Editor

The South Woodford Neighbourhood Forum has launched an online community portal in connection with its newly drafted design code, which will help influence the future development of the local area.

“Design codes provide a framework for creating healthy, safe, sustainable and distinctive places, with a consistent and high-quality standard of design… This new portal will build on previous engagement and insights from the community,” explained Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds.

The portal uses an interactive map and other engagement tools to find out what matters most to residents and visitors alike, with respondents asked to identify locations that require improvement or would benefit from additional amenities, such as better street lighting, more trees, new playgrounds or increased accessibility.

“Our design code will provide a long-term vision for South Woodford, so tell us what matters most to you!”

The survey is open until 30 November.

Visit swvg.co.uk/haveyoursay 

A new Post Office will open in South Woodford next month.

Opening at 1pm on 29 November, the branch will be located at 115 George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1AE, next door to Tipi Coffee Co.

“This will restore Post Office services to the area after the closure of the store at 139 George Lane. The same products and services will continue to be available,” said a spokesperson.

The opening hours will be: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.

A Post Office spokesperson said: “We are keen to restore this branch to the area as soon as possible, so we have decided to go ahead with our plans. But there is the opportunity to give feedback until 3 November 2023. Customers can share their views during the consultation online at postofficeviews.co.uk with the branch code 031002. Submissions can also be made via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, by post to Freepost YOUR COMMENTS, or by telephone 03452 66 01 15.”

Liz Martins from the Save Our Wanstead Youth Centre campaign group welcomes the council’s new plans for the venue’s future, but explains why their work is far from over

Redbridge Council’s undertaking not to demolish Wanstead Youth Centre for housing and retain it as publicly owned property was welcomed by all last month. However, Save Our Wanstead Youth Centre campaigners requested more information, particularly the full business case and details of how the decision to create an education hub and youth centre complies with the council’s statutory duties to provide youth services. 

We also asked if the consultation is to be meaningful this time round. The council should comply with its legal and moral obligations to consult when proposals are in their formative stage, with a view to reaching agreement. 

At the council meeting, the cabinet shockingly confirmed the centre would close from 15 October with no commitment on when it will reopen. Closing without a firm, or even tentative, start date for building works not only deprives the community of the services and facilities but leaves the site open to vandalism, while the council also loses out on vital income. 

Most of the people who spoke at the meeting, including four young people (Beth, Charis, Lily and Zak), asked the council to keep the centre open while plans are firmed up and a community forum and partnerships are established, as per their standing orders. The intent is “to bring the council closer to the local community.” Regrettably, these pleas fell on deaf ears, contrary to the council leader’s undertakings. 

We believe the closure will be premature, as it will take months, if not over a year, to develop plans, secure funding and complete the works. We have asked to meet with the council leader to discuss options for interim arrangements and counter proposals. 

Other speakers challenged the performance of Vision’s management of the youth centre, particularly from a financial perspective over at least the past five years. Our own calculations show the venue could have been generating three to four times as much income as Vision has achieved. No financial breakdowns were provided in the council’s report to substantiate the alleged income and expenditure levels now being quoted, making it impossible to submit counter proposals. Very importantly, no evidence has been provided to substantiate the council’s statement that the centre is not financially viable. We therefore requested that the council scrutinise Vision’s management.

We hope the leader’s assurances that “we owe it to you to get a centre up and running as soon as possible” prove to be accurate.

Wanstead Youth Centre is located at 144 Elmcroft Avenue, Wanstead, E11 2DB. For more information on the Save Our Wanstead Youth Centre campaign, visit wnstd.com/sowyc or call 07403 649 306

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Jas Athwal, explains the decision to convert Wanstead Youth Centre into an education and youth hub, and why it must temporarily close in order to do so  

With its bustling High Street, outstanding schools, green spaces and fantastic transport links to central London, Wanstead is one of the best places in London to call home.

Our council has shared plans to invest significantly in Wanstead Youth Centre, using ring-fenced education funding to create a new education and youth hub on the site. Our proposals will secure a better and brighter future for the centre, generations of local children and young people, and local community groups.

