Editor

The Thames21 project is making improvements to the River Roding adjacent to Wanstead Park. In the first of a series of articles, Catchment Partnership Development Officer Will Oliver explains the background

The River Roding is London’s third longest tributary of the Thames. It rises in Essex before flowing 50km south, through east London, meeting the Thames at Barking.

Like many of England’s rivers, the Roding is suffering. Historically, the river has been straightened and widened, losing much of the natural connectivity to its floodplain that would otherwise support a range of biodiverse wetland habitats. Combined sewer overflows (CSOs), road run-off and agricultural inputs have caused a decline in water quality and barriers – such as the Redbridge gauging weir – block the movement of migratory fish species.

On its journey through London, the River Roding forms the eastern boundary of Wanstead Park. In its natural state, the river here should appear ‘untidy’. The channel should meander across the land and provide deep, slow pools interspaced with fast, shallow riffles and glides. Aquatic plants should be found throughout and there should be areas of clean, loose gravel for fish to spawn in. Take a look at the river next time you walk along its banks here and you’ll see that, instead of this complex mosaic of habitats and flows, the channel resembles a canal. It follows an unnaturally straight course characterised by a uniform shallow, lazy glide and lack of aquatic plants. This means the river only has limited value to fish, birds and insects.

Fallen trees would have once been common within a river. As water worked its way around them, deep scoured pools, fast runs, shallow riffles and areas of slack, sheltered water would form. In this way, fallen trees act as the engineers of a healthy river and provide vital habitats for fish and aquatic life. Historically, fallen trees have been removed from rivers to ease the passage of water downstream.

Thames21 is an environmental charity and member organisation of the Rivers Trust. Our goal is to put healthy rivers at the heart of community life. Working in partnership with the City of London (Epping Forest), Vision RCL and the local Friends of Wanstead Parklands and Wren Wildlife groups, Thames21 is developing a project to improve the habitat within the Roding adjacent to Wanstead Park.

This project will add strategically placed fallen trees to this stretch of the river. These trees will help to restart natural processes and encourage more diverse and improved habitats to form. They will be secured in place to ensure they do not pose a flood risk, with all works reviewed and approved by the Environment Agency. The project will enlist the help of local volunteers and is scheduled for completion in early 2022. Many thanks go to Essex and Suffolk Water and Britvic for funding these improvements.

For more information and to get involved with the Thames21 project in Wanstead Park, email will.oliver@thames21.org.uk

Residents are encouraged to feed local waterfowl this winter.

“Good food to use includes peas, sweetcorn and lettuce. Bread is also fine – it will not cause diseases or swell in their stomachs. But never use mouldy bread and never feed meat, fish or dairy. Please feed birds in the water, not on the land. Water aids digestion, and on land they are vulnerable to dogs when engrossed in eating. It’s also a good idea to only throw more food in once they have finished what they are eating,” said Swan Sanctuary volunteer Louisa Green.

Local resident Emily Potter became a first-time mother during the first lockdown. Luckily for her, she made contact with Super Mum Casta Littlewood, whose WhatsApp groups have been a lifeline to many

Lockdown babies. Whoever thought that would be a thing? I gave birth to my lockdown baby only a few days after the government ordered everyone to stay at home due to the pandemic. But lockdown first-time mothers? Well, this concept was rather overlooked.

During my pregnancy, I’d imagined a maternity leave of meeting fellow mums over leisurely playgroup mornings and making new friends in the breastfeeding workshops. The reality was depressingly different, with access to very little support and being confined at home, wondering whether I’d ever get any freedom during my time off with my little one.

I was pointed in the direction of local Super Mum Casta Littlewood. She had the foresight to create a world of networks for mums in the Redbridge area, setting up a series of WhatsApp chat groups to support women on parenting topics. I tentatively joined the ‘Mum Chat’ to see what was happening. Need to find a nursery? Having trouble deciding which car seat to buy next? Which strategies work best for a fussy eater? Simple! Just ask the Mum Chat. The queries weren’t always limited to parenting; sourcing a reliable plumber, helium balloons for parties at the last minute or tasty takeaways on a Friday night. Ask away and your question is answered within minutes! What works so brilliantly is the access to several hundred mothers at your disposal to help. Not only can mums ask for help but share their own experiences and bond with other mums, removing a lot of the isolation but also building self-worth in supporting others.

