Editor

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.

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

I n 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 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.
• 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, visit bisque-worm-933281.hostingersite.com/snt

Residents 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

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.”

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

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

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.

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 close-knit 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

St Aubyn’s School celebrated diversity by holding a ‘Wear Your Story’ earlier this month.

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 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

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 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

To donate to the ArtHouse Social fundraiser, click here.

To book tickets for the ArtHouse Social Fundraising Disco on Friday 25 April, click here.

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

For match funding, email Mr Frank Gordon: FGordon@woodbridgehigh.co.uk.