Editor

The SOWO Society held its AGM in February and reflected on another busy and successful year.

“Highlights have been the ongoing Community Orchard and Eastwood Green re-greening projects, along with regular litter picks and social events. The Summer Festival in July was a great success and the Christmas Light-Up is firmly in the local calendar. The SOWO Business Network is also going from strength to strength, thanks to collaboration with Redbridge Council and local councillors,” said a spokesperson.

Visit sowosoc.org

A Muslim charity is hoping to convert a former restaurant building in South Woodford into an inclusive community centre, open to people of all backgrounds and faiths.

“Subject to planning permission, our aim is to create a welcoming, safe and positive environment where everyone feels respected, supported and inspired. The venue will host talks, events, workshops and family-friendly activities,” said a spokesperson for Seven Spikes Relief.

The building at 159–161 High Road was formerly home to the E Eighteen restaurant.

A much-loved Egyptian Goose often seen in the Snaresbrook area has died after being hit by a car on Woodford Road.

“Dudley and his partner Doris were known to many in our community and often seen grazing by The Drive. Dudley suffered a badly broken leg and other injuries and passed away at the scene. Doris was very distressed. I laid him on a white blanket, ensuring she could see him to understand he was gone and did not wait for him or go searching for him,” said Gill Walker, a local waterbird rescue volunteer.

South Woodford Library and Gym – which has been closed since the discovery of RAAC concrete in September 2024 – is expected to reopen this summer.

“Work commenced in December and forms part of the council’s wider RAAC remediation programme. The project includes the removal of RAAC panels, a full roof replacement, the installation of solar panels and a package of internal redecoration works… The project remains on schedule for completion ahead of the planned summer 2026 reopening,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson.

During procurement, the council received 14 bids, reflecting strong interest in delivering the scheme. The contract was awarded to Amber Construction Services Ltd.

Whilst the venue is closed, fitness classes, gym equipment and library books have been relocated to the Redbridge Drama Centre on Churchfields.

A youth charity leader from South Woodford was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours List.

Neil Martin, chief executive of the Jewish Lads’ & Girls’ Brigade, was recognised for ‘national service to young people, interfaith relations and Holocaust remembrance’. “I am profoundly humbled by this honour. More than an individual achievement, it reflects the dedication of [all] who make this vital work possible, and whom I am so privileged to work alongside,” said Neil.

Andrew Hollingworth explains why bringing his new play Tin Can back to South Woodford feels like home

I first walked through the doors of Redbridge Drama Centre when I was about 13 or 14 years old. I’m 38 now, and this February I’m bringing my own original play, Tin Can, back to the venue with my company Buckle Up Theatre. It’s strange, emotional, and very special to be returning — not as a participant in the youth theatre, but as a writer and performer presenting professional work.

The Youth Theatre Workshop at Redbridge Drama Centre was the first place that allowed and encouraged me to mix with other young people of varying ages. At school, year groups are kept apart, but here it was different. The group ranged from around 14 to 21, all with a shared interest in creating theatre. You could learn so much just by being in the room — watching the confidence, talent, and acting ability of others who were a few years ahead of you.

We would work together for a term or two on productions, sometimes scripted, sometimes devised. The devising process was particularly formative for me. Small groups would create scenes and characters, then bring that work back to the wider group and find ways to stitch everything together into a full piece. It taught me collaboration, problem-solving, and how ideas evolve through shared creativity.

The facilities at the Drama Centre were also a huge part of that learning. We rehearsed in proper studio spaces, and when it came time to perform, we did so in the Lovegrove Theatre, with professional lighting, sound and set. That was where I really learned how theatre comes together — and where I realised the limitations (or lack of limitations) of what can be created when you start making theatre yourself.

When I later applied to drama schools, the then head of the centre, Keith Homer, helped me refine and direct my audition speeches. That guidance was invaluable. After graduating, Redbridge Drama Centre also gave me my first acting job, touring local schools in an education project directed by Michael Woodwood, who lives locally in Wanstead. That early opportunity proved significant, as it began a collaboration that has continued over the years and now sees Michael directing Tin Can.

Returning now doesn’t feel like “full circle” because the Drama Centre has never really left me. It’s been the starting point for all of Buckle Up Theatre’s work, offering rehearsal space, technical support, and encouragement along the way. I’m sentimental about the place — it holds a lot of memories.

I still live nearby, in Wood Green, and my parents live in Loughton. At the moment, I’m building the set for Tin Can at their house. I’m not sure they’re thrilled about me angle-grinding metal in the garage and assembling scaffolding in my brother’s old bedroom — but they’ve always supported the life I chose, so they’ll have to live with it.

