“We’re so proud of Amber’s achievement. Her stunning shot of a sunset over Redbridge Lakes in Woodford Green is incredible,” said a spokesperson for the school. Run by Redbridge Council, the competition encouraged entrants to capture the open spaces, architecture and communities found across the borough.
Visit swvg.co.uk/rpa
“Engineers are currently analysing in detail the results of the concrete testing to assess the weight that can be taken across different parts of the bridge… We will publish a simplified version of the Principal Inspection report by mid-November, along with the full inspection report,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson.
The 87-year-old bridge has been closed to traffic since July 2023 due to significant structural defects.
The £6.5m project will remodel the Elmcroft Avenue venue to include classrooms, a café, playrooms and offices. However, plans to convert the rear gymnasium into a multipurpose space has raised concerns among campaigners, who argue it will mean the loss of the last large indoor sports hall in the west of the borough.
The new hub is expected to open in September 2025.
©Geoff WilkinsonTfL bus planner Stephen Walker embarked on a ‘W-bus’ tour with Save Our Local Bus Services campaigner Liz Martins ahead of the event. Mr Walker said September’s cyber attack meant timetables were still unavailable for the W14 service.
Regarding calls for improvements, he said: “I’ll have to wait to see the data.” Campaigners have called for him to act immediately.
“We are really proud of the hard work of our Science Lead and of all teachers. This award celebrates the passion and consistency in our science lessons,” said Head of School Carley Smith.
Since its national launch in 2010, more than 5,000 Primary Science Quality Marks have been awarded.
©Geoff Wilkinson“RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) was a lightweight concrete used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s. When it degrades, it must be replaced. We therefore have no choice but to close both buildings and find alternative spaces for the events and activities wherever possible. Sadly, some shows will need to be cancelled where there is no other option. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment this will cause,” said a spokesperson for Redbridge Council.
The closure means the theatre’s annual pantomime has been cancelled, with a smaller Christmas show to take place at Redbridge Drama Centre in South Woodford instead. “Although the venue accommodates far smaller-scale productions than the one originally scheduled for the theatre, it will still be full of fun, song, and Christmas spirit.”
Engineers have conducted a detailed structural survey to assess the theatre building, and whilst no timescale for the work has been provided, a spokesperson said: “Shows throughout the autumn and winter and into next year will not be able to go ahead.” Refunds for cancelled shows will be processed automatically.
South Woodford Library will be closed for an estimated 12 months, with extensive work required.
“We have worked hard to find alternatives for those who use the library and gym. We have opened a pop-up library, cafe and study area in Redbridge Drama Centre, a few minutes’ walk from South Woodford Library. A fitness studio will be added in December.”
Books can be returned via a drop box at Redbridge Drama Centre or at the libraries in Wanstead and Woodford Green.
“We understand the closure is frustrating, and we apologise for the inconvenience it will cause. The safety of local people will always be our top priority.”
“From free coffee to money off meals, massages and MOTs, there’s something for everyone,” said editor Lee Marquis.
Priced £4 and valid until 31 July 2025, copies can be purchased online and collected from the High Street, with local good causes receiving a donation for each copy sold.
Visit wnstd.com/vouchers
I attended Churchfields (CFS) from the age of three to 11 (1982 to 1991). Charlie’s Fish Shop, as we lovingly called it, taught me about love, life and friendship. It helped me through some bad times (the death of my grandfather who lived with us) and was there for some great times. It started me on a journey of learning and discovery and encouraged a thirst for knowledge.
Mr Hill, Ms Law, Mrs Papworth, Mrs Hurst, Mrs Hayden and Mrs Hayes are just some of the names of great teachers who taught me at the school. I remember making salt dough fruit with Mrs Papworth and singing about fluffy cauliflowers and green cabbages in the school hall.
I loved doing the annual shows, playing the mirror in Snow White. I was the narrator in another show about a fizzy pop maker who was being pushed out of business by the big companies!
One year, whilst I was in the junior school, I remember there was a bomb scare and we were all evacuated to the field to play. Our minds playing tricks on us and telling us we could see smoke when it was just a figment of our imagination.
I have two older brothers and a younger sister who also went to Churchfields. Mrs Ware (the dinner lady) was convinced I was one of my brothers at one time (to be fair we did look similar, with just three years between us) and told me off instead of him! He loved it; me, not so much!
The school has completely changed now. It’s very modern and up to date, but when I was in the final two years, our classroom was a portacabin out by the hall. I liked being out there. It was a bit chilly in the winter and a sweatbox in the summer but it was nice to be able to see the greenery outside and hear the rain on the roof.
The food at lunch was quite nice but I did have to stay away from the fish fingers as they made me ill for some reason. The puddings were the best and I must admit I loved the custard!
I attended Churchfields nursery, infants and junior school and I wouldn’t change that for a moment. The friends I made and still have from there, the memories made and the things I learnt shaped me to be the human being I am today. When I look back on my time there, I am filled with happiness. I remember the excitement and how learning was made fun by the teachers.
For the memories and everything you taught me, I thank you, Churchfields.
For more information on Churchfields Infants’ School and Churchfields Junior School, visit swvg.co.uk/churchfields
©Geoff WilkinsonThe 1920s and 1930s saw hundreds of cinemas open around Britain, as the various cinema chains such as Odeon, Gaumont, ABC, Granada and Essoldo, competed for audiences in the growing suburbs. Each company sought to create a unique experience for its customers, producing cinemas with various exotic themes, such as Egyptian, Moorish and Oriental, a style that came to be known as ‘Atmospheric’. Art deco was also arriving in Britain from Europe and the United States, allowing architects to produce spectacular designs with curved frontages, colourful decoration and spacious interiors.
