Features

Allowing a dog to utilise their acute sense of smell is important for their well-being, says Colin Spence, who runs dog training classes in Snaresbrook and now offers scent detection workshops for all breeds

As the Wanstead Historical Society celebrates its diamond jubilee, Denis Keeling looks back at the life and work of the Society’s founder, Jack Elsden Tuffs, and looks forward to a new programme of talks

David Wershof from local solicitors Wiseman Lee explains how an Asset of Community Value designation can protect community buildings and spaces – like Christchurch Green playground – from being lost

In the fifth of a series of articles by plot holders at the Redbridge Lane West allotments – which are under threat from the adjacent gas works – Mike Edwards explains his green-fingered journey

In the third of a series of articles providing an update on the Cleaner Greener Wanstead initiative, Councillor Paul Donovan (Wanstead Village, Labour) looks at the challenges of tackling energy efficiency

In the 23rd of a series of articles, David Bird discusses the work of Redbridge Music Society and introduces Jonathan Radford and Ashley Fripp, who will perform at Wanstead Library this month

Wanstead teenager Grace Wolstenholme invites you to watch her YouTube channel for an insight into life with cerebral palsy. In the 10th of a series of articles, Grace has nothing but praise for the people of Colchester

The Wren Wildlife Group, London Wildlife Trust and Wild Wanstead have compiled a list of 10 species at risk of local extinction. In the eighth of a series of articles looking at each species in turn, Liz Ranger explains why it’s time to give toads a helping hand

Wanstead resident Dan Slipper finds being a member of Redbridge Council’s new Community Voice panel inspiring and is keen to represent a wide range of views at the meetings

Wanstead resident Ben Harris has completed a six-week kayaking (and unexpected hiking) expedition in Africa. Sarah Squires from Centrepoint – Ben’s chosen charity – reports on the action man’s heroic efforts

Wanstead resident Jean Medcalf published her first poetry book last year. To Everything There is a Season is a collection of lyrical, spiritual poems about nature. In the 12th of a series of articles, Jean – who sadly passed away last month aged 90 – recalls her journey as a poet

Kathy Taylor explains the story behind Wanstead’s first large-scale mural, a singing nightingale on Nightingale Lane. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson