Tree sellers on their way back

The controversial Christmas tree sellers on Christchurch Green are on their way back, with fencing being put up in readiness on Thursday afternoon.

Last year the sellers raised the ire of many folk who didn’t approve of the green being used for commercial purposes. Some feared it would damage the grass (though this did not seem to happen – see our post from earlier this year).

Wansteadium understands Redbridge Vision has agreed that the same team of sellers as last year will again be operating from the green.

However this year they will face additional competition as trees are to be sold by the Duke pub from the churchyard of St Mary’s Church on Overton Drive, with proceeds going to charity.

Cherry Pie still has soggy bottom – 10 months on

Earlier this year we highlighted a problem at the George, where a leaky drainpipe was making Wanstead’s famous Cherry Pie sign constantly wet. Moss was growing around it, and when it rains you can actually see water running over it.

We wrote this post highlighting the problem, hoping that either Lord Sugar’s company (which owns the George freehold) or Wetherspoons (which runs the George) would get the drainpipe fixed.

A letter to Lord Sugar: Ye Cherry Pie has got a soggy bottom

Well guess what. Nothing has happened. The picture at the top of this post was taken on Thursday.

Water is still running over the sign, moss is still growing, and it’s more verdant than ever. Unless this gets fixed, one of the remaining parts of Wanstead history will be going the way of Wanstead House.

George customers can help – every time you visit the pub please ask them to make sure the drainpipe is fixed. Hopefully the message will be received.

Library appeal

A team from Wanstead Cricket Club has been touring Kenya for the past couple of weeks, playing a number of games and also taking part in development projects.

Club member Scott Emmons has been helping with cricket coaching at a school in Nairobi, and is also helping raise money to refurbish the school library.

Anyone wishing to help Scott raise his total of £2,000 is invited to do so via his GoFundMe page here.

Changing of the guard for Wanstead poppy collectors

Wansteadium reader Sue writes:

There have been quite a few changes to the world we know of late, and for those of you buy your poppies on Wanstead High Street, there will from next year be some new faces.

For Jim Carroll, the Poppy Man, this will be his last year on guard outside the Oxfam shop.  Jim is planning to retire to pastures new in 2023, after ten years collecting on the high street.  He will miss everyone and the chats with his fans – there are some ladies who buy their poppies only from him – but time marches on.

We have also lost Marguerite Wimborne this year as a collector.  Marguerite took a tumble earlier in the year and has had to relocate to a retirement home, so she too will be absent from her slot by the dry cleaners.

Poppy collections will still go on, never fear, there will be a new line up to ensure a smooth transfer and the Scouts will still be out doing their bit.  Poppies will be available in various shops from 30th October, and the street collections will take place on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th November, with the Remembrance service taking place on Sunday 13th.

Grim times for Ginger Pig

Wanstead will be denied the traditional Christmas Eve scene of people lined up at the Ginger Pig to take away turkeys after the butcher’s farm supplier was hit by avian influenza.

All turkeys, geese, ducks and chicken from the specialist farm – the Botterills – have been affected and the butcher will not be able to supply any of them this year. It’s believed that more than 800 turkeys were bought from the Wanstead shop last Christmas, so the financial impact will be significant.

Customers have been sent this message by the company which is hoping they will choose to opt for non-poultry Christmas dinners instead.

Day of the dead in Wanstead

Redbridge is hosting a novel arts event on Saturday in Wanstead inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead festival.

The free event will include arty activities in the library from 1-5pm followed by a grand costume parade after 5pm. Organisers say: “All adults and children are encouraged to come dressed to party. Why not channel your inner Frida Kahlo, or James Bond from Spectre? Or how about dressing as a colourful skeleton inspired by the films Coco and The Book of Life? Add some lights or glow sticks and you’re ready to go! There will be prizes for the best dressed.”

Tickets for some events are limited and can be booked via Eventbrite. More details are also available on the Vision website here.