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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 19h

Thank you!

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 19h

We've been nominated for the Redbridge Arts & Culture Award in the Ilford & Redbridge Business Awards 2025.

If you've enjoyed our Museum displays, temporary exhibitions, schools sessions, events, or our friendly and accessible Heritage service, give us a vote!

🔗 bit.ly/4ocW2Tk

Photo of Redbridge Museum displays behind a quote reading: “This is an outstanding local museum, both fascinating in content and very well provided. I wish my borough had something half as good!” – Redbridge Museum visitor

Photo of Redbridge Museum displays behind a quote reading: “Amazing, my kids were thoroughly entertained, as were parents. Love the interactive elements throughout. It was very cool to see the local history, especially being born locally, good to show the kids stuff you can relate to.” – Redbridge Museum visitor

Photo of a Redbridge Museum display behind a quote reading: “Wonderfully diverse, covering all aspects of an area that’s changed phenomenally in a very short time.” – Redbridge Museum visitor

Photo of Redbridge Museum displays behind a quote reading: “The redevelopment and refurbishment of Redbridge Museum is so much better. The whole layout is easier to browse along and the displays are beautifully arranged, and clearly marked and labelled. There is something here for everyone.” – Redbridge Museum visitor

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 2d

OPEN NOW: Redbridge and the Second World War

An exhibition by Redbridge Museum marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

📅 Until Saturday 30 August 2026
📍 First floor, Redbridge Central Library
🎟️ Free admission
🔗 vrcl.uk/museum-ww2

Poster for Redbridge Museum’s ‘Redbridge and the Second World War’ exhibition featuring a black and white photograph of two Air Raid Precaution wardens wearing gas masks

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 5d

Sylvia Pankhurst is known for her fierce fight for the women's vote but her activism went further than the Suffragettes - she also opposed fascism and colonialism, campaigning against the Italian invasion of Ethiopia while living in Woodford in the 1930s.

🔗 Discover her story: sylviapankhurst.com

Poster for Redbridge Museum’s Sylvia Pankhurst website reading ‘Essex to Ethiopia: Sylvia Pankhurst / Discover Sylvia Pankhurst’s connections to Ethiopia through a new website about the local campaigner by Redbridge Museum.’ featuring a black and white photo of Sylvia Pankhurst and other women picketing outside Parliament about the possibility of Italian trusteeship of Ethiopia, 1946, c/o the LSE Library.

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 8d

Celebrate Black History Month with Redbridge Museum through our exciting displays, film screenings, and more!

🔗 See what’s on: visionrcl.org.uk/black-history-month

Poster for Redbridge Museum’s ‘Memories of Windrush' film reading ‘A film by Redbridge Museum exploring the memories and experiences of Redbridge’s Windrush generation. / Wednesday 1 to Friday 31 October 2025 / Screening all day / Foyer, ground floor,
Redbridge Central Library’ featuring a black and white photo of a Caribbean family.

Poster for Redbridge Museum’s ‘Redbridge’s Windrush Generation’ display reading ‘Discover the experiences of Redbridge’s Windrush generation in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum. / Wednesday 1 to Friday 31 October 2025 / 11:00 - 17:00 / Redbridge Museum, 2nd floor, Redbridge Central Library’ featuring a photo of a woman looking at the Museum’s Windrush display.

Poster for Redbridge Museum’s ‘Redbridge and Slavery’ display reading ‘Uncover Redbridge’s connections to the transatlantic slave trade and campaign for abolition in this new permanent exhibition at Redbridge Museum. / Wednesday 1 to Friday 31 October 2025 / 11:00 - 17:00 / Redbridge Museum, 2nd floor, Redbridge Central Library’ featuring a photo of Museum displays.

Poster for Redbridge Museum’s Black history schools programme reading ‘Redbridge Museum offers education sessions on Black history for schools, exploring topics including Caribbean migration in the 1960s and Commonwealth contributions to the Second World War.’ featuring a photo of a group of children in green school uniform holding clipboards with education worksheets, looking into a Second World War display at Redbridge Museum.

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 9d

A great action shot of Woodford Rugby Club players in 1983! 🏉

The Club was formed in 1924 and used a pitch next to the Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Monkhams Lane, Woodford. They later moved to a ground in Highams Park, where they still play today.

