Editor

Disputes concerning wills and inheritance can be tricky and sensitive, and the courts have jurisdiction to make changes, says Kavita Rana from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash

When a person dies, their estate is administered in accordance with their wishes in the will. If the deceased does not have a will and dies intestate, the intestacy rules govern the distribution of the estate.

There are a number of grounds to contest a will. One ground considered by the courts is whether the deceased had the relevant mental capacity to understand their decisions at the time the will was signed. A person making the will must be of ‘sound mind, memory and understanding’. Dementia and old age is often a common complaint in deciding whether the deceased had capacity, but it is not the only factor. A failure to satisfy the test could result in the will being invalid.

It is important that any lawyer advising on the will checks whether the person making it understands the consequences of their actions and is of sound mind. If this did not happen, you may have a claim in negligence against the professional.

A will can also be overturned for undue influence. If you feel the deceased was pressured, forced or coerced into making the will or the content of it, this may give rise to an action to declare the will invalid.

If an individual feels they have been inadequately provided for in a will, this might result in a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. The law allows close family members and dependents to apply to the courts for reasonable financial provision from the estate, where there is inadequate provision in the will. Here, the will remains in place but the law protects individuals in certain circumstances. The court’s award will depend very much on the individual circumstances.

If an individual relied on the deceased’s assurance of property and acted to his detriment as a result, the courts have jurisdiction to enforce the promise and order that the property is transferred from the estate to the individual, even if the will does not provide for this.

In the recent case of Gee vs Gee, the court found in favour of a son, John, who was cut out of a promised inheritance of farmland worth in the region of £8m. John worked on his father’s farm since the 1970s for low pay and gave up his own career in reliance on his father’s promise that he would receive “the lion’s share” of the farm. Before he died, the father transferred the asset to his other son, Robert, in 2014. Despite this, the court awarded John a 52% controlling interest in the farm and 48% interest in the land.

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

A former local resident is seeking help to organise more litter-picking sessions at Eagle Pond in Snaresbrook.

“Myself and the other Fabulous Litter Pickers group leader no longer live here, so we can only organise monthly events. More locals would be great. When I lived in Wanstead, I litter picked every Sunday and got the litter down to a good level so we didn’t have to spend so long,” said Shelley Holmes. In February, 10 bags of rubbish were collected, including a knife, which was handed over to the police.

Visit swvg.co.uk/fabpick

Having moved from Toronto to South Woodford last year, law student Nashwah Turshin has found her new London home to be surprising and welcoming in equal measure

Throughout my life, I have always lived within cityscapes. My concept of a tranquil neighbourhood included the sounds of chaotic traffic and mumbled conversations right outside my window. If there was an absence of glass buildings in the background, I would consider it strange. The hustle and bustle of Toronto had always been my safe haven. For me, the notion of living outside an urban landscape was unimaginable.

When my home city is compared to my new one, I often hear: “London is the better Toronto,” followed by the similarities between the two. So, it was no surprise that I was under the assumption that all of London was essentially a giant Canary Wharf. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered it’s not.

I’m not going to lie; it’s been a tough adjustment. I was no longer falling asleep to the white noises of traffic sounds and murmured conversations outside my window. I was no longer waking up to the sunrise glittering over glass buildings. I no longer had a strip of coffee shops within five minutes from my home that were open until the early hours of the morning (as a university student, you can imagine the need for those). However, growth will never come without change, and one’s environment is often the most significant change. For any Gilmore Girls fans, I found comfort in knowing I was finally living out my Stars Hollow fantasy. 

In the past five months since my move, I’ve forged a routine that I religiously stick to. Rather than opting for the bus to the station, I relish the 15-minute stroll, taking in the lush greenery and the fresh, dewy morning air that was new to me. The mornings in South Woodford are so serene and are a great way to clear my morning grogginess and jump-start my day. George Lane holds a special place in my heart and I take frequent walks there. On the weekends, my roommate and I will walk around, making a mandatory stop at Bobo & Wild – the friendliest staff and the most welcoming ambience – for giggles and catch-up over coffee. 

Wherever I go, there is nothing but friendly faces and polite greetings. Watching the day-to-day lives of the abundance of families makes me think how this will be me one day, whether in South Woodford or elsewhere. I never thought I’d fit so well into the quiet, suburban life as I do now. 

Living in South Woodford has led me to conclude that life has a curious way of leading us to unexpected places, and we come to learn, grow and find unknown parts of ourselves in these foreign environments. My move has been so transformative, allowing me to embrace change. While I do occasionally mourn my old life, I find so much comfort knowing gentle South Woodford welcomed me with open arms.

Article submissions from residents and visitors are welcome. Visit swvg.co.uk

Inspector Chris Russell, who oversees neighbourhood policing for South Woodford, Churchfields and surrounding wards, explains how the Baroness Casey Review is improving local policing

A warm hello from your new neighbourhood policing inspector for north Redbridge. I recently joined the team in January and am based at Barkingside police station, where I oversee neighbourhood policing for South Woodford, Churchfields and 10 other surrounding wards.

I joined the Met in 2014 after a period of neighbourhood policing in South Wales, where I am originally from. I then took a leap of faith and moved to the bright lights of London. I initially worked in Barnet for six years on both neighbourhood and response policing. I then joined the Met’s counter-terrorism command, working at Heathrow and London City Airport before gaining promotion to sergeant. After that, I worked as a custody sergeant, later returning to response policing in Hammersmith and Fulham. Most recently, I’ve been working with police forces nationally on how we can improve the vetting of new officers and enhance the checks we do on serving officers to ensure our officers and staff are fit for purpose.

This takes me on to the Baroness Casey Review, which I’m sure most of you have heard of and has probably affected your opinion of us here within the Met. We invited the Baroness into our organisation and asked for a candid review of our culture and standards to identify how we can improve. The Commissioner then introduced the New Met for London plan in response to the review, which is a multifaceted approach to delivering more trust, less crime and high standards. The full report and a summarised version are available on the Met website. The key bit that will impact on the people of South Woodford is the plan to put more resources in to local policing and building the strongest neighbourhood policing ever. Work has already begun on this with the introduction of a dedicated neighbourhood superintendent for the Redbridge borough alone (compared to one for Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering previously) and three inspectors split across the north and south of Redbridge, along with Ilford town centre.

But what does this mean for you? We aim to prioritise the community’s needs in everything we do. We are listening to you and working with our partners to deliver better policing for London. Every ward will have at least two dedicated ward officers (police constables) and one police community support officer responsible for that area. It also means that, as an inspector, I cover less area and can fully focus on my wards to drive specific improvements. I’m more available to you, the community, and will have a better oversight on what is going on. I specifically requested this role and look forward to making Redbridge, and specifically South Woodford, a safer place to live, work and spend time in for us all.

For more information and to contact local police teams, email:

Wanstead Village SNT: sntji-wanstead-village@met.police.uk

Wanstead Park SNT: sntji-wanstead-park@met.police.uk

South Woodford SNT: sntji-south-woodford@met.police.uk

Churchfields SNT: sntji-churchfields@met.police.uk

The South Woodford Business Forum is keen to help more local businesses grow following a successful networking and information event held in February.

“We are fast gathering momentum in creating a strong business community. We strive to improve communication between businesses and provide support. If you would like to be involved in our next event or have any questions, please get in touch. All businesses from the local area are welcome,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/swbf 

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