Tin Can is a wild sci-fi comedy adventure, created with the aim of entertaining first — offering escapism, laughter, and a trip to another world. That intention has always been at the heart of Buckle Up Theatre’s work. Bringing this production back to South Woodford feels right. Redbridge Drama Centre may not be on the high street, but it’s only a 10-minute walk from the station, and it offers high-quality theatre right on the doorstep. I hope more local people discover it — just as I did all those years ago.

Tin Can will be at at Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB on 27 and 28 February 2026 (7.30pm – 9.30pm). Tickets: £10. Visit www.buckleuptheatre.co.uk

Having moved from Romania to South Woodford, artist Andrea Timis reflects on her journey through colour and culture and the joy and connection she’s found by joining Woodford Arts Group

Art has always been a powerful force in my life; a language through which I’ve expressed emotion, memory and identity. Growing up in Romania with Hungarian roots, I chose the artistic path early, eventually pursuing formal studies in textile arts. My studies gave me a strong foundation in design, colour theory and traditional techniques, such as batik, which still influence my work today.

My journey took an unexpected turn when life brought me to the UK. Starting anew in a different culture came with many challenges: learning a new system, building a new network and finding a new sense of belonging. It was during the lockdown that I reconnected deeply with art, not just for myself, but through nurturing my child’s creativity. This period of artistic exploration and bonding led to our participation in a local exhibition at the Sir James Hawkey Hall in 2024, where my son’s school selected his artworks to be displayed. That event became a turning point. It introduced me to the Woodford Arts Group (WAG), a vibrant and supportive community of local artists. I was honoured to become a member, and through this group, I’ve found both inspiration and connection. WAG values diversity and I’m proud to contribute my unique background and artistic voice to this collective.

As a textile artist, I’m drawn to texture and rhythm. Traditionally, I worked with batik (a dyeing technique) on silk, using wax to create fine, delicate lines. Though my studio space is limited, I’ve adapted by working on small canvases using watercolour, inks and acrylics. The signature fine lines remain; a visual thread tying my past and present work together. These lines offer a modern aesthetic and have become central to my artistic identity.

My pieces are often decorative, reflecting my background in textile design, and they follow a rhythm, whether in the layering of colours or the movement of brushstrokes. I gravitate towards complementary colour schemes, though I also enjoy exploring unexpected combinations. Occasionally, I incorporate animals or portraits, always aiming to evoke a sense of emotion or narrative. For me, art is a form of therapy, a way to centre myself and find peace through creativity.

Being part of WAG has given me a platform to share my work, connect with other creatives and contribute to the artistic life of the community. I’m excited about what lies ahead, both as an individual artist and as a proud member of this dynamic group.

To view more of Andrea’s work, visit linesandart.com

For more information on Woodford Arts Group, visit swvg.co.uk/wag

In the second of a series of articles featuring images by the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, Anuraj Theivendram reflects on the history of the group’s women members and presents the work of outgoing chair Sue Rosner

In December 2025, Sue Rosner stepped down after five transformative years as chair of the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society (WWPS), leaving behind a legacy as bold and inclusive as her photography. Her leadership guided the club through the COVID pandemic and into a new era of hybrid creativity. It also reignited a powerful conversation about women’s place in photography.

That conversation began over a century ago. In 1923, Gertrude Powers became the first woman to join WWPS, breaking a 30-year tradition of male-only membership. She was soon followed by Norah Cross, who became the society’s first female president in 1928. Their courage paved the way for generations of women to step behind the lens and into leadership.

Sue, the fifth woman to chair the society, has honoured that legacy with passion and purpose. Her International Women’s Day talk, entitled Women in the Frame, traced the club’s evolution from exclusion to empowerment. She spotlighted female photographers in newsletters, celebrated their achievements and championed a culture where every member, regardless of gender or experience, feels seen, supported and inspired.

To women photographers today: WWPS is your space. Whether you’re just starting out or rediscovering your creative voice, the club offers a welcoming community, hands-on learning and opportunities to grow. As Sue once said: “Photography gives you a new way to see the world and WWPS gives you the confidence to share it.”

Sue’s own journey, from beginner to chair, embodies that spirit. Her images are rich in texture and story and reflect the same curiosity and courage she brought to her leadership. She didn’t just lead WWPS, she helped reshape it.

As we celebrate over 100 years of women in the society, Sue’s story becomes a call to action: join us, bring your vision and help shape the next century of photographic storytelling.

For more information on the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, visit wnstd.com/wwps

At the Woodford Historical Society’s February meeting, Jef Page will be exploring the origins of Redbridge street names, including a number of local streets named after former cabinet ministers

In 1653, Ilford stretched barely 100 yards along the High Road with just 53 houses, and Wanstead and Woodford probably had even fewer. This is, of course, because all the land was farmland, meadows and woods, with very few proper roads.

