BackFestive treasure hunt planned for Wanstead
The local community of Wanstead are invited to join in a free festive treasure hunt on Wanstead High Street on Friday 27 November to celebrate Christmas and the switching on of the Christmas lights.
The treasure hunt will be running between 15.30 and 18.00. The local community are welcome to get involved at any time during those hours. Please collect your treasure map from any of the following locations: Bike Trax, One Deko, Rio, Nice Croissant, The Orange Tree, Picture Perfect Gallery, The Larder, Blush Temples, Heads N Tails, Wanstead Domestic Appliances, Horsfall & Wright, Knock Down Ginger and Lillies of Wanstead.
The treasure hunt, organised by charity Living Streets and in partnership with Wanstead Business Partnership and Redbridge Council, is part of a fun packed day which includes the switching on of the Christmas lights and carol singing.
Treasure hunters are invited to get involved by attending any one of the 13 participating shops on the high street to collect their treasure map and then to follow clues down the high street, collecting treasure on the way. The participating shops, cafes and restaurants will also be featuring artwork designed by children from Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School and all those taking part in the treasure hunt will be entered into a free prize draw!
National charity Living Streets has been working in Wanstead through their Step Out in London project to help increase footfall on the High Street, following recent improvements, such as increasing lighting, improving paving and clearing excess street clutter. The aim of the treasure hunt is to encourage more people to walk locally and to feel proud of their neighbourhood and follows on from several successful historical walks in the area run in partnership with the Wanstead Society.
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets, said:
“The treasure hunt in Wanstead is an exciting opportunity for residents of Wanstead to really get to know the local shops, cafes and restaurants on the high street and is also a brilliant way to kick start the festive feeling. Our high streets are best explored on foot and the recent improvements in Wanstead by the council and TfL mean that walking around and enjoying the streets has never been so accessible.
“There are so many benefits to walking, not just to make the roads less congested and polluted, but to develop more of a community as you get to know your local area better. We are really excited about this event and encourage local residents to come down and join us.”
Scott Wilding of Redbridge Council said:
"Redbridge Council continue to work closely with Living Streets to promote the new infrastructure in Wanstead and walking in general. Living Streets chose to promote their stepping out projects in Wanstead because it’s an environment ripe for walking. We wish them success in their treasure hunt, and good luck to all who take part!"
If you would like any further information about the treasure hunt, please contact Tom Platt on 020 7377 4917 or email, tom.platt@livingstreets.org.uk.
ENDS
If you would like to find out more information or to send a photographer down to the event, please contact Anna Powell, Press Officer at anna.powell@livingstreets.org.uk, tel: 020 7377 4914.
Notes to editors
Living Streets’ Step Out in London project, funded by London Councils, is a new project working to promote more walking where physical environment improvements have been implemented across London. It will be implemented across 12 locations in London.
Living Streets, celebrating its 80th birthday this year, is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we campaign to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk.
We have been the national voice for pedestrians throughout our 80 year history. In the early years, our campaigning led to the introduction of the driving test, pedestrian crossings and 30mph speed limits. Since then our ambition has grown. Today we influence decision makers nationally and locally, run successful projects to encourage people to walk, and provide specialist consultancy services to help reduce congestion and carbon emissions, improve public health, and make sure every community can enjoy vibrant streets and public spaces.
Published on: 20/11/2009
