Campaigns to defend the local community are vital for democracy

Campaigning has never been more important than it is today when it comes to retaining precious community assets. There is a proud tradition in Wanstead, from the campaign in the 1990s to stop the M11 Link Road (not successful) to Peace and Justice in East London during the noughties. The latter bringing together people of all faiths and none to call for peace, following the 9/11 attacks in America. There have also been individual campaigners like Sarah Hipperson, who went to Greenham Common - remaining for 20 years protesting against the placing of nuclear weapons there. Following the removal of the missiles, Sarah returned to Wanstead. More recently, the allotments in Redbridge Lane West came under threat. The multinational Cadent proposed to close the site for two years, throwing locals off carefully nurtured allotments. The allotment holders came together to campaign to save their allotments. Cadent conceded ground, agreeing to far less disruption, whilst the statutory work required on the gas works was done. A success for people power. Then, there has been the campaign to save Aldersbrook Medical Centre. The present custodians, the Richmond Road Partnership, have done an excellent job over the past five years. But now, the NHS managers want to cut the budget by 10 % making continuation not possible. The locals are understandably angry, with all opportunities to defend the present medical practice being taken up. A case of watch this space. There has been disquiet in the local community about the loss of the George as a Wetherspoons pub. Maybe, a campaign could develop here. Wetherspoons it seems do listen to local people. A Wetherspoons pub, the Rochester Castle, in Stoke Newington was under similar threat but due to protest, the chain rethought the decision, so now the pub remains. So campaigning does work. It is vital for local democracy that avenues to express concerns remain open. They are vital if community cohesion and vitality is to be maintained and increased. They do also result in the area being a better place to live. See: Save the George petition - https://www.change.org/p/save-the-george

Loss of George will be a blow for Wanstead

Many local people will have been disappointed to learn that the George pub in Wanstead is soon to cease being a Wetherspoons outlet. There are fans and foes of Wetherspoons pubs. They provide food and drink at reasonable prices. The George has been typical over the years, providing a place to go and socialise for young and old alike. Service has always been excellent. The pub has been particularly good with it's choice of beers on offer - always a good choice, sourced from local breweries. A number of snobs look down their noses at Wetherspoons pubs, most probably having never honoured such establishments with their presence. What the loss of a pub like the George does do is take away a basic rubric of the community. The pub is a community focus. Pubs generally are under pressure, with countless closures announced everyday across the country. Inflationary pressures have seen the price of drink and food head upwards. The prices have put many pubs beyond the means of some people already struggling to survive Yet, pubs are needed, especially in an increasingly atomised world. Somewhere to go and be with other people, rather than just the phone or laptop. Having a drink and some reasonably priced food. A hub, that should host local groups and community events. The appetite for such provision was evidenced with the Wanstead Beer Festival last October. Sold out early, there was certainly a great appetite for reasonably priced food and drink Hopefully, there will be similar support for our second festival this October. But can there be more? More community based pubs, prefaced on food and drink that most people can afford. Pop up pubs are a concept successfully run in many parts of the country. Maybe, there time has come here? There are ofcourse a number of local pubs in the area, offering a good service - they need support. But there needs to be more choice, especially at the lower end of the price bracket. It remains to be seen what will happen with the George. Many will miss the old place. But other new alternatives could emerge, that help foster that vital community spirit.Somewhere we can all go to eat ,drink and be merry at a reasonable price? Petition to Dave the George https://www.change.org/p/save-the-george

Review of Wild Men by David Torrance

published by Bloomsbury. £20 The main achievement of the first Labour Government of 1924 proved to be demonstrating that they were not wild men at all. The establishment clearly saw the mixture of working class representatives, elected in 1923, as a potential revolutionary threat to its existence. The British version of the Bolsheviks in Russia. What David Torrance clearly demonstrates is that they were anything but. There were the initial niceties of dress, certain suits for different occasions. The Prime Minister having to personally fund the furnishing of Downing Street. The lack of trust of the first Labour administration is amusingly illustrated with the story of four splendid silver candlesticks, which reappeared in the colonial office, as Labour minister Jimmy Thomas left. Central to the book is the figure of Ramsay Macdonald. The first Labour Prime Minister, he also took on the role of Foreign Secretary as well. It is the weaknesses of Macdonald that chart, to a large degree, the fate of the government. Torrance sets the scene in the early chapters before moving onto case studies of the main players. So there is the conservatism of characters like Macdonald and Chancellor Phillip Snowden balanced against the more radical Education Secretary, Charles Trevelyan and Health and Housing minister, John Wheatley. Wheatley's housing reforms, which led to 100,000s of new homes being built over the following years were one of the big successes of the government. The government only lasted nine months before largely self destructing due to Macdonald's bad decision making. The mishandling of a case against, John Campbell, the editor of the the Workers' Weekly, effectively saw the government fall. It didn't have to happen. Then, the infamous Zinoviev letter helped ensure defeat in the October 1924 election. But Torrance offers a shrewd assessment of the government's achievement. It proved it could govern, without upsetting the monarch the City or the general populace. That achievement - if it can be called such - set the blueprint for Labour Government's going forward, enthralled to the establishment, ever keen to please. Labour could be trusted. Macdonald's preference for the aristocracy and Conservatives began here, being later consummated with his role in forming the National Government in 1931. Perhaps, the most significant outcome of the first Labour Government was that in electoral terms it marked the replacement of the Liberals. So the decision of the combined Liberals of Herbert Asquith and David Lloyd George to support and at first sustain this Labour administration lead in the end to their own demise. And the formation of the two party system we still have today. Torrance provides an excellent accessible analysis, whilst also disproving the title. These were not wild men at all but easily mouldable future pillars of the establishment - as such they proved their worthiness to govern.

