September 2025

Attending court can be intimidating for witnesses, but volunteers at Snaresbrook Crown Court are there to help them every step of the way, says Catherine Redmond from the Citizens Advice Witness Service

For many people, attending court as a witness can be a daunting and unfamiliar experience. But at Snaresbrook Crown Court, a dedicated team of local volunteers are making a big difference in helping people feel more confident and supported when giving evidence.

The Citizens Advice Witness Service, a national initiative funded by the Ministry of Justice, operates in every criminal court in England and Wales, and runs a strong team right here in Snaresbrook. Snaresbrook has 20 courtrooms and is one of the biggest and busiest crown courts. Around 20 trained volunteers give their time each week to welcome and support witnesses and their families attending court proceedings.

From 9am each day, volunteers are on hand to greet witnesses, explain what happens at court and offer reassurance. They talk through who’s who in the courtroom and what to expect, always remaining impartial and supporting both prosecution and defence witnesses equally.

As well as practical guidance, volunteers provide much-needed emotional support. They’re trained to handle sensitive situations with empathy and care, and they often chat with witnesses about other concerns in their lives, pointing them towards organisations that can offer further help after the trial.

The team is supported by two experienced staff members, who keep everything running smoothly. Volunteers come from all walks of life; some are retired and looking to give back, others are students gaining insight into the justice system. What unites them is a shared commitment to helping others and remaining fair and neutral at all times. The role is varied and unpredictable; some days are quiet, others are busy with back-to-back cases, but it’s always rewarding. Volunteers also attend sentencing hearings, ensuring witnesses are supported at every stage.

“It has given me the opportunity to develop invaluable skills, especially in communication,” said one local volunteer. Another added: “Being a volunteer has not only allowed me to support others, but it’s also deepened my understanding of the justice system. Every day is different, and every person I meet reminds me why this role matters. It’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done and it’s really helped me build confidence in myself and how I communicate with others.”

New volunteers are always welcome. The service asks for a day of volunteering a week, with three months of training, observing trials and shadowing others, followed by 12 months of active volunteering. If you’re empathetic, flexible and interested in supporting others while gaining insight into the criminal justice system, this could be the perfect role for you.

For more information and to apply to volunteer, visit wnstd.com/witness

Hidden along the edges of the M11 Link Road is a secret artwork, three miles long and invisible. Over the 22 years it has been there, it has become a secret layer of East London. On Saturday 27 September it will be opened to the public for a day as part of the Wanstead Fringe Festival. Graeme Miller reports

LINKED is a work I opened in 2003. It is a chain of analogue radio transmitters that runs from Hackney Marshes to Redbridge Roundabout broadcasting the voices of the former residents of the 500 or so buildings demolished to make the road. You need a special radio receiver to hear this layer of speech from over 100 people who rebuild these vanished spaces and what happened in them in words.

I lived in one of these houses for a decade where the details of ordinary life met quite extraordinary events and the super-local met the global. Originally the work was commissioned by the Museum of London, and the recordings are now part of their oral history collection, the most visited in the archive I am told, and it has broadcast continuously since it opened. A couple of years ago we began restoring the work as gradually some transmitters failed, or in one case the lamppost it was on was demolished by a lorry. Now, they are nearly all working and you can explore the route at your own pace, following a printed map or Google Maps on a smartphone.

Hearing the voice of lollipop lady Jean Gosling, or tree-resident Green Dave alongside a Tube-driver in his cab, children scrumping and books blowing down the street in a storm, brings past the past to life. It has been a real pleasure to return to the area and put myself between the public and the artwork, hearing stories and connections people have with their locality and its unique resonant history. It is a pleasure to return to the special location of Wanstead Library, and we look forward to meeting new and returning public there.

LINKED: Saturday 27 September, 11am -5pm

Wanstead Library

FREE (Recommended for ages 12+)

You are welcome to book in advance, or drop in on the day.

Further detail, access information & booking
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/linked-tickets-1606542203979

Redbridge Council has issued a statement following the recent change of local RingGo parking location codes.

“To help make parking in Redbridge easier and more simplified for local people, we have been working with Ringo to reduce the number of codes people need to choose from to park in the borough. During the update process one or two new location codes may have taken a little longer than others to update onto the Ringo app, however as the old codes and new codes were both useable during the update process there should have been minimal impact on users. The update process is now complete ensuring new codes on the Ringo signage boards in the borough and those on the app match. Anyone wishing to contest a parking fine they received in the borough is able to do so through our usual appeals process, which can be found on our website.”

In the seventh of a series of articles charting the experiences of a Wanstead-based travel writer, Carole Edrich discovers how widely read Wanstead Village Directory is… and that being an oddfellow pays off

I don’t feature in The Times or present for the BBC and would hate being a famous influencer. I can write in different styles and for different types of reader, but ramming my maverick, madcap meanderings into words of one syllable to suit the supine sub-literate gives me a headache. I will never make the top of a travel junket schmooze list because my preferred phraseology – and outlook – is as conventional as crocodiles are vegetarian. That’s absolutely fine by me.

