The latest news from Redbridge’s clubs and societies.

Redbridge 18-Plus

Social group members took to the wheel of a boat and guided it down a canal on their trip to Leicestershire.

The Redbridge 18-Plus, which is open to people aged 18 to 65, got its members to pack their bags for a short break, boating and scouting wildlife.

Members took to the Grand Union Canal and steered a boat from Gayton marina in Northamptonshire to Market Harborough in Leicestershire.

The group saw kingfishers, buzzards and moorhens as they coasted along the canal, taking the bridges, tunnels and gates in their stride.

18-Plus member Elliot Barclay said: “The Grand Union Canal holiday was highly enjoyable. It was a challenging but good experience to go through the tunnels and the locks - I would recommend this holiday to anyone.”

To get involved with the group’s activities call 020 8554 1364.

Focus Club

The group, founded in 1981 for the visually impaired, is calling people to join them at their monthly meetings.

Focus Club meets on the third Monday of each month at the Link Place Personal Development Centre in Bramston Close, Hainault.

The group hosts a variety of speakers and entertainment, including visits from community police.

Call 020 8220 8028 for more information and to attend the meetings, which take place between 7.45pm and 10pm.

Ilford Chess Club

The club is attempting to bounce back after it was relegated from the top tier of the Essex Chess League.

Chess players have had a mixed start to their new campaign in division two, winning their opening match against Thurrock 5-3 before facing a crushing 4½-1½ defeat to Brentwood.

Chess club chairman Jef Page said: “It’s like any club that gets relegated, it’s hard but it’s a start - some have taken it a lot harder than others.”

He added: “We’ve only got 19 players at the moment and we need more depth in the team - right now, we just haven’t got enough members.”

To put your skills to the test visit ilfchess.tripod.com and join the team.

Friends of Wanstead Parklands

Go back to the age of discovery and the find out about the first British traders to encounter the far east.

The park group is hosting a new display curated by Georgina Beresford-King exploring the wealth and luxuries brought to Britian by the East India Company, after it was given a royal charter in 1600.

The display at The Temple in Wanstead Park, Warren Road, Wanstead, will look at the wealth gained by Wanstead Park’s 17th century owner Josiah Child.

The exhibition will run up until November 30, with The Temple open at weekends from 12pm to 5pm.

Visit wansteadpark.org.uk for more information.

Read more:

Redbridge clubs news: Multi-faith walk of peace, Chigwell stroll and wartime Wanstead

Redbridge clubs news: Cubs at camp, Ilford’s entertainment past and why relationships matter