Skylarks need protection

The skylarks of Wanstead Flats have been an important part of the biodiversity of the area for many years. If you are taking an Easter walk across Wanstead Flats you may be lucky enough to hear and see one. That mesmeric song, as they ascend helicopter like into the air. Wanstead Flats has been an important site for the little bird for many years. However, together with many of our other native birds, the skylarks numbers have been dwindling. Some remain but they need help and protection, if numbers are to be restored. It was this challenge that led a few years ago to a small part of the Flats being cordoned off for the nesting season (between March and August). The temporary fence around a few acres adjacent to the Centre Road car park helped skylark numbers recover. It has been a slow process but progress has been made. This year, however, some human beings have decided that despite the huge space available, they want to walk through this specific area. It is not clear why, whether they are anti-skylark or anti-nature generally. Or maybe anti-people? They have repeatedly cut and vandalised the fence put up by the City of London Corporation (COLC) to protect the skylarks. It is all very frustrating but also difficult to fathom. There has never been a problem before. There are notices explaining what is going on. The local Wren Group are regularly in the area, explaining why the fences are up for this limited period. But it seems this year, some just don't want to co-operate. The Flats and Wanstead Park form a large part of the biodiversity mosaic of the area. We are lucky to have so many migrant birds coming through Wanstead. The rewilding efforts, the fantastic cows in the park - all is to be applauded. Local people love the area but we are the custodians for the future. It will be a sad legacy for future generations, if we destroy the habitat and presence of skylarks and other wildlife. There is already the scourge of rubbish dropped and dumped everywhere. It is only due to the heroic efforts of volunteers and the COLC that this is kept under control. If recent years have taught anything then it must be that no one is an island. All are dependent on each other and need to co-operate to survive. To a large extent, this is what happens but some, for whatever reason, seem determined to destroy things. The destruction will in the end take us all under, so let's come together to look after our precious Flats and Park, ensuring it lives on into the future.

Assisted dying debate

The debate over assisted dying has once again been hitting the headlines recently. Always, a difficult subject to discuss, it often splits opinion. A survey conducted by Dignity in Dying found 75% of the public in favour of assisted dying. The present situation, where assisted dying is against the law in the UK has caused much distress. Some, suffering, who can afford it, have been forced to go to Dignitas in Switzerland to die. Even then those accompanying can face legal consequences when they return home. This situation has led to the call for a similar service to be available at home. Why, those in favour ask, should people suffering terminal diseases not be allowed to decide when they want to die? Why should they be made to unnecessarily suffer? Good points. But on the other side, there are those who warn of a slippery slope to euthanasia, just getting rid of people deemed to not be of any use to society anymore or the old and vulnerable, unable to defend their basic right to life. The euthanasia point is particularly concerning, given the seeming ever lower value put on human life. Quotes from political leaders about letting the bodies pile high, during the recent COVID pandemic, betray an underlying tendency towards euthanasia. Older people being somehow seen as more expendable. Then, there is the role of the medical profession, who argue they are there to save, not take, life. The pressure that can be put on people by relatives and friends, consciously or unconsciously, is another worry. The debate needs to be had but it is a very difficult one to resolve. Some sort of restricted form of assisted dying with lots of checks in place maybe the way forward. But once on the statute book, these things can be relaxed and broadened over time. The major concern is over sanctity of life. No one should be made to go through unnecessary suffering and should be able to choose how they want to die. But nor should people deemed by others to lack value to society be simply disposed of. It is a very complex question, which it must be hoped is fully debated by Parliament before any binding decisions are made.

