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Residents are invited to join the next South Woodford Ward Panel meeting and help set policing priorities for the area.

“Ward panels provide opportunities for the community to engage with the police and other partners about the things that matter most where we live… No prior experience is needed, just a desire to make a difference,” said Councillor Brewer. Meetings are held online every three months and last no more than an hour. The next meeting will take place on 14 December from 7pm. Visit swvg.co.uk/wardpanels

The South Woodford Village Gazette and the Wanstead Village Directory are finalists in the Redbridge Best Media Business of the Year 2026 award.

“Thank you to all who voted for us in the first round of nominations. The supportive comments were wonderful to read,” said editor Lee Marquis. The award is a borough-wide category within the Ilford and Redbridge Business Awards. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony in Ilford in December. The South Woodford Village Gazette has been published since 1992.

Planning permission has been granted to develop the site of the former Ark Fish Restaurant on Hermon Hill following a series of Planning Committee votes.

In September, the initial vote was tied before a second vote approved the scheme. However, that decision was later ruled defective because committee members had not received offi cer advice before voting and no proposer or seconder had been recorded. The application returned to the committee in October, when councillors voted for a third time and approved the plans.

Residents are invited to share their views on crime and community safety as part of a borough-wide survey.

“The feedback we receive will help us identify priorities, target resources where they are most needed and continue working closely with our partners to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour. I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to share their views,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson. Visit swvg.co.uk/cas

A fence has been installed around South Woodford’s iconic flower sculptures on George Lane.

“While the flowers have been a well-loved feature for 23 years, they were identified as a health and safety issue, and children have been injured in the past. It was therefore decided to enclose them. At the same time, they were refurbished and repainted to continue to be a colourful focal point in South Woodford for many years to come,” said a South Woodford Society spokesperson. The work was paid for by Redbridge Council.

Redbridge Council has partnered with an electric cargo bike-sharing service to launch a new green travel option in South Woodford.

“With a spacious cargo box designed to hold more items than a standard bike, it gives people and businesses a new way to carry shopping or make local deliveries in a more environmentally friendly way,” said a spokesperson. The bike can be hired for £5 an hour from its permanent base outside Creative Biscuit, 61 George Lane. New users get one hour of free hire. Visit ourbike.co.uk

Village Vouchers has launched a new digital service, replacing the previous printed voucher booklet with a mobile-friendly website and app offering discounts and deals from local businesses.

Residents can register for free to browse participating businesses and access selected free offers, while paid membership provides access to the full range of vouchers (£5.99 for a six-month subscription). Offers can be redeemed directly from a smartphone when visiting participating venues by showing a time-limited voucher redemption screen. “New offers will be added regularly as we continue our aim of encouraging residents to support independent shops, restaurants, businesses and services across the local area,” said a spokesperson. The new platform currently has over 30 local money-saving vouchers available. Visit swvg.co.uk/vouchers

After a childhood accident, Woodford Green resident Rob Dunn has only recently returned to running. Next year, he’ll take on the London Marathon in aid of a charity that has helped him get back on his feet

In April 2027, I’ll be running the London Marathon to raise funds for a charity close to my heart. It’s a race I never thought I’d be capable of running.

When I was 10, I was hit by a car. The accident left me with a shattered femur, a dislocated hip and a brain injury. What followed was years of surgery and rehabilitation, including a nine-hour operation to reconstruct my leg, before I was able to walk normally again. I’ve recovered well from the brain injury, though I still have difficulties with concentration, attention and finding the right words. It’s only in the last few months that my physiotherapist has given me the go-ahead to start a structured return to running, building up gradually; still a long way from 26.2 miles, but I’m moving in the right direction. So, this marathon isn’t just about the distance. It’s about proving to myself that I can do something I once assumed was permanently off the table.

By day, I work for the charity Blind Veterans UK, where I’ve been for the past seven years. Blind Veterans UK helps veterans with significant sight loss to regain independence and rebuild their lives. Their support is lifelong and includes rehabilitation and Motability training, practical equipment to make daily tasks easier, support in the home, health and wellbeing services and social and community activities.

