Editor

In the seventh of a series of articles featuring the images of local photographers who document the wildlife of Wanstead Park and the surrounding area, Mark O’Dell presents his shot of a Mute Swan in flight

I took this image of a Mute Swan flying towards me in Wanstead Park. I find photographing wildlife is a fantastic way to capture the beauty of the natural world, get out in the fresh air and exercise both body and mind. 

I’m a professional photographer and content creator based in Woodford Green. I’ve shot a diverse range of subjects for commercial and editorial clients and the occasional wedding, too. I enjoy photographing people, both professionally and those I meet in day-to-day life. I love telling stories through my images and my love of photography allows me to connect with awesome companies and individuals. I also provide one-to-one photography training sessions, covering aspects such as setting up your camera, learning about exposure, flash or anything connected to photography. I now also provide advice and tuition on getting to grips with wildlife photography. When I’m not working, you’ll find me out and about photographing the wonderful wildlife we have locally. 

We are so lucky in Redbridge, having access to fantastic parks and, as individuals, there are numerous ways we can engage with and support wildlife conservation efforts. I support the RSPB and regularly visit their reserves throughout the country. I also photograph birds and insects that exist within the borough and share my images with the local community (some of which are housebound) through social media. Bringing the outside world to them through my images and words is particularly fulfilling. 

On my regular walks in the local parks, I’ve met and photographed some interesting people and made some long-lasting friendships, too.

A lot of our parks in Wanstead and Woodford rely heavily on volunteers to keep them looking shipshape by litter picking and other manual labour, so a big shout-out to those who give their time freely to maintain and improve these green spaces.

To view more of Mark’s wildlife photos, visit swvg.co.uk/odell

For more information on Mark’s portrait photography, visit markodell.com

As the South Woodford Design Code continues to develop in earnest, Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds reports on the work underway to create an online map of community assets 

A Design Code is a collection of design principles to help local areas deliver beautiful and sustainable places. It enables the community to lead the way in shaping the design of their own neighbourhood. The document will eventually provide guidance for development, covering the design of streets, public spaces and buildings, as well as spaces for nature.

The South Woodford Society and Neighbourhood Forum are progressing well in developing a digital version of the Design Code for the area. We are in the process of creating a new, user-friendly website so residents, community groups, businesses, developers and other interested stakeholders can explore what matters to people locally. It will also set out guidelines for new development and our targets for 2040.

One of the things we are doing is mapping community assets using the web-based ArcGIS. A graphic information system (GIS) is a spatial system that creates, manages, analyses and maps all types of data. It is a complete system for discovering, consuming, creating and sharing geographical data maps and apps designed to fulfil particular objectives. It connects data to a map, integrating location data (where things are) with all types of descriptive information (what things are like there). For example, Crossrail is using ArcGIS to develop maps and data for public-facing information.

Here in South Woodford, we are mapping everything from street benches to tree canopy cover to better understand what we have and what we need. This digital map will document our journey towards South Woodford as a green and active neighbourhood, which inspires people to walk and cycle, with a vibrant town centre filled with opportunities for the community to socialise.

With a series of road maps as our basic tools, we have walked the streets within our boundary, noting the locations of street benches (including bus stop seats), cycle storage and trees. The image here shows a basic view of the work we have carried out thus far. Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue this process using online tools, as well as our base maps, to document more assets, such as cycle routes, cycle storage and walking routes. Our aspiration is to eventually map pretty much anything that is of interest to our local community. You will then be able to access this information via an online map.

This project is a lot of work, so we are always happy to have additional volunteers to help. If this is something you would like to support, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

For more information and to get involved, email sowodeco@gmail.com

Jo Cullen from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash takes a look at the improvements to employee rights following recent changes to the flexible working request regime

Flexible working is a way of working that suits an employee’s needs, for example, having flexible start and finish times, or working from home. All employees have the legal right to request flexible working. On 6 April 2024, changes to the new flexible working request regime came into force. The headline changes include:

• An employee can request flexible working from their first day of employment; there is no qualification period.
• When making a request, an employee no longer has to explain what effect, if any, they think their requested change will have on their employer and how any such effect might be dealt with. 
• An employee is entitled to make two requests in any 12-month period. 
• An employer will not be permitted to refuse a request unless the employee has been consulted. 
• The time for an employer to make a decision is reduced from three to two months.

