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Local resident Jim Reynolds (back row, centre) shares two photos from his teenage years taken in the early 1950s, when he would play ice hockey on the frozen lakes in Wanstead Park

These photos were taken at the Shoulder of Mutton Pond in Wanstead Park one wintry Sunday, circa 1951. They show a few friends from a group of about 18 ice hockey enthusiasts who would meet up on Saturday evenings to watch Harringay Racers ice hockey team playing their home games at Harringay Stadium. 

We would catch the number 25 bus from Ilford Broadway to Woodgrange Park Station. From there, onto the local train bound for Harringay Stadium where we would join some 8,000 spectators.

After the game, we would don our skates for a session on the ice, re-enacting the game! Then off to the chippy in Green Lanes for a bag of chips and a pickled onion! A dash up the stairs to catch the last train back to Woodgrange Park and walk back to Ilford Broadway, having always missed the last bus. Another enjoyable Saturday!

The skating at Wanstead Park, shown in the photos, would have been arranged whilst at Harringay Stadium one Saturday night.

And the gentlemen taking an icy dip were regular all-weather lake swimmers. They were taking their daily dip as my mates and I were on the lake for our ice hockey game!

Last month saw an unexpectedly high turnout for a clean-up session in Wanstead Park, which has joined many other beauty spots across the country suffering from lockdown litter louts. Richard Arnopp reports

The coronavirus lockdown coincided with a long spell of warm, sunny weather. The Friends of Wanstead Parklands are delighted that so many new people have been discovering and enjoying our green spaces during this difficult time. However, the increased number of visitors has unfortunately included a minority who spoil the experience for others by leaving their rubbish behind.

This has been a nationwide problem. On 1 June, the BBC reported: “There have been widespread cases of littering at beauty spots and public spaces over the weekend as warm weather coincided with an easing of coronavirus restrictions. Rubbish piled up in areas including Cornwall, Dorset, Birmingham, London and the Peak District.”

Epping Forest, the 15-mile swathe of woodland and heath which helps to make this part of London so special, has not been spared. A number of volunteers already collect litter in Wanstead Park and the Flats, but their efforts were being overwhelmed. To help, the Friends announced monthly litter picks in Wanstead Park, initially from June to September.

The first event was held on 7 June, in collaboration with Epping Forest, which provided trigger-action litter pickers and builders’ bags. It was publicised on social media and we expected about a dozen volunteers. We were astonished when nearly 40 turned up – a measure of public concern about littering. Fortunately, we had erred on the side of safety in terms of providing equipment: most individuals got a litter picker, and most couples got at least one between them! Fanning out across the park, they collected a huge quantity of rubbish.

Although, in an ideal world, they shouldn’t have to do this, a number of our volunteers commented that litter picking is actually quite fun! It’s also satisfying and appreciated by the local people who love and respect our open spaces. As we worked, many said they were grateful for what we were doing.

Littering is, sadly, just part of a spectrum of antisocial behaviour on Epping Forest land. In recent years, fly-tipping has become a major problem, with hundreds of incidents each year. Epping Forest has become a leader in tracking down those responsible, accounting for a significant proportion of prosecutions nationally. Also, despite recent devastating fires on Wanstead Flats, there have been a number of barbecues on Forest land.

Epping Forest keepers need the public to act as their eyes and ears. If you spot any problems in the Forest – fly-tipping, fires, obstructions – please let them know.

Like many others, in recent weeks Crispin Acton has spent more time than usual walking around Wanstead. Here, the secretary of Redbridge Liberal Democrats reveals the discoveries from his lockdown rambles

The London Encyclopaedia (2008 edition) notes: “Unlike most suburbs, Wanstead is still clearly identified. Separated from Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Forest Gate and Manor Park by continuous portions of Epping Forest and from Ilford by golf links and Wanstead Park, it is only to the north, where Wanstead meets Woodford, that building straddles the boundary.”

I discovered during lockdown that it is possible to walk through the continuous fragments of Epping Forest. A near three-quarter circle can be made around Wanstead by walking from Eagle Lane onto Leyton Flats, across the Green Man roundabout to Bushwood, walking due south to Wanstead Heath and then heading east to Wanstead Flats. You return to Wanstead by aiming for the spire of St Gabriel’s, Aldersbrook and walking up Park Road to Wanstead Park, then along the Heronry Pond, leaving the park by Warren Road. Altogether, it takes me about an hour and a half.

The Ordnance Survey map reveals a Centenary Walk through the length of the Forest, from Manor Park to Epping, 15 miles in total from south to north. I walked one afternoon about five miles from Snaresbrook to Whitehall Plain, near Buckhurst Hill. Most of the walk is through tree cover, with occasional open spaces. The Forest is truly that, full of ancient and mature native trees. You have to make road crossings, but these are easy, with some footbridges, including one over the North Circular. I nearly reached Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge at Chingford but was put off by knowing it would be closed.

