February 2026

As fundraising continues for the restoration of the Wanstead War Memorial, it has emerged that the names of a number of fallen servicemen are missing from the landmark.

“When the memorial was previously restored after the Second World War, it seems some 40 names were omitted from the new stones because the originals had become so worn they were illegible,” said Revd James Gilder.

A local historian has since uncovered all the missing names, with the memorial to be rededicated to include everyone from Wanstead who was originally commemorated.

“The extra engraving required means applying for planning permission and that, plus the process of adding the names themselves, comes at a significant extra cost. But I feel we must right the wrong that was caused in allowing those names to be forgotten. So, we press on with fundraising.”

More than £6,000 has been raised so far.

Visit wnstd.com/wwm or call 020 8530 8743

Wanstead resident and journalist Donna Mizzi writes an open letter to Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London and chairman of TfL, on behalf of local W14 bus users

Dear Sir Sadiq Khan,

You have recently answered a London Assembly member’s question on the hourly W14 buses by stating the number of users is not high enough to justify a more frequent service. Local residents want to make it clear that it is TfL’s bus reorganisation that has directly reduced its usability. It is too infrequent, ridiculously unreliable and no longer goes where passengers need to reach, even terminating short of Whipps Cross Hospital.

From the date the new W14 bus was imposed in 2024, passenger figures plunged dramatically from about 1,800 to 300 a day. No one knew when the reduced hourly bus was due or where it would actually stop. And it still continues to be much of a mystery bus today. It’s usually late, sometimes early and frequently doesn’t arrive at all.

Yet the W14 is the sole bus service and only public transport accessible for hundreds of Wanstead and South Woodford households on the huge Nightingale Estate, and for further hundreds of flats and 60 retirement units by Snaresbrook Road. Most of those homes are beyond acceptable walking distances to essential services or other transport, particularly for the elderly, disabled or mums with young children. For those reasons, a bus service has run there for 36 years.

Elderly and disabled people cannot stand out in the freezing cold or in other extreme weather waiting for a bus which may or may not arrive. Residents, including the elderly, have frequently become ‘stranded’ when trying to get back home, waiting up to three hours for the next W14 to arrive. TfL has said for 17 months it has been working on W14’s reliability, but as you admit, it has still not met the minimum standard required.

When presented with TfL’s own W14 figures, you have stated: “none of the current routes are directly comparable with the old route numbers prior to the changes.” You say there are too many empty seats at present, exaggerated by TfL imposing unwanted oversized buses down these narrow residential roads. Meanwhile, hordes of children no longer contribute to daily passenger numbers because the W14 service does not coincide with school times. Pupils are also badly affected.

Here are other startling figures. An Equality Impact Assessment reveals the W14 route contains the highest percentage of elderly (41%) and disabled people (5%) using it out of all the local W-bus services. Therefore, TfL has hit the most vulnerable residents. The harmful impact has been massive, including despair, social isolation, inability to get to vital health appointments or even visit a pharmacy or food shops. Residents who cannot afford to keep the heating on are unable to reach a warm space. Carers and relatives also have more trouble reaching those who need support. These vulnerable groups are also less likely to have smartphones or computers, though the W14 service updates often don’t appear, anyway.

TfL’s positive spins on the overall W-bus services do not reveal the full picture. For instance, the W12 now covers more miles but also contributes to traffic jams in ultra-congested Leytonstone, so it often takes frail passengers 50 minutes to travel from Snaresbrook to Whipps Cross Hospital when their journey previously took 10 minutes.

W-bus problems have been dire enough to create an ITN News report, an MP’s petition presented to Parliament, demonstrations, public meetings, a 5,400-signature petition and direct questions to you in the London Assembly. Meanwhile, families have gone back to using cars or even struggle to buy a vehicle or order taxis. Or they avoid going out. Parents interrupt their work to run their children to school, clocking up double the road miles that taking a W14 would entail. Commuters’ travel time is extended. Individuals fear walking long distances along dark, quiet roads back to their homes. Others struggle with heavy groceries. Such bad services are not good for individuals, families, the health service nor the economy.

One of your main aims, you say, is to persuade Londoners to give up driving and use public transport. If so, increasing the W14’s frequency would be a priority.

Apart from the needs for greater frequency and a stop within Whipps Cross Hospital’s grounds (backed by its management), the other main W14 issues are:

The southbound W14 has been amended to stop near Wanstead Tube station. Passengers with mobility problems also need to get back from there; the present baffling W14 northbound stop is a third of a mile away.

The new W14 no longer stops by George Lane’s main shopping area and big supermarkets, making even weekly food shopping difficult. Changing buses with a heavy shopping trolley is not a sensible TfL suggestion.

