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When local resident Amanda Green lost her dad a year ago, Saint Francis Hospice enabled him to die peacefully at home. It was Amanda’s second experience of the hospice, which also cared for her mum in 2016\

Howard Bennett, my dad, died in 2024 on my birthday, 21 December, which I see as an honour. We were very close, and that afternoon, I felt our souls blend and our connection deepen.

Dad lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema for years. Breathing was a struggle, but he rarely let it stop him living. He was stoic, funny, clever, kind and generous. He adored Salli, his wife – my mum, who died in 2016 – his children, grandchildren and, in 2023, becoming a great-grandad.

In 2024, his lung consultant referred him to Saint Francis Hospice as his condition worsened. A member of the hospice community team visited and offered breathing advice and techniques. But the best part about having the hospice involved was knowing that when the time came, I could ask for help. That eased my fear of what lay ahead.

After a difficult night a few months later, Dad said: “I think I need to go to the hospice now.” He was living in a purpose-built extension we had added to our house. I explained the Hospice at Home team could care for him there alongside myself and carers. He hadn’t realised this was an option and was relieved to stay in his own pad, knowing how lovingly Saint Francis had cared for my mum. We agreed he would only go into the hospice if absolutely necessary, and because of the nurses’ support, that wasn’t needed.

As he neared the end, the Hospice at Home team visited more often. It was amazing how the care stepped up. They knew just how to keep him comfortable in a dignified way. I remember the first Hospice at Home nurse arriving. I had the same feeling I had experienced eight years previously, when my mum arrived on the ward at the hospice. It felt as if an angel had descended and taken all the worry off my shoulders.

The night before Dad died, we gathered at his bedside and toasted him. The nurse suggested a taster of gin and tonic on a swab. The next day, on my birthday, we repeated the gesture with champagne after a friend suggested he might be waiting to celebrate. I think she was right; he passed away shortly afterwards, with champagne on his lips and Nat King Cole playing. He would have loved that ending!

In my opinion, it would be impossible to experience the care I received for both my parents without feeling forever indebted to the hospice and it becoming such an important part of our lives. It is so important to give back as the hospice is only 28% government-funded and relies on fundraising and donations for the remaining 72%. How different both my parents’ endings would have been without the hospice. I have also found that fundraising in their honour really helps me on the grief journey.

Located in Havering-atte-Bower, the Saint Francis Hospice catchment area includes Wanstead and Woodford. Visit sfh.org.uk

Local resident Richard O’Neill responds to last issue’s Hate Racism article, which described those at the Unite the Kingdom march as far right. Richard supported the march but explains why he’s not far right

I read the recent Hate Racism article in the last issue of the South Woodford Village Gazette with interest. While I, like many others, believe racism is unacceptable, I feel the piece oversimplified the motivations of those who attended the Unite the Kingdom march in London in September. The discussion deserves more nuance than a single label.

For many of us, the march was not about hate but about concern for the future of our country. The passion seen in the flags stems from frustration over the growing number of illegal immigrants entering the UK, often housed in hotels with meals and cash support, while many of our veterans – men and women who served our country in conflict – struggle on the streets. It is this perceived injustice, rather than racism, that drives people to stand up and express their patriotism.

The event was attended by people from all backgrounds – Chinese, Indian, European, African and Caribbean – all united by pride in Britain. To label such a diverse crowd as “far right” ignores the very point of the gathering: love for this country and a desire for fairness for those who have built and defended it.

Flying the Union Jack or St George’s Cross, whether on George Lane, the Viaduct or Festival Walk, is a symbol of pride and gratitude, not division. We do not need more posters warning against racism; what we need is open, honest discussion about the issues that affect every citizen: protecting our borders, honouring our servicemen and women and safeguarding the rights and heritage of future generations.

Beyond these practical concerns, there is a deeper emotional reality often overlooked. Many people at the march expressed feeling ignored by the institutions meant to serve them. When entirely reasonable concerns about housing, public services and border control are dismissed as “far-right talking points,” people feel alienated, not radicalised. That alienation fuels frustration, not extremism, and recognising that difference is essential if we genuinely want a fair and united society. Conversations between march attendees – from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds – were often warm and open, a side of the event rarely shown in headlines. For many, the march reinforced a sense of community rather than division.

