Behold the fruits of an appeal by the team at the Manor House for blankets and clothing for those in need during cold weather. The appeal was shared on social media, and this is some of what was donated.
Paul from the Manor House said the response had been “UNBELIEVABLE… if we’re honest, we’re speechless. What the people of Wanstead and community have done is amazing.”
Congratulations to Waltham Forest for being chosen as the first London borough of culture – a new scheme organised by the Mayor of London to make cultural investments in a particular borough.
And commiserations to Redbridge which was not successful in its bid, despite assembling a coalition of arts bodies from across the borough to back its case.
The Wanstead Fringe was one of the organisations backing the bid – but it won’t be deterred. The Fringe will be back in September – from 8-15 September. Planning is starting soon – watch this space for details and if you want to get in touch with Fringe organisers you can email info@wansteadfringe.org.
Reader Mami writes:
The land on which the South Woodford Odeon cinema is situated is being sold. We are therefore asking the new freehold owners of the land to publicly commit to maintain the building as a cinema. This is a much treasured local facility and the community want and need it to stay. You can sign a petition here and help keep the cinema in our area.
A great tradition in these parts – Wanstead snow pics – these from our favourite snow photographer Jennifer Schenck. If you have some to share, please send them to info@wansteadium.com
It’s a week since the introduction of parking restrictions to Wanstead High Street and surrounding streets.
Shops on the High Street are guarded about whether there has been an impact. At least one reported the quietest day this year so far, but another has said business has been good. Anecdotally, the turnover of cars parking for a few minutes on the High Street seems to have significantly increased – which if true would be widely welcomed.
The council has voted to cut the cost of the £45 residents’ parking permit to £20. This is welcome – especially since in at least one neighbouring borough, a single car permit is given to residents for nothing.
While there have been parking tickets in evidence, there have also been a number of warning notices for cars parked incorrectly.
Donna Mizzi, one of the WeWantSay group, says: “Bear a thought for the elderly infirm or slightly immobile people who now can’t park at Wanstead Library – not even to obtain assistance in filling in a tricky online Blue Badge form. Now from Mon-Saturday, Spratt Hall Road is filled with residents’ parking and only parking via the phone. Even the library car park is RingGo only. Juggling phone and credit cards and trying to hear the instructions is beyond the ability of many slightly disabled people … many of whom don’t own a mobile.”
The WeWantSay group is not convinced by the changes, and says council documents reveal a projected £700,000 increase in revenue from parking, though acknowledges this would not be raised from Wanstead alone. It is demanding clarification from the council leaders about this money.
Wansteadium has failed to get answers to its two key questions about the parking changes – ie. firstly, what are the success measures for the scheme and when will they be judged? And secondly, what monitoring about the impact on Wanstead High Street businesses is planned. If anyone from Redbridge Council wishes to answer these two questions we’d be delighted.
Comments on this post will remain open for the foreseeable future for anyone wishing to add comments about their own experiences. We will revisit points raised.
