Jan/Feb 2025

January/February 2025 Issue No: 195

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ISSN 2632-8224 Est. 1992

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INSIDE: Design Code completed • River Roding • Elmhurst Gardens • Local bus problems

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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Contents

Features

Next stop: Parliament 14

Local living18–19

Currents of change22

Open singing 26

Park plans32

DD’s 69th Woodford Diary36–37

On the same team40

Constructing justice42

A new frontier44–45

Puzzles & competitions

Sudoku 20

Crossword competition 28

Every issue

Local news6–10

Community events47–50 & 52

Community groups 54

Useful numbers 56

Index of advertisers 58

Contact Us

020 8819 0595

Welcome...

Death. What better subject to open a January issue?

Discussing the end of life at the start of a new year may

jar with some, may be refreshing to others or may be

a welcome relief to those looking to embrace life’s

realities rather than avoid them. It is certainly a

taboo subject, which a number of local death

and grief cafes and bereavement support groups

would attest to. Assisted dying introduces an even deeper level

of taboo. Surely a time, therefore, to resolve to discuss all aspects

of life – including the end?

Death is the final moment of our own lives, but for most,

there will likely be multiple encounters with death before

experiencing it ourselves. I’m thankful to have only attended a

handful of funerals in my life so far, but I’m certain at each and

every one of them someone has uttered the phrase: “It’s a shame

we only see each other at funerals and weddings!” Or words to

that effect. But I prefer to see the positive. Nice as it would be

to see all distant friends and family on a regular basis, that’s not

practical for most. So, it becomes a powerful, final complement

to the departed that their death facilitates such a reunion.

As we reflect on the past and celebrate life, the transition from

life to death bears a poignant resemblance to the transition

into a new year. New Year’s Eve is marked by a countdown – the

year’s final 10 seconds spoken aloud. The the next 31,535,990

seconds will pass unannounced until we see another year

out. While our days are numbered, for most, the length of

our personal timer remains a mystery until it stops. For those

touched by the assisted dying debate, opinions will differ

on how much control we should have over

that timer. Ultimately, we must recognise

the value of the time we have, and make

it meaningful before our own

countdown reaches zero.

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 2025 edition is 14 February 2025.

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 IT Ltd.

Founded in 1992 by Jack Lamport Mitchell.

Edited from 2004 to 2015 by Ken and Sue Lees.

Marquis IT Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors

or omissions, or endorse companies, products or services

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.

Printed by Premier Print Group, G02 Lock Studios,

7 Corsican Square, London, E3 3YD

©2025 Marquis IT Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced without prior consent.

4


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January/February 2025 5

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Spring report to determine Broadmead

Road bridge future: watch meeting video

Redbridge Council has

confirmed Broadmead

Road bridge will remain

closed to cars for the

foreseeable future. The

87-year-old structure –

closed to traffic since July

2023 due to structural

defects – was discussed

in an online meeting with

the leader of Redbridge

Council in November.

“The bridge is closed

due to safety concerns

following inspections

that identified cracks and concrete corrosion.

Detailed inspections revealed extensive

defects, such as carbonation and chloride

contamination, which have compromised the

bridge’s integrity… A reopening date depends

on the chosen repair option… We expect to

Be Smart Cookie

Help your child

stay smart & safe online

If you make just one New Year’s

Resolution for 2025, make it this:

Follow Be Smart Cookie:

instagram.com/besmartcookie

facebook.com/BeSmartCookie

or use the QR code

Be Smart Cookie offers resources and

e-learning for children 6+ to help

them get screen smart & safe online

receive the final options report in the spring,”

said a spokesperson. The cost of repair is

estimated to be over £25m. The bridge is

currently open to pedestrians, cyclists and

motorbikes. A recording of the meeting is

available to view online. Visit swvg.co.uk/bvid

Community

awards

Nominations for the

Mayor of Redbridge’s

annual community

awards are open

until 6 January.

“Do you know an

unsung hero within

your street or

local community?

Or a group or

organisation that

has made a positive

contribution

to the lives of

local residents?”

asked a council

spokesperson.

The judging panel

is comprised of

councillors, council

officers and local

residents. Visit

swvg.co.uk/mca25

Sustainable

transport

Redbridge Council

has launched a

public consultation

on its first sustainable

transport strategy.

“Our ambition is to

create seamless and

safe connections

between the bus,

underground and

rail networks, and an

extensive network of

zero-emission vehicle

charging points

that support the

borough’s carbonneutral

ambition.

We really value your

input and feedback,”

said a spokesperson.

The survey is open

until 5 January. Visit

swvg.co.uk/sts



Fundraiser launched after South

Woodford charity shop burglary

Open invitation for residents to join

the South Woodford Society AGM

© Geoff Wilkinson

A fundraiser has been launched to support

The Children’s Society in recovering lost

revenue after its South Woodford charity

shop was closed for a week in November

following a burglary. “We were moved by the

concerns of people in the local community

who contacted us to help, and so we set up

the fundraiser page for anyone that would

like to make donations so we can keep up

our important work with children and young

people,” said a spokesperson for the charity.

Visit swvg.co.uk/tcs

Permit parking consultation for

South Woodford roads

Residents are invited to join the South

Woodford Society’s AGM, which will take

place on 26 February. “The AGM is a great

opportunity to find out first-hand everything

that we’ve been working on, from the

Christmas lights switch-on to the Summer

Festival and our Neighbourhood Plan

and Design Code work; and, of course, it’s

always nice to meet fellow residents!” said a

spokesperson. The meeting will take place at

the South Woodford Salvation Army hall on

Daisy Road from 7pm. Visit sowosoc.org

SOUTH WOODFORD BUSINESS NETWORK

INVITES YOU TO A

Networking event for

SOUTH WOODFORD

BUSINESSES

Junction of Maybank Road

and Crescent Road

A permit parking consultation is underway

for a number of roads in South Woodford. “We

have received two local petitions requesting

that new permit parking controls be

introduced for Maybank Road, Crescent Road,

Chigwell Road and the surrounding roads. This

is in response to concerns over non-residential

parking taking place in the area… A decision

will be made based on the responses received

to this consultation,” said a Redbridge Council

spokesperson. The consultation is open until

26 January. Visit swvg.co.uk/mbpermit

Join us for an exclusive evening of

networking, for those who own or run a

business in the South Woodford area.

Tuesday 28 January 2025, 5pm – 6.30pm

at Namak Restaurant, 219 High Rd, E18 2PB

25% discount for anyone staying for

dinner after the event!

Tickets are free, but booking is required:

swvg.co.uk/28jan


8


Popular South Woodford Repair Cafés

to return in 2025

Real Christmas tree recycling services

available this January

South Woodford’s Repair Cafés will return

in 2025, with the first of four events taking

place on 25 January at Woodford Memorial

Hall from 10am to 1pm. “The South Woodford

Repair Café has proven incredibly popular,

with residents queuing up to bring gadgets,

clothes and household items to be expertly

mended. The event provides free refreshments

as well as a number of activities, including

creative workshops and information stalls,”

said a spokesperson. Additional events will

take place on 26 April, 19 July and 18 October.