The new rules are very much to the benefit of the employee, giving them the ability to request flexibility from their first day of employment. There has been much debate about this Day One right and the impact the change may have on employers. However, flexible working is increasingly a topic for discussion during the recruitment process, and the impact may not be as great as initially expected with prospective employees looking to agree varied terms before starting employment.  

Whilst an employee has the right to request flexible working, an employer does not have to agree to the request if it is not feasible and the rejection reasoning falls within one of the business reasons that continue to apply as set out in the legislation.  

Employers will have to deal promptly with requests within the new set time limits, although there is still scope to extend this time by agreement. Any request must be fully considered and discussed. Where a request is not to be agreed, a full consultation must take place and all steps taken clearly documented, including details around variations to the proposed changes or alternative roles to reduce the risk of an appeal and, ultimately, a claim being issued.  

Employers will need to be ready to implement these changes and ensure they are familiar with the new rules and the updated Acas statutory code of practice on requests for flexible working.

Edwards Duthie Shamash is located at 149 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL. For more information, call 020 8514 9000 or visit edwardsduthieshamash.co.uk

In the second of a series of articles to mark Churchfields Infants’ and Junior School’s 150th anniversary, former pupil Carol Elsbury (class of 1972) reflects on her memories of Miss Francis and Mr Baker  

People often say schooldays are the best days of your lives. I felt a sense of security and happiness at Churchfields, which was a testament to the staff. We had recently moved from Swindon and starting a new school was terrifying. At the end of the first day, the school phoned my parents to congratulate them on my grasp of English, which confused my mum until she realised they thought I had come from Sweden, not Swindon!

I have hazy memories of the infants, where Miss Hollis presided over us one day in the playground, dividing our class into birthdays. We had no idea this would mean some of our friends would ‘disappear’ and our class would be altered going forward. We soon adjusted and my real memories begin clearly when we went into the junior school.

Our classroom was one of the huts built at the rear of the school, near the large field, to cater for the ever-growing student body. I can remember that hut as being so colourful, with paintings on all the walls, a large nature table on the right-hand side of the room and mobiles hanging from the ceiling. The tiny tables faced the blackboard and to the rear was the reading area. The teacher was Sheila Francis; she was one of two cherished teachers at that school who did so much for me.  

I was okay until someone raised their voice; then I was scared. When Miss Francis would admonish someone, I would be upset but try not to show it. Finally, my mum spoke to Miss Francis, who came up with a simple but very kind plan. If she was going to raise her voice, she would walk over to me, hold both my hands and smile, and then tell someone off over her shoulder! It might seem silly now, but to me, it made all the difference in the world. 

In my last year at juniors, we were supposed to have our first male teacher, Mr Baker. However, when we came in on that first morning, we were greeted by an elderly teacher, who I think was Mrs Mangham. She explained Mr Baker had been on holiday and had tragically lost his son in an accident. She taught us for a few weeks and said it was essential we did not say anything to Mr Baker about the accident and that we must be well-behaved upon his return. And we were. I found Mr Baker an encouraging and positive person, which was extraordinary given what he must have been suffering. He developed my love of reading and writing and my last report said I had a very “chatty” style! 

I think the greatest sadness for pupils of our era is that when we return for the reunion in June, the buildings we remember will no longer be there. I can close my eyes and see the high windows, the painted bricks, the classroom doors surrounding the hall and the gigantic TV stand, which was ceremoniously wheeled out. But mostly, I remember a feeling of happiness, and for that, I am truly grateful.

A school reunion will take place on 8 June from 11am. For more information and to register, visit swvg.co.uk/c150

Redbridge Council’s enforcement team have urged residents to report fly-tipping.

It follows issues with rubbish dumped by the bus stop at the junction of St Alban’s Road and High Road.

