Editor

In the sixth of a series of articles featuring images by the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, Anuraj Theivendram explains the popularity of group outings

For many members of the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, our group outings have quietly become one of the most cherished parts of the annual calendar. While competitions and workshops showcase technical skill, the outings offer something different: a blend of companionship, shared learning and the simple joy of photographing London’s vibrant life together.

Photography can often feel like a solitary pursuit, and for some, attending large public events alone can be daunting. Our outings change that. They give members a chance to explore new environments with the reassurance of friendly faces around them, creating a supportive space where people feel confident to try new techniques and approach subjects they might otherwise avoid. It’s this mix of encouragement and collective curiosity that makes the outings so popular.

Last year’s programme offered members a wonderfully varied set of experiences. The colour and spectacle of Chinese New Year, the pageantry of Trooping the Colour and the historic English Civil War Society Parade each provided rich opportunities for storytelling and capturing movement, costume and atmosphere. Our visit to St Peter’s Church offered an opportunity to explore architectural detail, light and mood. Members also enjoyed a relaxed walk from Regent’s Park to Little Venice, capturing nature, reflections and the gentle rhythm of the canal. The year rounded out with the lively 12th Night Celebration, full of character and theatrical flair. Across all these outings, one theme has remained constant: the sense of community. Members share tips, compare approaches and often discover new photographic interests simply by being out together. For newer members, outings are an easy way to feel part of the Society; for long‑standing members, they’re a reminder of why photography is such a rewarding hobby.

As we look ahead, the outings continue to strengthen the Society’s spirit, encouraging creativity, building confidence and celebrating the joy of photographing London as a community.

For more information on the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, visit swvg.co.uk/wwps

Ray Park in Woodford will be one of nine starting points for Ride Redbridge on 20 September, a borough-wide event forming part of the London Cycling Festival.

“Join a fully marshalled, gently paced ride to Valentines Park, where riders from all over Redbridge will come together for a picnic,” said a spokesperson for the Redbridge Cycling Campaign. Cyclists will meet at the James Leal Café and depart the park at 11am. The rides are suitable for all abilities, including accompanied children.

Visit swvg.co.uk/rcc

A local dental practice is celebrating 40 years in the community.

“Our family-run practice started four decades ago at 225 High Road, above what was Ken Bray Photography, now Venture Photography. We moved to our current site on the other side of the High Road (number 162) in 1990,” said Dr Amjad Malik, who opened Woodford House Dental Practice on 26 April 1986. “It’s wonderful to continue to serve multiple generations of the community.”

New patients can currently save £30 on their initial examination.

Call 020 8504 2704

Woodford Pantomime is preparing to bring another season of magic to the community as work begins on Beauty and the Beast.

“Can it really be that time again? Oh yes it can! Running from 1 to 17 January 2027 at the Hawkey Hall, this much‑loved local tradition is already taking shape, with the creative team crafting scenes, planning choreography and laying the foundations for rehearsals starting in September,” said a spokesperson for the award-winning group, which is now in its 66th year.

Visit woodfordpantomime.co.uk

Over the last three months, the Friends of the River Roding have been extracting Himalayan Balsam from local stretches of the river to help maintain biodiversity and reduce weakening of the banks by this highly invasive plant.

“Last year’s 99 volunteer hours were eclipsed by the 277 hours (and counting) worked this season by some 31 different volunteers between South Woodford and Wanstead alone, not to mention the effort further up and downriver,” said volunteer Derek Seume.

Visit swvg.co.uk/fotrr

The Wanstead and Woodford Marie Curie fundraising group will host a quiz night at Wanstead House on 17 October.

“This is a great opportunity to get together with friends, test your knowledge and support a good cause. We’ll provide the tea, coffee and cake, or you can bring your own refreshments,” said a spokesperson. The quiz will start at 7.30pm (tickets: £12). Marie Curie is a charity providing end-of-life care.

Call 07957 760 071

The South Woodford Village Gazette has been nominated for the Redbridge Best Media Business of the Year award.

