Redbridge Carnival

2011-11-17T14:32:00.001Z

Redbridge Carnival Court with two members of Winners of Britain's Got Talent 2009- "Diversity"

Redbridge Mayor Chris Cummins with Redbridge Carnival Court.

Last night (16th November) a spectacular event in our town centre to celebrate the official switching-on of our town centre festival lights, was made even more glamorous by the attendance of Redbridge Carnival court. The girls were introduced to the wider public by compere Weininger, just after an awesome performance from Ryan Green who sang beautifully, at our own carnival and Redbridge Peace event. Despite the awful economic climate our borough has brought some much needed cheer and reminded us all that it is a very special season we are entering.

Redbridge Carnival Ilford library display a real treat!

2011-11-17T14:06:00.001Z

Images of Carnival from 2010 and 2011 in Redbridge Arts Council display

Images of former and current Carnival Court (Queens and Princesses) and a very historic Carnival Queen crown and sash from the famous carnival of the 60's.

Many of you have commended us for our displays on Carnival in Ilford Library that were present from August through to October. This was a new and innovative way for us to reach more local people.

Good news for those of you who missed the two cabinet displays is that Ian Dowling from the "Local History" department of the library has agreed to make a more detailed display on the 2nd Floor of Ilford Central Library, from March next year. He will be using some of our recent display material and items present in his existing archive spanning back to 1908.

Redbridge Peace Concert

2011-10-08T13:36:00.000+01:00

Redbridge Peace Monument

A short description of the Redbridge Peace Monument installation and first large scale Peace concert in our borough. The event was held on the 24th September 2011 the last day of the official "London Week of Peace."

Redbridge Carnival and the East Ilford Business Partnership (who also funded the installation of the monument, organised and managed the Peace Concert. Wilson Chowdhry the Chairman of both groups deserves credit for his efforts in seeing these two projects to fruition.

Ilford Town Centre has never been so busy!

Superintendent John Sweeney spokes of the need for communities to work together to restore local peace and cohesion.

VIP Kids manager described an appeal to Simon Cowell for support for the anti-violence rappers

Ann Oakes-Odger MBE spoke of the pain she suffered when her son lost his life in a violent attack.

Hundreds Gathered in Ilford Town Centres biggest ever event..

Evolution Dholl kicked things of in style.

Desi Dholl - a must see in Ilford Town Centre

Ravi Benot a man holding another meeting in the Town Hall came out to ask visitors to join his event too. We must have had some impact!

Angel Dance Academy were inspiring...

Rani King PA to Baroness Newlove spoke on behalf of the Baroness and described hope that our endeavour would have success.

Mayor Chris Cummins, Cllr Balvider Saund and various other dignitaries joined the unveiling of the monument.

Wilson introduced speakers at the monument.

Mother of slain Kashif Mahmood- Parvin Mahmood was joined by Ann Oakes-Odger MBE in unveiling the monument.

The monument revealed in all its glory!

Designer Gary Drostle spoke of his inspiration for the design and the intrinsic symbolic messages of peace, hope and unity.

People were awestruck that a project with initial council disdain was able to succeed and produce a fitting tribute to victims of violent crime in Redbridge.

Families stopped to hear the testimonies.

Mayor Chris Cummins spoke of his pride that our community was so resilient.

Flowers at the base of the monument reminded us that a tragedy had occurred at the location. Gandhi's words inspired us with hope.

A 1 minutes silence caused an emotional outpouring and deeper reflection.

It is hoped the monument will become a beacon of hope for all people in our borough illustrating the futility of knife crime and the severe consequences to perpetrators of violent crime. Plaques are to be introduced to base of the monument that will contain eulogies to victims Kashif Mahmood and Wesley Odger. This year a schools/local groups painting competition will result in the conversion of young peoples art to mosaic designs for installation at the base of the monument. We hope to see this work complete by the first anniversary of the monument installation. Families of victims have agreed to speak of the impact to their lives that the loss of a family member circumstances caused, it is hoped that local schools will contact us to facilitate such meetings. Wilson Chowdhry said:

Wilson Chowdhry said:

"Although, unintentionally the monument is shaped like a pencil- I hope it will be used like a pencil to write a more positive future for our borough"

Redbridge Carnival 2011

2011-09-30T11:42:00.003+01:00

We were pleasantly surprised by an unannounced visit form the Minister for Community and Welfare from the High Commission of Pakistan.

Redbridge has talent meets Britain's got talent!

Aidan Davies stole the show at This years Carnival with an immaculate performance.

Redbridge Growth showed of their talent and received certificates.

The 2001 Carnival Court brought glamour to our event!

Superintendent John Sweeney spoke of the recent riots and called for better community vigilance, cohesion and engagement with our youth.

The Fire Service conducted a chip pan fire demonstration.

Hainault Dancers were awesome!

Redbridge Youth services funded Hainault dancers were a real treat.

Aidan appeared again!

MP Lee Scott and Cllr Solomon showed Angel Dance Academy they could dance too!

Spirit of London Award Winner Camara Fearon performed immaculately.

This years carnival was smaller in attendance that last years event due to the Abysmal weather during the weekend and the staging of London Festival and Wanstead Festival on the same day. However overall the event was still a success and feedback form visitors was extremely positive.