Co-educational

Residents have several options for disposing

of real Christmas trees this January. Local

charity Haven House will be collecting and

recycling trees from 10 to 13 January (donation

and booking required). Redbridge Council will

also collect real trees for free between 6 and

17 January. Collection dates will vary across

the borough, so trees must be left at the

property boundary by 6am on the first day of

the service. Christmas trees can also be taken

to Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre.

Visit swvg.co.uk/treecollect

Open Day

Wednesday 12 March 2025

Independent

Age 3 - 11

St. Aubyn’s

School

Scan to

register your

attendance

Visit us to discover our holistic

approach to preparatory education.

www.staubyns.com

020 8504 1577 | registrar@staubyns.com



FIND YOUR CALM IN 2025

Nafas Yoga is a small home studio in South Woodford. A space for

you to move, breathe and connect with others.

Our weekly schedule focuses on yoga classes including: Mum &

Baby, Yin, Vinyasa Flow, Pregnancy, Teen Movement & Mindfulness.

But, we also run a variety of workshops and events collaborating

with other practitioners within the wellness industry.

Scan our QR code below to find the perfect class for you and take

advantage of our intro offer: any 3 classes for £35.

Start the year as you mean to go on and prioritise your mental

health and wellbeing.

The Nafas Studio, South Woodford

W: nafas.yoga E: hello@nafas.yoga

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Music on the Hill: monthly music

recitals at Holy Trinity Church

Local sports teacher represents

England in hockey World Cup

A new series of monthly music recitals will

launch at Holy Trinity Church on Hermon

Hill this January. “Our first Music on the Hill

event will feature soprano Meliza Metzger

and pianist Blanca Rodriguez, who will be

performing a varied programme of opera

arias, West End musical favourites and Latin

love songs,” said a church spokesperson. The

event will take place on 24 January, with doors

opening at 6.30pm for an hour of socialising

before the performance (bar available; tickets:

£10; under-18s: £8). Visit htsw.org.uk

A PE teacher from St Aubyn’s School in

Woodford Green represented England in the

Women’s Masters Hockey World Cup held in

New Zealand in November. “It was quite an

achievement and one which has made me

and my family and friends so proud… The

trip to Auckland was amazing and shows

that whatever your age… with effort and

determination, dreams can come true,” said

Lynn Wright, who competed in the over-50s

squad. The team finished in fifth place and

were undefeated in all their matches.


10


Snaresbrook station development

still in ‘enabling works’ phase

January deadline for residents to

adopt a tree pit on their street

Artist’s impression of the

five- and six-storey flats

The company behind the redevelopment of

Snaresbrook Station car park – which closed

last March – has issued an update. “The car

park closed to allow for the building of muchneeded

affordable homes. We are currently

undertaking enabling works to prepare for

construction… We expect the development

to be completed by the end of 2026. When the

car park reopens, 22 spaces will be available,

including four Blue Badge parking spaces,”

said a spokesperson for Pocket Living, which is

building two blocks of flats on the site.

Residents have until 5 January to apply to

adopt a tree pit on their street, alongside

year-round applications to remove an entire

road from the chemical weed control spraying

schedule. “A tree pit is the soil area at the base

of trees, perfect for planting with wildflowers.

Last year, residents adopted over 650 tree pits

across the borough, boosting biodiversity.

If you have previously adopted a tree pit,

you will have to re-apply as adoptions only

last for 12 months,” said a Redbridge Council

spokesperson. Visit swvg.co.uk/treepits

Wanstead Park’s iconic map tree:

replacement to be planted

How can we

help?

Need to raise an important

local or policy issue with

Calvin and the team?

0207 219 7417

Email us!

calvin.bailey.mp@parliament.uk

Plans are being made to plant a replacement

for Wanstead Park’s iconic map tree, a British

Isles-shaped Cedar. While deemed safe by

the City of London Corporation – which

manages the park – damage to the 200-yearold

tree’s roots from footfall and a worsening

lean towards Ornamental Water have raised

concerns. Arborists considered propping,

cabling and rerouting the path, but all options

were deemed unsuitable. A replacement tree

with protective fencing is expected to be

planted in September, costing £4,000.

© Geoff Wilkinson




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AFTER


14


NEXT STOP: PARLIAMENT

Alerted to major bus problems by local campaigners, Calvin Bailey MP

is taking South Woodford’s issues to Westminster. Residents affected by

W14, W13 and W12 changes should now contact him, says Donna Mizzi

TfL must stop waiting for data and

start caring about how its changed

bus services are leaving passengers

stranded and distraught. That’s the

message from local residents, in response

to a statement from Calvin Bailey MP.

At a meeting with Mr Bailey to discuss a

number of acute problems created by TfL

route changes, senior officials failed to address

the main issues affecting South Woodford

residents, and only agreed to consider

reinstating Wanstead’s Woodbine Place stop

for W14 bus users “subject to data”. As a result,

the MP has decided to formally present a

petition to Parliament.

TfL claimed that following the cyber attack

on 1 September, reliable timetables and bus

information would at last be issued for South

Woodford from mid-November. But, as local

bus users are aware, information at E18 bus

stops continues to be lacking or frequently

wrong. And the hourly W14 runs late in both

directions or doesn’t arrive at all!

Nightingale Estate residents are starting to

demand that “completely out-of-touch” TfL

leaders spend time with them to see how lives

and health are impacted by the “carelessly

planned bus scheme.” They say transport

chiefs should witness how schoolchildren

wait at bus stops from 7.30am as buses ride

past because they are already full; how people

with mobility issues can’t reach GPs and vital

amenities; how elderly and disabled people

and mums with small children can’t wait in the

freezing cold for an unreliable once-an-hour

bus, or walk along dark and icy side roads

for up to a mile to reach their homes. Many

commuters are finding it difficult to reach

work or get home, and some elderly people

are saying they cannot go out any more.

Calvin Bailey MP

Save Our Local Bus Services organiser Liz

Martins says: “Environmentally concerned

residents are being forced to go back to using

cars, which flies directly in the face of the

TfL chairman and Mayor Sadiq Khan’s policy

to lower emissions.” Regarding “data”, the

campaign urges TfL chiefs to take the advice

of South Woodford resident Prof Norman

Fenton, a Turing Fellow and data science

expert. He said: “Sometimes, all that is needed

is common sense.”

Following his meeting with TfL, Calvin Bailey

said: “I am concerned about these issues and

disappointed TfL has not taken meaningful

steps to address them. That is why I will be

formally presenting a petition to Parliament…

It is important I hear from constituents. Please

contact my office to register your reports.

The more voices, the stronger the case will be

when I go back to TfL.”

To contact Calvin Bailey MP, email

calvin.bailey.mp@parliament.uk,

call 020 7219 7417 or post letters to

Calvin Bailey MP, House of Commons,

Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA.

To read the MP’s statement in full, visit

swvg.co.uk/mpbus




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18


Local

As I write this, 2024 draws to a close,

which is fitting as our exciting work

on creating the South Woodford

digital Design Code is also coming to

an end! We are particularly proud of the

work we have achieved, supported by the

Ministry of Housing, Communities and

Local Government (MHCLG).

