Applications for a new round of community funding by Co-op open on 3 May.
“Applicable projects should be promoting fairer access to food, mental well-being services or education and employment. And this year, there is also a new category for projects that help people protect biodiversity or tackle climate change,” said Diana Varakina, Co-op Member Pioneer for Wanstead and South Woodford.
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The Duke spoke to young people visiting the site as part of the Proud Places programmeHRH The Duke of Gloucester visited Wanstead Park in April to celebrate the completion of the first stage of restoration works to the park’s historic Grotto.
Constructed between 1760 and 1764, a fire in 1884 left the Grotto a ruin, and the building has been on the Heritage at Risk Register since November 2017. The landing stage further deteriorated in 2020, putting the entire structure at risk.
The Duke was shown the success of the repair work, with the retaining wall now rebuilt and invasive plant life extracted.
A local resident has launched a new gardening group to support a range of community gardening projects in the Woodford area.
“The next Woodford Greeners event will be a free seedling swap on 7 May. Planted too many seeds? Now have a gazillion mini tomato plants you don’t need? Come and swap them with us at the James Leal Centre in Ray Lodge Park from 10am to 12 noon. Or just come and pick up free seedling plants. Let’s all get growing, folks!” said Lydia Fraser-Ward.
Local council elections in all 32 London boroughs will be held on 5 May.
In Redbridge, 63 members of the council will be selected, contested across 22 wards. The South Woodford Village Gazette presents statements from the candidates standing in the two wards covered by this publication. South Woodford – which is represented by three councillors – has 11 nominated candidates, while Churchfields – also represented by three councillors – has 12 candidates. Both wards were created ahead of the 2018 elections following a boundary review.
Polling stations open at 7am on 5 May and close at 10pm. Voters do not need to bring any identification and can cast as many votes as there are councillors to be elected in their ward.
The results will be announced the following day.
I have lived in South Woodford for over 30 years.
Now retired, I was formerly head of corporate governance for a professional association. Liberal Democrats will always stand up for the individual against the abuse or concentration of power. Electing us locally will mean less chance of one party exercising disproportionate control over decision-making and ignoring opposition. Our commitment to individual concerns also roots us in strong community politics and working in a non-partisan manner to get results.
South Woodford is my home.
I hold a Masters in Distributed Computing Systems and had a successful career in IT and marketing; now a serial entrepreneur. I am involved in social work, charities and an NHS volunteer. I am passionate to create a safe, clean, enjoyable environment and ensure our children benefit from the finest education. I will focus on the safety of children and women. It is critical to preserve the character of our beautiful South Woodford. I will work tirelessly for our ward as a bridge between residents and the council.
It has been an honour since 2018 to represent the area that I have lived in for the last 20 years.
The first four years of Labour representation for South Woodford have seen a lot done, but there is still a lot more to do. If re-elected, one of my priorities will be ensuring the redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital delivers better services for our community. So, I ask you to lend me your vote once again, and for that, I pledge to continue to be a strong voice for South Woodford in the Town Hall.
I have lived in Redbridge for 18 years and reside on Horn Lane.
I am a long-standing and active member of Churchfields Neighbourhood Watch and Woodford Green Amenity Group, and regularly organise community litter picks. I work in finance and want to make sure our Council Tax is spent wisely and in the ward, rather than in Ilford. I believe Churchfields deserves clean, pothole-free streets, and I want to protect the area from inappropriate developments. I want a strong voice for residents at Ilford Town Hall.
Born and raised in Woodford, I work for one of the big four in data and financial regulation.
My regulatory experience helped 36 families navigate school appeals with success, amended policy to make sure local schools are for local children, and helped oppose inappropriate planning applications. My professional experience enabled me to scrutinise council finances. I’ve also worked on street cleaning, crime, tree planting, preserving green spaces and repairing roads. I love Jesus and cross-country running.
I have lived in Redbridge nearly all my life.
I am currently chair of a sixth form college in east London and have worked in further education for 30 years. I am a keen local campaigner and have taken up many issues on behalf of Churchfields residents. Accountability and openness on the part of the council needs to be radically improved. Many would welcome the return of an Area Committee, which would make it easier for people to express their views. If elected, I am 100% committed to supporting the residents of Churchfields.
I am Lloyd Duddridge, I live in Churchfields, I went to school in Churchfields, and my mum taught at the school for 28 years.
I am as invested in the area as you are going to get. As your councillor, I will get results for Churchfields at the Town Hall. As a councillor previously, I helped make Charlie Brown’s Roundabout safe and brought Woodford Town Football Club home. We can get things done again, and if we bring in a fresh voice for our area by voting Labour on 5 May, then we will.
