News

The volunteer team of organisers of Art Trail Wanstead are having a well-deserved rest this September after 10 years of running the large, community visual art event. But, to keep the local art scene alive, there are likely to be some pop-up art displays to enjoy this year instead, with details to be announced at a later date. And Art Group Wanstead members are again set to have a strong presence at September’s Wanstead Festival. “Having a break will give us time to plan for the years ahead,” said a statement from the organisers. Last September, about 150 artists showed work at 70 venues. The group, which has over 300 members, is continuing to offer free membership to artists – professionals and amateurs who have a strong connection to the local area – for its future plans. Visit artgroupwanstead.com...

Youngsters interested in becoming a Royal Air Force cadet are invited to join a new recruit course at 241 (Wanstead & Woodford) Squadron, starting on 4 March. “On the night there will be a presentation on the opportunities that the squadron provides for cadets, a separate briefing for parents… and a tour of the premises… The cost of the course is £30, which is refundable if you do not join at the end of the course, which is eight Wednesdays long, and gives you a chance to see if you like the squadron,” said Squadron Leader Jerry Godden. Cadets can expect to take part in a wide range of activities, including flying, gliding and shooting. The cadet centre is located at the rear of 85–87 Finchingfield Avenue in Woodford Green. All new recruits need to be in Year 8 or above. Visit swvg.co.uk/241...

An expert from the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) attended the February meeting of the Redbridge Tinnitus Support Group – which meets in Woodford Green – to answer questions and discuss the latest research into the condition. “Tinnitus can be an isolating condition, and we’re keen to spread the word that there are management techniques that can help a person lead the best life they can, and to reduce the burden of living with this problem,” said BTA volunteer Colette Bunker. Around one in eight people suffer from persistent tinnitus, which is defined as the experience of sounds with no external source, most commonly ringing or buzzing. The Redbridge Tinnitus Support Group meets on the last Monday of every month. Call 020 8551 7700...

Artists who feel unable to work quickly are invited to a demonstration at Wanstead House this month. “Keith Hornblower is a professional architectural illustrator and artist. He empathises with artists who feel unable to confidently work quickly and experiment with style and methods. In his demonstration of painting street scenes in line and wash, Keith will show us how to overcome this reluctance,” said an Essex Art Club spokesperson. The event will take place on 23 February from 2.30pm (visitors: £5). Visit wnstd.com/eac...

Following their popular performance of The Snowman soundtrack before Christmas, Redbridge Brass Band will return to St Gabriel’s Church in Aldersbrook on 8 February for an evening of music inspired by love and passion. “It will be a fantastic programme that includes Beethoven’s iconic Moonlight Sonata and Debussy’s Clair de Lune, played by guest concert pianist David Silkoff together with talented violinist Chris Karwacinski,” said a spokesperson for the band. The event starts at 7.30pm (tickets: £12). Visit wnstd.com/rbb...

Some households in Wanstead Village will join four other wards across Redbridge in trialling wheelie bins for rubbish collection this month. “The pilot areas have been chosen to be representative of the borough so the bins can be tested… before considering whether to introduce them more widely,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson. Introducing wheelie bins across the borough could potentially reduce some of the £18m the council currently spends each year on collecting 22 million black sacks. Visit wnstd.com/wheelie...

Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue invite those interested in Jewish culture to celebrate Tu b’Shevat (New Year for Trees) on 9 February. “This festival was developed in the 16th century to mark the first signs of winter’s departure and the re-awakening of nature in Israel. It is marked by tree planting and eating uncommon fruits, such as rambutans,” said Martin Gaba. Celebrations will take place at 2 Fillebrook Road, Leytonstone from 2pm to 5pm, with food, songs and stories. Call 07434 631 948 or visit wnstd.com/laws...

A local rugby club will host an apprenticeship and training fair on 8 February, for students aged 15 and over. “There will be a CV clinic, interactive activities – including how to find your career online – and demonstrations by our members, from construction to forensics,” said a spokesperson for Eton Manor RFC. Wanstead-based North London Loft Rooms and Petty Son and Prestwich will be among the companies taking part. The event will take place at the club’s Nutter Lane grounds from 10am to 2pm. Visit wnstd.com/skills...

The Wanstead and Woodford Marie Curie fundraising group has reached its target of raising £100,000 for the charity, which provides care and support to people with terminal illnesses and their families. “This has taken six years to achieve, but we are finally there,” said a spokesperson for the group, which was formed in June 2013. To mark the achievement, a celebratory afternoon will take place at Wanstead House on 22 February from 2pm to 4pm. There will be a short talk on the work of Marie Curie, a cheque presentation and informal discussions over tea and biscuits. “When we collect in the local area residents are so supportive and generous, and we would like to let them know how their small contributions add up and welcome them to celebrate with us if they want to drop in and meet us.” Call 020 8989 2193...

The Wanstead Community Gardeners are keen to point out two horticultural happenings in Wanstead for the public to enjoy. “There are winter irises at the Wanstead United Reformed Church on Grosvenor Road – four clumps of them. Originating in Algeria, they flower from October through to March and are exquisite! Plus, Garrya elliptica (silk tassel bush) – many shrubs around the station. They bear extraordinarily long catkins the whole winter. A sight for sore eyes!” said Marian Temple....

A charity dedicated to the care of swans will host an event in Wanstead Park on 2 February. “Swan Sanctuary volunteers have been active in Epping Forest for many years…Last December, we rescued and operated successfully on one of the Heronry swans in Wanstead Park and returned him to the lake,” said a spokesperson. The event – which will take place at the Temple from 2pm to 2.30pm (adults: £3; children: free) – will be followed by a guided walk to Perch Pond to observe the resident swans. Visit wrengroup.org.uk...

Over 150 spectators attended Wanstead Golf Club’s annual drive-in for the incoming Club Captain Steve Johnston earlier this month. “We watched Steve and the other new captains drive-in to their year in office. After the usual trick and novelty shots, Steve smashed his drive, a very creditable 178 yards against a strong wind. Members and guests then retired to the clubhouse for an afternoon of celebration, where Steve announced his charity for the year, Cancer Research UK,” said a club spokesperson. Visit wnstd.com/golf...