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In the 13th of a series of articles, Revd James Gilder of Wanstead Parish reflects on the history and importance of Christ Church and reports on the major grant that will secure its future

You may remember that, last year, I wrote about the plight of Christ Church’s tower. Those of you who know your history will know that St Mary’s Church, Wanstead’s parish church, was built on land given by the ‘big house’ in 1790 when Wanstead was an estate village. Yet, by the 1860s, and with the coming of the railway, the Wanstead we know today was beginning to take shape. New terraces of houses were being built and the High Street was becoming established, and it was clear all the new people coming to live here would need a new church, which would become Christ Church.

The rector at the time, Revd Fitzgerald (who Fitzgerald Road is named after) commissioned the soon-to-be famous George Gilbert-Scott to design him a new church. Work started in the late 1850s, with the children from Wanstead Church School all being trundled out to watch the foundation stone being laid. It wasn’t until 1891 that the whole church as we know it today was completed, and it wasn’t until the 1960s that its architectural merit was recognised with a Grade II* listing. Certainly, when viewed across Christ Church Green, it presents a charming sight: an archetypal Gothic revival church in a park-like setting.

Despite the Luftwaffe’s best efforts, Christ Church survived the war (albeit minus the majority of its stained glass, which was blown out by bombs) and is well-loved to this day. It has been the backdrop to so many family occasions, whether joyful or sad. It has been the place where countless schoolchildren have sung hymns and where thousands have said their prayers, whether at services or individually. It is open every weekday, and we are always pleasantly surprised by the number of people who come in and find peace and a welcome.

That is why I am so delighted to tell you the Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed to make a very substantial grant towards ensuring Christ Church’s building remains a safe and usable place for generations to come (subject to the smooth running of our forthcoming ‘development phase’ behind-the-scenes work).

We hope now to restore the outside of the building fully, particularly the tower. We also hope to make the interior warmer and better lit, to install toilets and a small kitchen, and much more besides. All this will mean that community groups of all faiths and none will benefit from the space in future, and that one of Wanstead’s most loved landmarks will be enjoyed by many generations to come.

To all of you who helped us in the hard work involved in obtaining this grant, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To contact Reverend James Gilder, email office@parishofwanstead.org

The Parish of Wanstead is aiming to raise £4,700 to fund the restoration of the Wanstead War Memorial.

“Since 1922, the memorial has stood as a testament to the sacrifice of those from the local area who died fighting for their country. It now requires significant restoration. The Portland stone has become stained, many of the names of the fallen have worn away and the base is tatty,” said Rev James Gilder. The money raised will be added to the £1,100 raised by VE Day anniversary events in May.

Visit wnstd.com/wwm or call 020 8530 8743

In the third of a series of articles documenting the development of Wanstead’s Evergreen Field, Geoff Horsnell raises concerns over how the amended plans will fit within the Wanstead Village conservation area

Do you remember the artist’s impressions of the proposed new building on the Evergreen Field? Well, think again! When finished, you won’t see much of the lower part of the building from certain angles.

The original plans showed some 24 flats above a ground-floor nursery and outside play area. Omitted from the artists drawings was the fence that needs to surround the play area for the safety of the children. Not only is the site on Wanstead High Street, a busy thoroughfare, but the children also need to be kept safe from any threat.

The developer’s answer to this conundrum is to place a brick wall around the play area. They have requested a wall in excess of 2.5m high, although as the site lies within the Wanstead Village conservation area, the regulations state that no wall, fence or gate can exceed 2m in height in such locations. From the latest diagrams available, it seems the play area is at the rear of the building and does not extend to the side or the front. Even so, a 2m high brick wall is incongruous in this context. Whilst it will mostly be visible from Christchurch Green, it does constitute a significant blot on the landscape. Unless the developer is planning some form of soft landscaping, such as covering the brickwork with greenery, the site will not enhance the conservation area one bit – especially next to the green! Perhaps it is time to suggest to the developer that such a use of the ground floor is not ideal for the area and that replacing the nursery with a set of shops might be a better plan.

The Redbridge Council planning department are well aware of this latest amendment to the plans but have so far decided not to share the details publicly. It is not even clear if they will discuss the excess height of the proposed brick wall. Will this be another example of the relaxation of conservation area rules?

As yet, there are no details of the proposed type of brickwork or any design or style within the wall, but whatever design is selected will not sit well next to Christchurch Green.

