Redbridge clubs news: Crystal Maze in Ilford library, chess rivals battle and smuggling life revealed

Lizzie Dearden, Reporter Thursday, November 15, 2012
5:13 PM

News from Redbridge’s clubs, societies and non-profit organisations.

Redbridge 18 Plus

A Redbridge social club took inspiration from a 90s television show to put on its own Crystal Maze activity course.

The games show was set in four different “zones” in various periods of time and space.

Contestants had to complete challenges to get “time crystals” to help them in the crystal dome finale.

On a slightly, smaller budget, Redbridge 18 Plus staged their games at Redbridge Central Library on November 2.

Five teams had to do a mixture of games designed to test their mental and physical abilities and team-working skills.

There were cryptic clues and riddles and a remote-controlled car obstacle course.

Visitors from groups in Romford and Havering joined the fun.

Activites officer Kerry Mann, said “It was a very successful evening, with some excellent games to play, and everyone got involved with completing the challenges”.

Redbridge 18 Plus is a social group offering organised events and trips for 18 to 40-year-olds.

The group meets on Fridays at Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, from 8.30-10pm.

Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 020 8553 0947 or 020 8554 1364.

Ilford Chess Club and Wanstead and Woodford Chess Club

Redbridge chess masters battled it out in a Wanstead versus Ilford grudge match last month.

The two clubs’ first teams faced each other for the second match of the season at the Redbridge Social Centre in Beehive Lane, Ilford.

Top Ilford player Gyula Meszaros trounced Wanstead’s David Spearman but other battles were tightly fought and some lost soundly by Ilford.

The final score was Wanstead 5.5, Ilford 2.5.

Ilford Chess Club chairman Jef Page said: “A grim night for Ilford sets us back, but Wanstead are a good, strong club.

“The match was enjoyable and played in a good spirit.”

Ilford will next play Upminster on November 29 while Wanstead face their next contest against Barking.

Both chess clubs offer social events, friendly games and league matches.

For information on Ilford Chess Club, visit ilfchess.tripod.com/

For information on Wanstead and Woodford Chess Club, visit wansteadwoodfordcc.wordpress.com

Wanstead Historical Society

History enthusiasts are invited to learn about the bygone exploits of Essex smugglers at a Wanstead Historical Society talk this evening (Thursday).

Historian Brian Billings has investigated the role smuggling played in the former county of Essex over time.

He will be speaking in the Churchill Room of Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road.

There will be refreshments after the talk, visitors £3.

Wanstead Historical Society...