As it stands, the centre needs significant structural work to bring it up to an acceptable standard, and as a council, we need to make sure we’re spending taxpayers’ money wisely; that’s why it’s vital we provide a fit-for-purpose facility accessible to the community that operates on a sound financial footing. The proposals for the centre include co-locating education services, a tuition centre, an Early Years Play and Development Centre and providing new youth services. There will be refurbished space for community use and our hope is the centre will become an education and youth hub. There is a widely held misconception that the current youth centre provides council-run services for children and young people. The truth is there haven’t been any youth services commissioned through the centre since 2016. Instead, the centre serves as a venue for hire for local businesses. Following our proposed investment, council services would once again operate out of the centre, alongside a hireable community space. 

Redbridge is one of the lowest-funded boroughs in London, having lost around 63% of our government funding since 2010, which has forced us to make huge savings of £236m. Despite these challenges, we continue delivering vital services and investing in what matters most to our neighbours, which is why we’re proposing to renovate the centre and house additional council services in the space.

Unfortunately, leaving the centre as it is isn’t an option. Last year, a building survey laid bare the considerable structural work required to bring the facility up to modern standards. The centre needs investment, and by co-locating education services in the space, we can access additional ring-fenced education funding and provide new facilities. To move forward with our proposals, the site must temporarily close. Vision RCL are already working with businesses and groups currently hiring space to help them relocate.  

We’ve listened to local people who shared how important the centre is and found a solution which keeps the venue open in the long term while providing additional services. In the future, there will be plenty of opportunities for people to give feedback on the proposals and share ideas on how the new facility can best serve Wanstead.

To contact Councillor Jas Athwal, email jas.athwal@redbridge.gov.uk

Woodford Green dental practice Improve Your Smile will be hosting a launch event of Rejuveo Aesthetics on 30 September.

“Join us for refreshments and meet GP Dr Shaan Rashid and discuss your areas of concern with him,” said a spokesperson.

Attendees will have the chance to receive a free botox or dermal filler treatment on the day (check with the practice for terms), along with a 25% discount voucher for aesthetics treatments during October.

The practice is located at 162 High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 9EF.

Call 020 8504 2704

A consultation by the City of London Corporation about its new five-year corporate plan is open until 16 October.

“This plan will determine the scale and priority of decisions relating to resource allocation for the foreseeable future. It is important local stakeholders have their voice heard, and I encourage as many people as possible to participate,” said Ben Murphy, Chairman of the Epping Forest and Commons Committee. The Corporation manages Wanstead Park as part of Epping Forest.

Visit wnstd.com/clp

Derek Inkpin from local solicitors Axiom DWFM takes the law seriously, but even he knows sometimes the law can be an ass… especially if you get a bit tipsy in a pub

We are surrounded by laws and regulations every day of our lives, the dos and don’ts which regulate society and all of us in it. However, against the serious background of most rules, the following bizarre laws still exist.

• The Licencing Act 1872 makes it clear you can’t be drunk in a pub, and since 2003, bar staff cannot legally serve drunk people. Time to practice your sober face. 
• The Madhouses Act 1774 restricts property owners to one “lunatic” per residence.
• If you fire a cannon within 300 yards of residential properties, you will commit an offence under the Metropolitan Police Act 1839. (So, measure out 301 yards to avoid an issue).
• If you want to avoid a library fine, confirmation that you have cholera should do the trick under section 25 of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1985.
• If your alarm goes off at 3am, failing to stop it breaks the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
• You can be annoying in public, unless you go to the library, in which case, irritating someone there would be contrary to the Library Offences Acts of 1888 and 2005.
• Unless you don’t mind a £500 fine, don’t carry a plank or ladder on a pathway. That would be against section 54 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839.
• Knock down ginger (you remember, knocking and scarpering for fun) is illegal and could land you with a £500 fine.
• Whatever you do, don’t beat your dusty rug in the street. Pollution is OK, but giving your neighbour a tickly throat is definitely out.
• Singing obscene lyrics in the street is an offence; just hum the dodgy parts to avoid a fine. Yes, it’s that Metropolitan Police Act 1839 again.
• Everyone knows you cannot open someone else’s mail, but delaying the post contradicts the Postal Services Act 2000, so no chatting to the postie, please.
• Looking guilty holding a salmon suggests you are a poacher and therefore liable for an offence under the Salmon Act 1986.
• A bye-law passed by Daventry District Council in 2015 prescribes that failing to produce an empty poo bag when challenged could result in a £100 fine.

So, now you’ve been told.

