For the past three years, ace snapper Geoff Wilkinson has been contributing Wanstead Weekly Photo to this website, based on his amazingly industrious Wanstead Daily Photo blog. We’re stepping things up now, and are inviting ALL Wansteadium readers to contribute. You can either send us pictures directly (info@wansteadium.com) or post them on social media. Alert us in the usual way if you want us to take notice. In the meantime thanks to @Wanstead_E11 on Instagram for this week’s picture.
Wanstead’s new optician Â
Welcome to the first instalment of our new campaign, “Wanstead is made in Wansteadâ€.
There have been lots of expressions of interest since we announced the campaign on Wednesday. In case you missed it, it’s an acknowledgement that the atmosphere and spirit of Wanstead is thanks in no small part to the shopkeepers, traders and local businesses which are based here. And it’s also a reminder that it’s within the power of Wanstead people to choose to support them.
So with that in mind we are going to feature some Wanstead businesses. First up is our new optician, Greg Etkin, who took over C J Packford’s late last year.
He kept on all the former staff, and is now planning a significant (and pretty stylish) refurbishment of the shop, pictured below.
He writes: “I’m an optician with 20 years experience, and am originally from South Africa. I’ve always loved the East End of London so when Mr Packford told me he wanted to sell his practice I jumped at the chance.
“So far it’s been tremendous. The staff are top notch and the residents are very supportive. I’m modernising the practice with a new boutique feel but trying to ensure that the ‘essence’ remains the same. That’s so important. I’ve also added new frame ranges and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and look forward to becoming an integral part of this close-knit community.â€
If you would like your business to be featured, drop us a line at info@wansteadium.com
People in India are looking at the toilet at Snaresbrook Tube
It’s one of the world’s most creative toilets, apparently. If you don’t believe us, you can see for yourself here…
The original photograph was taken by Reuters as part of its coverage of World Toilet Day – a thoroughly sensible campaign to highlight the lack of access to toilets that many people in the world have. (Ironically, it’s a problem which affects India more than most other countries…)
Introducing ‘Wanstead is made in Wanstead’
The butchers might have closed. But readers of this site seem determined not to let Wanstead die and ready to pledge to support local businesses. So Wansteadium is going to play its part by starting a regular feature – Wanstead is made in Wanstead – about people who are making stuff, selling things, or offering services. In fact anyone who is helping to make Wanstead.
Hopefully, armed with information, Wansteadium readers will be able to make good local choices and play their part too. The first instalment, featuring Wanstead’s new optician Greg Etkin, will appear here on Thursday. And if you would like to draw a bit of attention to your business, drop us a line at info@wansteadium.com.
And yes, the Wanstead is made in Wanstead logo was made in Wanstead. Could you tell?
Mystery photo: Where… when?
This photograph was recently discovered in Wanstead. Any clues on where and when it was taken?
Blake Hell Road III
Sequels are big business, as Blake Hall Road commuters are finding out again. The restart of roadworks has led to the return of temporary traffic lights and queuing traffic even late into the evening.
The roadworks are replacing old gas mains, and were the cause of much angst last summer when drivers and residents faced congestion for three months.  There were more works just before Christmas and the current bout began last Saturday.
National Grid, which is doing the work, has said on Twitter that it should be finished before the end of the week.
Works have progressed this week and site shall be cleared by 15th January. Thank you for your patience during these works #BlakeHallRd
— National Grid UK (@nationalgriduk) January 12, 2016
Reactions…
https://twitter.com/tektoneltd/status/686884471849750529
Route 308 is experiencing 25min delays due to road works on Blake Hall Rd. 2 in 3 buses are cutting short at Wanstead Park.
— TfL Bus Alerts (@TfLBusAlerts) January 11, 2016
Blake Hall Road – home of the temporary traffic light @wfcouncil – seriously, sort it out. Never ending!
— Astrid O'Toole (@aotoole99) January 12, 2016