Do you have photos or old newspaper stories which reflect life in Redbridge over the past century?

A new project at St Margaret’s Church, Balfour Road, Ilford, has just received £9,000 – and now they want your help.

The money was awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund for the project entitled A Century of Life and Change in an East London Parish.

Father Stephen Pugh, from St Margaret’s, said: “We would love to hear from anyone who has photos or press cuttings that reflect events and the life of our community over the last 100 years and will perhaps further enrich our project.”

The project will chart and celebrate the history of the community through the everyday lives and events of people who have lived and worked here.

The project is part of St Margaret’s centenary celebrations taking place next year.

Fr Pugh said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

“The project will be a great opportunity to bring together people of different ages, backgrounds and cultures to learn more about the community in which we live.”

Organisers hope to get church and community members as well as schools involved in helping bring the project to life.

Redbridge Museum, based in Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, will also be helping St Margaret’s.

A museum spokesman said: “We are delighted at this award and look forward to supporting the volunteers to explore the records about St Margaret’s and the history of the local area which is held in our archives.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund aims to give communities an opportunity for people to gain insight into their area’s past.

Sue Bowers, from the fund, said “Heritage means such different things to different people, and the fund offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their area.”