#NSHD2025 @sportingheritage.bsky.social

Black and white photo of three players of the Woodford Rugby Club team in action

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Reposted by Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 20

‘Redbridge and the Second World War’ opens soon on the 1st floor of Redbridge Central Library, Ilford. Visit our website or follow this account to stay tuned for more updates.

🔗 vrcl.uk/museum-ww2

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 17d

Today is the Autumn Equinox, marking the arrival of a new season.

This photo from our collection shows the lengthening shadows and falling leaves in Valentines Park, Ilford, in 1987 🍂

Photo of trees with golden leaves casting shadows on the grass in a park

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 22d

The Empire Kinema (later Cinema) opened on Ilford Lane in April 1913. It was destroyed by a fire started by wartime incendiary bombing on 17 September 1940. The building was later demolished and the site lay disused for many years.

🔗 Find out more in our upcoming exhibition: vrcl.uk/museum-ww2

Black and white photo of a fire-damaged building with a peeling billboard and posters and barriers in front of the doors

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 24d

🔗 Book an education session at Redbridge Museum for your school now: visionrcl.org.uk/museum/schools

Slide reading: “Book an education session with Redbridge Museum! / Redbridge Museum delivers a wide range of free education sessions involving object handling, fun hands-on activities, and exploring our newly-developed Museum displays. / To book a session or to find out more, visit: visionrcl.org.uk/museum/schools”

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 24d

We were pleased to welcome our first classes of the new school year to Redbridge Museum last week!

In the last academic year (2024-25), we delivered education sessions to 5,040 pupils! Swipe for some highlights from comments left by schools…

🔗 Book a session: visionrcl.org.uk/museum/schools

Slide reading: “Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre Education Session Highlights / In the 2024-25 academic year, we delivered
fun, informative, and interactive education sessions to 5,040 pupils from local schools. / Here are some highlights from comments left by satisfied teachers and pupils following our sessions...”

Slide reading: “Overall Experience / 🎉 Our sessions were considered highly enjoyable and were well-received by pupils and staff alike / 🎉 Sessions were described as fantastic, brilliant, excellent, very informative, and fun / 🎉 Children were engaged, focused, and enthusiastic / 🎉 Many said they’d love to return with their families!”

Slide reading: “Learning Outcomes / 💡 Pupils gained a strong understanding of topics like Romans, WWII, and Windrush stories / 💡 Children enjoyed hands-on activities and artefact handling during the sessions / 💡 Sessions were age-appropriate and inclusive for SEND and EAL learners /💡 Teachers noted children were able to complete tasks, read information, and ask questions”

Slide reading: “Facilitation & Staff / 👩‍🏫 Session leaders were praised as being knowledgeable, enthusiastic, patient, and friendly / 👩‍🏫 Our Education Officer received multiple mentions for being fantastic and extremely knowledgeable! / 👩‍🏫 Teachers appreciated how easy to organise and well-managed the sessions were”

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 26d

Today is Roald Dahl Story Day! Can you figure out which of his stories are represented here with objects from our collection? 📚

Hint: the last object is related to one of his short stories for adults!

Selection of chocolate bar wrappers, 1950s

Glass bottle containing a dark liquid with a label reading ‘The Mixture’, 1930s

Pair of long cream-coloured women’s gloves, about 1950s

Teacup and saucer with a decorative flower pattern, 1940s

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · 29d

In 1979, Gearies School in Gants Hill, Ilford, celebrated their 50th birthday by producing a school magazine about the school’s history, with contributions from present and former pupils. Here are three 'Poems Dedicated to Teacher' from the magazine 🍎

#EYAEducation @exploreyourarchive.bsky.social

Scan from the Gearies School 50th birthday magazine showing three short poems

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Sep 9

Who’s ready for Biscuit Week? 🍪

Wouldn’t it be nice to dip into this delightful 1960s/70s flower power biscuit tin from our collection for a nibble as you watch!

#GBBO

Cylindrical biscuit tin patterned with yellow flowers of different types and sizes with a yellow lid and handle

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Sep 7

On this day in 1940, the Blitz began – a fierce bombing campaign by German aeroplanes flying over Britain from September 1940 to May 1941.

📸 Bomb damage at South Woodford Station, 14 October 1940

🔗 Find out more in our upcoming exhibition about Redbridge & the Second World War: vrcl.uk/museum-ww2

Black and white photo showing bricks and rubble covering train tracks. Workmen stand to one side looking at the damage, with bomb-damaged buildings missing windows and walls in the background.

