Wansteadium

The removal of any trace that there was ever a NatWest on Wanstead High Street was as efficient a process as British banking can ever have seen. After the branch closed on 31 October, but before the children were out treat-or-treating, the bank’s signs were removed, window stickers scraped off and whitewash applied. Definitely trick, not treat.

So a genuine word of thanks to the staff of Wanstead NatWest for their public service over many years. 

And no thanks at all to NatWest itself, which has left Wanstead without any banks. As a company which is 39% owned by the taxpayer, which received £45bn in bailouts, and which has made more than £3bn profits so far this year – it should hang its head in shame. As should those banks and building societies which went before it by closing branches.

The nearest banks to Wanstead are now in George Lane and Leytonstone High Road. But for most people who for whatever reason need counter service, the burden falls once again on Wanstead Post Office. Bravo and thanks to them.

The cows have returned to Wanstead Park for their autumnal visit. And though walking in the park is unlikely to be a top weekend activity for any but the hardiest in the current deluge, the three Longhorns will nevertheless be a welcome sight. Volunteer chaperones have been advising humans and canines on the correct protocols.

Meanwhile, anyone fancying foraging in the park or other bits of Epping Forest has been advised that it is not a good thing. The BBC this week reported:

People have been warned not to pick mushrooms in Epping Forest. The City of London Corporation, which conserves the ancient woodland as a registered charity, said the fungi were vital to the health of the forest’s one million trees.

It said the fungi play an important role in protecting the roots of trees, providing water and vital minerals. The authority said those caught foraging faced prosecution and a criminal record.

BBC News

This was one haul confiscated by the Corporation, which also said that one person had been stopped with 49kg of mushrooms.

A concert to mark the anniversary of the death of Harry Ellis-Grewal, pictured, will be held at the weekend, featuring his band, The Rodents,  who are reforming as a tribute.  

Harry, from Wanstead, died last year aged 29. He worked for Variety children’s charity, and the event at Leytonstone Social Club will be raising money for the charity. 

Also on the bill will be local band The Replacement Hipsters. 

Tickets can be purchased in advance at a small cost reduction, link below, with the opportunity to make a donation in addition if you wish. Tickets on the door are £10. 

Every year we note the first frost of the season. Because of the bizarrely warm October we’ve been having we were rather expecting a very late frost, but it came this morning (Monday). Last year’s frost – 6 December – was the latest since records began (on this site, in 2010), and this year’s is the second earliest on record.

2023 – 16 October
2022 – 6 December
2021 – 2 November
2020 – 4 November
2019 – 4 November
2018 – 25 September
2017 – 30 October
2016 – 2 November
2015 – 23 November
2014 – 6 November
2013 – 13 November
2012 – 6 November
2011 – 25 November
2010 – 21 October

Hundreds of people came to the first Wanstead Beer Festival at Christ Church on Saturday, trying the beers, ciders and wine.

Organiser Paul Donovan said: “It was a great day, with the real community event that we all hoped for being realised. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming.  A lot was raised for the local charities, though we don’t have the final figure yet.” He said planning would soon start on the second festival.

The play Robot Penguin, which ran at last month’s Wanstead Fringe, has won a commendation from the Off West End Theatre Awards (the Offies). It’s the first time a production staged as part of the fringe has been recognised.

The play was written by, and starred, Andrew Atha. Reviewer Simone Green wrote: “Atha who has not only written a funny and digitally eye-opening script but is one to watch, with his genuinely funny performance bursting with heartwarming moments and a piercing, sometimes melancholic truth…. There are some beautifully written, moving monologues in the piece and his performance is warm, charismatic and flawless. Work like this proves that The Bull is a great spot for some fringe theatre and I’ll definitely be back.”

Stage manager and technician was Beckett Gray, and Julia Blomberg was associate producer. It was produced by the Wanstead-founded Baloney Theatre Company.

Review: Robot Penguin, The Bull Wanstead