There is also the outlook to be ‘enjoyed’ by the occupants of the flats. How will they feel living in such surroundings? At the rear of the flats, they will have the sounds of children playing outside, amplified by the enclosing brick wall! The plans do show an ‘acoustic canopy’, but again, the plans are not very clear about the extent of this cover. At the front of the flats, the sound of traffic on the busy High Street will fill the air. And there may be no escape from the noise for future residents as the amenity space for each flat amounts to a balcony and a small space on the roof. As the roof also contains the housing for the lift mechanism, this may not be the quietest location either. An array of solar panels are also envisaged for the roof area and it is unclear how the space will be apportioned. If flat, solar panels can easily be damaged by residents inadvertently walking on them or worse. If angled to catch the sun better, they become a trip hazard. As the building is some four storeys high, any access to the roof means there must be guard rails or a parapet around the area. Again, such a protective measure is not shown in the plans.

For more information on the Evergreen Field development plans and to view the full application, visit wnstd.com/field

A survey has shown people are unhappy with TfL’s reorganisation of local buses.

Over 80% gave a rating of two stars or less, while 55% expressed complete dissatisfaction, giving zero stars. Within a week, the survey received 150 responses.

Comments included: “This public body is abusing its powers.” “My elderly neighbour is unable to reach a GP.” “My son can no longer get a bus to school – I have to stop work to drive him.”

The survey was run by residents last month on the first anniversary of the W12, W13 and W14 bus route changes.

TfL is being accused of sabotaging its ‘lifeline’ local route to deter passengers and drop the service. Donna Mizzi reports

TfL is strongly suspected of planning to abandon dependent Wanstead and Woodford bus passengers from quieter roads to chase higher profits on busier routes. That’s the conclusion of rational local residents regarding the W14 (formerly the W12) – an old route used by many local residents with no easy access to any other bus or public transport.

Now, a year after the smooth-running W-bus services were plunged into turmoil by ultra-complex changes, they say the public transport body has failed to adequately improve glaring problems with the W14. That is despite massive outcries from residents, followed up by the local MP, two London Assembly members and Redbridge councillors. Calvin Bailey MP even took the matter to Parliament this year. And former QPR footballer Peter Hucker, who runs a vintage shop on Nightingale Lane, said: “It’s definitely sabotage; people can’t use it.” He was echoing the words of many other residents.

The W12, W13 and W14 were reorganised in September 2024, creating a multitude of problems. But it is the W14 bus, from Whipps Cross to Loughton, that is the most consistently abysmal, say local residents. It has been gradually reduced from a 15-minute to an hourly service that is rarely on time. Two-hour gaps have been common; occasionally, three. Apps often fail to work. Residents with mobility problems have used the bus to go out and been marooned, unable to get back home. Residents say their elderly neighbours cannot wait endlessly in severe weather and others can’t wait as they need reliable transport for work and appointments. Some residents call it the “ghost bus”, saying it’s often empty as it is too unreliable and no longer reaches useful locations. Residents are going back to using cars or having to depend on neighbours – if they can. Many hundreds of households on the Nightingale Estate, spanning Wanstead and South Woodford, and around Snaresbrook Road, say they want their proper service back.

Other major faults with the W14 include:

• It stops short of Whipps Cross Hospital.
• For a full year, the boarding point at the Whipps Cross Interchange has been unmarked and unsheltered with no seats. Calvin Bailey MP has now secured assurances that W14 boarding will be moved to a sheltered stop.
• It does not reach the supermarkets and top side of George Lane, South Woodford.
• Bus stop timetables and mini-maps omit the Nightingale Estate and Snaresbrook Road – again affecting use.

The new W14 was even redesigned to miss the most useful end of Wanstead High Street, but had to head in that direction because local councillors refused to move a traffic island. At first, passengers cried out as the bus passed three useful stops, failed to halt, and then dropped them half a mile away by Snaresbrook Tube. Gradually, TfL relented. However, TfL only agreed to stop the W14 at Woodbine Place, near Wanstead station, on 30 August, despite the bus driving past that vital stop for a year. But, still, the W14 only stops there one way – so many residents can get to the station, but not get back, or vice-versa. Again, the W14 is undermined.

A quick online survey posted by campaigners on the anniversary of the changes asked respondents to give star ratings for TfL. About 150 people responded in a week. The majority selected zero stars.

The new W12 route, which now takes a detour around Leytonstone, does provide a more frequent service along some stretches, but inconveniences others with its far longer, more congested journey to the hospital. Residents say any TfL boasts about the new system are outweighed by leaving many people with no usable services.

