Jan/Feb 2024

ISSN 2632-8224 Est. 1992 

January/February 2024 Issue No: 189 

FREE 

swvg.co.uk 

Is there a new home 

Is there a new home 

on the horizon? 

C A L L U S O N 0 2 0 8 5 3 0 3 3 3 3 F O R A F R E E R E P O R T 

Is there O N T H E V A L Ua E O F 

new Y O U R P R Ohome 

P E R T Y 

O N T H E V A L U E O F Y O U R P R O P E R T Y 

on the horizon? 



O N T H E V A L U E O F Y O U R P R O P E R T Y 

W W W . C H U R C H I L L - E S T A T E S . C O . U K 

W W W . C H U R C H I L L - E S T A T E S . C O . U K 

Tel: 020 8530 W W3333 

W . C H194 U R– C196 H IGeorge L L - ELane, S T A South T E S . Woodford, C O . U K E18 1AY 

INSIDE: Village Vouchers • Ghost sign • Robbed of banks? • Flower sculpture memories 

Community groups • Local events • Useful numbers • Directory of local businesses 

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

2 

South Woodford Village Gazette 

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• SENCO Support 

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• Holiday Clubs 

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

Contents 

Features 

Floral tribute 16–17 

Robbed of banks? 20 

Redundancy rights24 

DD’s 63rd Woodford Diary 28–29 

Grazing questions 36 

Quick change40–41 

Stress: what’s the fuss? 44 

Park life 46–47 

Abandoned 50 

Puzzles & competitions 

Sudoku 18 

Crossword competition32 

Woodford anagram42 

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... 

Opportunities for change? 

There’ll be plenty more in 2024. 

Yes, it’s that time again when it 

seems more appropriate than 

ever to contemplate – and 

perhaps even follow through 

with – the possibility of 

engaging in a new activity or 

embarking on a new regime of some description. A new year, a 

fresh start. You know how the rhetoric goes. 

Slaves as we are to our diaries and schedules, our calendars 

do seem to dictate our collective mindset when it comes to 

change. With the final day of December scratched from 2023, our 

expectations are left high for the beginning of a new cycle. As 

the clichés tell us, the blank canvas that is 2024 has the potential 

to be filled with a world of possibilities. 

But needless to say, those possibilities were always there for 

the taking; we didn’t need to wait for January to come round, 

again. The gym would have been happy to sign you up as a 

member in June; the evening classes were running in September 

and those low-calorie recipe books were already in the shops 

in November. 

But there’s no time like the present, and given the present now 

also happens to be a new year, perhaps it really is time for a new 

you as well; someone who goes to the gym, completes a course 

and eats more healthily. Perhaps you’ll still be that somebody 

come December 2024, or February 2024, for that matter. 

If not, you can try again. And how’s this for 

a big opportunity for change? You can 

try again any month you like. 

Or you can wait for January 2025. 

2024 

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 March/April 2024 edition is 16 February 2024. 

info@swvg.co.uk 

swvg.co.uk 

swvg.co.uk/socials 


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. 

©2024 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

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anstead Village Directory 

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W 

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Introducing Village Vouchers: a booklet 

filled with 100 discount vouchers for 

shops and restaurants across Wanstead 

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Every Village Vouchers booklet sold includes a donation to a local good cause, 

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JUST £4 PER BOOKLET 

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Available at South Woodford Library, or order online 

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January/February 2024 5 

FREE 

EVENT 

DANCE 

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Join the ultimate Zumba themed dance fitness 

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- 

DATE: Sunday 28 January 2024 

TIME: 2.30pm - 4.30pm (doors open 1.30pm) 

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For ages 19+ | Booking required 

For more information, email: active.redbridge@visionrcl.org.uk 

Sign up at: 

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Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts

6 


Village Vouchers: support good causes 

and save money at local shops and cafés 

The South Woodford 

Village Gazette has 

launched Village 

Vouchers, a new initiative 

to help residents save 

money whilst supporting 

the local economy and 

good causes. Published 

in collaboration with 

the Wanstead Village 

Directory, Village Vouchers 

is a booklet filled with 100 

discount vouchers for 

shops, salons, cafés, 

pubs and restaurants 

across the two areas. “From free cake with 

a coffee to money off a massage, Village 

Vouchers is designed to get people excited 

about shopping locally. A huge thanks to 

all the businesses that are taking part,” said 

editor Lee Marquis. Priced £4 and valid until 

31 March 2024, the booklets are being sold 

by local libraries, schools and charities, who 

retain up to half the proceeds. Copies can 

also be purchased online and collected from 

George Lane, with shoppers invited to select a 

good cause to support. Visit swvg.co.uk/vv 

Local beer 

festival to return 

A date for the second 

Wanstead Beer 

Festival has been set. 

It follows the success 

of the first event 

last October, which 

raised over £3,000 for 

local good causes. 

“The enthusiasm for 

the inaugural event 

meant diaries were 

opened and a new 

date fixed. The event 

will take place at 

Christ Church halls 

on 12 October 2024. 

It was excellent to 

raise money for 

local charities and, 

hopefully, even more 

can be raised in 

2024,” said organiser 

Paul Donovan. 

South Woodford 

Society AGM 

The South Woodford 

Society AGM will take 

place on 28 February. 

“It’s an opportunity 

to learn about our 

achievements in 

2023 and our plans 

for 2024. So, drop in, 

and we look forward 

to meeting you. 

Membership of the 

Society is free, and 

if you join, you’ll 

be kept up to date 

with local issues 

and events,” said a 

spokesperson. The 

meeting will take 

place at the South 

Woodford Salvation 

Army on Daisy Road 

from 7pm. Visit 

swvg.co.uk/sws 

© Geoff Wilkinson 



Lidstone Butchers ghost sign painted 

over: council response 

Lidstone Butchers sign repainted: 

café owner explains what happened 

The original sign 

Redbridge Council will seek to better protect 

local heritage after the Lidstone Butchers 

ghost sign on Daisy Road was painted over. 

“The sign was not protected under planning 

law and so the business owner did not require 

permission to carry out the work. We are 

looking into how local heritage and places 

people treasure can be better protected in 

Redbridge,” said a spokesperson. Previously 

obstructed by a billboard, the historic advert 

was uncovered in 2015. Lidstone Butchers had 

a branch in Woodford from circa 1912 to 1940. 

New Woodford Police Hub will be a 

base for local police teams 

The owner of Fresh As A Daisy Café has 

explained why the Lidstone Butchers ghost 

sign was painted over. “I started refurbishing 

the premises in September. After sending 

photos of the external wall to the council, 

I was told in writing that if I was going to 

cover up graffiti, I would not need planning 

permission. We are deeply sorry for the 

distress this has caused. This was not our 

intention. If we had known, we would have 

left the wall untouched,” said Bledar Islami, 

who subsequently had the sign repainted. 

IN THE BUILDING TRADE FOR 30 YEARS 

A new police hub on the Orchard Estate in 

Woodford will become a base for local Safer 

Neighbourhood Teams, including those 

covering South Woodford and Churchfields 

wards. “The new hub will be home to at 

least 20 officers, working in partnership with 

council staff and Redbridge housing officers 

to prevent antisocial behaviour and support 

people across the west of Redbridge,” said a 

Redbridge Council spokesperson. Local police 

will continue to be based in Barkingside until 

the hub is operational in the summer. 


8 


Council calls on government to help 

fund repair of Broadmead Road 

Community gathers on George Lane 

for Christmas lights switch-on 

Redbridge Council is petitioning the 

government for financial support to repair 

Broadmead Road bridge in Woodford, which 

has been closed to traffic since July. Essential 

structural repairs are expected to cost at least 

£25m. “The Prime Minister’s decision to cancel 

the northern leg of HS2 means billions are 

available to help fund transport projects… 

We are calling on the Transport Secretary to 

allocate urgent funding to help cover the 

enormous cost of this unforeseen project,” said 

Councillor Kam Rai. Visit swvg.co.uk/brr 

The South Woodford Society hosted their third 

Christmas lights switch-on event on George 

Lane at the beginning of December. “It was a 

great success, with the community gathered 

to enjoy some festive cheer. Children lined up 

to meet Santa as he gifted sweets. The Mayor 

of Redbridge counted down, and as the lights 

came on, each child turned on their glow 

sticks to create a sea of light. We all enjoyed 

the brass band, a performance from Oakdale 

School and a carol singalong. A pantomime 

cow added to the fun!” said a spokesperson. 

