Editor

Any vehicle bringing waste from a DIY project to the Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre now requires an appointment.

“This will make it easy for residents to use a new increased allowance of DIY waste while helping to protect the centre from misuse by those who are required to pay to dispose of waste,” said an East London Waste Authority statement.

DIY waste includes rubble, kitchen units, structural wood and metal and soil. Bookings can be made between 24 hours and three months in advance.

Visit swvg.co.uk/diy

Councillor Rosa Gomez is appealing for more consideration from motorists parking near St Aubyn’s School.

“Parking has been a serious problem on The Roses estate in Woodford Green for years. A consultation took place in January 2021, and this approved morning and afternoon parking controls, with residents now paying a fee to park outside their homes. Things improved, but I have been contacted again by concerned residents. My message to those parking on the estate: please think of the residents and adhere to the restrictions.”

From ideas for pedestrianising parts of George Lane to new play areas and green spaces, Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds reports on the local Design Code recommendations, a blueprint for the future of South Woodford

In autumn 2023, we engaged with the community to garner site-specific insights to ensure the Design Code remains relevant to the community and rooted in South Woodford. These insights have allowed us to build on previous work to better understand what matters to people locally. The insights will be used to continue to shape the Design Code vision, targets towards 2040 and coding for development sites within the South Woodford Neighbourhood Forum area. 

The consultation took place via an online community portal. Everyone with an interest in South Woodford was invited to share their views; those who live, learn, work in or regularly visit the area. It focused on four digital activities to gather views: an interactive map, priority tool, ideas board and poll. The portal was viewed 2,926 times, by 1,036 visitors, with 377 recorded insights (87% of contributors live in South Woodford). The interactive map, hosted via Social Pinpoint, was the most used tool. The map was used to capture, visualise and analyse place-based feedback within the area by enabling the community to show exactly where their ideas or concerns relate. 

The South Woodford Design Code, driven and informed by community priorities, local knowledge and expertise, has the potential to be a shining example of a community-led code. Much of the feedback focused on the huge potential that exists within the area. Here are some examples:

“Redevelopment of [Station Estate] between George Lane and the Viaduct should include publicly accessible and usable space – perhaps including a community hub and pocket park,” suggested one resident. 

“The Viaduct adds absolutely nothing to South Woodford. It’s just an elevated car park… More people-friendly and green please!” commented another.

Key recommendations:

• Develop a Design Code which inspires the entire community to contribute.
• Plan for smaller scale development (greening initiatives, local areas for play, street trees and street furniture), which can address some of the needs quickly.
• Invest in improving existing run-down spaces, not just new development. 
• Prepare a feasibility study for the pedestrianisation of George Lane – a big ambition which would transform the area. 
• Utilise development sites Station Estate and Station Car Park to help achieve the ambitions of accessible green space, better public space, centrally located play spaces and improved walking and cycling routes.

To read the full report on the community consultation, visit swvg.co.uk/future

The South Woodford Odeon is celebrating the building’s history by creating a display of memorabilia.

“The building is 90 years old this year, and we invite anyone who has old photos, newspaper clippings or other items relating to the site to bring them in so we can copy them and add them to a display to be unveiled later in the year,” said a spokesperson.

The cinema on the High Road – designed by SB Pritlove in the Art Deco style – was opened on 5 November 1934 by Winston Churchill and was originally called The Majestic.

A community project which aims to break the stigma of men’s mental health has launched in Redbridge.

“Our mission is to get men talking about mental health. We do this by offering free walk and talk groups across London. You don’t have to be in a bad place to join us, but at the core of what we do is create a safe environment where you can talk if you want to. It would be great to see South Woodford’s men joining us for our Redbridge walks,” said Scott Johnson, who launched The Proper Blokes Club in 2020.

Visit swvg.co.uk/pbc

Woodford Arts Group, Art Group Wanstead and Essex Art Club will join forces for an exhibition this spring. Ged Rumak reports 

The Woodford Arts Group are delighted to present an inclusive celebration of local artists to be held at the Sir James Hawkey Hall this March. Joining us are Art Group Wanstead and Essex Art Club, collectively offering a stimulating celebration of the visual arts.

Irrepressibly creative, painters, printmakers, sculptors and artists working in a variety of media reflect the thoughts, ideas and talents in Woodford and Wanstead and the surrounding area. Recognising the importance of nurturing new voices in the art world, the work of sixth-form students from Woodford County High School will also be showcased. 

Opportunities to exhibit, view and purchase original art from local artists are rare in the local area. Recognising this, when the Hawkey Hall became available, the Woodford Arts Group decided its spring exhibition should be open to all local art groups to exhibit. When purchasing at this exhibition, buyers will not only gain enormous pleasure and brighten their homes, they will also support the local artistic community.

