Mar/Apr 2025

ISSN 2632-8224 Est. 1992

March/April 2025 Issue No: 196

FREE

swvg.co.uk

Luxury, fully serviced consulting,

treatment and business rooms in the

heart of South Woodford (see page 5)

www.lilyhouse.com

INSIDE: New police hub • Marathon woman • Roding report • Line art • Bus stress

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

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

•HOLIDAY ACTIVITY CAMP STAFF

2

South Woodford Village Gazette

•HOLIDAY CAMP MANAGERS

•HOLIDAY CAMP QUALIFIED

LEADERS

Want to have FUN while working and earning a competitive rate?

Are you aged 18 year’s or older and want to gain experience and skills in

environment?

The Sylvestrian Leisure Centre are looking for fun, caring professionals who enjoy w

team of likeminded individuals. Each half term, Easter break and Summer holidays w

range of activities for the children attending our camp to take part in, you will have t

engage in these activities ensuring that every child who attends our camp has an ex

memorable experience during their school holidays!

If this sounds like YOU, then please feel free to email enquiries@fore

apply.

BRAND NEW

State-of-the-art

Indoor facility

• 1–1 hire for cricket

coaches

• Club training

• Block booking requests

• Discounted rates

available for cricket clubs

GET IN TOUCH

020 8509 6526

enquiries@sylvestrian-leisure.co.uk

Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, College Place, E17 3PY

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

Contents

Features

Miles ahead 14

Hotel Uniform Bravo!18–19

Non-stop stress22

DD’s 70th Woodford Diary26–27

Woodford’s loss32

Renters’ rights 36

Line by line 38–39

Our Churchill42

Roding report 44

Puzzles & competitions

Sudoku 20

Welcome...

Idea W14

Idea W12

You wait ages for an editor’s

welcome address idea, and then two come along at once. Buses

and police. Both are in the ‘mainstream’ local news, with ITV

London taking an interest in the campaign against TfL’s recent

bus route changes here and Metropolitan Police Commissioner

Sir Mark Rowley visiting the area to open a new hub for local

officers. Two very important topics and two very solid ideas

for a welcome address. Plus, each comes with its own supply

of metaphors and puns. So, which to choose? Boris Johnson

once had a similar dilemma over Brexit. He decided by writing

an article in favour of Leave and an article in favour of Remain.

A paragraph will do here, but unlike Johnson, I’ll publish both.

The bus route upheaval has left many feeling lost and isolated.

Some emotionally, some literally. What started as an inadequate

consultation in the summer of 2023 led to wholesale change in

the autumn of 2024, and the voice of the campaign group is only

growing louder. Their journey is by no means over but – unlike

those at TfL who redesigned the routes – they know exactly

where they’re going.

If you manage to get yourself aboard a W14, you might just catch

a glimpse of the new Woodford Police Hub as you peer between

the backs of heads and around the armpits of your fellow

passengers travelling along Broadmead Road. Perhaps you’ll see

an officer or two heading off to a nearby ward, on foot, making

full use of the local location. A new beat to walk and, like the

beleaguered bus drivers, a new route to learn.

Crossword competition 28

Every issue

Local news6–10 & 12

There you have it. Both ideas overlap nicely

for a welcome address. Buses and police are

both integral to the fabric of our community

and so you’ll find arresting content about

each topic within, with plenty of other

interesting stops along the way.

Lee Marquis, Editor

Community events47–50 & 52

Community groups 54

Useful numbers 56

Index of advertisers 58

Contact Us

020 8819 0595

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 May/June 2025 edition is 17 April 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


Free chair yoga for

movement disorders

and other health

conditions

Gentle movement for mobility, posture,

balance and strength

Guided relaxation for emotional wellbeing

Open to all ages, abilities, carers and family

Online and 1:1 options also available

CALL OR SCAN THE CODE TO BOOK

Christ Church, Wanstead Place, E11 2SW

07707 668867

hello@mindandmovement.uk

WEDNESDAYS

12-1PM

UNTIL

APRIL 2025

www.mindandmovement.uk

Designed to feel just like home

Residential | Nursing | Dementia | Respite | Palliative Care

chestnutmanorcarehome

chestnut@westgatehc.co.uk

0203 871 6070

www.westgatehc.co.uk

63 Cambridge Park

Wanstead

E11 2PR


March /April 2025 5

A Professional Space

ideal for therapists,

counsellors, wellness

& medical

professionals.

Luxury, fully serviced

consulting,

treatment rooms &

private meeting

room for hire.

www.lilyhouse.com T: 020 8530 8888

11 The Shrubberies, George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BD

Helping people like you to

feel great every day

Lily House, 11 The Shrubberies, George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1BD

If your back (or anything else) goes out more often than you do,

contact Alex at The Osteopathy Centre:

call: 020 3928 6999 www.theosteopathycentre.com

Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts

6


Woodbridge High School fundraising for

vital sports hall repairs

Woodbridge High

School is raising funds

for the refurbishment

of its sports hall. “The

heating system requires

repair and the gym

floor, which is currently

unusable, needs

replacing. Although we

have applied for a bid

from Redbridge Council,

it is unlikely that any

funding we receive will

cover the estimated

£40,000 cost. The gym

is not only used by our PE department but is

also used for exams throughout the year,” said

headteacher Steven Hogan. In addition to

the school’s own fundraising events, a parent

has set up a crowdfunder for donations from

the wider community with an initial target

Plumbing, Heating &

Breakdown Services

Covering Wanstead & Woodford

•ANNUAL GAS SAFETY CERTIFICATE

•BOILER SERVICE •HEATING •PLUMBING

•DRAINAGE •EMERGENCY CALL OUT

Join our Prime Care breakdown

cover and enjoy year-round

protection from £20 per month

Call us! 0793 087 7007

Book online! primepropertyrepairs.com

of £10,000. “We would like to extend our

heartfelt thanks to everyone for your support,

and if your workplace offers match funding,

please get in touch. This refurbishment will

make a significant difference for our students.”

Visit swvg.co.uk/whsgym

Spring fun in

the park

Families are invited

to take part in

activities in Elmhurst

Gardens this spring.

A community action

day on 29 March

(11am to 12 noon) will

see neighbours come

together to help

make improvements

to the park. This will

be followed by two

Easter hunt sessions

on 12 April (11.30am to

12 noon for under-3s;

12 noon to 2pm

for older children).

“There’ll be ice

cream, face painting

and an Easter Egg

raffle,” said a Friends

of Elmhurst Gardens

spokesperson.

Woodbridge High School

Community

safety Q&A

The recording of

a question and

answer session

about community

safety in Redbridge

is available to watch

online. The event –

which took place in

January – was hosted

by council leader

Councillor Kam

Rai and the Met’s

East Area BCU

Commander Stuart

Bell. Along with

residents’ questions,

the session

highlighted how to

report specific issues

and explained what

happens to reported

information. Visit

swvg.co.uk/safetalk


March /April 2025 7

New local therapeutic arts charity for

young adults with additional needs

South Woodford Islamic Centre

Donates £5,000 to children’s hospice

Renee Stafford

A charity dedicated to providing therapeutic

art sessions for young adults with additional

needs is being launched by a local resident.

“When my daughter, Renee, left her special

needs school, her vibrant social connections

faded. That’s why I am launching ArtHouse

Social, a space where 18- to 25-year-olds with

additional needs can find their tribe,” said Nina

Stafford, who is searching for a local venue

to accommodate the sessions. A fundraising

disco will be held at the Heathcote and Star in

Leytonstone on 25 April. Visit swvg.co.uk/arth

Local school celebrates diversity by

asking pupils to ‘wear their story’

St Aubyn’s School celebrated diversity by

holding a ‘Wear Your Story’ day in February.

Pupils donned outfits to showcase their

hobbies, culture, religion and family traditions,

sharing the stories behind their choices

with peers and teachers. “This day was more

than just an opportunity for pupils to wear

something personal – it was a chance to be

seen, heard and valued for who they truly are,”

said a spokesperson for the Woodford Green

school. As part of the celebrations, donations

were also collected for The Woodland Trust.

The South Woodford Islamic Centre has

donated £5,000 to Haven House Children’s

Hospice. The donation, raised through

contributions from worshippers during

Friday prayers, will go towards funding the

specialised nursing care, therapeutic activities

and emotional support the Woodford Green

hospice offers free of charge to families in

need. “Charity is a core tenet of Islam. In the

last year, our congregation has raised £130,000

for global disasters and people in crisis,” said

Head Imam Dr Mohammed Fahim.

COMMUNITY

MARKETS

SOUTH WOODFORD

16 MARCH, 27 APRIL, 18 MAY

11am to 5pm

WANSTEAD

2 MARCH, 6 APRIL, 4 MAY

10am to 4pm

aceeventsltd.co.uk


8


Broadmead Road bridge inspection

report published

MP criticises lack of clarity over

Broadmead Road bridge reopening

Iain Duncan Smith MP

at Redbridge Town Hall

Redbridge Council has published the Principal

Inspection Report for Broadmead Road

bridge, which has been closed to traffic since

July 2023 due to significant structural defects.

“To make these technical reports easier to

understand, we have also prepared a progress

summary document, which includes an

overview of the inspection, hammer tapping

and concrete testing findings and details of

future works,” said a spokesperson. The council

is awaiting further reports to determine the

repair options available. Visit swvg.co.uk/brb

Iain Duncan Smith MP has expressed his

disappointment about the lack of clarity for

the future of Broadmead Road bridge. “I met

the Leader of Redbridge Council to discuss

the bridge following the release of the latest

reports,” said the Chingford & Woodford

Green MP. “I am disappointed there is no clear

indication of when the bridge will reopen…

The delays are unacceptable and I made it

clear the council must address the issue of

funding as soon as possible to ensure this vital

transport link can be restored.”