The Design Code will ensure any development

that takes place is sympathetic both to our

local environment and residents’ needs by

prioritising accessible green space, better

public spaces, improved walking and cycling

infrastructure and key amenities.

Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds

celebrates the completion

of South Woodford’s

digital Design Code and

looks ahead to the area

becoming London’s most

liveable urban village

The Design Code website has been

amalgamated with the South Woodford

Society website. The Design Code draft has

been finalised and we have created a digital

version of the code; this work is now live on

our new website. It is a website still in beta

testing, so if you spot any errors or bugs, do

please let us know!

Work continues on the Neighbourhood Plan

and we envisage presenting a draft to the

London Borough of Redbridge in spring 2025.

This will be followed by a public consultation

on the draft and an independent examination,

culminating in a public referendum on

adopting the plan.

Creating a digital Design Code has been

exciting and we believe we have managed

to strike the right balance between offering

tangible information to relevant professionals

and developers, whilst keeping it interesting

and engaging for local residents. It includes

interactive models of what the two main

development sites in our area (Station Estate



living

and Station Car Park – identified by London

Borough of Redbridge in their Local Plan)

could be. It is very important to note the

models and plans are quite simply illustrations

of what those sites could achieve, taking into

account local residents’ preferences and stated

needs.

We will also be creating QR codes to be

displayed at various locations across South

Woodford in the spring. These will allow

anyone to view information specific to that

location.

Developed in partnership with AzuKo, the

interactive map documents our community’s

assets – everything from green spaces and

tree canopy cover to public seating and cycle

parking. This will illustrate changes over time

and show how close we are to our targets for

South Woodford becoming ‘London’s most

liveable urban village’. We are also mapping

kerb uses, kindly enabled by AppyWay.

This data will allow us to understand just

how sustainable our kerb spaces currently

are and identify those which could be

re-allocated for uses such as street trees,

parklets and sustainable drainage systems.

Over the coming year, we will explore ways

of expanding this interactive map to include

local walking and cycling routes.

Thank you all for your support and

engagement in 2024 and very best wishes for

the year ahead.

For more information and to view the new

South Woodford Society website, visit

sowosoc.org


20


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With otters recently spotted on a local stretch of the River Roding,

Paul Powlesland – who founded the River Roding Trust five years ago –

is looking for Woodford residents to become guardians of the river

When I moved to the River Roding

in Barking on my boat in 2017, I

perhaps naively assumed there

were professionals and government

officials looking after the river. After all,

the Roding – flowing over 40 miles from

its source in Molehill Green in Essex to its

confluence with the Thames in Barking – is

London’s third-largest river and crucial

to the lives of the hundreds of thousands

of people in its catchment, as well as the

nature that relies on it.

Having lived on and grown to know the

river over the past seven years, I came

to understand the awful truth that no

one was truly acting and speaking in the

river’s interests and preventing damage

and destruction to the river; as a result,

the lower river in particular was in

serious trouble.

I therefore set up the Friends of the River

Roding group on Facebook to start gathering

other volunteers. This project became the

River Roding Trust in 2019 and since then our

volunteers have undertaken a growing range

of activities to care for the river: water quality

testing, continuing litter picks (removing up to

400 bags in a single weekend!), planting trees,

opening riverside paths, removing invasive

species, ensuring riverside developments

benefit the river, restoring the Roding’s lost

riverside meadows and marshes wherever

possible, and many more.

Our approach as a charity has been very

much a grassroots one and we continue to

be run solely by volunteers. We are also very

locally run, with volunteers getting to know

a particular part of the river and then seeking

to protect and restore it in whatever ways we

can. Although we have sought to protect all

of the river, much of our effort so far has been

in Barking and in Ilford, where many of our

volunteers live. We have now set up volunteer

groups further along the river, including in

Wanstead and Woodford, providing them

with the equipment, training, knowledge,

advice and social media and organisational

connections they need to act as guardians on

their part of the river.

The Roding is an incredible river, which along

with its valley and catchment could be one of

the wildest, most beautiful and ecology-rich

urban rivers in the country. But its fate very

much hangs in the balance, with bad news

about continued ecological and water quality

degradation contrasting with positive news

like the recent discovery of otters living in the

river in Redbridge.

Each one of us who lives in the catchment can

make a big difference for our river, so if you

love and care for the Roding and would like to

get involved in any capacity as a guardian of

the river, please do get in touch.

For more information and to get involved,

email river.roding@gmail.com or visit

swvg.co.uk/rodingfriends



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26


OPEN SINGING

To celebrate the reopening of Notre-Dame, Valentine Singers invite you

to join them for a day of singing in South Woodford as they prepare for

a concert inspired by the cathedral. Oliver Mason reports

On 15 April 2019, Parisians looked on

in horror as the roof of the cathedral

of Notre-Dame was consumed by

fire, and the famous flèche collapsed and

crashed through the ceiling of the nave.

The damage to the cathedral was extensive

and regarded as a cultural disaster across

France and the wider world.

Immediately after the fire, President Macron

promised that Notre-Dame would be restored,

and called for the work to be completed

within five years. An international architectural

competition was announced to redesign

the flèche and roof. The work has now been

completed, and the cathedral reopened in

December.

To celebrate the reopening, Valentine Singers,

with organist Jonathan Dods, will perform

two works for choir and organ, which have

close links with Notre-Dame: Louis Vierne’s

Messe Solennelle and David Briggs’ Messe

pour Notre-Dame. The concert will take place

at St Gabriel’s Church in Aldersbrook on

15 March. But before this, on 18 January, we

are holding an all-day open workshop, where

we will be exploring and singing one of the

works, the Messe Solennelle. This will take place

at St Mary’s Church in South Woodford and

anyone who enjoys choral singing – or would

like to sample the experience of singing with

a large chorus – is invited to join us (observers

are also welcome). The day will be led by the

choir’s musical director, Christine Gwynn, with

pianist Tim Smith.

Vierne composed his rich and thrilling Messe

Solennelle in 1899, setting the mass text, minus

credo, for choir and two organs. For practical

reasons, arrangements of the mass for choir

and one organ have since been published. The

mass was premiered in 1900 at Saint-Sulpice,

in Paris, with Widor and Vierne playing the

glorious organ parts. By this time, Vierne had

become organist of Notre-Dame, where he

remained in post until his death in 1937.

David Briggs studied with Jean Langlais in

Paris and was profoundly influenced by the

playing of Pierre Cochereau, organist titulaire

at Notre-Dame (1955–1984). Briggs’ Messe pour

Notre-Dame features four movements – the

Introït, Offertoire, Élévation and Sortie. This

is a mass with a difference: not only does it

have four interpolated organ improvisations

as part and parcel of the setting, but also

the composer estimates that 15% of the

scored material is ‘sampled’ from organ

improvisations by Cochereau.

Valentine Singers is a friendly choir based in

Ilford. We relish the challenge of singing a

wide range of choral music and we are proud

to bring high-quality music to Redbridge for

the local community to enjoy.

