Nov/Dec 2023

ISSN 2632-8224 Est. 1992 

November/December 2023 Issue No: 188 

FREE 

swvg.co.uk 

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Independent directory of businesses, news and events in and around South Woodford

2 

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your local supplier of wooden shutters and blinds 

Wanstead • London • T: 0203 589 4879 

E: info@wjoinery.co.uk • www.wjoinery.co.uk 

Light 

South Woodford 

| 

Village 

Shade 

Gazette 

Privacy Light | Shade | Style 

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To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk

Contents 

Features 

Ho Ho Ho, So Wo 16–17 

Mrs Churchill 20 

Seasonal veg24 

Park life 28–29 

Police response 36 

DD’s 62nd Woodford Diary40–41 

A good look 44 

Tree ring plan 46–47 

Compassion 50 

Puzzles & competitions 

Sudoku 18 

Crossword competition32 

Woodford anagram 38 

Every issue 

Local news6–12 & 14 

Community events55–56, 58 & 60 

Community groups 62 

Useful numbers64 

Index of advertisers66 

Contact Us 

020 8819 0595 

Welcome... 

‘Twas the issue before Christmas, in Woodford, all was not well, 

Not a retailer was stirring, despite plenty to sell. 

The signs were hung in the windows with care, 

In hopes that local shoppers soon would be there. 

The residents were nestled at home drinking mulled wine, 

With visions of buying all their presents online. 

And George Lane with its shops, cafés and Christmas tree, 

But the people had settled for next-day delivery. 

When out in the town there arose such a clatter, 

They all put down their phones to see what was the matter. 

Away to shops they flew like a flash, 

Tore open their gift lists and readied their cash. 

The festive lights on the shoppers, whose numbers did grow, 

Gave an air of excitement to everyone below. 

When what to the local economy did appear, 

But a much-needed boost when combined with festive cheer. 

With a little old-fashioned shopping in town, 

They knew in a moment they’d need a sit down. 

More rapid than eagles, they went for a drink, 

And they whistled, and shouted, there’s more than you think! 

Now dash away! Dash away! Wrap all you got, 

As online shoppers await a delivery slot. 

So to the houses, the enlightened shoppers they flew, 

With a bag full of Woodford, and much fun had too. 

And then, in a twinkling, they came to understand, 

The prancing and pawing of each shopkeeper’s demand. 

To buy local, ‘tis the best way we found, 

It keeps us all going, let’s return with a bound. 

Now hear them exclaim, shop local feels right, 

“Happy Christmas to all, 

And to all a good night!” 

With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore. 

Lee Marquis, Editor 

Calling local residents... 

The South Woodford Village Gazette proudly supports local 

businesses and we encourage you to do the same. Help us 

help these businesses by mentioning the South Woodford 

Village Gazette when responding to adverts. 

A note to businesses... 

If you are a business based in South Woodford, or if you have 

a presence in the local community, we can help you get your 

message across to our readers. The deadline for inclusion in 

the January/February 2024 edition is 8 December 2023. 

info@swvg.co.uk 

swvg.co.uk 

swvg.co.uk/socials 

South Woodford Village Gazette 

PO Box 2491, Ilford, IG1 8JT 

The South Woodford Village Gazette is 

published every other month with a 

circulation of 12,000 copies. Of these, 

11,000 are delivered to homes and 

businesses across the local area. The 

remaining copies are available from local 

shops. Postal subscriptions are available 

from swvg.co.uk/subscribe 

ISSN 2632-8224 

Published by Marquis Print Ltd. 

Founded in 1992 by Jack Lamport Mitchell. 

Edited from 2004 to 2015 by Ken and Sue Lees. 

Marquis Print Ltd cannot be held responsible for any 

errors or omissions, or endorse companies or products 

that appear in this magazine. The views expressed in 

feature articles are those of the credited authors and do 

not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. 

©2023 Marquis Print Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this 

publication may be reproduced without prior consent. 

Printed by Premier Print Group, G02 Lock Studios, 

7 Corsican Square, London, E3 3YD

4 


Sir James Hawkey Hall Woodford Green IG8 0BG 

01992 524371 

www.woodfordpantomime.co.uk 


November /December 2023 5 

Respond by 

30 November 


Design Code 

Community Portal 

Green space Public space Walking & Cycling 

infrastructure 

Amenities 

This is your place to influence the development 

of your local area. 

What would you like to see more of? 

What matters most to you? 

Contribute your ideas on our interactive map. 

WORTH 

£150 

Share your views and 

you could win one of two 

luxury hampers! 

PRIZE DRAW ON 1 DECEMBER 

WORTH 

£50 

haveyoursay.sowodesigncode.org 

Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts

6 


Designing the future of South Woodford: 

have your say in design code survey 

The South Woodford 

Neighbourhood Forum 

has launched an online 

community portal in 

connection with its newly 

drafted design code, which 

will help influence the future 

development of the local 

area. “Design codes provide 

a framework for creating 

healthy, safe, sustainable 

and distinctive places, with a 

consistent and high-quality 

standard of design… This 

new portal will build on previous engagement 

and insights from the community,” explained 

Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds. The portal uses an 

interactive map and other engagement tools 

to find out what matters most to residents 

and visitors alike, with respondents asked to 

identify locations that require improvement 

or would benefit from additional amenities, 

such as better street lighting, more trees, new 

playgrounds or increased accessibility. “Our 

design code will provide a long-term vision for 

South Woodford, so tell us what matters most 

to you!” The survey is open until 30 November. 

Visit swvg.co.uk/haveyoursay 

Community 

awards 2024 

Nominations for the 

Mayor of Redbridge’s 

annual community 

awards are now 

open. “Do you 

know an unsung 

hero within your 

family, your street 

or anywhere within 

your community? 

Or a group or 

organisation 

that has made a 

positive and selfless 

contribution to the 

lives of Redbridge 

residents? If yes, 

please nominate 

them for an award!” 

said a spokesperson. 

Nominations close 

on 31 December. Visit 

swvg.co.uk/ma2024 

Cows return to 

Wanstead Park 

A small herd of 

English Longhorn 

cows returned to 

Wanstead Park in 

October to graze 

over the winter 

months. “The 

cows will have an 

important job to do 

grazing the main acid 

grassland to remove 

course vegetation 

and young scrub, as 

well as reducing the 

vegetation on the 

Yellow Meadow Ant 

hills, which improves 

the biodiversity of 

this special area of 

Epping Forest,” said 

a spokesperson for 

the City of London 

Corporation. 



Twenty years on: appeal from South 

Woodford flower sculpture artist 

Services of remembrance in 

Wanstead and South Woodford 

© Geoff Wilkinson 

© Geoff Wilkinson 

Woodford War Memorial 

The flower sculptures between George Lane 

and The Shrubberies were installed 20 years 

ago this autumn. Now, the artist behind them 

is keen to hear from those who helped with 

the project. “I was very taken by how pretty 

the green strip was on my first site visit back 

in 2001. The project – completed in 2003 – 

involved children from Churchfields, Oakdale 

and Wells Primary School. I would love to hear 

from those who participated for an article 

about the project in the next issue,” said Nicola 

Burrell. Email n.burrellartist@gmail.com 

South Woodford to welcome new 

Post Office on George Lane 

Services of remembrance will take place 

across Wanstead and South Woodford this 

November. Two events will take place on 

Armistice Day. The first will be at the Woodford 

War Memorial, outside St Mary’s Church in 

South Woodford (arrive by 8.40am). This will 

be followed by a service at the Snaresbrook 

Garden of Remembrance, off Snaresbrook 

Road, opposite Eagle Pond (arrive by 10.45am). 

A final gathering will take place at the 

Wanstead War Memorial on the High Street on 

12 November (arrive by 12.15pm). 

Festive Photo Shoot 

Christmas 

Mini Sessions 

A new South Woodford Post Office will open 

at 1pm on 29 November. The branch will be 

located at 115 George Lane, next door to Tipi 

Coffee Co. “This will restore Post Office services 

to the area after the closure of the previous 

stores. The same products and services will 

continue to be available,” said a spokesperson. 

The opening hours will be Monday to 

Saturday, 9am to 6pm. The last George Lane 

branch closed in 2021, and the subsequent 

temporary Post Office in The Galleria closed a 

year later following a number of robberies. 

Photography 

by Rohini 

20 min session 

5 digital images 

£75 

Call: 07740 292 383 

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8 


Exhibition of large urban watercolour 

scenes by South Woodford artist 

Local artists take part in exhibition 

of handmade prints 

A South Woodford artist who specialises in 

painting large urban scenes in watercolour 

will be holding an exhibition of his latest work 

at Broadway Market on 7 December. “Entitled 

Re:View East, these paintings are inspired by 

the East End of London, from Bethnal Green to 

Hackney Wick. I love the energy and vibrancy 

of this part of London that you don’t find 

anywhere else, and this is combined with a 

real sense of authenticity and history,” said 

Darren Evans, a member of Woodford Arts 

Group. Visit thesuburbanartist.co.uk 

Artists from South Woodford are among those 

who will be exhibiting handmade prints at the 

Epping Forest Visitor Centre in Chingford from 

7 November to 3 December. “The prints in this 

exhibition explore many aspects of Essex and 

particularly Epping Forest. We are a group of 

local artists who meet at Bedford House in 

Buckhurst Hill. We use a small rolling press and 

a book press to experiment with a wide range 

of printmaking processes, including lino and 

wood cutting and silk screening,” said tutor 

Anne Daniels. Visit swvg.co.uk/essexprint 



Balloons for all occasions 

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70 GEORGE LANE 

SOUTH WOODFORD 

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Fundraiser to support children 

affected by domestic violence 

Local shopkeepers and business 

owners invited to networking event 

A South Woodford organisation which 

supports children who have experienced 

domestic violence has launched a fundraising 

campaign. “Our ‘Children Are Victims Too’ 

campaign highlights the impact of domestic 

abuse on long-term mental health and 

well-being. We want every child affected to 

be supported, which is why we are raising 

funds for our ‘practitioner pot’ to help us 

provide more hours of therapeutic counselling 

sessions,” said a spokesperson for Free Your 

Mind CIC. Visit swvg.co.uk/fym 

The South Woodford Business Forum will 

host a networking event for local businesses 

on 16 November. “Join us at the Luna Café, 

127 High Road, from 5pm to 7pm to find out 

more about our work to support shops and 

businesses in the area. We will have several 

presentations, including from an experienced 

business coach. It will also be a great 

opportunity to meet other local businesses 

and to promote yours,” said a spokesperson 

for the group. The event is free, but booking is 

required. Visit swvg.co.uk/biz 


Broadmead Road 

10 


Broadmead Road closure: work will 

take a significant amount of time 

Petition calls for urgent reopening 

of Broadmead Road 

St Barnabas Rd 

WOODBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL 

© 2023 Google 

Broadmead Road is closed between 

Charteris Road and St Barnabas Road, 

where it crosses the Central Line 

Charteris Rd 

Redbridge Council has issued an update on 

Broadmead Road, which was partially closed 

to traffic in July due to significant structural 

defects to the bridge section over the Central 

Line tracks. “The council is working closely 

with TfL to speed up the survey work where 

possible. To reopen Broadmead Road will 

require extensive construction work and is 

expected to take a significant amount of time. 