Axiom DWFM is located at 9–13 Cambridge Park, Wanstead, E11 2PU. For more information, call 020 8215 1000

ELHAP is a specialist playground for children with disabilities nestled in a large woodland off Roding Lane North. Fundraising manager Sophie Blythe is working to keep the magic of play alive

If you’ve ever travelled down Roding Lane North and wondered what was behind the big green gates, then you may be surprised to learn that, as well as a five-acre woodland boasting an ancient orchard and nature reserve, it is home to the largest specialist adventure playground in the country.

Since 1976, ELHAP (Every Life Has a Purpose) has been facilitating adventure and nature play opportunities for children and young people with disabilities and complex support needs. Each year, we host over 6,000 visits to our site and directly support 300 families. We believe it’s everyone’s birthright to be able to play freely and adventurously – but for many young people with disabilities, these opportunities are limited due to the numerous challenges they face.

At ELHAP, we remove the barriers. Our services are designed to give children and young people the freedom to ‘just be kids’, explore, be challenged and have fun! They can fly through the air on our zip wire, climb trees or our weird and wonderful wooden play structures, ride bikes, go bug hunting, cook over an open fire or take part in craft, music and dance activities. Assisted by our amazing team of playworkers, each child’s support needs are met and the opportunities for imaginative fun are endless… and often very messy!

Parents describe ELHAP as a lifeline. “You can’t imagine the precious break ELHAP gives me, every hour is absolutely precious. ELHAP takes away the stress for both of us,” said one mum. Families can enjoy desperately needed respite, which they often can’t access elsewhere. Children benefit from being active outdoors, but our sessions also help build resilience, confidence and self-esteem, whilst providing opportunities to socialise and develop important friendships. Being part of the ELHAP community creates a genuine sense of belonging and acceptance, where children with disabilities have the freedom to be themselves and thrive.

Like many frontline organisations, COVID-19 had a huge impact on our magical and unique charity. Today, due to the closure of other support services, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, demand for our playscheme is at an all-time high. We’ve been working hard to rebuild our services, and we’re delighted that this summer’s playscheme was the busiest it’s been since before the pandemic.

However, there is still a way to go. There are many families in Redbridge who are, unfortunately, without any support at all and waiting for a place at ELHAP. We desperately need to raise funds to create more capacity. Without the generosity of the local community, we simply won’t be able to provide our vital services to those who need us most.

There are many ways you can support us directly, for example, by making a donation, taking on a challenge, volunteering or, if you shop at the Co-op, by choosing ELHAP as your local cause. Perhaps your workplace would be interested in becoming our corporate partner? And we are thrilled to have been selected for this year’s Redbridge Mayor’s Appeal, which will see a number of fundraising events and activities taking place throughout the borough.

ELHAP is located at 119 Roding Lane North, Woodford Green, IG8 8NA. For more information, visit elhap.org.uk 

A stem cell transplant registration session will be held at Woodford Rugby Club on 21 September.

The club – located near Woodford County High School – is appealing for volunteers aged 16-30 to come forward (this age range is dictated by the Anthony Nolan Trust charity, who are organising the event).

“My good friend Anne Juliff has a rare form of blood cancer and needs urgent help as she searches for potential stem cell donors to arrest her blood cancer, Myelofibrosis. And there are many others who need a donor. None of the current stem cell banks throughout Europe have a match and time for Anne is running out. The chances of a match for Anne and others is extremely rare but the more volunteers who come forward the greater the chance of a match,” said Claire Clegg.

The registration session runs from 4pm to 9pm and  involves a Covid test-style swab and supplying some contact details. If a match is found they will be contacted to discuss the next steps.

Some South Woodford scribbles from DD, our resident diarist and observer of all things local. Illustrated by Evelyn Rowland

My friend, Audrey, was 80 last week. Her son gave her a new wetsuit, ready for the start of the competitive kayaking season. This stunning information prompted me to wonder about the hobbies and pastimes of my fellow shoppers in E18. Are there any amateur tightrope walkers in the queue at Sainsbury’s? Or part-time taxidermists, perhaps? I set out to investigate today.

Fred has been joyfully making and flying model aeroplanes for 15 years with no problems or accidents. “Of course, as you get older, you are limited by eyesight; you lose track of where the plane is!” Hassain loves a game of five-a-side, but with two very young sons, it can only be an occasional treat. Stefan didn’t hesitate: “Football is Life for me with a capital L, playing and watching.” Yes, he was a West Ham supporter. 