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More than 300 ideas submitted to 

South Woodford design code survey 

Local women raised concerns about safety in 

South Woodford during a walk with police, 

councillors and ward panel members in 

November. “The main concern was a lack 

of lighting, particularly along Woodford 

Hall Path at the junction with Stanley Road, 

which has been reported to the council and 

will be remedied. We hope to organise more 

walks in 2024, and if residents would like to 

suggest different routes, please do get in 

touch,” said Councillor Rosa Gomez. Email 

rosa.gomez@redbridge.gov.uk 

A design code for South Woodford is 

another step closer to completion following 

a successful online survey which sought to 

discover what matters most to residents 

and visitors. “Over 1,600 people visited the 

design code community portal, with idea 

contributions from 369 visitors. These will be 

fed into the final version of our draft design 

code. Thank you to all who took the time to 

participate. Please keep an eye out in the next 

edition for a breakdown of the contributions 

received,” said Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds. 


10 


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More electric vehicle charging points 

to be installed in Redbridge in 2024 

Local student receives bursary from 

Amazon Future Engineer programme 

More fast chargers for electric vehicles will 

be installed across Redbridge as part of a 

project with Uber and infrastructure provider 

Believ. “The project is part of the borough’s 

bid to support local people to adopt more 

sustainable and greener travel choices, 

including making the switch from petrol or 

diesel to electric vehicles,” said a spokesperson 

for the council. A total of 174 new charging 

points will be created in 87 locations around 

the borough – including South Woodford – 

with installation to begin in early 2024. 

A student from Woodford Green has been 

awarded a £20,000 bursary by the Amazon 

Future Engineer programme. Leah-Megan Chi 

– who attended Trinity Catholic High School 

before starting a computer science degree at 

the University of Leeds in October – was one 

of 30 women in the UK to receive the funding 

in 2023. “I was really happy when I read the 

email. I told everyone in the house and then 

recorded their reaction. It means a lot to me; 

I can focus on my education without worrying 

too much about expenses,” said Leah-Megan. 



South Woodford included in trial of 

new low-carbon fix for potholes 

Oakdale Junior School receives 

prestigious UNICEF UK Gold Award 

A number of roads across South Woodford 

and Wanstead were included in Redbridge 

Council’s trial of a new – and fast – low-carbon 

fix for potholes. “The injection patcher carries 

out rapid pothole repairs using a pioneering 

technique known as injection spray patching. 

Firstly, air is pumped at speed into the pothole 

to remove dirt and debris. Seconds later, the 

hole is sprayed with cold bitumen, followed 

by a layer of aggregate applied at high speed 

– the whole repair takes just a couple of 

minutes,” said a spokesperson. 

Oakdale Junior School has received the Gold 

Award for UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting 

Schools programme for the second time. 

The award recognises schools which put the 

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the 

heart of their planning and policies. “This has 

such a positive impact on our pupils – the 

ethos is embedded in the day-to-day life of 

our school and celebrates all we do to ensure 

our pupils feel a sense of belonging and have 

an awareness of their role in the wider world,” 

said Head of School Carley Smith. 

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12 


Councillors ask Barclays to reconsider 

South Woodford branch closure 

South Woodford Business Forum: 

popular networking event to return 

Local councillors have questioned Barclays’ 

decision to close their South Woodford 

branch on 23 February. “Obviously we 

are disappointed, especially as this was 

announced so soon after the Post Office had 

just returned to George Lane. They are talking 

about a replacement ‘deposit service’ offered 

by Link as opposed to a banking hub, which 

we have argued for as an alternative. We have 

made contact with Barclays and asked them 

to reconsider their decision, but I fear it is a 

fait accompli,” said Councillor Joe Hehir. 

The South Woodford Business Forum will 

host their second business information and 

networking event on 15 February (5pm to 7pm; 

venue to be confirmed). It follows a popular 

event held in November, which saw more than 

40 business owners and entrepreneurs from 

the local area attend. “Our event provides a 

platform to connect with the vibrant tapestry 

of local businesses. You’ll be able to exchange 

ideas and supercharge your network,” said 

a spokesperson. The meeting is free, but 

booking is required. Visit swvg.co.uk/bf 

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14 


Redbridge students unite for Youth 

Climate and Sustainability Forum 

MP cuts the ribbon at the opening of 

South Woodford’s new Post Office 

Redbridge’s first-ever Youth Climate and 

Sustainability Forum took place in November. 

Eco-minded students from across the borough 

came together at the Town Hall for a day 

of activities, workshops and discussions 

promoting greener living. “When you grow 

up and find out about climate change, it 

is scary… When I saw the visible effects of 

climate change, it was a wow moment; it gave 

me the spark to want to change this,” said 

Lucie Sattaur-Lennon from Woodbridge High 

School, who took part in the event. 

Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP officially opened the 

new South Woodford Post Office in December. 

“The whole store looks fantastic, and it’s good 

news for businesses and residents in South 

Woodford,” said the MP for Chingford and 

Woodford Green. He was joined by postmaster 

Sam Sarwar, who also runs a Post Office in 

Buckhurst Hill. The former empty shop at 

115 George Lane now features two Post Office 

counters in a dedicated area and one as part 

of an open-plan counter alongside the retail 

section of the convenience store. 

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16 


Floral 

Tribute 

Nicola Burrell is the artist behind South 

Woodford’s iconic flower sculptures, installed 

opposite George Lane roundabout 20 years ago. 

Photo by Geoff Wilkinson 

It’s lovely to be asked to 

write something about my 

flower sculptures on their 

20th birthday. It is hard to believe 

that it was two decades ago, and 

that many of the school children who took 

part in the project will now have children 

of their own, who might themselves have 

grown up with the flower sculptures. 

What pleases me most is the obvious affection 

people have for the flowers. This was not the 

universal feeling when 

I first made them, when 

some thought them an 

odd intrusion between The 

Shrubberies and George Lane, 

but that is often the case with public 

artworks. It takes time for them to ‘grow’ into 

a place and become part of people’s fond 

memories. 

The project all began when Redbridge Council 

commissioned me to work with Churchfields 



Infants School, Oakdale Infants School, Wells 

Primary School and Churchfields Junior School 

to design a new sculpture for South Woodford, 

by making art together, exploring the themes 

of nature and flowers. We did 

this by making lots of flowers 

out of cardboard 

and painting and 

colouring 

them. 

After working 

in the schools, 

I went away and 

built a big model of the 

whole of the George Lane 

roundabout and worked out 

the overall design with little maquettes of the 

flower sculptures, about two inches high. This 

model then led to making full-size patterns 

in wood for the sculpture, which I had cut out 

in Southend and then took to my studio near 

Colchester, where I formed all of the flowers 

and welded and painted the sculpture. 

For me, this was a very special commission. I 

trained as a painter and sculptress in Belfast. 

Up until the flowers, I had made lots of 

big, three-dimensional paintings and 

constructions, all built from either wood, 

thin steel metal or cardboard, but I hadn’t 

yet made a big, permanent public artwork 

for outside, and it was the first time I’d worked 

in thick steel. The whole project was part of a 

joyful time, which I think is reflected in the fun 

and happy character of the flowers. 

I like making artworks that are visually 

appealing and tactile, and I trust my instincts 

and imagination to come up with them. 

You don’t need a degree in art to appreciate 

the flowers, and I often surprise myself in 

coming up with ideas. You could say they 

have something anthropomorphic about 

them, they add something fun and strange to 

George Lane, but when I see children playing 

about them, I think they have understood 

them, as well as me, and anybody else. 

