Features

It all began in 2013, and now, as the Wanstead Fringe gears up for its 10th instalment of 100-plus cultural events, director Giles Wilson reveals what he’s looking forward to the most

Following the recent death of Jean Maestri – the proprietor of the Wanstead Park Tea Hut for over 30 years – the Maestri family reflect on the life of the Queen of Wanstead Park

Ahead of an evening talk about Sir Alfred Hitchcock for the Wanstead Historical Society this month, Gary Lewis reflects on his journey to becoming a tour guide and speaker centred around the iconic director

Tricia Moxey takes a look at Muntjac Deer and urges residents to report any local sightings to help the London Wildlife Trust map their distribution and population growth

Derek Inkpin from local solicitors Axiom DWFM looks at how keeping your building work paperwork organised may save you a lot of time and stress in the future

In the 17th of a series of articles by plot holders at Redbridge Lane West allotments, Sally Parker explains her frustration with Cadent’s lack of communication as the gas company delays work on the site

In the first of two articles looking at the work taking place to improve Wanstead Park, the Friends of Wanstead Parklands’ new chairman Peter Brimson reports on the park’s Temple and Grotto

In the third of a series of articles by those who have benefitted from attending Wanstead Youth Centre – which is under threat of closure – Jenny Steedman reports on the work of Forest Twins and Triplets Club

After reading Paul Canal’s article about local car use in last month’s issue, Kris Sangani felt compelled to write a reply. Here, the Aldersbrook resident says motorists, cyclists and pedestrians must learn to share

Rainy Day by Satomi McHale was awarded first prize in an art competition at Wanstead House last month. Here, the nature lover introduces her work

As plans continue to brew for the first Wanstead Beer Festival, Revd James Gilder samples some of the ale currently available in Wanstead

The second Wanstead Book Festival – part of next month’s Wanstead Fringe – is fast approaching. It’s time to get your summer reading ready, says Festival chair Giles Wilson

The Disability Awareness Festival returns to Wanstead this month. Designed by people with disabilities, it’s the only fully accessible and inclusive festival in the borough, says Suzanne Wright

Suzanne Paterson from Tin in a Bin provides an update on their joint campaign with Redbridge Council, aiming to help feed 350 children across Redbridge over the summer holidays

James Heal, chair of the Wren Wildlife Group, reports on the success of the first Wanstead Wildlife Weekend, two days of exploring the wildlife on our doorstep through a range of family-friendly activities

Lorna Paterson from Wanstead Climate Action encourages gardeners to get to know their friendly neighbourhood weeds and appreciate the vital role they play in London’s environmental corridors

In the fifth of a series of articles featuring the images of local photographers who document the wildlife of Wanstead Park and the surrounding area, Tushar Bala presents a montage of his shots of a Little Egret

Derek Inkpin from local solicitors Axiom DWFM looks at how legal costs can spiral in cases like boundary disputes and urges the use of a mediator where possible

Cholesterol is a waxy substance, made in the liver and essential for the continuing health of every single cell in the human body. We need it, says Fiona Flaherty, a registered nurse and nutritional therapist

The battle between the common good and individual liberty has raged for centuries, but when it comes to car use, local resident Paul Canal believes the idealists are taking us in the wrong direction

In the second of a series of articles, Revd James Gilder of Wanstead Parish talks about mental health and invites anyone affected by mental health issues to help him establish a new support group

Vanya Marks of Wanstead Climate Action laments the area’s lost front gardens to driveways, but cites this positive example on Felstead Road. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson

In the second of a series of articles by those who have benefitted from the existence of Wanstead Youth Centre – which is under threat of closure – Zaida Hussain reports on the work of REAL Initiative

As the Wanstead Fringe gears up for its 10th season, festival director Giles Wilson wonders if the annual series of events can help change perceptions of Wanstead – both here and further away

Following a positive response to his article earlier this year floating the idea of a Wanstead Beer Festival, Councillor Paul Donovan is now part of the organising committee bringing the event to a head in October