Much has changed in Wanstead, but its vibrancy and activism continue to shine, says Councillor Paul Donovan as he announces he will not seek re-election for Labour next May
A plaintive cry sometimes heard amongst those who have lived in Wanstead for a while is that “things ain’t what they used to be.” Having lived here for 60-plus years, I would question the claim. Yes, things have changed, often for the better, but much has stayed the same.
A former student of Aldersbrook Primary and Wanstead High, those schools continue to excellently serve the community. A different pupil intake and the developments – including the swimming pool in the case of Wanstead High – have brought change. But the biggest physical development in Wanstead in recent times came in the 1990s with the forcing through of the M11 link road.
The High Street has changed in terms of different types of outlets. The boat shop, Woolworths and Stockdale’s have gone. But on the whole, the High Street has managed to weather the threats posed by online deliveries, though these occur in practically every road in Wanstead these days.
The community in Wanstead has always been strong. The Community Gardeners, Wren Group, Friends of Wanstead Parklands, Wild Wanstead, Wanstead Climate Action and allotment holders, to name but a few; all make valuable contributions. There have been welcome new additions to life over recent years, like the Wanstead Fringe and Wanstead Beer Festival. All signs of a vibrant community that cares. That care also manifests itself in strong protest when people are not happy. I joined with many others to oppose the M11 link road at the time of construction. There has always been a strong voice for peace, with much activism following the 9/11 attacks in America. Then, the multi-faith group Peace and Justice in East London formed. More recently, there has been action over Gaza and Ukraine. And some local people have made their voices heard over proposed new market stalls on the High Street. It is all part of living in a vibrant community where people care.
So, yes, there has been change in Wanstead over the years, most good, some not so much. But the cry “things ain’t what they used to be” rather emanates from the human condition. Life is a conveyor belt. We all seek security and certainty. The notion of ‘stop the world, I want to get off’ is something that resonates with many of us. The reality is, from the moment we are born, everyone is on a journey to the end, no chance to get off. We all have to live life to the full and in the moment.
I have enjoyed life in Wanstead and continue to do so. As a Labour councillor for Wanstead Village over the past eight years, it has, for the most part, been a pleasure to serve. There is, though, still much to be done. I will not be standing for re-election for Labour next May. It is time to look for the next challenge on the conveyor belt of life. And Wanstead offers lots of opportunities to do just that.
Paul is a Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward. Visit wnstd.com/councillors
