March 2025 • Vision RCL

Month: March 2025

On Tuesday 11 March, the prestigious Royal Albert Hall came alive as the 25th Redbridge Choral Festival took centre stage. Over 2,000 performers joined in this musical celebration. This milestone event, established in 1976, was not only a showcase of musical excellence but also marked the 60th anniversary of the London Borough of Redbridge and the Redbridge Music Service.

With the theme “The Stars of Tomorrow,” the festival highlighted the incredible talents of students from Redbridge schools, choirs, Redbridge Music Service, Redbridge Drama Centre, Kenneth More Theatre and invited guest singers which collectively forms Redbridge Creates. This year’s festival particularly celebrated the strong collaboration across Arts, Culture and Libraries, whose joint efforts have been instrumental in mentoring and guiding young artists to perform live. Their partnership continues to enrich the borough’s vibrant cultural scene, nurturing talent and fostering creativity.

The Redbridge Choral Festival has long been a pillar of the community, providing a platform for aspiring musicians to perform in one of the world’s most iconic venues. This year’s event paid tribute not only to the talented young performers but also to the generations of artists, educators, and supporters who have shaped Redbridge’s musical setting.

Attendees were treated to a diverse range of performances spanning classical choral pieces, contemporary arrangements, and original compositions. The Royal Albert Hall’s grand stage provided the perfect setting for the breath-taking harmonies and powerful voices that echoed throughout the historic venue.

Vice Chair of Vision Trustees, Catherine Rowan, said:
“The collaboration between Redbridge Music Service and Redbridge Creates is a testament to Vision’s commitment to provide opportunities where young people can thrive. Their dedication to fostering the next generation of musicians and performers ensures that Redbridge’s musical legacy continues to thrive.”

Redbridge Music Service has played a vital role in developing musical talent for six decades. The Kenneth More Theatre has been producing performances and home-grown talent for five decades and Redbridge Drama Centre has been supporting and promoting the Performing Arts within the borough since 1969. This year’s event was a remarkable tribute to Redbridge’s artistic legacy and a promising glimpse into its future. With such an extraordinary display of passion and skill, the Stars of Tomorrow have certainly made their mark, proving that the borough’s musical heritage is stronger than ever.

Watch our short video clip on the work behind Redbridge Choral Festival:

During the Easter period our leisure centres, libraries and other facilities will have different opening hours. Please see the opening hours listed below, or for more information please visit our individual centre pages.
Find out more about your local sport and leisure centre
Find out more about your local library
Find out more about theatre

For more information on our Easter Holiday activities view the Children’s Events page.

Parks & Open Spaces

All of our parks and open spaces remain open as usual.

Theatre & Heritage

Libraries

Sport & Leisure

Vision Libraries proudly announces its recognition as finalists and runners-up in the Digital Category at the prestigious Edge Awards held in Edinburgh. This accolade celebrates the service’s ground-breaking initiative, Tickets for the Afterlife’, which addresses the often-taboo subjects of death, dying, and grief through a creative and sensitive lens.

The Edge Awards honour libraries that demonstrate innovation and creativity, leading to tangible impacts in their communities. By reaching the finals, Vision Libraries showcases its commitment to fostering meaningful conversations and support around end-of-life planning.

About “Tickets for the Afterlife”
Originally conceived as a physical installation, Tickets for the Afterlife’ evolved into an interactive web app during the Covid-19 lockdowns, reinforcing the library’s role as a supportive space in difficult times. The app guides users through contemporary practices surrounding death and offers thoughtful book recommendations, empowering individuals to navigate choices related to their bodies, memories, and legacies after death.

This project, a collaboration between Vision Libraries, Kirklees Libraries, Newcastle Libraries, Dr Stacey Pitsillides, and Professor Claire Nally from Northumbria University, has continued to thrive three years after its launch and is still actively utilised across all three library services.

The work behind “Tickets for the Afterlife” emphasizes the invaluable role that public libraries play as compassionate and trusted spaces, encouraging necessary yet often delicate conversations about mortality.

