Clinics in Redbridge will continue offering vaccination jabs over Christmas without a break. It is hoped that residents who do not celebrate Christmas and haven’t yet had their boosters (or indeed first or second shots) will take advantage of things being quieter than usual.
Details of clinic venues and times can be found below.
When the Christmas trees sellers landed on Christchurch Green in November, one of people’s worries was that the grass would be damaged.
Now that the sellers have departed, a superficial examination shows some bare patches on the grass, but no more than would be expected. Otherwise the sellers (who, reports agree, seemed like nice people) seem to have left the Green pretty much as they found it. The grass will no doubt recover – it’s hardy stuff.
But many readers will be wondering if this was an experiment which will be repeated. Anecdotally we hear there were not huge numbers of sales, though we have no actual evidence for that. There are also reports that the sellers suffered some vandalism.
Wanstead councillor Jo Blackman said the impact on high street retailers would be examined – it will be interesting to see if residents followed through on pledges to support their traditional sources for trees.
The venture was a part of the approach being taken by Vision, the charity which manages parks and libraries for Redbridge Borough Council, to generate income to fund its services. At least as far as Wanstead is concerned, this is not proving to be an uncontroversial effort.
We’ve been wondering what D’Vine Nature, soon to open next door to Wanstead Pharmacy, might be. We hoped against hope that the name might indicate a shop selling natural products, organic wine, perhaps even eco refills. Well well. The game is afoot.
A correspondent writes:
Today, a good number of older Redbridge residents enjoyed a hearty Christmas Lunch with all of the trimmings, at Age Concern (Corner House). Christmas Pudding, After Eights, and even wine was included. After lunch, everybody was informed that there was no charge today, because Daisy’s Florist was covering the cost, including a Terry’s Chocolate Orange each, for everybody to take home. It was such a generous thing for Daisy’s to do – especially after such a difficult year for traders. I would love the people of Wanstead to know about their kind gesture towards older people in the Community.
Wanstead folk have done pretty well in getting their vaccinations and boosters – in line with the national average, and ahead of Redbridge and Greater London averages.
The challenge to get Redbridge vaccinated and boosted is clearly in the council’s sights. Council leader Jas Athwal wrote in an email to residents:
Many of you will have been ill or have lost loved ones to this terrible virus and I am so sorry for any loss you may have endured. We also know many of you have had to cope with being put on furlough, having restrictions placed on your businesses and real impacts on you and your families’ health.
We also know that with the Omicron variant that we are not through this yet and we want you to be careful and ensure you have the vaccine and booster if you have not already.
The council is also running an online meeting tonight (Thursday) at 6pm to explain the extended regulations.
Join our virtual public meeting tonight at 6pm to learn more about Plan B of the government’s new guidelines & what it means for you.
— Redbridge Council (@RedbridgeLive) December 16, 2021
There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions with a live Q&A.
Save this link to tune in ➡️ https://t.co/ZbZxreO33v pic.twitter.com/sJuVm3Luw0
The pent-up enthusiasm for events completely overflows this weekend in Wanstead. Here is a quick rundown.
Christmas Present Appeal – a chance to drop off gifts for people who need them (new gifts only, please – suggested items include toiletry sets, Lego, Play Figures/dolls, Play Dough, Colouring Sets, Board Games, Magic Sets, Books, Stocking Fillers, £5 gift cards). Also needed are warm clothing and trainers for homeless men; also pants and socks (new). And items for the foodbank, including chocolates, selection boxes and non-perishable food items. Organised by the Tin in a Bin team. Drop off from 10am to 2pm at Wanstead Cricket Club.
Small Business Saturday – support the local High Street traders we all value so much. If you can buy something from them, rather than elsewhere, then you should.
Local Makers Market – the Christmas edition of this firm favourite returns, with local craftspeople showing handmade products, to the Christ Church halls from 11am to 4.30pm.
Charity Christmas Fair – from Wanstead Social Knitworks – knitted gifts raising money for the Corner House Project. At the Cuckfield from noon-5pm.
Wanstead Farmers Market -The forecast is now looking fine for the first of the Christmas farmers’ markets. 10am – 3pm.
Wanstead Church School Christmas Fair – Christmas carols, fair rides, games, face painting, Christmas shopping and good old fashioned festive fun at Wanstead Church School’s outdoor Christmas Fair. You can also book for children to have a magical Elsa experience: There is also a silent auction with items donated by local businesses 11am – 3pm.
Snaresbrook Primary School Christmas Fete and Silent Auction – Fun for all the family including Santa’s grotto, arts and crafts, carols and refreshments. 12pm – 3pm.
(More to come…)
(We have temporary glitches with our usual Events Calendar. Please for the time being let us know of any events by emailing them to events@wansteadium.com)
