Wansteadium’s most read for 2023

Somewhat delayed but it’s our tradition, once a year, to take a look back at the stories that got the most attention in the preceding 12 months.

Farewell Marmiton. Welcome Alba. (June)
Wanstead’s NatWest to close (July)
Wanstead Youth Centre to remain open as ‘education and youth hub’ (Sept)
Wanstead Youth Centre campaigners: ‘Wait a year’ (March)
Plan for four-storey flats on Evergreen Field submitted (August)
We don’t know what this is (March)
Blake Hall Road closed for a week (May)
The future of Wanstead Youth Centre (February)
Uncertain times for Wiseman Lee customers (October)
Home & Away star joins Wanstead Fringe (September)
Wanstead Fringe 2023 – dates announced (May)
Three screens for Wanstead? (January)

There were, as far as we can tell, 430,000 visits from Wansteadium readers to this site in 2023. As ever the best way to keep in touch with us is to sign up for our email newsletter which comes never more than once a day.

Evergreen wait goes on

Image via Redbridge Planning

The wait for the verdict from Redbridge planners on the application to build flats on the Evergreen Field on Wanstead High Street goes on…

Originally scheduled for the autumn, decision day was put back until the start of January, and now is due at the end of the month. Whatever decision the planners come up with is bound to be contested, either by the developer or by the rest of Wanstead*. This is what 2024 is going to look like.

(Our original report on the application is here. )

Wanstead Christmas church services 2023

Christmas Eve

4pm Crib Service for younger children at Christ Church

4pm Nativity Service at Wanstead United Reformed Church, Nightingale Lane

4.30pm Children’s Carol Service at Grace Church, Wanstead House

5pm First Mass of Christmas at Our Lady of Lourdes

6pm Family communion for all the family at Christ Church

7pm Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes

9.30pm Carols followed by Midnight Mass at  10.00 p.m at Our Lady of Lourdes

11.30pm Midnight mass at Christ Church

Christmas Day

9.30am Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes

10am Christmas Day service at St Mary’s, Overton Drive

10am Christmas Day service at Wanstead Baptist Church, Wellington Rd

11.15am Christmas Day Service at Wanstead Grace Church, Wanstead House

11.30am Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes

(Please report any more to info@wansteadium.com or add in comments below.)

So long, Sumo Fresh, and thanks for all the salmon teriyaki

Wanstead is going to miss Sumo Fresh when it closes on Saturday. The restaurant is closing after ten years serving noodles, sushi and other favourites, and is apparently to be replaced by a curry house in the New Year, though its sign leaves open the possibility of continued takeaway service..

Here is how we reported its opening in 2013, with a long list of favourable reports from customers.

Thank you to all at Sumo Fresh for your service over the years.