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Residents gathered on George Lane in early December for the annual switching on of South Woodford’s Christmas tree lights.

“It was lovely to see so many families there. Thanks to Oakdale School choir, Brook Brass, Redbridge Music Lounge, Woodford Panto and Father Christmas! The Stow Brothers, Redbridge Council and the South Woodford Village Gazette were so generous with their support. Our marshals worked hard, and Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP gave a warm welcome,” said a South Woodford Society spokesperson.

Where are you headed to this Christmas? However you celebrate the festive season, if at all, it’s a time when many embark on journeys of significance, says Rev Abi Todd of Holy Trinity Church, South Woodford 

Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious festival, a cultural festival, or not at all, Christmas is a time when many people move around the country to see family and friends, enjoy the bank holidays and some festive cheer. There’s something significant about the journeys we make – the destination, yes, but the journey itself as well. 

This year, we have seen the amazing outpouring of love and grief expressed in ‘the queue’ – thousands waiting and walking and waiting some more… the Queen’s lying in state eventually seemed to take second place in the media coverage. This is a prime example of the importance of journey as well as the destination. So many people had profound experiences, not only as they reached their journey’s climax, but also as they queued with others on the same pilgrimage. 

The Christmas story is also all about journeys. Joseph and the pregnant Mary travelling to Bethlehem is really how the story begins. They know the baby will be born, but the journey there is significant. The “Magi from the East” followed the star. They also followed different religious beliefs and practices but ended up following them to this new king. The shepherds, too, travelled from the hills into the town. They were Jesus’s first visitors, these humble folk, invited into something sacred because of their journey. 

It seems only a short time ago I was asking my parents from the back of the car: “Are we nearly there yet?” and now I am the one in the driver’s seat, rolling my eyes! For children, the frustration of a long journey is twofold: the time it takes and the lack of knowledge about the journey. We can often be in the same state, asking in our lives: “Are we nearly there yet?” Perhaps our journeys might be the same – the ones in the car, and the more metaphorical journeys; a journey back to health or to reconciliation with a family member. How do we deal with the frustration of undefined journeys? 

Perhaps, like Mary, we can find joy at the end of the journey, even if our destination isn’t as comfortable as we thought it might be. Perhaps like the Magi, we might set off on a totally unexpected journey, not quite knowing where we’ll end up. Perhaps like the shepherds, we can know that the message of Christmas is good news for all people and yet found in an unexpected package. Perhaps, as the Queen said in her final Christmas Day speech, we might find that if we journey to see Jesus, we can say to him: “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.” 

Wherever you spend Christmas this year, and whoever it’s with, I hope you have a blessed and joyful time and that you can reflect on your own Christmas journey. What’s at its end and what are you discovering on the way?

To contact Reverend Abi Todd, email abi.todd@htsw.org.uk

The Woodford Greeners will be hosting a festive fundraising event in Ray Park on 3 December.

“To help raise funds for the Ray Park Community Garden inside the Walled Garden, we are planning lots of festive fun activities. Including Christmas wreath making for grown ups, lots of other handmade crafts, items donated by local artisans, face painting, cake and seasonal cheer to get everyone in the Christmas spirit'” said a spokesperson.

The event will take place from 11am to 1pm at the Ray Park Cafe.

If you would like to donate and help the group’s community garden project inside the parks 18th-century Walled Garden, click here.

When she’s not drawing the adventures of DD in the Woodford Diary series, local artist Evelyn Rowland creates watercolour illustrations of gemstones. Here she tells the story behind her sparkle   

Observational drawing is the basis of all art, firstly because it teaches us to take notice, and secondly, to find an equivalent 2D expression for a 3D world. Pencils are great for that; you can draw anything with an HB pencil.

But the realisation that there is more to work on led to the pursuit of what I figured was the most difficult to render with any conviction; gemstones in watercolour. As I work on a relatively small scale, it seemed like a good route to follow.

