News from Redbridge clubs, societies and voluntary organisations.

Wanstead Historical Society

The grand estate that once stood in Wanstead Park is long gone thanks to the misdemeanours of the rakish Georgian aristocrat William Pole Long-Wellesley, the society will hear.

After marrying Wanstead House owner Catherine Tylney-Long – the richest heiress in England – he quickly illegally divided up parts of the grounds and restricted public access.

Within 13 years, the marriage had dissolved and his huge debts had led to the demolition of the mansion.

But the family’s tragedy eventually returned the estate to the “commoners” who were allowed to use it once again as a municipal park.

Speaker Greg Roberts has studied the extraordinary court case which followed the illegal enclosure of the park in May 1812. His talk will start at 8pm on Thursday (February 21) at the Churchill Room of Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead. Visitors £3.

The Wanstead Historical Society holds talks and events exploring the history of the area.

For information or to join, call John Smith on 07949 026 212.

Ilford Magical Society

A Recorder reporter will be judging the tricks Redbridge magicians have up their sleeves at an Ilford Magical Society competition on Wednesday.

Lizzie Dearden will be one of the “lay” judges at the contest for close-up trickery.

She will rate the overall effect of the performers, while a magical content judge will score on technicality.

The Ilford Magical Society holds several competitions throughout the year to test magicians on skills including card tricks, stage shows, classic numbers and sheer bamboozlement.

The close-up competition, in Goodmayes Lane, Goodmayes, is for invited guests and members.

The Ilford Magical Society welcomes new members of all abilities and offers opportunities to learn, develop and perform. Visit www.ilfordmagic.co.uk for more.

Ilford Art Society

Artists will be banishing the winter gloom with some bright spring flowers on February 27.

Budding painters can learn from master Amanda Spencer at a demonstration held by the Ilford Art Society.

Amanda, who is also a graphic designer, has exhibited her work around the world including in the UK, Europe, USA and China.

She runs demonstrations, workshops and private lessons to learning painters.

The demonstration will be at St Laurence’s Church hall, in Emmott Avenue, Barkingside, at 7.30pm.

The Ilford Art Society was founded in 1925 and has members ranging from beginners to experienced artists. Weekly classes, workshops and exhibitions are held throughout the year.

For information on the demonstration or joining the group, call 020 8478 4841 or visit www.ilfordartsociety.co.uk.

Redbridge Marquetry Group

Marquetry enthusiasts will be sharing their knowledge of the craft on a new course starting on February 27.

The craft involves using pieces of wooden veneer to create pictures and designs.

No experience is needed for the course, which will cost £1 a week, including materials, and is at Beal High School in Woodford Bridge Road, Redbridge.

Call 020 8924 9917 for information.