Wanstead High School memories

The 100th anniversary of Wanstead High School in 2024 is a momentous event. The school became Wanstead High when it turned comprehensive in the early 1970s. Previously, a grammar, the school was known as Wanstead County High School. Something some ex- pupils from that era like to emphasis. I went to Wanstead High from Aldersbrook Primary in the September of 1973. At the time the school was still split over two sites Wanstead and Aldersbrook - the school having been created, bringing together Wanstead County High School and Aldersbrook Secondary Modern. The first year, we were at Wanstead, second Aldersbrook and in the third term the whole school came together on the one site at Redbridge Lane West. A whole new building had been created, including sports hall, science labs, library, music area, theatre and humanities area. The school offered a great chance, especially for those who wanted to work and take the opportunities offered. The head was Donald Mackay, who had a rather austere persona. I tended to bracket him with Mr Mackay, the prison governor character (played by the actor Fulton Mackay) in the Ronnie Barker comedy Porridge. Mackay was ably supported by deputies Michael Jones and Nick Wheeler-Robinson. The team had a real commitment to the ideal of comprehensive education, giving everyone a chance, regardless of background. The austere image, though, did come crashing down, early on, when a relationship between Mackay and a former sixth former was revealed. The national media were out around the gates of the school. We pupils were told not to speak to them. Mackay left the school. He remained together with the former sixth former for some years thereafter. After an interim period when Jones was in charge, Phyllis Taylor took over as head, She remained head for the rest of my time at the school. The school had a number of characters over the years among staff and pupils. Sports and geography teacher Brian Arkle was a favourite - firm but fair. Brian loved a good cross country around Wanstead Park. He sadly died a couple of years ago, after retiring having spent his whole career at the school. He was a deputy for a number of years. Head of English, Bernard "Bugsy" Doyle was someone many ex-pupils will remember. A small, at times rather angry, aggressive man. Unsurprisingly, the Bugsy nickname came from his resemblance to a rabbit. Whilst English could be testing with Doyle, he knew his stuff and there were never any disciplinary issues in his classes. History teacher and cricketer, Paul Smethurst, was another from the era. A thorough teacher, who was another Wanstead lifer. He was at the school when Churchill visited in the early 1960s. The last big celebration at the school was for the 75th anniversary in 1999. It was fascinating to go back for the day, meeting staff and pupils - seeing how things had worked out. One conversation I remember in the main building that day was with Daniel Levy - now chairman of Tottenham Hotspur. Daniel was in my year, a member of House 4. His rise to fame and fortune came after he left Wanstead High. At the 75th, he was relaxed and chatting about the old days. He had yet to take over at Spurs at that point. Another, who rose to fame and fortune from my time at the school was Nick Berry. Nick was a couple of years younger than the rest of us but came to play football on the top field during the lunch times. Nick ofcourse went on to find fame as an actor in EastEnders (Wicksy), Heartbeat and Harbour Lights. He packed up acting a while ago but still lives in Essex. There are many more characters and tales to tell about times at Wanstead High. It was a great place to be educated, with good committed teachers and pupils who mostly wanted to learn. I still meet up for drinks with friends from those school years. There are also a number of groups, whereby people re-connect and share old memories. The present custodians appear to be carrying on the school traditions. Long may it last - looking forward to the 100th anniversary celebrations.

Review of Nye

Olivier Theatre, NT Michael Sheen stars in this timely account of Aneurin Bevin's transformative life, culminating in the creation of the NHS. The narrative is centred on looking back from Nye's deathbed, fittingly set in an NHS hospital ward. In fact the hospital aroma permeates throughout, when it is even a nurse serving the drinks in the House of Commons when Nye first meets Jenny Lee. The play, by Tim Price, looks back at the different experiences that formed Nye Bevan, from his time in the pits and local council to the House of Commons and ultimately battling the doctors over NHS contracts. There are great performances throughout, none more so than Sheen, who brings forth the vulnerabilities of the man, as well as his explosive energy and passion - all done whilst wearing pyjamas. The character of Winston Churchill looms large (literally), played by Tony Jayawardena. So, there is the joust during the war, with Nye a constant and almost solitary critic of Churchill's performance. There are illuminating lines,such as when he accuses Churchill of helping create the conditions that brought the rise of fascism.The paralleling of Churchill and Hitler is a refreshingly original slant. Also, Churchill's virulent opposition to the creation of the NHS as a socialist construct. A criticism is that there could be a little too much Churchill? Sharon Small is excellent as the sparky Jenny Lee, looking back with best friend Archie Lush (Roger Evans), on the years with Nye. Supporting his career, whilst always somewhat in the shadow. In some ways, it was only after Nye's death in 1960, that Lee came more into her own, as Minister for Arts under Harold Wilson, helping create the Open University. The diminutive Attlee is well portrayed (Stephanie Jacob), shrewd and at times seemingly attached to his desk. The dialogue is superb throughout, with Attlee rationalising how he can have Bevan, Ernest Bevin and Herbert Morrison in the same Cabinet (note to Kier Starmer). The right /left struggle is typified in a battle between Morrison and Bevan over the Act creating the NHS - Morrison opposed and representing "the Labour Party." There is also plenty of humour, a memorable quip when Nye admits he'll have to break the doctor's union to secure the NHS. Questioned by Morrison, he says it'll be fine, they're middle class. Nye is a memorable and timely production brought together by director Rufus Norris. There is a growing momentum throughout the play, possibly a little slow in the first half. But it explodes in the second, culminating in the creation of the NHS. At this point there were a few tears in eyes. The production shows what an impact one socialist can have in shaping genuine change. Whilst celebrating a truly remarkable life, the play also offers a challenge to the politicians of today, as to how they will take forward the great legacy of the NHS. So many who have attempted to stand on the shoulders of Nye Bevan have come tumbling down. *Nye, a co-production between the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre, runs at the Olivier theatre till 11 May (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk). *There will be a live performance broadcast worldwide on 23 April marking 100th National Theatre Live title (www.nye.ntlive.com) *Nye transfers to Wales Millennium Centre from 18 May to 1 June 2024 (www.wmc.org.uk)