A warm welcome from Frank Lampard Snr...

Function Room For Hire

With No Hire Charge

Host your next event for up to 150 at Nightingale On The Green. Perfect for

birthdays, anniversaries, wakes, family gatherings or corporate events, our

space offers a warm, inviting atmosphere. With delicious catering options

and attentive service, we’ll ensure your special occasion is memorable.

51 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, E11 2EY

Call us: 020 8530 4683

nightingaleonthegreen.co.uk

@NIGHTINGALEONTHEGREEN

NIGHTINGALE

on the green


March /April 2025 9

IT CAN OFTEN FEEL LIKE

A LONG JOURNEY TO

BETTER HEALTH

FEELING STIFF LIKE THE TIN MAN?

Clinical Reflexology can help with various conditions

Book your treatment today!

07921 508 369

hello@eastlondonreflexology.com

www.eastlondonreflexology.com

Decision due for Holy Trinity Church

development application

Volunteers create new home for

otters on local stretch of River Roding

Trinity Hall alongside

Holy Trinity Church

A decision on the application for a

development at Holy Trinity Church on

Hermon Hill is expected in March. If approved,

Project Arclight will see the church’s 100-yearold

Trinity Hall demolished to make way for

a three-storey apartment building and nine

houses. A new hall, playground and café are

also part of the plans, which the church hopes

will benefit the wider community. A number

of local residents who believe the current hall

is a vital piece of local heritage have opposed

the plans. Visit swvg.co.uk/pa

Volunteers have been working to help otters

thrive in a local stretch of the River Roding.

“We created a spacious otter holt for the

Roding’s most recent new residents. We

used big logs to create an entry chamber

and a nesting chamber, and covered the

whole thing in branches and earth,” said a

spokesperson for the River Roding Trust’s

Wanstead and Woodford local group. The

volunteers also created two hibernacula for

amphibians and other small creatures to use.

Email river.roding@gmail.com


Early years

play

Planting to

boundary

Basketba l

hoop

Sand pit

Curved

bench

Boomerang

benches.

Alternative

Provision

Social Space

Outdoor

Classroom

Existing hedge

Cycle

parking

Bins

Access for Youth

Hub only

Hedge

Existing floodlights

Existing fence

Outdoor Gym

equipment

Access for

community when

Youth Hub not

present

Existing fence

Pathway to A406 Underpass

Electricity Pylon

DRAWING NOTES

1. filename: 12 - 1019_Proposed Site Plan.dwg

2. Do not scale from this drawing in either paper or digital form. Use

figured dimensions only. Detailed site survey to be carried out to

establish tolerances. Figured dimensions are in mm. All dimensions

shall be verified on site before proceeding with the work. The architect

shall be notified of any discrepancies.

3. This drawing has been produced for sole use on this project and

is not intended for use by any other person or for any other purpose.

© Copyright RSS (U.K.)

4. All printed copies should be made at 100% of the original page size.

Use scale bars, where included, to check that the drawing has been

printed to the intended scale as identified in the drawing title block.

5. This drawing is not intended for construction unless specifically

described as such.

REVISIONS

REV DATE STATUS

D01 10.01.25 Issue for information

Changes since last issue:

2 8 N A V I G A T I O N R O A D L O N D O N E 3 3 T G

T : 020 7739 8945

E : rss@rssa.co.uk

job title

drawing title

scale

1:500@A3

Site Access

www.rivingtonstreetstudio.co.uk

Wanstead Education and Youth Hub

Proposed Wider Context Plan

-

drawn by job no.

suitability revision

NC 1019 S1 D01

PROJECT ORIGIN. VOLUME LEVEL TYPE ROLE NUMBER

WEY _ RSS _ 00 _ GF _ DR _ A _ 1202

10


Give feedback on draft designs for

new education and youth hub

Proposed Site Plan

Lime Tree Close

Local history and the influential

families of Woodford

Merino Close

NResidents are encouraged to provide feedback

on the draft designs for a new education and

youth hub on the site of the former Wanstead

Youth Centre, which closed in October 2023 for

repairs. The £6.5m project will see the facility

remodelled, with the addition of classrooms,

a café, playrooms and office space. Under the

plans, the centre’s rear gymnasium will be

converted into a dining hall and multipurpose

space, which has sparked concern among

campaigners. The hub is expected to open in

September 2025. Visit swvg.co.uk/hubplans

Wanstead Education and Youth Hub

0 5m 10m 25m 50m

Elmcroft Ave

Enlarged car Park area

Longcourt Mews

Deynecourt Gardens

Henry Ford Barclay

(1826–1891)

rıvıngtonstreetstudıo

Grove Lodge, now

home to Waitrose

The president of the Woodford Historical

Society will be celebrating local history on

13 March with a presentation of images from

his archives. “I will be delving into my archives,

bringing alive some of the influential families

who lived in and around Woodford in the 19th

and 20th centuries, such as Henry Ford Barclay,

who owned the Monkhams estate from 1864

to 1891,” said Peter Lawrence. The event will

take place from 2.30pm at All Saints’ church

hall in Woodford Green (tickets: £5; visitors

welcome). Visit swvg.co.uk/history

Local MP appointed UK Trade Envoy

to Southern Africa

IN THE BUILDING TRADE FOR 30 YEARS

Calvin Bailey MBE MP

Calvin Bailey MBE, MP for Leyton and

Wanstead – which includes parts of South

Woodford – has been appointed as the UK

Trade Envoy to Southern Africa. “This is a

source of particular pride for me because of

my family links to the region. The connections

to other countries many of us have here are

a foundation of strength for the UK and can

help our country to thrive and achieve greater

security in this volatile world,” said Calvin, who

was born in Zambia. The role is unpaid and

will run until the next General Election.


March /April 2025 11

TRANSFORM YOUR BODY, UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL

AT THE GYM AT REDBRIDGE DRAMA CENTRE

Discover a welcoming gym with cardio, group

exercise classes, weights, and resistance

machines with our Premier or Lifestyle

membership.

Start your fitness journey today and get unlimited gym, swim and classes

at Vision leisure facilities!

Check out our website for more additional benefits

want to sign up staright away?

Scan the QR code or visit vrcl.uk/gojoin


12


Nightingale Primary School joins

School Streets scheme

Whipps Cross has no objections to

W14 entering hospital grounds

©2025 Google

Nightingale Primary School has joined

Redbridge Council’s School Streets scheme.

Vehicular traffic is now prohibited from

entering Ashbourne Avenue and part of South

View Drive during term time. The restrictions

are in force from 8.30am to 9.15am and from

3.15pm to 4pm. “These schemes are critical to

protecting children from traffic at the school

gate, preventing accidents and keeping

children safe,” said a spokesperson. There are

now 26 Schools Streets schemes in operation

throughout the borough.

Creative

Giftware

Whipps Cross Hospital has confirmed it has

no objections to the W14 bus passing through

hospital grounds and has expressed concern

about the service being reduced to once an

hour. TfL changed the route last September,

with the bus now stopping a quarter of a

mile from the hospital entrance. TfL claimed

Whipps didn’t want the W14 to stop in its

grounds, but the request was for the route not

to terminate there. Redbridge Council officers

will meet hospital managers to discuss the

issues ahead of a TfL review of the changes.

Young filmmaker’s documentary on

‘bus route change disaster’

©Riku Fryderyk

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

A young filmmaker has created a

documentary about TfL’s recent changes to

the W12, W13 and W14 bus routes. “My film

features interviews with campaigners, bus

trips with affected members of the public and

footage from the middle of the campaigning

action. I’ve tried to give a full explanation of

TfL’s route design flaws, as well as a hopeful

message for the campaign group’s success,”

said 14-year-old Riku Fryderyk. A Bus Route

Change Disaster is available to watch on Riku’s

YouTube channel. Visit swvg.co.uk/rfyt


s


Crescendo Music Academy

r

& Variations Dance Studio

www.variationsdancestudio.co.uk

gs g

Established in 1998, we provide excellent qualified tuition in a variety of

musical instruments, singing and several dance styles at an affordable price.

BOOK YOUR CHILD’S FREE TRIAL NOW IN OUR DANCE

CLASSES AND SMALL GROUP MUSIC LESSONS!

Examinations • Shows • Concerts • Audition Preparation

INSTRUMENTAL AND SINGING LESSONS IN GEORGE LANE,

SOUTH WOODFORD & DANCE LESSONS IN SOUTH

WOODFORD, WANSTEAD (ALDERSBROOK) & LEYTONSTONE

Children welcome from age 4 to adult for music lessons (1-to-1,

2-to-1 and small groups) and from age 2 for dance classes.

Email: sara@variationsdancestudio.co.uk Tel: 07799 778 565


14


MILES AHEAD

From the London Marathon in April to Warsaw Ironman in June, local

runner Caroline Frith is taking on an incredible series of endurance

challenges in aid of charity, and refusing to let cancer define her life

As a South Woodford resident for

almost 20 years, I definitely call this

part of London home. The sense of

community and friends I have made are

second to none – especially in hard times.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in

2014 when I was only 36 with two young

children. Despite gruelling treatment,

the disease recurred in 2022 and is now

stage 4 or incurable. However, I refuse to

let this scary diagnosis stop me living life

to the full.

I have been a runner for over 25 years and am

a long-term member of East London Runners,

a brilliant, friendly running club based in

Wanstead. My only regret since moving to the

area was not joining sooner! We meet twice

a week for club runs and always welcome

new members. Since my second diagnosis

three years ago, I have run two marathons,

completed the Ride London 100-mile cycle

ride, swum two miles in the Serpentine and

climbed Mount Kilimanjaro – all with the help

of my running club family.

