December 2025

In the 14th of a series of articles, Revd James Gilder of Wanstead Parish recalls the traditions baked into his grandmother’s Christmas cakes and explains why we should all become tradition-makers

Do you have any family Christmas traditions? Lots of families do, of course. Often, these things are a kind of unwritten expectation of family life; they get passed down generations and they make each family just that little bit unique.

My grandmother would always make and ice a Christmas cake, replete with marzipan, of course. It would then be decorated with a little lake of silver foil, besides which would be placed the same decorations, amassed over the last 70 years or so: a plastic fir tree, a little church scene and an oversized, slightly menacing-looking robin, which always seemed poised to devour a rather smaller-scale Father Christmas along with his sleigh and reindeer. All of this would be fenced in with delicately piped blobs of lurid green icing, finished with those edible silver baubles that sit unloved for most of the year, next to the vanilla essence and bicarbonate of soda in the ‘miscellaneous’ drawer in the kitchen, awaiting their time to shine come December. In more recent years, my uncle has taken over the tradition and, of course, this cake would not be the same were it not for the decorations that everyone in our family remarks upon every year.

Perhaps we’re quite a boring family to delight in such a mundane tradition, but I doubt we’re alone. These apparently little things keep us grounded with what has gone before. They provide a link to those whom we love and no longer see and give a strangely dual sense of timelessness and seasonal rhythm we humans seem to like. ‘Tradition’ gets knocked about and dismissed in the name of progress quite a bit in our world, but you know, there’s something to be said for it. There can be a real emptiness when we lose it, because to lose it is to lose a sense of the love of someone else.

Of course, not everyone is blessed with happy memories of family time at Christmas. It can often be a time of arguments and sadly, reports of domestic violence tend to peak at the end of December, too. For some, it is an intensely lonely time. Those are traditions we could all do without perpetuating, and if you think you will be on your own on Christmas Day, please do sign up for our free Christmas lunch in the parish halls instead.

Yet, for all of us, this time of year can be a good excuse to carry on the good traditions of the past – to give not just gifts of ever-more ‘stuff’, but to help spread the joy of the season to new generations. Those of us who enjoyed the traditions of Christmas past must now be the tradition-makers for those younger than us.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the Christ child at Christmas. Jesus is the one part of Christmas that we Christians believe to be more than just a tradition, but instead, the living source of hope, love and redemption. Whatever your beliefs or traditions, I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

To contact Reverend James Gilder, email office@parishofwanstead.org

For the past decade, Wanstead Bereavement Café volunteers have offered tea, time, togetherness and a listening ear in a safe, welcoming space where people can share their grief

Bereavement. We all experience feelings of grief, and yet, when we’re in the thick of it, it can seem as if we’re the only person in the world who feels like this. It can cut you off at the knees, it can physically hurt, it can come out of nowhere, and it can feel like you’re never going to be the same again. And whilst we naturally think first about losing someone close to us, we can also feel grief at the loss of a precious pet, a job, friends moving away or perhaps a falling-out with family.

Grief hits all of us and in a variety of ways. Sometimes, it can help to chat. And chat with someone who’s not personally involved. It can perhaps make you breathe a bit easier to spend an hour with someone who can just accept where you’re at, listen and try to help you make sense of it. No judgement. No recommendations. No agenda for doing anything apart from offering a friendly listening ear over a cuppa and a biscuit.

The Wanstead Bereavement Café was founded in 2015. Since then, apart from during the period of the pandemic, it has been held in an accessible meeting room at Christ Church on Wanstead Place from 10.30am to 11.30am on the third Tuesday of each month. A group of four or five volunteers are ready to welcome people of all faiths or none. There is no charge and no need to book. (Our friends in South Woodford also run a bereavement café from 2pm to 3pm on the first Tuesday of each month at St Mary’s Church, Woodford.)

We’re not trained grief counsellors. We’re everyday people from Wanstead who’ve experienced our own sad times and are happy to share our experiences with others if asked to do so. Often, however, it is mainly a non-judgemental, non-threatening, listening ear that is needed. We’re just fellow human beings who are happy to stand alongside you for a bit or for as long as you need whilst you find a way forward.

