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Connect and collaborate at the South Woodford Business Forum

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The South Woodford Business Forum will host its third networking and information event on 11 July.

“Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event is perfect for fostering collaborations. Come and join us for a fantastic opportunity to connect with others, share ideas and expand your network,” said a spokesperson. The free event – which will include presentations aimed at helping local business owners – will take place at Starbucks on George Lane from 5pm to 7pm.

Visit swvg.co.uk/11july

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Fest-Able: comedians with disabilities or mental health conditions

FB_IMG_1718007000518Comedian Mark Nicholas is autistic

A comedy festival showcasing acts with disabilities or mental health conditions will launch at Wanstead Library this July.

“When I started comedy five years ago, I remember being booked with another performer who was forced to drop out because they couldn’t get their wheelchair into the venue. I found this was a common barrier to a lot of acts with physical disabilities. So, I set myself a mission to change this,” said Fest-Able organiser Mark Nicholas. A series of 16 shows will take place from 3 to 31 July.

Visit swvg.co.uk/fest-able

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Double the fun: two summer celebrations planned for South Woodford in July

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Two community summer celebrations will take place in South Woodford in July.

The first event will see the return of South Woodford’s Summer Festival on 21 July. “George Lane will be partially closed to traffic to create a safe play zone for kids. All the regular market stalls will be there along with family-friendly activities, crafting, live music, a steel band, food and a pop-up pub,” said a South Woodford Society spokesperson.

The festival will be followed by a family fun day in Elmhurst Gardens on 27 July. “Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a fun-filled day in the park. There’ll be stalls, face painting, a bouncy castle, refreshments and competitions,” said a representative for the Maybank Community Association. The whole community is invited to both events, which each run from 11am to 4pm.

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Former pupils and teachers reunited at Churchfields School

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Churchfields Infants’ and Junior School marked its 150th anniversary with a reunion earlier this month.

“Around 200 guests, including former pupils who attended the school from the 1930s to the present, enjoyed reuniting and browsing our considerable archive of log books, photographs and memorabilia. Former teachers in attendance included Mrs Edwards, Mr Roads, Mrs Tabor and Mrs Law. The event also featured a screening of A Year in the Life of Churchfields School, a film made by John Goldsmith in 1970,” said a spokesperson.

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Oakdale School Streets scheme postponed because of election

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A School Streets scheme that was scheduled to come into force on roads around Oakdale Infants and Junior Schools in June has been postponed.

“To avoid the programme starting in a general election period, during which the council would be limited in some of the actions it can take, we decided to wait and introduce it after the summer,” said a spokesperson. The scheme will now launch on 2 September, covering Oakdale Road and Granville Road as well as parts of Woodville Road and Ashford Road.

Visit swvg.co.uk/str

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Local charity honoured at Buckingham Palace garden party

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The Gita Project – a South Woodford-based charity dedicated to sharing the benefits of yoga and meditation – was honoured at the King’s garden party at Buckingham Palace in May.

Annually distributing over 20,000 books to hospitals, prisons, schools, care homes and other organisations, The Gita Project aims to promote mental and physical wellbeing. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the profound impact of our work,” said founder Sheila Dave.

Visit thegitaproject.org

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General Election 2024: local constituency changes and candidate statements

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Voters will go to the polls on 4 July for the General Election. The UK is divided into 650 constituencies, with Redbridge covered by four of them: Ilford North, Ilford South, Leyton and Wanstead and Chingford and Woodford Green.

The South Woodford Village Gazette presents statements from all 14 candidates standing across the Leyton and Wanstead and Chingford and Woodford Green constituencies, both of which have been expanded following a boundary review in 2023. The revised boundaries mean an additional 3,900 households are now voting for the Leyton and Wanstead MP, and an additional 5,500 households are voting for the Chingford and Woodford Green MP.

Polling stations open at 7am and close at 10pm, and for the first time in a general election, photo ID is required to vote in person.

General Election 2024News

Shama Tatler: Labour Party

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Parliamentary candidate for Chingford & Woodford Green

On Thursday 4 July, you have the chance to change Britain. Here in Chingford and Woodford Green, there is a straight choice: either five more years of chaos with the Tories or stability with a changed Labour Party. I know that mortgages, bills and the cost of the weekly food shop have skyrocketed. But Labour’s fully-costed plan will deliver economic growth, rebuild our public services – including Whipps Cross – and restore pride in our country. I will get things done. So, on 4 July, vote for change. Vote Labour.

General Election 2024News

Iain Duncan Smith: Conservative and Unionist Party

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Parliamentary candidate for Chingford & Woodford Green

Thirty years ago, I became the MP for Chingford and Woodford Green. Working together, we’ve delivered on our shared priorities. When Sadiq Khan closed our police station, we delivered a brand-new policing hub in Woodford. After 27 years of campaigning, we’ve secured millions for the complete rebuild of Whipps Cross Hospital. For 10 years, our Labour council has ignored the advice of TfL to fix Broadmead Road bridge; I will fight to get it reopened. Let’s see our plan through by voting for me on 4 July.

General Election 2024News

Faiza Shaheen: Independent

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Parliamentary candidate for Chingford & Woodford Green

I am a local candidate who will put Chingford and Woodford Green first. I was born here, went to school here, and I’m raising my family here. As an independent candidate, I will be free to stand up for the needs of residents. I won’t be tied to the ‘party line’, whether it’s building unaffordable private housing or rebuilding Whipps Cross with fewer beds. Over the last 14 years, the Conservatives have let us down. Labour will be in power, but if it doesn’t act, we need independent voices who can hold the government to account.

General Election 2024News

Josh Hadley: Liberal Democrats

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Parliamentary candidate for Chingford & Woodford Green

From the collapse in the quality of London’s police force to toxic dumping in our waterways – your representatives lack the vision required to serve their constituents. Chingford and Woodford Green has been let down, by the Tories in Westminster and by the Labour-run councils. I’ve worked as a consultant to local government for 15 years. I’ve seen the local collapse in public services first-hand. This collapse can be reversed, but it requires willingness and focus. I believe that only the Liberal Democrats can offer that.