At this stage, Redbridge Council is continuing 

survey work to establish what works are 

necessary to ensure the bridge is safe.” 

Residents have launched a petition calling for 

the urgent reopening of Broadmead Road. 

Explaining the reasons, the petition states: 

“This closure has severely impacted our daily 

lives, causing immense inconvenience… 

While we understand initial tests have been 

conducted and inspections are scheduled, 

we strongly believe that expediting these 

processes is crucial for restoring normalcy to 

our community. We implore the authorities 

to prioritise this matter with utmost urgency.” 

Visit swvg.co.uk/brdpet 



Wanstead Youth Centre closes ahead 

of education and youth hub plans 

Floral tribute and overnight protest 

as youth centre closes ahead of works 

Redbridge Council has issued a statement 

following the closure of Wanstead Youth 

Centre in October. “The building has been 

closed by Vision RCL following the recent 

cabinet decision and will be handed back 

to the council’s property team. The council 

plans to convert the site into a new education 

and youth hub, subject to a full business 

plan being agreed upon at a future cabinet 

meeting. The proposal is to re-open the 

site for education and youth services once 

conversion works have been completed.” 

Campaigners have started a floral tribute 

appeal outside Wanstead Youth Centre, which 

closed in October pending conversion into a 

new education and youth hub. “The closure is 

premature. It will take time to develop plans 

and complete the works, so please visit the 

Elmcroft Avenue venue and leave a message 

for the council… All we are asking is for them 

to keep the centre open whilst carrying out 

meaningful consultation,” said Liz Martins, 

who also held an all-night vigil outside the 

Town Hall in October in protest of the closure. 

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12 


National Trust talk about Christmas 

trees and festive gardening 

Gardening at Christmas will be the theme for 

a National Trust talk in South Woodford on 

12 December. “The festive season is usually 

regarded as a horticultural hiatus. But in this 

illustrated talk, we’ll see Christmas offers much 

to the gardener. We’ll look at colourful plants 

that brighten both indoors and outdoors, and 

study the most beloved Yuletide plant: the 

Christmas tree. Lavishly sprinkled with bad 

jokes!” said Nick Dobson, whose presentation 

will take place at the Woodford Memorial Hall 

from 10.30am (visitors: £3). Call 07774 164 407 

Christmas cake orders now open for 

Haven House annual appeal 

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Volunteer bakers will be selling Christmas 

cakes this December to raise money for 

Haven House Children’s Hospice. It follows 

the success of last year’s appeal, which saw 

40 cakes sold in exchange for a donation to 

the Woodford Green charity, raising £1,288. 

“Thanks to all who continue to support us. If 

you would like to order a cake, please get in 

touch by 3 December. The suggested donation 

is £20 for a plain cake or £25 for an iced cake,” 

said organiser Sarah-Jane Mendonça. Email 

havenhousechristmascakes@gmail.com 




on George Lane 

Friday 1 December 

from 3.30pm 

Singalong of 

Christmas songs 

Festive refreshments 

Panto characters 

A visit from Santa 

All welcome 

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14 


Applications open for council schemes 

to reduce pesticide use on streets 

South Woodford police safety 

walk for women and girls 

Residents are invited to help improve habitats 

and food sources for pollinators by taking part 

in Redbridge Council’s tree pit adoption and 

Pollinator Pathways schemes. “When tree pits 

are adopted, the individual pits go onto the 

no-chemical spray list. In the case of Pollinator 

Pathway streets, the whole street goes onto 

the no-spray list,” said a spokesperson. Last 

year, over 560 tree pits were adopted in the 

borough, boosting biodiversity by growing 

wild flowers around the trees. Applications 

close on 31 December. Visit swvg.co.uk/pits 

COMPASSIONATE 

FUNERALS 

A safety walk for women and girls will take 

place in South Woodford on 14 November. 

“It’s a chance for you to walk with local police 

officers, pointing out the areas you feel unsafe 

in and suggesting how they can be improved,” 

said Councillor Rosa Gomez, who is organising 

the event in conjunction with the Churchfields 

Ward Panel and the Safer Neighbourhoods 

Team. The one-hour walk will begin at the 

corner of Grove Road and Buckingham Road, 

departing at 4pm (no booking required). 

Email SNTJI-Churchfields@met.police.uk 

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16 


Ho Ho Ho, 

So Wo 

There’ll be plenty of festive cheer in 

South Woodford this November and 

December, with a number of events 

on offer for all the community to 

enjoy. Kris Kringle reports 



As the winter chill settles in and the 

scent of cinnamon lattes fill the 

air, South Woodford prepares for 

a new round of festive events. A time 

to enjoy the spirit of togetherness and 

community celebration. 

Woodford Christmas Craft Market 

25 November; 10am to 3pm (free entry) 

Woodford Memorial Hall, High Road, E18 2PA 

Providing local creatives with a platform to 

showcase their wares. 

Christmas lights switch-on 

1 December; from 3.30pm (free) 

George Lane roundabout, South Woodford 

The switching-on of South Woodford’s 

Christmas lights will be followed by a jolly 

singalong of festive songs. As well as local 

dignitaries, there will be panto characters 

mingling… and Santa will make a special visit! 

Haven House Christmas Fair 

2 and 3 December; 10am to 3pm (£8) 

Haven House Children’s Hospice, IG8 9LB 

Children can immerse themselves in the 

magic of the grotto (£15 per child), 

where they will spend time with 

Santa and receive a present. 

Outside in the grounds, 

adults can indulge in 

mulled wine and mince pies while the little 

ones enjoy the woodland activity trail, make 

crafts or bounce in the inflatable snow globe! 

Sneak and Peek 

1, 2 and 9 December; various times (tickets: £12) 

Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford 

This endearing and entertaining musical 

for children of all ages will capture the 

magic of Santa’s world while showcasing 

the determination and heart of two young 

elves striving to become real undercover 

agents. They learn essential spy skills, like 

gift-wrapping without making a sound and 

navigating rooftops with grace. So, gather 

round and let the spirit of Sneak and Peek fill 

your hearts with joy. 

Santa’s Christmas Workshop 

16 and 17 December; various times (tickets: £15) 

Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford 

Come and visit Santa’s workshop, where 

Santa and his hard-working elves are busily 

getting ready for the big day. All the boys and 

girls need to write a letter to Santa and post 

them in Santa’s postbox. They can then help 

the elves get ready for their Christmas party; 

decide what songs they’ll sing, learn their 

dance routines and join in the party games. 

Santa will be on hand to 

join in the fun and give 

every child a gift. 


Christmas Market 

17 December; 11am to 5pm 

George Lane, South Woodford 

The monthly community 

market will be a family-friendly 

event with Christmas fayre, 

activities and entertainment. 

Local school and church events 

Festive fun, gift stalls, special 

events and services – too many 

to include here, so check the full 

listings to see what’s on. 

For more information on these and other 

Christmas events in South Woodford, visit 

swvg.co.uk/hohoho 


18 


Forest Philharmonic 

ELGAR SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 

In The South, (Alassio) 

6.30PM 

ELGAR HOLST 

VENUE 

In The South, Beni Mora, (Alassio) Oriental Suite in E minor Hawkey 6.30PM Hall, Broomhill Road, 

SIR JAMES HAWKEY Woodford Green IG8 0BG HALL 

HOLST PRICE BROOMHILL VENUE RD, IG8 0BG 

Symphony No. 3 in C minor 

Beni Mora, Oriental Suite in E minor 

PRICE 


CHRISTMAS CONCERT 

Forest Philharmonic performs a work 

Symphony by the No. wonderful, 3 in C but minor long-underrated, 

black American pianist and composer 

Florence Price (1887-1953). 

Mark Shanahan In the first half, Conductor 

we hear music inspired 

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 


Hawkey TICKETS Hall, Broomhill Road, 

Stalls - £18 

Woodford Green IG8 0BG 

Concessions - £15 

ELGAR: IN THE SOUTH 

Under 25s - £6.50 

Family (1 adult + 1 child under 16) - £18 

HOLST: BENI TICKETS MORA 

Stalls - £18 

FLORENCE PRICE: Box SYMPHONY Office: NO 3 

Mark Shanahan Conductor 

by English composers on their travels: 

Elgar evokes Italy, Holst evokes Algeria. 


by the wonderful, but long-underrated, 



Under email: tickets@forestphilharmonic.org.uk 

25s - £6.50 


forestphilharmonic.org.uk 

black American 

www.forestphilharmonic.org.uk 

pianist and composer 


In the first @ForestPO half, we hear music Forest inspired Philharmonic Orchestra Box Office: 


email: tickets@forestphilharmonic.org.uk 


Sudoku 

Fill in the grid so that each 

row, column and 3x3 box 

contains the digits 1 through 

to 9 with no repetition. 

