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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

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

Members of Art Group Wanstead are preparing to show their work at the Wanstead Festival on Christchurch Green on 14 September. But this year, they will also be reaching out to local festivalgoers of all abilities and ages to help create a new piece of community artwork they can all be proud of.

Local residents and visitors, including children, will be encouraged to each create their own small piece of art on blank postcard-sized paper to go with this year’s Art Group Wanstead theme: Colour Me Happy. Participants will be able to create art focusing on any subject using any materials in any colours or tones – do whatever makes you happy. Photos will be taken of each of the postcard artworks. Art Group Wanstead artists Theresa Hardy and Sharon Quinton, who formulated the idea, will carefully knit the artwork together digitally to create a ‘patchwork’ banner that can be displayed in and around Wanstead. The Stow Brothers estate agents will be helping to produce it.

“It’s thrilling to see your own art on display in public,” says Sharon Quinton. “Contributing to a community artwork that will be shown again and again will be particularly rewarding.”

These pages show some of the works local artists have been inspired to create by the ‘Colour Me Happy’ theme, which will also be displayed at the festival.

There will be free workshops and demos on the Art Group Wanstead area of the big event throughout the day, ranging from mosaic to botanical painting to calligraphy and collage. If you believe you lack the ability to paint, watercolour tutor Brenda Coyle will help instil confidence with her one-to-one ‘Painting for the Petrified’ mini-sessions. Students from her Wanstead House classes will also exhibit their work.

Many local residents will have viewed some of Art Group Wanstead artists’ work last month at a pop-up gallery on Wanstead High Street. Local artists are always looking to display work, and this much-appreciated shopfront space was generously made available by Alan Patient & Co accountants.

Wanstead Festival runs from 11 am to 6pm on 14 September on Christchurch Green.

For more information on Art Group Wanstead, visit wnstd.com/art

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

This year’s Wanstead Fringe once again does, for theatregoers, two things: it continues to develop our local dramatic enterprises while bringing in a raft of creatives from out of town, transforming the neighbourhood. The programme at our two theatre venues – upstairs at The Bull and at The Wanstead Curtain on Hermon Hill – is bold, diverse, and brimming with unforgettable performances for all ages.

An Evening with Jack the Ripper reimagines the East End’s most infamous true-crime mystery for the stage, as award-winning broadcaster Steve Morgan leads audiences through the foggy streets of Victorian London in search of the elusive killer. Love and Human brings a chilling sci-fi twist to the programme, while in Quiet Light, a shipwrecked stranger and an eerie lighthouse keeper confront their pasts.

And for younger theatregoers, Myths, Maps and Monsters: Zeus’ Birthday Bash! promises high-energy, interactive fun as children race to save Zeus’s birthday by solving puzzles. Also at The Bull: Screwloose Improv returns with a five-star, prison-themed hit, fresh from a sell-out run at Colchester Fringe.

Over at The Wanstead Curtain, audiences can embark on an epic musical voyage with Resurrection: The Musical, an adventure inspired by The Buccaneers Legend trilogy. Families will also love The Magic Bookmark, in which panto dame and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Mama G leads a lively and heartwarming mission to protect the world’s stories from vanishing forever.

Three local favourites are returning this year. Wanstead Theatre Co is staging a screening of its behind-the-scenes mockumentary once at City Place. At The Curtain, Baloney Theatre Company is also back with a must-see production, BuzzFest, an immersive and wickedly funny journey into the heart of British festival culture. Equal parts chaotic and heartfelt, it blends live performance, multimedia and razor-sharp character work to capture the highs and lows of a weekend in the fields – booze, bad decisions, awkward tent flings and all. But beyond the laughs and mud-splattered antics lies a deeper commentary on connection, mental health and community.

And following the success of Miss Julie at last year’s fringe, East London Theatre Company return with Constellations by Nick Payne, a brilliantly inventive and emotionally charged play that explores love, time and the infinite possibilities of choice. The company brings its signature clarity and intimacy to a modern classic, staged in the round for an immersive and emotionally resonant experience.

Wanstead Fringe 2025 proves yet again that local theatre can be daring, dynamic and endlessly inventive.

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

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 third Wanstead Beer Festival is set to return on 4 October. Bigger and better than ever, there will be more beers and ciders this time, topping the 50 mark. Gin, wine, prosecco and a selection of soft drinks will also be on offer. Our hosts, Christ Church, will again be offering their superb burgers and hot dogs.

Among the beers to look out for are Milestone Brewery’s Cromwell Best, a deep, slightly malty bitter. Then, there is the lighter East London Brewing Company favourite, the award-winning Cowcatcher. The always popular, champion-winning beer Captain Bob from The Mighty Oak Brewing Company will again be available. And those who like a dark beer can’t go far wrong with Brentwood Brewing Company’s stout Walrus of Love. Harvey’s Brewery’s Sussex Best will be on tap.

Among the ciders, there will be a good selection from Somerset-based Farmer Jim. Get in early for the tasty Rhubarb Bob.

The Wanstead Beer Festival is once again seeking to blend the local with national in the selection of beers. Among local breweries contributing are Brentwood, East London, Redemption, Neckstamper, Pillars, Pressure Drop, Mighty Oak and Pretty Decent. These are tough times for the hospitality sector, with pubs and breweries under pressure. Thousands of pubs are closing every year; it is a real case of use them or lose them. So, we all need to do our bit to support the sector.

Sadly, since last year, Walthamstow brewer Beerblefish has stopped trading. They were an early backer of the Wanstead Beer Festival. Whilst Beerblefish will be missed, we have a new brewery to add in Leyton-based Libertalia. It is hoped that among Libertalia’s offering will be the popular new bitter Private Eye.

Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss out. Bought in advance, tickets cost £10, which includes the unique beer festival glass. This year, there is a new twist, with a bit of colour added. Tickets on the door will be £12 and we aim to keep drinks around £5 a pint.

Proceeds from the event are to be split between three charities: the Wren Wildlife Group, Wanstead Community Riding Stables and the Christ Church restoration fund. The funding for the stables will be going towards buying a big horse. “A horse that is safe, strong, kind, well-schooled and suitable for riders with disabilities,” said a member of the fundraising team.

Thanks go to all the local businesses who have sponsored the event and helped make it possible. The Wanstead Beer Festival is a real community effort all round.

The Wanstead Beer Festival will take place in the halls of Christ Church on 4 October from 1pm to 11pm. For more information and tickets, visit wnstd.com/beer

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

“The tower needs significant work to make it structurally sound. This will cost hundreds of thousands of pounds,” said Rev James Gilder.

As part of fundraising efforts, 70 people from Wanstead completed a sponsored walking pilgrimage to Canterbury in July, raising £13,000.

“We’re determined to ensure Christ Church remains a much-loved feature of the local landscape for years to come.”

Visit wnstd.com/inspire

The Wanstead Fringe returns this month, with 23 days of cultural activity in a range of local venues.

“Join us from 6 to 27 September for a plethora of events uniting the Wanstead community in a celebration of the arts. Our fabulous team of Fringe volunteers are working hard to take over Wanstead with music, theatre, cinema, comedy, author events, tastings, tours and talks,” said Fringe chair Giles Wilson.

Among the more than 100 events taking place across 13 different venues, highlights will include an open-air screening of Paddington in Peru in Christ Church gardens on 6 September, a jumble trail on 13 September and a family book day at the library on 20 September.

“Another highlight will be a tribute to Catherine Tylney-Long – the heiress of Wanstead House – on 12 September, which will be the 200th anniversary of her death. This will be an extraordinary evening of storytelling and music at St Mary’s Church.”

Visit wnstd.com/fringe