Some people have only been bereaved recently, whilst others have been grieving for a long time. Some who come admit it’s easier to open up to strangers than to a family member or close friend. Some find sharing within a small group rather than one-to-one can be welcome. They may not be ready, or even able, to express their feelings, but are content just to sit and listen to others, knowing they are not alone in their grief. Tears are not uncommon and plenty of tissues are available. However, once the immediate release of emotions has passed and trust has been established, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with laughter often lightening the tone. Some people only come to the café once, others become regulars, enjoying the group friendship. Feedback has been invariably positive.

Think this might help you? We’re looking forward to saying hello.

For more information, call 020 8530 8743 or email office@parishofwanstead.org

‘Tis the season to be merry… but be merry sensibly, says Abi Day of local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash, who takes a look at the real costs of drink- and drug-driving

The festive season is upon us. A time for Christmas parties and a well-earned tipple (or two)! Whilst it is the season to be merry, it is also a time to take extra care when it comes to getting behind the wheel. The consequences of drink- and drug-driving can be life-changing, not just for you, but also for other road users.

The legal drink-drive limit is 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, while the drug-drive limit varies depending on the type of drug. The drug-driving limits are intentionally set very low, especially for illegal drugs, for which there is a zero-tolerance approach. For prescribed drugs, the limits are set accordingly, and you should always consult your GP and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine if you plan to drive.

Many doctors will tell you the drink-drive limit is set too high, that your driving is impaired even below the legal limit. If your driving is impaired, you are at risk of causing or being involved in an accident, which could have serious consequences.

So, how many can you drink before driving? The only safe answer is none. There are so many factors that affect how your body processes the alcohol that it would be wrong to specify a number of drinks. It is different for each person.

If you drive or attempt to drive a vehicle whilst over the prescribed drink or drug limit, you will face a mandatory minimum driving ban of 12 months. It will increase depending on your level of intoxication, whether you have been disqualified before or if you have a similar conviction. It’s not just a ban that you are at risk of either. You could also face a hefty fine and a more severe penalty, such as a community order or imprisonment and an associated criminal record. You will then also be looking at skyrocketing insurance premiums when you return to driving. And, of course, if you have to drive for work, your job is at risk as well.

If you aren’t over the limit, but your ability to drive is impaired, you could still be charged with being unfit through drink or drugs with similar penalties and consequences. It’s not just about driving either. Even if you are drunk in charge of a vehicle, this also carries severe penalties, which can include a ban or points. So, sleeping it off in your car could still land you in hot water!

What if you don’t blow in the breathalyser or provide a sample? Failing to provide a specimen, without reasonable excuse, is also a criminal offence with similar penalties.

If you are charged with an offence, you will have to go to court. So, this Christmas, think, plan ahead and avoid a New Year hangover.

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

Paul Canal asks if you can make up an extra plate on Christmas Day to continue the Wanstead tradition of sharing and kindness

For many of us, Christmas is a time of laughter, warmth and full tables surrounded by family and friends. But for some in our community, it can be a day of silence, a reminder of absence rather than abundance. That’s why, since 2020, a simple but beautiful Wanstead tradition has quietly made a big difference: local families cooking one extra Christmas dinner, plating it up, and delivering it to someone spending Christmas alone. No fanfare, no big organisation, just kindness on a plate.

We all cook too much at Christmas. The cost in money, food waste and carbon emissions is staggering. At the same time, a few streets away, someone is lonely and hungry. They would appreciate a Christmas meal. We are throwing food away. The connection is instant and the solution obvious! Plate up an extra meal and brighten a stranger’s Christmas.

Every year, I’ve been humbled by the generosity of our community: families juggling their own festive chaos who still take time to make up an extra meal; volunteers driving through the quiet Christmas streets, bringing not just food but warmth, conversation and a reminder that someonecares.

 This year, I’d love to make it even bigger. So, if you’re on your own this Christmas – or know someone who is, for whatever reason – please don’t be shy. Let us bring a Christmas meal (and a smile) to your door. And if you’re one of the many generous households in Wanstead who could make up an extra plate, we’d be so grateful for your help.

It’s a small gesture, but one that brings huge comfort – proof that Christmas spirit is alive and well in our little corner of East London.

The benefits are obvious. Less food waste, a delighted lonely person in need and a reminder that Christmas is really about giving. And in addition to a hot meal, and perhaps a Christmas cracker or two, we are also reaching out and offering friendship, empathy and real community spirit. There are many reasons why someone could need a meal this Christmas, from being on their own through bereavement or relationship breakdown to ill health, old age, disability or financial issues. Throughout the year, many people in Wanstead support the Tin in a Bin foodbank network. Think of this as ‘tin on a plate!’