TfL has failed to grasp the situation for 18 months. Local residents would love to hear some encouraging news from you as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,
Donna Mizzi (reply to editor@wnstd.com)

Written questions were submitted by the Deputy Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline Russell, who called a Wanstead public meeting on the bus problems last June. She has agreed to deliver this letter to Sadiq Khan.

Original written questions and answers between Caroline Russell and Sadiq Khan

Changes to bus routes in Wanstead and pupils getting to school
Question No: 2025/4565

Caroline Russell:
Thank you for your answer to my question 2025/3980, in which you said: “Recent data shows that the onboard load on route W14 at the busiest point is 18 passengers; this compares to an hourly capacity of 55.” A constituent (ie me who managed to get TfL’s figures) has contacted me saying: “Just before the date of the changeover there were 1,639 daily boarders on the W12 and about 150 on the 549 bus. Straight after the changeover there were a total of 293 boarders on the W14 (the renamed W12 route, which also newly absorbed the closed down 549 route). That’s roughly 1,800 passengers reduced to 300.” Do you recognise this reduction in the number of passengers using these buses?

The Mayor:
Last updated: 23 December 2025 (Donna didn’t get sent a copy of this answer until the end of January).
The re-structuring of the W-route network saw the W12 broadly take over the northern end of the old W14, and the W13 take over the southern end of the old W14. Route 549 was then extended and covered a section of the old W12 and renamed W14. Therefore, the current W14 is more similar to the old 549 rather than the old W12, but essentially none of the current routes are directly comparable with the old route numbers prior to the changes.
Transport for London (TfL) published a review of the W-routes network in April 2025, which can be found via this link: tfl.gov.uk/cdn/static/cms/documents/review-of-the-w-route-restructuring.pdf. This shows how the bus routes changed and found the combined usage on the routes post-restructuring had grown by 12 per cent.

Changes to bus routes in Wanstead and pupils getting to school
Question No: 2025/3980

Caroline Russell:
Following the changes to the W12 and W14 bus services in Wanstead, young people living on the Nightingale Estate have an unreliable hourly service (W14) that does not allow them to get to school on time while the alternative service (W12) is often full and can’t take them. Could you make the W14 service half-hourly instead of hourly to help young people get to school on time?
Changes to bus routes in Wanstead and pupils getting to school

The Mayor:
Last updated: 25 November 2025
Transport for London (TfL) continuously monitors and reviews the bus network to ensure that capacity is well matched to demand. Recent data shows that the onboard load on route W14 at the busiest point is 18 passengers; this compares to an hourly capacity of 55. This is not high enough to justify an increase in the service frequency, and thus no further changes are proposed.
Recently, the on-time performance on both routes W12 and W14 have not met the minimum standard required, with lost mileage due to traffic and mechanical issues higher than expected; this is likely the reason for any observed crowding. New vehicles were introduced on both routes during the summer, and this should improve service reliability. TfL will also continue to monitor performance and work closely with the operator to ensure there is an improvement in on-time running.

Redbridge Council’s Planning Enforcement Team is investigating reports of potential unauthorised works involving protected trees at the Waterworks Cottage off the Eastern Avenue.

“Initial checks confirm the immediate site does not contain any trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order, nor is it located within a Conservation Area… However, there are protected trees in the surrounding area and the team is assessing whether any of these trees may have been affected by the works,” said a spokesperson.

A much-loved Egyptian Goose often seen in the Snaresbrook area has died after being hit by a car on Woodford Road.

“Dudley and his partner Doris were known to many in our community and often seen grazing by The Drive. Dudley suffered a badly broken leg and other injuries and passed away at the scene. Doris was very distressed. I laid him on a white blanket, ensuring she could see him to understand he was gone and did not wait for him or go searching for him,” said Gill Walker, a local waterbird rescue volunteer.

Redbridge Council has issued a statement on the Wanstead Leisure Centre redevelopment following news the main contractor, Jerram Falkus, has entered administration.

“Although this setback is beyond our control, we remain absolutely committed to completing [the project]… We have taken possession of the site from the administrator. Additional security personnel have been deployed to ensure the site remains safe and secure… Work to appoint a new contractor has begun so the final stage of the project can move forward.”

It follows a number of delays to the project, which, most recently, was scheduled for completion in summer 2026.

When complete, the new 4,200-square-metre building will span three blocks, housing a 25-metre swimming pool, dance studios, a commercial kitchen and new classrooms for Wanstead High School.

Building work on the £20m project began in 2022.

In the fourth of a series of articles featuring images by the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, Anuraj Theivendram introduces Kevin Wright, the group’s new chair

Photography is about connection: between subject, photographer and community. The Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society (WWPS), founded in 1893, has always thrived on fresh perspectives and creative energy. Today, that spirit continues under the leadership of our new chairperson, Kevin Wright, whose journey from vice-chairperson to chair reflects both dedication and vision.