It’s a charity close to my heart for more reasons than one. They’ve supported me with reasonable adjustments at work to help manage the lasting effects of my brain injury, and over the years, I’ve seen first-hand the difference the charity makes in veterans’ lives. Outside work, I also volunteer locally as a reader for Redbridge Talking Newspaper and

I’m involved with Redbridge Drama Centre’s community theatre group, so between that, training and fundraising, I’ve become a fairly familiar face around Woodford Green and South Woodford lately!

My fundraising target is £2,500, and at the time of writing, I’m just over halfway there. Most of my donations have come from standing in the foyer with my collection bucket at the end of Redbridge Drama Centre performances – a captive, generous audience. I’ve also had a great response elsewhere locally, including after giving a talk at Ilford and District Indoor Bowls Club and from The Monkhams pub manager donating his quiz night takings and keeping my collection bucket on the bar. A raffle I ran through Redbridge Talking Newspaper also sold well, thanks to generous supporters.

If you see a slightly out-of-breath runner in a Blind Veterans UK vest around South Woodford over the coming months, that’s probably me. I’d love it if you felt able to spare a pound or two to help me support visually impaired veterans.

Some South Woodford scribbles from DD, our resident diarist and observer of all things local

I’m staying at home this month, sitting at my computer, rather than strolling around South Woodford inviting you to share your thoughts on a chosen topic. Essentially, you do my job for me, sharing copy I could never have dreamt up myself. I thought it was time to share a few memories of my own to merit the name of DD’s Diary.

In 1995, the American author, Bill Bryson, published his famous book about England’s endearingly quirky village names: Thornton-le-Beans, Farleigh Wallop, amongst others. I loved it. But decades before that, in my childhood, on our family holidays, we had been looking out for and relishing just the same features of our landscape. Pratt’s Bottom was an obvious favourite. We didn’t go abroad. Just modest little B&Bs in Clacton, Camber Sands, Great Yarmouth, even Eastbourne later on. On one occasion, we were housed in an old railway carriage. Absolutely thrilling. Our suitcases didn’t have wheels then. Nor did we. A car came later. We travelled by train.

Driving down from the Scottish borders recently, I was reminded vividly of those days when passing a signpost to Dry Doddington. Inevitably, we wondered if there was a Wet Doddington nearby, on higher ground perhaps. Not a place likely to attract holiday-makers, I suppose, although in the heatwaves we had been experiencing this year, perhaps it might have sounded enticing. We were still pondering on that when into view came the signpost to Great Gonerby. I couldn’t help thinking that it might have been better named Gonerby Great! Various signposts referred to Kirkwhelpington, Burnt Houses, Appleton Wiske. Wonderful.

Over a number of years, our own enjoyment in place names, not necessarily quirky or odd, was shared by another local family, and we developed an informal, friendly competition, writing limericks based on our various holiday venues. Back home, we got together to share the results of our poetic endeavours. I thought you might like to see a sample of them.

There was a young pilot from Bangor
Who took a small plane from its hangar.
He flew it quite well
Till he hit the church bell
When he dropped what you might call a clanger.

Amongst my favourites, I’d include this tale of a mini mutiny:

The vicar of Pevensey Bay
Went away for a year and a day.
His flock, off the tether,
Assembled together,
And took a decision to stray.

And, in spite of its rather dubious content, this one was certainly into recycling.

There was a young lady from Blaenou
Who went for a ride on a rhino.
But when it dropped dead
She ungraciously said:
We could use this poor rhino for lino!

A soldier who fought at Culloden
Had to stop when his tootsies got trod on.
And when he got home
He complained with a moan
He was cold and his undies were sodden.

Of course, you will know that there is a long-standing tradition that limericks should often be ever so slightly naughty. We did not shy away from this:

There was a young girl from Prestatyn
Who made herself knickers of satin.
For her classical friends
To peruse as she bends
She embroidered the edges in Latin.