Previous years have seen up to 80 meals delivered via the Wanstead Christmas Dinner Appeal, including vegetarian and halal meals. I certainly hope the need is less this year, but I also hope that whatever the need, our great local community can once again meet it and continue the Wanstead tradition of sharing and kindness.

To receive or provide a Christmas meal, send a message to 07769 159 433 or email havenhousexmasbakers@gmail.com

Those on their own at Christmas are also invited to join Christmas Day lunch in the halls of Christ Church. To book a ticket, visit wnstd.com/lunch25 or call 020 8530 8743

Santa will embark on his sixth annual tour of Wanstead this month aboard Elf Steve Hayden’s Parker Dairies milk float.

“The Santa drive-by will take place on 18 December, departing Gordon Road at 4.30pm, heading down the High Street around 5pm and then weaving around the streets of Wanstead until 7pm. Funds raised will be donated to The Wanstead Charity, which provides food and clothing to those facing poverty,” said organiser Amy Moore.

A tracking link will be posted online.

Visit wnstd.com/santatour25

AN ADHD support group for men will launch in Wanstead this month.

“A lot of men with ADHD struggle in silence. Many don’t feel comfortable accessing help through traditional services, or they simply fall through the gaps. There aren’t any affordable, accessible ADHD groups for men around here, so I’ve set one up to give people somewhere to talk and feel understood,” said Hari Singh.

The group will meet at Wanstead House Community Association every Friday from 12 December (7.15pm to 8.15pm; £5).

For more information, email wansteadadhdgroup@gmail.com

In the second of a series of articles featuring images by the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, Anuraj Theivendram reflects on the history of the group’s women members and presents the work of outgoing chair Sue Rosner

In December 2025, Sue Rosner will step down after five transformative years as chair of the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society (WWPS), leaving behind a legacy as bold and inclusive as her photography. Her leadership guided the club through the COVID pandemic and into a new era of hybrid creativity. It also reignited a powerful conversation about women’s place in photography.

That conversation began over a century ago. In 1923, Gertrude Powers became the first woman to join WWPS, breaking a 30-year tradition of male-only membership. She was soon followed by Norah Cross, who became the society’s first female president in 1928. Their courage paved the way for generations of women to step behind the lens and into leadership.

Sue, the fifth woman to chair the society, has honoured that legacy with passion and purpose. Her International Women’s Day talk, entitled Women in the Frame, traced the club’s evolution from exclusion to empowerment. She spotlighted female photographers in newsletters, celebrated their achievements and championed a culture where every member, regardless of gender or experience, feels seen, supported and inspired.

To women photographers today: WWPS is your space. Whether you’re just starting out or rediscovering your creative voice, the club offers a welcoming community, hands-on learning and opportunities to grow. As Sue once said: “Photography gives you a new way to see the world and WWPS gives you the confidence to share it.”

Sue’s own journey, from beginner to chair, embodies that spirit. Her images are rich in texture and story and reflect the same curiosity and courage she brought to her leadership. She didn’t just lead WWPS, she helped reshape it.

As we celebrate over 100 years of women in the society, Sue’s story becomes a call to action: join us, bring your vision and help shape the next century of photographic storytelling.

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

The Parish of Wanstead and The Duke will jointly host a free Christmas dinner for anyone who will be on their own on Christmas Day.

“We would love you to join us on Christmas Day at 1pm in the parish halls, next to Christ Church, for traditional Christmas food and a jolly time with others. Don’t stay at home alone, come and have Christmas with us! Make sure you book in advance, but please only book if you definitely intend to come as space is limited,” said Revd James Gilder.

Visit wnstd.com/lunch25 or call 020 8530 8743

Chris Gannaway was Redbridge’s representative for the London Wildlife Trust for over 25 years. With concerns over habitat connectivity, he is now petitioning Redbridge Council to declare a nature emergency

Wildlife is in decline! One of the outcomes from the Environment Act 2021 was that geographic regions had to produce Local Nature Recovery Strategies. For Redbridge, that’s the Greater London Authority, and all developments given planning permission from February have to deliver a 20% biodiversity net gain. So, in an ideal world, our wildlife will be quids in! However, not all is as it seems.

For Wanstead’s Evergreen Field, for example, the ecological assessment was carried out in wintertime 2022, with the focus on statutory protected species relying on a desktop study and a few site visits. So, there was no chance of getting to grips with the non-statutory species, such as invertebrates, that could be resident in the small site. As a sop to nature and biodiversity net gain, every possible habitat appears to be included, as well as retaining most of the major trees, but still doesn’t give the full 20% gain. But what about connectivity you say, for flora and fauna to commute into the site?

