Wansteadium

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

Working parties are continuing this week to restore the flow of the River Roding through Wanstead Park. The plan, which is welcome volunteers, aims to improve the variation and flow of the river through the park so that wildlife and biodiversity can be supported.

Organisers Thames21 say: “This section of the Roding has the potential to be a lovely stretch of river. Currently it is overwide, over straightened and lacking any variation in flow. To complete these tasks volunteers will be putting on waders/wellies and jumping in the river, there will also be a few activities to do on the banks for people that do not feel comfortable getting in the water.

“Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary. We provide all the tools, equipment and training so you can turn up and get involved. Please book your place in advance so that we can keep tabs on numbers of volunteers attending. You don’t have to sign up to all the days, just sign up to those that you are available.”

The working parties are taking place on 1, 2 and 4 March from 10am to 3pm. More details are available here.

The Wanstead Village sign at Snaresbrook is no more, a victim of the wind, plus also what looks like perhaps not the best selection of timber for a signpost. The signs were put up in 2010, when we wrote this guide to what they mean.

(Pictures: Tina Nieman Da Costa)

What do Wanstead’s new ‘village’ signs mean?

Mas Beg, the long-time owner of Wanstead pet shop Heads ‘n’ Tails, has decided to retire after 24 years running the much-treasured institution.

The premises is to let, and Mas hopes that a new owner will want to continue running the shop in a similar vein to the way he has for the past two-and-a-half decades. Though he stopped selling birds, fish and other pets last year, the shop is highly valued by Wanstead pet owners. It sells a huge amount of pet supplies, plants and household goods, and for many years it also seemed like one of the only shops on the High Street which sold anything useful.

Mas told Wansteadium the only reason for him deciding to leave was that it was time to retire, and that he would miss his legion of faithful customers. He was chosen by the Wanstead Society as Shopkeeper of the Year in 2010.

Mas, on behalf of the people of Wanstead, we thank you for your cheerful service.