December 2023

10
Wanstead Village Directory
Calendar of local vintage photos
colourised by artificial intelligence
National Trust talk about Christmas
trees and festive gardening
A local resident has produced a 2024 calendar
featuring vintage photos of Wanstead and
Woodford colourised by artificial intelligence.
“Among the photos is an image of Wanstead
Hospital with Nightingale Farm in the
background from 1930 and a picture of The
Cuckfield from 1925. The AI software picks out
buildings, fields, grass and signs and makes a
best judgement on the colour. The results are
stunning,” said Roland Saunders. The A3-sized
calendars can be ordered up to 10 December
(£25 plus P&P). Visit wnstd.com/memories
Gardening at Christmas will be the theme for
a local National Trust talk 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
Local historians publish an illustrated
history of Wanstead Flats
Looking south across
Wanstead Flats towards
Forest Gate (circa 1900)
IN THE BUILDING TRADE FOR 30 YEARS
Two local historians have published a new
book about the history of Wanstead Flats.
“Once part of the riverbed of the Thames,
in medieval times the Flats became grazing
land. Over the last two centuries the Flats has
hosted funfairs and football, become a site
for political protest and been a key part of
London’s anti-aircraft defences in two world
wars,” said Mark Gorman and Peter Williams.
Wanstead Flats: A Short Illustrated History (£10)
includes a number of never-before-published
photos. Visit wnstd.com/flatshistory
To advertise, call 020 8819 6645 or visit wnstd.com