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...

A monthly farmer’s market is set to become a regular addition to South Woodford, bringing a range of produce and gifts to George Lane. Run by Essex Farmers’ Markets – which also organises a similar event in Wanstead – the market is a welcome return, having last traded here in 2012, when it was forced to close due to rising costs. “Shoppers who ventured down to the second South Woodford Farmers’ Market in August were pleased to see some great stalls, including fabulous sausages from The Giggly Pig and a cheese stall. These added to the impressive plant stall and others selling bread, cakes, vintage prints, scents and cookware,” said Louise Burgess of the South Woodford Society. The next market is scheduled for 15 September...

In the 10th – and last – of a series of articles celebrating the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society – which is now in its 126th year – club member Alan Simpson continues to offer an insight into the group’s history. Photo by club member David Tyrrell. When the opportunity came to move club meetings to Wanstead House Community Centre in 2014 – only 70 years after it was first suggested – the chance was taken. Once there, it was not long before the club had outgrown its ground-floor meeting room and moved into the much larger room in the attic (once the home of the defunct Leytonstone and Wanstead Camera Club). The only downside of the move to Wanstead House was that the change of...

Rising at Molehill Green in Essex, the River Roding passes through the Wanstead and Woodford area en route to the Thames, bringing with it a very real flood risk to local homes. In the fourth of a series of articles charting the River Roding Project – which aims to reduce that risk – Andy Naish from the Environment Agency offers advice on protecting your property. River photo by Geoff Wilkinson. The River Roding Project recently held a community drop-in event at Kelvedon Hatch Village Hall, near to the proposed flood storage area in Essex. This was a chance for local residents, community groups and landowners to find out more about the project, how we plan to minimise disruption and how it will reduce flooding impacts in...