June 2026

Property chains often cause delays in home moves, making careful conveyancing and coordination between all parties essential, says Daveena Seepaul of local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash

Anyone who has been through a home move will know it can be an intense and emotional experience. While clients often expect the legal work to be the main source of stress, it is usually the property chain that creates the most uncertainty. A chain is a sequence of linked transactions, each dependent on the next, and even a small delay can affect everyone involved. This is why strong chain management and a solid grasp of the technical conveyancing process are essential.

Many people are surprised to learn just how much detailed work takes place behind the scenes. The conveyancing process involves several technical stages, each of which must be completed accurately and in the correct order. These include reviewing the title, raising enquiries, examining search results, checking mortgage conditions, preparing the contract pack and ensuring all documents comply with current regulations. When multiple transactions are linked, these steps must be coordinated carefully.

For example, title investigations often reveal issues that need resolving, anything from restrictive covenants to missing rights of way. Searches may highlight planning concerns or environmental risks. Mortgage lenders may require specific documents or amendments before issuing a final offer. Each of these technical points has the potential to slow the chain if not addressed promptly. The role of a conveyancing solicitor is to identify these issues early, explain them to clients and work with all parties to resolve them efficiently.

Daily communication is another crucial part of the process. Solicitors liaise with estate agents, lenders, surveyors and other solicitors to ensure everyone is aligned and aware of what is needed next. This coordination may not be visible to clients, but it is often what prevents delays from escalating. Early risk spotting and proactive communication can make a significant difference to the overall experience.

For sellers, effective chain management and thorough technical work reduce the risk of a fall-through, which can be both financially and emotionally challenging. For buyers, it provides clarity, fewer unexpected hurdles and confidence that the property they are purchasing is legally sound.

If you are purchasing a property, you need to contact your solicitor and your proposed mortgage lender at the earliest opportunity. Each transaction is different, but the national average is six to 10 weeks. The time taken is often determined by the number of parties in the chain.

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

Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London and chairman of TfL, has replied to a letter from a local school regarding local bus problems

The letters were sent via Caroline Russell, (Green Party) now chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee.

Dear Caroline,

Thank you for writing to me and sharing the letter from the Deputy Head Teacher of Woodbridge High School, Mr Clifton. I am sorry for the delay in responding.

I understand the concerns raised by Mr Clifton, and I am sorry to hear of the impact this has had on local school children. I want to assure you that safety is a priority that Transport for London (TfL) and I share.

TfL has been engaging with residents and local politicians on this for a number of months. I understand you also met with Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, in December to discuss the Wanstead bus route changes.

When making improvements to bus services, TfL must look across the whole network and ensure it is providing value for money. Occasionally, service changes are required on the bus network that may lead to changes to people’s previous journeys, but which will deliver an improved bus service overall.

This was the rationale behind making the changes to the W bus routes. The changes made to the W12, W13, W14 (and 549) have resulted in higher ridership overall. Improvements in the vicinity of Woodbridge High School include route 549 being replaced by the hourly route W14 (previously every 90 minutes) and new electric buses being introduced onto routes W12 and W14, helping to improve local air quality. The introduction of new electric vehicles will also reduce cancellations caused by mechanical problems on older buses.

Following the letter from Mr Clifton, TfL subsequently undertook surveys in the vicinity of the school to better understand the issue. The results of the surveys found buses to be busy but with no significant crowding problems on nearby bus routes.

At the time of your letter, routes W12 and W14 (and 275) were experiencing performance issues. These service issues were not confined to the W-routes, which suggests wider challenges such as the performance of the road network. Long gaps between buses and buses being curtailed short of their destination can create crowded conditions on a bus, which would not be the case if the full level of service was operated at even intervals.

TfL continues to work with operators and other stakeholders to achieve reliable, good levels of service. The latest data shows some improvement in service quality, and TfL expects this to continue as the school year progresses.
I understand that TfL does not currently plan to make any further changes to these routes.

Finally, I understand the impact that the indefinite closure of Broadmead Road Bridge is causing to local people. The bridge is the responsibility of the London Borough of Redbridge, which took the decision to close it to traffic in June 2023 due to safety concerns. TfL is unable to fund these borough works; however, it can and is willing to support boroughs in developing bids to the Government and by providing technical support and advice.

Yours sincerely,

Sir Sadiq Khan
Mayor of London

In the third of a series of articles, Susan Allison reflects on a 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.

