Editor

The ‘things that make for human wellbeing in building design’ was the focus of a recent campaign meeting about the plans for the new Whipps Cross Hospital.

“Why daylight and views in our workplace help us sleep, how access to greenery in hospital grounds lets staff de-stress, that air pollution makes London children’s lungs on average 10% smaller. Of course, the new designs presented were the big focus,” said a spokesperson for the Sustainability Action for Whipps campaign group.

Watch a recording at swvg.co.uk/wx

Redbridge Council is seeking feedback to help shape its Green Urban Landscape policy, which will create a plan for improving council greenery across the borough.

“This policy will update the old tree policy from 1996 and seeks to unify our approach to greenery… This policy is just one step on a journey to improving the environment within Redbridge,” said a spokesperson.

The survey closes on 15 January.

Visit swvg.co.uk/grn

A number of local school PTAs joined forces in December to organise a visit from Santa and his elves, who followed a trail across Wanstead and South Woodford.

“We all pulled together to sprinkle some Christmas magic into children’s lives during a time when we had to cancel a lot of our usual Christmas activities. Huge thanks to Parker Dairies, North London Loft Rooms and Terry Tew Sound and Light for supporting this event,” said organiser Amy Moore.

Donations can still be made to support projects at the schools.

Visit swvg.co.uk/santa

South Woodford Indian restaurant Grand Trunk Road has been named London’s ‘best fine dining Indian restaurant’ for 2020 in the Asian Curry Awards.

Now in its 10th year, the award ceremony – organised by the Asian Catering Federation – was broadcast live from Edinburgh in early December.

“We are so pleased and we want to thank all those who nominated us. Your support has made this possible,” said owner Rajesh Suri, who opened the restaurant in collaboration with chef Dayashankar Sharma in 2016.

Haven House Children’s Hospice in Woodford Green is joining hospices up and down the country to take part in a Christmas tree recycling scheme.

“We are planning to collect and recycle 500 real Christmas trees to raise money for our vital services. On 9 and 10 January, volunteers will be out collecting trees from households in IG7, IG8, IG9, IG10, E18 and E4. We hope the scheme will help to raise more than £5,000, after what has been a particularly tough year,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/recycletree

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

I wonder if you have noticed the kite, high up in one of the trees bordering Churchfields Park? Not a red kite, of course. How rare a sight would that be in South Woodford! This particular kite is yellow and purple, blue and white and, against all the odds, it has remained lodged up there even during recent gusting gales. Bang on the postcode boundary between the E18s and the IG8s. Keeping watch over us all. Perhaps it will still be there when autumn welcomes winter and all the leaves will have fallen. Locked up there, and looking down on us, locked down here. I am picturing the disastrous day when the line slipped adventurously from the fingers of its owner. I can almost feel the pain, the anguish at seeing it soar away. There were tears and well-meant but inadequate words of condolence. How old was the owner? Six? Ten?

I suppose you have become familiar with my flights of fancy over the past seven years. (By the way, much thanks to the reader who has written in to say how my scribbles “never fail to brighten her day”. I was very touched). I would love that young kite owner to know that, for me, anyway, the flyaway kite is no longer a painful record of a fun day cut cruelly short. It is more like a beacon of hope, similar to a rainbow, in these very strange times. From my breakfast table, I have a perfect view of it. Swaying gracefully in the breeze amongst the branches. It seems to mimic our pretend hugs, with its widespread wings. “Hey! Look up, not down! Have a nice day!” (I hope it’s still there when this edition reaches your doormat.)

