Category archive: Uncategorised


Vision Triumphs at Ilford Business Awards 2024

We are excited to announce that Vision has been crowned winners in two out of the three categories we were nominated for at the prestigious Ilford Business Awards 2024! Redbridge Social Value Award – Awarded for the outstanding contributions of Redbridge Libraries in creating a positive impact within the community. Redbridge Art & Culture Award


Adverse Weather Alert – Storm Darragh

Update on Monday 9 December: Our Parks Team is actively inspecting parks to ensure they are safe for use. Parks reported as safe will be reopened as inspections are completed. We aim to finish all inspections by midday. Below isthe latest update on the parks that have already been inspected: Open, with no hazards reported:–


Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

During the Christmas and New Year 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 centreFind out more about your local libraryFind out more about theatre


Communities unite for unveiling of Sikh Genocide Memorial in Valentines Park

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



Biggest ever Christmas hits Redbridge

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


Redbridge Parks named finalist in the Prestigious APSE Award

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


Wanstead Leisure Centre to Close Temporarily in December for Major Renovations

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





Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting Wellness through Active Body, Healthy Mind

November marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to address the unique mental health challenges faced by men and to encourage conversations about mental wellness. At Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure, we believe in the importance of promoting mental health awareness and actively supporting men in their journey to wellness. This year, we’re excited


COMING SOON! – The Gym & Library at Redbridge Drama Centre

Following the recent closure of South Woodford Library and Gym, we have been working in the background to ensure we can continue to provide a safe, welcoming space in South Woodford for our customers. We are now excited to announce that we’ll be opening The Gym & Library @ Redbridge Drama Centre from 12:00pm on


Lab Central Team invited to Houses of Parliament to showcase how libraries impact lives

Parliamentarians, library advocates, and allies gathered on Monday 21 October at the Parliamentary Terrace Pavilion to celebrate the pivotal role libraries play in transforming lives by creating opportunities. The event featured best-selling author John O’Farrell, British Library Chief Librarian Liz Jolly, and key representatives from the library sector. The event was jointly hosted by eleven



Get Ready for a Fun-Filled October Half-Term!

This October half-term, we’ve got an exciting array of activities to keep the kids entertained! Dive into Swim Crash Courses at Fullwell Cross, Loxford, and Mayfield Leisure Centres, or make a splash with our 5-Day Water Sports Camp at Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre. For those who prefer dry land, thrill-seekers can enjoy action-packed Cycling Courses


Unlock Incredible Savings: How Vision Rewards Hub Can Transform Your Everyday Spending

Vision Members are automatically enrolled into our Rewards Hub, a hub that’s designed to help you save money on daily expenses. In this blog post, we’ll explore five key areas where Vision Rewards can revolutionise your spending habits and maximise your savings.  1. Smart Shopping at Your Favourite Supermarkets: You can save money while purchasing quality


Redbridge Museum has reopened after major development

After a major redevelopment, Redbridge Museum has reopened with brand-new displays that will take you on a journey from the Ice Age to the Digital Age. Located in Redbridge Central Library in Ilford, the much-loved free museum has been transformed into a place of wonder where local families and visitors can learn about the history


Vision marks Black History Month with vibrant cultural celebrations

Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure is hosting a vibrant Black History Month celebration throughout October. The events are organised in partnership with Redbridge Council and local community organisations. Redbridge Libraries have put together a wide selection of events for people of all ages. The programme features exhibitions, workshops, and activities across libraries, various craft and


New Redbridge community composting sites help put food waste to good use

Green minded locals could soon be putting their food and other organic waste to good use as Redbridge Council launches community composting sites in its parks for the first time. As well as supporting local people to reduce their food waste through composting, the new eco-sites produce nutrient rich compost from the organic waste, which



Fullwell Cross Library Re-opens after £380K makeover

Fullwell Cross Library has re-opened today (Thursday 1 August) following the successful completion of phase one of its refurbishment programme, just in time for the summer holidays. Phase one of the renovations, delivered by Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure, included: Further improvements and features are still to come in phase two, including: The project was


August Bank Holiday Opening Hours

During the August Bank Holiday our leisure centres, libraries and other centres will have different opening hours. To find out more information on opening times, please see below or visit the individual centre pages. For more information on our Summer Holiday activities view the Children’s events page. Parks & Open Spaces All of our parks