Anita Luby, Head of Culture & Libraries, expressed her pride, stating: “We are delighted that the work of Vision Libraries and our partners has been recognised at these prestigious awards. Being named finalists is an incredible boost for all the teams involved. We’re thrilled that the judges acknowledged our creativity and ingenuity, coupled with our collaborative spirit and passion for supporting our communities through this magnificent resource. Since its launch three years ago, ‘Tickets for the Afterlife’ has continued to flourish, helping us connect wider audiences with new ideas and literature in our collections.”

Martin Solder, Chair of Trustees, added: “I am delighted to see the impactful work of Vision Libraries and our colleagues from Northumbria University, Kirklees, and Newcastle Libraries recognized in this way. I take great pride in the fact that this initiative began right here in Redbridge, driven by innovative thinking to connect with our community on a vital yet challenging topic that touches us all.”

The digital category was judged by Ned Potter from the University of York, who remarked: “I’ve been in librarianship for a long time, and I can’t remember seeing such an original idea as this. Libraries are at the heart of community, but that doesn’t happen automatically. Redbridge identified a unique way to provide support in an area that is universally relevant – dying, death, and grief -doing so in a friendly and accessible manner. ‘Tickets for the Afterlife’ is beautifully designed, completely unique, and immensely valuable – a brilliant piece of work.”

This initiative was generously funded by the Wellcome Trust, Carnegie UK, and The Wolfson Foundation, as part of the Engaging Libraries Phase 2 programme.

For more information about “Tickets for the Afterlife” and the ongoing work of Vision Libraries, please to The Death Positive Library page.

Looking for a fun, affordable way to keep your kids active and entertained during the Easter holidays? Look no further than the Redbridge Holiday MegaMix! This Easter, Redbridge is offering a variety of exciting taster sessions designed for children aged 5 and up. These sessions, taking place in local venues across the borough and are the perfect opportunity for your child to try out something new, learn valuable skills, and have tons of fun – all while staying active.

These sessions are open to children of all abilities, from beginners to those with some experience on the court. The best part? All tennis equipment is provided, so there’s no need to worry about purchasing anything beforehand.

What to Expect from the Easter Tennis Taster Sessions

Whether your child has never picked up a racket before or has already developed a passion for the game, these tennis taster sessions are the perfect introduction or opportunity for improvement. Guided by skilled, caring staff and an LTA-qualified coach, your child will engage in a series of fun and interactive tennis activities that cater to all skill levels. They’ll learn the basics of tennis, including proper technique, footwork, and rallying, while also enjoying the social aspect of the game with their peers.

In addition to skill-building, the sessions will include innovative games and training exercises that focus on developing important tennis techniques in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. Whether it’s their first time on the court or they’re looking to sharpen their skills, children will receive the support and guidance they need to succeed. They’ll also have opportunities to compete in friendly matches and demonstrate their new abilities.

Why Choose the Redbridge Tennis Taster Sessions?

  • Affordability: With affordable rates for all families, the Redbridge Holiday Megamix ensures your child has access to top-quality coaching and other great activities as part of Megamix without breaking the bank.
  • Inclusive: These sessions are open to children of all abilities, so whether your child is a complete beginner or a budding tennis star, they will find a place to develop and have fun.
  • Professional Coaching: The sessions are led by qualified coaches, including an LTA-certified professional, ensuring children get the best guidance and support possible.
  • Fun and Friendship: Not only will your child learn new skills, but they’ll also make new friends in a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment. It’s the perfect opportunity to build social skills while staying active.
  • Local & Convenient: All sessions are held at easily accessible local venues, making it simple for families to join in the fun without the hassle of long travel times.

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and have fun this Easter. The Redbridge Holiday Megamix offers an unforgettable experience for kids who want to explore tennis or take their passion for the sport to the next level.

Sign up today and give your child the chance to develop new skills, make lasting memories, and enjoy the spirit of healthy competition!

