Features

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Features

Listen and learn

In the 47th of a series of articles, David Bird discusses the work of Redbridge Music Society and introduces clarinettist Matthew Scott and pianist Christine Zerafa, who will perform in Wanstead this month

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Evergone

In the third of a series of articles documenting the development of Wanstead’s Evergreen Field, Geoff Horsnell raises concerns over how the amended plans will fit within the Wanstead Village conservation area

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Permit Praise

Councillor Jo Blackman shares her concerns about the pressures on parking in Wanstead and the rationale behind the recent expansion of Wanstead’s permit parking zones

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Permit Pains

Councillor Paul Canal believes the recent expansion of Wanstead’s permit parking zones is misguided and will put pressure on independent shops and complicate daily life for residents

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Silver chain of Sound

The Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group’s Tim Harris reports on a successful breeding season for the Skylarks of Wanstead Flats, where simple protection measures are helping these ground-nesting birds

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Witness the support

Attending court can be intimidating for witnesses, but volunteers at Snaresbrook Crown Court are there to help them every step of the way, says Catherine Redmond from the Citizens Advice Witness Service

LINKED from the air_photo Graeme Miller
Features

Linked

Hidden along the edges of the M11 Link Road is a secret artwork, three miles long and invisible. Over the 22 years it has been there, it has become a secret layer of East London. On Saturday 27 September it will be opened to the public for a day as part of the Wanstead Fringe Festival. Graeme Miller reports

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Away from home

In the seventh of a series of articles charting the experiences of a Wanstead-based travel writer, Carole Edrich discovers how widely read Wanstead Village Directory is… and that being an oddfellow pays off

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Probate debate

Where there’s a will, there’s a way, unless there is a dispute underlying the estate and the will! Kavita Rana from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash explains

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Features

Beyond Metro-land

Joshua Abbott is preparing to publish Modernism Beyond Metro-land, a book documenting 20th-century architecture in London’s suburbs. In the third of a series of extracts, the spotlight is on Snaresbrook’s Hermitage Court. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson

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Speaking of plants

From healing spaces to Islamic gardens, the new programme of speakers for Aldersbrook Horticultural Society’s monthly meetings covers a wide range of topics. Ruth Martin reports

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Check this mate

Chess has come a long way recently but there is still a missing piece, says 18-year-old Jay Demetriou, whose membership of Wanstead and Woodford Chess Club has helped him connect with the community

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Books’ Happening

The Wanstead Book Festival, part of the Wanstead Fringe festivities, is once again hosting a wide range of talents and authors working in various styles, writes Giles Wilson

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Music’s Happening

The music programme at Wanstead Fringe 2025 brings a rich mix of community and creativity, with events taking place at what are turning into some of the area’s most beloved Fringe venues. Giles Wilson reports

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Colour me happy

Don’t only enjoy viewing the art achievements of others. Take delight in helping to produce some community artwork yourself, suggests Donna Mizzi, founder of Art Group Wanstead

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Theatre’s Happening

Live theatre is one of the main pillars of any fringe festival, and Wanstead is no different. Camille Leadbeater runs through some of the plays she’s looking forward to this September

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Cheers to charity

With real ale, real community spirit and really good causes, Wanstead Beer Festival returns this October with more brews, new names and a fundraising mission. Paul Donovan reports

WVD-SEP-2025catherineCatherine Tylney-Long (2 October 1789 – 12 September 1825)
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Something’s Happening

There’s a buzz in the air. Just like in the grand drawing rooms of Wanstead House in the early 19th century, word is spreading: something’s happening in Wanstead, writes Camille Leadbeater

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Globally Local

From Edinburgh to Lagos, fringe festivals are about community, creativity and celebration. And that applies to Wanstead as well, writes Camille Leadbeater ahead of 23 days of cultural activity on our doorstep

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Zeroing in on rights

From unfair dismissal to zero-hour contracts, Mariam Zaadane from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash explains some of the key proposed reforms in the Employment Rights Bill

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Future for Whipps

In the 13th of a series of articles looking at the redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital, Charlotte Monro explains why the Action4Whipps community campaign is needed now more than ever before

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Evergone

In the second of a series of articles documenting the development of Wanstead’s Evergreen Field, Geoff Horsnell looks at the contractors’ breach of conditions that caused work to be halted. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson

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Grotto in Frame

Restoration work is underway in Wanstead Park, and the decision to add a supportive steel frame to the Grotto was not taken lightly, says Caroline Haines, Chair of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee