The Environment Agency has announced a day of community engagement in Woodford in connection with the River Roding Project, which aims to improve local river defences. “Heavy rain has caused the River Roding to flood the area eight times in the past 100 years: 1926, 1939, 1947, 1974, 1988, 1993, 2000 and 2007… Parts of Woodford and Ilford are at high risk of flooding,” said a spokesperson. The project involves the construction of a flood storage area to hold back high flows upstream in rural Essex. Enhancements along the Roding Valley are also being explored, including riverside landscaping and re-naturalising the river. “This catchment approach will reduce the risk of flooding to more than 600 homes and businesses in the local area.” Residents are invited...

An It’s a Knockout competition organised by Woodford Green dental practice Improve Your Smile raised £6,800 for Haven House Children’s Hospice at the end of July. Team Improve Your Smile went head-to-head against six other businesses – Enigma Beauty Salon, Whistle ‘N’ Flute: Laundry Lounge, Oven Clean Chigwell, Vantage VA, Catalyst Design and The Traveller’s Friend – each part of the Haven House 100 Club, having pledged to raise £1,000 each for the hospice this year. “The day was a great opportunity for all of our businesses to get to know each other whilst having fun, and most importantly raising money for our local children’s hospice,” said Amanda Green, marketing manager at Improve Your Smile. The Whistle ‘N’ Flute team won the challenge. To donate,...

Members of Woodford Arts Group will be displaying their work at Packfords Hotel this autumn in what will be the art collective’s second exhibition at the Snakes Lane West venue. Since their inaugural exhibition in the spring – which attracted nearly 250 visitors to a private viewing – the group has welcomed new members, whose work will be included in the display. On show from 21 to 27 October, the exhibition will have a ‘reflections’ theme. “Once again, Packfords have very generously agreed to support our event, and they will be opening a pop-up art cafe for the entire week… Our artists will be exhibiting a range of media, including oils, watercolour, sculpture, ceramics, photography and ink. All the art on show will be new...

The magic of panto and storytelling will come to local libraries this autumn with a series of performances by drag queen Mama G. “Created by popular panto dame Robert Pearce, Mama G tells stories about being who you are and loving who you want, to children and their families, and anyone who’ll listen! She has spread her message all over the UK at libraries, theatres, museums and festivals, as well as making appearances in America and Canada,” said a spokesperson for Petite Pantos. The ‘storytime with a difference’ will take place in Wanstead (2 October, 2pm), Woodford Green (4 October, 10.30am) and South Woodford (8 October, 2.30pm) as part of Redbridge’s annual Fabula Festival, which celebrates the arts and libraries and their power to transform...

The Woodford and District branch of the National Trust (NT) has made a number of donations to NT properties following the death of former member Gwen Clarke, who bequeathed £107,000 to the group. The beneficiaries include Rainham Hall in Havering (£15,000), Scotney Castle in Kent (£11,000) and Peckover House in Cambridgeshire (£10,000). “Gwen worked at Whipps Cross Hospital and the London Hospital for many years as a secretary. She moved to Wanstead in 1994 and then into Harts House Care Home in Woodford… We are so grateful she gave us the chance of helping so many properties with her kindness,” said Clive Boon. The centre’s new programme of talks begins on 11 September, 2.30pm at All Saints’ Church hall with a presentation on Waddesdon Manor...

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands has commissioned Dr Hannah Armstrong – an expert in 18th-century architecture and landscape design – to write the first-ever large-scale history of Wanstead House. “In existence for just 100 years, Wanstead House was regarded as one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe and the estate originally stretched nearly as far as Woodford. Tragically, in June 1822, every item within the house was sold at auction, prior to the house being demolished,” said a group spokesperson. Due for publication in 2022 to mark the 200th anniversary of the ‘grand sale’, the book will tell the story of the house, its grounds and its larger-than-life owners, complemented by over 70 illustrations, some of which will be published for the first time....

A long-serving local Police Community Support Officer has retired. “PCSO Graham Farrance retired in July after serving the local community for 10 years,” said a spokesperson for the South Woodford Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT). PCSO Simon Jones – who previously served in the Monkhams SNT – has since joined the South Woodford SNT, which also includes PC Daniel Thomas, PC Sarah Burke and Sergeant David Lipyeat. Call 020 8345 3616...

Woodford Creative Hub will be hosting a jumble trail this September. Open to anyone living in Monkhams, Churchfields and Bridge wards, the event will see residents set up temporary ‘shops’ outside their homes and invite their neighbours to browser for a bargain. “You can sell pre-loved clothes, shoes, toys, games, DVDs, books, furniture, homemade cookies or craft,” said event organiser Hannah Hole. “We will create a map highlighting the homes taking part and advertise via flyers and on social media, for locals to visit. We are charging a small fee to take part (£3) to cover the marketing costs and any money left over will be used for creative projects in the community.” The trail will take place on 29 September from 10am to 2pm....

A community health day will be held at the South Woodford Health Centre (114 High Road) on 24 October from 1pm to 4.30pm, bringing together representatives from a range of service providers, who will conduct demonstrations and offer advice on staying healthy. “We emphasise the importance of looking after your health by participating in yoga, tai chi and similar activities… by interacting with health and care providers the need to see a GP or visit hospital may be reduced,” said organiser Chandra Patel, chair of the Patient Participation Group at Elmhurst Practice. The annual event has been running since 2016. “Last year, Age UK took part, providing valuable information for mature people. The Deputy Mayor of Redbridge and John Cryer MP were also present.” Email...

The planning application for a nine-storey office block development at 10–12 Eastwood Close in South Woodford – the site of Incey Winceys Day Nursery – has been withdrawn following strong opposition from local residents. “Around 300 objections were submitted in a matter of days. I understand it was clear to the developers they had no realistic chance of success if the application went to the planning committee… I believe this sets important precedents for the Station Estate and surrounding area. It shows developers they cannot just put forward badly thought out plans… It also demonstrates, beyond any doubt, the strong views of local people and businesses, and therefore the importance of prior consultation by anyone who has major plans for this area,” said Councillor Beverley...

Nominations for the Mayor of Redbridge’s annual community awards are now open. “These awards are a great way to throw light on those giving individuals to recognise and celebrate the work they do – so please get nominating!” said the Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Zulfiqar Hussain. A panel of councillors, officers and residents will shortlist the nominations and select winners in six different categories. The deadline is 31 December. Click here to take part....

The producers of The Railway Children – to be performed at Forest School in Snaresbrook as part of the Wanstead Fringe festival – are searching for a local actor to play the role of Jim. “It would suit a young person with acting and singing ability, who wants to work with a professional theatre company,” said producer Katherine Mount. Rehearsals commence 9 September, with performances on 14 and 15 September. If the successful candidate requires time off school, the company will apply for licences and supply a registered chaperone. “For audience members, this will be an opportunity to see a West End-style musical on your doorstep… This heart-warming tale is set to a new musical soundtrack, bringing a touch of magic to the stage.” Email...