So you LIKE the idea of open air films, do you?

George C Parker writes:
Thanks so much to everyone who has expressed enthusiasm for the idea of an open air film for Wanstead. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you can catch up here. As I kind of suspected, there are all sorts of well-informed, talented, creative people in Wanstead who are eager to do something for the common good. (There’s also one person whose response is “Bah. You’d better not disturb me,” but I think that’s our own fault, really… we shouldn’t have made it one of the default options.) Personally I’m rather keen on this suggested name – Open Kinema – for our campaign, which was one person’s response.

Our next step, I think, is for some of those who have said they are keen to get together for a half of mild or even perhaps a Tequila Sunrise to talk it over. I’ll be dropping people a line to arrange something. If you like the idea and would like to be involved, express support, pledge a huge sponsorship cheque, or join the solitary Bah, please use the form below.

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Suki’s Wanstead food update

Wansteadium’s food blogger Suki Orange writes:

I thought I’d mention a few items of mutual interest.

• Firstly, congratulations to Provender, which was given a glowing review in Time Out  thanks to the reputation of chef Max Renzland, who apparently had a string of somewhat eponymous restaurants in the 90s. The review says:

His bistros were always fabulous, and his latest venture –  in Wanstead High Street, at the opposite end of London to his old stomping ground – is brimming with his trademark style: excellent French bistro food, borne of the very finest ingredients, served in a charmingly Franglais setting. Book before the rush begins.

• Interesting to note that Nice Croissant is applying to extend its opening hours until 11pm. What a great idea – could make for a pleasant spot in summer evenings.

• I haven’t had chance yet to eat at the Larder’s new-ish branch at Butler’s Retreat in Chingford (map), but I did visit for coffee last week. Feels like a home from home – and I can see plenty of times when we will be combining a bracing walk with a spot of lunch.

‘Join our campaign for open-air films in Wanstead!’

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George C Parker writes: Summer in Wanstead has long been garlanded with the Festival on Christchurch Green, and the wonderful Music in Wanstead Park event. Thousands are drawn to enjoy these sunny get-togethers which make wonderful and inclusive use of Wanstead’s privileged green spaces.

But, friends, we can go further.

Imagine the warmth of the late afternoon picnicking with family and friends in front of an outdoor summer cinema screen. Imagine the thrill of watching, say, a Hitchcock film flickering away in the balmy dusk. Imagine being able to drop in casually to friends from elsewhere that “Oh we’re going to the Wanstead Open Air Film Festival this weekend.” Imagine, imagine.

So my charge to you, my dearly beloved Wanstead fellows, is who’s up for it? Who will join the campaign I start here and now to rally us to this noble cause? The odds might be stacked against us. There will be bureaucratic hurdles in the way. There will be scoffers. But together, friends, we can overcome all these impediments.

Know something about films? Add your name to our campaign. Know your way round local government? Hop on, sibling. Know how to organise inspiring events from scratch? We’ve got a job for you. Know how to spread the word? Come, do. Know you really ought to get involved in doing something for the community? You’re among friends here.

We need people and business who are thinking about getting into community activities but are unsure whether or where to dip their toe. We need planners, organiser, sponsors, caterers, people to do proper artist’s impressions, helpers and – even if you’re not one of them, we need your support to convince the rest of Wanstead that we can do this together. Views and thoughts on location, scheduling, logistics are desperately needed – please add them in the form below.

Let the show begin.

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Wanstead roundup, 5.4.12

• Two homemade signs posted in Wanstead. Make of them both what you will – the first in Grosvenor Road, the second outside the George.
• Green garden waste collections have restarted – the day after your normal collections.
• Having said that, the Easter collections will be affected as follows. Collections due on Good Friday will happen as normal, but week commencing Monday 9 April all collections will be delayed by a day, (Monday’s on Tuesday, Tuesday’s on Wednesday etc) meaning Friday 13 April’s normal collection will take place on Saturday 14. Hope that’s clear.
• Easter Egg rolling will take place in Wanstead Park on 9 April between 1-4pm. Either BYO or £1 each. Details here.
• Objectors to the plan to turn Wanstead Domestic Appliances into a takeaway are calling on the owner to declare what the plans will involve: rumours are circulating that it could become a KFC, but it’s not clear if these are in any way substantiated.
• Julian Clary’s appearance at Wanstead Library for the first event in this year’s Redbridge Books and Media Festival saw more than 100 people attend. One person came specifically from Germany. Photo here by South Woodford photographer Robert Klein.
• The Wanstead Guardian solved the mystery of a box of photos of Wanstead Fair found in a market in Hitchin and posted on the astonishingly beautiful MyFoundPhotos blog.
• And finally a seasonal treat – the beauty of Wanstead Park, as captured by Wansteadium reader Oisin.