In case you are thinking (quite understandably) that DD wouldn’t dream of such a thing, you’d be wrong. Believe it or not, one of mine was subsequently honoured with an award at the Cheltenham Literary Festival:

A lisping young lady from Hythe
Who tended to wriggle and writhe,
When asked for the reason,
Replied “In the theathon
The men love my wippling thithe.”

Returning to where we started, it occurs to me that the village place names that we now find amusing, like Nasty in Hertfordshire or Crackpot in Yorkshire, Ugley in Essex and Droop in Dorset, are really signposts into our heritage as an island, ‘quaint hangovers from history’. Crackpot’s name derives from the Old English kraka (crow) and the Viking word ‘pot’. I learnt that Great Gonerby has its origins dating back to Saxon times. As you would expect, it’s easy and really rather astonishing, with a bit of research on the web, to track down the origins of the names of every town and village between Land’s End and John o’ Groats.

Someone with a good sense of humour has offered us some thoughts on our very own Woodford. What is Woodford famous for? he asks. And answers: “Woodford is most famous as either the historic London suburb tied to Winston Churchill or as Woodford County, Kentucky, known for its world-class Bourbon. Depending on which Woodford you mean, each has distinct claims to fame.”

I’m wondering if I still retain the limerick technique? Keeping close to home, I’ll have a go. Why don’t you?

A neighbour of mine in Broad Walk
Has taught his pet parrot to talk.
The bird proved so smart
He has mastered fine art
Sketching portraits with pink-tinted chalk.

I’ll be back in the New Year.

As a Ward Officer with the Churchfields Safer Neighbourhoods Team, PC Sharat Kapoor has the privilege of proudly serving a community that means a great deal to him

Neighbourhood policing is often about the work that happens away from the headlines, building relationships, addressing local concerns and working alongside residents to make a lasting difference. It is a role I am proud to undertake every day.

I joined policing in 2010 with a simple ambition: to make a positive difference to people’s lives and help create safer, stronger communities. My career has taken me through a variety of roles across the Metropolitan Police. I began in neighbourhood policing before moving to emergency response, gaining valuable front-line experience. I then spent eight years in the Metropolitan Police Control Room, supporting officers and the public during some of the most challenging incidents across London. More recently, I worked within the Missing Persons Unit before returning to neighbourhood policing, where my passion for community engagement first began.

What makes this role particularly meaningful is my personal connection to the area. I grew up locally and attended school within the ward that I now have the privilege of policing. Having those roots gives me a genuine understanding of the community, its strengths and the issues that matter most to local people. It is a responsibility I never take for granted.

Neighbourhood policing is about far more than responding to crime. It is about being visible, listening to concerns and working collaboratively to solve the issues that affect daily life. Whether that involves tackling antisocial behaviour, supporting vulnerable individuals, engaging with young people or working with local businesses, housing providers and council partners, our focus is always on improving community safety and building public confidence.

Like many policing teams across London, neighbourhood officers continue to face increasing demands and competing priorities. Despite these challenges, I am consistently inspired by the dedication and professionalism of my colleagues. Every day, they demonstrate resilience, commitment and a genuine desire to make a positive impact within the communities they serve. One of the most rewarding aspects of neighbourhood policing is the opportunity to build trust. When residents feel confident approaching and working alongside us, we can achieve far more together.

I am proud to be part of the Churchfields Safer Neighbourhoods Team and proud to serve the community that helped shape who I am today. Neighbourhood policing may not always attract the spotlight, but its impact is felt every day, and for me, there is no greater privilege than being part of that work.

South Woodford resident Nina Stafford describes how plans for nine flats on the former Ark Fish Restaurant site on Hermon Hill have left her feeling overlooked by both the development and the planning system

Our home is about to become someone else’s view. At the back of our house is an open-plan kitchen diner where we spend our days. We’ve never needed blinds because there’s never been anyone to see in. From our kitchen doors to our back fence is about 12 metres, roughly the length of a London bus. Behind that fence is a car park. Then the letter arrived. Someone wanted to build on it.