5 4 9 2 

8 9 1 3 5 

7 8 

5 4 8 

8 7 3 

1 3 9 2 

8 6 9 5 

6 5 4 

3 1 4 5 6 2 

Solution on page 32 

Anagram: The Shrubberies 


@ForestPO 

ELGAR 

Forest Philharmonic Orchestra 

To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk 

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER

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20 


Mrs Churchill 

Often too busy to visit his Woodford constituency, Churchill would 

send his wife in his place. Now, director Chris Jaeger is bringing the play 

Mrs Churchill – My Life With Winston to South Woodford this November 

Winston Churchill is one of the most 

famous Englishmen that has ever 

lived. Several years ago, he was 

voted first in a top 100 Englishmen poll. He 

is often portrayed as a bulldog because 

of his tenacity as a politician and his 

toughness on the international stage. 

He was an MP for 62 years but there were 

many other sides to him. He was a talented 

painter, he wrote many books, winning a 

Nobel Prize for literature; and, of course, 

nobody could forget his biting humour 

(eg. Nancy Astor: “If I were married to you, I’d 

put poison in your coffee.” Winston: “If I were 

married to you, I’d drink it.”) 

They say that behind every great man, there 

is a great woman. Was this true in Churchill’s 

case? What of Clementine, his wife of 56 

years? Did he bully her like he did so many 

other people? Was he as grumpy and irascible 

at home as he often was in the House of 

Commons? Given his strength and conviction, 

did Clem have any influence on him at all? Or 

was she ‘the little lady at home’? The clue lies 

in another of Winston’s quotes. He said: “My 

most brilliant achievement was my ability to 

be able to persuade my wife to marry me.” 

Despite his bullish and aggressive reputation, 

when Clem first met him, he was a tonguetied, 

stammering young man with few social 

graces. Yes, he was already a war hero. Yes, 

he was already an established politician. But 

these were men-dominated areas and he’d 

had little contact with women. Clem was very 

unimpressed with him and they did not meet 

again for four years. It was better the second 

time, and despite Winston treading on her feet 

several times while dancing, they talked and 

talked and found they had much in common. 

Within six months, they were married. 

Liz Grand as 

Clementine Churchill 

In truth, Clem was really the only person who 

could control him. It didn’t happen very often, 

but when she put her foot down, he rarely 

went against her. A prime example was the 

D-Day landings. Winston wanted to be in the 

lead boat, but the navy was very unhappy 

about that and talked to Clem. She told him 

he wasn’t going… and that was that. 

In the play, not for the first time, Winston 

is too busy to attend his local Woodford 

constituency and is sending Clementine. 

She says: “Tomorrow, I shall thank the good 

people of Woodford for their loyalty and their 

kindness. You have taken us both to your 

hearts and I’m delighted we’ve been able to 

serve you for 30 years and more.” 

But what of her children, her life and her 

grief at his death? All these questions will 

be answered, and many more, in Liz Grand’s 

superb, moving, funny, sensitive and 

informative portrayal of Clementine Churchill. 

This was one of the great love affairs of 

all time. 

Mrs Churchill – My Life with Winston will be 

performed at Redbridge Drama Centre in 

South Woodford on 17 November (7.30pm; 

tickets: £16.50). Visit swvg.co.uk/mrsc 


St Aubyn's School - Savills Essex March 2018 - FPA4.qxp_Layout 1 12/02/2018 10:44 Page 1 


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24 


SEASONAL VEG 

Local resident Red Willow reflects on her ambition to encourage variety 

in cooking and eating, a seven-year adventure which has led to the 

publication of her vegetarian cookbook, inspired by the seasons 

May I introduce A Year of Veggie 

Adventures? Four scrumptious 

seasons of palate-pleasing 

pleasures. She is peppered with poetry, 

tall tales, handy hints, elegant scenes, and 

spans 17 countries of truly delicious dishes. 

My intention was simply to encourage variety 

in cooking and eating. Although the tide is 

now turning, cookbooks, magazines and TV 

shows previously put a lot of emphasis on 

meaty cooking. 

Ever since I first began eating out in the mid- 

90s, I noticed restaurants and pubs always 

lacked any decent vegetarian food, often 

offering just one ‘option’, and that was usually 

mushroom risotto or vegetable penne pasta. 

Unbelievably, I still sometimes see those on 

the menu! 

Being a chef, and a curious traveller, I knew 

there were so many more ingredients that 

were being ignored. In conversation, I found 

many people were unwilling to widen their 

food choices due to having no knowledge 

of how to use grains, beans, vegetables, 

spices and herbs. I also noted that cookbooks 

had become more about the photographic 

styling than the food. The current fashion 

is bold, bright and blocky, with top-down 

messy Instagram-style photos. There’s also 

the puzzling phenomenon of that antiquelooking 

spoon that seems to make its way into 

every photo, sitting in a strategic smudge of 

the relevant sauce. 

Well, I’ve never been one to follow the crowd. 

My goal was to craft a work of art, something 

beautiful and inspirational. I intended to 

express the energetic quality of the seasons 

and highlight the intrinsic bond between our 

lives, our food and Mother Nature’s cycles. 

It has certainly been an adventure bringing 

her to life. I began in 2016 and first compiled 

four separate e-books to sell online before 

reformatting them all into one file, creating 

the cover and getting the whole thing printready. 

The cover is just one of the things that 

make Veggie Adventures so unique. It is a 

lovely, hand-painted watercolour, with prints 

and collage, using items found in our garden. 

This delicate, circular entwining of nature’s 

gifts spans both sides of the cover. If you open 

it out, you can see the full glory of the year. 

Unusually, the adventure begins in autumn, 

nature’s most abundant harvest, and cycles 

through to summer. Every page is seasonally 

themed with vibes of nostalgia and good 

times. Also, there are no photos of the 

completed dishes in the book itself. Instead, 

I put photos in a gallery on my website, and 

saved page space for the all-important recipes, 

over 150 of them inspired by my global travels. 

For now, I’m feeling accomplished, but 

pretty soon, it’s likely I’ll embark on the next 

adventure. 

A Year of Veggie Adventures by Red Willow 

is available in hardback (£30). For more 

information, visit swvg.co.uk/ayova 



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26 


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28 


Park 

Life 

In the fifth of a series of articles 

featuring the images of 

local photographers who 

document the wildlife 

of Wanstead Park and 

the surrounding area, 

Deepak Dembla presents 

his festive feel-good 

image of a Robin 



first camera and started playing with it. 

When I moved to London 16 years ago, I 

always made sure I lived close to a park 

or a forest to enjoy nature and practice 

my photography skills. 

I love that Wanstead Park is just a few minutes’ 

walk from where I live. I try to visit the park 

every week if I can. I can easily spend four 

hours or more just trying to see and capture 

something new in the park. 

While shooting birds, I use a 500mm zoom 

lens so I can shoot from a distance and 

not disturb them. The UK’s favourite bird is 

pictured here, the European Robin, known 

simply as a Robin or Robin Redbreast. It is 

found across Europe, east to Western Siberia 

and south to North Africa. Robins are small, 

insectivorous birds, around 12cm to 14cm in 

length. Unlike other small birds, Robins are 

not so shy, and one can get really close to 

them if they don’t feel threatened. 

My name is 

Deepak 

Dembla and 

I’m an IT professional. 

Photography, stargazing, 

fitness and dancing are my 

passions. COVID lockdowns 

made me explore Wanstead 

Flats and Wanstead Park more 

than ever with my camera. And 

ever since, nature has always 

surprised me with something 

amazing: wildlife, beautiful sunsets 

and sunrises or something amazing 

in the sky, like a beautiful rainbow or a 

comet, the moon and planets. I must say, 

it’s a treasure! 

I never had any formal education in 

photography. While in college, I joined 

an astronomy club called ABAA. This is 

where I met Dilip Kumar, former president 

of the club. I was inspired by his amazing 

astrophotography, landscape and wildlife 

photography skills, and bought my 

As a non-migratory species, Robins can be 

seen throughout the year, although there 

are quite a few legends surrounding their 

relation to Christmas. One legend goes 

back to Victorian times, when the tradition 

of sending Christmas cards started. They 

were delivered by postmen wearing brightred 

coats. These postmen were nicknamed 

‘Robins’ or ‘Redbreasts’ with the popular early 

cards of the era displaying the Robins who 

characterised them. A theme which continues 

to this day. 

But legend also has it that the Robin’s 

redbreast has a direct link to Christianity. One 

fable suggests that when the baby Jesus was 

in his manger, the fire which had been lit to 

keep him warm started to blaze up. A brown 

Robin, noticing that Mary had been distracted, 

placed himself between the fire and the 

face of baby Jesus. The Robin fluffed out its 

feathers to protect the baby, but in so doing, 

its breast was scorched. This redness was then 

passed on to future generations of Robins. 

To view more of Deepak’s wildlife photos, 

visit swvg.co.uk/deepak 


30 


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32 


Crossword competition 

Win a £50 food and drinks voucher for the Railway Bell 

November/December 2023 

Across 

1. Chaos, uproar (6) 

4. Talk up, applaud (6) 

7. Gardener’s tool (6) 

8. Stylish, hip (6) 

9. Dish out, allot (4) 

10. Tap seal (6) 

12. Line to sign on (6) 

14. Widely known (6) 

17. Alcove (6) 

20. At that time (4) 

21. Straw hat (6) 

22. Ask to a party (6) 

23. Seat for riding (6) 

24. Evening event (6) 

Down 

1. Bequeath, give (6) 

2. Rastafarian locks (6) 

3. Gather together (6) 

4. Breathed hard (6) 

5. Not here, away (6) 

6. Having no pips (8) 

9. Bill of fare (4) 

11. Amazon snake (8) 

13. Foreboding sign (4) 

15. Offer more than (6) 

16. Zebra feature (6) 

17. Careless, lax (6) 

18. Is jealous of (6) 

19. Noiseless (6) 

1 2 3 4 5 6 

7 

8 

9 

10 11 12 13 

14 15 16 17 18 19 

20 

21 

22 

23 24 

For the chance to win a £50 food and 

drinks voucher courtesy of the Railway Bell 

(87 George Lane, South Woodford), send your 

crossword solution, name and address to: 


PO BOX 2491, Ilford, IG1 8JT 

Alternatively, email your entry (subject line: 

Nov/Dec 2023) to: crossword@swvg.co.uk 

Closing date: 4 December 2023 

One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received before 5pm on 4 December 2023. 