Popularity grew. The more mums joined, the more questions were asked, and the greater the wealth of knowledge on the chat. As lockdown eased, I joined more of Casta’s WhatsApp chats on other topics; timetables for baby classes, swapping of toddler clothes, even a science thread explaining fact-based Covid research, sometimes quicker than the press could publish. Soon enough, a waiting list to enter had formed as the groups attracted mothers from Epping to East Ham.

I’ve found these groups to be a true source of quality information and support. And I’ve made some lovely friends. I received advice that helped me diagnose my baby’s croup within 30 seconds to get quicker medical support, and ideas enabling me to win a flexible working contract. Nowadays, if I have a question, my partner’s default response has become ‘ask the Mum Chat’. He even requested the latest on buying petrol during the crisis and managed to avoid the queues!

So, I write this on behalf of all the local mums to give credit to Casta for managing these groups – you are a modern-day heroine of mothers. A huge thank you and best of luck in your new project, PlayHubs.

For more information on PlayHubs – a children’s activities and parenting information hub – visit playhubs.co.uk

Derek Inkpin from local solicitors Wiseman Lee takes the law seriously, but even he knows sometimes the law can be an ass… especially if you need to carry a plank along a pavement

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. The change in Coronavirus regulations in 2020 and 2021 is a good example of how we are told to behave for the benefit of all of us, but which causes many of us to question these impositions.

However, against this serious background, perhaps something a little light-hearted to start the New Year. The following bizarre laws still exist:

• You must carry a bale of hay in your car at all times.
• Your cow may not be driven down the highway between 10am and 7pm without prior approval of the Commissioner of Police.
• It is unlawful to handle a salmon in suspicious circumstances.
• You commit an offence if you are drunk in a pub, and it is an offence for a publican to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk.
• You must not allow your pet to mate with an animal of the Royal Household.
• In Scotland, if someone knocks on your door and wants to use your loo, you must let them enter.
• It is an offence in the City of London for a cab to carry a rabid dog or corpse.
• Placing a postage stamp with the Queen’s head upside down is considered to be an act of treason.
• No person in business may import into England potatoes which he knows or suspects have come from Poland.
• By law, it is legal for a pregnant woman to relieve herself anywhere she wishes, even in a policeman’s hat.
• Since 1939, it has been against the law to carry a plank along a pavement.
• It is legal for a male to urinate in public provided it is on the rear wheel of his vehicle and his right hand is on the vehicle.
• You must not shake or beat your rug or carpet before 8am.
• Relevant to Covid-19, it is illegal to get public transport if you knowingly have the plague. Also, if you know you have the plague, you may not flag down a taxi.
• Is the law an ass? You decide. A happy, and hopefully brighter, New Year to you and yours.

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

Local mum Lydia Fraser-Ward has teamed up with the South Woodford Society to apply for an air quality node from Breathe London to monitor levels of air pollution in the children’s playground in Elmhurst Gardens.

“Only 10 nodes are available for all of London this year, so it’s likely to be highly competitive, but a strong application was submitted, including a 20-minute film with interviews and endorsements from local councillors and parents,” said Lydia.

A decision on the application is expected in January.

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

Some years ago, I found myself playing a small part in a drama outside Sainsbury’s. A fellow customer with a large dog somehow trod on a sharp object and incurred a serious gash to her foot. There was a great deal of blood. “Can someone call an ambulance?” Paramedics were quickly centre stage. “Let’s get you to hospital straightaway.” “I can’t go without my dog,” she cried. This was my cue. “Don’t worry about your dog. I’ll look after him!”  “We’ve just come from the vet!” were her final frantic words as the ambulance doors closed and they drove off. I hadn’t walked a dog for roughly 70 years, but he was on a lead and I was holding it. His ‘hangdog’ expression prompted me to make what I hoped would be comforting noises as we proceeded mournfully to Goddard’s Veterinary Surgery at the corner of Bressey Grove. Everything suddenly became more upbeat. We walked in to a hearty welcome: “Hi Charlie, what brings you back so soon?” (I was just ‘an extra’.) Yes, they would take care of him till his wounded owner came to collect.