For more information and to contact 

Nicola, email n.burrellartist@gmail.com 


18 


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20 


Robbed of Banks? 

With South Woodford’s Barclays set to close in February, and with 

NatWest having left Wanstead in October 2023, our high streets have 

suffered another blow, says Delia Ray 

News that Barclays on George Lane will 

close on 23 February means no high 

street banks will remain throughout 

Wanstead and Woodford. In a remarkably 

short time, bustling branches of banks 

once competing on every street corner 

have become empty husks – or even been 

reinvented as an artisan bakery. 

The changes come on the back of a growing 

use of digital banking. Barclays state 94% 

of its South Woodford customers mostly 

bank online. They also say that fewer than 10 

customers regularly use the branch for all their 

transactions. Other banks cite similar figures. 

Given these numbers, the banks claim it’s too 

expensive to staff branches. Perhaps it’s no 

surprise they are pulling out of smaller sites, 

to focus on densely populated areas such 

as Barkingside and Walthamstow – at least 

for now. Nationally, the number of bank and 

building society branches fell by about 34% 

between 2012 and 2021, according to the Office 

of National Statistics. 

Closures force customers into challenging 

journeys. They also lead to fewer cash 

machines (at least, free ones). Research by 

the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in 

2022 found that older people, people in poor 

health or on lower incomes, and those less 

able to manage their finances, depend more 

on cash. In 2019, the FCA identified bank 

closures would affect much the same groups. 

People adept with computers, who pay 

for everything through their phone, may 

meet the loss of local branches with a 

shrug. But many who find online banking 

difficult welcome the support of bank staff. 

Transactions are not always straightforward. 

Small businesses which take cash will always 

need somewhere to deposit their takings. 

What does this mean for Wanstead and 

Woodford? Fortunately, South Woodford 

recently regained its Post Office, where 

banking functions can still be carried out. As 

in Wanstead, visiting the Post Office to send a 

parcel or run through a passport application 

provides a sound reason to visit the high 

street – and visit local shops at the same time. 

The Nationwide Building Society recently 

pledged to keep its current branches open 

until 2026, which means they’ll remain for now 

in George Lane, South Woodford. 

But if local services continue their decline, 

one option for us may be a banking hub. 

The number of hubs – shared spaces letting 

customers of multiple banks perform 

everyday banking tasks – is growing across 

the UK. Sharing makes them more viable 

than a branch of a single bank. Post Office 

staff operate counter services, where you can 

withdraw and deposit cash and pay bills. Bank 

representatives visit at different times. It’s early 

days, but with queues forming outside hubs 

as far afield as Brixham and Rochford, this 

innovation could restore vanished services. It 

could even revitalise our high streets. 

For more information on banking hubs, 

visit swvg.co.uk/bankhub 



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22 


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24 


REDUNDANCY RIGHTS 

The redundancy process can be stressful and difficult, so it is important 

to know your rights as an employee, says Jo Cullen from local solicitors 

Edwards Duthie Shamash 

If you are about to be consulted, or you 

are in the process of being consulted 

about redundancy, it is important you 

know your rights. 

You have the right not to be unfairly 

dismissed. In a redundancy, this means: 

• You should be warned and consulted about 

the proposed redundancy. 

• Your employer must adopt a fair basis on 

which to select for redundancy. They must 

identify an appropriate pool from which to 

select potentially redundant employees and 

must select against proper criteria. 

• Your employer must consider suitable 

alternative employment if appropriate. 

The right not to be unfairly dismissed 

only applies to employees who have been 

employed continuously for two years or more 

at the termination date. However, you have 

rights from day one of employment where 

your redundancy is due to discrimination due 

to any of the protected characteristics (sex, 

pregnancy, marital status or civil partnership, 

age, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender 

reassignment or religion), victimisation or 

harassment or for less favourable treatment 

due to your fixed-term or part-time status. If 

you are on maternity (or adoption or shared 

parental) leave, you have an automatic right to 

be offered any suitable alternative vacancies 

that may be available. 

If your redundancy is confirmed, you will be 

entitled to your contractual notice subject 

to statutory minimum notice. Where you 

have been employed for two years or 

more, you will be entitled to a statutory 

redundancy payment, calculated according 

to a formula based on your age, length of 

service (capped at 20 years) and a week’s pay 

(subject to a statutory limit, currently £643 as 

of April 2023). You may also be entitled to a 

contractual enhanced redundancy payment 

subject to signing a settlement agreement. A 

redundancy payment can be paid tax-free (up 

to £30,000). All other contractual payments 

such as notice and holiday are subject to 

normal deductions for tax and national 

insurance. With two or more years service, 

you will also have the right to take reasonable 

paid time off to look for other work or arrange 

training. 

If your employer is insolvent or refuses to pay, 

you have the right to apply to the National 

Insurance Fund for payment of your statutory 

redundancy and some other payments. 

We would advise you to take advice early to 

ensure you are aware of your rights in full and 

of any time limits to make a claim for unfair 

dismissal, victimisation or discrimination. 

Edwards Duthie Shamash is located at 

149 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL. For 

more information, call 020 8514 9000 or 

visit edwardsduthieshamash.co.uk 



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28 


DD’s 63 rd Woodford Diary 

Some South Woodford scribbles from DD, 

our resident diarist and observer of all things 

local. Illustrated by Evelyn Rowland 

I 

used to enjoy quiz nights. At the pub 

possibly or as a fundraiser for a good 

cause. I was quite useful if there was a 

spelling round, but when it came to General 

Knowledge, I often knew that I knew the 

answer but somehow it refused to surface. 

Rather disheartening. Perhaps you’ve been 

there yourself. But this morning, early, 

when I drew the curtains and saw the heavy 

mist (I write these diaries several months 

ahead), my memory turned up trumps: I 

recalled Keat’s Ode to Autumn: “Season of 

mists and mellow fruitfulness, close bosom 

friend of the maturing sun.” An idea was 

born; would I dare to act on it? 

With the Gazette deadline approaching, I set 

off after breakfast, wondering how many 

funny looks I’d get in Sainsbury’s or Waitrose 

if I invited people to recall any single line of 

a poem they’d learnt, perhaps in childhood. 

Michael put down his bag and gave me his 

full attention. “Yesterday, upon the stair, I 

met a man who wasn’t there. He wasn’t there 

again today. Oh, how I wish he’d go away.” 

Of course I could use his name, he said. “But 

everyone knows me as The Post.” After some 

thought, Mary volunteered just an opening 

line: “I wandered lonely as a cloud.” Later on, 

Millie was also ‘wandering lonely as a cloud’. 

I thought how nice it would have been if 

they could wander together. Rugby-playing 

Richard was giving his godmother a hand with 

her shopping. They both were intrigued and 

happy to give it a go. “I know I ought to be 

able to help,” she said. But Richard got there 

(beautifully) before her: “How do I love thee? 

Let me count the ways.” Pauline, aged 92, 

needed a preparatory drink of water before 

delivering her chosen lines, slowly and with 

real feeling: “Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe 

increase!), awoke one night from a deep 

dream 

of peace.” 

I thought 

that was it but 

she was in full, passionate flow with a second 

contribution: “Ye have robbed, said he, ye 

have slaughtered and made an end!” I had 

jotted down “he said” but “No,” said Pauline, 

“It’s said he!” Barbara was instantly far away 

from the tinned baked beans and tubes of 

tomato puree and back in her primary school 

days, at Christmas, I think: “Little King so fair 

and sweet, see us gathered at thy feet. Be 

Thou Monarch of our school. It shall prosper 

neath thy rule.” In the next aisle, Ellie looked to 

the future rather than to the past: “When I am 

an old woman I shall wear purple, with 

a red hat that doesn’t go and doesn’t 

suit me. And I shall spend my pension 

on brandy and summer gloves.” 

I could almost see Darryl and Wendy 

putting on their thinking caps: 

Kipling’s poem to his son, entitled 

If was his favourite. “If only I could 

remember how it starts,” he said. (I 

checked it out later. I expect he did 

too: “If you can keep your head when 

all about you are losing theirs…”) 

Wendy recalled a moving line from a 

poem often read at a funeral. “I have 

only slipped away into the next room.” 



