The fair – held in the Churchill Room at Wanstead Library – was founded by Donna Mizzi 14 years ago to help raise awareness of Art Group Wanstead.
“I want to keep the same friendly atmosphere and gradually include more local artists among the stallholders,” said Flamingo Fairs’ new organiser Carin Wright.
The next event is on 7 February from 11am to 4pm (free entry).
Email carinwright@gmail.com
©Deepak Dembla“We sold around 700 copies, so a huge thank you to all who purchased one,” said Don Taylor, who compiled the calendar featuring 17 images of local scenes and landmarks, including a double rainbow over Wanstead Park’s tea hut and the bluebells of Chalet Wood.
The money will be shared between Epping Forest Heritage Trust, The Swan Sanctuary and Epping Forest’s own charity arm.
Homes on Dover Road are among those that could be reclassified. ©2025 Google“I’m happy to support constituents where an administrative issue is creating confusion or practical problems… I’ve agreed to engage with Royal Mail to explore whether the concerns raised about address locality can be resolved,” said the Leyton and Wanstead MP.
Royal Mail has confirmed the proposals – subject to a formal consultation – will affect 1,281 addresses in Aldersbrook that have an E12 postcode.
Several years ago, I found myself looking for an outlet for my creativity. I came across an advert for a watercolour class in Wanstead, run by Brenda. I decided to find out more and it proved to be a great decision. Brenda is a fabulous artist and teacher with a warm and enthusiastic personality. The classes were not only fulfilling artistically but also socially. I met more aspiring artists, many of whom I am still in contact with, both locally and online.
It was here Laura and I crossed paths for the first time as watercolour newbies, and she has become a great friend over the years. We still attend Brenda’s workshops together, but we also travel far and wide. You can often find us on Chingford Plain, at Connaught Waters or in Epping Forest with our sketchbooks and paints. We also spend many hours in Wanstead Park sketching and painting the sky, the forest, the Temple and, of course, the bluebells of Chalet Wood when they are in bloom. Our flats are full of watercolour, acrylic, ink and crayon images. We always contribute to the art exhibition at the Wanstead Festival with Art Group Wanstead and take part in many of the pop-up exhibitions they organise.
Brenda, Laura and I now want to start our own community event. Once every three months, we would like to encourage local artists to come together and stage an exhibition of original artwork. This will not be a sales exhibition but an opportunity for the community to meet the artists over a coffee or tea and connect over a mutual enjoyment of the arts. With The George and Dragon kindly offering us a space to meet, and The Stow Brothers generously offering to help with the advertising, we hope this can become a regular event. There are so many creative people in Wanstead – painters, potters, mosaicists and sculptors – and we want to celebrate them and their work with you all.
The first Cup of Art exhibition will take place in The George and Dragon on 4 February from 12 noon to 4pm. For more information, email mbbcraft@gmail.com
The site hoardings have been subject to graffiti since installation last spring“The hoardings could offer a canvas to reflect Wanstead’s character, creativity and community spirit throughout the construction period,” said local resident Bronagh Byrne, who is coordinating the initiative. “I contacted Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association [the developers] last November and they have been supportive and open to working with the community on this idea. The project is still at an early, exploratory stage and I’d love to hear from local residents, groups and organisations who might be interested in getting involved.”
A four-storey development, including a children’s nursery and 24 flats, is being built on the site. The work is expected to be completed by late 2027.
Call 07906 541 789 or email brobyrne@hotmail.com
“I’m incredibly proud of the Redbridge team and everyone who helped bring our parade entry to life. Securing second place is a wonderful achievement… and I’m delighted the £10,000 prize will go directly to supporting my chosen charities,” said Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Beverley Brewer.
Since 1997, all London boroughs have been invited to enter the parade to demonstrate the city’s diversity.
©West Ham United“Walking out of the tunnel for the first time, through all the bubbles and the fans singing, was very special, and something you don’t get when you come on as a sub,” said the 19-year-old Wanstead-born defender.
Ezra joined the club’s Academy of Football at the age of eight and signed his first professional contract in January 2024.
“It’s the perfect place for them. Four or five troughs sit on the ledge by the window. Lots of light, frost-free but not warm… They flower all winter. One would have thought the idea to be a no-brainer, but it wasn’t always like that. When I first asked, TfL staff looked very doubtful. We brought them inside anyway, and now they’re firmly part of the Wanstead scene!” said Marian Temple.
“The proposed fruit and vegetable stall [outside The George and Dragon] was withdrawn and the Greek food stall [outside Tesco] did not meet the excellence criteria and was refused… Redbridge Council continues to welcome high‑quality applications that will help strengthen and diversify our street trading offer, ensuring a vibrant and buoyant local market scene.”
Consultation is underway for new applications, including a Sicilian coffee cart outside Wanstead station and a fruit juice stall outside Oxfam.
Visit wnstd.com/marketstalls
Comments can be emailed to licensing.authority@redbridge.gov.uk
Councillor Donovan presented the petition at the council meetingIt followed the presentation of a 1,725-strong petition – sponsored by Wanstead Climate Action – at last week’s Full Council meeting.
“The passing of this motion is excellent news. It shows the council is listening to residents on environmental issues and has responded to the demands of petitioners. However, the proof will come in the practice. There needs to be a definite benchmarked plan with adequate resources provided to address the biodiversity emergency we all now face. The matter is urgent and cannot be put off any longer,” said Councillor Paul Donovan.
The council will now receive at least £63m more over the next three years.
“This will allow us to protect and invest in your services… My next priority is securing funding from the government to rebuild and reopen Broadmead Road Bridge,” said Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council.