Back in the day, when one could get a job fresh out of school just by walking in and asking, I joined the staff of a family owned vintage jewellery shop on Watford High Street. One of the chaps who appeared to have worked there from eternity passed, informed me that “eventually, it becomes no different from selling fish at MacFisheries down the market.” Privately, I disagreed. Geoff wasn’t good with opposing views.

Moving swiftly on then, what was I going to do with my watery minerals, and more importantly, what was their underlying raison d’être? These are questions that can only be answered by oneself, and it is those answers that will radiate from the page. I had to give each of these geometric beauties their personality, their histories, and for us, a relationship with them. Portraits, really.

Accuracy, emotion, and knowing when to leave well alone, are the guiding principles. The curtain will only continue to rise by following Michelangelo’s exhortation: “Draw, draw! Draw more! There is no time to lose!”

Michelangelo was right; there isn’t any time to lose. So, in 2011, I took a calculated risk, sold my house in Woodford Bridge, dropped a part-time job and downsized. More time, more drawing. Result.

No matter how good an artist is across the board, there will always be that one medium, the one that truly understands their language, and forever will be their first love. Mine’s a pencil, preferably a 0.5 HB clutch.

Technique is learned through doing, and a bit of research. A glaze of Chinese white over a facet where the light dances, a drop of old-school gum arabic to create transparency where there is none.

Anyway, back to business. I’ve turned the watery minerals into gift stationery; ribbon, postcards, sticker sheets etc. Cool things for vintage jewellery sellers, or anyone else who prefers a life less ordinary.

I might be selling on Etsy, but I live in South Woodford, ten years and counting!

To view more of Evelyn’s work, visit getdrawnin.co.uk

Some South Woodford scribbles from DD, our resident diarist, commentator and observer of all things local

I woke up yesterday morning wondering why I hadn’t got around to celebrating our local pubs in my diary. Today, I took my first steps to remedy this. Some of the personal details may surprise you. Don’t worry: everything has been vetted and approved by Ross, Tommy and Stephen. Huge thanks to them.

“I fell into this, really.” That’s Ross speaking, the manager down at the Railway Bell. “I was a mechanical engineer for nine years. Made redundant. Had to survive! Got a part-time bar job in Leigh-on-Sea. Got on well with the manager. Did the training courses. And here I am! Been here seven years now. Refurbished the whole place. Turned it around. You remember how it was: a bit drab, ‘divey’. But we had the regulars. They were our bread and butter and I insisted that we kept the drinks they were happy with alongside all the new ones. We’ve got over 25 beers on tap now. We’re bedded into the community: we’ve been having regular fundraisers for Macmillan nurses and we are sending surplus food to local care homes and handing out food parcels to struggling families. The Baptist Church is just down the road; Jonathan, the pastor, likes to drop in for a bite to eat with friends. His singers are coming over to perform in our four ‘Beer and Carols’ evenings before Christmas.”

Ross gave me a tour. Everywhere, inside and out: banks of flowers. What used to be a wodge of wasteground at the side has morphed into something of a fairyland for families and small groups wanting to enjoy the general buzzing atmosphere of the pub but with a cluster of alcoves and small tabled areas giving a more intimate feel for a get-together of friends. “You can see we are huge on sport, with screens everywhere.” (Ross was off again.) “People love our menu. It’s a ‘twist’ on pub food. Fish and chips of course, and beef and ale pie, but you can opt for salt and pepper squid or mango and lime chicken tacos. Yes, Covid took its toll. People were building barbecues and bars in their gardens. We expected a long, slow recovery after the inevitable closure, but when we posted an opening date, we were fully booked within two hours. I’ve got a fantastic team of human beings working here. That’s what our customers say!” 

In the evening, I was once more strolling past the Railway Bell. It struck me that anyone outside looking in would certainly wish they, too, were inside. It’s such a ‘happening place’. Perhaps a very few, very old customers fancy they can still hear the old bell ringing out to signal the approach of the next steam train into George Lane station.