What do we see from the Local Nature Recovery Strategies mapping for future connectivity? George Green shows connectivity to Wanstead Golf course via private gardens, good. But on the High Street, nothing! There should be a connectivity path from George Green to Epping Forest land in Waltham Forest via the grounds of Snaresbrook Crown Court. The map would then show Hainault Forest, Claybury Park, Roding Valley and Fairlop Plain are well connected to Epping Forest. That’s what I call future connectivity!

As can be seen, we really can’t rely on the powers that be to get it right when nature is in need. I won’t go into all the alarming statistics of decline; they are all verifiable online, such as Chaffinch territories in Wanstead Park, which fell from nine in 2015 to just one by 2023. And Mistle Thrushes went from three territories to zero in the same period. We really need a partnership approach between community, local experts and councils as enablers to get real nature recovery. That is why Wanstead Climate Action are petitioning Redbridge Council to declare a nature emergency. This petition is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Redbridge. We need 1,500 signatures to put before the council for a debate to take place. The council calendar is such that we must submit the petition before Christmas, ready for January’s council meeting. A debate could then take place in March.

Without measures from the council, our green and natural spaces are currently open to threats from developers. It’s time for our council to declare a nature emergency to ensure the proper protections are put in place to protect our wildlife and ensure people have access to nature in their communities.

For more information and to view the petition, visit wnstd.com/natpet

Nominations for the Mayor of Redbridge’s annual community awards are open until 6 January.

“Do you know an unsung hero on your street or anywhere within your local community? Or a group or organisation that has made a positive contribution to the lives of local residents? If the answer is yes, why not enter them into our community awards this year?” asked a council spokesperson.

Visit wnstd.com/maward

Snaresbrook resident Katriye Ibrahim was named the best porridge maker in Waltham Forest last month.

The competition took place at the Good Shepherd Studios in Leytonstone following a screening of The Golden Spurtle, a film about an annual, global porridge-making competition in Scotland.

“I’ve been making porridge for many years. I only use water and oats, simmer and slowly stir in a clockwise direction with my wooden spurtle, a traditional Scottish kitchen tool. I then add fruit and homemade jam,” said Katriye.

Having found a new co-chair, Carole Edrich invites local residents involved in arts and culture to participate in the recently relaunched What Next? East London

Are you involved in arts and culture in East London? Do you want to help influence policy-making by making the case for arts and culture? Do you want to help shape the cultural sector in the current sociopolitical landscape, ensuring we’re fostering artists in the most accessible environment possible? Are you concerned about AI: your rights, your council’s approach and their plans, your local freedoms as an artist or something entirely different?

As part of relaunching What Next? East London, we need to hear from you. What would you like us to cover? What should we keep from what we used to do? How can we best make a difference?

What Next? East London is our local chapter of What Next?, a free-to-join movement bringing together arts and cultural organisations in the UK to champion and strengthen the role of art and culture in our society. We believe bringing people together in conversation has the power to inform, inspire and challenge people to do things differently, whether they are independent artists, working in their own organisations, in our sector or in our communities. Our convening leads to:

Advocacy: shaping policy proposals and strategies at both UK-wide and local levels.

Learning and modelling: as a movement of peers in many different contexts with different specialist skills and experiences, we share good practice and build systems leadership.

Amplification: We champion actions that build equitable conditions for arts and culture, working in close partnership with What Next? Central, other chapter chairs, sector organisations and other networks to champion and amplify campaigns across the movement.

We also initiate conversations with people in arts and culture, policy-makers, politicians, funders, academics, unions and sector bodies. We work collaboratively to demonstrate and amplify the value of arts and culture in our society and economy, drawing on the consensus and arguments forged at meetings.

We’ve been dormant since the pandemic ended. As we prepare to relaunch, we need you to help shape the future plan. We held a drop-in event in November and will be holding another this month. We then plan to run a couple of Zoom calls in the new year, once the other co-chair has officially started. Please come and share your concerns, add your voice and join the movement. Let’s build a What Next? East London that serves us all.

What Next? East London will hold a drop-in event on 11 December from 6pm to 8.30pm at Compassionate Funerals on Hermon Hill, Wanstead. For more information, visit wnstd.com/whatnext