The winner will receive their prize within 28 days of the closing date. Full T&Cs at swvg.co.uk/tc 

Congratulations to Edward Blake of Falmouth Avenue, 

Highams Park, who won a £40 voucher for Wanstead 

Bookshop in last issue’s crossword competition. 

Sep/Oct Crossword Solution 

P I L G R I M A G E 

G E O O A O 

I N D O U B T C L O G 

B A D T K D G 

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E D N R Y A 

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G R E E N L I G H T 

Nov/Dec Sudoku Solution 

5 3 7 4 8 9 2 1 6 

8 9 6 2 1 3 7 5 4 

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7 5 2 3 6 1 9 4 8 

9 8 4 7 5 2 1 6 3 

6 1 3 8 9 4 5 2 7 

1 4 8 6 2 7 3 9 5 

2 6 5 9 3 8 4 7 1 

3 7 9 1 4 5 6 8 2 

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36 


POLICE RESPONSE 

Faiza Shaheen, the Labour Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate 

for Chingford and Woodford Green, responds to Sir Iain Duncan Smith’s 

article in the last issue about local policing 

Since 2010, under successive 

Conservative governments, we have 

seen unprecedented real terms cuts in 

multiple areas of public services. The police 

system has not escaped this short-sighted 

and dangerous experiment. 

The police force was cut savagely in the 2010s, 

with some recovery in numbers in the last few 

years once the damage was becoming clear. 

The shortfall is still evident, with analysis of 

Home Office figures finding that overall, there 

has been a cut of over 10,000 neighbourhood 

officers and PCSOs from frontline policing 

since 2010, even after the recent uplift is 

factored in. Government funding for policing 

has fallen by 20% since 2010, with London 

being particularly hard hit. 

The impact is devastating for our sense of 

safety and the functioning of the police. 

Nearly 95% of crimes went unsolved by the 

police between April 2022 and March 2023. 

Add to this the cuts to the criminal justice 

system, youth services, mental health services 

and legal aid and you start to get the picture 

of the extent of the damage to an ecosystem 

that is meant to be designed to uphold safety 

and address criminality. 

For Iain Duncan Smith to blame Sadiq Khan for 

the closure of the police station in Woodford 

given this context is both misleading and 

hypocritical. The majority of Sadiq Khan’s 

policing budget comes from central 

government, and just like Boris Johnson 

before him, he has been forced to close police 

stations across London as a consequence of 

cuts by the Conservatives. And after holding 

on to Uxbridge in the recent by-election, the 

Conservatives see political currency in bashing 

and blaming Sadiq Khan at every turn to avoid 

scrutiny of their own record – but the truth is 

police stations have been closing at the rate of 

one a week across the country since 2010. 

If I am elected as the MP for Chingford and 

Woodford Green, the area I grew up in and 

live in, I want to bring a different brand 

of politics. One not about blatant lies and 

misinformation, but about a focus on the 

solutions and working with the community to 

bring positive change for our neighbourhood. 

Too many of us have faced cars being stolen or 

homes being broken into. I back Labour’s plan 

to restore neighbourhood policing with 13,000 

new officers and PCSOs. My priority will also 

be on tackling the root problems by fighting 

for more youth spaces, like the one that has 

just been opened at the housing development 

at the former dog racing stadium after 

community pressure and funding from 

Waltham Forest Council. The UK economy is 

still faltering from the disastrous tenure of Liz 

Truss – who was Iain Duncan Smith’s favoured 

candidate for Prime Minister – but with a new 

government and a new MP, we will finally have 

the fresh start we so desperately need. 

Faiza Shaheen is the Labour Party 

prospective parliamentary candidate for 

Chingford and Woodford Green. For more 

information, visit swvg.co.uk/shaheen 



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38 


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40 


DD’s 62 nd Woodford Diary 

Some South Woodford scribbles from DD, 

our resident diarist and observer of all things 

local. Illustrated by Evelyn Rowland 

Doris took me to The King and I. At 

the London Palladium. Doris is 90, 

only I’m not supposed to mention it 

to anyone. She usually wears a velvet hat. 

I met her in the butcher’s last month. At 

least, I was in the butcher’s and she was 

heading past the butcher’s at purposeful 

high speed in the direction of Woolworths. 

Doris uses a stick to good effect. Not so 

much to lean on or to steady herself. More 

for brandishing. Other pedestrians tend to 

clear a path. I called out. She changed course 

instantly and lurched in amongst the steaks 

and sausages. Dave had already weighed 

up my kidneys but he sensed an imminent 

hiatus and moved on temporarily to the next 

customer. “Thanks so much for shouting at 

me,” says Doris, a bit out of breath. “I don’t hear 

too well these days. People have to shout. Do 

you ever manage to get out to the theatre? I’d 

like to take you. Not next week. In about three 

weeks. Give me time to book. I’ll write to you. 

Then you can let me know what you want to 

see.” Doris shouts too. Her normal voice might 

strike others as a touch dramatic. A wonderful 

reader in her day, with carrying power even in 

the open air. So, there we were, the two of us, 

shouting at each other in the butcher’s. And 

everyone knows we are going to the theatre. 

At this point, observant and in particular, any 

long-standing readers will have realised that I 

have gone back down Memory Lane. George 

Lane still, of course, but in the days of Dave 

the Butcher and Peter the Greengrocer, the 

Pet Shop and the Gift Shop and Woolworths. 

Before the arrival of the International 

Supermarket or the tattooists or Creative 

Biscuit or glorious Greggs or ‘Our M&S Food’. 

Surely, it’s OK in this Christmas edition to 

indulge in some shameless nostalgia? Doris 

was, after all, a South Woodford phenomenon. 

A successful businesswoman. Worked in the 

City in her younger days. She lived in Pulteney 

Road, I seem to remember. She was the 

treasurer of a charity I helped with. It was she 

who handled all our connections 

with the Charities Commission. 

At one point, she told us, they 

informed her that from 

then on she would have 

to submit all our financial 

statements in a different 

format and ‘online.’ She let 

them know immediately, and 

I’m sure politely, that she was 

90 and would continue to 

submit her figures on paper 

and in the usual way. I don’t 

think we heard any more 

about it. I’ll never know really 

how it happened that she 

invited me to the theatre. 

Perhaps she recognised my 

situation in my long-term 

carer role and wanted to 

give me a treat. 



It all came to 

pass as Doris 

had ordained. 

Letters were 

exchanged. We 

met at South 

Woodford 

station at 

6.15. “If we’re 

too early, we 

can look in 

Liberty’s shop 

windows,” 

she said. 

“They are usually rather 

splendid.” I learnt that Doris 

had ‘gone up twice in person’ to 

the box office to get the tickets. I 

pictured her negotiating all those 

steps at Oxford Circus. Her “plastic wouldn’t 

work” on the first visit. 

We sat in the stalls. “You must have the 

gangway seat!” she insisted. 

The lights went down. It was all colour and 

dance and exotic costumes and gorgeous 

absurdity and ‘suspended disbelief’. And all 

those songs: Shall We Dance?, Something 

Wonderful, Getting to Know You and Hello, 

Young Lovers. For a few hours, we escaped on 

the music and the lovely, wonderfully silly 

story. I did anyway. Doris 

admitted afterwards she 

hadn’t been able to pick up 

much as her hearing 

aid was playing up. At 

one point, she dropped 

a small component out 

of it and I had to crawl 

about under the seats, 

groping amongst the 

feet of predominantly 

sympathetic strangers 

to rescue it. But she had 

seen that I was enjoying 

every moment. “And 

that was the whole 

point of the exercise!” 

she said. 

Back on a crowded 

Oxford Circus platform, 

there were 

only two seats 

left for a very 

necessary recovery 

phase before the next 

Epping train, due in 12 

minutes. The middle two 

seats in a clutch of four. 

“D’you mind if we join you?” says Doris, 

gracious as always. She gave no sign of 

noticing their green hair and pierced eyelids. 

“Of course not. Take a seat!” (She had.) “So 

long as you don’t mind us smoking and being 

terribly drunk!” He moved the open wine 

bottle from its precarious position between 

Doris’s sensible shoes. 

“Heading home?” she enquired. 

“Heading out!” said one. 

“The night is young!” said the other. “Why 

don’t you come clubbing with us? You look 

like a goer!” 

They delighted in Doris. Ten minutes’ 

animated conversation passed between 

equals. The train came in and they waved 

us off. 

To contact DD with your thoughts or 

feedback, email dd@swvg.co.uk 


42 


GEOFF WILKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY 

Quick 

Before it 

Goes! 

