How much has Wanstead changed?

A plaintiff cry sometimes heard amongst those who have lived in Wanstead for a while is that things aint what they used to be. Having lived here for 60 plus years I would question the claim. Yes, things have changed, often for the better but much has stayed the same. A former student of Aldersbrook Primary and Wanstead High schools, those schools continue to excellently serve the local community. A different pupil intake and the developments - including the swimming pool, in the case of Wanstead High - have brought change. But the biggest physical development in Wanstead over recent years, came in the 1990s,with the forcing through of the M11 Link Road. Some of us opposed. Though, the cut and cover approach has ensured that much of the road goes under George Green and beyond. The high street has changed in terms of different types of outlets. The boat shop, Woolworths and Stockdale's have gone. There are many more coffee shops now but that is as a result of different demands. There are excellent independent shops, well supported by the local community. The high street has managed to whether the threats posed by online deliveries, though these occur in practically every road in Wanstead these days. The community in Wanstead has always been strong, never more so than today. The Community Gardeners, Wren Group, Friends of Wanstead Park, Wild Wanstead, Wanstead Climate Action, and allotment holders, to name but a few - all make valuable contributions. There have been welcome new additions to life over recent years, like the Wanstead Festival, Wanstead Fringe and most recently the Wanstead Beer Festival. All signs of a vibrant community that cares. That care also manifests itself in strong protest when people are not happy. I joined with many others to oppose the M11 Link Road at time of construction. There has always been a strong voice for peace, with much activism following the 9/11 attacks in America. Then, the multi-faith group Peace and Justice in East London formed. More recently there has been action over Gaza and Ukraine. Some local people have made their voices heard recently over proposed new stalls on the high street. It is all part of living in a vibrant community, where people care. So, yes there has been change in Wanstead over the years, most good, some not so much. But the cry things ain't what they used to be rather emanates from the human condition. Life is a conveyor belt to the end. We all seek security and certainty - the notion of stop the world I want to get off is something that resonates with many of us. The reality is that the moment we are born everyone is on a journey to the end. The conveyor belt cannot be stopped, no chance to get off. We all have to live life as much, as possible, to the full and in the moment. I have enjoyed life in Wanstead and continue to do so. As a local Labour councillor for Wanstead Village over the past eight years, it has, for the most part, been a pleasure to serve. There is,though, still much to be done. I will not be standing as a Labour councillor next May, so now is time to look for the next challenge on the conveyor belt of life. And Wanstead offers lots of opportunities to do that.