I recalled this episode last week when a friend, Chris, described his own experience of visiting a vet with his dog, Harry. He reached the head of the queue at reception. “Name?” “Robinson.” “Not you! The dog!”

I had discovered my theme for the month. A celebration of Man’s best friend.

I encountered the elegant lady with the Pomeranian outside the International Supermarket. “My sister rescued him from a dustbin in Tenerife,” she told me. I must admit I had quite thought that the ‘him’ was a ‘her’, so perfectly preened was his luxuriant fur, like a lady leaving the hairdresser’s on Friday afternoon, all geared up for the social weekend ahead. He was sitting at his owner’s feet looking thoroughly aristocratic and expensive. Her husband emerged carrying his fruit and veg. Out came his iPhone and a proudly tender portrait of their gloriously pampered pet asleep under a soft blanket on the sofa. He might once have been regarded as rubbish but not now: an astonishing tale of rags to riches!

I spotted brothers Harvey and Thomas in the park romping energetically with Chester. “Because of Covid, all the family were at home for once. We all love dogs. So, it was an obvious opportunity,” explained Thomas. “He was only this big when we rescued him [holding out two arms to indicate his smallness, like an angler who has just landed a whopper, only the other way round]. He’s learnt a few tricks already, like how to high five.” An impressive demonstration followed. I had the distinct impression Chester had an indulgent sense of humour and strong thespian tendencies. “I gather some people are taking their dogs back as lockdown ends,” I commented. They both looked shocked. “Not us! No way! He’s our responsibility now and we love him.”

On George Lane, the owner of another rescued dog described the “amazing bond” so quickly established with all the family. “He’s a cross between a Jack Russell and a pug. We don’t know his past and he is still wary of strangers. I must admit he’s very spoilt. He’s already been away with us on two holidays this year. To Norfolk.”

Were 1,000 words going to be enough for this issue’s diary? My next encounter was with joyful Maya and her much-loved “middle-aged lady friend,” Marley. “The vet advised us,” she began: “Don’t buy a puppy. Buy a retired greyhound. Greyhounds can’t climb stairs, they don’t bark, they sleep all day. We took his advice. Marley used to race at Romford under the name Two-Tone-Marley. Look, she has the English racing dog’s single tattoo in her ear. The Irish dogs have two. But you asked what it is about walking a dog. You meet so many interesting people. You listen to different ideas and opinions. Views you might not share but you learn and you think. I’ve encountered actors, divers, people from the BBC, the armed forces. So many opportunities. Sometimes, I think to myself that we are like an urban episode of The Archers.”

In Broadwalk, Christine was walking with Betsy. “My grandson named her when he was four years old. She is a lovely friend, my life really, as I live alone. I love looking at the gardens on our walks. You’re not stuck indoors. You wander along at the dog’s pace. And dogs don’t answer you back!   

Sally was strolling with her son’s dog, Snoopy. “So therapeutic! Dog walking broadens your horizons. There’s such vibrancy in his behaviour. He stops and sniffs,checks everything out; it’s his walk, not mine!”

So much that I learnt echoed what Adam, the vet in charge at Goddard’s, had said. How positive dog ownership was for mental well-being: social interaction, experiencing nature, helping youngsters to take responsibility for animals, switching off from the world. “Dogs will always love you,” he said, “if you give them respect, attention and care.” Exactly what my neighbour Hugh had said when I joined him briefly on his early morning expedition: “When I’m walking my dog, I’m sorting everything out.”

“I’ve wanted dogs for years but my wife refused,” was Saul’s opening line. “But during lockdown, I persuaded her and brought home these miniature dachshunds, Milo and Barney. They form a central focus in the family for showing love. My son, Zac, is autistic. He loves being around them, stroking them. Milo is helping him to be more independent and safe; we’ve trained Milo to stop at the kerb and watch out for danger. Now, he gives Zac a nudge when it’s safe to cross. As for me, out walking with them, I can shut off for half an hour, with space to think and relax.” “But what does your wife think now?” “She adores them, especially Milo. She ruins him. She makes him scrambled eggs and smoked salmon for breakfast.”