Kevin is widely admired for his dynamic sports photography, a genre that demands anticipation and precision. Combined with the art of storytelling, his images capture not just the action but also the emotion and determination of athletes. For Kevin, sports photography is more than documenting competition; it’s about celebrating human spirit and the shared passion that unites people of all ages, identities and backgrounds.

In his new role, he brings this same energy to WWPS. He champions inclusivity and encourages members, new and experienced, to explore new genres and expand their photography skills. Under his guidance, the society will continue to offer workshops, mentoring and lively competitions that welcome photographers of all skill levels. His leadership ensures WWPS remains a place where creativity flourishes, friendships grow and every member feels empowered to share their unique perspective.

Kevin’s sports photographs, featured here, embody the vibrancy of our club. They remind us that photography is not just about technique but about connection between subject and photographer and between members who inspire one another.

With Kevin at the helm, WWPS looks forward to an exciting future. Whether you are picking up a camera for the first time or seeking to refine your craft, we invite you to join us. Together, let’s capture life in motion and celebrate the diversity that makes our society strong.

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

Wanstead resident Doreen Golding BEM will tell the story of how she became the Pearly Queen of Old Kent Road and Bow Bells at next month’s Wanstead Historical Society meeting.

The 85-year-old has devoted her life to helping others and is chairman of the London Pearly Kings and Queens Society.

“No matter how tired I am, I’m out doing charity work. It’s all about willpower,” said Doreen, who received the British Empire Medal in 2017.

The talk will take place at Wanstead Library on 2 March from 8pm (visitors: £4).

Call 07949 026 212

A new peer-led ADHD support group in Wanstead is creating a relaxed, non-clinical space for men to talk openly and feel understood, says group founder Hari Singh

Many men with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) go through school, work and adult life without really understanding why things feel harder than they should. Difficulties are often kept to themselves rather than spoken about openly. By the time a diagnosis comes, many have already spent years feeling behind their peers without knowing why.

I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult after struggling for a long time in ways I couldn’t fully explain. The diagnosis helped things make sense, but it also made me realise how few spaces there are for men to talk openly about ADHD. Most support either feels very clinical or it starts to sound like therapy or coaching. For a lot of men, that can be off-putting. That gap is what led me to set up a small, peer-led group in Wanstead.

The group meets weekly and is kept intentionally small. That makes it feel more manageable and relaxed. Sessions aren’t clinical and there’s no pressure for anyone to speak. Some people come and talk quite openly. Others mostly listen, especially at first. Both are completely fine. The focus isn’t on advice or fixing things but on open conversation and shared experience.

Men who attend come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. What connects them isn’t having the same lives but recognising parts of themselves in each other’s experiences. Sessions are structured so everyone has the chance to speak if they want to, without feeling put on the spot. Listening is just as important as talking, which helps keep the conversation balanced rather than dominated by one or two voices.

What has stood out most so far is the sense of relief people describe once they realise they’re not the only one dealing with these issues. Several men have said it’s the first time they’ve spoken honestly about ADHD with other men, without feeling the need to explain themselves or downplay it. For many men, just having that shared understanding can make a real difference. The group is still in the early stages, but it’s clear that simply having a space to talk can reduce isolation and make day-to-day life feel a bit easier to manage.

The group isn’t meant to replace clinical or professional support; it sits alongside it. Right now, my focus is on keeping the group consistent and making sure it’s something people feel comfortable returning to. I’m still learning what works and what doesn’t, and I’m not trying to grow it too quickly or turn it into something it isn’t. If having a space like this helps even a small number of men feel less alone or more able to talk openly, then it’s doing what it was set up to do.

The Men’s ADHD Support Group meets at Wanstead House, 21 The Green, E11 2NT every Friday from 7.15pm to 8.15pm (£5 per session). For more information, email wansteadadhdgroup@gmail.com

One writer, one Interrail pass and a wildly over-ambitious, 37-stop journey to test railway accessibility in Europe. Wanstead-based travel writer Carole Edrich presents the second instalment of her Big Rail Story

Unless you’re in the Eurostar Business Lounge at St Pancras, waiting is a noisy, uncomfortable experience. Before the Thalys takeover, my points would have earned me access. Now that ‘frequent traveller’ benefit requires 70 trips in a year. That’s not frequent travel; it’s living on the train. The quiet corner I’ve waited in since then – the only quiet corner in the waiting area – is roped off. Elsewhere, there’s not even wall space to lean on. Proving overcrowding for an £80 article would need applications to seven different authorities. I give up.

