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...

An annual operatic event will return to Christ Church next month. “Glamour on the Green is an evening of operatic singing in the church from young professional musicians, with two sessions of music surrounding a 90-minute interval for picnics in the garden,” said a church spokesperson. The performers for the event on 20 July (from 6.30pm; tickets from £20) are: Jessica Norton (lead soprano), Lydia Haynes (mezzo-soprano), George Ireland (piano), Clem Hetherington (tenor) and Tom Mole (bass). Visit wnstd.com/gotg...

Members of the Wanstead Youth Club – which meet on Thursday evenings at Wanstead Youth Centre – took part in the launch of a gardening project earlier this month. “Participants designed their own plant pots and filled them with their choice of flowers and shrubs. Other plans include putting up bird boxes and bird feeders, which the youngsters will have responsibility for, and installing trellises on the walls for climbing plants to add colour to the area,” said the club’s new leader Keith Cranmer. Email keithc@essexboysandgirlsclubs.org...

More than 20 people took part in a clean-up day at Eagle Pond in Snaresbrook earlier this month. Wanstead Village councillor Jo Blackman organised the litter pick with the City of London Corporation – who owns the site – after a number of residents expressed concerns about the state of the pond. “It’s great to see what a difference we can make when we work together. A group of residents are now joining forces to make lasting improvements,” said Councillor Blackman. Email jo.blackman@redbridge.gov.uk...

Redbridge Council is consulting residents over the possible extension of the WA and WB permit parking zones. “Parking in some residential roads in Wanstead is becoming increasingly difficult as a result of commuter parking and displacement from adjacent controlled areas. A number of requests, together with signed petitions, have been submitted… asking for us to work with local residents to develop suitable solutions,” said a spokesperson. The consultation closes on 19 July. Visit wnstd.com/consultjul19...

Wanstead resident Matthew Lee completed the Three Peaks Challenge while blindfolded earlier this month, raising over £22k for the Royal Society for Blind Children. Matthew was inspired to take on the challenge – which requires climbers to reach the summit of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon within a 24-hour period – by his nine-year-old daughter Alexa, who is losing her sight due to brittle cornea syndrome. “The climb was incredibly tough… but nothing compared to what Alexa has to tackle,” said Matthew....

The Archdeacon of West Ham will be displaying his Triumph Bonneville at a St Mary’s Church BBQ on 20 July (11am to 3pm). It is hoped the event – open to all, including motorbike groups – will help to raise £2,300 to buy a Yamaha 125 for a priest in the Marsabit diocese in Kenya. The vehicle will help church workers better serve their parish, which covers an area the size of England. “These bikes are equipped to take the punishment that African tracks can inflict on a machine,” said the Venerable Elwin Cockett. Visit wnstd.com/bk...

Tributes have been paid to Wanstead resident Jill Stock, who died on 25 May following a road traffic collision while visiting family in Somerset. Jill worked as a nurse for some 46 years, and her hobby of making photographic collages developed into a small enterprise, creating jigsaw puzzles of Wanstead, which she sold at the farmers’ market. “She will be deeply missed. She was a beacon for a model citizen looking after her neighbourhood,” said Steve Wilks. She leaves husband Mick and three daughters, Kate, Samantha and Polly....

An Extinction Rebellion speaker will visit Wanstead next month to discuss climate change and explain how non-violent, direct action can bring pressure on governments to act. “Extinction Rebellion is helping us focus on the climate crisis we face. Yes, it is great the government has made a commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but most climate scientists say that is too late,” said a spokesperson for Wanstead Climate Action. The talk will take place at Christ Church on 1 July from 7.30pm to 9.30pm (free)....

Residents with an interest in the redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital are invited to a meeting to be hosted by the Wanstead Park Women’s Club on 15 July from 8.15pm (£2; open to all). The event at Aldersbrook Bowls Club will be attended by Community Engagement Leader Abbas Mirza, who is seeking feedback on plans to improve the hospital, which treats more than 1,600 patients every day. Call 020 8925 4875...