It’s a hot summer’s day here in Chester. A blessedly normal hot summer’s day. Not one of those O-M-G-How-Am-I-Ever-Going-To-Sleep summer’s days that scare the bejeezus out of me through their implications. I’m here for Media Gateway.

All the journos I’ve met on the train are given hotels super-close to the station. I’m slightly sad that to get to mine takes a 20-minute wander. But it’s better this way. I like meeting locals and, through them, finding stories, so when put with the rest of the herd, I spend my free time escaping.

To say I am slightly directionally challenged is like saying water is a little bit wet, the moon is a little far to walk to and that things might work slightly better if we were nice to each other for a change. So, when I pass city walls to get to my hotel, I’m a little confused. Am I really on the way to a great central location while the big guns are outside it, or am I – as usual – lost?

The Oddfellows boutique hotel – when I find it – is central and outrageously, gloriously quirky. I view an Alice in Wonderland tearoom with a big party table that’s also used for meetings; a light, bright breakfast room; a comfy bar with outdoors bit; lots of lovely plants; and huge, wild, contemporary décor.

My ‘room’ – a split-level suite – is larger than a louche Londoner’s living space. It has all the stuff I need, plus wide windows overlooking a lush, leafy loggia, a bed big enough for five, a gleaming oldey-worldey bathtub, wall-mounted desk, comfy sofa and separate shower. I’d write my next book here if I didn’t need the advance for luxuries like eating.

My Media Gateway junket comprises 16 15-minute chats with 14 country reps, visits to 13 local attractions, 12 short walks and 11 meals. Oddfellows extends my stay to let me search for inspiration (afternoon tea for lunch right in the hotel, creativity at Glass Deva and the inevitable wine story). They said they chose me over the other 200-ish journos for my offbeat style! Turns out, they found me in the Wanstead Village Directory!

Sometimes, being different pays off.

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

For more information on Oddfellows in Chester, visit oddfellowschester.com

Calvin Bailey MP will be holding a pop-up surgery in Wanstead on 18 September.

“Come along and speak to me about issues that matter to you. Please email my team if you will be coming and they can send you the location,” said the Leyton and Wanstead MP.

The surgery will take place between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Email calvin.bailey.mp@parliament.uk

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

“Every year, a group of volunteers whip, mix and bake their hearts out to raise funds for the children’s hospice… If you can spare the time to bake one or more traditional fruit cakes, or if you would like to order a cake (or two) for the festive season, please get in touch. Last year’s cakes were a sell-out success in Wanstead and Woodford, let’s do it again!” said Paul Canal.

Email havenhousexmasbakers@gmail.com

Where there’s a will, there’s a way, unless there is a dispute underlying the estate and the will! Kavita Rana from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash explains

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. So, where does this leave you?

Contesting a will
There are a number of grounds to contest a will. It may be that the deceased did not have the relevant mental capacity to understand their decisions at the time the will was signed. A failure to satisfy this 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. This could lead to a claim if not.

A will can also be overturned for undue influence. For example, if 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.

What if an individual feels they have been inadequately provided for in a will?
This might lead to a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The law allows dependents to apply to the courts for reasonable financial provision from the estate where there is inadequate provision in the will. The court’s award will depend very much on the individual facts surrounding dependency.

What if the deceased made a promise to provide property for an individual, but the will fails to make the bequest?
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 be transferred from the estate to the individual, even if the will does not provide for this. For example, 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 after his father transferred the asset to his other son.

How was the will signed?
There are grounds to challenge a will depending on how the will was signed. This depends on who the witnesses to the will were, how many witnesses were present for the will signing and who was present when the will was signed (to name but a few crucial grounds). If the will was not executed properly, this could be an automatic ground to declare the will invalid.

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

Joshua Abbott is preparing to publish Modernism Beyond Metro-land, a book documenting 20th-century architecture in London’s suburbs. In the third of a series of extracts, the spotlight is on Snaresbrook’s Hermitage Court. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson

An art deco haven beside Woodford Road, Hermitage Court was one of many such speculative estates that appeared around the suburbs in the interwar years.

The road network around and into the capital grew during that time, with new bypass roads, like the Great Western and North Circular, making the car a more central feature in middle-class lives. This new network facilitated the spread of the suburbs, allowing developers to build further away from ‘town’, whilst advertising that central London was only a short(ish) drive away for both business and pleasure.

This expansion was aided by the growth of the Underground network, with the spread of the Piccadilly Line and particularly in north-east London, the Central Line, allowing those who couldn’t afford a private car to commute to the centre of the city for work.

Hermitage Court was designed by architect A Duckworth for the Suburban Real Estates company, one of many developers who sprang up in the 1930s to make the most of the comparative lack of planning controls of the era, spawning the so-called ‘ribbon developments’.

