Month: November 2024

Redbridge Council and the Sikh community, in a powerful display of unity, recently came together to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh Genocide.

To honour the victims, Redbridge Council, Vision RCL, and local community representatives collaborated to establish a profound and enduring memorial in the borough – the first of its kind in London. This memorial stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of the Sikh community and the importance of never forgetting the past.

A poignant and heartwarming ceremony was held to unveil a memorial tree and plaque near the Northbrook Road entrance of Valentines Park in Ilford. The chosen Indian Horse Chestnut tree, a symbol of resilience and remembrance, stands tall, inspiring us with the strength of the Sikh community who lost their lives in the massacre.

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots, also known as the 1984 Sikh massacre, was a series of organised pogroms against Sikhs in India following the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. Government estimates project that about 2,800 Sikhs were killed in Delhi and 3,350 nationwide, whilst other sources estimate the number of deaths at about 8,000–17,000.

The service began with Ardaas(prayer) and Shabad Kirtan (hymns), offering attendees a space for reflection and solidarity. Community leaders, residents, and representatives from various organizations gathered to honour the victims and reaffirm the values of unity and remembrance.

Guests included Wes Streeting MP, Jas Athwal MP Council Leader Cllr Kam Rai, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture, and Communities Cllr Namreen Chaudhry and other local councillors. Their heartfelt words underscored the importance of acknowledging past injustices and fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to members of the local Sikh community who have worked incredibly hard to make this happen. It’s hard to believe that 40 years have passed since this tragic event in India’s history.

Redbridge is a borough where people of different backgrounds and religions live in harmony, and unity is our strength. Redbridge has a long, proud tradition of being home to thousands of people from the Sikh community, and it is only fitting that we provide a permanent memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives in 1984. As Leader of the council, I felt enormous pride in being part of such a poignant and emotionally charged occasion. Too often we do not learn from the lessons of the past, and we must join together to oppose the persecution and oppression we see in the world today.”

Tasveer Singh Palray, who helped organise the memorial event, said: “Redbridge council has supported the Sikh Community in commemorating the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Sikh massacres in India. This is the first memorial of its kind in London and will help coming generations of Sikhs to remain connected with the historical events and atrocities committed. It will serve to educate the wider public, increasing empathy and mutual co-existence.”

Local Sikh organizations such as Karamsar Gurdwara, Singh Sabha London East, Dasmesh Darbar, and Ramgharia East London actively supported the event, underscoring the strong roots of the Sikh community in Redbridge. The Seva Team was also commended for their efforts in providing langar — the traditional Sikh practice of free community meals — to all attendees.

The memorial tree and plaque now symbolise the Sikh community’s resilience and the importance of remembering historical events to promote healing and education. Many

attendees expressed gratitude to Redbridge Council and Vision RCL for their leadership in facilitating this meaningful occasion.

The gathering concluded with prayers and a shared sense of unity as community members pledged to continue advocating for justice, awareness, and solidarity in the face of adversity.

People from across the borough, and from wider London, will be jingling their bells and flocking to our town centres, forests and country parks this year for Redbridge’s biggest ever Christmas.

Where in London – in the country in fact – can you walk right through a twinkling Christmas tree, get the perfect Instagram shot of your friends and family on an outdoor ice skating rink, meet the actual Batman before heading up an outdoor Christmas climbing wall at a Christmas event, meet the Grinch, then visit a Christmas craft market in the forest… and then round it all off watching a live festive show with your family? All in one borough!

All this and far more is happening in Redbridge this December, and it has put London Borough of Redbridge firmly on the map as having the best and biggest ever Christmas.

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder said, “The festive season is a wonderful time for families, and we’re thrilled to offer a variety of exciting events to make it even more special. From our magical Christmas Light-Up events to the bustling Christmas Markets at Hainault Forest and Valentines Mansion, there’s something for everyone. At Redbridge Drama Centre, you can enjoy enchanting Christmas shows like A Christmas Carol and The Snow Queen, as well as festive workshops. Don’t forget, you can pick up a real Christmas tree from Tree Amigos at Christchurch Green starting 22 November!”

Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said, “We are all about making Redbridge the best borough for local people to live in, and as part of this we have been working with partners to put on the biggest and best Christmas programme yet. Many of the activities on offer are free or low-cost and we hope this will give everyone a good dose of winter cheer and the chance to enjoy spending time making memories with friends and family.

“We haven’t done this alone, not by any stretch. The enormous event in Ilford has been organised and funded by Ilford BID, with partners including Exchange shopping Centre and Mercato Ilford. Vision have supported with the Christmas show, and other activities across our libraries and in Hainault Forest and at Fairlop Waters.

“We are grateful to Hasbro, who are kindly donating 35,000 brand new toys to children in our borough. We will be giving these to children most in need in Redbridge. We have been blown away by Hasbro’s generosity and know it will make Christmas so very special for these children. Thank you.”

The Grinch, who will be meeting people enjoying the festivities in Ilford High Road on 30 November said, “You may think, you may not know, that December in Redbridge it will snow. Soon I’ll be in Ilford town, so grab your friends and come on down!”

Luke Jenkins, Managing Director of Mercato Metropolitano said, “We’re excited to share our very first Christmas with the wonderful Ilford community, filling the season with festive cheer. The MM team has created a dazzling line-up of events that promise joy and fun for everyone. From our MM family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

For details of Vision Christmas events see our dedicated Christmas page.

For more event listings over the Christmas period:

• Visit the inIlford website
• Visit the Mercato Metropolitano website.
• Visit the Exchange Ilford website
• Visit the Space Studios website

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure (Vision) is overjoyed to announce its nomination as a finalist in the ‘Most Improved Performer’ category for Parks, Open Spaces, and Horticulture Services at the upcoming APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Performance Networks Awards.

This prestigious recognition places Vision among other top contenders, including Hull City Council, Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, West Lothian Council, and Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council.

The nomination highlights the progress made since the 2021/22 performance period, as measured against achievements in 2023/24. The success of initiatives like the restoration of Hainault Forest – crowned with a Green Apple Award – has played a pivotal role. Additionally, Vision’s efforts to reduce the cost of services to Redbridge Council, its robust public engagement initiatives, and a steadfast focus on maintenance standards have contributed to this nomination.

For years, Vision has been a high performer in APSE ratings, particularly excelling in cost efficiency despite managing an extensive portfolio of green spaces. This nomination underscores the team’s dedication to delivering exceptional service while fostering sustainability and community engagement.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday 5 December, in Blackpool. Regardless of the outcome, the nomination alone is a testament to the unwavering efforts and commitment of the entire team.

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder said:
“This recognition reflects the collective hard work and passion of everyone involved in managing our parks and open spaces. We are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and grateful for the contributions of all staff and volunteers. This nomination is truly a team effort.”

Vision extends its gratitude to all staff and volunteers for their contributions and encourages everyone to share in this moment of celebration.

For more information about the APSE Performance Networks Awards and finalists, visit the APSE website.

Wanstead Leisure Centre will undergo a temporary closure from Monday 9 December to accommodate extensive renovation work aimed at enhancing the facilities for members and guests. Scheduled to reopen on Wednesday 8 January 2025, the project will include major upgrades to the gym floor, with structural improvements designed to elevate the fitness experience at the centre.

During this period, the entire ground floor will be impacted, including the gym, studios, changing rooms, and reception areas. To ensure the safety of members and staff, the centre must close until the renovations are complete. Vision RCL encourages its members to take advantage of alternative options to maintain their fitness routines.

Alternative Options for Vision RCL Members

Existing Vision members have the flexibility to either freeze their membership or access any of Vision RCL’s other facilities, which are available at no additional cost. These facilities include:

• The Gym & Library at Redbridge Drama Centre – new gym relocated from South Woodford Library & Gym
• Woodford Green Library & Gym (please note this is our smallest gym, due to the extra demand there may be waiting times for equipment) 
• Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre 
• Mayfield Leisure Centre 
• Loxford Leisure Centre 

Group exercise classes will be relocated to Wanstead Library and Fullwell Cross Library in addition to classes now available at Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB. All new class locations will be updated on the Vision app.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to an improved Wanstead Leisure Centre in January.