“We aim to support the community in everything we publish, but we now need the community to support us by voting for our magazines,” said editor Lee Marquis, who also publishes the Wanstead Village Directory. Both publications are firmly established in their respective communities, with the Wanstead magazine celebrating its 20th anniversary earlier this year and the South Woodford Village Gazette now in its 35th year. The award is a borough-wide category within the Ilford and Redbridge Business Awards. Voting is open until 30 September, with the results to be announced in December. “Every vote will help recognise the role independent local media plays in keeping communities informed and connected.”

Click here to vote

Local Ward Panels give residents a voice when it comes to setting neighbourhood policing priorities

To contact the Churchfields Ward Panel, email Churchfields@contact.metengage.co.uk

To contact the South Woodford Ward Panel, email SouthWoodford@contact.metengage.co.uk

The River Roding often feels overlooked, but a recent meeting in Parliament gave it the attention it deserves, says Councillor Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Neighbourhoods

In July, Ilford South MP Jas Athwal hosted a meeting on pollution in the Roding, bringing together key representatives. Paul Powlesland from the River Roding Trust presented compelling evidence of pollution linked to sewage outfalls. Thames Water and the Environment Agency (EA) were asked to provide updates on how they are tackling the problem.

I first raised concerns about sewage pollution with Thames Water more than five years ago, alongside Jas Athwal when he was Leader of Redbridge Council. Both of us expressed our disappointment that so little progress has been made since then. One illegal outfall on the Alders Brook has been addressed following investment by Thames Water, but the River Roding Trust has identified a number of other sewage spills that still require action. Thames Water told the meeting it is developing plans to reduce the duration of sewage spills by 50% by 2030, with further improvements dependent on future funding.

The company also confirmed there are 30 sewage outfalls in the area, of which 12 have permits and 18 have permit applications pending. It’s disappointing the EA appears willing to issue further permits rather than prioritising enforcement action. Granting additional permits risks legitimising an unacceptable practice that is incredibly harmful to rivers, wildlife and people, something local residents are increasingly concerned about. The EA confirmed it is preparing enforcement action relating to one outfall, which we believe is the site fixed last year.

We also discussed the issue of misconnections, where appliances are incorrectly connected to the clean water drainage system, rather than the foul sewer network. Thames Water has been monitoring a number of locations to identify these problems, which are likely to be contributing to pollution. However, only a small number of cases have been passed to the council for enforcement. We are keen to work more closely with Thames Water to identify these issues more quickly.

The council has also committed £3m to improving water quality in local lakes, many of which are connected to the Roding. This funding has enabled the removal of silt from three lakes and the installation of aeration equipment to improve water quality, as well as tackling pollution at Fairlop and exploring nature-based solutions such as opening up a buried stream to improve natural filtration.

I will continue pressing Thames Water and the EA for stronger action. The involvement of MPs is welcome because we need improvements to the governance of water companies to ensure they stop polluting our rivers.

Jo Blackman is a Labour Party councillor for Wanstead Village. Email jo.blackman@redbridge.gov.uk

For more information on the Roding, visit wnstd.com/riverroding

Entries are invited for this year’s Redbridge Photography Awards.

“Our borough is home to some of the country’s most stunning parks, striking architecture and vibrant communities, and we want to see them through your lens,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson. Participants can submit photos in four categories: Redbridge Pets, Redbridge Heroes, Redbridge Places and Redbridge Nature (closing date: 21 August). Winning images will be displayed at Redbridge Central Library.

Visit wnstd.com/rpa26

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

I have lived long enough in South Woodford to have seen many changes on the high street. My nearest row of shops began with Kistrucks Bakery. We kids knew the cakes remaining at the end of the day would go for half price first thing in the morning. We suggested to the nice lady in charge we could reasonably relieve her of them at 5.30pm as she closed the door. Our cheekiness not infrequently paid off. Then came the ladies’ hairdresser with separate, discreet, curtained cubicles. You would never be exposed to the public, sitting under the bonnet hairdryer with your head covered in rollers. Next came ‘Sheila’ with her millinery boutique. I often gazed at the elegant hats temptingly displayed behind curved windows. She closed in 1992. In due course, the enormously popular, family-run HO HO Chinese restaurant closed its doors for the last time. Sorely missed. 