It seemed odd to me that there were no signs at all for the Centenary Walk. In fact, there are no signs of any kind for walkers in the Forest south of the North Circular. The Centenary Walk was created in 1978 to commemorate the Epping Forest Act, 1878, which ensured conservation of the Forest we now have. Surely, it is something to celebrate?

The City of London has been the conservator of Epping Forest since 1878 and has done well to prevent encroachment. Perhaps, though, it could help us to enjoy the Forest better. Its own Forest map does not mark footpaths clearly and does not mention the walk.

One of the benefits of lockdown for many has been enjoyment of the natural world. We are fortunate to live near a wonderful, historic forest. We have heard a lot about statistical modelling helping the government to decide its next steps on Covid-19. Similar kinds of modelling work by public health researchers have shown access to plentiful green spaces can really make a difference to both quality and length of life. The way that humanity treats – or mistreats – nature was at the root of the Covid crisis. A better relationship with nature could help us in many ways.

Wanstead Village councillors Jo Blackman, Daniel Morgan-Thomas and Paul Donovan invite you to drop a pin on the Redbridge Active Travel map and submit your thoughts about shaping a greener Wanstead and Woodford

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused terrible loss of life across the country. These have been challenging times for our community, but it has been fantastic to see people stepping up to help out in so many ways.

And many people have spent more time exploring their local area on foot and by bike.

Now, as we come out of lockdown, there is the possibility of shaping a whole new way of living. The chance to draw on some of the positives of the past three months – the reduction in pollution and carbon emissions. Silence all around. The chance to hear the birds and see the stars.

We must not let all of these gains be thrown away, with a rush to fill the skies with planes and the roads with cars in an effort to make up for loss of economic activity over the pandemic period. There is the chance now to move to a way of living that preserves and builds on some of the gains of the past three months. A transition to a way of living that helps confront that other great crisis in our midst – climate change.

We are keen to find a way to maintain and promote more forms of sustainable transport beyond the current pandemic as part of a green recovery.

The trial closure of some streets in Wanstead Village to enable social distancing could pave the way for street spaces that promote and encourage cycling and walking. Changes such as these could help us achieve those goals of a cleaner, greener way of living. An environment where both young and old can move around more freely, breathing cleaner air.

We know there is much more the council can do to improve cycle paths, walkways, junctions, improve bike storage and encourage the use of electric vehicles.

Redbridge Council wants to hear residents’ views about how we can make our streets safer and promote cycling and walking. So, please share your views and suggestions on the Redbridge Active Travel project’s interactive map.

We know from our inbox and advice service that local residents have lots of ideas about how to make our streets work better for pedestrians and cyclists. Now is the time to share those views to shape the future design of our streets, pavements and cycle paths. If you don’t speak out, nothing will change.

Covid-19 has shown how we can work together to build our communities and support each other. Let’s build on that to ensure a positive legacy for our streets, ward and borough.

Wanstead resident Paul Canal has spent lockdown refurbishing donated bicycles for families in need, raising funds for Haven House Children’s Hospice in the process. Now, Wanstead UpCycles needs your help

Six weeks ago, there were no bicycles in our back garden. Today, there are over 40. Kids bikes, teenagers bikes, classic Raleighs, rusty racers, even a couple of 1950s boneshakers. How did our house become Steptoe and Son’s Bicycle Emporium? And why is my wife frowning?

I was supporting a foodbank run in Woodford.  Along with food parcels, they supply toys and clothes to families in need. I was asked if I could source a bicycle for a young girl from a less well-off family. A short appeal on the Wanstead Community Hub on Facebook and a beautiful bike was rehomed to an ecstatically happy five-year-old.

There is nothing as efficient as the ‘Wanstead Bush Telegraph’. All of a sudden, people were arriving at our door with magnificent bicycles that required a bit (and sometimes a lot!) of TLC. I now had more bicycles than recipients, but thanks to the dastardly Covid-19, I also had a lot of time on my hands. (When will the Manor House reopen!)

My wife, Karen, and I have raised money for Haven House by running a series of charity suppers with the support of friends and great restaurateurs like Chris Trouard of Marmiton and Jason Flack of the Sir Alfred Hitchcock Hotel. Covid-19 stopped the suppers, but Haven House’s need for support has never been greater. Could the donated bicycles become a source of support? From that germ of an idea, Wanstead UpCycles was born. I now refurbish donated bicycles and either pass them on to a local family in need, or ‘sell them’ in return for a donation to Haven House. I am also carrying out simple bicycle repairs, again for a charity donation. We have a dedicated Facebook page to promote the appeal and are hoping to raise £1,000 for Haven House.

Which is where you come in! I need more adult bikes to restore for a waiting list of people eager to start cycling. I am still accepting and upcycling children’s bicycles. I am also keen to know of any families or individuals in need who would like a bicycle.

I am also looking for help! I need a couple of volunteers to join me and help to clean up and check over the donated bicycles. I have promised Karen her garden back! The wages are miserable, the working conditions dire, the banter poor, but I do offer free tea and coffee.

