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The Zoological Society of London is on the lookout for citizen scientists to help prevent river pollution, with a training event in Woodford Green this March. Conservation biologist Phoebe Shaw Stewart reports

Throughout March, intrepid urban explorers will be making their way along the banks of the River Roding in search of some unusual sightings. Local citizen scientists will be trained to search, not for lions or elephants, but for the telltale signs of polluting outfalls as part of conservation charity Zoological Society of London’s (ZSL) Outfall Safari programme.

Despite the fact this doesn’t sound quite as exciting as searching for the African big five, heterogenous slime (sewage fungus), food waste, sanitary ‘rag’ or discolouration of water and foam are the slightly less glamorous ‘big five’ of outfall safaris we look out for.

Outfalls are discharge points for water systems into nearby rivers or seas, but all too often, pipes from washing machines and sewage systems carrying wastewater are misconnected. This results in untreated wastewater entering rivers through surface water outfalls. Surface water outfalls are typically only made up of things like excess rainwater that runs off your drive and into the drains, but largely doesn’t need to be treated. Herein lies the problem, with the crossover wreaking havoc with wildlife.

In London alone, it’s estimated that around 3% of all properties suffer from misconnected pipes, with new kitchen extensions often being the main perpetrator with poorly connected washing machines, kitchen sinks and hand basins, according to Thames Water. The misconnections are one of the core reasons urban rivers are unable to reach ‘good ecological potential’ under the EU Water Framework Directive. Large pollution events can quickly deplete water of oxygen and lead to elevated phosphate and ammonia levels. This can cause local wildlife, such as the 126 known fish species recorded in the Thames, and their habitats to become at risk.

ZSL’s Outfall Safari helps to combat this issue by training citizen scientists across London to identify these misconnections. The data is then highlighted to Thames Water, who fund the project, and the Environment Agency through an app to help tackle the issue. They’re also illegal, so once identified, they must be rectified. The method was first used on the River Crane in west London, and since then, has been carried out on over 250km of rivers within Greater London. So far, data shows an average of more than two pollution outfalls identified per kilometre of river surveyed.

ZSL is always looking for new volunteers to help identify misconnections to protect local wildlife. So, please do sign up if you would like to be involved.

From Hermon Hill to the High Road, Terry Townsend outlines where he likes to spend his money and why, in the first of a series of articles offering a resident’s view of shopping in South Woodford. Photography by Geoff Wilkinson

There’s a lot that gives South Woodford its unique identity. Its people are diverse, community-minded and proud. There are good schools and always lots of kids around.

Indeed, South Woodford is one of five recognised district town centres in Redbridge, alongside Wanstead High Street. One of our special features is the range of shopping and services available. All within walking distance. You can get your car repaired, drop off your dry cleaning, visit the post office and builders’ merchant and, of course, you can get your hair cut every 100 yards!

With Westfield, Europe’s biggest shopping mall, a stone’s throw away, you might think a traditional high street the size of South Woodford has had its day. Not a bit of it.

From Hermon Hill to the High Road and George Lane, there is a huge range of shops and services, with many of them being run as independent businesses. And in the heart of George Lane, we have The Galleria, which has a few hidden gems. The opening hours of some of the businesses seem a little odd (this visitor found almost nothing open at 4pm on a Tuesday), but Café on the Lane (180–182 George Lane) serves hearty food with a smile, and the cakes at Heron’s Nest (Unit 7, The Galleria) are delicious. Newly opened is BabyBints (Unit 2a, The Galleria), which also has a range of original, personalised gifts for babies and children.

Children are also well provided for by Sid and Evie’s (174 George Lane), which has some original toys and gifts as well as high-quality clothes. Room 22 (22 Electric Parade) always has some interesting South Woodford themed gifts and Allen’s Pharmacy (19 Electric Parade) nearby sells high-end beauty products, akin to the beauty floor in John Lewis.

Crescendo (160 George Lane) has expanded its musical repertoire to vinyl. On my last visit, the crates were well stacked with a wide variety of high-quality second-hand records. A good 30 minutes’ browsing was repaid by two long-sought purchases.

In terms of cafes, we are well served: Tipi Coffee Co (117 George Lane), Kikirocs (90 George Lane), and the ever-popular Little Woodford Café (118 George Lane) have their own identity and atmosphere and compete well against the national coffee chains (of which we are, apparently, going to get another in the not too distant future). They all sit in the heart of George Lane, among the well-stocked charity shops and home furnishings at either end.

Eating out remains easy. Too many nationalities of cuisine to name here, but the choice is extensive and covers all price brackets. South Woodford is the place to dine and there’s a mix of well-established and newer restaurants. Indian restaurants on the High Road range from the special treats of Grand Trunk Road (219 High Road) and the warmth and great value of the ‘BYOB’ Mohabir (148 High Road). The Gallery (159–161 High Road) is doing well and is a welcoming place to pop into for lobster or just a glass of wine.