Redbridge Holiday Megamix also includes a number of great activities throughout the Easter – find out more and book your places for these sessions today – spaces are limited.

Find out more about Redbridge Holiday MegaMix and book your session today

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to refresh your garden! Clear out dead leaves, flowers, and twigs to make space for new growth.

Green garden waste bags are now available at all Redbridge Libraries for just £2 each (maximum 5 per property).

Payment options: Debit Card, Apple Pay, Android Pay (all libraries) or cash (Redbridge Central Library only).
Proof of residency required (e.g., council tax document or driving licence)

Redbridge Council will collect:

  • Hedge cuttings
  • Grass cuttings
  • Weeds
  • Garden plants
  • Flowers
  • Dead leaves
  • Twigs

Description of the service

The service is only available for kerbside collections from residential properties with their own gardens. The service is not available for business premises, allotments or flats without attached gardens.

We offer an assisted garden-waste collection service for residents who are currently receiving assisted collections for their household waste and recycling.

You can check your day of collection on the Redbridge Council website

PLEASE NOTE, YOU NEED TO BE LOGGED IN AND THE GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION DATES WILL NOT SHOW UNTIL 2 WEEKS BEFORE SERVICE STARTS

Composting

Composting is nature’s process of recycling food and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient rich food for your garden. By home composting you can:

  • Reduce your household and garden waste. This means less waste has to be transported and processed elsewhere – a win for the environment!
  • Save money. Once you’ve purchased your compost bin, there is nothing else you need to buy. You’ll then be continuously creating your own soil improver which could be ready in just 6-12 months, for free!
  • Improve your garden. Adding compost to your garden will enrich your soil with nutrients, improve the soil structure, reduce pests, and build resilience in your garden. Adding it as a mulch around plants can also help to suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature, and retain moisture.
  • Support wildlife. Composting at home creates a great environment for insects such as worms and beetles. They will work hard digesting your food and garden waste into valuable soil improver.
  • Get outside. Even a short trip outside to your compost bin is a great opportunity to get some fresh air!

Free online composting training

As a Redbridge resident, you can complete free online composting training, provided by Garden Organic.

The course has five modules that you can select, from basics to in depth knowledge, including videos and quizzes. Each section lasts 10 to 20 minutes. You can just stick with the basics or go through everything if you wish – all at your own pace. You can come back to the course at any time, so it doesn’t have to be completed at once.

Sign online on the East London Waste Authority website

Community composting in Redbridge Parks

In Autumn 2024 we launched two brand new community composting sites in Redbridge parks – to help residents reduce waste and carbon, and to create soil improver to be used within the parks.

The sites are accessible during park opening times and are particularly useful for those local to the parks, who are unable to compost at home due to lack of outside space.

Items that can be composted here include uncooked fruit and vegetables, peelings, tea bags, coffee grounds, paper caddy liners, and unwrapped dead flowers. You can use a kitchen caddy or any similar receptacle (such as an empty ice cream tub) to store your food in at home, but please do not use compostable food bags to line your caddy or receptacle. If you would like to use a liner, please use brown paper bags, newspaper or thin carboard such as a cereal box, these items can all be deposited in the compost bin with your food waste. A list of accepted materials can be found at each site.

For more information please visit the Redbridge Council website.

We are excited to announce the return of our Community Action Days for 2025, offering a fantastic opportunity for local residents, groups, and organisations to come together and help enhance and maintain our parks and green spaces.

Community Action Days: Making a Difference in Our Parks

From March to October 2025, Vision RCL Parks will be hosting a series of Community Action Days at various parks across the borough. These hands-on events are an excellent chance for individuals, charities, and organisations to actively contribute to the upkeep and beauty of our local parks. Whether you want to give back to your community or simply enjoy the outdoors, there is a spot for you.

Activities include:

  • Planting flowers to brighten green spaces
  • Weeding and mulching for a cleaner, healthier environment
  • Litter picking to maintain pristine parks
  • Pruning trees and bushes for safety and aesthetics
  • Hard surface maintenance to ensure paths remain safe and accessible

Each action you take directly supports a cleaner, greener environment and promotes community well-being.

