Wansteadium’s property blogger George C Parker writes:
Friends, Wansteadians, Countrymen, the only way is up. Temperatures? Up. Bunting? Up! Jubilympics-fuelled joie de vivre? Up!
Perhaps we have waited a little longer for their arrival this year, but the recently-beaming summer rays of 2012 have probably come as a relief to most who do not sell umbrellas and galoshes for a living. Finally, after what seemed like three months of April showers, we find ourselves on the cusp of a season of celebrations. And given the economic tribulations of the adjacent past, I think we’ve more or less earned them.
Similarly, gazillions of international visitors are coming to the capital to join the party. So let us give up our transport system to the incoming hordes, and take advantage of the verdant pastures of Wanstead while the sun shines. Commuting? Hang it high! I commend all those office dwellers who can work remotely to take advantage of the High Street, the Library or even the Greens to connect to the City over wifi or 3g. You won’t miss the train trip one bit.
• For those not currently resident in Wanstead, then please consider this very well equipped Olympic let. You could use it as a try-before-you-buy in our dearly beloved locality, or with all that built-in high-end stereo gear, perhaps even upstage the post-closing ceremony after party.
• For those planning to stay after the street parties and Games have subsided, take a look at this charming Dangan Road property. Although not all original features survive, this is a lovely example of a well-situated and handsome Victorian redbrick family home. This ticks all the boxes in terms of location and neighbourhood. And as we know, Dangan Road (like Spratt Hall Road) has basically become a private road in terms of parking.
• And finally friends, following my enthusiasm a few weeks ago for a Wanstead open-air film festival – Open Kinema, we were going to call it – I thought it was time for an update. My colleagues and I have been doing some research, and have found a number of ways this could be brought to pass. The problem is, I fear, that it’s hard to mount from a standing start. None of it comes cheaply or easily, and in the absence of someone willing to underwrite to the tune of about £2-£3,000, it’s going to be a challenge. So THAT must be the explanation for the £5 tub of popcorn. But we haven’t given up hope and will keep you informed. (And if you are a lottery winner, recipient of a big City bonus, or naked beautiful commercial interest and would like to do something good for Wanstead, drop me a line… georgecparker [at] wansteadium.com )