduates of the Royal College of Music, have already won several competitions and sung operatic roles, so don’t miss them – you can say you heard them here first!

The organ day this year is going to be a little different in that we are having other local musicians playing alongside our 100-year-old pipe organ. Susan FitzGerald will play her flute, Jane Miller her violin and our multi-talented Rector James Gilder will be bringing his euphonium. Toby Ward, conductor of award-winning Ensemble Pro Victoria, will also give a talk about the changing role of organs – bringing them out of the organ loft and using them in film is an idea composers have been latching on to.

We’ve kept ticket prices the same as last year, with concessions for under-18s and over-65s. Season tickets are available too and a bar will be operating in the churchyard before concerts and at intervals. We look forward to seeing you.

The May Music Festival will run from 24 to 26 May. For more information and to book tickets, visit wnstd.com/may25

An artist has transformed the pump house in Wanstead Park – located between the Ornamental Water and the River Roding – with a piece entitled What We Leave Behind.

Inspired by a desire to give back to a much-loved space, the work unifies old markings and graffiti with patterns inspired by the park’s natural features, such as rippling water and tree woodgrain.

“It was interesting to engage with visitors as I worked and explain my idea of wanting to meaningfully improve this spot in the park,” said film and TV artist Alex Glenn.

A total of 70 new trees have been planted across Wanstead between November 2024 and March 2025.

“The Local Authority Treescapes Fund made this tree-planting initiative possible. This fund, dedicated to enhancing our local environment, has also ensured the trees will be irrigated for the next three years,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson. While the council’s tree adoption window has closed, residents are encouraged to help care for the new trees by watering them during spring and summer.

Visit wnstd.com/tree