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The Woodford and District branch of the National Trust is planning to host a virtual meeting in January.

“Let us all welcome this new year with the hope that in 2021 we can all get back to our normal lives and do the things we all have been used to, including running our meetings locally, enjoying our days out together and visiting the great National Trust properties… We hope to run a Zoom meeting in January with an interesting talk, so do get in touch for details,” said a spokesperson for the group.

Call 07774 164 407

The owner of a new art gallery in South Woodford has explained the reason behind its Electric Gallery name.

“Just a minute’s walk away is a row of shops which were the first in east London to be powered by electricity, and it was such a hit they renamed the area Electric Parade. We’ve named our gallery in honour of that!” said Jai Francois.

Located at 12 High Road, the new venue boasts limited edition prints and originals from £100 and features works by Damien Hirst and Banksy.

Visit electricgallery.co.uk

Transport for London is due to carry out repair work on Woodford Bridge Green following damage made in September 2019, when toilet facilities for bus drivers were installed nearby.

“We apologise to local residents for any disruption and are working closely with Redbridge Council to prevent rainwater collecting on the green. We will be levelling out small dips in the ground and planting new grass to resolve the issue,” said a spokesperson for TfL.

The work is set to take place ‘at some point’ in the new year.

A 15-year-old student from Woodford County High School was victorious in Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge in December – the largest youth speaking competition in the world, with nearly 20,000 people taking part. Maddeline Balogun spoke about generational differences.

“I’ve noticed a gap, and it’s made of generational differences paved with judgement and filled with 100 different shades of ignorance,” said Maddeline, who won £2,000, plus £3,000 for her school.

Watch Maddeline’s speech at swvg.co.uk/gap

Redbridge Council has approved the creation of two Low Emission Neighbourhoods, covering Wanstead and the Oakdale area of South Woodford.

The initiative will involve measures to reduce vehicle emissions and promote sustainable living, including the implementation of segregated cycle lanes,  lighting upgrades and enhanced green landscaping. Traffic is also set to be banned from travelling past a number of schools at certain times. Consultations will launch in January.

More information and links to consultations will be published here when available.

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands and Heritage of London Trust have announced some good news in relation to the park’s historic boathouse Grotto.

The Trust has offered a grant of £10,000 to restore the iconic building’s landing stage, with work planned to start later this year.

“We are thrilled to have this support from the Heritage of London Trust and also pleased to report the City of London has adopted a Conservation Management Plan to secure the Grotto’s future,” said Richard Arnopp.

Visit swvg.co.uk/fwp

South Woodford’s Community Gardeners have started a new project improving the tree pits along George Lane.

“One of the gardeners counted up to 80 sad-looking tree pits along George Lane, including both sides of South Woodford Station. So we decided to start on South Woodford’s tree pits as our next challenge! Recent weather has been kind to us gardeners, as the soil is soft. So, we are digging and planting, and already it looks more cheerful! Thank you for all your plants and encouragement,” said Judy Noble.

Woodford Town FC’s long-awaited return to the borough has been delayed until the new year after an FA inspection of the new ground at Ashton Playing Fields found a number of issues to be dealt with in order to gain the necessary grading for senior football.

The club is confident the work will be completed by early January, after twice having to reschedule ‘welcome home’ matches.

“Although frustrating, this is normal practice for facilities new to senior football, and will be worth the wait as a new grandstand, clubhouse, changing rooms and improved floodlighting have all been installed as part of a £1.6m project. We have battled against Covid and the weather to complete the work to return home, but I’m sure the fans will say the wait was worth it come the first game!” said club spokesman Neil Day.

Visit swvg.co.uk/wt

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