Weekly news from Redbridge clubs and non-profit organisations.

Redbridge 18 Plus

A Redbridge social club defied the autumn weather for a seaside weekend up north earlier this month.

Members of Redbridge 18 Plus enjoyed a long weekend in Scarborough, Yorkshire.

The Victorian resort has two bays and a large harbour.

On Saturday, they walked the south bay towards the harbour and along its bustling walls.

More adventurous members chose a speedboat ride and later went seal spotting on a boat cruise along the coast.

Walkers also visited the ruined castle on the hill separating the two bays to learn a bit of Scarborough history and enjoy the views.

On Sunday, the north bay was explored and the group rode on a miniature steam railway to the Sealife Centre, where they saw fish, squid, sea horses and turtles.

In the afternoon they visited a park and had a go on rowing boats and pedal boats on the ornamental lake.

Monday morning offered the chance for a quick souvenir shop before travelling home.

Member Elliot Barclay said: “It was a really enjoyable weekend with a great seaside atmosphere there were plenty of attractions to enjoy.”

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 8.30pm to 10pm.

Everyone is welcome. For more information, call Trev on 0208 553 0947 or Francesca on 020 8554 1364.

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands

A local conservation group has delved into the history of Wanstead Park.

Friends of Wanstead Parklands member Richard Arnopp gave group members a talk on “The Hidden Wanstead Park” earlier this month.

It took in the park’s colourful past owners, including Queen Elizabeth I’s possible lover Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and Sir Henry Mildmay, who signed King Charles I’s death warrant.

Mr Arnopp outlined the history of the two famous houses that once stood in the park, its gardens and the estate’s demise in the 1820s.

The audience saw the park’s history themselves in a walk to Wanstead golf couse and tour of St Mary’s Church, built in 1790.

They saw the former stables of Wanstead House, which host the current golf club, and went on to the temple.

An exhibition there chronicles the misdemeanours of “Wicked William” Pole Tylney Long Wellesley - husband of the estate’s last heiress.

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands raise awareness of the history and ecology of Wanstead Park and campaigns to preserve and improve it.

The group organises events and conducts research into the park.

Visit for www.wansteadpark.org.uk information.