“What’s been your career path?” I asked Tommy, the manager at The Cricketers. “Did you dream of running a pub when you were at school?” “It sort of happened. I was working in bars at 18. Loved it. Became a supervisor. Enrolled on the McMullens training programme. When you completed stage five, you were ready to run your own pub. So now, I’m here at The Cricketers! I’ve been here for nine months: so this is my baby!” Tommy is 24. With nose rings and earrings and a rather stunning blond quiff, and the confident upbeat grin of a thoroughly modern young man. Tattoos as well, of course. “This is one I’ve just had done. Yes, it was a bit painful near the wrist.” I mention these details because they were in surprising contrast to his evident appreciation of nostalgia and tradition; his understanding of how pubs used to be; his sensitivity as to the importance of atmosphere and mood ‘down at the local.’ “Pubs are about bringing people together. Checking that they are OK. They’ll go away and come back with a friend. The numbers have increased massively since I arrived. People use pubs for different reasons. Perhaps someone has been bereaved. Lost their other half. Need to talk. I love getting to know people. Sometimes a customer walks in for the first time and does a bit of a double take. What’s this? Carpets everywhere. Light wood panelling on the walls. And a public bar and a lounge bar, just like in the old days.” “I never quite understood about the two bars,” I chipped in. “Were they like the first and second class carriages on the trains?” “Originally, perhaps, and with different prices, but nothing like that now. It’s just part of an old tradition that people enjoy. Customers do tend to eat in the lounge bar. Lots of choice in our new menu. The public bar is a favourite with workers dropping in for a drink on their way home. Yes, cricketers do come in after a game and dog walkers along with their dogs, families enjoying the congenial but peaceful atmosphere. Easy to chat together with no screens or TVs. No live sport. We do have live music at the weekend, tribute acts, singers, different genres. A quiz night on Sunday evenings for the regulars. Open mike on the last Thursday of every month. As for me, no nine to five and close up your laptop and get off home for me! I love it. I want to be here, with my team around me, keeping people happy, bringing in new guests, having a laugh with them. This job becomes your life.”

Stephen made me welcome. He’s the manager at The George. “It’s not the paintings on the wall that make a pub. It’s the staff”. We were well into our conversation by now. Here was someone with experience and long-held convictions. “I’m old-school trained but modern in my way of thinking and open to change.” Stephen (generally known as Steve) has been very familiar with the pub since childhood, growing up in Leytonstone and going to Trinity High in Woodford Green. He’s been at The George for 17 years. “I took a degree in Computer Science working part-time in bars. Well, I had to pay for my degree somehow!” Now he has a large staff, many of them of long-standing: over 20 bar staff beside the cooks the cleaners etc. When he is away fulfilling his recent additional role of supporting newly appointed managers in other Stonegate pubs, his deputies, Martin and Hazel, take over. The Stonegate Group owns the property, but the branding of each pub is independent. Stephen’s daily routine is hugely varied, but must always include checking the temperature of the beers. “Some of our older guests like it warm. Top of our priorities is keeping everyone happy.” Stephen even had to mug up on drainage when overseeing the upgrade of the spacious and now comfortably-furnished forecourt. “What about food?” “Frankly, food is a subsidiary element in a pub. Yes, we offer good pub grub, but you have massive choice in South Woodford with its vast array of restaurants.” “How did you cope with Covid?” “We all missed our daily routines, serving our guests. Our teamwork. By accident almost, we hit on the idea of doing our shopping in Sainsbury’s at the same time each day. Not as good as eating together in the pub and sharing each day’s events, but a helpful stopgap.”(I couldn’t help enjoying the idea of them synchronising their smart phones, and catching up with each other at the correct distance amongst the tins of baked beans and the washing powders.) “The uncertainty of the changing rules left some of our customers confused in their expectations. They were used to sitting wherever they fancied, without Perspex screens and social distancing. Really, the social cycle was disrupted.” “Have you had many unusual or famous clients?” “Ronnie O’Sullivan has appeared from time to time. He likes to sit in some quiet corner for an unhurried drink, enjoying some peaceful, ‘anonymous’ relaxation. A retired barrister from Snaresbrook Crown Court used to come in very regularly, in his full courtroom kit. He sat at this very table and people came to him with problems. He handed out legal advice and general assistance, like a sort of one-man citizens’ advice bureau, usually in exchange for a glass of wine. Every day is different! That’s a pub for you.”