Meanwhile, the lack of a W14 at school start and finishing times means many Woodbridge High pupils rely on the W12 instead. But the W12 buses used were too small to take the volume of pupils, and incredibly, they have now been replaced with even smaller electric W12 buses. After some worrying crime incidents, school staff have highlighted safety dangers for pupils when they can’t catch the bus. This issue has been followed up by London Assembly member Keith Prince, who said he plans to take the deputy London Mayor to the school. Slow to respond, TfL is now due to carry out a survey.

TfL chair and London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been urging people to give up driving and use public transport instead. “But then, TfL takes away our buses,” say local residents.

What our elected representatives have done so far…

Calvin Bailey MP (Labour): Presented a parliamentary petition after inviting constituents to contact him. Numerous meetings with top TfL officials. Pushed for Woodbine Place stop and proper stop at Whipps Cross Interchange. Has demanded TfL provide its evidence on costings.

Keith Prince AM (Conservative): Arranged for bus route planners to join campaigners on a bus ride around the area last autumn. Lobbied TfL and London’s Deputy Mayor, and helped get the Woodbine Place stop reintroduced (one way). Followed up issues with elderly residents at Eagle Lodge, Snaresbrook, and Woodbridge High School. Raised questions to Sadiq Khan at the London Assembly.

Caroline Russell AM (Green Party): Called a meeting in Wanstead House to hear the issues. Has made the new director of buses aware. Plans to speak to campaigners to find best ways to pursue the issues.

Councillors Jo Blackman, Daniel Morgan-Thomas and Joe Hehir (Labour): Councillor Blackman states: “We have particular concerns about the adverse impact on hospital patients, schoolchildren, the vulnerable and elderly residents who relied on the W12 [now the W14] and believe that TfL’s over-reliance on data fails to take their needs adequately into account.” Redbridge Council Leader, Councillor Kam Rai, has also been involved in talks on the issue. Councillors opposed and showed concerns for bus changes, held a small Wanstead meeting, established the hospital did want the W14 within its grounds when TfL claimed it didn’t, and have spoken out in committee meetings. They liaised with the MP to achieve more stops by W14 in Wanstead.

But the big pivotal question was posed by another local councillor: “TfL won’t listen, so what can we do?” The answer may be pursuing much stronger controls over TfL, say campaigners.

To share your W-bus stories, email donnamizzi@btinternet.com

A member of the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society has won the nature category of the Redbridge Photography Awards 2025.

“I took this photo in Claybury Park. I’ve photographed a lot in there over the years and through the seasons. This time, I was hoping for a few photos of the sunrise. Although I took this photo in the autumn, I hadn’t planned for the mist, nor for the dog walkers. It was one of those occasions where everything came together just at the right time,” said Alan Simpson.

Last month’s Wanstead Fringe saw nearly 4,000 tickets sold for over 100 events across 13 local venues.

“This Fringe had the most variety of any so far. We saw real originality and creativity in theatre and music, with the highest standards and biggest audiences. We set out to prove something was happening in Wanstead and we weren’t disappointed!” said Fringe chair Giles Wilson, who is seeking more volunteers and supporters.

“We want Wanstead to become a hub for arts and culture all year round.”

Visit wnstd.com/fsp

The Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group’s Tim Harris reports on a successful breeding season for the Skylarks of Wanstead Flats, where simple protection measures are helping these ground-nesting birds

He rises and begins to round,
He drops the silver chain of sound
Of many links without a break,
In chirrup, whistle, slur and shake.

The evocative opening lines of English poet George Meredith’s The Lark Ascending perfectly capture the essence of a male Skylark’s spring song-flight. The poem, written in 1881, inspired Ralph Vaughan Williams to compose his single-movement work of the same name on the eve of World War I, with a violin beautifully playing the role of the lark.

The Skylark’s song epitomises the British countryside, an exuberant outpouring of joy to herald a new spring. Although, sadly, changes in agricultural practices have resulted in the species’ population declining dramatically in recent decades, we still have a few birds on Wanstead Flats. Since they are ground-nesters, Skylarks face more problems than most birds during the breeding season. Rats, foxes and crows may take the eggs, and people and dogs disturb the nesting sites. A rat eradication programme has helped, but not much can be done about the foxes and crows. By 2021, the lark population on the Flats – the closest to the centre of London – had fallen to just three pairs.