Horse Chestnut Leaf
Sewn by: Claire Metcalfe
Dedicated to: Bert Hamilton

Bert Hamilton (1919–2005) grew up in Walthamstow before moving to Wanstead in 1952 with his wife, Gwen. A dedicated member of Christ Church, he was deeply involved in both community service and local government. During World War Two, Bert served in the RAF Technical Branch before transferring to the RAF Volunteer Reserve, where he remained until 1954. He later became an active member of the RAF Association, chairing the local branch for several years. A respected public servant, Bert served as a ward councillor for Wanstead for 25 years from the establishment of the London Borough of Redbridge in 1965. He was Mayor of Redbridge (1978–79) and served as Deputy Mayor three times. The design of this kneeler reflects the Redbridge borough logo. Bert was a strong supporter of numerous local charities and organisations. In 1993, he began organising coach holidays for the elderly of Redbridge, arranging hotels, outings and evening entertainment.

Time for Tea
Sewn by: Wanstead Women’s Institute
Dedicated to: Wanstead’s women

When the information about making new kneelers for Christ Church went out, Wanstead Women’s Institute members were asked if they would like to take part by funding a kit and taking part in sewing if they wished. They voted to do so. Once the kit had been chosen and purchased, it was passed around to those crafters who felt confident working on it alone. It was also worked on at meetings by novices, helped by experienced stitchers. ‘Time for Tea’ seemed an appropriate design for the WI, plus it had lots of small areas that different individuals could complete without being too daunting. Wanstead WI has a membership of around 100.

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

A controversial murder case will be the focus of the East of London Family History Society’s meeting on 24 June.

Percy Thompson was stabbed to death by Frederick Bywaters on 3 October 1922 in Ilford. Percy’s wife, Edith, had been in a secret affair with Frederick. Although there was no evidence that she knew her husband would be attacked, both Edith and Frederick were convicted of murder and executed in 1923. The high-profile case will be discussed at Wanstead Library from 7.30pm (visitors welcome: £3).

Visit eolfhs.org.uk

In the eighth of a series of articles featuring images by Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society members, Anuraj Theivendram looks at Alan Simpson’s monochromatic work

For more than four decades, Alan Simpson LRPS has been quietly documenting the character of London and the landscapes beyond it, producing images that blend technical craft with a deep affection for place. Born and raised in Clayhall and educated in Wanstead, Alan’s connection to the local area runs through both his life and his photography.

After many years living in Leytonstone, Alan has now returned to Clayhall, still within walking distance of the streets and green spaces that first shaped his creative eye. He joined the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society (WWPS) in 1999, continuing a journey that began at the long‑defunct Leytonstone and Wanstead Camera Club, once based at Wanstead House. This is the very venue WWPS now calls home.

Alan’s photographic roots stretch back to his teenage years, when he learned the craft using his parents’ cameras and, occasionally, his brother’s. University life introduced him to the darkroom, where he developed and printed his own black‑and‑white work, later expanding into colour slide film. In 1996, Alan joined the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), achieving his Licentiateship (LRPS) soon after. His commitment to photographic heritage led him to contribute to two major national projects: the Images of England initiative, a collaboration between the RPS and English Heritage documenting listed buildings across the country, and the ambitious Bleeding London project, which set out to photograph every street in the capital.

Although he now works primarily in digital, Alan maintains a cherished collection of vintage film cameras, occasionally running a roll of monochrome film “for old times’ sake.” His photographic interests are broad and include landscapes, historic transport, re‑enactment events, abstracts and off‑beat subjects, which all find their way into his portfolio. His atmospheric images of steam rallies and industrial heritage reflect his instinct for storytelling through texture, light and nostalgia.

A long‑standing and active WWPS member, Alan has contributed to the society’s history and supported its evolution. Now newly retired, he is turning his attention to a long‑held ambition: working towards his Associateship (ARPS), a natural next step for a photographer whose work continues to evolve with curiosity and quiet dedication.

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

Wanstead is home to one of England’s most successful amateur cricket clubs, boasting national titles, thriving juniors and a vibrant community, says Helen Pattington from the club’s volunteer team

Did you know one of the most successful amateur cricket clubs in the country in recent years is located at the end of a short path off Overton Drive? Wanstead and Snaresbrook Cricket Club has been based there for over 100 years.