Valentine Singers will hold an all-day

open workshop at St Mary’s Church,

South Woodford on 18 January from

10.30am to 4.30pm (tickets: £25). For more

information, call 020 8504 1261 or visit

valentinesingers.org



Louis Vierne

Messe Solennelle

All Day Workshop

Saturday 18 January 2025 10.30am - 4.30pm

St Mary's Church, High Road, South Woodford E18 2PA

15 minutes' walk from South Woodford tube (Central Line); nearby bus routes and free parking

Led by highly experienced choral director and vocal coach Christine Gwynn

with pianist Tim Smith.

Spend the day singing Louis Vierne's Messe Solennelle.

Vierne composed his rich and thrilling

Messe Solennelle in 1899, setting

the mass text for choir and two

organs. The mass was premiered in

1900 at Saint-Sulpice, in Paris,

with Widor and Vierne playing the

glorious organ parts. By this time

Vierne had become organist of

Notre-Dame where he remained in

post until his death in 1937.

£25

(£11 for full-time students and benefit holders)

Includes a vocal score to keep plus tea and

coffee at breaks.

To get the best from the day participants should have

some experience of part singing and music reading.

More information and enrolment:

www.valentinesingers.org

info@valentinesingers.org

020 8504 1261

Advance booking essential

VALENTINE SINGERS

Registered Charity: 1037459


28


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Win three Village Vouchers booklets and share the savings

January/February 2025

Across

Down

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1 2 3 4 5 6

8 9

10 11

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15 16 17 18

19 20

21 22

7

14

For the chance to win three Village Vouchers

booklets – offering savings at local shops and

restaurants – send your crossword solution,

name and address to:


PO BOX 2491, Ilford, IG1 8JT

Alternatively, email your entry (subject line:

Jan/Feb 2025) to: crossword@swvg.co.uk

Closing date: 21 January 2025

One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received before 5pm on 21 January 2025.

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

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32


Park plans

The Friends of Elmhurst Gardens are keen to boost community

involvement and invite residents to join action days and special events

in the park in 2025. Kathie Teahan reports

The Friends of Elmhurst Gardens was

formed in 2008. Friends’ numbers

have dwindled in recent years, but

we now want to resurrect local community

involvement in the upkeep of the park.

In the early 19th century, the land here was

fields within the estate of Elmhurst, which

in 1832 may have been held by Alexander

Steward. In 1856, land to the east had been

annexed for constructing the railway and

the future site of the park was separated

by the new railway line from the house

and immediate grounds of Elmhurst. In the

early 20th century, the site was leased to

Woodford Urban District Council and used

for allotments. In 1920, three lots were sold off

by the owner, Mr Lister Harrison. The council

purchased the freehold of lot number three

in 1921, most of which later became the public

park. It was opened in July 1927 as Woodford

Recreation Ground.

The gardens possess notable beech, oak

and lime trees, many in groups or rows, and

concentrated at the east end of the site. Just

off the path by the entrance, now near the

busy A406, is a picturesque brick sundial,

which had been erected by 1930.

Recreational facilities include tennis courts

and a children’s playground. The bowling

green was used by the South Woodford

Bowling Club until 2020. There are now also

various creatures carved in a fallen oak tree

by chainsaw artist Marshall Lambert. An

outdoor table tennis table – funded by a Just

Giving project run by the Elmhurst Playground

Association – was installed in 2022. Elmhurst

Gardens retained its Green Flag status in 2024.

Redbridge Council’s partner, Vision RCL, in

collaboration with the Friends of Elmhurst

Gardens, now intend to have monthly action

days in the park from April until October

2025, whereby members of the community

spend an hour to help look after the park by

planting, maintaining areas and litter picking.

Equipment and refreshments will be provided.

It’s a great opportunity to meet neighbours

and keep up to date with what’s planned for

the park, especially the derelict bowls club.

The council has received compensation for

the damage to the clubhouse and there

is a current tender exercise to begin the

replacement or refurbishment of the building.

Work is planned to take seven months,

beginning January 2025.

Please look out for action day notices on the

park noticeboard, as well as in this magazine

and the Maybank Community Association

newsletter. And don’t forget, the annual Easter

Egg Hunt is just around the corner. Other

events are being planned; watch this space.

For more information on Elmhurst

Gardens, visit swvg.co.uk/elmhurstgdns

To contact the Friends of Elmhurst

Gardens, email elmhurst@swvg.co.uk

© Geoff Wilkinson



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36


DD’s 69 th Woodford Diary

Some South Woodford scribbles from DD,

our resident diarist and observer of all things

local. Illustrated by Evelyn Rowland

Recently, we treated ourselves to a

‘bargain break’ in Winchester. What

a bonus: we were there on market

day and we each bought a hat. David’s

was tweedy and dignified, a flat cap.

Mine was rather jaunty, a baker boy hat,

I discovered later.

But we spent most of our time exploring

the magnificent cathedral. Perhaps we even

hoped to catch a sense of the presence of a

dear, deceased old friend of ours who had

been the bishop there for 10 years. He once

recounted an experience of processing in

line into St George’s Chapel, Windsor, with

other knights of the Order of the Garter,

when a sudden gust of wind sent his lordly

hat flying. Feeling unsure about the protocol

of going back to retrieve it and deciding

it might seem undignified, he walked on,

only to detect the sound of running steps

behind him. He turned

around and retrieved the errant hat

from the smiling hands of the then Duke of

Edinburgh.

Back home in South Woodford, I sensed a new,

joyfully silly theme developing for the January

edition. George Lane, here we come! Kevin

was sporting an impressive fedora. “I just

happen to like hats,” he said. “I feel the heat in

the summer. I feel the cold in the winter. Look

at me! I’m middle height, sturdy build and

bald as a coot. Wearing a hat protects

me at least from being mistaken for a

bouncer!” Thanks Kevin. Your frankness

convinced me there could actually be

significant mileage in the unlikely topic

of hats!

Altaf was buying his morning paper

at Sainsbury’s. I admired his elegant

Panama style. “I always feel comfortable

in a hat,” he said. “My son knew that, of

course, and he had this one made for

me on one of his trips abroad.” He took

it off and we both peered at the label

inside. Gosh, ‘hand-woven in Ecuador’!

Mary emerged from Greggs: “I fell in

love with hats 30 years ago when

my daughter presented me with a

gloriously colourful, flamboyant,

pill-box-style felt hat. Mustard



colour with cyclamen, pink and emerald-green

decoration. I lacked the confidence to wear it

for a few years, but then I decided hats suited

me. I felt quite plain, but the hat transformed

me. Now I have six berets in different colours.

There’s consternation if I turn up at my Jazz

Club on Mondays hatless!”

“Do you sometimes wear a hat?” I asked Clare.

“Yes, indeed. Mainly for special occasions.

I always wear a hat when attending a funeral,

as a mark of respect. And, of course, a

wedding is a chance to dress up. In my view,

if the ceremony is in a church, you wear a hat.

You are honouring a special day.”

Vipun was very happy to chat: he had been

born in India in 1963 but has lived locally for

the last 23 years. “It’s a great place to live,

midway between the countryside and the

city. Actually, I’ve had a transplant. My brother

donated a kidney. On cold days, I wear this

woolly hat to cover my bald head. In summer,

it’s a baseball cap. My dermatologist advised

me about avoiding skin cancer. So, you could

say I’m hatted for medical reasons.”