Just two metres beyond our fence, there will be a terrace for nine flats, with another level of balconies above. Soon, we’ll need blinds for the first time. We’ll think twice before opening the back door or speaking freely in our garden. Then we read the council’s planning report. It said the new flats would enjoy “good levels of outlook”. Outlook over what? “The neighbours to the rear.” That’s us! Our kitchen, garden, bedrooms and bathroom are about to become someone else’s view.

Think it couldn’t happen to you? We thought that, too. Developers can spend months in private discussions with planners before residents hear anything. By the time a notice appears on a lamppost, much of the groundwork has already been done. You think there are rules. There are guidelines, and guidelines bend. Planning depends on judgement, and the judgement isn’t yours.

You think you have a right to privacy. You don’t. We thought both could be protected: the new homes and ours. Nobody was required to make that happen. Councils can accept there’ll be harm and approve, anyway.

We asked for basic protections, including no parties or music on the terrace after 8pm. They were dismissed as “unnecessary, unreasonable and unenforceable.”

You think you’ll get your say. You get two minutes in a council chamber. Our first vote was so muddled it had to be held again. We thought that meant another chance to be heard. It was marked ‘vote only.’ We sat in silence and watched it go through. You think you can appeal. You can’t. If a developer is refused, they can appeal. If residents lose, it’s effectively over unless they can afford court.

We spent months gathering evidence and invited the council to visit. Nobody from Redbridge came. Our ward councillor, Beverley Brewer, fought our corner all the way, but even that made little difference.

Schemes like this are appearing across the area as councils face pressure to build. But that doesn’t stop anyone asking how development can work for both new residents and existing ones. So, look behind your garden. A car park? A garage? A scrap of land? If it’s empty, it may be a target. Open every council letter. Back the South Woodford Society’s Neighbourhood Plan. And plant trees. Plant them today, before the letter arrives. And if it already has? Run.

In the first of a series of articles, Rena Pathak looks at the challenges facing George Lane, which has been chosen as a starting point for a council project to strengthen local high streets

Our high streets are facing challenging times. Changing shopping habits, rising costs and online competition have all altered the way we use them. Yet a thriving high street remains central to community life. George Lane is more than a place to shop; it is somewhere we meet, connect and feel part of South Woodford.

We all want George Lane to flourish, with an appealing mix of independent businesses, familiar brands, restaurants and services that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. But we have also seen shops come and go, similar businesses repeatedly opening and promising spaces remaining out of reach for those keen to trade here. So, who shapes the future of our high street? I believe three groups have a vital role to play: the community, commercial landlords and their managing agents and Redbridge Council.

As residents and consumers, our choices matter. Every time we shop locally, we contribute to the local economy. But supporting George Lane should not simply be about asking people to spend money here. We must also make it a place where people genuinely want to spend time. Landlords and managing agents have considerable influence too. Their decisions about who occupies retail premises help determine the character of the high street. Commercial considerations are understandable, but the long-term success of their properties is closely connected to the vitality of George Lane as a whole.

Alongside Elaine Atkins, I coordinate the South Woodford Business Network, which brings businesses together. We have heard from local entrepreneurs who struggle to secure suitable premises or expand within South Woodford. Some have described a lack of clarity around how commercial letting decisions are made. Greater dialogue and transparency could help good businesses find a home here. This is where Redbridge Council has an important part to play. In my role as vice-chair of the SOWO Society, I have raised these concerns and discussed our shared ambitions for a sustainable town centre. Encouragingly, the council is supportive, including through its work to identify property owners and managing agents and explore stronger collaboration with them.

There are wider opportunities too, from improving public spaces around the Sainsbury’s site to making better use of underappreciated town centre assets. These improvements, alongside a healthy business mix, can help make George Lane more welcoming and resilient.

This is the beginning of a conversation, not a finished plan. In future articles, I hope to share how these discussions develop and what practical improvements may follow. For now, I invite you to consider: what would make you choose George Lane more often?