The men’s first eleven won the National Club Championship in 2017, and have regularly reached the latter stages of that competition over the last 20 years. In the last season alone, the men’s first team reached the semi-final of the National Club Championship, the final of the National Club T20 competition (having won the Essex T20 Competition), finished third in the Essex Premier League and reached the final of the Essex League Cup. And that’s just the first eleven!

Wanstead Cricket Club was founded in 1866.  Its first ground was on a piece of land near George Lane Station behind the Fir Trees public house, when the club was known as Woodford. A decade before its foundation, the railway line from London to Stratford had been extended to Loughton to service the new estates being built in the area, which created a huge demand for sports clubs.

Wanstead now puts out six men’s league teams every weekend, as well as two women’s teams on Sundays and many junior teams (both boys and girls) ranging from under-9s to under-19s. Training for the juniors takes place on Thursday and Friday evenings during the summer under the guidance of qualified coaches, and on those evenings, whilst the juniors train, the parents are able to socialise in the clubhouse. Players come from Wanstead and other nearby areas and we are proud to be a diverse organisation with over 600 members across all levels.

Whilst most players just enjoy the ability to play socially, several from the club have attracted the interest of professional clubs, including Robin Das, who is currently on Essex’s books. Where juniors show they have a talent for cricket, the club’s links to the counties enables them to potentially find a career in the game.

Off the field, the club runs social events for members, and last year linked up with the Wanstead Fringe. Club members have also set up and participated in overseas tours, most recently to Pakistan last year. The club has a cricket week each year, normally in the first week of August, and a game against the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is often part of that. Although players contribute financially through membership and match fees, the club is grateful to its many local sponsors for their support, particularly our principal sponsors Bradley & Co. The club is run by volunteers, many of whom give considerable amounts of their time to keep it running so well, although more volunteers are always welcome!

For more information and to get involved with the club, visit wnstd.com/cricket

The Environment Agency has threatened the River Roding Trust with prosecution for carrying out restoration work on the Alders Brook.

If you think the actions of the EA are outrageous, please email the chief exec Philip Duffy to express your dissatisfaction with the EA’s actions in strong (but always polite and never abusive!) terms. In particular, the River Roding Trust are calling for:

• All threats of prosecution against the River Roding Trust & its volunteers to be publicly withdrawn & threats to destroy the pond & river channel we have created similarly withdrawn.
• The EA to instead use its prosecutorial powers against Thames Water to demand that within six months they produce a plan to fix all illegal sewage spills on the Roding by 2030, failing which the EA will prosecute every single illegal sewage spill to the full force of the law.
• The EA to work with the River Roding Trust & guardians of the River Roding to actively protect & restore the River Roding.

Please do get in contact with any responses you receive. Email river.roding@gmail.com

Wanstead milkman Steve Hayden has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London for his outstanding work in the doorstep dairy industry and for his contribution to the community. Here, Steve reflects on 42 years in a job he loves

I first caught the bug for being a milkman during my schooldays, helping out a local milkman at weekends and during school holidays. I loved every moment of it. People often say a milkman is born, not made, and perhaps that was true for me.

After finishing school, I worked in a factory. However, I soon realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. In 1984, I took up a job as a milkman. Over the years, I worked for three different dairies before joining Parker Dairies in 2006. I was fortunate enough to be assigned the Wanstead round, where the community welcomed me warmly and helped me settle in. Although my mornings begin at 2am, with a 3am start at the depot in Woodford Green and deliveries beginning at 4.30am, working in Wanstead makes the early hours worthwhile.

The Wanstead community has been incredibly supportive, especially during difficult times such as when my wife passed away 10 years ago. Residents have shown their appreciation by turning out in their hundreds to support me when I switch on the Christmas tree lights on the green by Wanstead Station, and when I raise money for charity by taking Santa around the streets of Wanstead on my milk float. I’d also like to give special thanks to Parker Dairies for their support, as without them, none of these events would be possible.

Over the years, I have witnessed some unusual events during my daily rounds. I saw a bird of prey snatch a pigeon, encountered a motorist in a fairly new car struggling to get up an icy Wigram Road while my 43-year-old milk float ascended effortlessly, and even saw burglars being chased by police on Preston Drive.

I regularly chat with dog walkers, pedestrians, joggers and others out and about. On two occasions, I noticed milk deliveries left untouched and managed to save two lives as a result; one individual was 83 at the time and went on to live until 101!