Elaine and Jill were enjoying a coffee in the sunshine. Soon, Elaine was sharing her passion for car-boot sales. “I get out at the crack of dawn to be sure of the best bargains. But it’s the socialising, the chatting, the open air and exercise, often lovely views to be had from a field out in the country. I was in Cambridge last week. Bought a beautiful new sofa.”

“It was volunteering that helped me through Covid,” said Jill. “Fostering guide dogs. Normally, those that had failed their training and needed looking after till they were rehomed as pets. Some were ‘buddy dogs’, not reliable enough to guide adults safely, but with sweet temperaments, ideal for placement in a family that included a child with sight-loss. The child would learn to feel happy with a dog; good preparation for possibly relying on one later in life.” 

Sixth-former Matt was on his lunch break. “I used to love skateboarding. Got very skilled at it. Then I broke my arm and my wrist. That’s history now!” Phil has been into martial arts for 47 years. His job has gone on to be his hobby. He trains every morning, Chinese and Filipino exercise systems combined. “I don’t jump about and spin as I did in my younger days. Too dangerous. I’m just going to speak to a women’s coffee morning, advising them on fitness and self-defence. There is a circle round each of us. If you are arguing with someone across the road you can still feel safe. But if you are disagreeing with a tall, strong man standing close-up, you will have good reason to be scared.”

Young Sue was queueing at Barclays. “Oh! Travel! That’s my big thing! The more distant and the more exotic, the better. That’s where all my pocket money goes: Costa Rica, Fiji, Polynesia.” Peter stopped for a chat at my garden gate. “My hobbies and pastimes? Well, I play badminton twice a week. Lift weights every day. I’ve got a mini gym in the garage. I’ve had two hip replacements, one six months ago, the other six months before that. The surgeon said: ‘That’ll be the end of your badminton playing, won’t it?’ ‘What?’ I said, I’ve had the hip ops so that it won’t be!” Peter is 87.

Elegant Jo is a collector: but it’s not stamps or book matches or coins. She collects random, single playing cards. (Honestly, I’m not making this up!) “I cover a lot of pavement. I love walking. I pick up cards from all over the world. About four a year. The Philippines, Bali, Rio, wherever. If I find a whole pack I choose one card only, but without looking first. That would be cheating. Some cards are muddy. That doesn’t disqualify them. Occasionally pornographic. Ditto. In some countries, the jokers are truly works of art. I started in 1986 and now I have only the 10 of hearts left to find. The last of the 52. One of my friends asked me: ‘If you do ever find the 10 of hearts and it has poo on it, what will you do?’ To be honest, deep down, I don’t really want to find it, mucky or not. I love the thrill of the chase.”

Aylin is just 21 but admits she ‘prefers the older ways of doing things’. “My fiancé and I, we have challenged ourselves. Each year we take ourselves off to a different borough in Wales. We want to visit them all in turn. We shed our phones. We book a cottage for a week, completely remote. No-one around. Just greenery, maybe a few cows and sheep. All of us human beings need to experience this sort of lifestyle, right away from social media, the constant pull of the electronic world. Right away from everything. Really encountering each other. Genuinely recreative. We strongly recommend it.”

Alex has ‘a really full-on hobby’. As he describes it, I get the impression it’s almost a kind of meditative process but sensuous and with indulgent, pleasure-filled refreshment thrown in. Smoking meat very slowly – maybe six hours – on the barbecue. “Sitting, lounging comfortably, probably a glass in hand, perhaps intermittent conversation with a friend. Infusing the meat with amazingly varied flavours according to the choice of woodchips. The sweet, smoky taste. Sometimes, a bowl of fruit juice adding its aroma. Endless possibilities.”

Bob didn’t hesitate. “For me, it’s films. I go to the cinema at least three times a week. It’s the bigger picture. It’s escapism. No interruptions. It’s how I feel about reading a good book; you don’t want to put it down; you want to read it through in one sitting. I say to people, do what you love doing. I’ve no time for snobbery or elitism. Just because you love opera, it doesn’t mean you won’t thoroughly enjoy going to the dog tracks. I relish both. Yes, do what you love doing, I say. And if you are in a job that you love too, as I am, you are amongst the most fortunate of people.”