They’ve told us they’re planning to turn Channel rail trips into a ‘turn up and go’ experience, where passengers can arrive ‘minutes before departure’ without crowding or excessive queues. A previous Eurostar CEO said it’s only reduced timetables that prevent daily queues as big as the ones at the Channel ports. The new EU Entry/Exit system needs 75 minutes, so ‘turn up and go’ feels as ambitious as Elmer Fudd catching that ‘wascally wabbit’ and Mr Magoo finding the right door. Hang on, I can’t find their feasibility study either – add Wile E Coyote catching the Road Runner on a Warner Bros or even Netflix screen.

Anyhow, at this point I realise my carefully planned minimal luggage (including prized UV flask and emergency sugar-free lemonade) is way too heavy. When the Paris train leaves, I finally score a seat and repack, shoving as much as I possibly can into my wheely bag while hoping I can manage the backpack all the way to my first overnight. ME (chronic fatigue) is such an unpredictable bummer, but I won’t give up. I browse through Stylist and see a gorgeous lime-green coat I don’t need, and Dior Capture Pro-Collagen Shot serum for fatigue that I do, but can’t afford. I give up.

I get talking to a man with Parkinson’s. With my Disability Review Magazine hat on, I ask what might make his trip easier. He says since stress makes things worse, more signage would help. Lack of help lifting big bags onto scanning machines when you’re disabled and your belt is in the x-ray tray is also a biggie. And he read there’d be enough to do while waiting for the train. Apart from musical chairs for seating and dodgems for refreshments, there is not. He and his wife take organised tours to minimise travel stresses. But Turin by rail entails a cross-city transfer in Paris, and that is famous for its stress. I don’t have the heart to say.

Here’s a hint. Get on Eurostar first if you want to keep your luggage on the floor nearby, or last to avoid the crush. Eurostar platforms aren’t announced until after trains are disembarked and cleaned, but you can work them out from the lifts the staff use 40 minutes before departure. Because I’m first in the queue, I get to put my luggage in one of the very few gaps between back-to-back seats. This isn’t rocket science; it’s hard-won ME management tactics. Genius? Me?

For relevant links to the places, to read more of Carole’s work or to listen to her podcast, visit wnstd.com/edrich

Local resident Maggie Mehta MBE reflects on 45 years of voluntary service with Samaritans, dedicating her time, compassion and expertise to helping those in need

Some years ago, I took a career break from teaching as I had two young children. I wanted to do some volunteering and knew a little about Samaritans. A day duty a week and a monthly night duty seemed fine, so I joined. That was over 45 years ago and I am still volunteering.

It has been one of the most important and rewarding parts of my life, and I am one of over 20,000 volunteers across the UK and Ireland in one of 200 branches. Samaritans have had a presence in Redbridge for nearly 60 years, and there are 85 listening and support volunteers at our branch.

So, what do we do? We support people in distress or going through a difficult time, some of whom might be contemplating taking their own lives. Some have been suffering in silence for a long period. Those who call us have many issues, such as relationship problems, mental health challenges, bereavement and loneliness, to mention but a few.

Suicidal thoughts can be complex, frightening and confusing. If a caller needs someone to talk to, we listen. We won’t judge or tell them what to do, and we’re not afraid of going into difficult areas with them. Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection.

A Samaritan responds to a caller every 10 seconds, and in a typical month, 70,000 people contact us across the organisation. Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. February and March can be difficult months for many. Having started the New Year, things for some people can feel bleak as spring begins to arrive for others. We actively listen without judgement, in confidence and without giving advice, being empathetic and exploring their options. Many have no one else to talk to.

We don’t just answer the phone. We also go out to community events, such as the Wanstead Festival, where our gazebo and volunteers attract a lot of attention.

From my own experience, being in what seems like a bubble when everything else is closed in the early hours of the morning with someone who is thinking about suicide is a profound experience. One caller, who felt alone in the world and life not worth living, said at the end of a very long call that just by having a voice at the end of the line gave him the strength to carry on. He thanked me for respecting his feelings without saying things like “it will get better,” which would have been dismissive. He also said he felt able to contact us again if he needed to. I was left with a sense of calm and hope, something us volunteers feel after listening to and supporting callers.

For more information about volunteering, visit wnstd.com/samaritans

If you need someone to talk to, call the Samaritans for free on 116 123

A plan to demolish a row of single-storey shops at 12–15 Woodbine Place has been submitted to Redbridge Council.

If approved, the site – which is home to Best Turkish Kebab, Wanstead Hairdressers and Bambini – will be replaced by a three-storey building consisting of ground-floor commercial units and first- and second-floor office units.

The site is located within the Wanstead Village Conservation Area and has locally listed status, underscoring its historical and architectural importance.

Wanstead Village councillors have confirmed they will be objecting to the proposals. “In our objection we will be citing material planning considerations including: the effect on listed building and conservation area, layout and density of building and design, appearance and materials,” said the councillors.

The proposals are available on the council’s planning portal under ref 3335/25. Deadline for objections is 20 February.

Visit wnstd.com/1215wp