A collection of photos by local 

photographer Geoff Wilkinson 

depicting London’s East End 

Call 020 8530 1244 or visit 

geoffwilkinsonphotography.co.uk 

Eightyfour Gallery, 84 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, E11 2EZ 

Lovat Lane, London, EC3 

AGY’S 

BARBER 

SHOP 

Walk-ins welcome. If you would like to 

make an appointment, call: 

020 8989 9231 

Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm (Closed Wed) 

Sat: 8.30am – 5.30pm Sun: 10am – 2.30pm 

72c George Lane 

South Woodford, E18 1JJ 

All hairstyles 

catered for 

Beard trims 

Traditional 

hot-towel 

shaves 



AVON HOUSE 

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To book your place, contact: 

admissions@ahsprep.co.uk / 020 8504 1749 

490-492 High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0PN 

www.avonhouseschool.co.uk 

• SENCO Support 

• Wraparound Care 

• Holiday Clubs 


44 


A GOOD LOOK 

From insurance to aftercare, Bradley Wright from local solicitors Edwards 

Duthie Shamash takes a look at some of the important matters to be 

aware of if you are considering cosmetic surgery abroad 

All surgery – cosmetic and medical 

– has risks attached, whether it is 

carried out in the UK or abroad. The 

Royal College of Surgeons recommends 

patients carry out extensive research 

as standards and guidelines vary from 

country to country. 

Cosmetic surgery abroad may be less 

expensive compared with the UK, but any 

savings should be compared with the possible 

risks in respect of complications (safety 

standards may not be as high), who will look 

after you and whether you will have to travel 

abroad again for repeat surgery. 

When considering cosmetic surgery abroad, 

patients should be wary of any hospital which 

markets cosmetic surgery as part of a holiday 

package. You should never agree to cosmetic 

surgery prior to meeting the surgeon who 

intends to carry out the procedure, and 

you should also visit the hospital where the 

procedure will take place. This will allow 

you to ensure the surgeon speaks English 

(or another language you both speak) and 

find out about all the planned and possible 

future costs, especially if things do not go 

to plan. 

When choosing a surgeon abroad, ensure he 

or she has the same skills and experience as if 

you were choosing a surgeon in the UK. You 

should also check the surgeon is insured to 

carry out the procedure; ask to see details of 

their insurance and find out if the overseas 

clinics have someone in the UK you can turn 

to if there are any problems after. 

Just as you would if the surgery was being 

carried out in the UK, make sure you research 

what the procedure will involve in terms 

of consultations, the procedure itself, risks, 

complications and aftercare. Follow-up care 

is a vital part of any treatment, and you need 

to ascertain where your check-ups will take 

place, how easily you can travel back to where 

the surgery was carried out and how much 

that will cost. Be clear what your aftercare 

package includes. Make sure you have the 

details of a named doctor who can deal with 

any complications rather than a helpline. 

And don’t forget travel insurance. It is likely 

ordinary holiday insurance will not cover 

you if something goes wrong during or after 

planned treatment abroad. 

Most importantly, remember the NHS is 

unlikely to help you unless you have a serious 

complication which needs emergency or 

lifesaving treatment. 

The last thing we want is for anyone to suffer 

because of negligent cosmetic surgery, 

but if mistakes are made, you should seek 

legal advice. 

Edwards Duthie Shamash is located at 

149 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL. For 

more information, call 020 8514 9000 or 

visit edwardsduthieshamash.co.uk 



Edwards Duthie Shamash 

Solicitors 

What is 

contentious 

probate? 

Contentious probate refers to any dispute arising from 

how a person’s estate should be distributed after they 

die. This includes their money, property, assets and all 

possessions. 

Our contentious probate solicitors can assist you in 

tailoring our advice and assistance to your exact needs 

and requirements. 

Contact kavita.rana@edslaw.co.uk 

or visit our website for more information 

Call us on: 0208 514 9000 

allinfo@edslaw.co.uk | www.edslaw.co.uk | 

Wanstead | Waterloo | Stratford | Ilford 


46 


TREE 

PLAN 

Local resident 

Delia Ray, a volunteer 

for countryside 

charity CPRE London, 

explains how the 

people of Wanstead 

and Woodford can 

help with a bold 

plan to mitigate the 

impact of climate 

change on the capital 



Imagine a ring of trees providing 

shade and tranquillity in a seamless 

circle around London. Linking with 

existing areas such as Epping Forest, the 

woodland would absorb pollution, cool the 

environment and provide safe passage for 

local wildlife. 

It sounds like a dream, but countryside 

charity CPRE London is working with expert 

partners (such as The Woodland Trust) to 

make this ‘M25 of trees’ a reality. By planting 

saplings or reforesting neglected sites, gaps 

will be filled and access enhanced across the 

green belt. 

We now need help from people in outer 

London areas such as Wanstead and Woodford 

with the first step: mapping areas which 

offer potential for planting. These places 

could include overlooked plots of land near 

existing woods, empty borders of a park, or 

fly-tipped scrubland. They could be council 

land, privately owned or part of the estate of 

schools or churches. 

One site already highlighted to the team in 

Redbridge is the stretch of the River Roding 

near Chigwell Road (as pictured here). 

Borderland such as this could host new trees 

linked to neighbouring woodland, reducing 

run-off and flood risk. Other possible locations 

are the patch of overgrown land behind Eagle 

Pond, within the grounds of Snaresbrook 

Crown Court, and the land between Wanstead 

Park and Valentines Park, especially the 

overgrown spaces adjacent to the Roding. 

Can you identify any more locations? At this 

point, we’re simply mapping possible sites, 

and we will find out who owns them in followup 

stages. 

The next step will be planting. Like a natural 

forest, the new tree ring community forest 

will contain native trees, but also hedgerows, 

open plains, and even cultivated areas such 

as orchards, areas of nut trees and wooded 

margins for nature-friendly farming. 

The forest will build on existing woodland 

in the green belt. The project directly 

addresses key requirements of the London 

Urban Forest Plan to create more woodland, 

especially species-rich woodland, in London. 

It encourages biodiversity, supporting 

vulnerable species such as the hedgehog 

and Pipistrelle bat. It will also help residents 

to enjoy access to nature – essential for the 

1.8m Londoners with no garden, including an 

estimated 100,000 in Redbridge. 

Currently, swathes of London’s green belt 

are under threat. The tree ring will therefore 

also help the green belt do its job. Without 

it, London could have spread out like Los 

Angeles, potentially sprawling across an area 

from Cambridge to Brighton. 

Can you help bring this vision to life? If you 

know of possible locations for new woodland 

creation, please get in touch. There are also 

lots of opportunities to donate or get involved 

in other ways. 

For more information and to submit your 

ideas, visit swvg.co.uk/treering 


48 


SELF-STORAGE CAN HELP YOU 

DECLUTTER BEFORE YOU MOVE 

We can store your belongings 

securely until you need them again 

Woodford Trading Estate 

Unit 16, Southend Road, Woodford Green, IG8 8HF 

50% OFF FOR UP 

TO 8 WEEKS 

SAFE, SECURE & AFFORDABLE 

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www.bwiselfstorage.co.uk 

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We believe in creating beautiful kitchens that will enhance your life 

Book your consultation with Mike Dale to find out more 

When you choose London Kitchen 

Designer you’ll receive my full, 

personal attention. You deal with 

one person for the design, technical 

matters, installation, payments, 

appliance advice, decor, lighting 

and remedial works. The design 

process is a collaboration between 

us. The initial layout is emailed in 

a form that allows you to digitally 

walk inside the kitchen. Using your 

feedback we perfect the design. 

EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY 

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TOTAL REFURBISHMENT 

020 8504 8850 / 07770 315 101 

mike@londonkitchendesigner.co.uk 

Unit 8A Lockwood Way, 

Walthamstow, London, E17 5RB 


50 


COMPASSION 

South Woodford resident Michael Walford-Grant is using his recent book 

publishing deal to raise funds for The Compassionate Friends, an 

organisation that supports bereaved parents 

In 2002, on a cold, dark November 

morning, my wife and I lost our beautiful 

boy, William. He was 13 years old, doing 

his paper round on his bike before school 

to save up enough money to go on holiday 

to Disney World in Florida. He was our 

only child. The loss was devastating. The 

memory of the policeman arriving at 

our front door at 7.30 in the morning will 

remain with me forever. 

Since then, my wife and I have rebuilt our lives, 

one slow, painful step after another. We have 

both experienced some very dark moments 

along the way. 

In 2017, I joined The Compassionate Friends 

as a helpline volunteer. The charity provides a 

range of support services for bereaved parents 

and siblings. I help most Monday evenings. 

Because all the volunteers have experienced 

the loss of a child, the parents calling the 

helpline really appreciate the fact that when 

they call, they get to speak to someone who 

has gone through something similar to them. 

The work is very satisfying, albeit emotional 

at times. 

Away from the charity, in November of last 

year, I signed an international book publishing 

deal with an American publishing house. I am 

not an author, so securing the contract was, 

and is, very exciting. I am an experienced sales 

professional, and after a career of working for 

companies, I decided to start my own sales 

consulting practice. One month before the 

pandemic hit, so not great timing! 

However, it is through this that I came up 

with the idea for the book Sales Unplugged: 

The Invaluable “Go To Guide” for Busy B2B 

Salespeople. It is a book of sales best practices, 

targeted at business-to-business sales 

professionals. It took about nine months to 

put together and draws upon a vast array 

of materials and experience, acquired and 

collated over a career spanning more than 

30 years. Part two of the book is a collection 

of stories and anecdotes, ranging from the 

dramatic to the funny to the deeply personal. 

The locations for the stories include Dublin, 

New York, Abu Dhabi and Austria, plus, of 

course, my home town, London. 

I am proud of my profession and passionate 

about giving something back after 

experiencing my loss, which is unlike any 

other type of bereavement. So, I am using my 

book to raise funds. 

The charity is always in need of money to 

enable us to continue to support bereaved 

parents and siblings with a comprehensive 

range of support services. My target is to raise 

£1,000 by the end of the year. 

If you would like to donate, and optionally 

acquire a copy of the book, it would mean a 

great to deal me. Thank you. 

For more information and to donate, 

visit swvg.co.uk/tcf 



Our design, materials, manufacturing processes & finishes are second 

to none. We employ local joinery craftsmen, CAD technicians, fitters, 

apprentices & office staff; creating a passionate team environment. 

