The Katana served as the weapon of the samurai warrior and as such it is perceived to be sleek and ultimately lethal; today, this sword has evolved into a prized possession everywhere in the world.

The Friends of St Gabriel’s raised £14,672 in December

Redbridge Council is taking part in an 18-month pilot project to reduce falls among elderly residents

Benjamin Murphy, Chairman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, provides an update on the health of Wanstead Park’s historic Map Tree, and explains plans to plant a replacement. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands will host a New Year stroll in the park on 5 January

A new book details how unemployed labourers transformed Wanstead Flats and Wanstead Park in the late 19th century

The River Roding Trust’s Wanstead and Woodford local group met for the first time at the end of November

Residents have until 5 January to apply to adopt a tree pit on their street

The annual Frank Charles Give A Gift Appeal has once again brought festive cheer to children spending Christmas at Whipps Cross Hospital

Nominations for the Mayor of Redbridge’s annual community awards are open until 6 January

Benjamin Murphy, Chair of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee, has published an update on work taking place in Wanstead Park. In the second of a series of extracts, the focus is on the Grotto

Despite being an event for the over-65s, Wanstead’s annual Cakes and Carols brings together residents of all ages, spreading warmth and joy in the community, say organiser Suzi Harnett and volunteer Jude Kent