The estate was designed in an art deco style, bringing a slice of Hollywood glamour to those in suburban London. The deco details used around Hermitage Court could be found at similar schemes all around London; curved metal windows (often called suntrap), green pantiled roofs, decorative elements around the entrances and wooden doors with curved detailing.

The apartment block itself is arranged in an E-plan, built in brick and interspersed on the exterior with bands of render, giving the block a dynamic, horizontal emphasis. The estate was built on the site of two older mansions, the homes of the old gentry making way for the new speedy suburbanite.

The driveway is flanked by two pantiled pedestrian entrances leading you into the landscaped grounds. More deco details can be found along the outer perimeter wall, with streamlined, rendered go-faster fins indicating the age of the motor car. Of course, the speculative developers didn’t disappear come the postwar period, and a short walk along Woodford Road reveals a number of 1950s and 1960s apartment blocks in various shades of Modernist, but nothing with quite the same lean élan as Hermitage Court.

For more information on Modernism Beyond Metro-land and to pre-order a copy, visit wnstd.com/mbml

From healing spaces to Islamic gardens, the new programme of speakers for Aldersbrook Horticultural Society’s monthly meetings covers a wide range of topics. Ruth Martin reports

We’re excited to begin our new programme in September by welcoming Julia Bolton and Asa Gregers-Warg, chairman and head gardener at the renowned Beth Chatto’s Gardens near Colchester. Julia – who is Beth Chatto’s granddaughter – and Asa will be giving a talk on the past, present and future of these iconic gardens.

In October, we turn our attention to shady spaces with a talk from Lynne Moore, who runs the award-winning Moore & Moore Plants near Billericay. Her Chelsea gold-medal winning independent nursery specialises in plants for shade, something every gardener needs! A selection of plants will be on sale.

Our November speaker is one of our own members, Jenny Tosh, who will offer ideas on how to create an attractive front garden.

At our December meeting, Marie Shallcross will tell us about eight different Christmas plants whilst we tuck into Janet’s mince pies and sip mulled wine! Then, in January, Shannon Thaden from Lea Organic will be with us to explore the topic of growing under glass, perfect for those planning their spring growing season.

In February, we’re delighted to welcome Lily Schleiker-Blythe, head gardener at Horatio’s Garden in Stanmore. Following an inspiring talk last year about the Chelsea-winning Horatio’s Garden designed by Charlotte Harris, Lily will share her own experience caring for another of these unique, healing spaces.

In March, Ed Flint, who trained at Great Dixter, will give a talk titled ‘Roses and Friends’, focusing on companion planting ideas for one of our best-loved flowers. In April, member Helen Bonnick will speak about how to develop a bird-friendly garden, providing practical advice for supporting garden wildlife.

In May, we have two highlights. First, we’ll enjoy a talk by renowned British designer Emma Clarke, who will share her knowledge of Islamic gardens. Emma designed the Islamic Garden at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross, and her insights into this style of gardening promise to be fascinating. Later that month, we’ll enjoy an evening visit to the Aga Khan Centre itself.

Finally, in June 2026, we’ll make our long-awaited summer visit to Beth Chatto’s Gardens, bringing the year full circle.

We are also continuing our community gardening efforts, meeting once a month to tend the gardens at Aldersbrook Bowls Club (our regular meeting venue) and at Aldersbrook Medical Centre. We look forward to welcoming members back in September and extend a warm invitation to anyone who would like to join us for a friendly, plant-filled year ahead.

For more information on the Aldersbrook Horticultural Society, visit wnstd.com/ahs

The Woodford and District branch of the National Trust has announced its new season of talks.

The programme begins on 24 September with a presentation about the wildlife of Epping Forest by retired biologist and photographer Peter Warne.

Future talks will include a look at the art of John Constable (15 October), the history of Walthamstow (12 November) and the restoration of Waltham Abbey Church (3 December). Events take place at All Saints’ Church hall in Woodford Wells from 2.30pm (visitors: £3).

Call 07774 164 407

A guided bird walk will take place on Wanstead Flats this month.

“This time of year can yield summer migrants as they head back south. Skylarks can still be seen on the open ground and Little Owls can sometimes be found in the small copse. We’ll also be checking the ponds for various waterfowl species,” said a spokesperson for the North East London Local Group of the RSPB, which will be leading the walk on 27 September from 9am (non-members: £3; booking required).

Email nelondonrspb@yahoo.co.uk

Wanstead High Street will be closed to traffic between Grove Park and Wanstead Place from 7am to 7pm on 14 September to create a car-free Wanstead Festival.

A market will be in place on the High Street from 10am to 5pm, with the annual festival taking place on Christchurch Green from 11am to 6pm. “Our biggest outdoor event of the year is just around the corner! Invite your friends and family to Wanstead for a brilliant day out with great entertainment,” said a spokesperson for Vision RCL.

Visit wnstd.com/festival