Instead of focusing on labels that inflame division, we should encourage conversations that build understanding. Listening, even when we disagree, is the first step towards rebuilding trust. A nation grows stronger not by silencing concerns, but by addressing them openly, respectfully and with empathy for all who call Britain home. We owe it to those who fought in the wars to stand up today so our children and grandchildren inherit a Britain that is proud, safe and just.

To read the Hate Racism article in the last issue, visit swvg.co.uk/backissues

The developer of an HMO conversion at 125 Hermon Hill has issued a statement.

“Developing an HMO was not our original intention. But now, the only logical tenants for us are working professionals. For example, an HMO previously developed by us houses five NHS nurses, none of whom have ever caused any issues for the neighbours. Yet the underlying ‘not on my street’ sentiment persists. We have been in contact with the council for several months to ensure that every legal requirement is fully satisfied.”

Redbridge Council has issued a statement regarding the HMO conversion of 125 Hermon Hill.

We have inspected the property. It is currently under renovation and is unoccupied. We have advised the owner that using it as an HMO would require planning permission and a licence. They have committed to applying and any proposals will go through the proper planning process, with residents given the opportunity to comment. The council will continue to monitor the site to ensure compliance.”

Residents have launched a petition urging the council to reject any House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) application for 125 Hermon Hill.

“The developers originally said the house was being refurbished as a family home. Once work was almost complete they changed their plan to operate a six-room HMO instead… Hermon Hill is in an Article 4 protected area, which is meant to stop uncontrolled HMO conversions. If this is allowed, Article 4 becomes meaningless across Redbridge,” said a neighbour.

Visit swvg.co.uk/125hh

New yellow boxes have been installed at the junctions of Albert Road with Chigwell Road and Orford Road with Hermon Hill.

“Community feedback echoed existing concerns over stationary traffic impacting sightlines [at the Albert Road junction]… Results from a traffic survey also recorded significant obstruction at Orford Road,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson.

A proposal to install a yellow box at the junction of Grove Hill with High Road has been deferred to allow for further traffic surveys to be conducted.

A filmmaker and actor from South Woodford is in talks to develop her dark comedy web series Do We Eat Him? into a full-length TV sitcom.

“The show follows two hilariously unhinged and hungry women, Brie and Piper, as they try to survive a zombie apocalypse. The show’s premise involves them finding a body and debating whether he is safe to eat!” said Fran St Clair, who created the series with Govind Chandran and Kelsey Cooke. The show has been watched over 145,000 times on YouTube.

Visit swvg.co.uk/dweh

Redbridge Council is to install 34 new electric vehicle charging points on lampposts across South Woodford.

It’s the final phase of a two-year project in partnership with Siemens and ubitricity, which has seen over 300 new on-street charge points installed across the borough. “This is another big step towards ensuring we have the proper infrastructure in place to ensure there are no barriers to people using electric vehicles. We all have a role to play in tackling climate change,” said Councillor Jo Blackman.

Visit swvg.co.uk/ev3

Residents have several options for disposing of real Christmas trees this January.

Local charity Haven House will be collecting and recycling trees from 5 to 7 January (donation and booking required). Redbridge Council will also collect real trees for free between 12 and 23 January. Collection dates will vary across the borough, so trees must be left at the property boundary by 6am on the first day of the service. Christmas trees can also be taken to Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre.

Visit swvg.co.uk/treecollect26

Redbridge Council is seeking the views of residents to help shape the future of the borough.

“We’re developing a new Borough Vision, which is a shared direction for how we want our borough to look and feel in the future. This vision will guide every major decision, investment and service improvement, acting as a ‘golden thread’ that connects long-term aspirations with everyday operations of the council. Please complete our survey and help create a thriving borough,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/bvision

Redbridge Council has published a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) priority action plan.

It follows an Ofsted report which highlighted widespread failings in education, health and social care, with inconsistent access to support affecting the experiences and outcomes of children with SEND. “The plan outlines the actions we will take to make the required improvements,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/sendact