Much-treasured local cinema the Stratford Picturehouse is closing at the end of July after nearly 30 years, it has been announced. The owners blamed “increasing operational costs and declining admissions” for the decision.
John Rogers addresses the issues of the day in the George. You can follow his YouTube channel here.
The latest addition to our mission to document the parties’ leaflets ahead of this week’s general election. So far we’ve had Lib Dems, the Independent, Labour, and below we have Reform. Unless we’ve missed it we haven’t seen the other major party represented?
As ever please send pictures of leaflets you receive to info@wansteadium.com.
A generation of Wanstead children brought up on Pom-Bears and Squishy Yoghurt pouches while their parents sipped lattes and flat whites will be shocked to hear about the closure of the Larder after nearly 20 years.
Along with the Olive Branch – now Joice cafe – the Larder was at the forefront of the wave of coffee shops which has changed the face of Wanstead. In 2018 it expanded into the former Judith of Wanstead premises, as we reported here. The site is now changing hands and will, it is understood, be redecorated and refurbished and will remain a cafe.
Staff at the much-loved shop have been given presents and commiserations by members of the community who remember catching up over cappuccinos with friends and fellow parents. In the meantime at least one about-to-be former member of staff is understood to be performing at Glastonbury, continuing her passion and talent as a semi-professional backing singer.
But for all the staff who have served at the Larder over the years, thank you for your service.
A story which began on Spratt Hall Road has reached something of a conclusion with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange being freed from Belmarsh prison.
It was in the Bungalow Café that Assange had breakfast with Wanstead’s celebrated media lawyer Mark Stephens in 2010, shortly before Assange’s arranged arrest. As Wansteadium reported at the time, Stephens told reporters that he suspected his Wanstead house was under surveillance so advised Assange to go to the cafe for their meeting.
Assange has reportedly reached a deal with US prosecutors which will see him admit guilt but avoid further prison time – he is expected to return to his native Australia.
Stephens, still active on Twitter, had a simple response:
Our ongoing mission to document general election literature. This from Labour candidate, following our first batch last week. Sightings of leaflets from other candidates are welcome – please send photos to info@wansteadium.com
Thanks, Sue Whitehead
