Wansteadium

Congratulations to Wanstead cricketer Robin Das who made his first class debut on Friday playing for Essex against Ireland – and top-scored with 132.

Wansteadium last mentioned Robin when he was brought on as a substitute for England during the Test match against New Zealand at Lord’s last summer. Since then he has played in the Bangladesh Premier League and has returned to become a part of the Essex team.

The only downside for Wanstead CC is that Robin will be in more demand for Essex duty and won’t be able to play for his original team. But hey, massive congratulations to him and wishing him many more centuries to come.

RideLondon is a massive reminder of how different life could be if we weren’t addicted to motor vehicles. It’s a good thing. But it may be a bit trying if you’re attempting to get around on Sunday. Here is a list of some of the road closures which may affect Wanstead folk most.

ROAD AFFECTED	FROM	UNTIL
Hollybush Hill, A1199	5am	6.30pm
Woodford Road, A1199	5am	6.30pm
High Road, A1199	5am	6.30pm
Woodford Green, A1199	5am	6.30pm
Woodford New Road, A104	5am	6.30pm
Woodford Green, A104	5am	6.30pm
Manor Road, B173	5am	6.30pm
Chigwell Road, A113	7.30am	6pm
Broadmead Road, A1009	7.30am	6pm
A12 – Northbound	4am	12pm
A12 – Southbound	4am	6.30pm
Green Man Roundabout	5am	6.30pm

More details here.

Specialist interest this, but a framed picture of South Woodford station, formerly known as George Lane, didn’t seem to hang around very long at Peter Hucker’s interesting shop on Nightingale Lane. Even now we like to think it’s hanging somewhere appropriate.

What was going to be a week’s closure for Blake Hall Road to fix a water main has turned into two, with a promised finish date of 1 June. There are, however, rumours that the work could finish early, perhaps even by this weekend (which would be especially good with Ride London taking place on Sunday).

In the meantime, those who can cycle or walk are navigating a narrow passage beside the works. Drivers are finding other ways round.

Meanwhile this plaintive sign is lying on the ground. When Thames Water have finished with it here, they could always put it beside the Roding near where it released raw sewage 237 times in 2022.

EXTRA UPDATE: An earlier update to this article included a comment which said that Lakehouse Road was being resurfaced, and that this was a really bad time for it to be done. In fact the work being done was on a crossing, not resurfacing.

A new music festival is taking place in Wanstead this weekend – but not the kind with tents and wellies.

It’s a four-day festival at St Mary’s Church on Overton Drive, inspired by the centenary of the installation of the new organ at the church which took place on 27 May 1923.

Organiser Alison Wells, whose day job is as a vocal professor at the Royal College of Music, has put together a programme of four events, including:

• Friday 26 at 7.30pm
  An acapella vocal quartet, Sonare, singing works by Mendelssohn, Stanford, Elgar and Sullivan and others. Entry £15 on the door.
• Saturday 27 at 4.30pm
  A talk about the organ by organ builder Michael Brighton followed by a recital by the parish’s seven organists. Entry free.
• Sunday 28 at 5.30pm
  A concert of instrumental music featuring local musicians Sue FitzGerald and Alison Wells, Jane Miller, Clive Miller and John Garner, and Jonny Fong and Jacqueline Li in a programme including, Brahms, Poulenc, Rutter, Piazzolla and more. Entry £10 on the door.
• Monday 29 at 12.00pm
  A ukulele workshop led by Martin Wheatley, with a picnic in the grounds. Pre-booking essential via email to alisongwells@me.com
  

More details are available on the festival programme available here.

May Music Festival

The 2023 Wanstead Fringe will be taking place from Saturday 9th September to Saturday 30 September – running for an unprecedented third week.

It will be the TENTH Wanstead Fringe and will be bigger than ever with plans going on all over Wanstead for events. There will be comedy, plays and music staged throughout the Fringe – here are some key dates for you:

Wanstead Kinema: Saturday 9 September
Wanstead Festival: Sunday 17 September
Wanstead Jumble Trail: Saturday 23 September
Wanstead Book Festival: Events from 9-30th all through the Fringe.

If you want to organise an event or be part of it, please fill out this Google Form – Fringe organisers will get back to you. Alternatively you can contact them on info@wansteadfringe.org

They are particularly keen on hearing from:

An enlightener: to help advise us about theatrical lighting

A details person: to help make sure administration is in tip-top condition

A persuader: to help convince people why they should support the fringe

Some doers: to help ensure Wanstead is fully bedecked with fringe decorations