Down at the station, Naomi didn’t hesitate: “I

feel cool wearing a hat, and it keeps me warm.”

We both laughed at this! “I’ve got loads of hats,

all brightly coloured,” (today’s was in dazzling

purpley pink.) “If I’m in a hurry I can just throw

one on and go. It makes life easy.”

I was to be educated by my next contributor:

Harry was sporting a ‘beanie’. “This is called

streetwear. I bought it years ago. You can

see the logo of the Wu-Tang Clan here, a

famous rap group in New York. They teamed

up with the Rockwell Clothing label. Often,

a performing group will collaborate with a

designer as part of their marketing strategy.”

Harry’s partner, Priya, was more down-toearth:

“A cap with a brim protects your eyes,

but really, I just love the fact that no one can

see your hair’s in a mess.”

Dean was wearing a baseball cap. Not just

any baseball cap. Clear to see was the Armani

designer label. “I look for good quality

clothing. I have a trilby for more formal wear.”

His wife Kellie was nodding: “Our daughter

has a hat for every occasion, including a rather

lovely flippy floppy bonnet

covered in animal prints.”

Isolde was helping out

at St Mary’s grand

annual Christmas

Charity Bazaar. “Oh

yes!” she said. “In the

summer, I get lots

of compliments

on my purple and

orange sunhat.

It’s covered with

pin badges;

there’s one

from the

Great Western

Railway, there’s

even one from Mont Saint-Michel. Really, a

hat ties your outfit together, the hat, coat and

shoes. One hat I knitted looks exactly like a

large orange complete with a green stalk on

top. Another is in the shape of a Christmas

tree complete with fairy lights that I can turn

on from a little switch in my shirt pocket.”

My brain has been teeming with hats! Some

worn with pride, like the green beret or the

jockey cap; some born of tradition like the

boaters at a regatta or the mortarboards

on graduation day; some for identity like

the policeman’s helmet, the chef’s white

topper. We all picture Sherlock Holmes in

his deerstalker and Captain Hook in his

striped bandanna. Imagine Tommy Cooper

without his fez, Charlie Chaplain without his

shabby bowler or Willie Wonka without his

purple topper.

Let’s allow the fashion gurus the last word

on hats: Christian Dior went magnificently

(crazily) overboard: “Without hats, there is

no civilisation,” he proclaimed. (Surely with

a smile on his face?) But I prefer the less

grandiose comment from world-famous Philip

Treacy, ‘perhaps the greatest living milliner’

according to Vogue magazine: “Hats make

people feel good. That’s the point of them!”

To contact DD with your thoughts or

feedback, email dd@swvg.co.uk


38


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40


On the same team

Acting Inspector Reshma Sher shares how local Safer Neighbourhoods

Teams are addressing South Woodford’s crime issues and encourages

residents to help make a difference

Hello everyone. My name is Reshma

Sher and I am currently the

Acting Inspector for the Safer

Neighbourhoods Teams (SNT). I cover North

Redbridge. I am based at Barkingside Police

Station, where I oversee neighbourhood

policing for South Woodford, Churchfields

and nine other surrounding wards. Prior to

this, I was a sergeant on SNT covering the

same area, so I have a good understanding

of neighbourhood policing and this is

something that is so important to me.

I have been a resident in Redbridge for my

whole life and I have seen and experienced

issues as a resident of Redbridge as well as

a police officer. I joined the Met in 2014 and I

have served on a variety of teams within the

East Area Command Unit.

The community is important to me and my

teams. We want everyone to feel safe where

they live, work, go to school or college or

when they are out socialising with friends and

family. Your neighbourhood teams complete

reassurance patrols, community engagement

events, weapon sweeps, execute warrants,

tackle antisocial behaviour and take positive

action in relation to any criminal incidents.

We aim to prioritise the community’s needs

in all we do. I am aware concerns have

been raised about motor vehicle crime and

robberies taking place in South Woodford.

We are carrying out plain-clothes, proactive

patrols as well as providing a uniformed

presence during the various times of day

the crimes are being committed. The local

policing team is working in partnership with

other neighbourhood teams, as well as British

Transport Police, Safer Transport Teams and

the local authority to tackle the incidents as

best as we can.

The local team will be arranging crime

prevention stalls to provide advice on

stopping the theft of motor vehicles, such

as using steering wheel locks combined

with signal-blocking pouches. They will give

advice on keeping your mobile phones safe

and some tips, such as making a note of the

IMEI number. They will be publishing dates

on social media and the Redbridge WhatsApp

channel. The local teams will also be putting

their contact details in your local shops.

We also hold quarterly ward panel meetings. If

you are a resident or work in the area, why not

come along? You can really make a difference

and have a say in what you feel should be the

ward priorities to help us with our community

crime fighting. Please contact your local SNT if

you would like to be a part of this.

To contact South Woodford SNT, email

SNTJI-South-Woodford@met.police.uk

or call 07887 626 647

To contact Churchfields SNT, email

SNTJI-Churchfields@met.police.uk

or call 07407 492 729

To join the Redbridge WhatsApp channel,

visit swvg.co.uk/rwa



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42


CONSTRUCTING JUSTICE

Construction site accidents can result in serious injuries, but taking the

right steps after can help secure the compensation you deserve, says

Bradley Wright from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash

Accidents at work can happen to

anyone. When it comes to the

workplace, building sites are

unfortunately environments where the

chances of suffering an injury are higher

than that of many other workplaces. Some

61,000 workers are injured on average per

year whilst carrying out their duties on

building and construction sites.

Accidents on construction sites can have

serious consequences and usually involve

life-changing injuries, such as spinal injuries,

brain injuries, electrocutions, burns and,

in the worst-case scenario, fatalities. The

most common types of injury that take

place on building sites are falls, usually from

ladders or scaffolding that has been erected

negligently.

Employers and site managers have a duty

of care to ensure all reasonable steps are

taken to avoid accidents on building sites,

but unfortunately, they can fail in the

following ways:

• Failing to carryout an appropriate risk

assessment on the building site.

• Failing to provide employees and

subcontractors with sufficient personal

protective equipment.

• Failing to maintain equipment and

machinery efficiently.

• Failing to ensure scaffolding and ladders

are erected safely and maintained in an

efficient state.

• Failing to enforce health and safety

regulations and failing to train employees

appropriately.

If the employer or site managers do not fulfil

their duties to provide a safe workplace, then

you can make a personal injury claim for

compensation.

If you have suffered an accident on a building

site, it is vital you seek medical attention.

There should be a first aider on site and it is

imperative you obtain treatment from them

immediately. You must report your injury to

your employer or site manager. If they have

an accident book, make sure you complete

an entry and keep a copy of this. You should

take photos and videos of your injury and,

more importantly, of the accident site and any

defective equipment you were using at the

time. Lastly, obtain witness information.

If you are self-employed, you will still be

able to pursue compensation as a claim can

be made against the site manager or main

contractor for whom you have performed

duties.