Community Action Days Dates and Locations (All events run from 11 AM – 12 PM):

  • Goodmayes Park: April 12, May 24, July 5, August 16, September 27
  • Seven Kings Park: April 19, May 31, July 12, August 23, October 4
  • Clayhall Park: April 26, June 7, July 19, August 30, October 11
  • Uphall Recreation Ground: March 22, May 3, June 14, July 26, September 6, October 18
  • Elmhurst Gardens: March 29, May 10, June 21, August 2, September 13, October 25
  • Barkingside Recreation Ground: April 5, May 17, June 28, August 9, September 20

No matter where you live, there’s an opportunity to get involved and make a difference in your local park.

Martin Solder, Chair of Vision Trustees, said:
“We are thrilled to bring back Community Action Days in 2025, offering a great opportunity for local residents and organisations to come together and make a real difference in our parks and green spaces. These events not only help to enhance the beauty of our parks but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. At Vision RCL, we are committed to creating cleaner, greener spaces for everyone, and we encourage everyone to get involved and join us in making a positive impact.”

Our Parks Scheme: Long-Term Engagement with Local Green Spaces
In addition to the Community Action Days, Vision RCL is proud to offer the Our Parks Scheme, a long-term initiative that allows organisations, charities, and individuals to remain involved in park upkeep. This scheme provides valuable visibility and the opportunity to build trust within the community, all while contributing to the well-being of your neighbours.

How to Get Involved
Ready to make a positive impact? Signing up is easy. Simply visit the Vision RCL website to find your nearest Community Action Day and book your spot. Whether you’re joining us for one event or committing long-term, every contribution helps create a greener, healthier community for all.

We look forward to working together to improve our parks for everyone. Stay tuned for Love Parks Week running from 25 July – 3 August 2025. 

Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure are thrilled to have been shortlisted for the ‘Supporting Young Londoners’ award for the London Sport Awards 2025.

The Supporting Young Londoners Award celebrates the outstanding work of individuals, organisations and educational facilities who are providing young people (under the age of 25) with a better opportunity to enjoy doing sport and physical activity. This award is presented by London Sport who aims to break the link between inactivity and inequality to improve the health and well-being of those from the most deprived communities, and recognises other individuals, educational facilities or organisations with the same intentions in mind by hosting the London Sport Awards.

The London Sport Awards celebrate the inspiring stories of those improving the lives of Londoners through sport and physical activity, and Vision have been shortlisted in regards to our Redbridge Holiday MegaMix programme which consists of a variety of affordable taster sessions available for children, with all sessions will be held in local facilities around the borough of Redbridge. The next Redbridge Holiday MegaMix will take place in Easter 2025, so keep an eye on our website for more information on how you can take part and get involved in fun and affordable activities throughout the borough.

The London Sport Awards will be returning on Thursday 27 March 2025, and we look forward to seeing the results then.

Find out more about the London Sport Awards 2025

Redbridge Libraries Secures Over £18,000 from Arts Council England project grants for Pioneering Festival celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure has successfully secured £18,560 in funding from Arts Council England to deliver Tech Ilford 2025, an exciting festival led by Redbridge Libraries which will celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM). Taking place on Saturday, 14 June 2025, the event will transform Redbridge Central Library into a vibrant hub of creativity and exploration.

The festival will feature an array of activities, including virtual reality painting, a Braille wall creation, and an interactive green screen workshop, giving participants the chance to explore the inspiring possibilities of art and technology. Families can also look forward to hands-on sessions with geometric drawing, 3D printing pens, and creative challenges that combine science and art.

Tech Ilford 2025 will take over Redbridge Central Library, SPACE Ilford gallery, and parts of Ilford High Street, delivering a packed day of activities for all ages. The festival’s pre-events, including workshops at branch libraries across the borough, will offer more opportunities for the community to engage and get excited about STEAM.

