Local author Eithne Cullen has published a collection of short stories. “Over the years, I’ve had some success with my short stories. Some have won or been commended in competitions, others have been published in anthologies. I decided to find a home for them and came up with this collection. There are a variety of stories: a couple are a modern reworking of fairy tales, one was inspired by my favourite Jane Austen book Persuasion, one is set in the beautiful Harpa Concert Hall in Iceland and others were inspired by stories I’d heard, which invited themselves to be written,” said Eithne. Pencils and other Stories (paperback: £2.99) is the South Woodford resident’s third book to be published, having released The Ogress of Reading and...

As Woodford County High School For Girls marks its centenary, Deputy Headteacher Colin Jenkins reflects on 100 years of history and traditions, which have been encapsulated in a new book by the Chairman of the Old Girls’ Association Woodford County High School has changed a great deal over the years. On 29 September 1919, it opened its doors for the first time. On that day, the seven teachers in the school welcomed their new intake of 110 girls. Now, 100 years on, the school is 10 times bigger, but many of the values and traditions that inspired the founders live on today. The founders of the school had a clear vision: to educate girls to the highest standards possible and to equip them to be self-confident, socially responsible adults, ready...

Local resident Charlotte Monro explains why campaigning must continue for the redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital, despite government funding confirmation At a public meeting on 15 October, Barts Health Trust presented their current proposals for the new hospital and the other developments on the Whipps Cross site. There was intense interest from the 200 people attending, with pertinent and searching questions asked, and discussions continued as the meeting was breaking up. Whipps is one of the six hospital developments the government has announced will benefit from a share of a £2.7bn funding allocation. A letter has been received from the Secretary of State for Health confirming government support for a ‘brand new hospital’. “We don’t know how much yet,” said Alastair Finney, Director for Whipps Cross...

A packed hall gave London City Airport representatives a tough time over their expansion proposals at a public meeting in Wanstead earlier this month. “London City is proposing to almost double flight numbers from their current level, end the 24-hour weekend break and operate more planes in the early morning and late evening… Parts of Wanstead and South Woodford are directly under these flight paths,” said John Stewart of campaign group HACAN East. The proposals are part of City’s Master Plan, which sets out its vision for the airport until 2035. Tim Halley, Director of Planning, argued the airport believed the demand would be there to justify its expansion proposals, but stressed the airport would take account of consultation responses before coming out with any...

The South Woodford Society held an autumn litter pick earlier this month. “Over 20 litter pickers braved the rather inclement weather for a morning of clearing away litter with pickers, hoops and gloves all provided by Redbridge Council and the charity CleanupUK. Along with some junior litter pickers and two canine helpers, we managed to collect the usual selection of cans, plastic bottles and crisp packets,” said a spokesperson. “The South Woodford Society has decided to take action with the issue of plastic pollution, so please always take your litter home and use refillable water bottles! If you’re not already a member and would like to come along on our next litter pick, or if you have any ideas for a creating a plastic-free South...

The South Woodford Society will be hosting another community litter pick this weekend. Participants should meet at the front of South Woodford Library at 10am on 13 October. Equipment will be supplied, but those who can bring their own gloves are encouraged to do so. "Please come for some exercise, chat and a cleaner South Woodford! Remember, any length of time you can give can help enormously," said a spokesperson. To confirm attendance, email e18society@gmail.com...

Wanstead Village ward councillors Jo Blackman, Daniel Morgan-Thomas and Paul Donovan discuss crime and the work they do to keep crime rates low, and urge residents to engage with local police. Rates of reported crime are relatively low in Wanstead Village. Social media can exaggerate the risk of crime as we can hear more quickly about incidents that we wouldn’t otherwise be aware of. But every crime committed is one too many, and as Wanstead Village councillors, we are doing all we can to make our ward even safer. Central government cuts have had a drastic impact on policing levels as well as the level of support provided to vulnerable people and young people. We have campaigned for more resources for our local police and were pleased...

Local historian Lynn Haseldine Jones will lead a walk around Snaresbrook this month looking at the evidence for commuters. “We begin at Snaresbrook Station, where the railway first came in 1856, changing the nature of the village from a predominantly Georgian settlement to a bustling Victorian suburb. There is still evidence of the Great Eastern Railway, hardly noticed by passengers on the busy Central Line,” said Lynn. The free 90-minute walk departs at 2pm on 9 October (booking required). Visit wnstd.com/snaresw...

Redbridge Council will be giving away spring-flowering bulbs to the community this month, encouraging everyone to plant them as part of the Big Bulb Planting Weekend (18 to 20 October). This is part of a borough-wide movement to bring everybody together to beautify our streets… Bulbs can be planted in spaces that benefit the community,” said a spokesperson. The bulbs – which include daffodils, tulips and crocuses – must be requested by 10 October and can be collected from Wanstead Library. Visit wnstd.com/blbs...

Local families are invited to explore Wanstead Park next month by taking part in an orienteering event. “Using a map, go exploring and try to navigate your way around all the markers. The whole family can get involved and get active in this fun activity that exercises mind and body,” said a spokesperson for the Field Studies Council. The two-hour activity – which is suitable for children aged seven and over – will take place on 5 October from 10am and 1pm (children: £5; adults: free; booking required). Visit wnstd.com/fsc...

Redbridge Council has doubled the amount of time drivers can park for free on the borough’s high streets from 30 minutes to one hour. “This will be a real boost for our high streets and help revitalise the local economy whilst making sure there is still a good level of turnover in parking bays – giving as many people as possible the opportunity to use parking spaces to pop to the shops,” said Councillor Jas Athwal. Motorists can activate the free on-street parking via the Ringo app or at an upgraded pay and display machine....

Redbridge Council has installed a hi-tech Bigbelly bin on Snaresbrook Road as part of work undertaken with residents and the City of London to clear up Eagle Pond. “It’s a smart bin that can accommodate more rubbish, lets the council know when it’s full, requires emptying less often and reduces the risk of litter blowing out and into the pond,” said Councillor Jo Blackman. Big Belly bins hold roughly eight times more rubbish than a regular bin and compact waste automatically throughout the day....