March 2026

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands has extended an open invitation to its Annual General Meeting on 15 April.

“Non-members with an interest in the park are very welcome to join us at Wanstead Cricket Club from 7pm. After a short business meeting, Alison O’Connor, Epping Forest’s Project Officer for Wanstead Park, will give a talk about future proposals and funding sources. This represents the best chance for major change in the park for many years,” said a spokesperson for the charity.

Visit wnstd.com/fwp

The River Roding Trust has completed its biggest river restoration project to date, bringing 280 metres of river back to life on the Alders Brook. Paul Powlesland reports

The Alders Brook – a tributary of the River Roding with its source within the City of London Cemetery – is likely the ancient channel of the Roding, but since being cut off from the main river in the ‘River Roding Improvement Scheme’ more than 70 years ago, has become choked with silt and rubbish and was in danger of becoming just another lost river of London.

The River Roding Trust has been trying its best to protect the Alders Brook by removing the huge quantities of rubbish that had built up over decades, but the scale of the challenge meant a more drastic intervention was called for. We tried to get Redbridge Council, the Environment Agency and big river charities to act, but to no avail. The only option was to role up our sleeves and do the work ourselves. We hired a digger, which was crewed entirely voluntarily by Mick Burpitt. The steep banks and number of trees along the river meant it was difficult and delicate work. But over the course of 10 days, we removed hundreds of tonnes of silt, leaves and rubbish from the river. Dozens of amazing volunteers then sorted through the wet silt and removed the tonnes of rubbish it contained (plastic bottles, knives, shotguns and a whole motorbike!).

The aim was to create as many different and nature-rich habitats as possible. So, whilst we left all the trees along the banks standing, we trimmed the branches overhanging the river to bring in light and help bring back aquatic plants and marginal vegetation. The Alders Brook had silted up to the extent it was little more than a ditch, which in places was only centimetres deep, so you could walk across. We brought the width back to at least 10 feet and the depth to at least two feet, interspersed with some pools four to five feet in depth.

In doing this work, we have uncovered the Alders Brook as a rare and precious jewel. It has stunning, sinuous meanders and curves and its banks are entirely natural. Following campaigning by the River Roding Trust, the tidal flap valve on the Alders Brook barrage was removed three years ago and now the tide is properly able to flow up it again; we believe it is the only tidal freshwater brook in London. As part of the works, we have also opened up accessible points to the river, so you can now visit and walk along it. Although some of the areas look a little muddy and bare at the moment, as spring comes into play, we are confident there will be a blossoming of life.

As ever, thank you to all the volunteers who worked incredibly hard. And particular thanks to Mick, who worked on the digger, for free, every day for a week to restore the river he used to play in as a child. If you would like to support our work, we would really appreciate donations towards the cost of the digger hire. We estimate these works would have cost £50K to £100K and taken two to three years if done by the council. With community action, it cost just £1K and was completed in 10 days.

For more information on the River Roding Trust and to donate, visit wnstd.com/rrt

The scaffolding has been removed from the Grotto in Wanstead Park following the installation of a steel frame to support the iconic structure.

“The frame is in place to stabilise the brickwork and help conserve this unique historic feature for the future… Thank you for your patience whilst these important works have taken place,” said a City of London Corporation spokesperson.

Built in 1764 on the west bank of the Ornamental Water, the Grotto was damaged by a fire in 1884 with only the outer walls remaining.

Following the recent death of hairdresser John Worsley, who worked in Wanstead for over 40 years, his friend and colleague Danielle Tomlin pays respect to a man who had a contagious love for life

John was not just a colleague to me; he was someone who truly made an impression on my life. When I think about him, I think about his warmth, his generosity and the way he brought energy and life into every room he walked into.

John grew up in Australia, where he built a very successful career in hairdressing. He owned and ran successful hairdressing businesses with his good friend and was incredibly talented at what he did. Hairdressing wasn’t just a job for John; it was his passion. He had a natural gift for it, and people trusted him not only for his skill but also for the way he made them feel.

Following these successes, John decided to travel. He explored many different places, meeting new people and experiencing the world in a way that really shaped the person he became. His travels eventually brought him to the UK, where he met his partner, Lorenzo, with whom he shared 32 wonderful years. It was here that John chose to settle and continue building his life and career.

When John started working at the Wanstead salon that was then called Steven Russell Hairdressing – now Enigma Hair and Beauty – he quickly became a huge part of the team. John went on to work there for more than 40 years, becoming a familiar and much-loved face in the community. Throughout his career, John also had the opportunity to work in fashion, designing clothes. It allowed him to express his creativity and be part of an exciting and ever-changing industry. His eye for style and detail made him perfectly suited to that world, and it was another example of how talented and passionate he was about his craft. His experience and skill were clear to everyone, but what really stood out was his personality. He had a way of making people feel comfortable. Many of his clients stayed with him for years, not just because he was a brilliant hairdresser, but because they enjoyed spending time with him.