This year, I am raising money for the Maggie’s

cancer centre at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, a

haven of tranquillity that provides support to

all cancer patients and has been a godsend to

me and my family over the years. They have

given me a place in the London Marathon

in April, but being the kind of person I am,

I decided to add some more events to the

challenge! The first event, in March, is the

notorious Orion 15 by Orion Harriers, a 15-mile

cross-country race through Epping Forest

renowned for its mud and hills. This will be

quickly followed by the Camino Gratitude 25, a

25km race from Broxbourne to Stratford along

the River Lea. Then, in May, I’ll be doing the

Hackney Half Marathon with my 16-year-old

daughter. It will be her first half marathon.

And the grand finale will take place in Poland

with the Warsaw Ironman 70.3 in June. This

comprises a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle

and a 13.1-mile run. I also recently became

an ambassador for 5K Your Way, which is a

support group with a difference. We meet on

the last Saturday of every month at over 100

parkruns nationwide.

I am doing all this whilst on chemotherapy

and targeted cancer treatment, which is not

without considerable side effects. I strongly

believe exercising helps me cope with these

as well as helping with my mental wellbeing.

Too many people diagnosed with cancer

do not receive the necessary information to

maintain an active lifestyle during treatment

and beyond. The benefits of exercise to those

impacted by cancer are many and include

better outcomes, reduced anxiety and fatigue

as well as building confidence.

I would be extremely grateful for the support

of my wonderful South Woodford and

Wanstead community so I can raise as much

money as possible for Maggie’s – and if you

see me pounding the pavements, do say hi.

For more information and to donate, visit

swvg.co.uk/frith



BATHWORKS JULY_© Fish Media 30/06/2014 09:33 Page 1

The bathroom

you have always

dreamed of!

The bathroom you have always dreamed of!

H

The bathroom you have always dreamed off!

YOUR DESIGNER BATHROOM

Visit our showroom 9 and see 9 some of the x latest bathroom x ranges.

YOUR DESIGNER BATHROOM

9

x

We Visit our specialise showroom in and the see supply some of of the bathroom latest bathroom goods, ranges. and can also

Bathworks can offer supply only, or arrange supply

w

9 & fit.

x

YOUR DESIGNER 9 BATHROOM x

arrange 9

x

H a full installation if required.

Opening hours: HMonday Visit our - showroom Friday 9.30-5.30pm, and see some of the Saturdays latest bathroom 10am ranges. - 4pm.

Our experienced advisors are on-hand to discuss wyour requirements and give advice.

196 o

High Rd, Woodford 196 High Green, Rd, Woodford Essex IG8 Green, 9EF Essex tel: IG8 9EF 020 tel: 8504 020 8504 1765 1765 www.bath-works.co.uk

www.bathworks.co.uk

o

o

o H


16


MagiKats Woodford

magikats.co.uk/woodford

Call: 0208 150 7174

COMPASSIONATE

FUNERALS

Personalised funerals that reflect the life, character and values of the

Compassionate Funerals

person who has died.

We are here to serve families; respecting their beliefs, background and

Create Beautiful Farewells

financial situation.

Compassionate Funerals services provide bespoke funeral

Headstones

services. Our Funeral Pre-paid Directors funeral plans will provide you

with the support you need during this difficult time.

89a Aldersbrook Road

Wanstead

E12 5DG

0208 989 0493

3-5 Devon House, Hermon 0208 989 Hill, 0493 Wanstead, E11 2AW

info@compassionatefunerals.co.uk

www.compassionatefunerals.co.uk



Safeclean Chigwell offers professional carpet &

upholstery cleaning services in your area

Safeclean Chigwell is your local, expert carpet and upholstery cleaning

company run by Manj. With the aim of delivering excellent customer service

as well as first class cleaning solutions.

Contact Manj at Safeclean Chigwell for a free, no obligation quote:

Telephone: 07949 455 189 or 0808 143 1310

Email: manj@safeclean.co.uk

www.safeclean.co.uk/chigwell

@Safeclean chigwell

@safeclean_chigwell

68B GEORGE LANE, E18 1LW

SALES | LETTINGS | COMMERCIAL

MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE

LANDLORD ADVICE

T: 020 8491 8080

www.yellands.co.uk


18


Hotel Uniform Bravo!

Acting Inspector Reshma Sher celebrates the

opening of a new police hub in Woodford,

which she says will improve local policing.

Photo by Geoff Wilkinson

Acting Inspector Reshma Sher



communities across London, ranging from

Superintendents to PCSOs.’’

I hope to provide you with some great results

from the hub in the near future, but for now,

I would like to share some good news stories

from across Redbridge. There has been an

almost 13% reduction in the number of

offences in the previous 12 months, including

fewer reports of violence, drug offences and

violence against women and girls.

Some of our recent local operations have seen:

• 65 bags of cannabis and nine wraps of

white powder – along with approximately

£2,000 – seized when a car was stopped on

Goodmayes Lane.

In partnership with Redbridge Council, a

new police hub has opened in Woodford,

within the heart of the community in

the Orchard Estate, off Broadmead Road.

There will be up to 20 officers based there,

covering six wards: Bridge, Churchfields,

Monkhams, South Woodford, Wanstead

Park and Wanstead Village.

The opening of our police hub in Woodford

provides Safer Neighbourhood officers with

a dedicated base, which means officers will

be stationed within walking distance of their

wards and able to respond more effectively to

issues such as antisocial behaviour, theft and

vandalism.

The hub will also help to improve police

response times across the west of Redbridge

by reducing the current travel time from Ilford

and Barkingside, giving officers more time for

local patrols and tackling issues.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “We are

totally committed to making neighbourhood

policing stronger than ever before so we can

focus on tackling the crimes that matter

most to Londoners. It’s an important step

towards the Met’s mission of delivering our

strongest-ever neighbourhood policing,

which has already seen an additional

500 officers dedicated to working in

• A man, later found to be wanted for three

other burglaries, pursued and arrested after

officers noticed an alarm at a commercial

premises near Ilford station.

• Officers on routine patrols around

Churchfields recovered two machetes and a

hunting knife from a building known to be

used as a squat.

• Four arrests as part of an operation focused

on offenders targeting victims making ATM

withdrawals in Ilford town centre.

• Three machetes, a firearm, white powder

and brown substance found in a property in

Mayfield Ward as part of an intelligence-led

operation. A man ran from the property,

was located by a dog unit and arrested.

• Three vulnerable women rescued from a

brothel by neighbourhood officers in Ilford.

• Two robbery suspects arrested by officers in

the Orchard Estate after they stole a victim’s

coat and recorded the attack on a phone.

The Woodford Police Hub is located on

the Orchard Estate, Broadmead Road. For

more information and to contact your

local Safer Neighbourhoods Team, see

page 56 or visit swvg.co.uk/snt


20


Rightio Plumbing &

Heating

020 8798 2870

12 Month OAP

Guarantee Discount

on labour! Speak to

Excludes blockages us

today!

We work in

South Woodford,

Woodford Green and

all surrounding areas.

COMPETITIVE RATES

Fast Response

All Work Guaranteed

Flexible Appointment Times

1-2 Hour

Emergency

Response

time!

650921

OUR SERVICES

Boiler Breakdowns

Boiler Servicing

Radiators & Pipes

Tanks & Cylinders

Toilets & Taps

Leaks & Bursts

Showers

Clearing Blockages

Pipework Replacement

Gas Safe Certified

Escape London, in London

5 bcope holiday London. short & in long-term London

luxury let servicizd service holiday rizntal in Wanstead

properfa?5 in Won.steod

=DbV

Developments

@dovehousedevelopments

WhatsApp: 07813 656 479

4 Bed House 2 Bed Apartment 1 Bed Apartment

@dovehousedevelopments WhatsApp: 07813656479

ma:;:ii: h ia o {?;;t::;r;, e ;·uJ 1f!\ r :;our

property managed, please get in contact.

Sudoku

Fill in the grid so that each

row, column and 3x3 box

contains the digits 1 through

to 9 with no repetition.

6 7 1 4 8

8 3 9

7 4

7 5 9

1 5 3 4

9 8

1 6 4 7

1 6

Solution on page 28

·-;,,..::...-

• / /



Our design, materials, manufacturing processes & finishes are second

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

apprentices & office staff; creating a passionate team environment.

Are you experiencing difficulty with obtaining planning permission

for your new joinery? Speak to K&D Joinery who can provide assistance.

DOORS/GLAZING

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

design & details you require, our highly skilled joiners at K&D Joinery will create your bespoke door. High

security locks & beautiful leaded, coloured or reeded glass are just three of the extra services we can provide.

STAIRS/BALUSTRADES PAINT REMOVAL BRICK RESTORATION

Simple metal spindles, are all that’s

needed to complete this gorgeous

oak staircase with curved handrail,

designed & installed by K&D Joinery.

A good ‘before’ and ‘after’ example of K&Ds paint removal,

brickwork restoration and pointing services which will

transform the overall appearance and increase the value

of your property.

K&D manufacture all types of bespoke timber joinery

JOINERY HOUSE

69 CHEQUERS LANE

DAGENHAM RM9 6QJ

020 8526 7020

INFO@KANDD.ORG

KANDD.ORG

Search kandd for our

reviews & latest projects

Watch

our

story


22


Non-stop stress

Recent changes to local bus routes have impacted the lives of many

local residents, including 13-year-old Lola Bullman-Borg, who now finds

her journey to and from school more stressful

My name is Lola. I am 13 years old

and go to Woodbridge High school.

For those who live in the Wanstead

or South Woodford area, TfL’s bus route

changes have brought us students nothing

but stress and anger.

Before the changes last September, I caught

the 549 bus (that shockingly only ran

every 90 minutes) from South Woodford to

Loughton at 8am to get to school by 8.30am.

I took the 549 as it was less busy than the W14,

which had a similar route and annoyingly

would come a few minutes later, rather than

being more evenly spaced out. However, with

the 549 being so infrequent, I always caught

the W14 to go home, but being a singledecker,

it was inevitably crammed full with

schoolchildren.

