Chess has come a long way recently but there is still a missing piece, says 18-year-old Jay Demetriou, whose membership of Wanstead and Woodford Chess Club has helped him connect with the community

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands is seeking volunteers to help maintain and improve the park’s woodland play area

The Wanstead Book Festival, part of the Wanstead Fringe festivities, is once again hosting a wide range of talents and authors working in various styles, writes Giles Wilson

The music programme at Wanstead Fringe 2025 brings a rich mix of community and creativity, with events taking place at what are turning into some of the area’s most beloved Fringe venues. Giles Wilson reports

Local residents helped raise £8,750 for charity by opening their gardens to the public this year

Don’t only enjoy viewing the art achievements of others. Take delight in helping to produce some community artwork yourself, suggests Donna Mizzi, founder of Art Group Wanstead

A local gardener is urging residents to help prevent the spread of two problematic weeds

Woodford Pantomime received an award for the best production of a traditional pantomime at the NODA London Awards, held in June

Live theatre is one of the main pillars of any fringe festival, and Wanstead is no different. Camille Leadbeater runs through some of the plays she’s looking forward to this September

With real ale, real community spirit and really good causes, Wanstead Beer Festival returns this October with more brews, new names and a fundraising mission. Paul Donovan reports

The Parish of Wanstead’s Heritage Lottery Fund bid to save Christ Church’s tower will be decided this month

There’s a buzz in the air. Just like in the grand drawing rooms of Wanstead House in the early 19th century, word is spreading: something’s happening in Wanstead, writes Camille Leadbeater