“What about Christmas Day?” I asked all three.  Railway Bell will be open as usual for drinks and there’s a three-course meal with all the trimmings. Numbers for the meal are limited to 50. Booking essential. The Cricketers will be open from 12 noon to 3pm, drinks only. The George will be open from 11am to 5pm, drinks only.

Ross, Tommy and Stephen: I’ll call them my ‘three wise men’. The gifts they’ve given me? Their time, their thoughts and insights.  Strong individuals, different but sharing the same rich enjoyment in their occupation. People persons. Varied CVs, including assorted qualifications bearing no discernible connection with beer! It’s as if they’ve stumbled into these roles unexpectedly and realised this was their niche. Made-to-measure. Serendipitous is the word that springs to mind. I much enjoyed meeting them.

Qaiser Malik updates on recent improvements, activities and talks at the South Woodford Islamic Centre, which is planning an official opening for the wider community before the end of the year

South Woodford Islamic Centre (SWIC), which had an informal reopening in April (during the Holy Month of Ramadan), is gradually progressing towards completion of its interior works. The flooring has been laid in the community hall on the lower ground floor and a lift has been installed, which brings a smile to elderly faces like mine. Additional floor tiles, manufactured in Spain, have arrived and are being installed, and the special external and internal doors being crafted should be in place soon. Once all this is complete, we’ll be inviting the community along for an official opening. 

Recently, our generous congregation raised over £15,000 for victims of the Pakistan floods and a further £7,000 for victims of the Bangladesh floods. In addition, the congregation raised over £3,500 for victims of the Afghanistan earthquake. SWIC trustees later attended a fundraising event at Ilford Town Hall and pledged £10,000 for the Redbridge Stands With Pakistan appeal. SWIC has also donated to local charities such as the Redbridge Night Shelter, Haven House and Whipps Cross Hospital. These are just some of the wonderful examples of the SWIC spirit of altruism.

SWIC not only cares about the spiritual and emotional health of its congregation and community but also about their physical well-being. So, we started some outdoor activities, which include organised monthly hikes on Sunday mornings that have been thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended. Another activity is our cycling club for over-16s, which has seen young and old enjoy scenic rides.

In September, the trustees welcomed Helen Ball, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and a long-standing friend of SWIC (and especially Dr Fahim through his work in advising the Met on religious matters). The event was also attended by several local councillors, leaders of other faiths and many members of the congregation. Helen gave a presentation about policing in London and the current challenges and criticisms it is facing. She also held a Q&A session and addressed many national and local concerns about crime and the police. Dr Fahim presented Helen with a copy of his latest book, Confused Muslims.Qom, in which she is mentioned. 

The Muslim community deeply felt the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, who served the country with the highest integrity and set an example for the younger generation. It was a strange coincidence that the day she passed away, Dr Fahim received a letter from Buckingham Palace, thanking him for a letter sent to the Queen on the Platinum Jubilee on behalf of the SWIC community.

The South Woodford Islamic Centre is located at 10 Primrose Road, South Woodford, E18 1DD. For more information, visit swvg.co.uk/swic

Redbridge Museum will open a new permanent exhibition early next year exploring 200,000 years of local history. In the fifth of a series of articles, Museum Officer Nishat Alam looks at some of the items on show

As part of the Redbridge Museum development, we’ve been busy creating some new displays about the history of the borough, in addition to refreshing and expanding some of our existing displays. This month, I’m looking at a brand new exhibit in the works about the First World War, an important historic event that’s been commemorated by the museum in a major temporary exhibition, website and even a book, but with only one aspect – the war dead – currently covered in the permanent exhibition.