A second Mary stopped and leaned on 

her trolley to give the topic some serious 

consideration. “I’d like you to include in your 

article the words on the Kohima Epitaph in 

North India: “When you go home, tell them 

of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our 

today.” Almost as if to move from the sublime 

to the ridiculous, Anthony launched into one 

of Spike Milligan’s masterpieces: “Today I saw a 

little worm wriggling on his belly. Perhaps he’d 

like to come inside and see what’s on the telly.” 

Taxi-driver, Colin, was a Milligan fan too, but 

we settled on that much-parodied verse: “The 

boy stood on the burning deck whence all but 

he had fled.” We mulled over what possible 

reasons the boy had; was he heroic or barmy? 

In fact, evidently, it was a true story of a boy 

who was obedient to his father’s orders, not 

knowing that his father was no longer alive. 

Doubly tragic really! Geraldine delivered her 

lines with appropriate vigour: 

“I sprang to the stirrup, and 

Joris, and he; I galloped, 

Dirck galloped, we galloped 

all three.” I did wonder how 

many more shoppers would 

be ‘wandering lonely 

as a cloud’. Yet another 

Mary chose the same 

Wordsworth poem but 

leapt straight to the 

“host of golden daffodils, 

beside the lake, beneath 

the tress, fluttering and 

dancing in the breeze.” 

As you can imagine, I was delighted, 

privileged, even, to find that so many people 

immersed in shopping lists, marmalade, 

cheese biscuits, tin foil, washing-up liquid, 

could switch, effortlessly in some cases, to 

some of the most profound and complex 

poetry. I certainly wasn’t expecting a small 

slice of EE Cummings’ poem about a couple 

in love: “One not half two. It’s two are halves 

of one.” While I was unwrapping this line, Guy 

came out with another offering, from Larkin, 

“but it’s a bit rude,” he said. “So?” I replied. 

“They ‘bleep’ you up, your Mum and Dad. They 

may not mean to but they do.” Get it? Some 

of my ‘respondents’ apologised, feeling like 

I did on quiz nights. At least three promised 

to catch me up if they did recall one of the 

many poems they knew they knew. When 

would Shakespeare claim his place in this 

day’s adventure? I asked myself. He did, when 

Gordon brought a spot of As You Like It to life, 

enjoyed by not a few others in the fresh fish 

queue: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men 

and women merely players. They have their 

exits and their entrances, and one man in his 

time plays many parts”. Time for me to exit? I 

think so. 

(But I did remember to buy the kippers 

for tea.) 

To contact DD with your thoughts or 

feedback, email dd@swvg.co.uk 


30 


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32 


Crossword competition 

Win a family ticket to watch Rumble Wrestling 

January/February 2024 

Across 

6. Innovator (7) 

7. Sacked (5) 

9. Wooden shoe (4) 

10. Idiot (informal) (8) 

11. The M in MP (6) 

13. Jab, prod (4) 

15. ____ in Boots (4) 

16. Small red fruit (6) 

18. Cistern floater (8) 

21. Told a fib (4) 

22. Ooze, goo (5) 

23. Army bigwig (7) 

Down 

1. Not flat (5) 

2. Laughs slyly (8) 

3. Gripped (4) 

4. Gum flavour (4) 

5. Scone relative (7) 

8. Thinly dispersed (6) 

12. Summon (6) 

13. Type of parking (8) 

14. Open to healing (7) 

17. Skewered dish (5) 

19. Walk unsteadily (4) 

20. Ship stabilizer (4) 

1 2 3 4 5 

6 7 

8 

9 10 

11 12 13 

14 

15 16 

17 

18 19 20 21 

22 23 

For the chance to win a family ticket for four 

(minimum one child) to Rumble Wrestling at 

Kenneth More Theatre on 21 January, send 

your crossword solution, name and address to: 


PO BOX 2491, Ilford, IG1 8JT 

Alternatively, email your entry (subject line: 

Jan/Feb 2024) to: crossword@swvg.co.uk 

Closing date: 11 January 2024 

One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received before 5pm on 11 January 2024. 

The winner will receive their prize within 5 days of the closing date. Full T&Cs at swvg.co.uk/tc 

Congratulations to John Tyrrell of St Alban’s Crescent, 

Woodford Green, who won a £50 voucher for the 

Railway Bell in last issue’s crossword competition. 

Nov/Dec Crossword Solution 

B E D L A M P R A I S E 

E R U A B E 

S H E A R S N S E 

T A T T R E N D Y 

O D M E T E N L 

W A S H E R D O T T E D 

N N M S 

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C U T H E N N I 

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N B I I N V I T E 

D I P S E N 

S A D D L E S U N S E T 

Jan/Feb Sudoku Solution 

2 7 8 4 6 3 9 5 1 

9 4 1 5 8 7 3 2 6 

5 3 6 2 1 9 4 8 7 

1 9 3 8 7 5 2 6 4 

8 5 4 9 2 6 7 1 3 

6 2 7 1 3 4 5 9 8 

3 1 5 6 4 2 8 7 9 

4 6 9 7 5 8 1 3 2 

7 8 2 3 9 1 6 4 5 



 

 

 

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36 


GRAZING QUESTIONS 

Cattle warden volunteer Gill James reflects on the recent return of cows 

to Wanstead Park, and answers some of the questions park visitors had 

about Quinine, Nina and Mara 

When three large mammals with 

massive curving horns appeared 

in Wanstead Park in the autumn, 

there was shock. We did not expect to see 

cows here so late in the year. We had no 

cows at all in 2022, due to the long drought 

ruining the grazing. 

So, the cattle warden volunteers rushed into 

action. Our main aim was to tell people why 

the cows were there and to discourage them, 

and their dogs and children, from getting too 

close. Ten metres was the rule. Some people 

had never seen a live cow before. Most dogs 

and their owners wisely decided to keep 

a healthy distance. A few owners had not 

trained their frisky dogs to come when called, 

but soon learned to keep them on a lead. 

We expected a few people to be angry. “Do 

you think you own this park?” “What about 

my dog’s right to roam?” “Why were there so 

few warning signs up?” But most people were 

delighted to welcome ‘our’ cows back, and 

many people remembered them from 2021. A 

surprising number were well informed already. 

They asked questions. “What happened to the 

calves they had?” “What are their names?” “Are 

they pregnant?” “Why are they here so late 

in the year?” “How long will they be staying?” 

“What about all these cowpats?” “Where do 

they go at night?” Answers: Quinine, Nina and 

Mara (new girl). They were delayed by the 

requirement for bovine TB testing as a nearby 

farm tested positive. None pregnant. They 

will stay until the grazing gives out in January 

or February. They stay out all night. Cowpats 

are very good for improving the soil and 

overwintering these hardy cattle encourages 

certain insect species. The grazing clears the 

habitat of encroaching scrub and biodiversity 

is improved. A spokesperson for the City of 

London Corporation explains: “The cows have 

an important job to do grazing the main acid 

grassland to remove course vegetation and 

young scrub, which improves the biodiversity 

of this special area of Epping Forest. Grazing 

is particularly important for Wanstead Park 

because to mow with machinery would 

destroy one of the main features of wildlife 

interest, the Yellow Meadow Ant hills.” 

Mara, Nina and Quinine are magic in an 

unexpected way. Calm down, you frantic 

urban creatures, they say. Though not in so 

many words. And just a few days after that 

first excitement, the park went quiet. The 

cow-gazers still came, but now there was 

acceptance that this was a special space to 

share and enjoy. Dog walkers, strollers, cyclists, 

joggers, we all have to make space for each 

other. And smile. And look. 

A heartfelt thank you to Epping Forest from 

the volunteer wardens for this wonderful 

opportunity to engage with the public, to 

hear so many stories about cows in people’s 

gardens or back home in India or Ireland or 

Iran, and to enjoy the park we know so well 

from a new perspective. 

