News

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...

Volunteers came out in strength this month to clean up Wanstead on the first litter pick of 2020. “Some 12 adults and children gathered at Woodbine Place before fanning out to collect the debris and detritus of those who walk and drive around our streets. The result was a haul of 14 bags of rubbish collected… The turnout proves that the community spirit in Wanstead is second to none… This year will be a significant one, with new wheelie bins being rolled out and efforts increasing to clean things up,” said Councillor Jo Blackman. Litter picks take place on the third Saturday of every month, meeting at corner of Woodbine Place and Wanstead High Street from 10am. Additionally, litter pickers, bags and gloves are also available in the library for those wishing to pick in their own time. Email Jo.Blackman@redbridge.gov.uk  ...

The Woodford and District Floral Arrangement Group will hold its AGM and host the editor of the UK’s leading floral art magazine The Flower Arranger on 17 February from 7.30pm at Wanstead Library (visitors: £5). “I will discuss the history of the magazine, how it has been inspiring floral artists for nearly 60 years and also its future now flower arranging has been taken up by the Instagram generation. Floral arrangements inspired by six decades of the magazine will also be on display,” said editor Chloë Bryan-Brown. Call 020 8530 2427...

The discovery of asbestos has caused delays to the replacement of Central Line track in the local area. “We are replacing rail track between Wanstead and Leytonstone Tube stations to reduce noise levels… Ahead of work starting we identified some asbestos, which has now been dealt with by a specialist team to ensure the safety of staff and customers. As a result of this we have made some changes to the track replacement programme, but will complete it as soon as possible,” said a London Underground spokesperson....

Residents are invited to join the Wren Wildlife Group for a bird spotting walk through Wanstead Park as part of this month’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. “We’ll be looking at a variety of wintering ducks – including gadwall, shoveler, pochard and tufted ducks – on the park’s lakes. And we’ll be searching through the bare trees for fieldfares, redwings and siskins. And there may be the odd surprise as well!” said Tim Harris. Participants will meet at the park’s Temple at 10am on 25 January (free). Call 07505 482 328...

It’s party time for members of Art Group Wanstead on 23 January. “As the group plans for the 2020s after running Art Trail Wanstead for a decade, new ideas and organisers will be needed. A short meeting will be held at the beginning of the night… Please bring some finger food to share; a bar will be available,” said group founder Donna Mizzi. Artists interested in joining the group (membership is free) are welcome to attend the event, which will be held at Wanstead House community centre from 7pm. Visit wnstd.com/art...