Are you experiencing difficulty with obtaining planning permission 

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Stunning front doors & frames add value to your home & create the perfect first impression. Whatever the 

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As part of K&D services, we can 

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INFO@KANDD.ORG 

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WVD_Have-your-cake_120x174_12Oct2023.qxp 12/10/2023 12:11 Page 1 

 

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When you choose London Kitchen 

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McCarty & Smith 

It will be open from 11.30am - 10pm, 

Monday - Sunday. 

Window restoration and upgrades in South Woodford 

McCarty & Smith specialise in the conversion of period timber windows to 

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We believe in creating beautiful kitchens that will enhance your life 


Book your consultation with Mike Dale to find out more 

ELGAR 

Open 4pm till Midnight 

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SWVG_bk-cvr_Stay-Healthy_120x182_13Aug2022.qxp 13/08/2022 11:34 Page 1 

Stay 

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VISIT YOUR 

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Find out more at zizzi.co.uk 

We are an online community 

committed to supporting 

anyone who wants to run… 

Q: 

A: 

Q: 

A: 

New courses start on the following dates and venues: 

Woodford, Saturday 9 th September at 9 am 

Loughton, Monday 11 th September at 7 pm 

Wanstead, Wednesday 13 th September at 7 pm 

Chingford, Thursday 14 th September at 7 pm 

Chingford, Friday 15 th September at 9.30 am 

I can’t run for a bus! What if I 

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At RTB nobody is the last runner. 

Our mentors and coaches work 

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Personalised care 

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SELF-STORAGE CAN HELP YOU 

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” 


Hello Again. 

020 8509 6526 


GOING HOME FOR 

CHRISTMAS? 

"I believe that the South Village Woodford Gazette is 

really important advertising for our company as it 

goes through the doors of all our potential vendors… 

I believe it is probably the only magazine that is 

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6.30PM 

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Hawkey Hall, Broomhil Road, 


TICKETS 

Stalls - £18 


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Box Office: 


Woodford Trading Estate 

Unit 16, Southend Road, Woodford Green, IG8 8HF 

Little Heath 

Unit 12, Hainault Works, Hainault Road, RM6 5NF 

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Pay nothing when joining to become 

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Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, Forest School, Co lege Place, London, E17 3PY 

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Saturday 25 Nov 12pm-6pm 


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Meet your local Bayfields Opticians and 

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CHRISTMAS? 


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GET A NEW YEAR VALUATION 

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0208 530 3333 

* HOUSE EXTENSIONS 

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020 8281 0695 / 07977 984 485 

info@planningandprojects.co.uk 

Face 

painting 

for 

children 



• Contact lens assessments with a wide range 

of products available, from single vision to 

multifocals 

• Myopia control for short-sighted children and 

expert advice on solutions available 

• Fu l hearing health checks 

• Ear wax removal 

• A comprehensive range of designer frames and 

sunglasses fu ly customised to your prescription and 

chosen frame for unpara leled precision and clarity 

Here at Bayfields, we’re passionate about creating long 

lasting relationships with our clients. 

At our South Woodford practice, our team o fully trained Optometrists, 

Audiologists and Specialists offer a range of personalised services, including 

fu ly comprehensive eye exams, hearing health checks, as we l as a huge range 

of affordable, high-end designer frames and sunglasses to choose from. 

So why not pop into our practice to have a chat with one of our friendly team 

members? We are here to help you understand what’s happening with your 

vision and hearing to ensure you don’t miss the important things in life. 

Amit Nischal Practice Manager 

I’m a Qualified Optician and have 20+ years’ experience. Here to answer any 

queries you may have. Pop in for a coffee and a chat anytime. 

Amit is supported by Valentina Dimitrova (Deputy Practice Manager and Contact 

Lens Specialist). 


Kishan Gadhia 

Optometrist 

I have experience with 

myopia control for children 

as we l as a special interest 

in independent prescribing, 

glaucoma, and the macula. 

Shakeel Khan 

Dispensing Optican 

I’ve been a dispensing optician 

for almost 20 years. My areas 

of interest include varifocal 

designs and solutions to 

unique lifestyles. 

Christian Halstead 

Frames & Lens Specialist 

I’m versed in all aspects 

of optometric dispensing 

practice and love a good 

cha lenge when it comes to 

troubleshooting ocular i sues. 

Rikhil Rughani 

Optometrist 

I take special interest in 

myopia control with children 

whether that be Ortho-K, 

MiSight contact lenses or 

Miyosmart/Stellest gla ses. 

Thank you 

Call us on: 0208 514 9000 

a linfo@edslaw.co.uk | www.edslaw.co.uk | 

Pop in to see us at 135a George Lane, South Woodford or give us a ca l 

on 0208 989 1996. And for more information on Bayfields Opticians and 

Audiologists and our services visit www.bayfieldsopticians.com 

Naveed Mian 

Optical Assistant 

I have been a frame stylist 

and lens specialist for longer 

than I can remember. I love to 

put our clients at ease. I hope 

to see you in practice soon. 

Wanstead | Waterloo | Stratford | Ilford 


Contentious probate refers to any dispute arising from 

how a person’s estate should be distributed after they 

die. This includes their money, property, assets and a l 

possessions. 

Our contentious probate solicitors can assist you in 

tailoring our advice and assistance to your exact needs 

and requirements. 

Pebbles Oladipo 

Clinical Audiologist 

I a se s and rehabilitate 

people with various hearing 

needs. My great pa sion is 

being part of an individual’s 

journey to be ter hearing. 

Rachel Gevaux 

Optical Assistant 

Contact kavita.rana@edslaw.co.uk 

or visit our website for more information 

I have been in optics for 8 

years. I have three children, 

enjoy reading and going 

on family holidays. I love 

meeting new people. 

Krupali Radia 

Optometrist 

I’ve been a qualified 

optometrist since 2016 and 

truly believe great optometric 

care can significantly impact a 

client’s quality of life. 


0208 509 6526 

0208 509 6526 



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2 

2 

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DEPRESSION • ANXIETY • STRESS 

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54 


Christmas 

in Redbridge 

Join us for some magical festive Celebrations 

whilst you countdown to Christmas. 

Christmas Light Switch-On & Tree Sale, 

Victorian Christmas at Valentines Mansion, 

Santa’s Grotto, arts, crafts, panto, music, 

theatre, workshops and much more! 

For more information please visit: 

visionrcl.org.uk/christmas 



Community events 

EXHIBITION: 

ESSEX IN PRINT 

Artists from South Woodford are among those 

from the Bedford House Print Group who will 

be exhibiting handmade prints. 

Date: until Sunday 3 December Time: 10am–4pm 

Venue: Visitor Centre, 6 Rangers Road, E4 7QH 

Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/essexprint 

NOV 

7 

BEREAVEMENT CAFÉ 

AFTERNOON SESSION 

Date: Tuesday 7 November Time: 2–3pm 

Venue: St Mary’s Church, South Woodford 

Cost: free Enquiries: 020 8505 3000 

NOV 

7 

ELECTRONIC 

KEYBOARD CONCERT 

An East London and Essex Electronic Keyboard 

Club event featuring Brett Wales. 

Date: Wednesday 8 November Time: 7.15–10.15pm 

Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road 

Cost: £12; under-16s: £2 Enquiries: 020 8530 3717 

NOV 

8 

WANSTEAD WORDSMITHS 

OPEN MIC NIGHT 

Recite your own work or a piece you treasure. 

Date: Thursday 9 November Time: 6.30–8.30pm 


Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/openmic 

NOV 

9 

What’s happening, 

what’s on and where... 

Are you organising an event? 

Let us know... events@swvg.co.uk 

Please note: all events are 

subject to change. Please 

check with the relevant 

organisers to confirm details. 

Booking may be required. 

WP DRAMA PRESENTS: 

LADIES’ DAY 

Date: Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 November 

Time: 7.30–9.30pm 

Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre, E18 2RB 

Cost: £15 Enquiries: 020 8708 8803 

NOV 

9 

FOREST MUSICAL THEATRE 

PRESENTS: SEUSSICAL 

Date: Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November 

Time: 7.30–9.30pm 

Venue: Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford, IG1 1BT 

Cost: £21 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/seussical 

NOV 

10 

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE 

IN SOUTH WOODFORD 

Date: Saturday 11 November Time: 8.40am 

Venue: Woodford War Memorial, E18 2PA 

NOV 

11 


IN SNARESBROOK 

Date: Saturday 11 November Time: 10.45am 

Venue: Snaresbrook Garden of Remembrance 

NOV 

11 

WANSTEAD PARK 

LITTER PICK 

Hosted by the Friends of Wanstead Parklands. 

Date: Sunday 12 November Time: 11am 

Venue: the Temple, Wanstead Park, E11 2LT 

Cost: free Enquiries: wansteadpark.org.uk 

NOV 

12 


IN WANSTEAD 

Date: Sunday 12 November Time: 12.15pm 

Venue: Wanstead War Memorial, E11 2AA 

NOV 

12 

SOUTH WOODFORD SAFETY 

WALK FOR WOMEN 

Date: Tuesday 14 November Time: 4–5pm 

Venue: Grove Road/Buckingham Road junction 

Enquiries: SNTJI-Churchfields@met.police.uk 

NOV 

14 


56 


SPICES FROM AN 

EASTERN PARADISE 

The Arts Society Woodford Green welcomes 

Anne Howarth (lecturer at the V&A, The British 

Museum and The Queen’s Gallery) for a story 

of art, merchants and desire. Visitors welcome. 

Date: Tuesday 14 November Time: 7.30pm 

Venue: Bancroft’s School, High Road, IG8 0RF 

Cost: donation Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/artssociety 

NOV 

14 

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION 

AROUND COPPED HALL 

A talk for the North East London Local Group 

of the RSPB by Peter Warne. 

Date: Tuesday 14 November Time: 8pm 


Cost: £4.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/rspb 

NOV 

14 

HISTORIC HOUSES 

ASSOCIATION 

A talk by Dr Ben Cowell for the Woodford 

and District Centre of the National Trust. 