John had a big personality and a contagious love for life. He was also famous for throwing legendary parties. If John was hosting an event, you knew it was going to be unforgettable. The one I’ll never forget was his 70th birthday in Taormina, Sicily, at the San Domenico five-star hotel! He knew how fussy I was with food and he went above and beyond to give me my own separate menu. As a joke, I had said: “Just give me spag bol and I’ll be happy,” and he did just that while his other guests enjoyed swordfish and veal!

The moments I remember most are the everyday ones, the chats at work and the laughs we shared, like when I presented him with an ‘Oscar’ for being Drama Queen of the Year! John was kind, talented, generous and full of life. I feel very lucky to have known him. He will be remembered with great fondness.

Local obituary submissions are welcome. Email editor@wnstd.com

Epping Forest staff and volunteers from the Wren Wildlife Group have installed a rope fence around two areas of Wanstead Flats in anticipation of the Skylark breeding season.

“These incredible birds are London’s closest returning ground-nesting species. These conservation measures aim to provide the space they need to nest successfully, free from disturbance… please walk around the roped areas to help safeguard these special birds,” said a spokesperson.

The temporary barrier will be taken down in September.

A quiz night has raised over £2,000 for the Wanstead War Memorial restoration fund.

“A special thank you to Rev James Gilder for launching the appeal and for his continued support in helping drive this important project forward. It was a brilliant evening and a real reminder of what makes Wanstead special: community spirit, generosity and a shared commitment to honouring those who gave their lives for our country,” said Councillor Paul Canal, who organised the event at The Cuckfield last week.

Visit wnstd.com/wwm

The Wanstead and Woodford Marie Curie fundraising group will be hosting a quiz night at Wanstead House on 25 April.

“Our last event raised over £1,300, so this will be another great opportunity to get together with friends, test your knowledge and support a good cause. We’ll provide the tea, coffee and cake, or you can bring your own refreshments,” said a spokesperson. The quiz will start at 7.30pm (tickets: £12).

Call 07957 760 071

In the fifth of a series of articles featuring images by Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society members, Anuraj Theivendram takes a look at Arnie Göbel’s long‑running Windows and Doors of the World project

If you’ve ever wandered through an old town and found yourself pausing at a beautifully weathered doorway or a brightly painted shutter, you’ll understand the heart of Arnie Göbel’s long‑running photographic project. His series, Finestre e Porte del Mondo (Windows and Doors of the World), celebrates the character, craft and quiet poetry found in windows and doors across the globe.

The Italian title, he says, simply felt right, as it reflects the passion and artistry that so often shape these architectural details. The project began almost by accident. During regular trips back to Germany to visit his mother, Arnie would use the quiet afternoons to explore nearby towns and villages. One visit to the Brothers Grimm town of Steinau an der Straße was enough to spark a fascination that has never left him. Since then, he has photographed more than 280 windows and doors from over 60 locations in 18 countries, each one chosen for its charm, texture or sense of place.

Arnie now prints many of these images as small, framed miniatures, as well as larger pieces and floating prints. They have become a distinctive part of his creative output, sitting alongside his landscape work, abstract architecture, wildlife photography and occasional live‑music shoots. He also produces product photography for clients, which shows how far his skills extend beyond personal projects.

Photography has been part of Arnie’s life since childhood. His first camera was a Kodak Box Brownie, followed by an Olympus OM10 that travelled with him from Germany to South Africa and eventually to the UK. After years with Canon DSLRs, he moved to the Olympus OM‑D system in 2017 and has stayed with it ever since.

A long‑standing member of both the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society and Art Group Wanstead, Arnie brings a thoughtful eye and deep appreciation for the stories hidden in everyday details. His work reminds us that beauty often sits quietly in front of us, whether in a peeling shutter, a sun‑bleached doorway or a lovingly tended window box, simply waiting to be noticed.

If Arnie’s passion for seeing the world differently sparks something in you, why not come and meet the society behind so much local creativity? Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society welcomes photographers of every level, from complete beginners to seasoned image‑makers. You will find a friendly group, weekly inspiration and plenty of encouragement to explore your own way of seeing.

To view more of Arnie’s work, visit asg-productions.co.uk

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

New public toilet facilities have been installed on Christ Church Green, with work set to be completed by 20 March.

“This was not a refurbishment of the existing block but a full replacement with modern, unisex integrated WC cubicles… The design removes all communal areas, meaning only individual cubicles can be accessed. This significantly reduces opportunities for crime and the fear of crime, while providing durable, anti‑vandal features,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson.

Manufactured in Sweden, the new facilities cost £160k to procure and install.

Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “Our parks are some of the most valued spaces in the borough, and it’s important that the facilities within them are safe, modern and accessible for everyone. By investing in new, high‑quality public toilets, we’re making sure residents and visitors can enjoy our green spaces with confidence. These upgraded units are designed to reduce vandalism, improve safety and provide a much better experience for all who use them. With nine Green Flag Award‑winning parks across the borough, we’re committed to maintaining the highest standards in our open spaces, and these improvements are an important part of that work.”