In this same location, Salman Comak has been ‘open all hours’ from 9am to half past midnight, seven days a week, for 25 years. One of South Woodford’s traditional ‘corner shops’. I called in for a chat. I looked round. Surely there can’t be anything he doesn’t stock! Salman was born in Turkey of Kurdish descent. “There were problems,” he said. “We were not wanted, we were actively persecuted. I knew England was a democracy. I understood business before I came. I opened a shop in Leyton, then moved here and married my wife, Sana. Both our daughters have been university educated here and are fully employed. I have never looked for any benefits or handouts. I have paid my taxes. I feel happy here and I am satisfied that I am fulfilling a need. Available when ‘the big boys’ have shut up shop. There’s very little theft. There are good people here.” At this point, “What a stroke of luck for me!” said Salman. “Here comes my best customer.” In came Terry, leaning heavily on his walking-frame and immediately eager to pitch in to our conversation. I asked him: “Do you have a reason for shopping here?” “Loads of reasons! Prompt personal service.” (By now Salman was out from behind the till and removing Terry’s backpack and placing his purchases carefully inside.) “If you don’t support the high street, the community dies! Sometimes, neighbours of mine do my shopping. They know where to come and when they say: “It’s for Terry,” Salman knows exactly what I need. They couldn’t get far announcing that at a supermarket! Nothing against them, but for me, so corporate. You have individual attention here. Friendship, even. We’re talking about two different worlds.”   

I decided to explore further: The Nutberry Local Store, ideally situated next to the station, is open from 6am to 11pm. A regular customer there, Deepak, was keen to talk. “I mean, who really wants to stand in a queue? Who doesn’t enjoy a personal greeting?” I noted a sample of wares on the packed shelves. Cake candles and birthday cards alongside bread, pepperoni and Persil. Newspapers, too. Further down the road, I called in at Woodford News (6.30am to 11.30pm). Prem was all smiles. His ‘den’ is very small and compact. Umbrellas and Sellotape, cycle clips and Cabernet Sauvignon. “I used to work in a huge store. I love my days here: time to chat, time to listen. I don’t do the papers anymore. I leave that to Ram up the road.” His welcoming warmth was tangible: “Would I like a drink?” Aram and Hasan at Woodford Express (6.30am to 11.30pm) specialise in Eastern European produce. I must admit, I enjoyed the idea that you could expect to buy Golabki, Flaki, Flaczki and Klpopsiki alongside bread and butter, here, in George Lane! It was a surprise to hear that Demir, with his ‘convenience store’ opposite the Wood Oven, came from the same village as Salman. He obviously relishes his open-all-hours role. Sounds of laughter came from within. He greeted me like an old friend in what was only my second visit. Denny and his wife run what really is a ‘corner’ shop, Woody Food and Wine, just over the motorway, where Len’s Shoe Repairs used to be. I remember Len well. Denny came to the UK from India as a boy and opened his shop two years ago (7.30am to midnight.) I was stunned by his enormous display of wines. Between serving other customers, he mentioned that quite often shoppers cross from Waitrose to seek out some very particular, unusual brand.

My themes for this edition were clearly emerging: Change and Choice. Much to consider. Appropriately enough, I remembered reading, years ago, a book called Small is Beautiful: A Study Of Economics As If People Mattered by a German-born British economist, EF Schumacher, espousing the principle that advancing small, appropriate technologies and policies was a superior alternative to the mainstream ethos of ‘bigger is better’. My long-term readers will be fully aware of my regular and appreciative shopping trips to our supermarkets. I have adjusted easily to their increasingly DIY approach. (You’ve got to hand it to the Co-op with its 7am to 11pm opening hours. I popped in to congratulate Rashed, the manager). In fact, my relationship with the Co-op and Sainsbury’s goes right back to my early childhood in Woodford itself. The Co-op was right next to Woodford station. I still remember our Co-op number, 616385. You walked over the level crossing then, to reach Sainsbury’s, where Cook’s frozen ready meals are now on display. With food still rationed after the war, you queued up at the butter counter. Then the bacon counter, etc. Really quite a social occasion.       

My visit to Salman has set me rethinking how much the independent convenience stores enrich our community with their different individual characteristics. Our high street is not just a mirror image of every other high street. Changes have happened, of course, but with both the large supermarkets and the small, open-all-hours corner shops, we are blessed with an abundance of choice.

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