For more information about the cows in 

Wanstead Park, visit swvg.co.uk/wpcows 

© Tony Morrison 



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38 


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40 


Quick change 

Being made redundant was the best thing to happen to South 

Woodford resident Sonia Cudd, who soon went on to combine her 

passions for art and dogs (particularly greyhounds) 

I 

love art and over the years have 

attended many evening classes, mainly 

life drawing and painting, at some of 

London’s leading art schools. My art has 

been a way to relax after my stressful 

accountancy day job. 

Having been made redundant in April 2021, 

I decided to apply myself to my art full-time, 

and I opened an Etsy shop to see if I’d be 

able to sell what I was producing. It was a 

good way to combine my business mind and 

creativity. I opted to produce something that 

would be easy to dispatch by post, which is 

how I got back into lino printing. 

What I love about doing lino cuts is that 

it brings drawing, painting and sculpture 

together. I enjoy the process of carving into 

the lino and the anticipation of seeing my 

work come to life as I lift the paper from the 

inked lino to reveal the finished piece. It can 

be quite exciting! 

It’s always best to choose a subject you 

are passionate about. Luckily for me, I 

had adopted a greyhound supermodel in 

2013. Grace the greyhound was the most 

beautiful, elegant and yet goofy creature. 

She was alarmingly tall and a rare blue fawn 

colour. She was quite a celebrity among 

the retired greyhound community and a 

great ambassador for her breed. I named my 

business after her, Grace Cuddle Art. 

Greyhounds are quite a misunderstood 

breed and it is only once you meet one of 

the lucky dogs who have been adopted after 

retiring from racing that you get to see what 

wonderful pets they make. As well as being 

the sixth-fastest land animal (for pub quizzers, 

the few land animals faster than a greyhound 

are a cheetah, pronghorn, springbok, 

blackbuck and lion). 

Greyhounds are gentle, loving and lazy dogs. 

They also make wonderful muses with their 

doe eyes, big noses and powerful muscular 

form. 

I have since diversified into depicting other 

dog breeds, the occasional fox and my most 

challenging subject: a human grandchild! 

I have done commissions using pastels, 

coloured pencils and paint, and have recently 

introduced small ceramic art to my range 

of products. 

A friend encouraged me to exhibit at the 

Local Makers Market in Wanstead and I 

absolutely loved meeting people and seeing 

their positive reactions to my work. I now 

regularly exhibit at a few other artisan 

markets. 

People do say that when you face a life 

challenge – in my case, being made 

redundant in my 50s – something 

better is around the corner, and 

I can definitely say it was the 

best thing that could 

have happened to me, 

as it has enabled me 

to live my dream of 

being a professional 

artist. 

Follow Sonia on Instagram or Facebook 

@gracecuddleart, or to view her Etsy 

shop, visit swvg.co.uk/cuddle 
















39 

4 

42 

The Cuckfield 

Café Chicchi 

City Place Coffee 

uchers 

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The perfect setting for a laid-back yet distinctly memorable 

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offer fresh and flavoursome home-cooked food, a diverse 

and explorative drinks menu, and the warmest of welcomes. 

31 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2AA 

020 8989 1913 

thecuckfieldwanstead.co.uk 

We serve hot salt beef, full English breakfasts, omelettes, 

sandwiches, enquiry@thecuckfieldwanstead.co.uk thecuckfieldwanstead 

baguettes, bagels, paninis, hot and cold pasta 

dishes, jacket potatoes and salads. We offer more than 20 

different types of world teas and our milkshakes and fruit 

smoothies are excellent. 

10% OFF FREE DESSERT 

Main meals 

123 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL 

020 8530 4024 

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Looking for great food in a relaxed setting? Then you have 

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to the right place. A family-owned, independent cafe 

with outside seating to the front and in our rear garden, a 

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something for everyone. 

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On American pancake desserts Two breakfasts and hot drinks 

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festive menus 

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All vouchers in this booklet expire at 11.59pm on 31 March 2024. One voucher per transaction/visit. Vouchers 

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vendors and any questions regarding the offers should be directed to the appropriate vendor. 

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6 

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42 


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Piccolo 

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Having a treatment at Body Health Therapies will provide the 

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A small, family restaurant serving authentic Italian food 

with info@bodyhealththerapies.co.uk bhttherapies 

a modern twist, located the heart of Wanstead. We 

offer freshly made delicious food, prepared on the premises, 

including deserts, using locally sourced ingredients to 

guarantee the best quality meals. 

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020 8989 9989 

T&cs apply 

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Wanstead’s original artisan coffee shop celebrates its 15th 

year of ethically sourced coffee beans and whole-foods 

brunch and lunch. Come try both with these voucher offers, 

and whilst you’re here, browse our shelves for craft beers, 

fine wines and great foodie gift ideas. 

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020 8989 7181 

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eat@worldslarder.co.uk thelarderwanstead 

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Woodford 

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Broadly 

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made here. 

Answer on page 18 



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44 


stress: what’s the fuss? 

A stress response is normal and offers protection to both humans and 

animals alike, but only if it is produced in small quantities and is well 

managed, says local nurse Fiona Flaherty 

The prime cause of stress is our 

high-tech, fast-paced, unrelenting 

lifestyles, plus economic and personal 

uncertainties leading to chronic stress as a 

major cause of ill-health worldwide. 

Cortisol, the main stress hormone, is 

continually produced and released from the 

adrenal glands into the bloodstream. Normal 

cortisol levels are not detrimental. A normal 

cortisol rhythm should peak in the morning 

hours, then steadily decline throughout the 

day, with the lowest levels at night. 

How do I know if I am stressed? 

• You crave carbohydrates and possibly eat 

more than 50% of your calories after 5pm. 

• You suffer from depression, anxiety, 

nervousness, irritability and weight gain. 

• You find it difficult recovering from exercise, 

musculoskeletal injuries and get sick often. 

• You have difficulty sleeping, with vivid 

dreams, sweating at night and loss of libido. 

• You feel light-headed upon standing and 

need caffeine to keep you awake. 

If this describes some or all of your symptoms, 

you are most likely experiencing the effects of 

stress and subsequent high cortisol levels. A 

general rule to remedy this is to focus on ‘real’ 

food. Avoid packaged, heavily processed and 

non-organic foods as these increase the toxic 

load to the liver and add stress to the body. 

Better food choices include non-starchy 

vegetables, which have a detoxifying ability, 

including the cruciferous family (cauliflower, 

cabbage, broccoli and sprouts) plus darkgreen 

leaves. Protein should be included at 

every meal to help with stabilizing blood 

sugar and to improve immune function. Fats, 

specifically omega-3 fatty acids, are antiinflammatory 

and found in foods like salmon 

and chia seeds. Water is also important for 

everyone, as it will hydrate cells and detoxify 

the body. 

While exercise is recommended as one of the 

best forms of medicine, too much exercise at 

the wrong intensity level and duration can be 

more inflammatory. It is best to exercise when 

your cortisol is closest to its normal range. 

Cortisol levels peak about 40 minutes into 

exercise, so limit cardiovascular activity to less 

than 40 minutes at a time. 

Sleep helps by reducing cortisol and restoring 

the adrenal glands. Work towards eight 

hours of uninterrupted sleep between 10pm 

and 6am. Artificial light tricks the body into 

releasing more cortisol, so switch them all off. 

A weekly massage and dry sauna have also 

been shown to decrease stress levels. 

Fiona Flaherty is a registered nurse and 

nutritional therapist based in South 

Woodford and Harley Street. For more 

information, call 07973 601 862 or visit 

meducatehealthcare.com 



 

 

Phlebotomy 

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screening 

Dietary 

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biomarkers 

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46 

I 

took this photo of a fox in the snow a few 

weeks before Christmas 2022 in the City 

of London Cemetery, which lies adjacent 

to Wanstead Park and Wanstead Flats. 

There are several families of foxes there, 

and when the snow came that year, I just 

had to head over and bide my time to get 

the shot I wanted. 


Foxes develop a thick winter coat, so their 

cold-weather behaviour isn’t much different 

from any other season. They devote most of 

the winter to hunting or foraging, with no 

need for a den until the mating season begins. 

