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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

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

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 single-decker, 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 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

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 thought-provoking, 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 house-hunting.”

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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-year-old 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 

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.