To contact DD with your thoughts or feedback, email dd@swvg.co.uk

Local resident and dietitian Nikki Ottonaro is keen to help reduce the high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in our area, and will be running free workshops on healthy eating this autumn

Are you concerned about the health of you and your family? Do you need to know how to nourish your family on a budget with meals you can all enjoy? Are you looking for ideas for fun activities to promote more movement for you and your family? Are you overwhelmed with all the healthy eating information available?

These are frequent questions I have been asked over the last 14 years as a community-based NHS and freelance dietitian. I’m a working mum with three children and have first-hand experience of the challenges we face when trying to provide the family with a nutritious meal and continually trying to encourage a healthy lifestyle in this digital age.

In my years working as a specialist diabetes dietitian, I recognise the important role that a healthy, balanced diet plays in people’s lives, particularly children and young people. I meet many patients who have complex medical needs, which have either been caused or worsened by poor nutrition. It’s so important to have a varied diet with a good level of vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal growth and development. 

In many cases, poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to a number of serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, amongst many others. In my experience, the best way to combat this increasing problem is to tackle the root cause of the issue, which is improving knowledge and awareness of a healthy diet in the home and providing parents and guardians with information on cooking healthy, nutritious meals. Children often develop eating habits based on those of their parents and take these forward into their adult life. I want to impart my knowledge and expertise to local parents and help to debunk some of the confusing healthy eating messages we are bombarded with.

Current figures show there are 3.8 million people living with the diagnosis of diabetes in the UK and 90% of those have type 2. It is thought there are also another million people in the UK living with diabetes who don’t know they have it. By 2030, it is predicted the numbers will rise by 17%. Worryingly, Redbridge has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in London – currently at 8.66% (the average for London boroughs is 6.51%). Obesity is the main driver for the condition, but age, family history and ethnicity all play a role.

With a background in fitness, I also understand the connection between our physical and mental health. So, it’s essential to have a holistic approach to healthy living, looking at lifestyle and exercise, as well as food.

Nikki’s free workshop will take place at Woodford Community Centre, Prospect Road on 14 October from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Email n.ottonaro@nhs.net

In the fourth of a series of articles featuring the images of local photographers who document the wildlife of Wanstead Park and the surrounding area, James Ball presents his close-up of a long-tailed tit

I’m James, a local estate agent with a passion for photographing all types of wildlife and, in particular, birds. I find it amazing the variety of wildlife we can see almost on our doorsteps.

Here’s an image I took earlier this year in Wanstead Park. It was an overcast day, which didn’t provide brilliant light but did mean the light was evenly spread with little shadow.

This bird is a long-tailed tit, resembling a pink, white and black ball of fluff, with a long tail. Like candy floss with wings, they can be very photogenic. Gregarious and noisy residents, long-tailed tits are most usually noticed in small, excitable flocks of about 20 birds.

Like most tits, they rove the woods and hedgerows but are also seen on heaths and commons with suitable bushes. They move quickly and rarely stop for longer than a second or two, so you have to try and get a step ahead. I positioned myself in front of the flock and took this image when the bird landed on an isolated branch with a clean foreground and background.

Here are some of my top tips for taking better wildlife photographs. 

Patience
You’ll be lucky to stumble across your target subject on the first attempt, even the second or third. Learning your subject’s habits will help you put yourself a step ahead.

Eye-level
Try to position yourself as close to the subject’s eye level as you can, even if it means lying on the ground! This connects your camera to the subject, creating a more emotive and often dramatic image.

Fast shutter speed
This will allow you to capture wildlife whilst it’s on the move. Birds all move at different speeds, depending on their size and how much of a rush they are in. So, you’ll need to adjust your settings accordingly. Gulls over a lake are a great entry subject for capturing birds in flight.

Use ‘continuous shooting’ mode and ‘continuous focusing’ to take multiple bursts of photographs and to continually track the subject. These modes will have different names on different brands of camera.

Sunlight
In my opinion, the best lighting is at dusk and dawn during the ‘golden hour’. The sunrises over Wanstead Flats and the sunsets in Wanstead Park are beautiful, and when you can time this with passing birds, you can achieve great results; well worth the early alarm!

Position yourself so the sun is behind you and you’re facing the bird you’re photographing for the best lighting setup. Shooting into the sun can also sometimes create lovely photographs, especially when the sun is low and the light is less harsh, making perfect conditions for artistic silhouettes.

To view more of James’s wildlife photos, visit swvg.co.uk/jamesball