Visitors welcome. 

Date: Wednesday 15 November Time: 2.30pm 

Venue: All Saints Church Hall, Woodford Green 


NOV 

15 


BUSINESS FORUM 

Is your business in E18, E11 or IG8? This is 

an opportunity to grow your network and 

promote your business in South Woodford. 

The evening will include presentations and 

networking. Hosted by the South Woodford 

Business Forum. Booking required. 

Date: Thursday 16 November Time: 5–7pm 

Venue: Luna Café, 127 High Road, E18 2PA 

Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/biz 

NOV 

NOV 

17 

16 

MRS CHURCHILL: 

MY LIFE WITH WINSTON 

They say that behind every great man, there 

is a great woman. Was this true in Churchill’s 

case? Liz Grand’s sensitive and informative 

portrayal of Clementine Churchill. 

Date: Friday 17 November Time: 7.30–9.30pm 


Cost: £16.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/mrschurchill 

CHRISTMAS 

CHARITY BAZAAR 

Visit Father Christmas at the St Mary’s charity 

bazaar. Booking required (additional cost). 

Date: Saturday 18 November Time: 11am–3pm 

Venue: Woodford Memorial Hall, E18 2PA 

Cost: £2 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/santa18nov 

NOV 

18 

RAY PARK 

ACTION DAY 

Take part in flower bed cultivation, litter 

picking and maintenance projects. Meet at the 

James Leal Centre. 

Date: Saturday 18 November Time: 1.30–4.30pm 

Venue: Ray Park, Woodford Green, IG8 7JF 

Enquiries: parks.enquiries@visionrcl.org.uk 

NOV 

18 


COMMUNITY MARKET 

Monthly market offering a range of products. 

Date: Sunday 19 November Time: 11am–5pm 

Venue: George Lane, South Woodford 

Enquiries: aceeventsltd.co.uk 

NOV 

19 

AN EVENING AT 

THE MUSIC HALL 

Experience a night out Victorian style as The 

Naughty Nineties present a selection of the 

period’s greatest hits. 

Date: Sunday 19 November Time: 6–8pm 


Cost: £15 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/musichall 

NOV 

19 

FLOWER ARRANGING 

DEMONSTRATION 

Gill McGregor presents to the Woodford and 

District Floral Arrangement Group. 

Date: Monday 20 November Time: 7.30–9.45pm 



NOV 

20 

BEREAVEMENT CAFÉ 

MORNING SESSION 

For people struggling with feelings of loss. 

Date: Tuesday 21 November Time: 10.30–11.30am 

Venue: Christ Church, Wanstead Place, E11 2SW 

Cost: free Enquiries: 020 8505 3000 

NOV 

21 


Woodford 


eorge Lane E18 

THE SOUTH WOODFORD BUSINESS FORUM INVITES YOU TO A 

Forge unforgettable connections and engage in a dynamic gathering 

filled with enlightening presentations and personalised guidance 

from a seasoned business coach. Share your vision, exchange 

ideas and supercharge your network, all while showcasing your 

own enterprise. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference to your 

business and the community! 

Thursday 16 th November, 5pm – 7pm 

Luna Café, 127 High Road, E18 2PA 

Booking required. Limited tickets. 

We kindly request a maximum of two guests per business. 

FREE 

EVENT 

Networking event for 


BUSINESS OWNERS 

Register for your free ticket at: 

swvg.co.uk/biz 

29/11/2021 16:32 


58 


EAST OF LONDON FAMILY 

HISTORY SOCIETY 

AGM and presentations by members. 

Visitors welcome. 

Date: Wednesday 22 November Time: 7.30pm 



NOV 

22 

WOODFORD CHRISTMAS 

CRAFT MARKET 

Promoting the work of community creatives. 

Date: Saturday 25 November Time: 10am–3pm 


Cost: free Enquiries: woodfordcraftmarket.co.uk 

NOV 

25 

EAST LONDON ME/CFS 

SUPPORT GROUP 

Conversation, information and support. 

Date: Saturday 25 November Time: 2.30–5pm 

Venue: Wanstead House, 21 The Green, E11 2NT 

Cost: by donation Enquiries: 07957 152 566 

NOV 

25 

SNARESBROOK PRIMARY 

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FETE 

Santa’s Grotto, arts and crafts, tombola and 

refreshments. Free entry. 

Date: Sunday 26 November Time: 12–3pm 

Venue: Snaresbrook Primary School, E18 2EN 

Enquiries: snaresbrookpta@googlegroups.com 

NOV 

1 DEC 1 DEC 

26 

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 

SWITCH-ON 

Gather round South Woodford’s Christmas 

tree as the lights are switched on. Festive 

refreshments available. 

Date: Friday 1 December Time: from 3.30pm 


Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/sws 

SNEAK AND PEEK: SANTA’S 

UNDERCOVER AGENTS 

An endearing and entertaining musical 

for children of all ages. Repeated on 2 and 

9 December. 

Date: Friday 1 December Time: 5–6pm 


Cost: £12 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/sneak 

PANTOMIME: 

PETER PAN 

Redbridge Creates presents a new pantomime 

for 2023. 

Date: Friday 1 December to Sunday 7 January 

Venue: Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford, IG1 1BT 

Cost: £22.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/peterpan 

DEC 

1 

HAVEN HOUSE 

CHRISTMAS FAIR 

Children can enjoy the woodland activity 

trail, make a Christmas craft and bounce in 

the inflatable snow globe. Santa’s Grotto 

also available (£15 per child). Repeated on 

3 December. 

Date: Saturday 2 December Time: 10am–3pm 

Venue: Haven House, High Road, IG8 9LB 

Cost: £8 Enquiries: havenhouse.org.uk 

DEC 

2 

LOCAL MAKERS 

MARKET 

Including screen prints, ceramics, jewellery, 

homewares and textiles. 

Date: Saturday 2 December Time: 11am–4.30pm 

Venue: Christ Church Hall, E11 2SW 

Cost: free entry Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/makers 

DEC 

2 

CHURCHFIELDS SCHOOL 

CHRISTMAS FAYRE 

Funfair, games, tombola, food and gift stalls. 

Date: Saturday 2 December Time: 12–4pm 

Venue: Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB 

Cost: £1 per adult 

DEC 

2 

WANSTEAD 

COMMUNITY MARKET 

Date: Sunday 3 December Time: 10am–4pm 

Venue: Wanstead High Street 


DEC 

3 

WANSTEAD & WOODFORD 

WEA FILM CLUB 

A screening of The Outfit (2022). 

Date: Monday 4 December Time: 12.30pm 

Venue: Odeon, South Woodford, E18 2QL 

Cost: 20p plus the cinema’s usual charges 

Enquiries: weafilmclub18@gmail.com 

DEC 

4 




60 


THE GREAT FIRE 

OF LONDON 

A presentation by Nick Dobson for the 

Wanstead Historical Society. 

Date: Monday 4 December Time: 8pm 



DEC 

4 

AN ACTOR’S 

LIFE FOR ME? 

The Arts Society Woodford Green welcomes 

actor Tyler Butterworth. 

Date: Tuesday 5 December Time: 8pm 

Venue: Bancroft’s School, High Road, IG8 0RF 

Cost: donation Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/artssociety 

DEC 

5 

EXHIBITION: 

RE:VIEW EAST 

An exhibition of South Woodford artist Darren 

Evans’ large urban scenes in watercolour. 

Date: Thursday 7 December Time: 7pm 

Venue: Marfa Studios, Broadway Market, E8 4QF 

Cost: free Enquiries: thesuburbanartist.co.uk 

DEC 

7 

BACK TO 

BETHLEHEM 

An immersive theatre experience suitable for 

families. Runs throughout the day. 

Date: Saturday 9 December 

Venue: Holy Trinity Church, Hermon Hill, E18 1QQ 

Cost: free Enquiries: htsw.org.uk 

DEC 

9 

FOREST PHILHARMONIC 


Forest Philharmonic plays Elgar, Holst and 

Florence Price. Conductor: Mark Shanahan. 

Date: Sunday 10 December Time: 6.30pm 

Venue: Sir James Hawkey Hall, IG8 0BG 

Cost: £18 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/fpo 

DEC 

10 

NATIONAL TRUST TALK: 

THE CHRISTMAS GARDEN 

A talk by Nick Dobson for the Woodford and 

District Centre of the National Trust. 

Date: Tuesday 12 December Time: 10.30am 



DEC 

12 

THE BIKING BIRDER’S 

YEARS IN THE UK 

A talk for the North East London Local Group 

of the RSPB by Gary Prescott (aka The Biking 

Birder), a 65-year old retired school teacher 

with a passion for nature. 

Date: Tuesday 12 December Time: 8pm 


Cost: £4.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/rspb 

DEC 

12 

WANSTEAD COMMUNITY 

CHRISTMAS MARKET 

This extra community market will be a familyfriendly 

event with Christmas fayre, activities 

and entertainment. 

Date: Saturday 16 December Time: 10am–4pm 

Venue: Wanstead High Street 


DEC 

16 

WANSTEAD 

VINTAGE FAIR 

Including fashion, jewellery, furniture, vinyl, 

haberdashery, textiles, homeware, kitchenalia, 

books and prints. 

Date: Saturday 16 December 

Time: 10.30am–4.30pm 

Venue: Wanstead United Reformed Church 

Cost: £2.50 Enquiries: wansteadvintage.com 

DEC 

16 

SANTA’S CHRISTMAS 

WORKSHOP 

Visit Santa’s workshop, where Santa and his 

hard-working elves will be busily getting 

ready for the big day. Help the elves prepare 

for their Christmas party and receive a special 

gift from Santa. 

Date: Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 December 


Cost: £15 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/santaworkshop 

DEC 

DEC 

17 

16 


CHRISTMAS MARKET 

The monthly South Woodford community 

market will be a family-friendly event with 

Christmas fayre, activities and entertainment. 

