A medal-winning day outII was enjoyed by members when they went for an Olympic guided walk. Beginning at West Ham Underground station, the group climbed up to the Jubilee Greenway walking path for a scenic route through to Stratford. Passing Abbey Mill Pumping Station, known affectionately as the Cathedral of Sewage and designed by famous engineer Joseph Ba-zalgette, the members took in the views of the Olympic site.
From a distance, they enjoyed the view of the Velodrome, Aquatics Centre and the Olympic Stadium as they were informed by a guide about the transformation of the site. Group member Kerry Mann said: "It was an enjoyable walk with a very informative guide. "It was amazing to see the transformation of the site from its previous condition to the present, with all the cutting-edge stadia and facilities." The day finished with a look around the visitor centre overlooking the site and left the group full of excitement ahead of the Games this summer.
A trip to the Norfolk Broads is the next major event for the group who usually meet on Friday evenings at Central Library, Clements Road, llford.
Anyone wishing to find out more about forthcoming events should contact chairman Trevor Eley on 020 8553 0947
The group recently celebrated winning an impressive three awards at a gathering of groups from across the region.The local lot took home the trophies, including one for the prestigious Best Group award, from the 18 Plus East Anglia Area conference.
The award was given to the group in recognition of the variety of events on their programme, the quality and popularity of their group, holidays organised and for supporting other groups in the area. Other awards scooped on the evening were for the Spirit of 18 Plus, which was shared with the Barking and Dagenham group, and the Roy Gordon Trophy for their participation in events run within the area.
Chairman Trevor Eley said: "It was very satisfying and surprising to win the trophies, and credit for the success really goes to the group's members too for their enthusiasm and the friendly atmosphere of the club." The group usually meet on Friday evenings at Central Library, Clements Road, llford.However, during the closure of the library in April they will be running alternative events at different venues, which have yet to be confirmed.
Anyone wishing to join the group or find more information on forthcoming events should contact Trevor on 020 8553 0947 or go to our website www.redbridge18plus.org.uk.
A busy and fun-filled weekend was had by members when they followed an evening of dog racing with a day exploring a war museum. Fluttering their hard-earned cash to varying degrees of success, the group thoroughly enjoyed the evening at Romford Greyhound Stadium, London Road, Romford although it left some with slightly lighter pockets.
Those still reeling from disappointing photo finishes had little time to regret their misfortunes as the group visited the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth Road, central London, the following day. Taking a tour through the trenches of 1915 and London's crumbling Blitz-bombed streets, the group experienced a glimpse into the lives of soldiers on the battlefields and the British public affected by the Second World War. Members also explored exhibits showing weapons used in war, as well as famous tanks and the horrors of the Holocaust. Group member Terry Little said: "It was fascinating with lots of information regarding the wars and the hardships and horrors involved, and was very thought provoking." The group is open to new members and meet most Fridays at Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford at 8.30pm. To find out more call Trev on 0208 553 0947 or go to our website www.redbridge18plus.org.uk
The annual meeting for the club will take place on Friday, when elections will be held for roles such as chairman, treasurer and activities leader. The group is for anyone aged from 18 to 40, and general committee member Gary Silver encourages all new faces to get involved and join in with the voting prossess. A member of the club for 20 years, Gary said: "All the committee positions are up for grabs, though it is usually the members who have been around longer that get the more important roles."
New members are charged £20 for their year-long membership, with weekly subscriptions at £2, though their first night with the group is free. The group meets every Friday at 8.30pm in The York Room, Central Library, Clements Road, llford before moving on to a local pub. For more information about joining visit www.redbridge18plus.org.uk
Members of the Redbridge branch are celebrating being crowned regional pool champions. The contest saw 16 players from across East Anglia do battle in Romford last week.After thrilling round-robin and knock-out stages, the final was an all Redbridge affair.Two-time champion Paul Savvas took on Steve Poysden and, after sharing the first two frames, Mr Poysden went on to win convincingly.Mr Poysden said that he "enjoyed the competition". He added: "Although probably not the favourite, it wasterrific to win the competition, having reached the final and semi-final in previous years." Redbridge 18 Plus meet on Fridays from 8.30-10pm in Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford. To find out more call, 020 8553 0947.