So, it’s not uncommon to find a fox sleeping 

in the open beneath a blanket of snow! They 

breed from January to March. 

I now work part-time for the Corporation of 

London. I retired fairly young and wanted to 

do something in the outdoors. I do some litter 

picking over Wanstead Flats and Wanstead 

Park and through this, I’ve got to know some 

great photographers. And it was because of 

these connections that I put together a 2024 

calendar of Epping Forest photos. 

I must say a word of thanks to the other 

volunteer litter pickers and groups who do 

such a wonderful job looking after our open 

spaces. Sarah Shaw leads the Wanstead Flats 

Pickers and Gill James coordinates the Friends 

of Wanstead Parklands’ monthly clean-up. 

And not forgetting Eileen Elton, a one-woman 

band (unless her sister is over from Australia). 

Alongside this, I’ve also discovered the Wren 

Wildlife Group and always love meeting up 

with their members. 

I also belong to the Orion Harriers running 

club and I’ve completed many marathons. I 

love adventures and probably the maddest, 

most dangerous activity I took part in was 

driving a Tuk Tuk 2,000 miles through India! 

I love Epping Forest, and having only taken 

up photography in the last few years, it has 

provided everything I need to snap away! 

For more information on the Epping Forest 

2024 calendar, visit swvg.co.uk/ef24 



Park 

Life 

In the sixth of a series of articles featuring the images of local 

photographers who document the wildlife of Wanstead Park and the 

surrounding area, Don Taylor presents his shot of a Red Fox in the snow 


48 


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50 


ABANDONED 

South Woodford resident Simone Roach explains her frustration and 

desperation following the rejection of her disability benefit application, 

which has left her feeling abandoned 

My name is Simone Roach. I’m 21 

years old and was born with a 

disability called severe progressive 

axonal polyneuropathy. My condition 

caused me to lose the ability to walk, so 

I’m now a permanent wheelchair user. It 

also removed all of the movement from 

my fingers and wrists, so I can’t grab or 

hold objects with my hands either (I’m 

typing this article with a pen in my mouth). 

Despite all this, my claim to receive PIP, a 

disability benefit, was dismissed. 

This has put me in an impossible situation. I 

currently have no funds despite having bills to 

pay. I have nothing I can use to pay the extra 

costs my disability causes me, and I don’t have 

a wheelchair taxi card (because I can’t claim 

PIP), so I’m stuck indoors. I’ve been applying to 

jobs nonstop and going through countless job 

interviews only to be rejected time and time 

again. There aren’t that many jobs I can apply 

for based on my skills and qualifications. I can’t 

just do a standard cleaning, waitressing or 

retail job because of my disability. 

I tried going to Citizens Advice Redbridge 

because things are getting quite desperate, 

but they don’t do in-person appointments. I 

phoned them but was on hold for over two 

hours. I emailed them, but they said they’re 

so busy working on cases that they might not 

be able to help anyone new at the moment. I 

desperately need help and I don’t know where 

else to turn. 

My PIP claim is supposedly being dismissed 

because I recently lived in the Netherlands. 

I was born in London and I used to live here 

when I was younger (my parents and sisters 

are British citizens too). However, when I was 

a child, my family moved to the Netherlands. 

I moved back to the UK in April 2023. 

I contacted both Citizens Advice and a PIP 

adviser and they both assured me that if I 

moved here, I’d be able to claim PIP. I knew I 

wouldn’t be able to move to London without 

that extra financial support. 

Upon my return, I filled out the PIP application 

form. To my surprise, after months of waiting, 

my PIP claim was dismissed. Apparently, 

because I haven’t lived in England for two 

of the last three years, I can’t claim PIP, even 

though on PIP’s official website it says: “If 

you’ve recently returned from living in the EU, 

Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, 

you might be able to get PIP sooner.” In fact, it 

says that you are even able to claim PIP while 

living abroad if you’re a British citizen. I tried 

to appeal the decision but the answer was 

the same – I have to wait two years before I 

can claim. 

This is deeply disturbing to me. It means if you 

have a disability and you leave the UK for two 

years, you can never return because how is 

one supposed to function here for two years 

until eligible to claim benefits again? I feel as if 

I’m being abandoned by the government. 

For more information and to contact 

Simone, visit thewheelchairteen.com 



PUBLISHED SINCE MARCH 1992 

Î Local news 

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part of the 

community 

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Name: 

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• Contact lens assessments with a wide range 

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• Myopia control for short-sighted children and 

expert advice on solutions available 

• Fu l hearing health checks 

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• A comprehensive range of designer frames and 

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Here at Bayfields, we’re passionate about creating long 

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

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0208 509 6526 

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As part of K&D services, we can 

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020 8526 7020 

INFO@KANDD.ORG 

KANDD.ORG 

D O O R S / G L A Z I N G 

Reviving Homes, Exceeding Expectations 

Meet your local Bayfields Opticians and 

Audiologists team in South Woodford 

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 

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whether that be Ortho-K, 

MiSight contact lenses or 

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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 

We understand that homes aren’t just made of bricks and mortar; 

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. 

they’re made of memories and dreams. Whether you need a simple 

splash of color or a complete overhaul, our commitment is to make 

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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 

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2 

2 

3 

1 

1 

1 

1 

3 

1 


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Optical Assistant 

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I’ve been a qualified 

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76A George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1JJ 

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P O R C H E S / G A R A G E D O O R S 

5 

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DEPRESSION • ANXIETY • STRESS 

COUPLES IN CONFLICT • ABUSE • BER 

Contact Dougie (in confidence) 

Wanstead Community Hub 

Significant awareness 

FoodBank 

M: 07792 128 681 Free 15 min initial video or te 

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Help feed local people in crisis 

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follow us: @afcleytonwomen 

FoodBank 


A network of 

foodbank collection 

points across 

Wanstead, 

Aldersbrook and 


Please help by 

donating nonperishable 

goods into 

one of our bins. 

DROP OFF POINTS 

For a list of addresses, visit 

swvg.co.uk/tinabsites 

F E M 

F O 

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Support 

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Why not promote your business in the next issue? 

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54 


Sir James Hawkey Hall Woodford Green IG8 0BG 

01992 524371 

www.woodfordpantomime.co.uk 



Community events 

PANTOMIME: 

PETER PAN 

Redbridge Creates’ latest production 

continues. 

Date: until Sunday 7 January 

Venue: Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford, IG1 1BT 

Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/peterpan 

JAN 

1 

PANTOMIME: 

ROBIN HOOD 

Woodford Pantomime’s New Year show. 

Date: Monday 1 to Sunday 14 January 

Venue: Sir James Hawkey Hall, IG8 0BG 

Cost: £17.50 Enquiries: woodfordpantomime.co.uk 

JAN 

1 

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. 

WANSTEAD 

COMMUNITY MARKET 

Date: Sunday 7 January Time: 10am–4pm 

Venue: Wanstead High Street 

Enquiries: aceeventsltd.co.uk 

JAN 

7 

WOODFORD AND WANSTEAD 

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY 

A talk by photographer Roy Essery MPAGB. 

Date: Monday 8 January Time: 7.30pm 

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

Cost: first visit free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/wwps 

JAN 

8 

THE DARK SIDE OF 

EAST LONDON 

A presentation by David Charnick for the 

Wanstead Historical Society. 

Date: Monday 8 January Time: 8pm 

Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road 

Cost: £3 Enquiries: 07949 026 212 

JAN 

8 

BEREAVEMENT CAFÉ 

EVENING SESSION 

Date: Tuesday 9 January Time: 7–8pm 

Venue: Christ Church, Wanstead Place, E11 2SW 

Cost: free Enquiries: 020 8530 8743 

JAN 

9 


AFTERNOON SESSION 

Date: Tuesday 2 January Time: 2–3pm 

Venue: St Mary’s Church, South Woodford 


JAN 

2 

INTRODUCTION TO HISTORIC 

SWORDSMANSHIP 

Learn the fundamental principles of European 

swordsmanship, as practised in the 15th and 

16th centuries. Hosted by Tempus Fugitives. 

