News from Redbridge clubs and non-profit organisations.

Redbridge Disabled Women’s Welfare Association

More than 100 people joined the Redbridge Disabled Women’s Welfare Association for their annual celebration of religious events last week.

Christians, Muslims, Jews and Sikhs joined the huge party at the Jack Carter Centre, The Drive, Ilford.

The group started as the Muslim Disabled Welfare Association in 1993 but soon expanded to help women of all faiths, or none, and women who were elderly, lonely or depressed.

Chairman Abida Iqbal said: “The event was fantastic. We had 112 people including the Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Muhammed Javed and MP Mike Gapes.

“Everyone was having such a good time partying and dancing.

“It’s great to come together as a community and see everyone so happy.”

The association runs weekly meetings including yoga, lunch, dancing and talks on a variety of subjects.

Outreach services to the Citizens Advice Bureau and mental health services are also offered.

To find out more about the association, email redbridge_dwwa@yahoo.co.uk or call Abida on 07980 832 709.

Woodford Historical Society

Woodford Historical Society have released a new book celebrating 80 years of memories.

Marking the society’s 80th birthday, Woodford: 80 Years of Memories 1932-2012 includes excerpts on the temperance movement in the 1930s, the Second World War and Winston Churchill written by society members and residents.

More recent events, including the Great Storm of 1987 and the history of the society itself, formerly known as the Woodford and District Antiquarian Society, are also featured.

Society chairman John Lovell said: “What surprised me most is that we didn’t get many submissions on big events like the Coronation – someone just said their dad got a TV for it.

“People loved writing about the shops and the sights and smells they remember on George Lane.

“We’re delighted with the book and it’s selling well.”

The book costs �9.99 and can be purchased from Mr Lovell by calling 020 8505 3640 or emailing social@woodfordhistoricalsociety.co.uk.

Visit woodfordhistoricalsociety.co.uk.

Loughton and Buckhurst Hill Rotary Club

Rotarians from Redbridge and Essex are raising money to help more children into education in developing countries by giving them access to a good school meal.

Loughton and Buckhurst Hill Rotary Club have chosen Mary’s Meals as one of their international charities.

The organisation aims to make sure children get fed at school so they can stay in class and get qualifications to help them out of poverty.

The average cost to feed one child is �10.70 per year and supports children in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and South America.

Rotarian Louise Keeble also organised a raffle to help buy 40 backpacks filled with stationary and books for children on the programmes.

Others were donated by schools, friends and family.

For information on the Loughton and Buckhurst Hill Rotary Club, visit www.loughtonrotary.org.uk.