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 third instalment of her Big Rail Story

Eurostar trains have their own smell. Business carriages carry notes of clean plastic and electronics. Zoo class whiffs of whatever the indigents have brought in: usually over-strong perfumes, aftershave, crisps, babies and coffee. Aromas become less ‘used’ and more ‘cared for’ from one price-point to the next, until you reach the carpeted first class (sorry, Eurostar Premier) which, despite leather headrests and an occasional spendthrift passenger, smells of very little at all.

I am in Business (Eurostar Plus if you’re feeling pedantic) and happy to be here because I only recently discovered my first-class interrail pass includes it. I’m less happy about infection risk. Businessmen (or at least men dressed as if for business) are coughing all over. Wouldn’t it be poetic, after taking years to arrange this trip, if I caught something nasty on the first day?

Eurostar trains have their own special noise too. Out of St Pancras: judder judder hushed-scream, judder judder hushed-scream. As speed builds, it turns into judder judder shh-shh, judder judder shh-shh. And then, when we’re at our maximum speed and leaving Essex for the undulating fields of Kent, it goes judder judder wobble judder shhhh, judder judder wobble judder shhhh.

I’m finally on my way. Do I look at the gorgeous, golden dawn-lit scenery? Do I make conversation with the people around me? I do not. I do my best to go to sleep. At least, I try. Trying to cover nose and mouth without seeming to is – strangely – not conducive. Eyes shut and still trying, I hear the people on my table discussing the inconvenience of shutting down Ashford and the resulting pressure on St Pancras. I realise I’ve forgotten my hand sanitiser. And (obviously) my mask.

I’m nearly asleep when Veronique the steward asks if I have any allergies, in preparation for breakfast. It’s only the second time in about 100 trips that this has happened. Is it a new thing or have previous stewards not liked me?

I give up on sleep. Decide on coffee before breakfast, unscrew my lovely, brand new-for-my-rail-trip LARQ UV flask. And learn that it’s possible to overfill. Luckily, the fluid only goes on my jeans and black t-shirt. Unluckily, it’s still hot.

Breakfast, such as it is these days, arrives. Then we’re out of the tunnel to huge horizons, long rolling fields, quaint French-looking farms and a baby blue sky with gilt-edged cotton-wool clouds.

Two Eurostar trains (I know they’re Eurostar because they’re labelled; trainspotting, innit) pass the other way. Then more farms, tiny parcels of land, picture-perfect compact villages, each with requisite church, orchard, and stands of oak and spruce. The train starts slowing for Lille.

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

In the first of a series of articles, Susan Allison reflects on the community project which created nearly 50 kneelers for Christ Church, each with a story to tell and each recording a snapshot of present-day Wanstead

This community project got underway at the Wanstead Festival in September 2024, when stitching began on the first kneeler. Over the following 12 months, another 40-plus kneelers were stitched by numerous members of the community, celebrating the diversity of people and experiences in our village.

Every kneeler (or hassock) tells a story. Working with a uniform deep blue background, kneelers were either purchased directly from stock, modified or uniquely designed to mark a person, business or organisation in Wanstead. Some people chose to purchase and work on their own kneeler; some sponsored a kneeler for someone else to work on and some were purchased
through a generous bequest from John Sunley, a former member of Christ Church’s congregation.

The kneelers were presented to the church in October 2025, along with a guidebook that is available to purchase (£5; in aid of the church tower restoration fund), but the project is not over yet. We are now preparing an exhibition of the kneelers and their stories, which will be on show at this year’s Wanstead Festival. All project documents will then be collated and archived. This project demonstrates Christ Church’s community engagement, a vital component in securing funding for the refurbishment of the church and the restoration of the church tower.

St Cuthbert
Sewn by: Susan Allison
Dedicated to: James and Kitty Todd

The whole ‘Kneelers for Christ Church’ project is the result of an experience Susan Allison had with her parents, James and Kitty Todd, whilst in a previous parish in Surrey. Kitty and a group of other women joined together to make large patchwork wall-hangings and kneelers for their church. James was also actively involved in the design and colour-matching of the hangings and the kneelers. However, other than sewing their initials on the side of the kneelers, there was no record made of who the initials referred to, who had been involved, what the design referenced and why, and Susan realised she was now the only person alive who held that information. Which is why, when she overheard the rector talking about new kneelers for Christ Church, she spoke up and said it was important the information about the crafters be recorded as part of Christ Church’s legacy. The design of this kneeler is Saint Cuthbert, the patron saint of Durham, which is where James and Kitty were born and married.

Wanstead Community Kneeler
Sewn by: the community
Dedicated to: Pat Beckwith and Richelle Speers

This is dedicated to two employees of the company who supplied the kneelers, Pat Beckwith – who, until her retirement, gave wonderful guidance and support at the start of the kneeler project – and Richelle Speers – who had the misfortune of having to pick up where Pat left off and steered us through to the end of our stitching. The design of this kneeler is free-flow. It started at the Wanstead Festival in September 2024 with anyone, especially children, coming to make a few stitches wherever they liked, in whatever colour they wished and recording their details for the future. The kneeler then toured various local venues for the young and old and all in between to produce an amazing, vibrantly unique design. The oldest stitcher was 94; the youngest (with help) was six months old.

For more information on the project, visit wnstd.com/kneelers