TfL’s changes mean the W14 runs hourly,

so even though it’s more direct and I don’t

have to change buses, I use the W12, which

is timetabled to run every 15 minutes. That

timetable is meaningless though, because

the W12 route has been extended and the bus

goes down all the busy main roads, getting

stuck in heavy traffic. I and my friends often

wait an extra 20 minutes after school every

day because the bus is running late and with

sometimes two, or even three, buses arriving

around the same time.

There is no worse feeling than seeing the

bus go past because it is not running as

scheduled and being left to wait in freezing

weather or rain for the next bus, that then

arrives late.

Many elderly people have also been affected

as the W14 does not go into Whipps Cross

Hospital and does not stop at places that they

need, such as the shops on Wanstead High

Street, the supermarkets on George Lane or

Wanstead Tube station.

I remember taking my bass guitar and having

to walk it all the way to school because I

missed the bus. I was sweating so much my

hair was wet. I ran halfway because I couldn’t

risk being late.

These changes are standing in the way

of my education. The buses are essential

transportation that gets me to school and

home. I feel unsafe standing on the street

waiting for a bus; I have no idea when it

will come.

I remember the confusion and chaos when

the changes came on 7 September. We didn’t

know about them and people didn’t know

which bus to take. Many children were late

for school. The new service is a mess and I

hear stories every day of how others are also

suffering with the buses in the area.

If you are affected by the local bus route

changes, submit your experiences to the

Save Our Local Bus Services campaign.

Visit swvg.co.uk/busform. To view the

campaign’s petition, visit swvg.co.uk/bus



A family-owned estate agency with a distinctive

vision and a fresh approach, community is, and has

always been our focus.

FIND US:

@STOWBROTHERS

STOWBROTHERS.COM

E18 & IG8

hello18@stowbrothers.com

0203 369 1818


24


FINCH Contracts

FINCH CONTRACTS IS A LOCAL BUILDING

COMPANY THAT HAS BEEN SERVING

WANSTEAD AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

SINCE 2007.

We pride ourselves on our friendly and

personal service. Our small but talented

team brings many years of experience to

our projects, ensuring that our clients

are always happy with the outcome - as

our many loyal, repeat customers will

confirm.

Contact us today to see how we can help

you with your upcoming projects.

Our Services Include

Extensions Kitchens

Conversions Loft conversions

Bathrooms Garden rooms

Refurbishments General building

Call now

0208 281 1009

07976 572 692

www.Finchcontracts.com

BELGRAVE MOTOR

SERVICES LIMITED

EST 1994

MOT TESTS

ONLY £43

We are a family run

business and have

been established for

over 30 years.

SPECIAL OFFER

for vehicles up to 1.6cc Petrol

BRONZE SERVICE £90 inc VAT

(MOT £39 extra if required

SILVER SERVICE £119.75 inc VAT

(MOT £30 extra if required)

GOLD SERVICE £165.24 inc VAT

(MOT £25 extra if required)

We are a family run business and have

been established for almost 30 years.

WE ARE PART OF THE MOTOR OMBUDSMAN AND

REGULATED BY THEIR CODE OF PRACTICE.

WE OFFER A ‘COLLECT AND DROP BACK’ SERVICE.

(WITHIN A 3 MILE RADIUS)

Call 020 8551 5988

10 Gants Hill Crescent, off Cranbrook Road, Ilford



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


26


DD’s 70 th Woodford Diary

Some South Woodford scribbles from DD,

our resident diarist and observer of all things

local. Illustrated by Evelyn Rowland

You’ll be reading this in March or April,

but I’m writing it in January. The

Christmas decorations are packed

away. The New Year has arrived. I’ve been

searching for a theme. I did wonder if New

Year’s resolutions would prove thoughtprovoking,

but the first person I spoke

to (I often do a test run) made me think

again. “I never make New Year’s resolutions

because I never keep them!” A thoroughly

honest response, I thought, and not

entirely surprising.

Strangely enough, though, it soon became

apparent that January was, in a more general

sense, a month when people found it

appropriate to consider priorities, perhaps

even to identify or revise their personal ‘motto

for living’. I was amazed and often moved by

how readily you were not just willing, but

eager to share your thoughts. Essentially your

philosophy.

Sheila was on her way to a doctor’s

appointment and admitted she was “in rather

poor health. But I do want to help people

when I can. When I see people begging in

the street, I wish I could help but I don’t really

understand how. I do know that giving to

others can be a source of happiness.”

Sajiv was something of an orator: “Live life to

the full. Live in the moment. Face challenges.

They are part of life. Sometimes, there may

be dark days, dark weeks, months, years even.

But human resilience gets you through it all.”

John was considering what to order for lunch

at the Wood Oven. Lamb chops or chicken

shish? “Look, I’m 88. I realise as I get older that

there are certain things I used to be able to do

but now can’t. I try to avoid dwelling on those

things. Much better to focus on the things

I can still do, and find ways of doing them

better. I’m sure that keeps you young at heart.”

I guessed Lucy was speaking from experience.

“Stay away from negative people. They drain

your energy. It seems that lots of very rich

people go off the rails, take drugs. That doesn’t

make them happy beyond a quick pick-up.

Money alone doesn’t make you happy.” After a

pause, she added a small confession: “I admit

I smoke but I do want to give it up.” Asa had

similar thoughts: “A positive outlook is vital.

It can be easy to slip into negative attitudes,

perhaps generalise about whole groups of

society. Reading the papers can be depressing

but it’s important to remember that journalists

always look for stories that are ‘News’, with

a capital N. In other words, stories that are

not the norm. I’m certain the vast majority of

people in every nation want to live at peace

with their neighbours.”

Dominic told me he was a paramedic. “I’m

trying to be more productive, to waste less

time on screens. I try to be honest. I want to

be true to myself. I’m getting married this

year and we plan to go back to Australia.

Meanwhile, I want to use my free time more

usefully, cook better food, continue learning

other languages. I have some Spanish but I

want to learn Japanese. We are going to Japan

for our honeymoon. And we hope to start a

family next year.”

Gino was from Turkey, a barber by trade.

“I love working in this salon on George Lane



but I’m set on becoming more independent,

having my own salon, taking more control

of my work-life balance.” Peter was looking

at properties in Stow Brothers’ window. “Yes,

January does tend to firm up your mind on

new directions. We are challenged by the

need to downsize as we are planning to move

nearer to our children. That’s why I’m househunting.”

Helen was studying her shopping list but

was unfazed by my interruption and quickly

changed tack. “Right. Well, I’d say: live one

day at a time. Be kind to yourself. Don’t feel

guilty about enjoying little treats! Never mind

if the weather is grim: we have a roof over our

heads!” Ed was equally clear about his views:

“Keep in touch with friends. That’s my top

priority these days. Make the effort to keep old

friendships alive.”

Sue leant on her trolley in M&S and launched

into her response with enthusiasm: “Use the

natural environment much more. Paddle your

own canoe. Shop locally. Go to a museum,

perhaps. Enjoy the simple things in life. You

needn’t be ‘online’ all the time. You don’t have

to produce a password or a QR code to walk

in the park! You needn’t submit wholesale to

being governed by the

demands of our electronic age.”

Esther was with her partner, David. “My motto

for living? Take life as it comes. Acceptance is

an important attribute. Learn to accept what

life brings. When things are going well, we

don’t ask why they are going well. We must try

to approach difficult times in the same spirit.

Find joy in life.” David joined in: “I agree with

that witty quote I’ve seen on the Tube: don’t

look back. You’re not going in that direction”.

David’s view was reinforced in my final,

delightful encounter, which was with two

teenage friends: Leon came straight out

with a New Year’s resolution. “I want to be a

better person and stop being so grumpy and

aggressive.” “Is he grumpy and aggressive?” I

asked his friend Leo. “Well, yes, he is a bit. But

about your theme, I’d say you’ve got to keep

looking forward, not back”. Leon rejoined the

debate with no hard feelings: “Actually,” he

said, “only yesterday I was writing on this topic

in my GCSE English exam. The question read:

‘The past is in your head. The future is in your

hands. Discuss.’” (Forgive me, Leo and Leon, if

I’ve muddled up which of you said what. I am

getting on a bit. It was terrific to meet you

both. Thanks for being happy to chat.)

To contact DD with your thoughts or

feedback, email dd@swvg.co.uk


28


Crossword competition

Win four Odeon cinema tickets

March/April 2025

Across

Down

1. Precious metal (4) 1. Earth, land (6)

2. Murder of a king (8) 2. __ of the Lost Ark (7)

6. Arrange things (8) 3. Birds in a gaggle (5)

8. Skin condition (4) 4. Arc (5)

9. Make ineffective (6) 5. Swell, bloat (7)

10. XI (6)

7. “Encore!” (5)

12. Trousers in USA (5) 11. Tell an untruth (3)

14. Facial hair (5) 12. Intention, aim (7)

17. Plaster painting (6) 13. Spasm, jerk (3)

20. Ice dancer (6) 14. Fortified place (7)

21. Carcass (4)

15. Clock sound (5)

22. Ave Maria (4,4) 16. Talked to God (6)

24. Cinema in E18 (5) 18. Authorisation (3-2)

25. Surrounded by (4) 19. Earthy colour (5)

The prize on offer: four cinema tickets

courtesy of Odeon South Woodford, which

can be used for any film screening.

Enter by 19 March 2025:

• Post your solution, name and address to:

South Woodford Village Gazette,

c/o Wanstead House, 21 The Green, E11 2NT

• Email your entry (subject line: Mar/Apr 2025)

to: crossword@swvg.co.uk

One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received before 5pm on 19 March 2025.

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

Congratulations to Sara Taggart from South Woodford,

who won three Village Vouchers booklets in last issue’s

crossword competition.