With the larks on the brink of extinction locally, the City of London Corporation, supported by the Wren Group, fenced off two areas of the Flats where they breed between March and the end of August. Initially, they used unsightly green plastic, but for the last two seasons, rope has been strung between the wooden fenceposts instead. This is less visually intrusive, can be reused – and it works. Human and canine footfall within the roped areas has been virtually eliminated in the sensitive spring and summer months.

Early in the spring, each male lark makes prolonged song-flights, spiralling ever higher while constantly emitting Meredith’s unique “silver chain of sound.” Counting the number of singing males is the best way to determine bird numbers, and this year, the season started with three. Apart from the song-flights and occasions where the birds feed on the shorter grass of the model aircraft runway, it is notoriously difficult to work out what the birds are doing. Since most of their activity – feeding, building nests, laying eggs and feeding young – is conducted in thick grass, which grows taller as spring turns to summer, long, patient hours of observation are required.

This year’s three breeding pairs made five breeding attempts, at least four of which got to the stage of adults feeding young. An end-of-season walkover of the two roped-off areas produced a count of between eight and 10 birds, meaning that a minimum of two (and possibly four) young were fledged this year. Growing the population on the Flats will take time, but I’m hopeful that our three pairs will increase to four next spring.

For more information on the Wren Wildlife Group, visit wnstd.com/wren

Restoration of Wanstead Park’s Ornamental Waters took a step forward last month with the clearing of vegetation from the dried-out lakebed.

“Our arborist team used a forestry mulcher to chop up any young trees and vegetation on the lakebed… This will allow the area to be assessed for its capacity to hold water and will help us to find a way forward for the lakes,” said a City of London Corporation spokesperson.

Historically, water was drawn from the River Roding to feed the Ornamental Waters, and the intention is to do so again.

“We are waiting for approval from the Environment Agency. This decision may not happen until well into 2026. In the meantime, we have consultants working on designs for the pump house… The complexity of this project is huge with many historical, environmental and external restrictions to consider.”

From healing spaces to Islamic gardens, the new programme of speakers for Aldersbrook Horticultural Society’s monthly meetings covers a wide range of topics. Ruth Martin reports

We’re excited to begin our new programme in September by welcoming Julia Bolton and Asa Gregers-Warg, chairman and head gardener at the renowned Beth Chatto’s Gardens near Colchester. Julia – who is Beth Chatto’s granddaughter – and Asa will be giving a talk on the past, present and future of these iconic gardens.

In October, we turn our attention to shady spaces with a talk from Lynne Moore, who runs the award-winning Moore & Moore Plants near Billericay. Her Chelsea gold-medal winning independent nursery specialises in plants for shade, something every gardener needs! A selection of plants will be on sale.

Our November speaker is one of our own members, Jenny Tosh, who will offer ideas on how to create an attractive front garden.

At our December meeting, Marie Shallcross will tell us about eight different Christmas plants whilst we tuck into Janet’s mince pies and sip mulled wine! Then, in January, Shannon Thaden from Lea Organic will be with us to explore the topic of growing under glass, perfect for those planning their spring growing season.

In February, we’re delighted to welcome Lily Schleiker-Blythe, head gardener at Horatio’s Garden in Stanmore. Following an inspiring talk last year about the Chelsea-winning Horatio’s Garden designed by Charlotte Harris, Lily will share her own experience caring for another of these unique, healing spaces.

In March, Ed Flint, who trained at Great Dixter, will give a talk titled ‘Roses and Friends’, focusing on companion planting ideas for one of our best-loved flowers. In April, member Helen Bonnick will speak about how to develop a bird-friendly garden, providing practical advice for supporting garden wildlife.

In May, we have two highlights. First, we’ll enjoy a talk by renowned British designer Emma Clarke, who will share her knowledge of Islamic gardens. Emma designed the Islamic Garden at the Aga Khan Centre in King’s Cross, and her insights into this style of gardening promise to be fascinating. Later that month, we’ll enjoy an evening visit to the Aga Khan Centre itself.

Finally, in June 2026, we’ll make our long-awaited summer visit to Beth Chatto’s Gardens, bringing the year full circle.

We are also continuing our community gardening efforts, meeting once a month to tend the gardens at Aldersbrook Bowls Club (our regular meeting venue) and at Aldersbrook Medical Centre. We look forward to welcoming members back in September and extend a warm invitation to anyone who would like to join us for a friendly, plant-filled year ahead.