This year’s event is a collaborative effort, with contributions from creative practitioners, local organisations, and partners which includes SPACE Ilford, RNIB, and Transition Town Ilford. Designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and learning, the festival also reinforces the vital role of libraries as cultural and digital hubs in the community.

Keep an eye out for the full festival programme and announcements about participating artists.

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder said:
“We’re thrilled to have secured funding from the prestigious National Lottery Projects Fund for Tech Ilford. This popular festival, led by our library service, will use this support to build new partnerships, provide the community with innovative experiences and digital opportunities, and establish Redbridge Central Library as the cultural and creative heart of Ilford.”


About Arts Council England and Projects Grants

Arts Council England are the national development agency for culture and creativity. Their role is to help communities experience and benefit from creativity. They do this through investment in artists and organisations who make and deliver exceptional and inspirational work.

The National Lottery Project Grants is an open access programme for arts, libraries and museums projects. The fund benefits thousands of projects throughout the country.

Fullwell Cross Library, a landmark of architectural and cultural significance, has officially reopened following an extensive refurbishment. Originally opened in March 1968 by Redbridge Council, the library was designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd, one of the UK’s most influential post-war architects and town planners. His impressive portfolio includes Heathrow Airport’s early terminals, Harlow New Town, the London Central Mosque, and Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral, which shares striking design similarities with Fullwell Cross Library.

After a temporary closure during the summer of 2024, the library welcomed back visitors on 1 August following the completion of the first phase of renovations. The comprehensive refurbishment, delivered by Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure, has transformed the space with modern enhancements, including:

  • A sensory nook and soft play equipment for the children’s library
  • Creating a dynamic new digital maker space called Lab FX will enable local communities to experience cutting-edge technologies such as Virtual Reality, Coding, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Robotics, and 3D printing.
  • Curated ‘hidden museum’ boxes
  • Fun gaming projections in the children’s library to encourage kids to engage in more physical activity
  • Graphics on walls
  • More study areas throughout the library and dedicated spaces for group activities and event
  • Refurbishment of library halls and kitchen
  • Tablet loaning equipment
  • The installation of specialist sensory equipment to support individuals with cognitive challenges
  • Upgrades to digital equipment and WIFI

On Friday 28 February 2025, a special ceremony was held to celebrate this transformative milestone for Fullwell Cross Library. Guest speeches were given by Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, Wes Streeting MP for Ilford North, and Sophie Lancaster from Arts Council England. The ceremony was completed with a ribbon-cutting by the Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Sheila Bain, to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the library and its local community.

Wes Streeting MP for Ilford North
Mayor of Redbridge, Councillor Sheila Bain cutting ribbon at Fullwell Cross official opening
Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council

Welcoming guests to the event, Vision expressed gratitude for the continued support from Redbridge Council, Library Improvement Fund from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), administered by Arts Council England.

Vice Chair of Vision Trustees, Catherine Rowan said:

“The Fullwell Cross Library has long been a cornerstone of the local community, providing vital services including access to books, digital resources, study spaces, and community events. The refurbishment has introduced modern amenities, improved accessibility, and a refreshed interior to create a more welcoming environment for all visitors.”

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said:

“Fullwell Cross Library is a much-loved facility in the heart of Barkingside that owes its success to the community it serves.  We understand the importance of libraries to local communities. That’s why, despite the worrying trend of library closures across the country, we are committed to keeping all eleven libraries in Redbridge open, ensuring that our residents have access to these vital resources. “The days of simply borrowing a book are long gone, and we’ve recognised the need to invest in technology and services that align with the digital age. This investment ensures that Fullwell Cross remains a community hub for people to come in and enjoy their leisure time in a modernised, safe environment.”

To find out more about see our centre page for Fullwell Cross Library.

New wave of home-grown creatives to lead community-led projects across East London

15 artists from East London have been selected as part of a pioneering new programme to commission exceptional new artwork alongside local communities. Projects will include permanent public artworks, original theatre and large-scale outdoor performances and street carnivals, all with a strong community voice.