Jan/Feb Crossword Solution

O T I C P A L M S

H R R A L T

B R I N Y E N G L I S H

A N P F E P E

R E G A T T A R E P L Y

E I B E

M U C K R A K E R

A I I D

R E S E T C O R R O D E

U C I A S R N

B L A N K E T T A S T Y

Y R K E E O

A K A D I N I N G

Mar/Apr Sudoku Solution

6 9 7 1 5 4 8 3 2

4 8 5 2 6 3 9 1 7

1 2 3 8 7 9 4 5 6

7 5 4 9 3 8 6 2 1

8 6 2 7 1 5 3 4 9

9 3 1 4 2 6 7 8 5

3 1 9 6 4 2 5 7 8

5 7 8 3 9 1 2 6 4

2 4 6 5 8 7 1 9 3

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8

9 10 11

12 13 14 15

17 18 19 20

21 22

24 25

Feeling cinematic

16




3 BEDROOM

APARTMENT

FOR SALE

ORWELL LODGE

HERMITAGE WALK, SOUTH

WOODFORD, E18

Top Floor Three Double

Bedrooms Apartment

Private Balcony With Far

Reaching Views

Garage En Bloc

Entry Phone Security + Lifts

Walking Distance To

Snaresbrook Central Line

Station and Amenities

GUIDE PRICE

£525,000 - £550,000

5 BEDROOM

APARTMENT

FOR SALE

WALBROOK

WOODFORD ROAD, SOUTH

WOODFORD, E18

5 Large Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms + WC

2 Garages

GUIDE PRICE

£950,000 - £1,000,000

31 ft Living Room

2 Balconies

Close to High Street

wearechurchills.co.uk

| 020 8530 3333

DO YOU KNOW THE

VALUE OF YOUR

PROPERTY?

Contact us to find

out more

wearechurchills.co.uk

| 020 8530 3333

32

,

Woodfords Loss

Born on 18 December 1950 in Epping,

Jonathan Nicholas Stephen Williams

was the eldest of two siblings. With

one great uncle serving as the Governor

of the White Nile in modern-day Sudan, it

would seem that Jon was descended on

his mother Majorie’s side from a rather

illustrious family.


Following the recent death of Jonathan Nicholas Stephen Williams,

who lived in Woodford Green for over 35 years, his children Kate Good

and Raj Williams reflect on a life of teaching and a life well lived

From the start of his education, Jon proved

to be a rebellious soul, constantly jumping

the fence from his primary school into his

own back garden in Lower Swaines, Epping,

to avoid having to actually attend! This

theme continued in later years when he won

a scholarship to Chigwell School, but didn’t

quite feel the public school ethos suited him.

He promptly left and moved to Latton Bush, a

comprehensive school in Harlow.

In 1980, two events marked significant

milestones in Jon’s life: he married his fiancée

with whom he had been in a relationship

since 1976, and he acquired his first teaching

job at St Aubyn’s School in Woodford after

graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in

Humanities in 1978. Jon taught at the school

for an impressive 17 years. After that, he did

some supply teaching at an array of local

schools and eventually took up a post at

Snaresbrook Primary School, where he spent

many happy years. He would often compose a

limerick for colleagues moving on to greener

pastures. When he retired, he passed the

baton to his daughter, who took over his role

in January 2011.

Jon’s family can attest to the way in which, on

several past occasions while they were out

driving in the local area or out for a coffee,

previous students of Jon’s approached him

and thanked him for the positive impact he

had had on their education.

No day would be complete without a trip

to Waitrose in South Woodford, where Jon

befriended most of the staff, including the

security team. Conscious of promoting

safety in the local area, he was also an avid

member of his neighbourhood WhatsApp

group and forged friendships with many of

his neighbours, even buying groceries and a

newspaper on behalf of one particular elderly

friend and neighbour around the crescent.

He equally pursued a love of tennis, keeping

up with regular visits to his tennis club, at first

in Walthamstow, then later in Theydon Bois,

where he formed and nurtured several closeknit

friendships.

Jon was diagnosed with bowel cancer in

2013 and underwent an operation in 2014

followed by further surgery in 2017. He battled

valiantly, never surrendering, and he remained

determined to maintain his independence

until the bitter end. Jon passed away on

2 January 2025. His generous spirit, sharp wit,

fierce intellect and the fortitude with which

he navigated his cancer diagnosis are the

key qualities for which those who knew and

continue to love him will best remember him.

Obituary submissions for local residents

are welcome. Email editor@swvg.co.uk


FREE

COURTESY

CAR

WOODBRIDGE

AUTOS

Specialists in SUBARU • SAAB

MITSUBISHI • AUDI

VOLKSWAGEN

SKODA • SEAT

TEL: 020 8530 2511 FREE

1B DAISY RD, SOUTH WOODFORD, E18 1EA

WE ALSO SERVICE

LEASED CARS

COLLECTION

& DELIVERY

Servicing & Repairs

MOT • Air Conditioning Service

Mechanical Work • Computer Diagnostics

NOW

INSTALLING

I.C.E

& FITTING

HANDS FREE

PHONE KITS


WANT MORE POWER

FROM YOUR ENGINE?

...AND BETTER

FUEL ECONOMY?

Woodbridge Autos can transform your

vehicle’s performance with a simple ECU remap.

ECU remapping is a method of reconfiguring your car’s

computer system to maximise the engine’s efficiency.

SPECIAL OFFER

MOT &

SMALL SERVICE

.99

+VAT

£179

+ FREE AIRCON CHECK


34


GEOFF WILKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Quick

Before it

Goes!

A collection of photos by local

photographer Geoff Wilkinson

depicting London’s East End

Call 020 8530 1244 or visit

geoffwilkinsonphotography.co.uk

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

Lovat Lane, London, EC3

Would you like all the benefits of

a dog without the costs or worry

about working full-time?

Take a lead.

Change a life.

Start your fosterer journey today:

guidedogs.org.uk/fosterer

A charity registered in England and Wales (209617), Scotland (SC038979)

and Isle of Man (1334) C713 10/24.



Local Property

Maintenance Specialist

•Painting & Decorating

•Bath & Shower Re-siliconing

•Gutters Cleared & Repaired

•Laminate Flooring

•Carpentry

•Call Out Maintenance

•Odd Jobs

•Insurance Work

Free Estimates

Competitively priced

No hidden charges

Public Liability Insurance

References available

Call Stuart on

07917 870879

stuartgreenpropertysolutions@gmail.com

WHAT THE MIND DWELLS IN

WE BECOME

Are you seeking to move beyond negative mental habits but don’t know

how? Is now the time to seek professional help?

Whether it’s immediate, short-term counselling help

you need or long-awaited changes you’ve been

hoping to realise for some time, I’m here to

help. In-person, online and walk’n’talk sessions

in Victoria Park available Mon to Fri, 9am–9pm.

FREE 15 MIN

CONSULTATION

DEPRESSION • ANXIETY • STRESS • LOW MOOD • ANGER

COUPLES IN CONFLICT • ABUSE • BEREAVEMENT AND MORE…

Contact Dougie (in confidence)

Significant awareness of cultural diversity and ethnicity.

M: 07792 128 681 Free 15 min initial video or tel consultation

E: counsellinghelps@gmail.com W: counsellinghelps.uk


36


RENTERS’ RIGHTS

The Renters’ Rights Bill will make several significant changes to the

private rented sector, explains James Harrison from local solicitors

Edwards Duthie Shamash

Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs)

– the most common type of tenancy

– are soon to become extinct under

the Renters’ Rights Bill in 2025. Upon

commencement of the Act, all existing ASTs

will become assured periodic tenancies,

save for those that are already the subject

of possession proceedings under section

21 of the Housing Act 1988.

Subject to compliance with various

requirements, a landlord can currently

terminate an AST by serving two months’

notice under section 21. This is known as the

‘no-fault’ ground for possession. The Renters’

Rights Bill provides for section 21 to be

abolished. If by the time the Bill becomes law

the landlord has served a section 21 notice

and has commenced possession proceedings

relying on that notice, the AST will continue,

pending the conclusion of those proceedings.

If not, the notice will be of no effect.

The Bill provides for several new grounds for

possession and amends others.

Ground 1 is available where the landlord or

close family member wishes to move into the

property. Ground 1A can be relied on where

the landlord wishes to sell the property. In

both cases, four months’ notice is required

and the landlord cannot rely on these grounds

during the first 12 months of a new tenancy.

These are both mandatory grounds for

possession, so the court must make

a possession order if it is satisfied the grounds

are proved. In order to discourage abuse of

these grounds, a landlord cannot re-let a

property within 12 months of serving notice,

or commencing court proceedings, on these

grounds. There is a fine of up to £7,000 for

breach of this.

There is also Ground 4, which applies to a

property let to full-time students, where

the property is required for a new group of

students in line with the academic year. Four

months’ notice is still required.

The mandatory rent arrears ground

(Ground 8), has been amended in two

respects. Firstly, four weeks’ notice rather

than two is required. Secondly, the landlord

must show that the tenant is three months in

arrears (or 13 weeks in the case of a weekly or

bi-weekly rent), both at the time the notice

is served and at the time of the possession

hearing, rather than two months (or eight

weeks) as at present.

There are other grounds for possession which

are beyond the scope of this article.

The Bill is currently being considered by the

House of Lords and is unlikely to become law

until the spring or summer of this year.

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

Are you a

landlord in

need of legal

advice?

We can help.

Our housing team is highly regarded for its work in defending

possession proceedings for tenants. We use that knowledge

and experience to secure excellent and cost-efficient

outcomes for our landlord clients.