I enjoy plenty of fun and banter with local residents, often revolving around football teams. As a people person, I meet many individuals who wave or stop for a chat during my rounds.

After 42 years in the job, with four children and 10 grandchildren, I could never have imagined it would lead to a community award from the Mayor of Redbridge last year and now the Freedom of the City of London. I love my job and cherish the connections I’ve built within the Wanstead community. I am a proud Londoner and want everyone to share in my happiness. My job may not be for everyone, but receiving this award means the world to me. All in all, working in Wanstead is both special and rewarding. Watching children grow up, go to university, start their careers and build families of their own has been wonderful. Thank you, Wanstead. Here’s to many more years to come.

For more information on Parker Dairies, call 020 8520 5943 or visit parkerdairies.co.uk

Two community jumble trails will take place this summer, with residents selling pre-loved items and crafts from their front gardens.

The Aldersbrook Jumble Trail will take place on 14 June (11am to 5pm; £7 per stall in aid of Aldersbrook Primary School PTA), followed by the Lake House Jumble Trail on 4 July (11am to 3pm; £6 per stall in aid of Haven House Children’s Hospice). Both events are free to visitors with online trail maps available.

Visit wnstd.com/jx2

Wanstead Beer Festival will return for one day of great ales, local flavour and good company, with a special festival brew, charity fundraising and plenty to raise a glass to, says Paul Donovan

The fourth Wanstead Beer Festival is nearly upon us. This year, Christ Church halls and grounds will transform into a beer paradise for just one day, Saturday 10 October. So, reserve the date, tickets will soon be on sale.

It is intended to bring an even wider range of beers and ciders this time. There will also be a special Wanstead Beer Festival beer, brewed just for us by Sambrook’s Brewery’s head brewer. So, that’s one to look out for.

The aim is once again to keep costs down, so most beers will be around the £5 a pint mark. A few specials might be a bit more, but they’ll be worth it! Funds raised will again be split between three local good causes. The River Roding Trust has already been selected as one of these. Thanks must go to the great support from local sponsors, pubs and breweries. So, lots to look forward to.

Last year’s event – which was attended by a record 950 people – raised £4,203 for local charities.

These, though, are tough times for the hospitality industry. Business rates, tax on alcohol and rising wages all make the challenge of keeping going that much greater. The government has recently provided some relief to pubs, but there is long way to go. A pub a day closed in England and Wales last year.

One interesting development of recent years has been the growth of the micropub. These premises often amount to not much more than a front room. They usually provide a number of local beers and ciders, plus gin and wine. The food is basic, often something like scotch eggs or pasties. Also, often a ban on mobiles and other conversation-averse technology is another plus. So, in some ways, a beer festival-type menu on a permanent basis.

Micropubs began developing in Kent a few decades ago, but have now spread all over the country. My own favourite is the Waterworks in Rye, Sussex. The Waterworks used to be a public toilet, but it has transformed since 2018, winning many awards and plaudits.

Micropubs seem less popular in London, but surely their time is coming. The growing overheads and desire for a good-value drink, plus great company, surely means a micropub would work around here. Let’s hope someone takes up the challenge. For now, the Wanstead Beer Festival and our fine local pubs will have to suffice. But what these outlets prove is that there is a great demand for good ale, food and company. If you want all three in abundance, come to the Wanstead Beer Festival on 10 October.

The Wanstead Beer Festival will take place in the halls of Christ Church on 10 October from 1pm to 11pm. For more information, visit wnstd.com/beer

The planters on the railings outside The Cuckfield on Wanstead High Street have been given a new lease of life by a concerned local resident.

“These planters were looking neglected for a long time. I felt sad to see them in such a sorry state. So, one Sunday morning in May, I planted them up with some colourful blooms, which were donated by the Wanstead Community Gardeners. Now, they look positively beautiful, and the pub’s manager has agreed to keep them watered,” said Katriye Ibrahim.

The Wren Wildlife Group’s annual Wanstead Wildlife Weekend will take place on 20 and 21 June.

“This year, in honour of our patron Sir David Attenborough, our events will focus on young people. To quote Sir David: ‘If children don’t grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it.’ There will be pond dipping, a moth reveal, dragonfly and butterfly walks and many other events in Wanstead Park and Flats,” said a spokesperson.

Visit wnstd.com/wren