Date: Sunday 17 December Time: 11am–5pm 





Victorian 

Christmas 

at 

Valentines 

FREE 

Entry 

mansion 

Face 

painting 

for 

children 

Sunday only 

Saturday 25 Nov 12pm-6pm 

Sunday 26 Nov 11am-7pm 

Craft Stalls Festive Music 

Children’s Activities Raffles 

Artists’ Open Studios 

Refreshments 

www.valentinesmansion.com 

Emerson Road IG1 4XA 


62 


Local community groups 

ALLAN BURGESS CENTRE 

Activities for the over-55s. Lunches available 

(£7; booking required). Located at 2 Grove 

Park, Wanstead. Call 020 8989 6338 

FRIENDS OF WANSTEAD PARKLANDS 

Researching and promoting Wanstead Park. 

Visit wansteadpark.org.uk 

NCT REDBRIDGE & DISTRICT 

Offering support and information to parents 

and parents-to-be. Call 0300 330 0700 

ROTARY CLUB OF LEYTONSTONE 

AND WOODFORD 

Meeting every Thursday at 6.30pm at The 

Royal Oak, Chingford. Call 020 3597 2921 

SCOTTISH DANCING FOR FUN 

Mondays from 8pm at St Barnabas Church. 

No partners needed. Call 020 8504 3376 

Wishing all our readers, 

contributors and advertisers 

a very merry Christmas and a 

prosperous New Year 

SOUTH WOODFORD BUSINESS FORUM 

Quarterly meetings providing a voice for 

South Woodford’s businesses and networking 

opportunities. Visit swvg.co.uk/swbf 

SOUTH WOODFORD GARDENERS 

Tending to and improving the flower beds 

across the local area. Visit swvg.co.uk/swg 

SOUTH WOODFORD SOCIETY 

Making South Woodford a better place to live. 

Visit southwoodfordsociety.org 

ULTRASOUND CHOIR 

Female choir singing a wide repertoire every 

Tuesday at Derby Road Methodist Church 

from 7.30pm. Call 07799 196 241 

WANSTEAD AND WOODFORD BLIND CLUB 

Social club for people with sight problems 

meeting Thursday afternoons (2pm to 4pm) in 

South Woodford. Call 07840 850 838 

WANSTEAD AND WOODFORD 

CENTENARY FILM CLUB 

Meets on the first Monday of each month 

(except August), 12.30pm at the Odeon, South 

Woodford (the cinema’s usual charges apply). 

Email weafilmclub18@gmail.com 

WOODFORD AND WANSTEAD 

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY 

Meeting virtually or at Wanstead House every 

Monday. Visit swvg.co.uk/wwps 

WOODFORD ARTS GROUP 

All Woodford-based artists are welcome to 

apply to join. Visit swvg.co.uk/wag 

WOODFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

Stimulating interest in the history of the local 

area. Visit woodfordhistoricalsociety.org 

WOODFORD TOWN FC 

Support local football. Visit swvg.co.uk/wtfc 

WREN WILDLIFE GROUP 

Wildlife conservation. Visit wrengroup.org.uk 



 

 

 

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Useful numbers 

ADVICE & SUPPORT 

Samaritans116 123 

Citizens Advice Redbridge 0300 330 9063 

Community Legal Advice 0845 345 4 345 

HEALTH 

NHS 111 111 

Whipps Cross Hospital 020 8539 5522 

Shrubberies Medical Centre 020 8530 4108 

Glebelands Practice 020 8989 6272 

South Woodford Health Centre 020 8491 3333 

Elmhurst Practice 020 8491 3310 

The Broadway Surgery 020 8505 3204 

Southdene Surgery 020 8530 3731 

Out of hours GP 020 3770 1888 

LEISURE & LIBRARIES 

South Woodford Library & Gym 020 8708 9067 

Woodford Green Library 020 8708 7444 

Wanstead Library 020 8708 7400 

Wanstead Leisure Centre 020 8989 1172 

in South Woodford 

LOCAL COUNCILLORS South Woodford ward 

Beverley Brewer (Lab) 020 8554 5000 

beverley.brewer@redbridge.gov.uk 

Joe Hehir (Lab) 07741 904 709 

joe.hehir@redbridge.gov.uk 

Saiqa Qayum Hussain (Lab) 07918 277 502 

saiqa.qayum@redbridge.gov.uk 

LOCAL COUNCILLORS Churchfields ward 

Lloyd Duddridge (Lab) 07799 579 763 

lloyd.duddridge@redbridge.gov.uk 

Rosa Gomez (Lab) 07799 057 030 

rosa.gomez@redbridge.gov.uk 

Guy Williams (Lab) 07918 278 865 

guy.williams@redbridge.gov.uk 

LOCAL MP Chingford and Woodford Green 

Iain Duncan Smith MP 020 7219 3000 

iainduncansmith.org.uk 

LOCAL MP Ilford North 

Wes Streeting MP 020 3475 7901 

wesstreeting.org 

IN THE BUILDING TRADE FOR 30 YEARS 

LOCAL MP Leyton and Wanstead 

John Cryer MP 020 8989 5249 

johncryermp.co.uk 

POLICE & NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH 

Emergency 999 

Non-emergency 101 

Crimestoppers0800 555 111 

Neighbourhood Watch redbridgenhw.info 

Safer Neighbourhoods Teams 020 8345 3616 

REDBRIDGE COUNCIL 

Customer contact centre 020 8554 5000 

Report antisocial behaviour 020 8478 4679 

UTILITIES 

Electricity (power cut) 105 

Electricity emergency 0800 40 40 90 

Gas emergency0800 111 999 

Thames Water (report a leak)0800 714 614 



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66 

BALLOONS 

OBalloons 9 

BARBERS 

Agy’s Barber Shop42 

BATHROOMS 

Bathworks 63 

BEAUTY 

The Beauty Spot15 

BLOOD TEST 

Meducate 30 

BUILDERS 

Glenward 39 

North London Loft Rooms 53 

BUSINESS SUPPORT 

South Woodford Business Forum57 

CARPENTRY & JOINERY 

K&D Joinery51 

CHARITIES 

Guide Dogs 11 

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES 

Christmas in Redbridge54 

Christmas Lights Switch-On13 

Holy Trinity South Woodford 59 

Rumble Wrestling 6 

Victorian Christmas61 

Woodford Pantomime 4 

CHURCH SERVICES 


COMMUNITY & GROUPS 

South Woodford Business Forum57 

South Woodford Society5 

DANCE 

Variations Dance Studio19 

DECORATORS 

E18 Handyman64 

Stuart Green Property Solutions 30 

DENTIST 

Smile in London26 

Woodford House33 & 65 

DOORS 

K&D Joinery51 

EMBROIDERY 

Creative Giftware 38 

ESTATE AGENTS 

Churchill Estates34–35 & 68 

The Stow Brothers 67 

Yellands 22 


– Index of advertisers – 

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES 

An Evening at the Music Hall12 

Christmas in Redbridge54 

Christmas Lights Switch-On13 

Forest Philharmonic18 



Victorian Christmas61 


FITNESS 

Fitness Fox London12 

Sylvestrian Leisure Centre 1 

FOSTERING 

Foster For Redbridge10 

FUNERAL DIRECTORS 

Compassionate Funerals14 

GARAGE SERVICES 

Belgrave Motor Services 38 

Woodbridge Autos 23 

GIFTS 

Creative Giftware 38 

GUTTER CLEARING 



GYM 


HANDYMAN 



HEALTH 


Meducate 30 

KITCHENS 

London Kitchen Designer49 

LOFTS 


MOT 

Belgrave Motor Services 38 

Woodbridge Autos 23 

MUSIC 

An Evening at the Music Hall12 

Crescendo Music Academy19 

Forest Philharmonic18 

NAILS 

The Beauty Spot15 

NUTRITION 


Meducate 30 

PANTOMIME 


PHOTOGRAPHY 

Geoff Wilkinson42 

Photography by Rohini7 

PLUMBING & HEATING 

Rightio Plumbing & Heating48 

Wanstead Group 22 

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 




PROPERTY SERVICES 

Churchill Estates34–35 & 68 

The Stow Brothers 67 

Yellands 22 

PUBS 

Railway Bell 32 

SCHOOLS & NURSERIES 

Avon House Preparatory School 43 

Loyola Preparatory School 25 

Our Lady of Lourdes School31 

St Aubyn’s School21 

Woodford Green Prep School37 

SHOWERS 

Bathworks 63 

SINGING 

Crescendo Music Academy19 

SOLICITORS 

Edwards Duthie Shamash45 

Paul John & Co Solicitors18 

SPORT & LEISURE 


STAIRS 

K&D Joinery51 

STORAGE 

BWI Self Storage48 

TUITION & COURSES 

MagiKats 8 

WARDROBES 

Woodthorpe Joinery2 

WINDOW RESTORATION 

McCarty & Smith27 

WINDOW SHUTTERS 

Woodthorpe Joinery2 

WRESTLING 






TO ONE YOU 

LOVE 

CHRISTMAS? 

OR 


GOING HOME TO ONE FOR YOU 

LOVE 

GOING CHRISTMAS? HOME FOR 

CHRISTMAS? 

T’S 

ME FOR 

AS? 

RE IT’S 

YOU 

E 

MAKE MAKE SURE IT’S IT’S 


TO ONE YOU 

LOVE 

TO ONE TO ONE YOU 

GOING HOME FOR LOVE 

CHRISTMAS? 

LOVE 


TO ONE YOU 

LOVE 

GET A NEW YEAR VALUATION 

OF YOUR HOME 

0208 530 3333 

SOUTHWOODFORD@CHURCHILL-ESTATES.CO.UK 


CHRISTMAS? 


CHRISTMAS? 


194 - 196 GEORGE LANE, SOUTH WOODFORD E18 1AY 

Independent directory of businesses, news and events in and around South Woodford

Nov/Dec 2023

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