Wansteadium

The Wanstead Kinema proved once again its habit for creating a magical atmosphere, as families gathered in the church garden at Christ Church on Saturday. The programme began with a montage of images of the late Queen.

On Sunday a Climate picnic on Christchurch Green heard talks and insights into what more people could do to help the environment and climate, including (a subject close to Wansteadium’s heart) what can be done to make gardens more hospitable to hedgehogs.

Karen Myers, who spoke at the event, prepared some handouts on helping hedgehogs and biodiverse gardening, which are available here.

A vigil in memory of the late Queen will be held on Christchurch Green on Monday evening at 6pm. There is also a book of condolence inside Wanstead Library.

Wanstead Fringe organisers decided on Friday that the fringe should proceed, following government advice on holding scheduled events during the period of national mourning for Her Majesty the Queen.

They decided events should proceed respectfully, and musician Joe Walters, opening the Fanfare to the Fringe event at St Mary’s church, showed elegantly what that meant in practice by playing the following.

Wanstead United Reformed Church on Nightingale Lane has become the first church in Redbridge to be registered to conduct same sex marriages.

The church members agreed to taking the step some time ago but have now received the official confirmation that all couples who wish to have a wedding in a Christian ceremony may do so.

The church’s lead minister, the Reverend Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson said: “It is a proud moment for us here at Wanstead URC to be the first to bring this good news to its community.”  Church Secretary Grace Smith added, “It is important to us to be able to welcome all members of the local community on equal terms. We also hope this will provide an opportunity for couples currently unable to marry in their own churches.”

Following government advice about events after the death of her Majesty the Queen, organisers of the Wanstead Fringe have decided the fringe will go ahead in a respectful attitude.

However the Duke Street Party, scheduled for Saturday, has been postponed and will not now take place this week. In its place a smaller ‘beer garden’ and barbecue event will take place. The Duke’s Ronnie Finch posted: “We hope to offer a moment to reflect, and an opportunity to come together. We’ll save the party for another day.”

Government guidance on the period of mourning until the Queen’s state funeral is that the decisions about events are at the discretion of individual organisations and that there is no obligation to cancel or postpone events. Having considered that, the Wanstead Fringe Association decided to proceed respectfully.

The Wanstead Fringe starts on Friday evening and continues until Sunday 25 September. This weekend’s other scheduled events will go ahead, including:

FRIDAY
* Fanfare to the Fringe
* The Stars from Wanstead
* A Non-Emergency

SATURDAY
* The Children’s book workshop with Karin Littlewood
* Wanstead Pottery sessions
* The Wanstead Kinema

SUNDAY
* The Climate Picnic on Christchurch green
* A Non-Emergency

Meanwhile, one of the speakers at the Wanstead Book Festival, Otto English, has seen an obituary he wrote for the Queen become one of the most popular stories on social media. For Politico, he wrote an obituary in which he describes how the young princess, upon becoming Queen, had to substitute her own life for that of being the monarch.

This is an excellent piece of journalism. It's neither cloying nor needlessly spiteful, but maintains an admirable agnosticism – while providing a wealth of illuminating detail. I'd be surprised if we see a better obit this week. https://t.co/wE9m4U66hW

— Michael Moran (@TheMichaelMoran) September 9, 2022

Otto English is speaking on Friday 16 September. A number of discounted tickets for sixth formers and other school pupils are available.

The Wanstead Fringe doesn’t start until Friday, but the play A Non-Emergency is kicking off a bit early with performances starting tonight (Wednesday).

Written by Wanstead resident Marissa Landy, left, the play has been playing at the Edinburgh Fringe before coming home, and will be on in the upstairs room at the Bull. Reviews for its Edinburgh run were excellent, including the following:

Marissa wrote the play based on her own experiences working in the ambulance service and follows two crewmates as they deal with five patients during a day’s work. Tickets for all performances can be bought at this page.