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

Accidents at work

We are dedicated to helping thousands

of injured people rebuild their lives.

Call: 020 8514 9000

Email: bradley.wright@edslaw.co.uk

Scan the QR code to visit our website


44

I

am a self-taught artist living

in South Woodford. In 2022,

after spending over 40 years

in various administration and

managerial roles, I left behind that

career to pursue my passion for

art and crafts full-time.


I take inspiration from a variety of

sources, including various social

media platforms, popular fiction,

fantasy and nature.

When something I see particularly

piques my interest, I use the skills and

experience I’ve gained over the years as both

a hobbyist and in a semi-professional capacity

to create something brand new. This allows

me to explore different mediums, creating

artwork that invokes interest and intrigue in

others, with my own personal flair.

I have been able to creatively curate various

immersive, themed events for birthdays,

weddings and other gatherings, providing

everything from decor to props and costumes.

Examples of my work include two life-sized

trees that currently reside in the classrooms of

a school in Romford, various Victorian bonnets

and festival hats that were commissioned

pieces and some costume accessories for an

aerial artist.

Additionally, I took on a role as creative

designer for Chilled in a Field, a small family

festival, working alongside the production

and decor team. This involved creating

immersive concepts, putting together

storyboards for specific public areas and

managing several volunteer workshops

making sets, backdrops and props. I will

always be grateful to the festival for giving me

the opportunity to explore different artistic

avenues and for the positive impact it had on

working with other like-minded people. Sadly,

however, the pandemic brought an end to

the festival and so I sought new ways to be

creative, express my inner visions and keep

producing artworks that are both inclusive

and thought-provoking. Being part of a group

of creative people was pivotal and I wanted to

find an art group that was local. And just like

that, Art Group Wanstead appeared in one of

my newsfeeds.

Algorithms can be

useful sometimes!

I joined the group in

February 2024 and went

straight on to do my first

exhibition. The art group members

are lovely. There’s lots of knowledge,

support and guidance within the group.

Recently, I have been experimenting with

acrylic paint, creating contemporary, threedimensional

pieces of artwork – like the one

shown here – using die-cast models from Star

Trek’s Deep Space Nine series. I used specific

models – a Nightingale, a Swarm Ship and

a Bird of Prey – that tied in with a Winged

Wonders-themed exhibition at Wanstead

Library in December.

Every piece of art I create is an original and

although inspiration can be drawn from other

works, both my own and from others, no two

pieces are the same.

To view more of Sharon’s artwork,

visit swvg.co.uk/quinton. For more

information, email SQArt13@gmail.com



A NEW

FRONTIER

South Woodford artist Sharon Quinton

explains her journey from office work

to a whole new world of creativity,

community and craft


46


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Community events

PANTOMIME:

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Woodford Pantomime presents its New Year

show for all the family.

Date: Wednesday 1 to Sunday 12 January

Venue: Sir James Hawkey Hall, IG8 0BG

Cost: £18.50 Enquiries: woodfordpantomime.co.uk

JAN

1

WANSTEAD

COMMUNITY MARKET

Monthly market offering a range of products.

Date: Sunday 5 January Time: 10am–4pm

Venue: Wanstead High Street

Enquiries: aceeventsltd.co.uk

JAN

5

A WANSTEAD PARK

EPIPHANY WALK

Hosted by the Friends of Wanstead Parklands.

Date: Sunday 5 January Time: 10.30am–12pm

Venue: Wanstead Park, Warren Road entrance

Cost: free Enquiries: info@wansteadpark.org.uk

JAN

5

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.

HOLBORN’S

HEROES

A presentation by retired police officer Chris

Foster for the Wanstead & Woodford U3A.

Visitors welcome.

Date: Tuesday 7 January Time: 10am

Venue: Woodford Memorial Hall, E18 2PA

Cost: first visit free Enquiries: u3a-ww.uk

JAN

7

BEREAVEMENT CAFÉ

AFTERNOON SESSION

For people struggling with feelings of loss

and grief. Hosted by volunteers from local

churches.

Date: Tuesday 7 January Time: 2–3pm

Venue: St Mary’s Church, South Woodford

Cost: free Enquiries: 020 8505 3000

JAN

7

FOR THE LOVE

OF NATURE

A talk for the North East London Local

Group of the RSPB by wildlife photographer

Mick White.

Date: Tuesday 7 January Time: 8pm


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

JAN

7

SOUTH WOODFORD WARD

COUNCILLOR SURGERY

Councillors Joe Hehir, Beverley Brewer and

Saiqa Qayum Hussain. Booking required.

Date: Wednesday 8 January Time: 6–7pm

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

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

JAN

8

THE GLORIOUS GARDEN

OF THE DEAD

A Wanstead Historical Society presentation by

Nick Dobson about Highgate Cemetery.

Date: Monday 6 January Time: 8pm

Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road

Cost: £4 Enquiries: 07949 026 212

JAN

6

NOVELISTS WHO LIVED

IN REDBRIDGE

A talk by Janet Seward for the Woodford

Historical Society. Visitors welcome.

Date: Thursday 9 January Time: 2.30pm

Venue: All Saints Church Hall, Woodford Green

Cost: £5 Enquiries: woodfordhistoricalsociety.org

JAN

9


48


BIRDING WALK IN

HIGHAMS PARK

Join RSPB North East London Local

Group for a beginner-friendly birding

walk around Highams Park lake and the

surrounding woods.

Date: Saturday 11 January Time: 10.30am–12.30pm

Venue: Humphry’s Cafe, Woodford, IG8 9RB

Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/11jan

JAN

JAN

12

11

WANSTEAD PARK

LITTER PICK

Hosted by the Friends of Wanstead Parklands.

Date: Sunday 12 January Time: 11am

Venue: the Temple, Wanstead Park, E11 2LT

Cost: free Enquiries: wansteadpark.org.uk

JAN

12

OPEN DAY AT THE TEMPLE

IN WANSTEAD PARK

Wanstead Park’s visitor centre is open.


Venue: the Temple, Wanstead Park, E11 2LT

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

ART EXHIBITION:

SIR PATRICK SPENS

An exhibition by Christopher Thomas

celebrating the ballad of Sir Patrick Spens.

Date: Monday 13 January to Saturday 1 February


Cost: free Enquiries: christhomasart.co.uk

JAN

13

ASPECTS OF

STONEHENGE

A talk by Mike Parker Pearson for the West

Essex Archaeological Group. Visitors welcome.

Date: Monday 13 January Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Woodford County High School, IG8 9LA

Cost: free Enquiries: weag.org.uk

JAN

13

JAN

14

COMPASSIONATE

FUNERALS

LEONARDO AND

MICHELANGELO’S RIVALRY

A presentation by Dr James Lindow for The

Arts Society Woodford Green.


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

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

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LAUGH-ABLE

COMEDY NIGHT

Fully accessible, affordable and award-winning

comedy night featuring Rachel Creeger.

Date: Wednesday 15 January Time: 7.30–9.30pm


Cost: donation Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/15jan

JAN

15

WANSTEAD LIBRARY

GRIEF CAFE

Date: Thursday 16 January Time: 6.30–8.30pm


Cost: £3 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/16jan

JAN

16

THE STORY OF

THE NATIVITY

Seven actors use inventive storytelling

techniques to play more than 50 different

characters. Suitable for children aged four

and over.