Date: Thursday 4 January Time: 7–9pm 

Venue: Woodford Memorial Hall, E18 2PA 

Cost: first session free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/sword 

JAN 

4 

ALL SEASONS IN ONE BAY 

(BEMPTON CLIFFS) 

A talk for the North East London Local Group 

of the RSPB by Mark Pearson. 

Date: Tuesday 9 January Time: 8pm 

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

JAN 

9 

NATIONAL TRUST TALK: 

TALES FROM THE BAR 

A talk by Judge William Kennedy for the 

Woodford and District National Trust. 

Date: Wednesday 10 January Time: 2.30pm 

Venue: All Saints Church Hall, Woodford Green 


JAN 

10 


56 


SOUTH WOODFORD WARD 

COUNCILLOR SURGERY 

Councillors Joe Hehir, Beverley Brewer and 

Saiqa Qayum Hussain. Booking required. 

Date: Wednesday 10 January Time: 6–7pm 

Venue: Salvation Army, 26 Daisy Road, E18 1EA 

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

JAN 

10 

ELECTRONIC 

KEYBOARD CONCERT 

An East London and Essex Electronic 

Keyboard Club event featuring Andrew Nix, an 

established musician and entertainer. 



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

JAN 

JAN 

11 

10 

ART AND MUSIC 

APPRECIATION 

A 10-week music and art appreciation and 

history course. 

Date: from Thursday 11 January Time: 1.30–3.30pm 


Cost: £75.60 Enquiries: wea.org.uk 

EAST LONDON ME/CFS 

SUPPORT GROUP 

Conversation, information and support. 

Date: Saturday 13 January Time: 2.30–5pm 


Cost: by donation Enquiries: 07957 152 566 

JAN 

13 

WANSTEAD PARK 

LITTER PICK 

Hosted by the Friends of Wanstead Parklands. 

Date: Sunday 14 January Time: 11am 

Venue: the Temple, Wanstead Park, E11 2LT 

Cost: free Enquiries: wansteadpark.org.uk 

JAN 

14 

OPEN DAY AT THE TEMPLE 

IN WANSTEAD PARK 

Wanstead Park’s visitor centre explores the 

history of the park from Roman times to the 

present day. 

Date: Sunday 14 January Time: 12–4pm 

Venue: the Temple, Wanstead Park, E11 2LT 

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

JAN 

14 

PETE’S GOODTIME 

JAZZ BAND 

An afternoon of fun, toe-tapping jazz, blues 

and swing. 

Date: Sunday 14 January Time: 2–4pm 


Cost: £13.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/pgjb 

JAN 

14 


MORNING SESSION 

For people struggling with feelings of loss. 

Date: Tuesday 16 January Time: 10.30–11.30am 

Venue: Christ Church, Wanstead Place, E11 2SW 


JAN 

16 

ACTING CLASS FOR 

BEGINNERS 

The start of a 10-week course. 

Date: from Tuesday 16 January Time: 7.30–9pm 


Enquiries: theactingspace.co.uk 

JAN 

16 

STOP-MOTION 

ANIMATION CLUB 

Explore the world of stop-motion animation. 

Suitable for eight- to 12-year-olds. 

Date: Wednesday 17 January Time: 5.15–6pm 

Venue: Redbridge Central Library, IG1 1EA 

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

JAN 

17 

OPEN TABLE AT 

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH 

Join a community meal open to all. Children 

and families welcome. No alcohol. No need to 

book. If you would like to make a contribution, 

bring some simple food to share. 

Date: Wednesday 17 January Time: 5.30–7pm 

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

Cost: free Enquiries: htsw.org.uk 

JAN 

JAN 

17 

17 

WANSTEAD 

READING GROUP 

Opening session of a discussion group on 

selected novels, poetry and drama. 



Cost: £3 Enquiries: patsywhiteside@btinternet.com 



Valentines Mansion & Gardens 

The Perfect Venue 

Weddings • Receptions • Ceremonies • Parties 

Business Meetings • Community Groups & More! 

Call us on 020 8708 8800 to find out more. 

www.valentinesmansion.com 

Emerson Road, Ilford, IG1 4XA 

@ValMansion @ValMansion @valentines.mansion 


58 



REPAIR CAFE 

Give broken items a new lease of life. 

Date: Saturday 20 January Time: 10am–1pm 


Cost: free Enquiries: southwoodfordsociety.org 

JAN 

20 

VALENTINE SINGERS: 

OPEN WORKSHOP DAY 

Anyone who would like to sample the 

experience of singing with a large chorus is 

invited to join Valentine Singers for the day. 

Date: Saturday 20 January Time: 10.30am–4.30pm 

Venue: St Mary’s Church, South Woodford 

Cost: £23 Enquiries: valentinesingers.org 

JAN 

20 

20 

HITS FROM 

THE BLITZ 

Famous war-time tunes and singalong songs 

brought to life by the singers and multiinstrumentalists 

of the Five Star Swing band. 

Date: Saturday 20 January Time: 2–4pm 


Cost: £19.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/blitz 

JAN 

JAN 

20 

RUMBLE WRESTLING 

IN REDBRIDGE 

Date: Sunday 21 January Time: 3–5.20pm 


Cost: £17 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/rumble 

JAN 

21 

REDBRIDGE MUSIC 

SOCIETY RECITAL 

Featuring performances by students from 

Redbridge Music Service. 

Date: Tuesday 23 January Time: 8pm 



JAN 

23 

ROTARY CLUB 

MEMORY CAFE 

For people suffering from early dementia and 

their carers. Including live music, dancing, 

bingo, painting, slide shows and quizzes. Light 

refreshments available. Hosted by the Rotary 

Club of Leytonstone and Woodford. 

Date: Friday 26 January Time: 9.45am 

Venue: Chigwell Convent, IG8 8AX 


JAN 

26 

26 

CELEBRATE BURNS NIGHT 

AT THE WELLS 

The night includes a four-course Scottish 

meal, piper, music and Scottish dancing. 

Date: Saturday 20 January Time: 6.30pm 

Venue: Woodford Wells Club, IG8 0NL 

Cost: £45 Enquiries: woodfordwellsclub.co.uk 



Date: Sunday 21 January Time: 11am–4pm 

Venue: George Lane, South Woodford 


JAN 

21 

JOURNEY 

INTO SPACE 

A presentation by Alistair Scott, president of 

the British Interplanetary Society. A North-East 

London Astronomical Society event. 

Date: Sunday 21 January Time: 1.30pm 


Cost: £3 Enquiries: stevek1951@hotmail.com 

JAN 

21 

LADIES OF 

LAUGHTER 

A comedy night for those aged 16 and over. 

Date: Friday 26 January Time: 7.30–9.30pm 


Cost: £20.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/lol 

JAN 

WANSTEAD 

STAMP FAIR 

Including postcards, cigarette cards, phone 

cards and philatelic accessories. 

Date: Saturday 27 January Time: 10am–3pm 

Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes, E11 2PR 


JAN 

27 

ESSEX ART CLUB SUNDAY 

DEMONSTRATION 

Artist Michelle Parsons will be painting birds 

in oils. Visitors welcome. 

Date: Sunday 28 January Time: 2.30–4.30pm 


Cost: £5 Enquiries: essexartclub.co.uk 

JAN 

28 



Advance booking essential 


60 


DANCE FITNESS 

FEST 2024 

Join the biggest Zumba party in Redbridge. 

The music will be non-stop, with several 

different Zumba and dance fitness instructors 

teaching at the event. 

Date: Sunday 28 January Time: 2.30–4.30pm 

Venue: Sir James Hawkey Hall, IG8 0BG 

Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/dancefest24 

JAN 

29 

28 

10K RACE PREPARATION 

RUNNING COURSE 

A four-week running course with Run To Be. 

