October 2026

Redbridge Council is considering introducing two new yellow box junctions in the local area following a series of traffic surveys across the borough.

The surveys identified 14 junctions that are regularly obstructed, including Blake Hall Road at Tennyson Avenue and New Wanstead at Homesdale Close. “Yellow box markings are designed to keep junctions clear, prevent congestion and keep traffic moving,” said a council spokesperson. A public consultation on the proposals took place last month.

Visit wnstd.com/ybox

An interactive African drumming performance will take place at St Gabriel’s Church in Aldersbrook on 17 October to mark Black History Month.

Led by Iroko Drumming Act, the event will feature traditional West African drumming, Yoruba talking drums and oral storytelling. The session is part of an evening of activities at the church celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture. “This is not just an event for churchgoers, but a lively social occasion for the whole community,” said a spokesperson.

Visit wnstd.com/17oct26

Local resident Jane Grell will host a special rhyme time session for children at Wanstead Library on 6 October to celebrate Black History Month.

Born and raised in Dominica, Jane – who now lives in Aldersbrook – is a storyteller, writer, poet and former teacher whose work has focused on helping children develop language and literacy skills. She now uses storytelling as a creative tool to build confidence and communication. Suitable for children under five, the free event will take place from 10.15am.

Visit wnstd.com/6oct26

Food waste collections will be rolled out across Redbridge following a year-long trial in parts of Wanstead.

Households will receive a small kitchen caddy for food waste and a larger outdoor caddy to decant the kitchen caddy into. Food waste – including meat, fish, vegetables, bread, tea bags and coffee grounds – will be recycled into renewable energy and bio-fertiliser. Borough-wide collections are expected to begin from November (flats will be included next year).

Visit wnstd.com/foodwaste

A small memorial garden near Wanstead High School is in need of a local volunteer to help care for it.

The garden was created beside the Redbridge Lane West allotment gates in 2003 in memory of 23-year-old Finnish student Suvi Aronen, who was murdered nearby. “It is looking very unkempt at the moment. I’ve planted some new plants, but I’m hoping a more local volunteer, perhaps someone who walks past every day, might be able to take it on,” said Marian Temple of the Wanstead Community Gardeners.

Visit wnstd.com/wcg

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the last crew-operated bus to run along Wanstead High Street.

“On 8 October 1976, the last departure on route 20A staffed by a driver and a conductor departed Leytonstone at 11.47pm, passing through Wanstead and South Woodford bound for Loughton. I was not the only bus enthusiast on board, but I think I was the only person to take a photo,” said Peter Haseldine. One-man-operated double-deckers took over the route the following day. Route 20A was subsequently withdrawn in 1982.

Wanstead House is marking its 80th anniversary by inviting people to help build a picture of the community centre’s past.

“We would love to build a collection of 80 stories, memories and photographs of Wanstead House. So, if you or someone in your family has a connection, please share your story with us,” said centre manager Kathryn Stangaard. Located at 21 The Green, the building was constructed in 1914 and opened as a community centre on 21 September 1946.

Email office@wansteadhouse.co.uk

A snail hunt will take place in Wanstead Park this month.

“Our survey on 19 October will focus on getting mollusc records for the park, as well as looking for German Hairy Snails along the adjacent River Roding,” said Nina Hundt, a field recorder for the London Natural History Society. The German Hairy Snail plays a vital role in healthy river ecosystems, yet its current distribution in London remains poorly understood. Residents are welcome to join the hunt (time and meeting location provided on request).

Email marshesriverfly@gmail.com

The Wren Wildlife Group has provided a statement about this year’s Skylark breeding season.

“It was a tough summer for the Skylarks on Wanstead Flats. While the temporary roped-off areas undoubtedly helped reduce human and canine disturbance, the long periods of extreme heat and drought seem to have reduced their breeding success. In early July, parent birds were feeding two fledglings but most of the larks vacated the breeding area shortly after and these were probably the only young raised this year.”

A global arts project asking people to share their hopes and dreams will come to Wanstead this month.

Created by Candy Chang in New Orleans, the project invites people to reflect on mortality. “What would you really like to achieve before you die? Share your aspirations on a dedicated wall,” said a Wanstead Library spokesperson. The wall will be on display on 29 October as part of the annual Festival of the Dead. Visit wnstd.com/fotd26