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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

In the third of a series of articles by members of the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, Jim Williams tells the story behind this image taken on his way home from work. This picture may be nothing special to most photographers, but to me it was a breakthrough, realising I had recognised the possibility of getting this shot. I have been a regular member of Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society for just under three years but still consider myself a novice when I compare myself to other members I admire. Some people just have the knack of finding the right angle to make an average image great. I often wonder how they see what I don’t and whether you can teach someone creativity or if it’s...

Colin Spence runs dog training classes in Snaresbrook and has been using force-free methods to discipline man’s best friend – and their owners – for 23 years. Here he explains why training classes are important. In my view, a vital aspect of dog ownership should include responsibility for not only the animal’s welfare and wellbeing but also for their training needs. Most dog owners do train their dogs in their home and – as best as they can – in the outside environment as well. This is very good, in my opinion; at least they have done something to improve the diligence of their pet. But training a dog is not as clear-cut as some might think. To get dogs to fulfil good, solid and...

Robert Putt, who attended Woodbridge High School 80 years ago, is collaborating with the school’s History Department to document his memories of the area. In the first of a series of articles, Robert talks to Headteacher Steven Hogan about World War Two. We were so excited and privileged to receive a visit from an ex-student at the end of last year who attended the school during the Second World War. Robert Putt, now an incredibly young-looking 90 years of age, was a student here from September 1940 to December 1943, when the school was known as St Barnabas School for Boys. Robert emailed us to ask if we had any records dating back to those times. Sadly, we don’t have many at all, but we invited...