Date: from Monday 29 January Time: 7pm 

Venue: meet at Grove Park car park, E11 2DN 

Cost: £45 Enquiries: runtobe.co.uk 

JAN 

4 FEB 5 FEB 

WANSTEAD 


Date: Sunday 4 February Time: 10am–4pm 

Venue: Wanstead High Street 


SOUTH WOODFORD WARD 

COUNCILLOR SURGERY 

Councillors Joe Hehir, Beverley Brewer and 

Saiqa Qayum Hussain. Booking required. 

Date: Wednesday 14 February Time: 6–7pm 


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

FEB 

14 

ELECTRONIC 

KEYBOARD CONCERT 

An East London and Essex Electronic Keyboard 

Club event featuring Michael Wooldridge. 

Date: Wednesday 14 February Time: 7–10pm 


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

FEB 

14 

LOCAL BUSINESS 

NETWORKING EVENT 

Hosted by the South Woodford Business 

Forum. Booking required. 

Date: Thursday 15 February Time: 5–7pm 

Venue: TBC Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/bf 

FEB 

15 

WANSTEAD & SNARESBROOK 

IN OLD PICTURE POSTCARDS 

A presentation of historic images of the local 

area by Lynn Jones for the Wanstead Historical 

Society. Visitors welcome. 

Date: Monday 5 February Time: 8pm 



THE SEASONAL CUSTOMS 

AND TRADITIONS OF ESSEX 

A talk by Mark Lewis for the Woodford and 

District Centre of the National Trust. Visitors 

welcome. 

Date: Tuesday 13 February Time: 10.30am 



FEB 

13 

RAPTORS OF 

THE UK 

A talk for the North East London Local Group 

of the RSPB by Mary Braddock. 

Date: Tuesday 13 February Time: 8pm 

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

FEB 

13 

EAST LONDON ME/CFS 

SUPPORT GROUP 

Date: Saturday 17 February Time: 2.30–5pm 


Cost: by donation Enquiries: 07957 152 566 

FEB 

17 



Date: Sunday 18 February Time: 11am–4pm 

Venue: George Lane, South Woodford 


FEB 

18 

OPEN TABLE AT HOLY 

TRINITY CHURCH 

Date: Wednesday 28 February Time: 5.30–7pm 

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

FEB 

28 


SOCIETY AGM 

Learn about the South Woodford Society’s 

plans for 2024. Open to all. Membership is free. 

Date: Wednesday 28 February Time: 7pm 


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

FEB 

28 


ge Lane E18 



LITTER PICKS 

George Lane E18 

7 JANUARY 

11 FEBRUARY 

17 MARCH 

14 APRIL 

SUNDAYS 

FROM 

11AM 

MEET AT SOUTH WOODFORD ORCHARD, CORNER OF 

MULBERRY WAY & PRIMROSE ROAD, E18 1ED 

Litter picks, hoops, hi-vis vests and gloves will be available 

(or bring your own) 

All ages welcome but please let us know you 

can come via email to e18society@gmail.com 

Christmas Market_South Woodford_A4_2021.indd 1 29/11/2021 16:32 

Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts 

29/11/2021 16:32

62 


Local community groups 

ALLAN BURGESS CENTRE 

Activities for the over-55s. Lunches available 

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

Park, Wanstead. Community Call 020 8989 6338 Hub 

FoodBank 

FRIENDS OF WANSTEAD PARKLANDS SOUTH WOODFORD GARDENERS 

Researching and promoting Wanstead Park. Tending to and improving the flower beds 

Visit wansteadpark.org.uk 

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

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 


FoodBank 

Support 


A network of 

foodbank collection 

points across 

Wanstead, 

Aldersbrook and 


Please help by 

donating nonperishable 

goods into 

one of our bins. 


DROP OFF POINTS 

For a list of addresses, visit 

swvg.co.uk/tinabsites 

Support 

SOUTH WOODFORD BUSINESS FORUM 

Quarterly meetings providing a voice for 

South Woodford’s businesses and networking 

opportunities. Visit swvg.co.uk/swbf 

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 



havenhouse.org.uk/event/milesforsmiles 

scan to sign 

up for free 

WALK 10,000 

Steps Everyday 

for the month of 

February 

Charity No. 1044296 


64 


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 

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 



Celebrating 32 years 

PUBLISHED SINCE MARCH 1992 


66 

ARCHITECT 

LOUD Architects 38 

BALLOONS 

OBalloons26 

BARBERS 

Agy’s Barber Shop14 

BATHROOMS 

Bathworks33 

BUILDERS 

Glenward27 

HouseRevive21 

North London Loft Rooms31 

CARPENTRY & JOINERY 

K&D Joinery15 

CARPET CLEANING 

Safeclean18 

CHARITIES 

Guide Dogs 38 

Haven House Children’s Hospice 63 

Tin in a Bin62 

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES 

AFC Leyton 8 

Rumble Wrestling 32 

Sylvestrian Leisure Centre 67 

Woodford Pantomime54 

CLEANING 

Safeclean18 

COMMUNITY & GROUPS 

South Woodford Society61 

COUNSELLING 

Counselling Helps12 

DANCE 

Dance Fitness Fest 20245 

DECORATORS 

E18 Handyman7 

Stuart Green Property Solutions10 

DENTIST 

Smile in London 43 

Woodford House19 

DOORS 

K&D Joinery15 

EMBROIDERY 

Creative Giftware18 

ESTATE AGENTS 

Churchill Estates 1 & 34–35 

The Stow Brothers 23 

Yellands 30 


– Index of advertisers – 

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES 


South Woodford Litter Pick61 

Valentine Singers 59 


FENCING 

HouseRevive21 

FITNESS 


Fit For All 11 

Harry Kane’s Miles for Smiles 63 


FOOTBALL 

AFC Leyton 8 

FUNERAL DIRECTORS 

Compassionate Funerals 30 

GARAGE SERVICES 

Belgrave Motor Services48 

Woodbridge Autos 39 

GIFTS 

Creative Giftware18 

GUTTER CLEARING 

E18 Handyman7 


GYM 


HANDYMAN 

E18 Handyman7 


HEALTH 

Meducate45 

Practice Plus Group13 

KITCHENS 

HouseRevive21 

LOFTS 


MORTGAGES 

About Mortgages 6 

MOT 

Belgrave Motor Services48 

Woodbridge Autos 39 

NUTRITION 

Meducate45 

PANTOMIME 


PHOTOGRAPHY 

Geoff Wilkinson 22 

PLUMBING & HEATING 

Rightio Plumbing & Heating26 

Wanstead Group45 

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE 

E18 Handyman7 



PROPERTY SERVICES 

Churchill Estates 1 & 34–35 

The Stow Brothers 23 

Yellands 30 

SCHOOLS & NURSERIES 

Avon House Preparatory School2 

Loyola Preparatory School49 

Woodford Green Prep School 53 

SHOWERS 

Bathworks33 

SINGING 

Valentine Singers 59 

SOLICITORS 

Edwards Duthie Shamash 25 

Paul John & Co Solicitors42 

SPORT & LEISURE 


STAIRS 

K&D Joinery15 

STORAGE 

BWI Self Storage 22 

SUIT HIRE 

Mode London 9 

TUITION & COURSES 

MagiKats48 

VOUCHERS 

Village Vouchers 4 & 42 

WARDROBES 

Woodthorpe Joinery68 

WEDDING VENUE 

Valentines Mansion57 

WINDOW RESTORATION 

McCarty & Smith37 

WINDOW SHUTTERS 

Woodthorpe Joinery68 

WRESTLING 


ZUMBA 





WOODTHORPE 

JOINERY 

your local supplier of wooden shutters and blinds 

Wanstead • London • T: 0203 589 4879 

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

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FITTED WARDROBES 

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Celebrating 12 Years 

as your local supplier of window shutters 

WOODTHORPE 

WOODTHORPE 

JOINERY 

your local supplier 

JOINERY 

of wooden shutters and blinds 

your local supplier of wooden shutters and blinds 

Wanstead • London • T: 0203 589 4879 

E: Wanstead info@wjoinery.co.uk • London • • T: www.wjoinery.co.uk 

0203 589 4879 

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

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

Jan/Feb 2024

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