Date: Friday 17 January Time: 7–8pm

Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre, E18 2RB

Cost: £10 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents

JAN

17

WANSTEAD

STAMP FAIR

Date: Saturday 18 January Time: 10am–3pm

Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes, E11 2PR

Cost: free Enquiries: 07534 496 845

JAN

18

VALENTINE SINGERS

ALL-DAY OPEN WORKSHOP

Anyone who enjoys choral singing or would

like to sample the experience of singing with a

large chorus is invited to join Valentine Singers

for the day. Observers welcome.

Date: Saturday 18 January Time: 10.30am–4.30pm


Cost: £25 Enquiries: 020 8504 1261

JAN

JAN

19

18

SOUTH WOODFORD

COMMUNITY MARKET

Monthly market offering a wide range of food

and craft products.


Venue: George Lane, South Woodford

Enquiries: aceeventsltd.co.uk

Lamda & Acting Academy

Everywhere Theatre

2PM-5PM

SATURDAYS

ST.MARY’S CHURCH, OVERTON DRIVE, E11 2LW

SUITABLE FOR 5-15 YRS

£30 PER SESSION 10% SIBLING DISCOUNT

CONTACT ZOEY:

07909 880 524

Free taster trial!


50


GARDENING SESSION

AT THE ORCHARD

Hosted by the South Woodford Society.

All welcome.


Venue: Community Orchard, South Woodford

Enquiries: e18society@gmail.com

JAN

19

A SPACE TRAVELLER’S GUIDE

TO EXOPLANETS

A North East London Astronomical Society

presentation. Free entry for new visitors.

Date: Sunday 19 January Time: 1.30pm

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

Cost: £3 Enquiries: stevek1951@hotmail.com

JAN

19

REDBRIDGE MUSIC

SOCIETY RECITAL

Featuring the students of Redbridge

Music Service.



Cost: £9 Enquiries: 07380 606 767

JAN

21

FAMILY HISTORY:

ONE STREET STUDY

A presentation by Gill Thomas for the East of

London Family History Society.

Date: Wednesday 22 January Time: 7.30pm


Cost: £5 Enquiries: 07762 514 238

JAN

22

MUSIC ON

THE HILL

Featuring opera arias, West End musical

favourites, Latin love songs and piano solos.

Date: Friday 24 January Time: 6.30pm

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

Cost: £10; under-18s: £8 Enquiries: htsw.org.uk

JAN

24

SOUTH WOODFORD

LITTER PICK


Venue: Community Orchard, South Woodford

Cost: free Enquiries: e18society@gmail.com

JAN

26

ESSEX ART CLUB SUNDAY

DEMONSTRATION

Graham Webber will be painting boats in oil.

Date: Sunday 26 January Time: 2.30–4.30pm

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

Cost: £5 Enquiries: essexartclub.co.uk

JAN

26

DANCE FITNESS

FEST 2025

Date: Sunday 26 January Time: 2.30–4.30pm

Venue: Sir James Hawkey Hall, IG8 0BG

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

JAN

26

SOUTH WOODFORD

BUSINESS NETWORKING

A networking event for South Woodford

businesses. Booking required.

Date: Tuesday 28 January Time: 5–6.30pm

Venue: Namak, 219 High Road, E18 2PB

Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/28jan

JAN

28

THE COMMONWEALTH WAR

GRAVES COMMISSION

A talk by Tony Matthews for the Woodford and

District Centre of the National Trust.

Date: Wednesday 29 January Time: 2.30pm


Cost: £3 Enquiries: 07774 164 407

JAN

2 FEB 4 FEB

29

WANSTEAD

COMMUNITY MARKET

Date: Sunday 2 February Time: 10am–4pm

Venue: Wanstead High Street

SOUTH WOODFORD

REPAIR CAFÉ

Bring your broken items to the repair café to

give them a new lease of life.

Date: Saturday 25 January Time: 10am–1pm


Cost: free Enquiries: southwoodfordsociety.org

JAN

25

THE STORIES

OF SMITHFIELD

A presentation by Sally Horton for the

Wanstead & Woodford U3A. Visitors welcome.

Date: Tuesday 4 February Time: 10am


Cost: first visit free Enquiries: u3a-ww.uk



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always been our focus.

FIND US:

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52


WOYZECK: INNOCENCE,

THERE IS A MARK ON YOU

Kat Mary Productions presents a new

imagining of the play by Georg Büchner.

Date: Wednesday 5 February Time: 7pm


Cost: £12.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents

FEB

5

THE LITTLE

MERMAID JR

A production based on the Hans Christian

Andersen story and the Disney film.

Date: Sunday 9 February Time: 2.30pm and 5pm



FEB

9

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TALK:

ROMAN PISA

A talk by Ian Jones for the West Essex

Archaeological Group. Visitors welcome.

Date: Monday 10 February Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Woodford County High School, IG8 9LA

Cost: £2 Enquiries: weag.org.uk

FEB

10

THE DIVINE SUNFLOWER IN

ART AND CULTURE

A presentation by Twiggs Way for The Arts

Society Woodford Green. Visitors welcome.

Date: Tuesday 11 February Time: 8pm

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

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

FEB

11

FAMOUS BLUE PLAQUES IN

THE EAST END

A talk by Gary Lewis for the Woodford

Historical Society. Visitors welcome.

Date: Thursday 13 February Time: 2.30pm


Cost: £5 Enquiries: woodfordhistoricalsociety.org

FEB

13

THE DINOSAUR TIMEWARP:

A DINOSAUR PANTO

An interactive Jurassic panto-style adventure

suitable for children aged three and over.

Date: Monday 17 February Time: 1pm and 3.30pm



FEB

17

TURTLE DOVE

CONSERVATION

A talk for the North East London Local Group

of the RSPB by Nicole Khan.

Date: Tuesday 18 February Time: 8pm


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

FEB

18

THE ESSEX

RECORDS OFFICE

A talk by Vicky West for the Woodford and

District Centre of the National Trust.

Date: Wednesday 19 February Time: 2.30pm


Cost: £3 Enquiries: 07774 164 407

FEB

19

WALKING FOR HEALTH:

WANSTEAD PARK

Date: Thursday 20 February Time: 11am–12pm

Venue: Wanstead Park, Warren Road entrance

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

FEB

20

SNOW WHITE

AND ROSE RED

Based on the tale by Brothers Grimm, the Let’s

All Dance Ballet Company breathe fresh life

into this quirky story. Suitable for all ages.

Date: Friday 21 February Time: 11am and 1.30pm



FEB

21

SOUTH WOODFORD SOCIETY

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Learn about the Society’s achievements in

2024 and their plans for 2025. Open to all.

Date: Wednesday 26 February Time: 7pm

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

Cost: free Enquiries: sowosoc.org

FEB

26

REDBRIDGE YOUTH THEATRE

WORKSHOP: CLUEDO

A performance based on the cult classic film

and the popular board game. Suitable for

children aged seven and over.