Call: 020 8514 9000

Email: james.harrison@edslaw.co.uk

Scan the QR code to visit our website

Call us on: 0208 514 9000

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

Wanstead | Waterloo | Stratford | Ilford


38


LINE

byLINE

South Woodford resident John Smith finds his love

of line drawing helps with his Parkinson’s tremors

and is now looking to raise funds for charity by

selling greetings cards featuring his artwork

My love of line drawings developed

in my teenage years. I spent a lot

of time doodling in the margin

of my schoolbooks. Straight lines, hoops

and curves became animals, dragons,

insects and fish. Having been guided by

my parents – who felt these drawings in

the margin were affecting my education – I

transferred from the margin to sketchbook.

I produced many detailed drawings, which

my father put into an art exhibition in the

1960s, mostly bought by family and friends.

I started a career in catering

and attended Oxford

Brookes, where I was

able to use my artistic

skills whilst learning about

classical French cuisine. I

then went to work at Claridge’s,

in the pastry department, where

I picked up many skills and a lot of

bad language! Leaving there, I got

married, and my wife and I continued

working in catering, in pubs and

restaurants. A bit later in life, with

three children, I retrained, this time as a

Human Resources Officer. Upon retiring from

work, I was looking forward to travel and

relaxation. Unfortunately, in 2015 I was

diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

I have tried different mediums of art, acrylics,

pastels and watercolours, but my interest was

really in the line drawings.

My drawings, created with a fine liner, remain

steadfastly in black and white. To ring the

changes and give them more interest, the

black and white drawings developed into

coloured drawings using a simple paint

programme. For amusement, I created

a number of PowerPoint presentations,

accompanying these with my son’s music.

I then converted the presentations into

videos to put on YouTube.



All this

work was

encouraged by

my family and friends. Then

the suggestion came that my drawings

would look very good on greetings cards and I

was asked by some to produce birthday cards

and anniversary celebration cards. So, I looked

for a printer who would be able to work with

me. I found a company called Art4site and

they proved to be very helpful and a good

quality printer. I then looked for an

outlet, but so far, have drawn a blank.

The objective is to cover my printing

costs, with any profit being donated to

the charity Parkinson’s UK.

When I start a drawing, it is with

no final image in mind. I can’t draw

a specific scene; it is more about

developing the patterns. This

calms my tremors and is a form of

mindfulness. There is no cure for Parkinson’s,

and it is degenerative, so it will progress. Mine

is a gentle progression, so whilst I am able, I

am looking for an outlet or partner where I

can sell these cards. If you are interested or if

you would like to buy some, do get in touch.

For more information and to contact John,

email jscards855@gmail.com


40


LOUD

ARCHITECTS

HOME CONSULTATIONS

@loudarchitects

02034884199

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

CONSTRUCTION

Simply the Best

BDG

Best Double Glazing

Established for over 30 years. BDG is a family owned business, offering

Highest quality UPVC and Aluminum Double Glazing Solutions.

We are fully registered with FENSA,

GGF and Trustmark. Call for a free,

no pressure quotation today.

Web: bestdoubleglazing.co.uk

Email: sales@bestglazing.co.uk

Visit us: 546-548 Romford Rd, E12 5AF

Call 07896 357 344 anytime or 020 8514 6361 (office hours)



Smilein London

MEET

LARAINE…

Laraine can help melt those

dental fears away!

FREE ORAL HEALTH PACKS

FOR NEW PATIENTS WORTH OVER £100

WHILE

STOCKS

LAST

Laraine is one of our exceptional

and most experienced team

members, having been with us for

20 years.

Laraine trained at The Royal Dental

Hospital in Leicester Square in 1982,

where she achieved her Hospital

and National certificates. She has

had long standing experience in the

dental care field, including some

work in within the NHS.

Laraine’s kind, caring and

compassionate nature can help melt

those dental fears away. For those

of you that have met Laraine, you

will know she is patient centered

and strives to help in anyway she

can. She will always put your needs

first ensuring care is tailored to you.

She has a passion for football and

has been a loyal supporter of her

team since 1971! She also enjoys

swimming, yoga, reading, walking,

running marathon’s and is a big fan

of singer David Essex!

Through her commitment to health

care, Laraine has successfully

completed her radiography training

from the accredited British Dental

Association and is also fully

qualified in Oral Health Promotion

and prevention in practice.

Find us at 19 Cambridge Park, Wanstead, E11 2PU

smileinlondon.co.uk info@smileinlondon.co.uk 020 8532 9990


42


Our Churchill

Often cited as the nation’s most popular prime minister, Winston

Churchill – who died 60 years ago – was one of the most significant

figures of the 20th century. He was also our local MP. Emily Allen reports

The ‘British Bulldog’ Winston Churchill

guided Britain through the Second

World War, gave rousing speeches

that have gone down in history… and also

represented the areas of Wanstead and

Woodford as an MP for over four decades.

Winston Churchill was born in 1874 at his

family’s ancestral home, Blenheim Palace,

in Oxfordshire. He first entered Parliament

in 1900 as a Conservative MP for Oldham. In

1904, he switched to the Liberal Party and

won the seat of Manchester North West. After

holding several cabinet positions, Churchill

was elected as MP for Epping in 1924, which

incorporated Wanstead and Woodford. He

won the seat with a large majority and went

on to rejoin the Conservative Party.

Among Churchill’s supporters was Woodford

Urban District Council chairman Sir Alfred

James Hawkey, the namesake of Sir James

Hawkey Hall in Woodford Green, which

Churchill would open in 1955. In May 1936,

Churchill spoke in favour of the Wanstead

and Woodford District Council’s application

to become a borough. It was a success, and

he presented the new borough with a mace,

which is still owned by Redbridge.

After succeeding Neville Chamberlain as

prime minister in 1939, and leading Britain to

victory in 1945, Churchill became MP for the

newly-created constituency of Woodford,

which also incorporated Wanstead, following

a change to constituency boundaries. He held

this seat until his retirement from politics

in 1964. While serving as prime minister

during the war, Churchill was unable to visit

his constituency, but his wife Clementine

did, and in 1941, she opened a restaurant in

Woodford Green as part of a Ministry of Food

initiative. Churchill supported many charitable

functions to shore up the war effort. A War

Weapons Week was held in 1941 with Churchill

as president, which raised over £900,000. Later

events, such as a Churchill Week in Woodford,

raised £265,108 for the war effort, roughly the

cost of 13 tanks at the time. During his time as

MP, Churchill maintained a strong majority. He

led the Conservative Party back to power in

1951, his second term as prime minister.

A statue of Churchill was erected in Woodford

in 1959, with Churchill and his wife present

at the unveiling. In 1968, a bust was erected

outside the former local Conservative

Association in Wanstead (now The Bull pub).

Churchill continued to represent Woodford

even after stepping down as prime minister

in 1955 and remained active in Parliament

well into his 80s. Churchill died at the age of

90 in 1965, and thousands of people lined the

streets to watch the funeral cortege travel to

St Paul’s Cathedral. Many of them will have

remembered him as the prime minister who

won the war, but for residents here, he was

the man who had served them and their

constituency until the end.

Emily Allen is a freelance writer. For more

information, visit swvg.co.uk/allen



McCarty & Smith

Window restoration and upgrades in South Woodford

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

double-glazed timber sashes, achieving modern insulation requirements while

preserving the character of your home. Our work is carried out with minimal

internal and external disruption, so you can enjoy the performance of new

double-glazed windows that are indistinguishable from the originals.

Âdouble glazed timber windows

Âpatented sash window system

Ârestoration and resin repair

Âprofessional draught sealing

Âleaded lights and stained glass

Âminimal disruption

mccartyandsmithltd

For a free quote please email us at:

information@mccartyandsmith.com

Unit 2a, 109 Maybank Road, London, E18 1AB Tel: 020 8498 0219


44


Roding Report

Chair of the River Roding Trust Paul Powlesland reports on the results

of the river’s first-ever comprehensive water testing programme, and

urges the Environment Agency to ‘do its job’ as guardian of the river

The water testing project – which ran

between May and September 2024 –

brought together the River Roding

Trust, Thames21 and local volunteers

(citizen scientists) in an excellent example

of local coordination and action.

The results are good and bad. There is clearly

a serious problem with combined sewer

overflows (CSOs) illegally spilling sewage into

the stretch of the Roding between Loughton

and Ilford. That being the case, the water

quality as the river enters London is OK, and

often good, so there is real hope that if these

CSOs are fixed, the Roding could achieve

bathing water quality status in London.

To produce this report, local volunteers had

a rota to collect samples in eight different

locations along the river from Loughton down

to Ilford. Originally, sampling was only going

to go down to Ilford, but thanks to lobbying

from the River Roding Trust, it was extended

downstream to give the people of Barking

information about water quality in their

stretch of the river. These samples were sent

off to be tested for E. coli in a lab. The results

were then analysed by Thames21, plotted onto

graphs and compared to rainfall data to begin

to understand what was causing any raised

levels of E. coli. Results were analysed against

the Bathing Water Regulations (2013) standard

for Faecal Indicator Organisms levels, which

the Environmental Agency uses to classify

designated bathing water quality.

In many ways, it is a damning indictment of

the Environment Agency that such testing has

never been carried out before. How can it be

government agencies had no idea whether

the water in the third-largest river in London,

flowing through the middle of massive

population centres, was grossly polluted?

Nine outfalls discharged untreated sewage

for a total of 316 hours, causing clear spikes

in bacteria levels at many sample points

during the monitoring programme, at times in

periods of very little rainfall. These discharges

meant many of the samples collected

produced results that were poor and showed

E. coli above safe bathing water quality levels.

The worst performing outfall was in the

Alders Brook (a tributary of the River Roding

with its source within the City of London

Cemetery), which was causing E. coli spikes

of up to 19 times safe limits. What makes this

more infuriating is that I discovered this illegal

outfall nearly four years ago and it still has not

been fixed by Thames Water.