For more information on the Aldersbrook Horticultural Society, visit wnstd.com/ahs

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

With social media providing us all with quick-fix entertainment with little need for thought, it could have been assumed that thought-provoking pastimes like chess would fade into irrelevance. Instead, chess is more popular than ever before; chess.com now has more than 4.5 million active UK users. Many of these new players come from the younger generation, and at Wanstead High, I’ve watched this phenomenon first-hand.

More and more young people are playing chess! Chess has flourished, not because it is so different from other activities, but because it has moved with the times and adapted for the modern world. Chess can be played online, like a video game. The game-mode Bullet Chess (where each player has one minute to make moves) has proved particularly popular in an entertainment landscape which prioritises quick dopamine hits. Streaming series like The Queen’s Gambit have also breathed new life into the game. The boom is great for chess, turning what was once seen as unfashionable into a game for everyone.

This online integration, however, leads to the exact problems we always hear about social media and video games: a loss of a feeling of community; a loss of true connection. While this is frequently used as a way of attacking young people, it is rarely followed by a solution. This is why local chess clubs are important, and why the social atmosphere of Wanstead and Woodford Chess Club is so valuable for us; a way to bridge the gap between the internet and true community.

Our chess club creates this atmosphere through its location, the welcoming Wanstead House, and the accessible nature of chess as a mental sport. A game for all ages. There are two sections of the club: the junior section, which runs every Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm, and the broader club session which runs from 7.30pm to 10pm. The bar is a key reason for the lively feel! From here, teas will be brought to the players during their games. When matches are over, players will often return to the bar to chat. It’s also a meet-up point for a trip to the pub for some!

For juniors, whose first experience of chess may have been from behind a phone screen, playing games over the board with their friends – learning and improving together – allows them to maintain their love for the game. The social aspect of chess should not be overlooked.

While chess is alive and well, it could be livelier if more people were to join clubs and enjoy the social aspect. Providing an answer, though not the answer, to the broader 21st-century problem of a lack of community. So, next time you think of a night-in, why not think of a knight out?

Wanstead & Woodford Chess Club meets at Wanstead House, 21 The Green. For more information, visit wnstd.com/chess

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

Opening the festival at St Mary’s Church on 5 September is the much-loved, eve-of-Fringe musical charivari, with Joe Walters again turning impresario. This event has become something of a Fringe tradition – a lively and informal programme bringing people together to enjoy an eclectic mix of musical styles and tastes. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for the days ahead: warm, welcoming and full of Fringe spirit.

The Duke street party – which takes over Nightingale Lane for one marvellous afternoon each September – will have live music featuring their house band The Dukes of Duke, with everything from classic crowd-pleasers to hidden gems to discover.

In the Crossing Continents concert at Wanstead United Reformed Church, the talents of two accomplished soloists will combine to take listeners on a vibrant and exciting journey with music from Latin America, Spain, France and beyond. Ricardo Curbelo will be playing harp, cuatro and maracas, and Fiona Harrison will play classical/Spanish guitar.
We also have pianist Yuki Negishi, who will be playing as a soloist at Holy Trinity Church – a programme including Ravel, Chopin and Beethoven. Yuki will also lead two performances of the Saint-Saëns classic Carnival of the Animals, which paints musical portraits of the lion, swan, elephant and others; a real treat for families who love music.

Another treat for families will be Alice in WonderBand at St Gabriel’s Church, a whimsical journey through the curious world of brass bands as seen through the lens of the classic children’s story. Each part of Redbridge Brass band will take on a different character to bring the story to life. They’re going to be warming up with a selection of tunes based on famous stories: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Matilda, Harry Potter and more.

On 20 September, The Friends of St Gabriel’s present Harmony Happening, a relaxed singing workshop led by Jenny Goodman, whose warm, inclusive approach has made her a favourite among the community choir.

One of the musical highlights is something completely new. Wanstead-based composer Simone Spagnolo has worked with harpist Clara Gatti Comini to create something you will never have heard before. Reveries, taking place at St Mary’s, is a headphone-based immersive play, which combines harp music, narrative text and what is described as “spatial sound design.” It’s going to be a full audio experience that creates an atmosphere where recollections dissolve and truth intertwines with imagined lives – a personal and intimate experience that unfolds inside your own mind.

Finally, the festival draws to a close at St Mary’s on 27 September with the return of the much-loved Natural Voices Choir, an uplifting finale that captures what’s at the heart of the Fringe.

For more information on Wanstead Fringe events, visit wnstd.com/fringe