In addition, Woodford County High School’s jazz orchestra will be performing on 12 March between 1.30pm to 2pm. And further embracing the joys of music, Redbridge Music Lounge will be performing over the weekend.

Representing creativity in garden design and horticulture, the Woodford Greeners and the South Woodford Gardeners will be on hand to explain their activities and plans for the area.

Sponsored generously by The Stow Brothers and enthusiastically supported by Vision RCL, even if you have no intention of picking up a pencil, paintbrush, welding torch or musical instrument, I recommend a visit to this fun, dynamic and inspirational exhibition.

The exhibition will run from 9 to 12 March at the Sir James Hawkey Hall, Broomhill Road, Woodford, IG8 0BG, open from 11am to 6pm (free entry). For more information, visit swvg.co.uk/wag

Local residents took part in a day of action at the South Woodford Community Orchard in February.

“Many thanks to the volunteers who came out on a day set for rain, which ended up lovely and sunny! We dug a pit to replant our fig tree and lined it with bricks to restrict growth – a great tip if you don’t want your tree to take over the garden! Why not join us for our next session on 17 March from 11am?” said a South Woodford Society spokesperson.

The orchard is located on the corner of Primrose Road and Mulberry Way.

Visit swvg.co.uk/sws

Redbridge Council has issued an update on Broadmead Road bridge, which has been closed to traffic since July.

“While we appeal for government support, work is ongoing. Engineers are completing hammer tapping surveys to the spans and legs of the structure. The bridge remains open for pedestrians and opening up the traffic management to cyclists and motorbikes is under consideration.” With surveys taking place adjacent to the Central Line, engineers are restricted to two hours of work per night.

Visit swvg.co.uk/brr

Redbridge Council has introduced tougher sanctions for those who make a mess in the borough.

“Anyone caught dumping their rubbish now faces a £1,000 on-the-spot fine for fly-tipping,” said a spokesperson. There will also be £200 fines for littering and £500 fines for graffitiing or fly-posting. The council offers a bulky waste collection service entitling residents to a free collection every 12 months.

Visit swvg.co.uk/bulky

TfL has responded to Redbridge Council’s request for urgent action over disruption to the Central Line.

“Motor failures are still occurring at a higher rate than we have experienced before, which unfortunately will continue to disrupt services for some months… I apologise again,” said Glynn Barton, Chief Operating Officer for TfL. With 10 Central Line stations across the borough, the impact is widespread. “We need to see immediate action to improve the service, not just apologies,” said Councillor Jo Blackman.

David Bird discusses the work of Redbridge Music Society and introduces local flautist Daniel Swani, who will be performing at Wanstead Library this March

Redbridge Music Society’s current programme of events aims to bring high-quality, live chamber recitals to the Redbridge public and to promote young, talented musicians by providing them with the opportunity to perform in front of an appreciative and supportive audience. On 12 March, outstanding young local flautist Daniel Swani will perform an exciting programme of works, ranging from the baroque to contemporary, including music by Bach, Fauré, Ian Clarke and others at the Churchill Room in Wanstead Library.

Daniel started flute and recorder lessons at the age of 10, and whilst attending Woodbridge High School he also studied at Redbridge Music School. He has fond memories of his time there and also of when he was principal flute in the Redbridge Music School Orchestra. He also studied at the Purcell School and the Junior Royal Academy of Music, winning the senior woodwind prize at both institutions. He was a member of the National Youth Orchestra and was also principal flute with the London Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.

Daniel studied flute, recorder and baroque flute at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with first-class honours in 2021. Whilst a student, he won a number of prizes and awards, including the Nancy Nuttall Early Music Prize and the Jonathan Myall Piccolo Prize. He also gained a teaching diploma and currently teaches at the Royal Academy of Music (Junior Department), the City of London School for Girls and Wellington College in Berkshire.

Daniel is a particularly versatile multi-flute player, and since graduating, has embarked on a varied musical career. He is active as an orchestral musician – having performed with leading orchestras such as the Royal Opera House, BBC Concert and London Chamber Orchestras – and also as a chamber player and has played at major venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall. He co-founded the award-winning ensemble Parandrus, who have been featured on BBC Radio 3’s Early Music Show and Early Music Now and who perform internationally. 

Daniel is equally at home in musical theatre; he has performed in the West End show A Christmas Carol, recorded the music for the West End’s Upstart Crow starring David Mitchell and has performed with Damon Albarn for the BBC’s Later with Jools Holland. He has also recorded for BBC TV, Apple TV, Netflix and BBC Radio 3. 

Please come along to hear and support this exceptionally talented young musician.

Daniel will perform at Wanstead Library on 12 March from 8pm (tickets on the door; visitors: £12; members: £8). Call 07380 606 767. Redbridge Music Society is affiliated to Making Music.