It is heartening that, thanks to the efforts of

local volunteers, we now have a picture of

water quality on the Roding for the very first

time. We now need the Environment Agency

to do its job as guardian of the river and act on

this report by stopping all illegal sewage spills

into the Roding.

For more information and to view the

report, visit swvg.co.uk/rodingwater



ROOFING & GUTTER SPECIALISTS

FREE QUOTES!

OUR SERVICES:

Gutter Clearances

Gutter Repairs & Renewals

Roof Repairs & Renewals

UPVC Repairs & Renewals

Roof Maintenance

Moss Removal

Roof Reports

Leak Detection

Roof Cleaning

OFFICE@GBPRO.UK

0208 989 2321

24/7 EMERGENCY CALL OUTS

REPORTS SENT - Including before &

after photos

Fully Qualified, Insured & Accredited

Summer services

Jet washing

Exterior Cleaning

Gardening

Fencing

WWW.GBPRO.UK

07310 595370


46


Have fun, get active, make a difference

SPARKLE WALK

Friday 6 June, 6.30pm

10k and 15k walks

Starts and finishes at Woodford Rugby Club

Sign up now

havenhouse.org.uk/sparklewalk

Charity number 1044296



Community events

THE MAKING OF

THE WIZARD OF OZ

A presentation by David Allen for the

Wanstead & Woodford U3A. Visitors welcome.

Date: Tuesday 4 March Time: 10am

Venue: Woodford Memorial Hall, E18 2PA

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

MAR

4

BEREAVEMENT CAFÉ

AFTERNOON SESSION

Date: Tuesday 4 March Time: 2–3pm

Venue: St Mary’s Church, South Woodford

Cost: free Enquiries: 020 8505 3000

MAR

4

OPEN TABLE AT HOLY

TRINITY CHURCH

Join a community meal open to all.

Date: Tuesday 4 March Time: 5.30–7pm

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

Cost: free Enquiries: htsw.org.uk

MAR

4

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.

SPAM FORD:

TEN POUND PAM

Comedy with Pam Ford. Born in Birmingham,

raised in Australia and now living in South

Woodford, she is a proud Brit but just cannot

hide her broad Aussie accent and ballsy

optimistic outlook on life.

Date: Wednesday 5 March Time: 7.30–9pm

Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre, E18 2RB

Cost: £10.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents

MAR

5

100 YEARS OF WOMEN’S

LIVES IN REDBRIDGE

An exhibition documenting the lives of

women in Ilford, Wanstead and Woodford over

the past 100 years.

Date: Friday 7 March to Saturday 12 April

Venue: Redbridge Central Library, IG1 1EA

Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/ww100

MAR

7

HAVEN HOUSE

FUNDRAISER DISCO

Date: Friday 7 March Time: 7pm

Venue: Woodford Rugby Club, IG8 9LB

Cost: £15 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/7mar

MAR

7

THE FUNNY

MUMMY

A one-woman comedy show with Alyssa Kyria

about the world of parenting.

Date: Friday 7 March Time: 7.30–9pm


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

MAR

7

ROSSETTI’S

STUNNERS

A new play, part theatre, part lecture, part riff

on beauty, gender and class. Featuring writer

and performer Elaine Britten.

Date: Tuesday 4 March Time: 7.30–8.20pm


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

MAR

4

VOCAL WORKSHOP:

MOZART REQUIEM

Singing workshop with South West Essex

Choir. Led by award-winning conductor

Mark Yarrow.

Date: Saturday 8 March Time: 10.30am–3.30pm


Cost: £27.80 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/8mar

MAR

8


48


DOLLS IN AMBER

PRESENTS: BEARD

A dramedy exploring love, fear, queerness and

the distorting pressure of the public eye.

Date: Saturday 8 March Time: 7.30–8.45pm


Cost: 13.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents

MAR

8

UPDATE ON HIGHGATE

WOOD KILN

A talk by Harvey Sheldon for the West Essex

Archaeological Group. Visitors welcome.

Date: Monday 10 March Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Woodford County High School, IG8 9LA

Cost: £2 Enquiries: weag.org.uk

MAR

10

HENRY PURCELL: THE MUSIC

OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY

A presentation by Patrick Craig for The Arts

Society Woodford Green. Visitors welcome.

Date: Tuesday 11 March Time: 8pm

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

Cost: by donation Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/artssoc

MAR

11

SANDWICH BAY BIRD

OBSERVATORY

A talk for the North East London Local Group

of the RSPB by John Buckingham.



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

MAR

11

RIVER RODING OUTFALL

SAFARI SURVEY TRAINING

Volunteers are needed to locate and assess

polluting surface water outfalls.

Date: Wednesday 12 March Time: 1.30–3.30pm

Venue: James Leal Centre, Ray Park, IG8 7JF

Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/12mar

MAR

12

CHURCHILL’S

CITADEL

A talk by Katherine Carter for the Woodford

and District Centre of the National Trust.

Date: Wednesday 12 March Time: 2.30pm

Venue: All Saints’ church hall, Woodford Green

Cost: £3 Enquiries: 07774 164 407

MAR

12

DISCOVER

SCAN TO BOOK A VISIT

Independent

www.staubyns.com

020 8504 1577

registrar@staubyns.com

Co-educational

Age 3 - 11



ennelle

SOUTH WOODFORD WARD

COUNCILLOR SURGERY

Discuss local issues with ward councillors.

Repeated on 9 April. Booking required.

Date: Wednesday 12 March Time: 6–7pm

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

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

MAR

12

0am - 4.30pm

THE FLAMINGO FAIR BEFORE

MOTHER’S DAY

Gifts and cards for Mother’s Day. Plus, face

painting for children and homemade cakes.

Date: Saturday 15 March Time: 11am–4pm

Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road

Cost: free entry Enquiries: 020 8989 9881

MAR

15

ford E18 2PA

DELVING INTO

rby bus routes and free parking

THE ARCHIVES

coach Christine A talk Gwynn by Peter Lawrence for the Woodford

Historical Society. Visitors welcome.

nnelle. Date: Thursday 13 March Time: 2.30pm


Cost: £5 Enquiries: woodfordhistoricalsociety.org

MAR

13

mposed his rich and thrilling

Solennelle in 1899, setting

ss text for choir and two

s. The mass was premiered in

at Saint-Sulpice, in Paris,

idor and Vierne playing the

us organ parts. By this time

had become organist of

ame where he remained in

l his death in 1937.

holders)

a and

ST PATRICK’S DAY

CHARITY FUNDRAISER

Irish music, singing and dancing in aid of

Haven House Children’s Hospice.

Date: Friday 14 March Time: 8pm

Venue: Seasons Bar, The Broadway, IG8 0HL

Cost: £10 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/14mar

MAR

14

SOUTH WOODFORD

COMMUNITY MARKET

A wide range of food and craft products.

Date: Sunday 16 March Time: 11am–5pm

Venue: George Lane, South Woodford

MAR

16

CHILE’S AMAZING

OBSERVATORIES

A talk by Roger O’Brien for the North East

London Astronomical Society about the huge

new telescopes that have been, or are being,

built in Chile. Free entry for new visitors.

Date: Sunday 16 March Time: 1.30pm

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

Cost: £3 Enquiries: stevek1951@hotmail.com

VLeNlNe 51NGeµ_s

Conductor: Christine Gwynn

participants should have

nging and music reading.

All Day Workshop

SATURDAY

20 JANUARY 2024

10.30am - 4.30pm

Registered Charity: 1037459

Celebrating the reopening of Notre-Dame

with two glorious mass settings deeply

associated with the cathedral.

www.valentinesingers.org Led by highly experienced choral director Call 01277 and

364 772

vocal coach Christine Gwynn with pianist Tim

Smith

An opportunity to spend the day singing this

beautiful and moving choral work that tells the

MAR

16

Organist: Jonathan Dods

Sat 15 March, 7pm

St Gabriel’s Church, Park Road,

Aldersbrook, E12 5HH

£15 in advance

£17 on the door

discounts available for

CV\LL

St Jo

students & benefit holders


Registered Charity: 1037459

Pass

50


WANSTEAD PARK TO THE

OLYMPIC PARK CYCLE RIDE

Date: Sunday 16 March Time: 2pm

Venue: meet at Wanstead Park Tea Hut, E12 5HA

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

MAR

16

FLOWER ARRANGING

DEMONSTRATION

Sian Tribe presents to the Woodford and

District Floral Arrangement Group.

Date: Monday 17 March Time: 7.30–9.45pm


Cost: £9 Enquiries: 020 8508 9765

MAR

17

REDBRIDGE MUSIC

SOCIETY RECITAL

Featuring flautist Daniel Shao and pianist

Simon Callaghan.



Cost: £12; members: £9 Enquiries: 07380 606 767

MAR

18

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH:

LAUGH-ABLE

Date: Wednesday 19 March Time: 7.30–9.30pm


Cost: pay what you can Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/19m

MAR

19

SOUTH WOODFORD

LITTER PICK

Date: Sunday 23 March Time: 11am–1pm

Venue: Community Orchard, South Woodford

MAR

23

LOCAL MAKERS MARKET:

SAMPLES & SECONDS SALE

Reduced-price handmade products from local

designer-makers.


Venue: Christ Church Hall, E11 2SW

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

MAR

29

ELMHURST GARDENS

ACTION DAY

Planting flowers, weeding, watering, pruning,

maintenance projects and litter picking.


Venue: Elmhurst Gardens, South Woodford

Enquiries: parks.enquiries@visionrcl.org.uk

MAR

29

EAST LONDON ME/CFS

SUPPORT GROUP

Conversation, information and support.

Date: Saturday 29 March Time: 2.30–5pm

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

Cost: by donation Enquiries: 07957 152 566

29

A FUNNY THING ON THE WAY

TO THE OLD BAILEY

A presentation by Chris Truran for the

Wanstead & Woodford U3A about the stupid

things that criminals do to get themselves

arrested. Visitors welcome.