The Majestic Cinema opened on the High Road in South Woodford on 5 November 1934. The Majestic chain was small compared to the aforementioned companies, with just five cinemas in the South East of England. It was designed by locally born architect Samuel JB Pritlove, who also designed cinemas in Staines, Mitcham and High Wycombe (all now demolished), as well as Holland Park synagogue. The cinema has a fairly straightforward art deco facade with a group of vertical windows with curtain-like faience tiling at the top. The cinema could seat nearly 1,750 patrons in a mixture of stalls and dress circle seats. They were entertained by a Compton theatre organ and the building was also home to a restaurant and ballroom.
The cinema was officially opened by Winston Churchill, at the time in his “Wilderness Years” and the Member of Parliament for Epping (which included South Woodford at the time). The cinema was only part of the Majestic chain for nine months before it was taken over by Associated British Cinemas. The cinema was upgraded to three screens in 1973 and then taken over by the Cannon chain and had further screens added from 1986. Odeon later took over the cinema and, unlike many cinemas of its era, is still open and showing films, now with seven screens. Until recently, next door was a car showroom with a partially glazed staircase tower. It was home to the Harvey Hudson dealership for many years, followed by Land Rover, which vacated the site several months ago.
For more information on Modernism Beyond Metro-land and to support the crowdfunder, visit swvg.co.uk/mbml
Having dealt with a range of residential purchase transactions, our team has seen many pitfalls and problems that can arise. Most issues can be resolved; however, some can derail the transaction. Many of these pitfalls can be spotted early on so your solicitor can take appropriate steps to minimise risk.
Building regulations
Missing permissions for planning and building regulation approvals could mean that works already carried out are unauthorised and may even be unsafe. Purchasing a property with missing permissions may also result in a loss of value. You may even have to pay to reverse the works so they are brought to current building regulation standards. An indemnity policy is a possible solution, but it does not confirm the quality of the work that has been done.
Potential developments
When a Local Authority Search is carried out, it is specific to that property. Information is not always provided on neighbouring properties. To some degree, your solicitor will obtain information from the seller’s solicitors regarding any information their client holds regarding neighbouring properties. In addition, you can check with the relevant council departments for information.
Trees and shrubs
Some trees in the UK are legally protected, which means you will need the council’s permission to lop, prune or remove them. The local search results obtained by your solicitor should show if there are any Tree Preservation Orders in place.
Lease term
If you are buying a flat or other leasehold property, the unexpired length of the term of the lease needs to be carefully checked. If the term drops below 80 years, this can cause problems and affect your mortgage offer. Some lenders even require a minimum lease term of 95 years. A shorter term could also cause difficulties in selling the property in the future.
Service charge demands
If you are buying a flat or maisonette, enquiries need to be raised regarding anticipated service charges that you will be required to pay. There could be major works to the block that could include roof repairs or refurbishments that could run into thousands of pounds. The cost of these works can be on top of your usual annual service charge, especially if there is no sinking fund held by the management company or landlord.
There are a variety of complex issues that can arise in property transactions and the above are only a few examples you may encounter. A skilled property solicitor will navigate you through your transaction.
Edwards Duthie Shamash is located at 149 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL. For more information, call 020 8514 9000 or visit edwardsduthieshamash.co.uk
I was born in Yerevan, Armenia, where I fell in love with drawing and painting during my secondary school years. Family life and moving countries a number of times in my twenties and thirties, however, meant I did not have the opportunity or head-space to touch a pencil or a brush again for around 38 years.
I eventually settled in England and now live in Woodford with my family. I fell in love with the local area the moment we walked down Snakes Lane East towards our new home 17 years ago. My emotional connection to the area has only grown stronger over the years, having experienced the nature on our doorstep not only through my own eyes and heart but through those of my now late mother, my beloved husband, my daughter and my grandchildren.
I began to paint again after my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The pain of watching her rapidly deteriorate was too strong and I needed to release it somehow, so I tentatively started to experiment with drawing and painting.
The one silver lining of my mother’s disease was that she loved going for walks around the local area, and the one thing she did not rapidly lose was her love of nature. Those walks with my mother kept me relatively sane during those difficult times and also opened my eyes to the beauty of our local park – Ray Park – and the path that runs along the River Roding behind it. And since my grandchildren were born, the local parks and wilder pockets of Epping Forest, including Wanstead Park, have been like a second home to my whole family!
Every flower, creature and scene in the local parks and along the river and forest paths – their vibrant colours and textures – have inspired me greatly and shaped me as an artist.
At first, I was a lone wolf, but over time, as I slowly recovered from losing my mother to Alzheimer’s, I longed to join the local artistic and wider community. So, in 2023, I joined Art Group Wanstead and Essex Art Club and have since formed friendships with some wonderful artists. We have exhibited together and supported each other during exhibitions in Wanstead Park and Wanstead House, Hawkey Hall, Epping Forest Visitor Centre and, most recently, a fayre at Eton Manor RFC. I love the welcoming atmosphere of these events and getting to know the local community.
It is a blessing and a privilege to live on the doorstep of Epping Forest and I love painting it! The beauty of it is everywhere; we just need to look up and see it.
To view more of Nataly’s artwork, visit, natalykennyfineart.com
“As we develop a new leisure and culture strategy, we want to ensure Redbridge continues to offer opportunities that meet the evolving needs of our residents and visitors… We would appreciate your participation in our survey to help us plan for the next 10 years,” said a spokesperson. The consultation closes on 20 October. A new swimming pool in Wanstead Leisure Centre is scheduled to open in summer 2025.
Visit swvg.co.uk/leisure