New British Sign Language service launched in Redbridge

Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure are launching Interpreters Live in partnership with the Newham Language Shop and the London Borough of Redbridge  A new service has launched in Redbridge, This new service has been introduced to support deaf people to contact the Council and Vision RCL, without needing to rely on friends and family to


Opening Hours during Bank Holidays in May

During the May Bank Holidays 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 centreFind out more about your local libraryFind out more about theatre For more


Easter Opening Hours

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 centreFind out more about your local libraryFind out more about theatre For more information


Winners of Redbridge in Bloom 2023

This year marked the 28th anniversary of our annual amateur gardening competition Redbridge in Bloom, a celebration of community, creativity, and sustainability. To coincide with the recent crowning of His Royal Highness King Charles III, the theme for this years competition was “A Garden Fit for a King”. An advocate for environmental causes, the monarch


Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

During the Christmas and New Year 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 centreFind out more about your local libraryFind out more about theatre


Vision RCL Provides an Inclusive Online Experience 

Vision RCL now provides an inclusive online experience to enable website visitors to access online content and services barrier-free, in a way that best suits their needs.   As part of our diversity and inclusion strategy, website visitors are now able to access a wide range of accessibility and language support tools to customise their digital



Redbridge Children’s Book Awards 2023

Each year Redbridge runs the Children’s Book Awards, with the processing starting in September but ending in June. This year we were back in a packed Redbridge Town Hall for our 20th annual Redbridge Children’s Book Award ceremony.  All schools across the borough are invited to take part in the awards and vote for their


Mildmay Nursery in Ilford Graded Outstanding for the second time running

Mildmay Nursery managed by Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure, blew the Ofsted inspector away at the Nursery’s recent Ofsted inspection in May. The nursery, which is based in Mildmay House, in Ilford was last inspected in October 2017, where it received Outstanding in all areas.  5 years on, the nursery has demonstrated yet again, that


Vision Celebrates the Coronation of King Charles III

The Coronation of King Charles III is taking place on Saturday 6 May 2023, to celebrate Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure have hosted a number of events throughout the borough, and will continue to host activities and events for families to participate in on Saturday, the day of the Coronation. Redbridge parks and leisure centres


Redbridge Libraries helping you stay connected!

Are you struggling to pay your monthly mobile bills? Then Redbridge Libraries could help! We are participating in the National Databank Programme to provide free internet access to anyone struggling to afford to get online.  If you are:  then you may be eligible to receive a free SIM card through the scheme.  The following data


Hainault Forest new Visitors facilities opens after receiving £7m makeover

On Saturday (15 April) Hainault Forest Visitor’s Centre, café, and event space was officially opened by the Mayor of Redbridge, Thavathuray Jeyaranjan and Deputy Leader, Cllr Kam Rai, with special guests and staff in attendance. The new Woodland’s Trust Visitor’s Centre is the first of its kind and compliments the stunning renovated Victorian barns and


International Women’s Week

Join us for International Women’s Week, commencing on Monday 6 March 2023, celebrating education and awareness of women’s identities and gender issues, focusing on eradicating the gender bias and celebrating women’s roles in society and achievements of women. In celebration of International Women’s Week Redbridge Drama Centre are hosting a number of performances throughout the


Vision offers half price swimming for all on Big Swim Day

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure invites the residents of Redbridge to show their support for community swimming by joining us for Big Swim Day. For one day only, on Friday 24 February, we are offering half price swimming sessions for everyone, so please come and join us at your local Redbridge pool. Sessions are available





Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

During the Christmas and New Year 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 centreFind out more about your local libraryFind out more about theatre


New business opportunity at Hainault Forest – workshop spaces available for rent

Vision RCL and London Borough of Redbridge are completing a major restoration project at Hainault Forest, focussed on the restoration of the Victorian barns complex and the creation of a new visitor hub to be known as The Forest Centre. The restored buildings include a visitor centre, retail and commercial spaces an enhanced catering offer




August Bank Holiday

During the August Bank Holiday our leisure centres, libraries and other centres will have different opening hours. To find out more information on opening times, please see below or visit the individual centre pages. Find out more about your local sport and leisure centre Find out more about your local library Find out more about