The new display will, of course, expand on the subject of the borough’s fallen soldiers, as well as explore the wider impact of the war on Wanstead, Woodford and Ilford. About 1,500 men from Redbridge were killed during the First World War. There are 29 memorials dotted across Woodford featuring names of local soldiers killed in action, with 73 on the Woodford War Memorial (pictured above), which was unveiled in front of St Mary’s Church in 1920. The aftermath of the war was bittersweet for local people; Jack Farmer, then aged eight, remembered that the “women sobbing in church and at the war memorials [in Woodford’s Armistice Day service in 1919] was extremely disturbing” and “something [he would] never forget”. The realities of war for local young soldiers and their loved ones will be illustrated in the new museum through material from our collections, such as photographs, medals, letters and postcards. 

The display will also look at how the borough pulled together to support each other and the less fortunate during wartime. Hundreds of refugees escaping the fighting in Belgium sought solace in the borough, with some being housed in Woodford. Local residents organised concerts and even a football match to raise funds for the refugees who’d arrived with only a few personal belongings.

The war transformed the area in many ways, both in the purpose of its people and its buildings. Women went into the workforce, many for the first time, often filling in jobs traditionally taken up by men, like office work in the instance of Daisy Parsons of Woodford. Some of Woodford’s grand houses were converted into convalescent hospitals, such as Highams Manor (now Woodford County High School) becoming the Woodford and Wanstead Military Hospital, where wounded soldiers were treated and allowed to recuperate in “almost luxurious” surroundings. 

There are plenty more stories that will be explored in this new display, but I’ll leave it to the objects, archives and newly designed text panels to tell them.

For more information on the impact of war on Woodford, visit swvg.co.uk/rww1 

For more information on Redbridge Museum and to complete a survey about the new displays, visit swvg.co.uk/rm

The UK’s oldest competitive music and drama festival will be taking place locally in February 2023. Applications are now open for performers of all ages. Sheena Bronson reports

The Stratford and East London Music Festival (SELMF) offers the opportunity to perform and compete in one of the many instrumental, singing, speech and drama classes. The event was founded in 1882 by John Spencer Curwen, making it the UK’s oldest competitive music and drama festival.

With over 70 singing classes alone, there’s sure to be one that appeals – including classical, musical theatre, jazz, a class to perform a song that you have written yourself, popular music and recitals. There are also more than 50 speech and drama classes to choose from for individuals, duets and groups in classes for poetry, acting, storytelling, news reporting and humorous verse.

There are hundreds of classes to compete in, broken down into nine categories: choral singing, orchestra and bands, concerto, instrumental, piano, recorders, solo and ensemble singing and speech and drama.

On the final night of the festival, we hold the Young Musician of the Year competition, which showcases the best young musicians (pianists, vocalists and instrumentalists) aged 11 to 17 who have performed during the event.

Back in 1882, the entry fee for the first festival was 2s 6d (12p) for solo performers, 5s 0d (25p) for quartets and 10s 0d (50p) for choirs. Originally, it was only open to those who lived in Stratford, Leyton, Wanstead, Walthamstow, Woodford, Plaistow, Forest Gate, Canning Town, Victoria Docks and Leytonstone. Now, musicians and actors come to the festival from the local area and beyond to perform and compete in a friendly and supportive environment. As well as enjoying the excitement of competing at the festival, all entrants receive feedback and tips from professional adjudicators, as well as a certificate. Winning entrants often receive a cup and some a cash prize. The best young pianist can win £500.

SELMF is a charitable organisation and exists because of our brilliant team of dedicated volunteers. We would appreciate any additional help you may be able to offer, either with your time or with donations to help towards our running costs. Becoming a Friend of the Festival for just £10 gives you free entry to all the competitions, plus a free programme. Or if you fancy donating a silver trophy for aspiring performers, we would love to hear from you.

