News

A performing arts school in Wanstead celebrated its 10th anniversary in July by staging a show at Forest School’s Deaton Theatre. “It is very humbling to know that our school has become a significant part of the lives of so many young people over the past 10 years, and to see their growing love and appreciation of the performing arts,” said Michael Da Silva Pearce, principal of DSP Performing, which runs Saturday classes for five- to 16-year-olds at Wanstead High School. Visit dsp-performing.org...

Wanstead and Snaresbrook Cricket Club has raised over £46k through its Project Heron campaign, which is aiming to generate £75k to refurbish its clubhouse and install new cricket nets. The total includes a £25k grant from Sport England, £10k from the National Lottery Community Fund and several £1,000-plus anonymous donations. “Congratulations to the fundraising committee for all their work to achieve this… Over the coming months, we will continue to organise events and apply for more grants to reach our target,” said club chairman Martin Pluck. Visit wnstd.com/nets...

A South Woodford resident who organised an informal gathering of local classic car owners and their vehicles in June is planning to repeat the event this month, and is extending an invitation to Wanstead car enthusiasts. “‘Classic and a Cuppa’ is open to all classic, vintage and veteran cars and perhaps some more modern, interesting or rare ones,” said Gary Zylberszac, whose first event at South Woodford’s Derby Road car park saw 26 vehicles take part. The second gathering will take place from 10am to 12 noon on 11 August. Visit wnstd.com/cars...

Work to replace 5.3km of water pipes across 20 roads in Wanstead began last week and is expected to continue until March. “This is an important piece of work and we’re investing £2.2 million in the scheme to provide a safe and reliable supply for future generations… A range of techniques which do not require open trenches will be used to lay the new pipes, with trenches being used only as a last resort… We don’t plan to remove any trees, but any that do have to be removed will be replaced,” said a Thames Water spokesperson....

Redbridge Council is seeking feedback on plans to fine drivers who leave their engines running while parked as part of the authority’s efforts to reduce air pollution. “Engine idling is one of the key contributors to air pollution and this new policy will be an important tool to reduce toxic air,” said a spokesperson. Fines will only be issued if drivers refuse to switch off their engine when asked. The consultation closes on 2 August. Visit wnstd.com/idle...

John Cryer MP has confirmed he intends to seek reselection as Labour’s candidate for the Leyton and Wanstead constituency at the next general election. “I look forward to asking local members to once again put their trust in me to represent Leyton and Wanstead in Westminster,” said the politician, who has represented the area since the general election in 2010 and currently enjoys a majority of 22,607 following the 2017 election. Visit johncryermp.co.uk...

A series of free information sessions are being run in the borough, offering tenants the chance to find out about their rights and renting in Redbridge. The mobile Redbridge Tenants Forum is taking place throughout July in various locations and is also being used as a platform to let renters know about a free new course being offered by the council. The Redbridge Tenant Accreditation Course gives tenants the opportunity to learn in more detail about their rights, how to be a good tenant and the responsibilities and rights of a landlord. As well as finding out more about the course, the information sessions also offer tenants general advice on tenant rights and how to resolve difficult situations with landlords. Free Tenant Information Packs will also be distributed at the sessions. The session will take place at Wanstead Library on 24 July from 1pm to 4pm. To book a place, email prslicensing@redbridge.gov.uk...

Aldersbrook Lawn Tennis Club held a 24-hour hit-a-thon last week, raising funds for children’s mental health charity Carefree Kids and the club. “Tennis and social members kept a ball in play during 24 hourly slots; either a tennis ball, a table tennis ball or a pool ball,” said a club spokesperson. Running from 6pm on 21 June until 6pm on 22 June, the event has raised £800 so far and was supported by local bands Replay, Breakfast Bunch and Major 3rd. Located on Blake Hall Road, the club boasts six all-weather courts. Visit wnstd.com/altc...

Residents who have been involved in anti-war movements in east London are invited to participate in oral history project ‘Not on our Watch’. “We will be recording stories of campaigning, struggling and building relationships within the grassroots peace movement from post-WWII to the present day,” said a spokesperson for Eastside Community Heritage, a charity which promotes an understanding of inter-generational experiences through historical explorations. Call 020 8553 3116...

The new president of a local public speaking club is encouraging any residents keen to improve their confidence and leadership skills to join them. The Woodford Green Speakers are affiliated to Toastmasters International and meet fortnightly at Wanstead Golf Club. “Toastmasters has helped thousands around the world to overcome their fears of public speaking,” said Pamela Odukoya, who was elected as the group’s president in June. Meetings will take place on 9 and 23 July from 6.45pm. Visit wnstd.com/wgs...

A memorial plaque has been placed in the City of London Cemetery at the recently discovered location of the final resting place of Joseph Merrick, who was exhibited as the Elephant Man in the 1880s. After his death in 1890, Joseph’s bones were removed of flesh and stored for medical study. What happened to the rest of his remains had been a mystery for over a century, until author Joanne Vigor-Mungovin studied the Aldersbrook cemetery’s burial records in April this year, which ultimately led her to the grave’s location....

The Battle of Agincourt (25 October 1415) will be discussed at next month’s meeting of the East of London Family History Society at Wanstead Library. “King Henry V’s wet, cold, tired, hungry and scared army inflicted a massive defeat on the French. Their knights charged into heavy, wet ground and were slaughtered, many even after they were captured. But when he returned home, Henry received a hero’s welcome,” said Jef Page, whose presentation will take place on 24 July from 7pm (visitors: £1.50). Call 020 8554 8414...