Even as late as 1816, Woodford had just four roads: the Upper (High, New) Road, Lower (Chigwell) Road, George Lane and Snakes Lane. It’s known that Snakes Lane derives from the Sakes family (circa 1404), who lived at Lanes Farm, just off Snakes Lane in Woodford Wells. Why the spelling changed to Snakes is unknown.

Inmans Row is named after the widow Inman (Christian name unknown). She owned cottages where the church now stands and meadows in 1840 on the green facing All Saints’ Church, which opened in 1874.

Off Hermon Hill in Wanstead are Nelson, Victory and Wellington Roads: easy to understand why their names were chosen, but the Nutters are remembered by Nutter Lane off the Eastern Avenue. Richard Nutter was churchwarden of Christ Church (1853–61) and lived with his daughters Annie, Mary, Gertrude and Jessie, buried in St Mary’s Wanstead churchyard. By 1911, they’d moved to Applegarth, George Lane. Nutter derives from Middle English, meaning beast or ox; old Norse ‘naut’ meaning cattle. A ‘nothard’ kept oxen and was mainly a northern word. Thomas Applegarth was a rector of Wanstead and his surname is a northern term meaning ‘apple orchard’. The elegant house still exists, built circa 1730 and now Grade II listed.

Woodford Hall estate and its impressive 56 acres was bought by John Maitland in 1801 for £14,000. His son, William, sold part of it to three speculators in 1867, who sold it on for development to the British Land Company (BLC) for £32,000. They acquired a triangle of land, bordered on the south now by the North Circular, to the west by Woodford New Road (A104) and to the east by the High Road (A1199 to Wanstead). The streets were built by various builders over time and were named for Prime Minister Lord Edward Derby’s third, short-lived Conservative government (1866–68). Founded in 1856, the BLC ardently supported extending the franchise to more men, so bought up land to sell small plots as cheaply as possible to give them the necessary property qualification to vote. The road names are very interesting as many of them were named for cabinet ministers (Chelmsford, Buckingham, Carnarvon, Derby, Malmesbury, Peel, Stanley and Walpole). Single-fronted houses were offered at £200, double-fronted £300. On Derby Road, homeowners wouldn’t pay £32 to Woodford Local Board in 1886 to be connected to Woodford New Road: it’s still a cul-de-sac today!

Jef’s presentation will take place at All Saints’ Church hall in Woodford Wells on 12 February from 2.30pm. (visitors: £5). For more information, visit swvg.co.uk/12feb

January is often called ‘divorce month’ because of a spike in divorce enquiries. Benjamin Carter of local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash explains what to expect from your first meeting with a divorce solicitor

It is generally recognised that divorce or separation is one of the most stressful events that can take place in someone’s life, with only the death of a spouse or close family member being ranked higher.

You can get divorced in England or Wales if all of the following are true: you’ve been married for over a year, your relationship has permanently broken down and your marriage is legally recognised in the UK (including same-sex marriage).

The process will very often involve interaction with a divorce solicitor and the purpose of this article is to set out what might be expected during that first meeting. As a first point, it should be stressed that most divorce solicitors are easy-going, sympathetic and understanding. Your solicitor will tell you what you need to bring to the meeting; this is normally just your passport and a bank statement for ID purposes. It is also helpful if details of your assets can be prepared in advance and set out on a single side of paper.

One of the first things your solicitor will be thinking about is whether there are protective steps that need to be taken. This may include an application for a non-molestation injunction order if you feel there is a risk your spouse’s behaviour is deteriorating to such an extent you need protection.

The other issue will be whether the family home is in joint names. If it is in the sole name of your spouse, this should ring alarm bells; your spouse could seek to raise further funds by way of remortgage or even try to sell the property without your knowledge. To protect your position, your interest in the property should be registered with the Land Registry.

If there is a risk your spouse may be seeking to transfer assets out of the jurisdiction of the court or trying to diminish the value of any assets, then consideration will need to be given to the making of an application to the court for a financial injunction order, whereby your spouse’s assets are frozen.

Your solicitor will generally be unable to give a view as to what the outcome of your case might be in terms of how the assets may be divided until such time as they have full disclosure of your spouse’s financial circumstances. This may be disappointing but such a view cannot be given without a clear picture of the overall wealth of the family.   Any agreement as to how the assets are to be divided must be set out in a court order before the deal becomes binding.

It is also necessary to start the divorce process itself, which will lead to a final order of divorce. This can now be done online via the gov.uk website.