“We are monitoring this location as part of our patrols and have issued a number of penalties for fly-tipping. I would request residents use the council’s ‘report it’ function to report such instances so this can be passed to the correct team to be investigated quickly and action taken before evidence is lost,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/reportit

South Woodford resident Kim Rix became a gemologist to fully indulge her passion for gemstones. Ahead of a gemstone discovery tour to Tanzania this summer, she offers some insight into her work 

I’ve always loved gemstones. There’s just something magical about wearing a mineral that was created by Mother Nature over millions of years. In my forties, my passion was so intense, I became addicted to buying jewellery just so I could take a closer look! In 2017, after naively buying a glass ‘ruby’ on holiday, I took my hobby further and qualified as a gemologist with the world-renowned Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

What is a gemologist? I hear you ask. Gemology is the identification of gemstones. It involves testing a gemstone with specialist equipment, which eventually gives you the necessary clues to make an identification. A gemologist can also assess synthetic versus natural gemstones. 

At its most basic, the rule of thumb is this: the rarer, the bigger and the more naturally beautiful a gemstone is, the more it will be worth. The problem is you cannot properly analyse a stone with the naked eye or gemologist’s loupe (magnifying glass). This is where the gem labs come in. In a laboratory, experts using high-tech equipment will be able to give you definitive information. 

A gemologist can also advise if a gemstone is imitating a more expensive gemstone. An imitation stone might be a less valuable semi-precious stone or it might simply be coloured glass. If I believe you have something valuable, I might suggest you seek further advice for insurance purposes.

Is it a good idea to buy a gemstone as an investment? There is no simple answer to this and you should bear in mind all investments involve a degree of risk. Gemstones are hard assets. Historically, they have been seen as a hedge against inflation and the breakdown of more abstract forms of investment. Prices fluctuate, but over the long term, gemstones have risen in value significantly. So has the price of gold, which recently hit an all-time high.

Caring for your gemstones and jewellery is important. Gemstones have different levels of hardness, so some can damage others if thrown together. Each piece of jewellery needs to have a separate compartment, with room for necklaces and bracelets to be fully laid out. This way you’ll avoid your favourite jewellery becoming tangled and scratched.

When it comes to cleaning, you must know exactly what each gemstone is and what treatment it has undergone. Some gemstones can be irreparably damaged by harsh cleaning agents. Diamonds, sapphires and rubies are hard enough to be cleaned at home. To do this, mix distilled water with some mild soap and use a soft toothbrush to gently remove dirt. Dry and polish your gem with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water stains.

For more information and to apply for Kim’s gemstone discovery tour, visit gemstonedetective.com

Iain Duncan Smith MP has launched a Central Line satisfaction survey.

“Right now, Central line services outside of Central London are only running every 15 minutes. And they’ve no idea when this will return to normal… That’s why I’m doing a satisfaction survey. I’ll collect all the responses and share them directly with the Mayor of London and the Commissioner of TfL… Please tell me how the delays and overcrowding are impacting you,” said the Chingford & Woodford Green MP.

Visit swvg.co.uk/idscl

Redbridge Council’s External Scrutiny Committee met with TfL recently in light of planned changes to local bus routes.

“We raised several concerns, including the impact of a reduced service to the Nightingale Estate and the new W14 not stopping inside Whipps Cross. TfL acknowledged the issues but reiterated points in the consultation response. We did manage to secure a commitment to review the impact after a year,” said Councillor Daniel Morgan-Thomas. The new routes take effect from September.

Visit swvg.co.uk/bus 

A Year 4 pupil and talented singer from Churchfields Junior School has been awarded a prestigious choristership at King’s College School, Cambridge.

Shashank Shivram Raghavendran has been learning music since the age of four, playing piano, violin and guitar. As a member of the London Youth Choirs, the eight-year-old has also performed at eminent venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall.

Shashank will take up his position as a chorister at King’s College School in September.

Community gardening group the Woodford Greeners has been incredibly busy over the last year after being granted access to the walled garden in Ray Park. Lydia Fraser-Ward reports. Photos by Geoff Wilkinson

Originally formed by neighbours living in Woodford Green, the Woodford Greeners was brought together in 2022 by a shared desire to see the outdoor spaces in our neighbourhood improved after being neglected for many years.

Initially, volunteers tidied up planters filled with litter and weeds in Snakes Lane East and the surrounding roads, sprucing them up with flowers and plants they bought themselves. But after adopting more than 20 public beds, we made the request to Vision RCL for space in the walled garden in Ray Park so we could grow plants from seed and then transplant them out into the community.