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Sep 4

Lots of ceramics in our collection to choose from for @artukdotorg.bsky.social #OnlineArtExchange but we’re going with our showstopper – this decorative Victorian porcelain toilet bowl on permanent display at Redbridge Museum! 🚽

Photo of a ceramic pedestal toilet bowl with a blue and white decorative design

Photo of the toilet bowl on display at Redbridge Museum

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Sep 1

Back to school for pupils in Redbridge this week! 🏫

Why not brighten up any glum little faces like these ones at Goodmayes Junior School in about 1935 by bringing kids out of the classroom for a fun fact-filled trip to Redbridge Museum this term!

🔗 Book a session: visionrcl.org.uk/museum/schools

Black and white photo of a class of young children sat at school desks with mixed facial expressions. The brick classroom walls are decorated with the pupils’ work. One child is holding up a slate with the words ‘Class 8’.

Photo of a group of children in green school uniform holding clipboards with education worksheets, looking into a Second World War display at Redbridge Museum.

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 29

Last chance to take part in our families trail before the end of the summer holiday!

Drop in anytime from 11:00 – 16:00 today or tomorrow and pick up a free trail from the Museum desk to start exploring the history of Redbridge through our displays.

Poster for Redbridge Museum’s families trail reading 'Families trail / Follow our fun, free family trail around Redbridge Museum to discover the history of Redbridge! For ages 4+ / Tuesday 22 July to Saturday 30 August 2025 / 11:00 - 16:00 (drop-in) / Redbridge Museum, 2nd floor, Redbridge Central Library'

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 27

Thanks to everyone who dropped by for a game of carrom to see off South Asian Heritage Month with us!

We were pleased to be joined by fellow heritage colleagues from Newham Heritage Centre who were on a research trip to Redbridge Museum - thanks for dropping by!

Photo of three people sat around a carrom board at Redbridge Heritage Centre

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 26

For International Dog Day, here’s a photo from our collection of Growler, a perhaps slightly spoiled pup, in the special basket made for him by Mr and Mrs Willis so that they could cycle around with him! 🐶

Black and white photo of a man and woman riding bicycles connected by bars at the front and back of each bike, with a basket holding a dog suspended between them.

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 26

Taking place today!

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 22

Missed out on our first Make & Take activity earlier this summer? Not to worry – we’re running it again next Tuesday, plus a few more activities left over from each week!

📅 Tuesday 26 August
🕚 12:00 - 16:00
📍 Redbridge Heritage Centre
🔗 visionrcl.org.uk/museum-make-and-take

Poster for Redbridge Museum's summer Make & Take craft activities from 22 July to 26 August featuring a photo of a young boy colouring in and smiling at the camera

Poster for Redbridge Museum's Roman mosaics summer Make & Take craft activity on Tuesday 26 August 2025 featuring a photo of a young boy sticking squares of coloured paper to a paper mosaic art piece

Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 23

Going into London for Notting Hill Carnival this weekend? 🎉

This clip from our film ‘Memories of Windrush’ looks at Joyce Guy who moved to Ilford from Trinidad in 1958 and made food and costumes for her own Carnival band in the 1970s.

🔗 Watch the full film here: youtu.be/dYC1ZQxv3j4

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 22

Missed out on our first Make & Take activity earlier this summer? Not to worry – we’re running it again next Tuesday, plus a few more activities left over from each week!

📅 Tuesday 26 August
🕚 12:00 - 16:00
📍 Redbridge Heritage Centre
🔗 visionrcl.org.uk/museum-make-and-take

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 20

‘Redbridge and the Second World War’ opens soon on the 1st floor of Redbridge Central Library, Ilford. Visit our website or follow this account to stay tuned for more updates.

🔗 vrcl.uk/museum-ww2

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Redbridge Museum & Heritage Centre @redbridgemuseum.bsky.social · Aug 20

Something is in the works! You may have noticed our 1st floor exhibition area blocked off while we install our upcoming exhibition on Redbridge and the Second World War.

Here are some sneak peeks behind the scenes as we carefully place objects from our collections into the displays!

A person wearing a pair of purple gloves adjusts an ARP warden uniform in a Redbridge Museum display about the Second World War

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