The artists include photographers, digital artists, zine-makers, illustrators, sculptors, writers and performers, graphic novelists, film makers, socially engaged and archive artists. They will be working alongside some of the least represented people in East London when it comes to art and culture, unlocking creative potential across the region and allowing people from every background to get involved in high quality creative projects.

The project is part of a pilot across Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge, where four local arts organisations have joined together to champion local talent and build their skills in producing community-led creative work.

Over 100 artists applied for the opportunity through an open call. The 15 successful artists will work with Art School Plus, experts in artistic collaborations and training, to further develop their creative approaches. They will then go on to work on specific commissions in one of the four East London areas.

The artists are:

  • Abel Holsborough, socially engaged artist exploring everyday histories though photography, performance and writing
  • Briony Campbell, socially engaged artist and facilitator specialising in education, health and research
  • Christina Ford, socially engaged artist specialising in inclusive, community-driven initiatives
  • Ioana Simion, artist and educator specialising in zine making
  • Kareem, photographer and storyteller
  • Kirsty Bekoe-Tabiri, multi-disciplinary artist combining urban design with photography and fashion
  • Lee Barham, filmmaker and documentary maker
  • Maryam Huq, digital artist with a focus on heritage and identity
  • Matty May, working class queer artist, writer, performer and facilitator, and self-proclaimed “Barking babe”
  • Nyla Sammons, portrait and lifestyle photographer
  • Rhiannon Armstrong, socially engaged artist focusing on empathy, interaction and dialogue
  • Richard Garratt, artist and educator specialising in sculpture, painting and photography
  • Sabba Khan, author and graphic novelist
  • Sheyamali Sudesh, archival artist and writer
  • Wayne Snooze, visual artist specialising in 80s comic art and lifestyle illustration

A spokesperson for the East London Creative People and Places network said: “We are delighted to be part of this pioneering programme with Art School Plus and to be working together with the other East London organisations. We look forward to seeing a range of exceptional work created alongside our communities, as well as seeing the ripple effects across East London’s creative scene.”

Ella Snell, Founder at Art School Plus said: “We’re thrilled to be working with this inspiring group of local creatives and communities across East London. At Art School Plus, our mission is to support and equip artists with the skills to create meaningful work alongside the people and organisations who call these neighbourhoods home. We believe that art belongs to everyone, and through this programme we’re taking another step toward ensuring that no voice goes unheard in shaping East London’s creative future.”

About East London Creative Communities

Colours of Redbridge, Creative Barking and Dagenham, Culture Within Newham and Havering Changing are part of Creative People and Places (CPP), a national programme from Arts Council England, where local people decide what culture happens in their area. This collaboration in East London champions community-led arts and culture to provide better visibility and creative opportunity across the region.

About Colours of Redbridge

Colours of Redbridge is a programme of community-led arts and culture in the borough of Redbridge. It is part of Creative People and Places (CPP), a national programme from Arts Council England, where local people decide what culture happens in their area.

The programme supports people who live, work or study in Redbridge develop their own creative and cultural projects for everyone to enjoy.

As well as Arts Council England, the programme is supported by the following local organisations: Friends of Loxford; Muslimah Sports Association; SPACE Studios; Community Action Redbridge; Ilford Business Improvement District; and Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure.

Follow Colours of Redbridge on Instagram Follow Colours of Redbridge on Facebook

About Art School Plus

Art School Plus is a training provider and innovator of unique art projects. They are the bridge between artists and projects, supporting the cultural sector and artists with the skills and knowledge to develop mutually beneficial relationships and exciting work. The artists will be supported by Dr Adele Patrick, co-founder of Glasgow Women’s Library, who has been developing innovative cultural projects rooted in equalities and community learning for over 30 years. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Royal Society of Edinburgh.

People interested in the programme should visit the Culture Within Newham website.

The East London Creative People and Places Projects are:

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