On Saturday 16 November, Hampstead Heath’s iconic Parliament Hill Fields came alive with energy and excitement as over 1,900 young athletes from all 32 London boroughs and the City of London gathered for the London Youth Games (LYG) Cross Country event. This flagship competition marked the start of the 2024/25 season, promising an exhilarating year ahead!

A huge congratulations to the 69 Redbridge runners who gave their all on the challenging course. Our teams achieved fantastic results:

• Boys Team: 8th overall
• Girls Team: 10th overall
• Standout performances included:
  • 4th in U11 Boys (out of 224 runners)
  • 8th in U11 Girls (out of 198 runners)
  • 7th in U13 Boys (out of 233 runners)
  • 10th in U13 Girls (out of 246 runners)

The event wasn’t just about medals – it showcased the power of sport to bring communities together. With nearly equal participation from boys (51%) and girls (49%), the London Youth Games highlighted its commitment to gender balance. The diversity of participants was a true reflection of London’s vibrant community, with 26% identifying as Asian, Black, Mixed Race, or other ethnicities, and 1.2% of athletes identifying as having a disability.

Inclusivity remains at the heart of the Games, as 32% of competitors came from areas ranked in the top five most deprived deciles on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, ensuring opportunities for all.

Cross Country continues to play a vital role in promoting physical and mental well-being, building confidence, and fostering a sense of community among young athletes.

Watch the London Youth Games Cross Country event here:

Want to join the action? Registration for the London Youth Games 2025 is now open! Register here.

We are thrilled to announce that not one, but two Redbridge parks – Hainault Forest and Valentines Park – have been recognised among the UK’s Top Ten parks in the prestigious People’s Choice Awards 2024. This annual award by Keep Britain Tidy celebrates the nation’s best-loved parks, with over 21,000 people casting their votes.

Hainault Forest has achieved a top ten ranking for two consecutive years, while Valentines Park has been voted into the top ten an impressive nine times since 2012. These awards highlight the continued support and love from the local community for our cherished green spaces.

All nine of Redbridge’s Green Flag-awarded parks were eligible for the People’s Choice Awards, reflecting Keep Britain Tidy’s standards which recognises parks that are well maintained, clean and welcoming green spaces for recreation and relaxation.

Valentines Park, known for its picturesque Grade II listed building, boasts the largest outdoor gym in London, newly refurbished tennis courts, and will soon feature a 25-meter, six-lane swimming pool with modern changing facilities, a children’s splash pad, café, gym, dance studio, meeting room, outdoor recreation areas, and convenient parking – set to open in autumn 2025.

Since its recent redevelopment, Hainault Forest has seen a remarkable increase in visitors enjoying its new and enhanced amenities, which include the charming 1856 Café, the Woodland Trust Visitor Centre, Foxburrows Farm, and engaging craft studios.

Martin Solder, Chair of Vision Trustees, said,

“All of Redbridge’s parks and open spaces are uniquely beautiful and cherished by our staff and local community. We are incredibly proud that two of our parks have been named among the best in the country. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Parks team, who maintain the highest standards for our green spaces.”

Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “We now have two of the best parks in the country right here in Redbridge on our doorstep. I’m very proud of the work and investment we’ve delivered at Hainault Forest, renovating the old Victorian barns and creating attractions for local families to enjoy. It is the perfect day out for our neighbours who enjoy beautiful landscapes, nature paths, taking the dog for a walk, and fun, free activities for children.

We will also deliver London’s first new lido in decades in Valentines Park next year. Very few local authorities are currently investing in leisure facilities on this scale.

“I would like to thank our brilliant Parks Officers, who brave all weathers to keep them in such beautiful condition. We work extremely hard to keep our parks clean and tidy, and we ask that people keep them tidy and take the same pride in them that we do. Everyone has a part to play in keeping Redbridge clean and safe.”

Find out more about our fantastic parks in Redbridge.