Edwards Duthie Shamash is located at 149 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL. For more information, call 020 8514 9000 or visit edwardsduthieshamash.co.uk

London met legal limits for toxic nitrogen dioxide pollution for the first time ever in September. In the second of two articles, Lydia Fraser-Ward reflects on a five-year campaign to help us all breathe more easily

In my last article, I shared how I discovered just how polluted Redbridge’s parks and streets were, especially Ray Park and Elmhurst Gardens, which sit alongside the M11 and North Circular. I was shocked by the health risks this posed for children. Motivated by what I found, I began raising awareness and pushing for practical ways to reduce exposure to toxic air in our borough.

I launched a local branch of Mums for Lungs, working with residents and other groups like Wanstead Climate Action. We ran stalls at local events, distributed resources and wrote to councillors, pushing for measures such as expanding School Streets, improving cycling infrastructure and restricting billboard advertising for the most polluting vehicles.

The School Streets scheme closes roads outside schools during pick-up and drop-off hours, reducing children’s exposure to traffic fumes while encouraging walking and cycling. Vanya Marks, a local campaigner, petitioned for Nightingale Primary School to be involved when only six schemes existed borough-wide. She said: “We noticed a visible change in the number of cars and a safer walk to school since these schemes were introduced.” Redbridge now has 27 active School Streets, with six more planned.

Community action expanded when other local parents secured an air quality sensor at Ray Lodge Primary School, and following a high-profile visit from Mayor Sadiq Khan to a similar sensor in Elmhurst Gardens, the local authority finally agreed to my request to apply for more than £300k in funding from DEFRA to deliver a borough-wide air quality awareness project called We Care for Our Air. More than 80 Redbridge residents volunteered to take nitrogen dioxide readings, walk-to-school maps were developed for pollution hotspots and 400 pupils received cycle training, building on work by Redbridge Cycling Campaign. Dr Mark Hayden, a paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital, is also a local clean air campaigner and helps to organise Ride For Their Lives events in London.

Other campaigners are encouraging residents to reduce their domestic wood burning and lower speed limits in densely populated areas, both of which would help to improve air quality in our neighbourhoods. A reduction in SUV ownership, which disproportionately contribute to the problem of tailpipe emissions, would also make an impact.

The results are encouraging. In September 2025, London met legal nitrogen dioxide limits for the first time since records began. Experts estimate the ULEZ expansion cut levels by 27% across London, with reductions near major roads reaching 82%. For now, it appears cleaner air is finally coming our way. Let’s all play our part to help keep it that way.

For more information on Lydia’s story, visit swvg.co.uk/airquality

Despite some progress, Redbridge Council still falls short on key biodiversity commitments, prompting fresh demands for a nature emergency motion, says Councillor Paul Donovan

So, how has Redbridge Council risen to biodiversity challenges over the past few years? When first elected for Wanstead Village in 2018, Councillor Jo Blackman and myself sought to raise environmental issues up the council agenda. We were starting from a very low mark.

Jo and I were on the Nature and Environment Task and Finish Group. This group took evidence, did some site visits and came up with a plan. Among the recommendations was a review of the Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) around the borough, the implementation of grow zones (wild areas), the phasing out of pesticide usage, managing sites as wetlands for biodiversity and promoting wildlife corridors. A new Urban Landscape policy was adopted. We also brought a Climate Emergency motion to the council in June 2019. This was duly passed.

There have been successes. Grow zones have extended, with 10,000 square metres covered. Another 400,000 square metres have been given to wild space. Some 850 tree pits have been adopted in the last year, with 7,000 trees planted in the same period. Less encouraging is the failure to take forward the SINC recommendations. There has been increasing involvement from residents and groups operating on a voluntary basis. The likes of the Wren Wildlife Group, Wanstead Community Gardeners and River Roding Trust have all done a lot. This, though, is an emergency, demanding responses at least on a par with COVID. Obviously, the response thus far is nowhere near that level. National government could help by making the need to address biodiversity and climate emergencies a statutory duty on councils.

Things need to change. There are two initiatives that offer hope. The first is the London Local Nature Recovery Plan, which offers guidance on how things should progress. The second is a call for a nature emergency motion to be passed by the council. This would offer measurable benchmarks which must be met. Things like committing to 30% of council land for nature recovery by 2030 and the extension of the duty on developers to provide 20% biodiversity net gain in their projects. The culture also needs to change, so the comprehensive nature recovery strategy is embedded in all elements of the council. A petition calling for just such an initiative has collected over 1,500 signatures and will be presented to the council in January. The May elections are another opportunity to make clear to those seeking office how important it is to address the environmental emergencies.

Given the political will, garnered from grassroots pressure, we can really accelerate efforts to confront these crises. All is not lost, with many positive things going on, but time is running out; more is needed and fast.

For more information on declaring a nature emergency, visit wnstd.com/ntem