Wansteadium

So it’s now obvious what will become of the former Nationwide Building Society on Wanstead High St. Congratulations to those concerned!

In the dim and distant days of December, there were worries (remember?) that the Christmas tree sellers who were positioned on Christchurch Green would damage the grass.

That didn’t seem to happen, and it’s especially cheering to see that the daffodils which are in the same position are showing no signs of being affected either.

Ukraine aid donated by Redbridge residents is being delivered in person by the leader of Redbridge Council, Jas Athwal, who has been telling TV interviewers about the mission.

In the past 24 hours he’s been on C5, ITV and BBC London – here he is speaking to Jeremy Vine:

This week, we’re asking #HowYouCanHelp support the people of Ukraine.

We spoke to Councillor @Jas_Athwal, who’s currently delivering essential supplies to the Ukrainian border.

Ukraine: How You Can Help, on @channel5_TV at 9pm Friday@thejeremyvine | #JeremyVine pic.twitter.com/FvpLcLRXQk

— Jeremy Vine On 5 (@JeremyVineOn5) March 10, 2022

A new professional theatre company – the Wanstead Theatre Co – has been launched by a local actor. Its first production will be taking place in in April.

The company is the work of Fiona Gordon who has been the main mover in helping theatre come to the Wanstead Fringe, having been involved in the Railway Children and the Secret Garden productions.

The new company’s first production will be a revival of a play by Sue Townsend, creator of Adrian Mole. It is Bazaar & Rummage, a tale of a group of agoraphobics who decide to embark on self-help by staging a jumble sale.

It was originally staged at the Royal Court in 1982, and the new production will recreate the 80s feeling with the right tunes, outfits and even a real jumble sale going on in the interval. It will be complemented with a serving of chicken in a basket (or veggie alternative), promising that the whole experience will be a memorable first production.

Fiona said: “As we all know, Wanstead has everything! Except for a professional theatre company. Encouraged and supported by the Fringe over the years to bring productions like The Secret Garden made me realise that our community is full of creative talent and residents who really love theatre. Our mission is to employ local talent, wherever possible, and bring the quality of the West End to Wanstead.

“We are a community that can really talk to each other so when we think about future productions, I know we can ask for suggestions and ideas and consequently put on a show that Wanstead really wants to see.”

The venture is being supported by the Wanstead Fringe, which hopes that it will be the start of a long and fruitful relationship and will mean more live theatre taking place in Wanstead.

Giles Wilson, chair of the Wanstead Fringe, said: “The whole point of the Fringe is to encourage and support cultural activities in Wanstead, so it’s the best news that Fiona’s new company is getting off the ground.

“We know there’s huge appetite for cultural events taking place here, and so this is really good day.”

The company’s website is here. The production is also being supported by local estate agents Petty Son & Prestwich.

Tickets are now available online here, through Wansteadium. There will be eight productions between 21 and 30 April.

Bazaar & Rummage performances

Work appears to have begun on the controversial café kiosk on Christchurch Green. The development has been opposed by many people living nearby, and by High Street traders, though it’s not clear what the view is more widely and by users of the park.

In other news, Redbridge Council last week approved a £2m plan to upgrade all public toilets in the borough, including the adjacent block on the Green. This is certainly a good thing, in these times when public toilets seem to be disappearing.

Also noted is Wanstead Councillor Paul Donovan’s support for a Friends of Christchurch Green group bringing together people with an interest in the green, to help determine the future use of the space.

He wrote in the local Guardian:

Christchurch Green is in the centre of our community. It is the place where the Wanstead Festival and other community events take place and come to life. It is a space that belongs to us all – though with sometimes competing views.

There has been rancour amongst some over some recent developments. But nothing that cannot be resolved going forward.

Councillors have agreed to attend a meeting next month to discuss future developments on Christchurch Green.

Hopefully, this can be the start of a really positive dialogue, maybe a Friends of Christchurch Green group can be established, which empowers people to play a role in shaping the future of this green lung at the heart of Wanstead. It’s up to people to decide.

Wanstead High Street’s new organic grocer D’Vine Nature has opened with a selection of fruit, deli wares, household goods and organic wine and beer.

It’s an attractive mix of goods, with some items you probably wouldn’t have been able to buy elsewhere (fresh mung beans? vegan wine?). Clearly a lot of time and money has been spent on getting the prime position ready, and as is our tradition, we wish D’vine and its team the best of luck