I can’t follow that.

Ken Lees, the former editor of the South Woodford Village Gazette, sadly passed away last July. His wife Sue Lees remembers a man who was passionate about this publication

It is with great sadness that I pass on the news to readers that my husband Ken, who was editor of the South Woodford Village Gazette from 2004 to 2015, died on 19 July 2021, after a short time in hospital. His death was not Covid-related. 

I’m sure some readers will remember Ken. He was often around South Woodford, discussing adverts with shop owners or delivering a copy of the latest issue in his fedora hat. He and I would also often take a break for lunch at one of the great local cafes. I used to help out as ‘newshound’, picking up on local stories, but Ken was very much in charge of the advertising, design and production of the Gazette.

Trained at Birmingham College of Arts and Crafts, Ken worked in London as a successful freelance designer and illustrator, completing projects for companies such as ICI, Toshiba, Shell, Yamaha and, locally, Walthamstow Stadium.

He took over editing the South Woodford Village Gazette in 2004 from its founder, Jack Lamport Mitchell, and enjoyed the friendly community in South Woodford, and the regular day to day contact with advertisers. He was particularly keen to ensure every South Woodford address received a copy of each issue, and he and friend Geoffrey would often deliver the latest issue together. It was a healthy change from his computer work, though he often joked: “It took me 40 years’ work to become a paperboy!”

It’s a tribute to Jack’s original idea and Ken’s hard work and skill that the Gazette grew from an eight-page, black and white magazine in 2004 to a 32-page, colour one in 2015. It’s great the publication continues to flourish today.

Among Ken’s extended family were several professional variety stage performers. His Uncle Rhys, a singer and banjo player, also performed in dance bands at venues like the Kit Kat Club. Learning banjo himself, Ken played in country dance bands and appeared at festivals throughout his life, often playing one of Rhys’s banjos.

Ken also founded two of London’s most successful folk clubs, in his time booking legends such as Mike Harding, Barbara Dixon and John Cooper Clarke – the programme was varied!

He designed publicity material for the Woodford Festival and organised folk concerts and dances as part of the festival programme.

Ken took pride in his work on the Gazette and the service it provided. We both enjoyed our time working on the publication, meeting local people and making some good friends along the way.

The last issue of the South Woodford Village Gazette to be edited by Ken was the July/August 2015 edition, which can be viewed at swvg.co.uk/jul15

Volunteers have planted thousands of trees on the borders of Ashton Playing Fields.

“Throughout November, nearly 8,000 trees were planted by corporate volunteers and a community payback scheme with the Ministry of Justice. A further 4,300 whips were planted by hundreds of local residents on a public planting day in December. The trees will grow to support wildlife and help block noise and pollution from the M11,” said a spokesperson for UK charity Trees for Cities, which organised the event in partnership with Vision RCL.

South Woodford resident Maureen Hoskins – who served as Mayor of Redbridge in 2000 – has died at the age of 85 following a short illness.

Maureen was a Liberal Democrat councillor for Church End from 1986 to 2006. She was also the last surviving councillor to have served on the Wanstead and Woodford Borough Council, representing Churchfields from 1961 to 1965.

Maureen passed away at home on 3 December. She is survived by husband Richard, son Daniel, daughter Melissa and grandchildren, Tom, Olivia and Emilia.

A South Woodford resident has published her first book documenting her travels along the Silk Road.

“At the age of 64, I was offered the adventure of a lifetime: to spend three months journeying along the Silk Road, the fabled trading route between Asia and Europe. One condition: I would be travelling with a woman I had never met. What could possibly go wrong? You only live once, after all,” said Sandra Reekie, whose travel narrative From YOLO to Solo references eight different countries.

Visit swvg.co.uk/reekie

Redbridge Council has pledged £2,962.80 towards the Greening South Woodford campaign.

“We still need to reach the target of £7,355 to be able to draw down these funds, so please do pledge, any amount will make a difference!” said a spokesperson for the South Woodford Society. The funds will be used to improve the community orchard with benches and additional biodiverse planting, regenerate Eastwood Green, refurbish noticeboards and initiate a community composting project.

Visit swvg.co.uk/green