Date: Friday 28 February Time: 7.30pm



FEB

28



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54


Local community groups

ALLAN BURGESS CENTRE

Offering a wide range of activities for the

over-55s. 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

IN THE BUILDING TRADE FOR 30 YEARS

SOUTH WOODFORD BUSINESS NETWORK

Providing a voice for South Woodford’s

businesses and networking opportunities.

Visit swvg.co.uk/swbn

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 sowosoc.org

ST BARNABAS CHURCH LUNCHEON CLUB

Every Friday, 12 noon to 2pm at St Barnabas

Church Hall, 127 Snakes Lane East. All over-55s

welcome. Cost: £4. Call 020 8491 1134

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

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

WANSTEAD AND WOODFORD U3A

Meeting on the first Tuesday of the month

with a range of groups and social activities.

For anyone over 55 and not in full-time

employment. First visit is free. Visit u3a-ww.uk

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



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56


Useful numbers

in South Woodford

ADVICE & SUPPORT

Age UK 020 8220 6000

Citizens Advice Redbridge 0808 278 7872

Samaritans116 123

HEALTH

NHS 111 111

Elmhurst Practice 020 8491 3310

Glebelands Practice 020 8989 6272

Out of hours GP 020 3770 1888

Shrubberies Medical Centre 020 8530 4108

South Woodford Health Centre 020 8491 3333

Southdene Surgery 020 8530 3731

The Broadway Surgery 020 8505 3204

Whipps Cross Hospital 020 8539 5522

LEISURE & LIBRARIES

South Woodford Library 020 8708 9067

Wanstead Leisure Centre 020 8989 1172

Wanstead Library 020 8708 7400

Woodford Green Library 020 8708 7444

Creative

Giftware

A family business based in Wanstead, specialising in

embroidered homeware and gifts for all occasions

Call: 0208 530 1244

84 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, E11 2EZ

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 (Ind) 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

Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP (Con) 020 7219 2667

iainduncansmith.org.uk

LOCAL MP Leyton and Wanstead

Calvin Bailey MP (Lab) 020 7219 7417

calvin.bailey.mp@parliament.uk

POLICE & NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Emergency 999

Non-emergency 101

Crimestoppers0800 555 111

South Woodford SNT 07887 626 647

SNTJI-South-Woodford@met.police.uk

Churchfields SNT 07407 492 729

SNTJI-Churchfields@met.police.uk

REDBRIDGE COUNCIL

Adult Social Service 020 8708 7333

Children’s Services 020 8708 3885

Council Tax enquiries 020 8708 5670

Customer contact centre 020 8554 5000

UTILITIES

Electricity (power cut) 105

Electricity emergency 0800 40 40 90

Gas emergency0800 111 999

Thames Water (report a leak)0800 714 614



GARDENCARE

• PAVING & PATIOS

• TURFING

• ARTIFICIAL LAWNS

• FENCING

• VICTORIAN PATHS

• DRIVEWAYS

• BRICKWORK

• RENDERING

• DECKING

• DESIGN

• PLANTING

• RAISED FLOWER BEDS

Tel: 020 8539 4443

enquiries@lancastersgardencare.com

Visit us today Garden Maintenance Tree Service

Shop online at lancastersonline.com or call 020 8520 1088

UNIT 2, THE OLD STATION YARD, WALTHAMSTOW, E17 3NZ


58

ACTING LESSONS

Everywhere Theatre49

BATHROOMS

Bathworks 55

BOILER SERVICING

Rightio Plumbing & Heating 35

BUILDERS

Finch Contracts20

North London Loft Rooms13

BUSINESS SUPPORT

South Woodford Business Network7

CAR CARE

Belgrave Motor Services 38

Woodbridge Autos21

CAREER SERVICES

Connect Coaching17

Public Sector Recruitment20

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

K&D Joinery41

Woodthorpe Joinery 1

CHARITIES

Guide Dogs 34

Haven House Children's Hospice46

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Everywhere Theatre49

Tumble Tots 4

CONSERVATORIES

Best Double Glazing12

COUNSELLING

Counselling Helps16

COWORKING SPACE

Wanstead Works 11

DECORATORS

E18 Handyman54

Stuart Green Property Solutions17

DENTIST

Smile in London 53

Woodford House Dental Practice5

DIGITAL SAFETY

Be Smart Cookie 6

DOGS

Guide Dogs 34

DOORS

K&D Joinery41

DRIVEWAYS

Lancasters Gardencare57

EMBROIDERY

Creative Giftware 56


– Index of advertisers –

ESTATE AGENTS

Churchill Estates 30–31 & 60

The Stow Brothers51

Yellands 24

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Laugh Out Loud46

South Woodford Business Network7

Valentine Singers 27

FENCING


FERTILITY SERVICES

Apex Reproductive Healthcare12

FISHMONGER

Wanstead Fish16

FLOORING

Antique Wooden Floors 35

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Compassionate Funerals48

GARAGE SERVICES


Woodbridge Autos21

GARDENS & LANDSCAPING


GIFTS

Creative Giftware 56

Village Vouchers 4 & 28

HANDYMAN

E18 Handyman54


HEALTH & FITNESS

Sylvestrian Leisure Centre 59

HEALTHCARE

Practice Plus Group 34

JOB VACANCIES


LOFTS


MOT


Woodbridge Autos21

OPTICIANS

Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists 39

PHOTOGRAPHY

Geoff Wilkinson 24

PLUMBING & HEATING

Rightio Plumbing & Heating 35

POLITICS

Calvin Bailey MP 10

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

E18 Handyman54

Finch Contracts20



PROPERTY SERVICES

Churchill Estates 30–31 & 60

The Stow Brothers51

Yellands 24

RECRUITMENT & CAREERS

Connect Coaching17


REFLEXOLOGY

East London Reflexology15

SCHOOLS & NURSERIES

Avon House Preparatory School2

Loyola Preparatory School 25

St Aubyn’s School 8

Woodford Green Prep School29

SINGING

Valentine Singers 27

SOLICITORS

Edwards Duthie Shamash 43

SOUND BATH

Nafas Yoga 9

SPORT & LEISURE

Sylvestrian Leisure Centre 59

STAIRS

K&D Joinery41

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Counselling Helps16

TUITION & COURSES

MagiKats 38

UTILITIES

Utility Warehouse33

VENUE HIRE

Wanstead Works 11

VOUCHERS

Village Vouchers 4 & 28

WARDROBES


WINDOWS

Best Double Glazing12

McCarty & Smith 23

WINDOW SHUTTERS


YOGA

Nafas Yoga 9



New year,

New you!

///////

NO

JOINING

FEE

ONE MONTH

FREE

on all monthly memberships in January.

Visit www.sylvestrian-leisure.co.uk

for more information

020 8509 6526

enquiries@sylvestrian-leisure.co.uk

Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, College Place, E17 3PY

Want to have FUN w

Are you aged 18 yea

environment?

The Sylvestrian Leisure

team of likeminded indi

range of activities for th

engage in these activiti

memorable experience

If this sounds like Y

apply.


NEW YEAR,

NEW HOME?

Find your nearest branch and see how

much your home is worth

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