New Tender Opportunity for Tennis Coaching Providers

We are delighted to announce that Redbridge Council will be renovating tennis courts in Redbridge Parks part of The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Parks renovation fund.This fund will see ten tennis facilities in Redbridge Parks restored for the benefit of the local community. As the Council’s Leisure and Cultural delivery partner, Vision RCL are now



Redbridge pays tribute to The Queen with special Beacon Lighting Ceremony

In celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure and Redbridge Council held a special Beacon Lighting Ceremony on Thursday 2 June at Redbridge Cycling Centre, Hainault. Leader of the Council, Jas Athwal, was honoured to light the beacon here in Redbridge, joined with 1,500 other beacons across the UK, to mark


Free Family Festivals in Redbridge Parks

Start your summer with Vision’s annual summer events programme, take a trip to Redbridge for the fantastic Fairlop Fair on Saturday 2 July at Fairlop Waters. A fun filled day of entertainment for all ages from 11am-6pm. New attractions for 2022 include: Mini golf Petting zoo Chainsaw artist Group exercise taster sessions which include Yoga


Tech Ilford 2022

Tech Ilford is back on Saturday 18 June 2022! Come all day to have plenty of time to try every single activity or pop in at any time when you are free to try those that you fancy the most! Activities An interactive game-zone for all Ilford High Road, 11 am-5 pm Try out the


May and Jubilee Bank Holiday Opening Hours

During the May and Jubilee Bank Holiday period our leisure centres, libraries and other centres will have different opening hours. To find out more information on opening times, please see below or visit the individual centre pages. Find out more about your local sport and leisure centre Find out more about your local library Find


Vision RCL donates £1,000 to Swan Sanctuary Charity

When dealing with wildlife and working with partners such as DEFRA and the Environment Agency, the Swan Sanctuary always provide dedicated care and specialist treatment at difficult times. Over the years there have been many occasions where Vision – Redbridge Culture & Leisure have required specialist expertise offered by the Swan Sanctuary Charity. This donation


Easter Opening Times

During the Easter period our leisure centres, libraries and other centres will have different opening hours. To find out more information on opening times, please see below or visit the individual centre pages. For more information on our Easter Holiday activities view the Children’s events page. Parks & Open Spaces All of our parks and


Redbridge Libraries adds local publications to PressReader

Redbridge Libraries today announced that the Wanstead Village Directory and South Woodford Village Gazette will be available on PressReader, the digital platform which allows library card holders and leisure centre visitors to access thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world. PressReader forms part of the Virtual Library offer within Redbridge Libraries, and adding



The TrUst in Us Model

Credit: Community Leisure UK Why Charitable Trusts are great! Here’s a quick summary! Charitable Trusts come in all shapes and sizes. But they all have two things in common. To do good and make things better.  Your Local Leisure and Culture Trust is no different. They help make your community better because as a charitable organisation



Redbridge Libraries to Receive HUGE Digital Upgrade

Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure today announced that Redbridge Libraries will receive its biggest Public PC upgrade ever. The latest step in a far-reaching plan to make access to the library service easier and more accessible than ever; and the upgrade is already under way. The new public devices boast a 53% larger screen size compared to their predecessors and offer a new


Vision’s statement on library event on Saturday 10 July 2021

Vision RCL supports the statement made by the Leader of Redbridge Council and are conducting our own detailed investigation into complaints raised on 10 July 2021.  The Trust commissioned a nationally reputed arts company to perform at a live event within some of the libraries we operate across the borough. The performance, which had been previously staged


Stay local this summer and enjoy leisure and cultural facilities on your doorstep

It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer as Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure prepare their events programme. All events will be delivered in line with government guidance and will enable children and adults to mix again socially and enjoy the fantastic provision we have here in Redbridge. Our Walking for Health group was one



Begin your journey back to fitness with Vision leisure centres

As Redbridge approaches step 2 of the roadmap out of lockdown, we will begin to see the re-opening of local facilities.  As part of this next step, Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure are thrilled to re-open their Leisure Centres from Monday 12 April. To welcome customers back to fitness, Vision are offering a special welcome