News

Local historian Lynn Haseldine Jones will lead a walk around Snaresbrook this month looking at the evidence for commuters. “We begin at Snaresbrook Station, where the railway first came in 1856, changing the nature of the village from a predominantly Georgian settlement to a bustling Victorian suburb. There is still evidence of the Great Eastern Railway, hardly noticed by passengers on the busy Central Line,” said Lynn. The free 90-minute walk departs at 2pm on 9 October (booking required). Visit wnstd.com/snaresw...

Redbridge Council will be giving away spring-flowering bulbs to the community this month, encouraging everyone to plant them as part of the Big Bulb Planting Weekend (18 to 20 October). This is part of a borough-wide movement to bring everybody together to beautify our streets… Bulbs can be planted in spaces that benefit the community,” said a spokesperson. The bulbs – which include daffodils, tulips and crocuses – must be requested by 10 October and can be collected from Wanstead Library. Visit wnstd.com/blbs...

William Shakespeare’s London haunts will be the subject of this month’s Wanstead Park Women’s Club meeting. “This talk has developed out of a walk I have led a number of times through and around the City of London, where we explore the places that Shakespeare lived and worked,” said Russell Kenny, who has also devised a self-guided version of the tour (visit wnstd.com/sw). The presentation will take place at Aldersbrook Bowls Club on 21 October from 8pm (visitors: £3). Call 020 8925 4875...

Local families are invited to explore Wanstead Park next month by taking part in an orienteering event. “Using a map, go exploring and try to navigate your way around all the markers. The whole family can get involved and get active in this fun activity that exercises mind and body,” said a spokesperson for the Field Studies Council. The two-hour activity – which is suitable for children aged seven and over – will take place on 5 October from 10am and 1pm (children: £5; adults: free; booking required). Visit wnstd.com/fsc...

A defibrillator will be installed at Wanstead and Snaresbrook Cricket Club following a heart attack suffered by scorer John Pluck, whose life was saved by the quick action of fellow club members and the use of a defibrillator from neighbouring Linkside Lawn Tennis Club. “The club is pleased to advise that John is making good progress. The club would like to place on record the heroic efforts of Joe Ellis-Grewal, Pinder Grewal, Ben Phillips, Paul Baily and Jayden Rising, among others, who saved John’s life,” said a spokesperson....

An aspiring young actor from Wanstead has spoken of his enjoyment after being cast in a professional production of The Railway Children for this month’s Wanstead Fringe. “There was never a dull moment and I couldn’t have wished for a better experience, from late-night rehearsals to the adrenaline rush before each show! I learnt so much from working with such a warm, friendly and professional cast,” said 14-year-old Dashiell Ratcliffe. “There was a lovely family bond working with a cast so closely, and I already miss the buzz of it all!”...

Affordable housing developer Pocket Living has broken ground on its latest project on Gardner Close in Wanstead. “Pocket Living will transform the disused garage site into a two-storey building offering 20 affordable one-bedroom homes for first-time buyers – with a 20% discount off the full market value,” said a spokesperson. Pocket Living’s commitment to delivering affordable housing has been backed by the Mayor of London, who in 2017 provided the company with a £25m loan to develop sites like Gardner Close....

Redbridge Council has doubled the amount of time drivers can park for free on the borough’s high streets from 30 minutes to one hour. “This will be a real boost for our high streets and help revitalise the local economy whilst making sure there is still a good level of turnover in parking bays – giving as many people as possible the opportunity to use parking spaces to pop to the shops,” said Councillor Jas Athwal. Motorists can activate the free on-street parking via the Ringo app or at an upgraded pay and display machine....

Redbridge Council has installed a hi-tech Bigbelly bin on Snaresbrook Road as part of work undertaken with residents and the City of London to clear up Eagle Pond. “It’s a smart bin that can accommodate more rubbish, lets the council know when it’s full, requires emptying less often and reduces the risk of litter blowing out and into the pond,” said Councillor Jo Blackman. Big Belly bins hold roughly eight times more rubbish than a regular bin and compact waste automatically throughout the day....

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands – which has been campaigning for the regeneration of ‘east London’s hidden gem’ for the past decade – is seeking to recruit new members to support their work. “Our committee needs new blood. If you value the park and would like to contribute, why not come along to one of our meetings to get some idea of what might be involved? The editor of our popular members’ newsletter has stepped down so we are looking for a someone to take over this role… Someone with experience of website management would also be welcome,” said a spokesperson. The group – which normally meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 7.30pm at Wanstead Golf Club – is involved in shaping the long-term plans for the park’s regeneration. Email info@wansteadpark.org.uk...

Two award-winning professional photographers will be offering an insight into their working lives at a Wanstead Fringe event on 11 September. Geoff Wilkinson, who runs Gallery 84 on Nightingale Lane, and Stefan Rousseau, the Press Association’s chief political photographer, will tell the stories behind the images that make it into the newspapers and magazines. Entitled ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’, the event will take place at Geoff’s gallery from 7.30pm to 9pm (tickets: £10). Visit wnstd.com/fringe19...

A murder mystery evening will take place at Wanstead Library this month to mark Agatha Christie Week. “Join a cast of colourful characters all set on dining with death! When Mr Boddy asks Lady Peacock to be his bride, the wedding breakfast turns to dead-over-dinner, as the new vicar, Rev Green, hears confessions,” said a spokesperson. Set at Waddingtons Hall, participants will need to question the suspects to catch the killer. The event will take place on 14 September from 6.30pm (tickets: £6). Call 020 8708 7400...