Features

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

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

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

In the 51st of a series of articles, David Bird discusses the work of Redbridge Music Society and introduces Emilija Karaliute, who will be performing in Wanstead this month

Local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash was named Redbridge Business of the Year at the recent Ilford & Redbridge Business Awards. Julia McFall reflects on the historic firm’s success

At the Woodford Historical Society’s February meeting, Jef Page will be exploring the origins of Redbridge street names, including Nutter Lane, home to one of the oldest houses in Wanstead

Ahead of an LGBTQ+ History Month event at Wanstead Library, author Jack Parlett reflects on his work on Fire Island in New York and explains why it’s important to learn from the queer icons of the past

February 2026 marks 200 years since the foundation of London’s first university. Local resident Georgina Brewis, who is professor of social history at UCL, has co-authored a new book that tells the story By the 1820s, London had become the largest city in the world with over a million inhabitants. Unlike most other European capital cities, however, it had no university. Access to England’s two universities, Oxford and Cambridge, was restricted to members of the Church of England, and the high cost of study meant they were accessible only by the very wealthy. Anyone of any other faith – at the time, England’s main religious minorities included Jews, Roman Catholics and Non-Conformists such as Quakers, Baptists and Methodists – was barred from higher education. The foundation of London’s first university in Bloomsbury in February 1826 is therefore an important moment for the capital. However, most general histories of London tend to neglect education, and research has overlooked the distinctive culture forged by a new type of higher education student. This new book tells the story of students in the capital over 200 years. The self-styled London University offered non-residential, affordable education to the sons of middle-class professionals. There were no religious...

United by a shared vision for community art, Elsie Drew, Brenda Coyle and Laura Skye are pleased to introduce Cup of Art, a Wanstead-based art collective which the three friends hope will become a vibrant hub

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 first instalment of her Big Rail Story

In the third of a series of articles featuring images by the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, Anuraj Theivendram explains his passion for canine portraits As publicity officer of the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, I’ve felt privileged to share stories in this series about how photography connects us with our community. In earlier articles, I explored how images can celebrate local heritage and inspire creativity within our club. In this article, I highlight a passion that has personally brought me both joy and purpose: volunteering my photography skills at two remarkable dog shelters, Love Underdogs and All Dogs Matter. Love Underdogs began after witnessing the harsh conditions faced by dogs in Romania, inspiring a mission of compassion and change. With the support of UK volunteers and Romanian partners, they’ve given countless dogs a second chance, turning despair into hope. Their team provides veterinary care, behavioural support and lifelong rescue backup, ensuring every dog has the best chance of finding a loving home. All Dogs Matter is a dog rescue and rehoming charity working across London to transform the lives of unwanted and abandoned dogs. Guided by care, commitment, collaboration and determination, their team and volunteers ensure every dog, regardless of...

January is often called ‘divorce month’ because of a spike in divorce enquiries. Benjamin Carter of local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash explains what to expect from your first meeting with a divorce solicitor