Date: Tuesday 1 April Time: 10am


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

MAR

1 APR 1 APR 3 APR

REDBRIDGE RHYMESTERS

POETRY WORKSHOP

Over-55s poetry group Redbridge Rhymesters

welcomes visitors to this creative session.

Date: Tuesday 25 March Time: 9.30am–12pm

Venue: Allan Burgess Centre, High Street, E11 2AE

Cost: free Enquiries: 020 8989 6338

MAR

25

MUSIC ON

THE HILL

A violin and piano recital.

Date: Friday 28 March Time: 6.30pm


Cost: £10; under-18s: £5 Enquiries: htsw.org.uk

MAR

28

SCULPTURE AND

SPIRITUALITY

A talk by Rodney Munday.

Date: Tuesday 1 April Time: 7pm


Cost: £5 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/1apr

NORTH EAST LONDON

OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT

Featuring a speaker from the Bone Health and

Fracture Liaison Service, plus Q&A session.

Date: Thursday 3 April Time: 1–3pm

Venue: The George, South Woodford, E18 2QL

Enquiries: nelondonvolunteers@theros.org.uk



OPEN EVENT

Friday 21st March 2025 9.30am - 11am

Register via wgprep.co.uk or the QR link above

N

C

C

E

Nurture

Curiosity

Creativity

Excellence

Independent Co-educational Day School For 3 - 11 Years

wgprep.co.uk 0208 504 5045 admissions@wgprep.co.uk

Glengall Road - Woodford Green - Essex - IG8 0BZ


52


WANSTEAD

COMMUNITY MARKET

Date: Sunday 6 April Time: 10am–4pm

Venue: Wanstead High Street

APR

6

SWIFTS, THEIR LIVES AND

CONSERVATION

A talk for the North East London Local Group

of the RSPB by Edward Mayer.

Date: Tuesday 8 April Time: 8pm


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

APR

8

HAVEN HOUSE

EASTER EGG HUNT

Date: Thursday 10 April Time: 10am–1pm

Venue: Haven House, High Road, IG8 9LB

Cost: £10 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/hhegg

APR

10

HISTORY TALK:

FAKE MEDALS

A talk by Mark Smith for the Woodford

Historical Society. Visitors welcome.

Date: Thursday 10 April Time: 2.30pm


Cost: £5 Enquiries: woodfordhistoricalsociety.org

APR

10

ELMHURST GARDENS

EASTER HUNT

Find the coloured pegs and claim an egg.

Hosted by the Friends of Elmhurst Gardens.

Date: Saturday 12 April Time: 11.30am–2pm

Venue: Elmhurst Gardens, South Woodford

APR

12

FILM SCREENING:

DESPICABLE ME 4

Date: Saturday 12 April Time: 1–2.35pm


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

APR

12

20TH CENTURY

WATER COLOURISTS

A talk by Mark Lewis for the Woodford and

District Centre of the National Trust.

Date: Wednesday 16 April Time: 2.30pm


Cost: £3 Enquiries: 07774 164 407

APR

16

PUFFLING

PERCY

An uplifting show for four- to 11-year-olds.

Date: Thursday 17 April Time: 11.30am–12.20pm


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

APR

17

SOUTH WOODFORD

REPAIR CAFÉ



Cost: free Enquiries: sowosoc.org

APR

20

SOUTH WOODFORD SOCIETY

QUIZ NIGHT

Gather (or join) a table of eight.

Date: Friday 25 April Time: 7.15pm

Venue: Woodbridge High School, IG8 7DQ

Cost: £10 per person Enquiries: sowosoc.org

APR

25

SOUTH WOODFORD

COMMUNITY MARKET


Venue: George Lane, South Woodford

APR

27

ANNUAL ORCHARD

BLOSSOM DAY

Join SoWo Society’s gardening session as part

of a national celebration of orchards.

Date: Sunday 27 April Time: from 11am

Venue: Community Orchard, South Woodford

Cost: free Enquiries: sowosoc.org

APR

27

MAYBANK COMMUNITY

ASSOCIATION AGM

All Maybank residents are welcome to attend.

Date: Monday 28 April Time: 8pm

Venue: Mill Grove, Crescent Road, E18 1JB

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

APR

28

SOUTH WOODFORD

BUSINESS NETWORKING

An evening of networking for local businesses.

Booking required.

Date: Tuesday 29 April Time: 5–6.30pm

Venue: Starbucks, 105 George Lane

Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/29apr

APR

29



KIDZ

WORLD

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FAIR

Sat 5th APRIL to

Mon 21st APRIL

kidzworld

DINOSAURS and

PUNCH & JUDY

Most Weekends!

OPEN DAILY

12 - EARLY EVENING

This Fair is Token operated - NO CASH ACCEPTED

1 TOKEN £1.20 10 TOKENS £10

TOKENS ON SALE AT BOOTH

FAIRLOP WATERS

BARKINGSIDE • IG6 3HN


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

The Local Recruitment

Company You Can Trust.

If you are looking for a new career or a

great new employee, we can help!

Discount fees for local companies based in E11 & E18

Get in contact today!

02085302288

cvs@publicsectorrecruitment.co.uk

www.publicsectorrecruitment.co.uk

@publicsectorrecruitment

www.facebook.com/publicsectorrecruitment

14a High Street, Wanstead, London, E11 2AJ

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



LOYOLA

Preparatory School

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

3+ & 4+ REGISTRATIONS OPEN

FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 START

REGISTER VIA THE QR CODE

OR CALL TO BOOK YOUR

TOUR TODAY 020 8504 7372

Independent Catholic School for boys aged 3-11

www.loyolaprepschool.co.uk | 020 8504 7372 | 103 Palmerston Road, Essex, IG9 5NH


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

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

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




58

ARCHITECTS

Loud Architects 40

BATHROOMS

Bathworks 15

BOILER SERVICING

Prime Property Repairs 6

Rightio Plumbing & Heating 20

BUILDERS

Finch Contracts 24

North London Loft Rooms 57

CARE HOMES

Chestnut Manor Care Home 4

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

K&D Joinery 21

Woodthorpe Joinery 60

CARPET CLEANING

Safeclean Chigwell 17

CHARITIES

Guide Dogs 34

Haven House Children's Hospice 46

CINEMA

Odeon South Woodford 28

CONSERVATORIES

Best Double Glazing 40

CONSULTING ROOMS

Lily House 1 & 5

COUNSELLING

Counselling Helps 35

DANCE

Variations Dance Studio 13

DECORATORS

E18 Handyman 10

Stuart Green Property Solutions 35

DENTIST

Smile in London 41

Woodford House Dental Practice 29

DOORS

K&D Joinery 21

DRIVEWAYS

Lancasters Gardencare 25

ELDERLY CARE

Chestnut Manor Care Home 4

EMBROIDERY

Creative Giftware 12

ESTATE AGENTS

Churchill Estates 30–31

The Stow Brothers 23

Yellands 17


– Index of advertisers –

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Children’s Funfair 53

Community Market 7

Sparkle Walk 46

Valentine Singers 49

EXTERIOR CLEANING

GB Pro Maintenance 45

FENCING


FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Compassionate Funerals 16

GARAGE SERVICES

Belgrave Motor Services 24

Woodbridge Autos33

GARDENS & LANDSCAPING


GIFTS

Creative Giftware 12

GUTTERING


HANDYMAN

E18 Handyman 10


HEALTH & FITNESS

Redbridge Drama Centre Gym 11

Sylvestrian Leisure Centre2

HOLIDAY PROPERTIES

Dovehouse Developments 20

INTERIOR DESIGN

Loud Architects 40

JOB VACANCIES

Public Sector Recruitment 54

LOFTS


MARKETS

Ace Events 7

MOT

Belgrave Motor Services 24

Woodbridge Autos33

OSTEOPATHS

The Osteopathy Centre 5

PHOTOGRAPHY

Geoff Wilkinson 34

PLUMBING & HEATING

Prime Property Repairs 6

Rightio Plumbing & Heating 20

POLITICS

Calvin Bailey MP 56

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

E18 Handyman 10

Finch Contracts 24



PROPERTY SERVICES

Churchill Estates 30–31

The Stow Brothers 23

Yellands 17

PUBS

Nightingale on the Green 8

RECRUITMENT & CAREERS

Public Sector Recruitment 54

REFLEXOLOGY

East London Reflexology 9

ROOFING


SCHOOLS & NURSERIES

Avon House Preparatory School 59

Loyola Preparatory School 55

St Aubyn’s School 48

Woodford Green Prep School 51

SINGING

Crescendo Music Academy 13

Valentine Singers 49

SOLICITORS

Edwards Duthie Shamash 37

SPORT & LEISURE

Redbridge Drama Centre Gym 11

Sparkle Walk 46

Sylvestrian Leisure Centre2

STAIRS

K&D Joinery 21

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Counselling Helps 35

TUITION & COURSES

MagiKats 16

VENUE & ROOM HIRE

Lily House 1 & 5

Nightingale on the Green 8

WARDROBES


WINDOWS

Best Double Glazing 40

McCarty & Smith 43

WINDOW SHUTTERS


YOGA

Yanar Mind & Movement 4



AVON HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

A co-educational Independent Prep School

for children aged 3-11 years

490-492 High Road, Woodford Green, Essex

OPEN MORNING

FRIDAY 2 ND MAY AT 9AM

PLACES AVAILABLE IN NURSERY (3 YRS+), RECEPTION (4 YRS+) AND YEARS 1 - 5

For more information contact admissions@ahsprep.co.uk

020 8504 1749


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

Light | Shade

Privacy Light | Shade | Style

Privacy | Style

FITTED WARDROBES

ALSO AVAILABLE

Celebrating 13 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

Mar/Apr 2025

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Delete template?

Save as template ?