A number of chain restaurants help to create the necessary balance for a high street, such as Prezzo, Zizzi and Nando’s – the latter newly opened – and all are busy on a Friday and Saturday night.

All in all, we are spoilt for choice in terms of the services and shops available – a great place to ‘shop local’.

Registration is now open for the Haven House Children’s Hospice Sparkle Walk 2020.

The 10km route – which will start on Christchurch Green, Wanstead on 15 May at 7pm (entry fee: £16) – will encompass Epping Forest and South Woodford, with a halfway Sparkle Station at the Woodford Green hospice’s grounds. The charity walk will finish back in Wanstead at The Cuckfield pub.

“In 2019, 300 local supporters turned the streets pink, and over £35,000 was raised towards our vital hospice care. We’re back for 2020 and bigger than ever before. Whether you want to remember someone special, have a great night out with friends, or get fit for your local children’s hospice, everyone is welcome to walk and #sparkleforhavenhouse,” said a spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/sparkle20

In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Redbridge Libraries will be working with local homeless organisations to supply their service users with some much-needed support.

From 2 to 7 March, South Woodford Library will join the rest of the borough in becoming a donation point for items needed by the homeless community. Residents are encouraged to ‘fill a bag with kindness’ and bring in toothpaste, shower gel, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, sanitary towels or tampons. Additional items such as tissues, plasters, lip balm, hairbrushes, nail clippers and socks are also welcome. “Bring your unwanted women’s jacket or coat in any size and it will be donated to the homeless,” added a library spokesperson.

Visit swvg.co.uk/kindnessbag

Woodford Town FC is keen to hear from more local people who would like to be involved with the club as they prepare to move from their current ground share with Harlow FC to Ashton Playing Fields in Woodford Bridge.

At the forefront of creating a positive image behind the proposed move is their self-styled fan base known as The Cultras. “It’s not just singing and drumming that makes The Cultras stand out. They have a community ethos and proudly promote their local heritage… They have already designed and produced two kits inspired by local heroine Sylvia Pankhurst,” said a spokesperson.

Following Redbridge Council’s approval of a £1.6m revamp of the club’s proposed new home, chairman Tony Scott has described a recent meeting with the authority as ‘positive’. “There is still plenty to do before the first ball is kicked, but the future is looking bright for our team, now out of the borough for 28 years. Please get in touch if you would like to be involved.”

Visit swvg.co.uk/wtfc

The South Woodford Society’s AGM – to be held on 25 March at the Salvation Army hall on Daisy Road, South Woodford from 7pm – will have an environmental theme.

“We will be discussing the next steps to be taken regarding the Neighbourhood Plan and also ways we can help the environment and tackle the climate challenges that are becoming more and more prevalent. Please make sure you are a member of the Society (by sending an email) if you want to be involved in any of our initiatives and if you have any questions you would like to put forward to our local councillors,” said a Society spokesperson.

The South Woodford Society was founded in 2015 to ‘protect the local character of the neighbourhood and to build a stronger community’.

Email e18society@gmail.com

There is still time to apply to compete in this year’s Redbridge’s Got Talent, which is being held to raise funds for the Redbridge Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

“All ages and talents are welcome to apply. The show will be held at the Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford Green on 26 April from 5pm. All proceeds from the show will go to two brilliant local charities, Healthy Living Projects– which works with homeless people to get their lives back on track – and Imagine Independence – which works with people with mental health issues,” said a spokesperson for the event.

There is no charge to enter the competition and the overall winner will receive a £500 prize.

Call 07712 516 424 or email redbridgesgottalent@gmail.com by 7 March.

Last year’s event raised over £25,000 and was won by Karan’s Bollywood Masterclass.

Youngsters interested in becoming a Royal Air Force cadet are invited to join a new recruit course at 241 (Wanstead & Woodford) Squadron, starting on 4 March.

“On the night there will be a presentation on the opportunities that the squadron provides for cadets, a separate briefing for parents… and a tour of the premises… The cost of the course is £30, which is refundable if you do not join at the end of the course, which is eight Wednesdays long, and gives you a chance to see if you like the squadron,” said Squadron Leader Jerry Godden.

Cadets can expect to take part in a wide range of activities, including flying, gliding and shooting. The cadet centre is located at the rear of 85–87 Finchingfield Avenue in Woodford Green. All new recruits need to be in Year 8 or above.

Visit swvg.co.uk/241

An expert from the British Tinnitus Association (BTA) attended the February meeting of the Redbridge Tinnitus Support Group – which meets in Woodford Green – to answer questions and discuss the latest research into the condition.

“Tinnitus can be an isolating condition, and we’re keen to spread the word that there are management techniques that can help a person lead the best life they can, and to reduce the burden of living with this problem,” said BTA volunteer Colette Bunker. Around one in eight people suffer from persistent tinnitus, which is defined as the experience of sounds with no external source, most commonly ringing or buzzing.

The Redbridge Tinnitus Support Group meets on the last Monday of every month.