We are going cordless. I suppose we have been going cordless since the hour of our birth, really. The midwife wielded the scissors and we were independent beings. Marvellous moments. And even more independent when we later broke loose “from the apron strings” as the saying goes. For my partner, David, it was probably when going to boarding school at age 11. For me, it was probably university. I was from a very happy, united family, but I remember it took all of half an hour to feel absolutely settled and at ease so far from home. (Perhaps those two facts are directly related). But back to the present: I have this splendid new cordless vacuum cleaner and move between rooms without stooping to move the plug or getting the cord stuck around the leg of the table. David has purchased a cordless lawnmower. It’s possible his decision may have been hastened when he tragically whipped the head off a tenderly nurtured begonia plant with the cable from the old machine when moving up to the higher bit of lawn at the end of his garden. The begonia had been bushing beautifully and putting out a display of blossoms worthy of Chelsea. What’s more, it had been in elegant symmetry with a matching begonia on another pedestal a few feet away. So, the view is a bit lopsided now. Yesterday, I fell for another rechargeable cordless gadget with a brush on a small pole of adjustable length which whirrs around and is going to ‘transform my experience of bringing back the sparkle to the grouting in the shower’. This is all good lockdown stuff, isn’t it! ‘Much ado about nothing’. Well, we’ve hardly done anything or met anyone for me to tell you about. And if you are shocked at the sudden spending spree, I must refer you to the eagerly anticipated expeditions with friends, to the Isle of Wight, to Chichester, to sunny Eastbourne. All cancelled. But mercifully refunded. Every one of these recent purchases was secured without stepping outside the front door. By two resourceful and computer-literate, locked-down oldies.

My older brother rang this morning: “If you’re stuck for what to write about, have you thought of a few reminiscences? The level crossing at the station? The school outfitters on the corner? The Plaza cinema?” Of course, the level crossing was a top-class attraction for us children. The flyover is functional but lacks the appeal of the close-up views of trains. Warnes Outfitters occupied the corner opposite the Post Office and required a yearly visit with our parents to upsize our school uniforms. Our father was a very patient man. He would stand peacefully in the background and wait his turn. On one occasion, when he quietly stepped forward, a lady gasped in surprise. “I thought you were a display mannequin!” My brother and I often went to the Saturday morning shows at the Plaza, next to the old Congregational Church, where M&S now simply sells food. One morning, we tried to sneak into the more expensive one-and-ninepenny seats at the back, but an eagle-eyed usher spotted us and relocated us with a stern glance. The trees opposite have survived, but not the Saturday film shows or the Sunday sermons.

The editor also rang me. Reminded me that this would be the Christmas edition. “Perhaps you might include something festive to give our artist-illustrator free rein to run riot with colour?” I’ve been trying to get through without success to the Christmas Street Lighting Department at the Town Hall to find out if they will do us proud, as usual, this year. It would be completely understandable if it didn’t happen. Other priorities prevail. But look, we can all close our eyes and imagine the festive scene, the looping lights between the lamp posts, a stately spruce on the shrubby roundabout, robed in reds, blues, golds. Gifts ribboned in glittery paper, decorations lifted out from dusty cupboards, crackers and cakes and candles, mince pies and holly-topped rich fruit puddings. Nativity scenes in windows. And I can wholeheartedly wish everyone, of all faiths or none, “the compliments of the season”. Peace, goodwill, good company, good health. And high-rising hopes for a happier New Year.

With a new 350-seat stand installed on Ashton Playing Fields, excitement is building among Woodford Town FC fans, who are keen to watch a home game at home, says the club’s Technical Director Neil Day

Take a stroll down Chigwell Road, turning into Ashton Playing Fields, and you might be surprised by the changes taking place there.

We have been writing about Woodford Town FC’s proposed return to the local area in a series of articles during the last couple of years. Fair to say progress has been a little slow, despite the tireless efforts we have made promoting ourselves as a community club to be proud of in Woodford. But equally, you have to realise that a considerable amount of money is being spent on making this proposed project a reality and that can’t be hurried. The wheels can take time to turn if protocol is followed, and that is very much the nature of the beast.

That ‘beast’ is definitely taking shape now, with the pitch relaid, hub buildings in situ and a new 350-seater stand scheduled for installation. It’s been a marathon effort behind the scenes, but to see the recent progress means so much to those who have been involved, and we hope equally to the many locals who have shown an interest in getting involved when we are finally back home.