What started as a small, two-metre growing patch soon expanded, and we demonstrated our dedication to improving green spaces by clearing more than 180 square metres of nettles, brambles and poisonous hemlock that was filling much of the walled garden site at the time, as well as removing rubbish and scrap metal. We also raised funds for a gazebo to be installed, a water mains standpipe to be reinstated, plus a series of raised beds to be built and filled with dahlias and other perennial flowers for the public to come in and enjoy at weekends.

Throughout summer 2023, the community garden was host to a number of free workshops, including a food-growing programme which will be returning as a free monthly session on Saturday mornings throughout 2024.

All this activity caught the attention of local councillors, who have thrown their support behind the Woodford Greeners and agreed to clear the rest of the site of old skips and rubbish that have been stored there for more than 10 years. Over the last couple of months, contractors have been bringing in machinery to take it all away, as well as clear large amounts of brambles, freeing up more space for the community garden to expand.

We also received more good news this year after discovering we had been selected to receive a Flagship ‘Our Space Award’ of more than £18,000 from Groundwork to develop this new area of the walled garden and install more crucial resources and infrastructure for the local community to use. This funding will also enable us to run free workshops at the garden again throughout summer 2024, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements on the Woodford Greeners website for our latest events and opportunities.

For more information on the Woodford Greeners and the workshops taking place in the walled garden, visit swvg.co.uk/wg

A 100-year-old local amateur dramatics company is making a comeback this May.

Members of the Woodford Operatic and Dramatic Society (WOADS), which has been dormant since 2015, will take to the stage at Redbridge Drama Centre for a series of one-act plays and monologues entitled Laughter in One Act (or less!), performed over three days from 17 May.

“We are excited to be back just in time for our 100th birthday. Join us for an evening that will delight and amuse!” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/woads

Eastwood Green, off George Lane, has become a wonderful haven for bees and butterflies as well as a pleasant space for residents. Local gardener Stephanie Derby reports. Photos by Geoff Wilkinson

Opposite the roundabout on George Lane, Eastwood Green was started by a group of volunteers in autumn 2022, with the intention of transforming an uninspiring patch of grass into a vibrant haven for people and wildlife.

What a difference a year and a half has made! The wonderful work undertaken by the South Woodford Gardeners in the local area shows how much difference green space can make to our community. However, we also wanted the area to be low maintenance. All the work here is carried out by a team of fantastic volunteers in collaboration with the South Woodford Society and funding from Redbridge Council. What we have created is essentially a meadow, which includes a diverse mix of wild flowers and bulbs. The plants were selected to be drought-tolerant, so no watering necessary. The occasional weeding is all that’s needed, but we embrace the wild aesthetic. We’re also trialling some grass alternatives, such as chamomile and thyme. These plants are an attractive, low-maintenance option for those who like a lawn but don’t have time to maintain it.

As well as creating a pleasant space for residents to enjoy, one of the main goals of the project was to increase habitat and food sources for our struggling pollinators. We have seen a catastrophic decline in flying insects, with the numbers dropping by 60% in the past 20 years! Sadly, Britain is one of the most nature-depleted countries on the planet. Some of the reasons for the decline are habitat loss, food shortage and pesticide use. It is estimated that 84% of EU crops rely on insect pollination. If this continues, we may not have enough pollinators for all the crops we need, which is a scary prospect. 

The good news is we can change this. We all have the power to help reverse this worrying trend. Research shows that London gardens take up 24% of the land cover in the capital. With more areas being developed and habitats destroyed, our gardens are vital for wildlife. Pollinators use our gardens as ‘green corridors’ to move between their nests and feeding sites. Some species, such as certain solitary bees, only travel as little as 100 metres, so it is crucial for them to have nectar sources close by. As a professional gardener and designer, my top tips for a wildlife-friendly garden would be: reduce hard landscaping; avoid artificial grass; introduce pollinator-friendly plants; and stop the use of pesticides. There are many more I could include, were it not for my word limit!

Our little project at Eastwood Green is showcasing the difference a few plants can make as we’ve seen huge increases in pollinator numbers over the past year. We’ve now installed benches, so I would encourage anyone to take a rest there and observe all the bees, butterflies and hoverflies that are enjoying the flowers we’ve provided for them.

To help with Eastwood Green gardening, email e18society@gmail.com

For more information on gardening and wildlife, follow Stephanie on Instagram @stephanietaraderby