Finally, I offer a heartfelt thanks to all those who have supported this new venture so far. You have helped a doctor get to their Whipps Cross shift after dropping off their child; you have brought joy to a young boy living with his mum in a women’s refuge; you have made a six-year-old squeal with delight at his first “grown-up” bike. Above all, you have shown that community spirit is alive, well and thriving in this wonderful place, Wanstead, that Karen and I are proud to call home.

Diana Varakina reports on her new job as the first Co-op Member Pioneer for the Wanstead and South Woodford area, a position she believes can improve our wellbeing and build community resilience

My name is Diana, I moved to Wanstead two years ago. Right from the start, I loved the area, from the vibrant High Street to the local swans, the neighbourly and community feel, the green open spaces and Epping Forest.

After lockdown started, and with more time on my hands, I wanted to help during the pandemic. I found that Co-op was actively looking to employ people to support their local community. I applied, was selected and am now excited to be the very first Co-op Member Pioneer for the Wanstead and South Woodford area.

Co-op values and principles resonate strongly with me. People over profit, contribution, self-responsibility, democracy, equality and solidarity – these all meant I could do something for my community with a partner who believes in the same things as I do.

The Member Pioneer role is designed to increase cooperation and participation in the community, working with local colleagues, causes and members to enable great things to happen. My aim is to be a genuine local voice in the community, promoting Co-op member involvement and the Co-op values and principles. What this means in practice is connecting people and building relationships, listening to what matters to people and identifying issues affecting the community and then using Co-op’s reach and resources, as well as other local initiatives, to make a positive difference.

Co-op is the world’s largest consumer co-operative, owned by its millions of members and recognised for its social goals and community-led programmes. It’s also the UK’s fifth-largest food retailer. Many people do not know that every time members buy Co-op branded products and services, 1% of their purchase is donated to local causes in their community.

As a Member Pioneer, I am in a great position to listen to the needs of the Wanstead and South Woodford community and work alongside the residents to reach solutions that not only solve the issue, but do so in a way that empowers the local community and respects equality, human rights and the environment. Now more than ever, we’re seeing the difference these Co-op member donations are making to some amazing causes, especially those supporting people through the current crisis.

Whilst I’m new to the role, I’m excited to play a part in the community and connect with local residents, business and organisations. As we collectively face a challenging period, it is community and togetherness that can make such a difference to people’s lives.

Woodbridge High School, along with their PTA, has contributed to a number of local Covid-19 projects.

“Our fundraising enabled us to purchase materials to make visors for NHS staff on the frontline. And we were pleased to purchase £1,000 worth of essential items and food to donate to the local foodbank. We also have a team who are making scrubs for NHS staff and carers. Our most recent order was from a care home, who were delighted to receive the scrubs,” said a spokesperson for the school.

Redbridge Council has begun consulting residents about plans to build new council homes on Torrington Road in South Woodford.

“This is just the start of the consultation process. There will be further opportunities for you to give your views on our proposals. There are no fixed plans yet, and the council will be following all planning guidance, making sure any new buildings will largely match existing ones. All new homes will be built with the height and density of existing homes as a guide,” said a spokesperson.

A meadow beside Chigwell Road in Woodford Green has become an important addition to local ecology, according to a senior nature conservation ranger at Vision RCL.

“In 2013, we put in an earth embankment around Dartnalls Field, next to Broadmead Baptist Church… Over the years, we have been trying to work out the best formula for managing it. With our grounds team doing a great job in the winter to cut back the meadow, it has been allowed to grow and become a very important place for pollinators,” said Francis Castro.

Woodford Town FC’s return to the local area has been delayed by lockdown, but club officials remain optimistic they will be playing at a revamped Ashton Playing Fields by the start of next season.

“Woodford were always a big name when I was growing up, and so many people have told me about the impact the club has had on their lives. We’re doing all we can to get Woodford home and hopefully a major force again,” said club chairman Tony Scott. The club currently groundshare with Harlow FC.

Visit swvg.co.uk/wtfc

The South Woodford Society will hold a virtual AGM on 8 July from 7pm.

“The event was originally planned for 25 March, just after the lockdown was introduced, so had to be postponed. We’re now aiming to hold a virtual meeting using Zoom. After the AGM business, there will be a short presentation on the steps towards developing a Neighbourhood Plan for South Woodford. Get in touch for details or if you need any help to join… We look forward to seeing you on air!” said a spokesperson.

Email e18Society@gmail.com

The monthly community market returned to South Woodford in June.

“The market took place on George Lane in the usual way, but parking was suspended in the bays between the International Supermarket and the bus stop to allow traders to set up there, and to widen the pavement. Social distancing and hygiene protocols were in place… It’s a really positive step towards moving out of lockdown,” said a South Woodford Society spokesperson.

The event takes place on the third Sunday of the month from 10am to 3pm.