But what does it mean to be a Woodford fan? Lifelong Woods followers Lloyd and Phil Duddridge teamed up for a question and answer glimpse into supporting your local team. Former schoolteacher Phil fittingly asks the questions, while local activist and former councillor Lloyd answers with all the candour associated with those roles.

How would you describe the experience of following Woodford Town FC?
Loud. We try and make an atmosphere wherever we go. We try and enjoy the day out as a whole, and get behind the team whatever the score. That way, win or lose, it’s still a good laugh and good fun.

What is the standard of football?
I think the standard of football has surprised me. When I first went to a game in the Essex Senior League, I thought it would be one step up from Sunday league. It is far from that. Most teams try to play, and there is some serious young talent and a few ex-pros.

What do you think about the new ground?
Excited to finally have a home back in Woodford. It has taken a few decades, but here we are with a new ground. I hope it will be a place that gives the town pride. It will be great to see the community get behind us.

What lies ahead for Woodford Town FC?
Well, this season, it would be great to stay up. We have not had the best of starts. But in the future, a good cup run (after all, we did make the first round of the FA Cup in the 1980s!). Plus, continuing the club’s tradition and ambition of attractive attacking football.

For more information on Woodford Town FC, visit woodfordtownfc.com

In the second of a series of articles aiming to spread positivity, South Woodford resident and mindset and confidence coach Nicky Kentisbeer helps you find your festive sparkle

‘Tis the season of goodwill and kindness, and for some, it is a time of joy, whilst for others, there will be mixed emotions.

It’s also a time when those festive triggers are out in force. And when I say trigger, I refer to the things that can set us and others off faster than it takes to pull a cracker.

Because even though we’ve seen a year of huge change, Christmas is a time when we traditionally step back into the roles that we play within our respective groups and families. It’s what we do – right?

And those triggers can be as simple as someone getting their knuckles rapped by the family matriarch for using their serviette as a tissue, or perhaps that certain ‘someone’ might have one too many sherries and probe a little too deeply into what it is that you ‘actually’ do? And all the while you just know they’ve got their hand in the Quality Street tin (again) and that they will leave you with the toffee ones – which play havoc with your dental crowns. They know this.

Unless, of course, they are on Zoom this year.

I jest, of course, but love it or hate it, it can be a time when the old magnifying mirror comes out and we may be forced to deal with things we would rather not have to during the season of peace and goodwill.

And to those of you that may have been brought up in the school of hard knocks in the ‘just get on with it’ generation, may I remind you of the gift of self-love?

If you are one of life’s ‘doers’, Christmas can be interesting. You will excel at taking care of everyone’s needs and being all things to all people – but please don’t forget to take care of yourself too.

Because if you are above a certain age (as many of us are), you may well find all the talk of self-love and care a little bit cringe! Looking after ourselves can sometimes feel a bit ‘awks’ and self-indulgent when there is so much to do, can’t it?

The doers among you will struggle with this.

But self-love and self-care are not self-indulgent. We need to love and care for ourselves too. Because everything we do starts with us. Everything.

So, as you move through the festive period, make sure you aren’t pouring from an empty glass and be sure to love yourself as hard as you love others. Remember to do the things that make your heart sing, however that may look for you. There is always joy to be had in the small things, and that is generally the place where you will find your sparkle too.

For more information and to contact Nicky, visit nickykentisbeer.com

Woodford Pantomime has made the decision to postpone their show for this year’s festive season. Here, Judy Linard looks back on the group’s six decades of performances – which started with Cinderella in 1961 as pictured here – and looks forward to Aladdin in January 2022

Work on this year’s production had already begun back in February when the 12-strong committee met to discuss Rapunzel only four weeks after its close. In that meeting, it was decided that the next pantomime was to be Aladdin, one we have performed eight times before – a traditional pantomime to celebrate our 60th performance, and we planned to pull out all the stops.

As the year progressed, and as our meetings were no longer held in a pub but on Zoom, we booked the hall, designed posters, chose the director, musical director and choreographer, and planned the auditions. But very soon, it became clear that in light of the continuing pandemic – along with the cost of producing a show the size of panto – we could not afford to take any risks that might jeopardise the future and health of our company.

