Features

SWVG-SEP-OCT-2026sw
Features

Sword Woodford

Local resident Jay Maxwell turned a passion for historical swordsmanship into a career, and now offers classes in Woodford dedicated to the study and practice of historical European martial arts

SWVG-SEP-OCT-2026-run
Features

Miles of smiles

Having joined East London Runners for motivation during marathon training, Jacob Stevens then discovered there was a whole world of local races to enjoy and went on to become chair of the welcoming

ChatGPT-Image-Aug-14,-2026,-11_08_00-AM_upscayl_3x_high-fidelity-4x
Features

Forum renewed. Plans pursued.

With its Neighbourhood Forum status renewed, the South Woodford Society can now push ahead with its long-awaited neighbourhood plan, setting out a community-led vision for the area. Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds reports

SWVG-SEP-OCT-2026-au
Features

Inclusion

Dr Chris Papadopoulos is the founder and CEO of the London Autism Group Charity, which hosts a free monthly drop-in autism community café in South Woodford

SWVG-SEP-OCT-2026-dr
Features

Hugs not drugs

After addiction brought his life to breaking point, local resident Danny (not his real name) explains how Cocaine Anonymous helped him find sobriety and discover a second chance at life

W-beer
Features

Pints of View

From traditional brewers to East London’s thriving craft scene, the beer industry has flourished, but now needs our support, writes Paul Donovan, one of the organisers of the Wanstead Beer Festival

pWVD-SEP-2026
Features

Photo and story

In the sixth of a series of articles featuring images by the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, Anuraj Theivendram explains the popularity of group outings

WVD-AUG-2026-rod
Features

Water Pressure

The River Roding often feels overlooked, but a recent meeting in Parliament gave it the attention it deserves, says Councillor Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Neighbourhoods

WVD-JUL-2026-p2All images © Hank Bishop
Features

Photo and story

In the fifth of a series of articles featuring images by the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, Anuraj Theivendram introduces well-travelled, long-distance member Hank Bishop

WVD-JUL-2026-eds
Features

Trial & Error

The government’s plans to restrict the right to trial by jury to tackle the Crown Court backlog amounts to the quiet dismantling of British justice, says Stephen Davies of local solicitors Edwards Duthie