Editor

I have proudly called Churchfields my home for over 25 years; this is where my family have grown up, where my two sons were raised and educated. I’ve built deep roots in our community, giving many years to teaching and education. Like many residents, I care deeply about the issues that affect our daily lives: crime, housing, the cost of living, Broadmead bridge and cleaner, safer streets. I am not a career councillor, I am your neighbour. I understand what matters here because I live it every day.

Promoted by Stuart Shulton on behalf of Reform UK at Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London SW1P 4QP.

I have proudly called Woodford home for over 25 years, having grown up and gone to school right here in our community. My career has taken me across to more than 10 countries. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how to manage finances responsibly, make fair decisions and deliver results. These skills are what I want to bring to serve our local area. I want to help, support safer streets, better local services and stronger community. On 7 May, please use all three of your votes for your Conservative candidates.

Promoted by Stephen Adams on behalf of Churchfields Conservatives all at 105C Station Rd, London, E4 7BU.

I’m a university worker and trade unionist. I’ve lived in Churchfields for 14 years and I’m standing because I believe residents deserve better, more transparent representation. I was inspired by Faiza Shaheen’s General Election campaign, which demonstrated the power of community-led politics. Since then, I’ve been involved in several Chingford and Woodford Green Community Independents campaigns, notably on Broadmead Bridge, and have been supporting former independent councillor Rosa Gomez with her council duties.

Promoted Alistair Smailes on behalf of Jillian Ghose, Rita Mahli & Helen Watson, all at 110 Beech Hall Road, London, E4 9NX.

I have lived in Churchfields for 15 years. I have been a teacher for over 40 years and am also a musician. I have served as a co-opted member on the council’s Housing Committee and the Housing and Adult Social Services Scrutiny Committee. My main interests are the NHS (especially on what has been happening to Whipps Cross), working to protect our local green spaces and supporting education with a focus on improving provision for students with special needs and developing safe spaces for young people in Redbridge.

Promoted by Crispin Acton on behalf of Redbridge Liberal Democrats, all at 45 Wellington Road, London, E11 2AS.

I am a small business owner who has lived locally for nearly 20 years. I am also a member of the London Assembly, where I hold the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to account for his failures on transport, housing and crime. To deliver real change we need a strong Reform voice on Redbridge Council, so I am standing to cut waste, improve services and, above all, force Redbridge Council and Transport for London to repair and reopen Broadmead Road bridge, which has been closed pending repair since July 2023.

Promoted by Stuart Shulton on behalf of Reform UK at Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London SW1P 4QP.

I grew up in the borough and have spent my life here. Woodford has always been the best part of Redbridge and I’m determined to keep it that way! I’m proud of what we’ve achieved since I became your councillor in 2022. We have achieved a lot together but there is still a lot more to do. We can’t put the progress we’ve made at risk by letting Reform or the coalition of chaos which is the independents win. Only Labour can keep this community the great place it is, so use all three of your votes for your Labour candidates on 7 May.

Promoted by Thomas Morton on behalf of Redbridge Labour both at 12a Highview Parade, Woodford Ave, Ilford, IG4 5EP

A Woodford resident for over 30 years, I am proud of the area and committed to protecting its character. Recently retired from a career in a law firm, I bring strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a clear sense of fairness. I am determined to hold the council to account, ensuring residents get better services. Too much is spent in Ilford at (South) Woodford’s expense. The council have dragged their feet on Broadmead bridge. I will be a strong, practical voice for Woodford, focused on real results.

Promoted by Stephen Adams on behalf of Churchfields Conservatives all at 105C Station Rd, London, E4 7BU.

I have lived in Redbridge for almost my whole life and have been a Redbridge councillor. I have worked in further education for over 30 years and stood for the Liberal Democrats in Churchfields at the last local election. I have been active in the Save Crescent Road Action Group. I have also developed close links with other groups in Churchfields and have supported residents with housing issues. I will campaign to make our roads safer and ensure a better deal for those in social housing.

Promoted by Crispin Acton on behalf of Redbridge Liberal Democrats, all at 45 Wellington Road, London, E11 2AS.

Woodford residents Shan and James Lau were honoured at the Redbridge Mayor’s Community Awards in March.

“Shan and James work tirelessly, collecting food from supermarkets which would otherwise be thrown away because of best-before dates.
Every Friday morning, they hold a community event called Spare Loaf at St Barnabas Church hall on Snakes Lane East and give the food away to the community. They have saved over 50 tonnes of food from going to landfill,” said an event spokesperson.

Local teenager Jessica Ryan received The Recorder Young Citizen Award at Redbridge Town Hall in March.

“Jessica is a pupil at Trinity Catholic High School in Woodford Green. Alongside organising a charity week for her school and supporting local charity Haven House, the 17-year-old also organised a two-week donation drive for Redbridge Foodbank. More than 650kg of food was collected as a result of her efforts, enough to make emergency food parcels for 59 people in need,” said an Ilford Recorder spokesperson.

Alan Coppin, caretaker at Hermitage Court in Snaresbrook, was honoured at the Redbridge Mayor’s Community Awards in March.

“In November 2025, Hermitage Court resident Tony Walsh collapsed in his kitchen due to a sudden heart attack. His partner froze, not sure what to do or who to turn to. She screamed for help and Alan responded. He rushed in, called 999 and was guided through his first CPR by the operator. Alan’s CPR saved Tony’s life. An angel, a hero, we are all so grateful,” said an event spokesperson.

Open-air theatre will return to Wanstead Park this summer.

The new season will begin on 13 June with East London Shakespeare Festival’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This will be followed by three performances by outdoor theatre company Illyria: Pinocchio on 4 July, The Three Musketeers on 26 July and The Pirates of Penzance on 30 August. All shows take place in the park’s Temple enclosure.

Booking links:

Saturday 4 July 2026
Pinocchio at The Temple – Wanstead Park

Sunday 26 July 2026
The Three Musketeers at The Temple – Wanstead Park

Sunday 30 August 2026
The Pirates of Penzance at The Temple – Wanstead Park

Saturday 13 June 2026
A Midsummer Night’s Dream