It all began back in November 1961 – a time when the Hawkey Hall was constantly occupied by amateur theatre groups. One of our members was in the office waiting to book our next musical as the manager took a phone call from the regular professional pantomime group cancelling their show. Tickets were already sold and there were only six weeks to go! Immediately, our man promised to save the day – Cinderella auditions took place a day later and rehearsals began. Now, the Sir James Hawkey Hall has been the home of Woodford Pantomime for so long, many refer to it as The Hawkey Hall Pantomime.

Over the years, following each successful show, we have added to what has now become a massive production playing to an audience of over 5,000 people. We are an amateur group and we have to transform the local assembly hall into a venue that can compete with nearby professional shows held at the Harlow Playhouse, The Theatre Royal at Stratford and our nearest, the Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford, and have to constantly raise our game to do so. This includes hiring tiered seating so that even the very youngest of children can get a good view and installing a lighting and sound rig to keep up with the special effects our audience expects. It takes four days to build the theatre and we need all our volunteers! As all amateur groups in these times, we do struggle and every year we host quiz nights, cabaret nights and other functions to make up any deficit from January.

But over the years, we have built an institution enjoyed by generations, with parents returning from as far as Australia to enjoy the show they remembered as children with their children, and now even with their grandchildren. Brownies and Cubs make up a big proportion of our audience on some nights and these are always the shows with the best audience participation! We are always proud when our audience tells us they were unaware we were not professional!

We thank you, our audience, for all the support you have given us over the years. It is fantastic to be able to tell you that over £2,000 was raised for the Little Princess Trust in our bucket collections after each performance at the beginning of this year. We look forward to welcoming you once again for the Woodford Christmas tradition of a pantomime at the Hawkey Hall in January 2022!

Consultation and planning work for a community orchard in South Woodford has begun, following Redbridge Council’s agreement to fund the project.

“We have been choosing trees and deciding what will go where, after which we will firm up on the plans and order the trees,” said Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds of the South Woodford Society.

The physical work of clearing the site – a strip of land alongside the flyover on Mulberry Way and Primrose Road – and planting the new trees is expected to begin before the end of November, and volunteers are sought to take part in this phase. Plans have also been put forward to incorporate a forest garden within the orchard.

“We would actively encourage all residents who would like to be involved with this project to get in touch.”

Email e18society@gmail.com

From seascapes to The Shard, South Woodford resident Alison Stenhouse is a gifted artist with a diverse portfolio… which now also includes Santa

I am a local artist and have lived in South Woodford for more than 30 years. I have had work exhibited in central London galleries and in local group shows, shops and cafes. I enjoy creating many kinds of 2D artwork using acrylics, pastels, pencils and wood engraving.

I draw on location, mainly using pastels, and attend a life-drawing class, but also work from photographs I have taken. My subjects are local scenes, forests, seascapes, skies, still life and people. Depending on my mood, my style varies from small, detailed realistic paintings to larger impressionistic or semi-abstract work.

Light, contrast and bold colours appeal to me. Recently, I made a series of paintings of The Shard and the River Thames. These are large canvases and depict scenes at different times of day and night. Another subject has been Epping Forest, with light coming through the trees.  I have done both paintings and black and white wood engravings.

The painting featured here, in acrylic on canvas, is based on a photograph taken when my friend’s grandson went to see Santa last year – I have tried to capture the essence of that special moment.

I belong to local art groups Woodford Arts Group, Art Group Wanstead and Essex Art Club. It is good to connect with others and to be inspired by what they are creating. This year, of course, it has been difficult to show work at local venues. Woodford Arts Group, however, had the good idea of having an online exhibition called Travellers’ Tales, with artwork that took us away from lockdown.

To contact Alison, email: alison_stenhouse@btinternet.com

Woodford Arts Group (www.woodfordartsgroup.org)
Art Group Wanstead (artgroupwanstead.com )
Essex Art Club (www.arctotis.net/essexartclub.co.uk)