Wansteadium

The new book from Wanstead’s celebrated writer Geraldine Roberts has been published to critical acclaim and to interest from both sides of the Atlantic, and is being properly launched in Wanstead next week.

Roberts, the author of the epic Angel and the Cad, which told the tragic story of Catherine, William and Wanstead House, has for her new book turned her attention to other members of the family.

The Rebel and the Peacemaker tells the true story of Mary and Charles Bagot whose marriage was at one stage the toast of Regency England but whose reputation became tainted with adultery and gossip. The pair fled to Washington DC, where they became the first British ambassadors to the new United States — and actually helped define the role of modern diplomacy.

Anyone who knows the Angel and Cad will know that Roberts writes meticulously researched history but somehow tells the story with compelling drama.

A launch event is to be held at the George & Dragon on Saturday 20 June where some of the descendants of the characters will also be in attendance. Everyone is welcome from 4pm, and books will be on sale there (or order in advance here from Wanstead Bookshop and pick up on the day).

A couple of Wanstead’s favourite cafés had a moment in the sun, as witnessed here:

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We predicted this would happen. When Redbridge was overruled on its rejection of digital advert boards on Wanstead High Street, we wondered what could stop the whole place getting littered with them.

Well BT has applied to replace its eyesore phone box (which is so filthy you’d have to be absolutely desperate to use) with, you guessed it, digital advert boards. Though obviously following a lot of consideration it’s referring to them as “Global Street Hubs” and its application says it will:

provide a sleek and modern answer to the demands of a digitally connected society… The Street Hub will help future proof the high street making them smarter, safer, and more sustainable

One might conclude this is colossal hogwash. One hopes our planning officials asks specific questions about how the boards will make the high street smarter, safer or more sustainable? Or what difference they can possibly make to a digitally connected society.

The site will be about 20m away from the existing board oustide the Lighthouse chip shop, directly outside City Place Coffee. Will Redbridge have the ability to refuse the application, even if it wants to? We shall see. Application number 0283/26 at Redbridge Planning site.

TFL has found someone prepared to repair the stairs up to the westbound platform at Snaresbrook station, which will be welcomed by early morning commuters who are having to go a needlessly long way round to get to the trains. Fingers crossed.

The Wanstead Fringe will return in September for its 14th year, another celebration of music, theatre, books, food, local history, film, comedy and more. You might like to make a note of these dates:

FRINGE 2026 – Saturday 5th to Saturday 26th September.

Key dates:
Eve-of-Fringe Charivari – Friday 4th September
Duke Street party – Saturday 5th September
Open air Kinema – Saturday 12th September
Wanstead Festival – Sunday 13th September
Family Book Day – Saturday 19th September
Jumble Trail – Saturday 26th September
Finale party – Saturday 26th September

There will be dozens of events, coordinated by a group of local volunteers who operate as the Wanstead Fringe, a not-for-profit community interest company. Funding comes from the support of its sponsors, Petty Son & Prestwich, Edwards Duthie Shamash, North London Loft Rooms, The Duke, East London Brewery, Compassionate Funerals, City Place Coffee and Two Toms. And also from the Friends of Wanstead Fringe who support it with subscriptions.

Organisers are currently seeking anyone interested in making things happen, particularly:
* helping with the running of plays at the Wanstead Curtain and The Bull
* film-lovers who yearn to help show films
* friendly folk who are happy to check tickets and help people to their seats
* the publicity-minded who can make sure everyone in Wanstead and beyond knows what’s happening.

Also… it’s not too late if you want to run an event. Ask the Fringe team for advice and what kind of things fit.

For any of these, get in contact with the organisers at info@wansteadfringe.org or use this form.

The volunteers who clean up the River Roding come what may got a moment in the sun with this C4 News report.