The week’s news from clubs and voluntary organisations across Redbridge.

Ilford and West Essex Model Railway Club

Almost 1,000 people attended the Ilford and West Essex Railway Club’s (IWERMC) annual exhibition earlier this month.

The two day event showcased members’ trains and layouts, as well as hosting displays from other clubs at St Edwards School in Romford.

There were stalls selling modelling equipment and books on the hobby and railway heritage.

IWEMRC is thought to be the fourth-oldest model railway club in the world and celebrated its 82nd year at the exhibition.

Member Tony Spencer estimated that 850 people attended.

He said: “We were amazed at the number of kids that came, it was tremendous.

“I’m trying to get youngsters back into the hobby because although people joke about anoraks, it’s one of the most creative hobbies you can get.

“You need to know everything from history to carpentry and electronics and all the skills are being lost.”

The club is raising money for a new boiler to fix its miniature railway at Chadwell Heath.

They have raised �1,500 so far but need �4,000 to get the train back up and running for visitors next year.

Monthly open days at the clubhouse in Station Road, Chadwell Heath run between April and September.

They offer people the chance to ride on the miniature steam train and learn about the hobby.

New members are welcome, visit www.iwemrc.org.uk for information.

Essex Art Club

Amateur artists are invited to see a master at work with a painting demonstration in Wanstead.

Artist Geoffery Thorpe will create a seascape using oil paints and a palette knife on Sunday.

It is the first in Essex Art Club’s autumn programme of social and instructive sessions by artists using different techniques.

Members and non-members are welcome at the demonstrations in the rear hall of Wanstead House, The Green, Wanstead from 2.30pm. Admission is �2.50 for members and �5 for non-members with refreshments.

Essex Art Club was founded more than 100 years ago and welcomes artists of all abilities and in all mediums apart from photography.

For information, visit www.arctotis.net.

Woodford Bowling Club

Woodford Bowling Club is holding its second art and craft fair on Saturday.

Borough artists and craftspeople will be selling their work and stalls will offer jewellery, woodcrafts, textiles and knitting.

Craft enthusiasts can watch demonstrations of card and candlemaking and spiced cider and other refreshments will be available.

The fair will be at the club in Kings Avenue, Woodford Green.

Entry for adults costs �1, children free. The proceeds will be split between the club and the Margaret Centre and Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone.

New members are welcome at the club. Visit www.woodfordbc.co.uk for information.