The Stratford and East London Music Festival 2023 will take place during February half-term at St Mary’s Church in South Woodford (choirs, orchestras and bands) and at Redbridge Music Service in Hainault (all other music, speech and drama classes). For more information, visit swvg.co.uk/selmf

The South Woodford Neighbourhood Forum will be producing a Design Code for the local area in the coming months, with workshops and a consultation planned for January.

“We had a fantastic response to our recent survey. Plus, we held walking tours and two focus groups, one with a local secondary school to better understand young people’s needs and another exploring open spaces and nature. To delve deeper, we’ve also been holding one-on-one interviews with residents,” said a spokesperson.

Visit sowodesigncode.org

A local resident has published a vegetarian cookbook with recipes spanning four seasons and 20 countries.

“The recipes will boost your cooking confidence and prove that plant-focused food is delicious and satisfying! All fuelled into existence with ingredients from our wonderful local shops: Harveys, Simple ‘n’ Natural and the International Supermarket,” said Snaresbrook resident Red Willow, who works as a holistic health coach. A Year of Veggie Adventures is published by Upfront Publishing (£30).

Visit swvg.co.uk/ayova 

Liz Calvert is one of many residents who will be living in the shadow of the blocks of flats proposed for Snaresbrook Station car park. The Real Snaresbrook campaign believes the community deserves better

In August, a scattering of residents from The Rise and Hollybush Close (cul-de-sacs off Hollybush Hill) were advised by a flyer that Snaresbrook Station car park was being sold by TfL and that a company called Pocket Living had plans to build affordable homes there. For a few of us, our gardens abut the car park; for the remainder, they are in close proximity. 

On discussion, we all came to the same conclusion: we aren’t anti-affordable living – how could you be? – but the plans astounded us. The proposals are for two adjoining blocks of flats of five and six storeys. They will tower over our streets: these buildings will be seen from Hollybush Hill and from the High Street. Our concerns are as follows:

• The ”pretty pedestrian walkway” as described in the plans will also accommodate the route for goods and emergency vehicles to access the engineering depot and the railway line, creating a dangerous mixed-use zone.
• The car park is prone to flooding and this has never, to our knowledge, been resolved. How will it cope with 74 new dwellings using the drainage system?
• Pocket Living do not accommodate for car ownership (they will supply bicycle storage). Pocket Living has advised that Redbridge Council will not supply their residents with parking permits, so where will those cars go? The streets around Hollybush Hill are for permit holders only, and the car park will have room for only a few.
• The trees – covered by Tree Protection Orders – and the flower beds will all incur damage or be lost completely.
• Our main concern is for the emergency services and their ability to access the flats. The turn at the station is tight and the road is regularly blocked.

So, we have organised ourselves. We have a residents’ WhatsApp group, we are in discussion with local councillors and we have knocked door to door and spoken to other residents – not one was in favour of this. We also have a petition and one of our members has created a website. 

To sum up, we don’t want our privacy invaded; elderly and disabled neighbours are fretting already about the noise and the impact. The possible new residents deserve much more than these boxes; they need safety too. Lower blocks, two or three storeys, or a row of terraced houses would be better, but we were advised those won’t make the company enough profit. We sincerely hope these existing plans are shelved.

For more information on the development proposal, visit wnstd.com/pocketliving

For information on the Real Snaresbrook campaign, visit realsnaresbrook.org

Three services of Remembrance will take place across Wanstead and South Woodford this November.

The first will happen on Armistice Day at the Snaresbrook Garden of Remembrance, off Snaresbrook Road, opposite Eagle Pond (arrive by 10.55am).

This will be followed by a service on 12 November at the Woodford War Memorial, outside St Mary’s Church in South Woodford (arrive by 8.40am).

A final gathering will take place at the Wanstead War Memorial on the High Street on 13 November (arrive by 12.15pm).