Wanstead’s deserted streets

This was the scene on Monday lunchtime on Spratt Hall Road, on the southern side of Christ Church Green. You might be wondering where all the cars have gone – at that time of day it is usually chockablock.

New residents’ only parking restrictions there (and on Addison, Chaucer and Dangan roads) came into force on Monday, superseding the 0930-1030 bar which was designed to prevent commuters parking and riding into London.

On the one hand, you can see why people living on Spratt Hall Road are so happy.

And on the other, you can see the frustration of people who work nearby and want somewhere to park.

It would however be interesting to hear what people who had previously parked in those roads are doing now. Have they started using alternative transport methods? Or are they just parking elsewhere? In which case, could this be the start of a round of what in American is termed Whac-a-Mole? Drop us a line the usual way (either comment below, or e-mail wansteadium[at]gmail.com).

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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