Call 020 8551 7700

The South Woodford Society’s proposed Neighbourhood Area and Forum – a body to organise the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan, which puts the planning of new developments in the hands of the community – has been approved by Redbridge Council.

During a consultation, comments from the public suggested changes, including removing the Maybank area and the Woodford Trading Estate from the region covered by the plan and adding in Empress Avenue and the Laings Estate. “The Maybank Community Association covers a sizable area and intends to work on its own Neighbourhood Plan application later this year,” said a spokesperson. Councillor Beverly Brewer added: “This is excellent news for South Woodford. Thanks to the hard work of the South Woodford Society, local people now have a great opportunity to influence the future of our local area.”

The next steps in producing the Neighbourhood Plan will be discussed at the South Woodford Society’s AGM on 25 March.

Email e18society@gmail.com

In the fourth of a series of articles looking at the redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital, Gordon Drakes is pleased to report that being environmentally friendly will be a key design principle in the new build

Campaigners were informed last month that an environmentally friendly hospital and the lowest possible carbon footprint will be a key design principle in the new Whipps Cross Hospital, and that the redevelopment team want this to go further and enable the whole of the site to achieve a carbon neutral footprint.

To cover additional costs, a 3% uplift to the capital bid for building the hospital is to be included. They are aiming to achieve the ‘Excellent’ level of BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). Alastair Finney, the Whipps Redevelopment Director, said they will appoint a dedicated sustainability consultant to the team for the next phase: “We will also make sure there are opportunities for expert stakeholders and local people to be engaged and involved in the work as it progresses.”

The recent election has demonstrated that, aside from the ‘B’ word, securing a sustainable future for the NHS and the planet are perhaps the two most important issues for the British public. So, this is welcome news indeed.

In the summer of 2019, the government enshrined into law a commitment to reach net zero carbon by 2050 (not soon enough, but a positive starting point), and it is clear that if governments of the future are to achieve this target, it will be because of action taken now and over the coming years. Given the scale of the task, the principle of net zero carbon needs to infuse and influence all government decision-making going forward.

How the government spends tax revenue on large-scale land development projects must surely be a prime area for implementing this new environmental modus operandi. Indeed, in the government’s response to a recent report issued by the Climate Change Commission, it acknowledged that the built environment accounts for 40% of national energy use and around one-third of emissions.

Whipps Cross is one of the six hospital developments the government has announced will benefit from a share of a £2.7bn funding allocation. The plans are still in flux and the amount of funding for Whipps is still not confirmed – do sign and share the Waltham Forest Save Our NHS petition to the Secretary of State for Health, which is to be handed in on 14 February. But by putting the environment at the centre of the plans, there is an opportunity to reap many benefits.

Members of Wanstead Climate Action (WCA)joined with local health campaigners to urge Barts Health Trust to ensure that low carbon or net zero carbon is a core principal of the Whipps redevelopment plans. Now that we have a positive response to this plea, we need to keep on the case. There are many hurdles to go through yet.

If the computing world has left you offline, make time for some digital discovery at Wanstead Library next month, says Rose Meredith, Development Librarian at Vision RCL

“I just can’t do that!” “That digital stuff isn’t for me, I can’t understand it.” “I’m a total failure at downloading.” “I can’t change!”

Do you sometimes feel the digital world has gone on without you and that you will never have a chance to get on board the digital highway? Ever found yourself declaring a story of your fate that cannot alter? Do you feel sure the digital world is really not a place for you?

Libraries have altered people’s perceptions throughout time, enabling people to access all kinds of information and participate in new worlds of knowledge. Public libraries have been in the forefront, more recently, in enabling anyone in the community to walk down the information super-highway, accessing books and knowledge, ideas and learning – for all age groups, no matter background or circumstances.

Stories are part of the human experience – shared in all kinds of ways amongst friends and families. At every point in the history of humanity, we have wanted to create new stories, travelling into a brave new world of knowledge. Today, the stories are changing.

Knowledge can extend into an untouchable digital world with a stroke on a computer – bringing to life books, images, maps, learning, movies, TV, radio, cartoons, drawing and art as well as bringing to our homes travel around the globe and indeed the universe, and allowing us to see the combined worlds of great libraries and famous museum collections (oh – and the very smallest local collections too!).

We can access a world of TV, music and entertainment from every part of the globe. The digital world introduces new ways of learning and discovering and using resources like online catalogues, biographies, art and dictionaries, as well as allowing us to socialise and meet new people, join groups and participate in our local communities. The internet enables us to reach out, have fun and build our knowledge in every aspect of human endeavour, culture and history.

Redbridge Libraries wants you to be part of this new digital world! To help you, we will be delivering sessions throughout February during Digital Discovery Time.

Having problems with accessing our online resources? Not quite sure where to start? We invite you to drop into one of our sessions and ask our friendly staff. They can show you our exciting and amazing range of digital resources. Let’s get digital!