We had our biggest line up ever with over 50 acts spread across the weekend Newcomers included:

Redbridge School of Gymnastics
Shpresa (Albanian Dancers)
Camara Fearon (Singer and winner of Spirit of London Award)
Dholl Evolution
Ben the Bagpiper
Sally's Dance Academy
Starbrite Twirlers
Kayzar (Street Dancing)
Davinder Bedi ( Punjabi Singer Recently played on BBC Asia Network)
Immortal Reverie (Metal Rock band)
Gataka ( Sikh Sword Fighting)
Comede - Ian (stand up comedy)

Old Favourites included:

Shin Cobra (Live Punjabi Singer)
Honey's Dance Academy (Bollywood Dancing)
Electra (Tribal Fusion Belly Dancing)
Aveley Twirlers
Amanjot Sangha (Hindi Singer)
London Fire Service (Chip Pan Fire demo)

There were many other participants.

Aidan Davies stole the show with two elegant street dancing routines. As a thank you for all the support he received after his performance, he provided visitors with an extra performance later in the day.

A funfair provided by Harry Parrish was a real treat for all visitors, we also had go Kart racing and bungee trampolines.

Superintendent John Sweeney of the London Murder Squad spoke of the need of vigilance against crime collectively. He urged local people to engage with local youth and to work with them in fashioning a better future for the borough. He also spoke of the dedication and commitment to protect local people by Redbridge Police and commended them on their sterling work during the recent London riots. He was definate that their positive attitude and professionalism that kept had limited the impact of the riots locally and kept our borough out of the national media.

Saturday evening was met with a surprise unannounced visit form the Minister of Community Welfare from the High Commission of Pakistan. He spoke eloquently of the need for all communities to promote cohesion in after the rise of various types of extremism in recent years. He celebrated the recent anniversary of Pakistan with the wider community of Redbridge, in which a significant Pakistani Community exists.

The Sunday street procession was larger than last year and hundreds stopped in the street to watch the festivities before them. We hope to achieve more success with this procession next year.

A comforting hush filled the event during a 1 minute silence to the victims of 9/11 at 14:30 on Sunday 11th September. On the 10th anniversary of the disaster Imam Hafiz Mohammed and Reverend George Hargreaves, spoke of peace and the need for communities to vigilant against extremism. It was very rewarding for the RCA Committee to see the wide variety of people from different backgrounds coming together to show their respects. You could have honestly heard a pin drop! Visitors where asked to hold hands in a show of unity and you could feel a warm coming together of people who were absolute strangers.

The minutes silence was followed by a lament played by Ben the bagpiper after which a huge passionate roar erupted.

Redbridge Rainbow at Redbridge Carnival and Redbridge Peace Concert!

2011-09-13T16:43:00.002+01:00

Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender group to attend Redbridge carnival for the first time

Redbridge Rainbow Community will be joining Redbridge Carnival this year for the first time in recent history. They will be joining the procession and will have a stall on both days the carnival is on. Rick Pataky, Co-Chair of the voluntary group said “We are all very excited about the prospect of joining the carnival this year as it is the first time an openly LGBT group based in Redbridge has done so. We want to stand up and be counted as part of the diverse community that is Redbridge”

The group formed at the beginning of this year believing that many LGB&T people within Redbridge may be very isolated, and often due to fear, are not publicly "Out" to others about their sexuality or gender identity. With the financial backing of London Borough of Redbridge and help and support from the Met police Safer Neighbourhood team, RAMFEL and Redbridge CVS they hope to be as strong as their counterparts in other neighbouring boroughs. Unlike many Inner London Boroughs, Redbridge does not have any obvious Meeting Focal Points where less confident LGBT people can feel free to gather and be open about themselves. The groups aim is to allow the voices of LGBT people living, working, socialising and studying within the borough of Redbridge to find their voice and have a say about their community.

At present the Redbridge Rainbow Community Forum is small in number, but we are most keen to attract lots of people from our community in Redbridge. This is a Forum primarily for Lesbian and Bisexual Women, Gay and Bisexual Men, and Trans-gendered people [LGB&T people for short], Living, Working, Studying and/or socialising within the London Borough of Redbridge. People from organisations within Redbridge, who are supportive of LGBT people and the issues they face, are also encouraged to attend.

We are very keen to advocate for Social Inclusion of LGBT people within the borough; to work with local public services, be it Council Services, Police, Health Services, Beauticians, Dentists, etc, fully taking the needs of LGBT people into account. We are committed to raising Public Awareness of our issues within the borough, working with public authorities to reduce the incidents and harm caused by Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic behaviour; and to create focal points where LGBT people can meet and feel comfortable to air their issues.

Redbridge Carnival Selection 2011.

2011-09-08T12:36:00.002+01:00

Last Night in one of the tightest competitions ever our Carnival court was selected. Participants were made to wait for nearly an hour after judges struggled to choose between the high level of applicants.

Criteria assessed included Community involvement, appearance and poise and Hobbies with potential benefit to the role as an ambassador for Redbridge.

Our Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Cummins, interrupted the trophy presentation ceremony to describe how tight this years competition was. He emotively described how every candidate was exceptional this year. Their range of community work and immaculate posture and appearance was duly noted.

The Panel op judges included:

Kiran Patti (Chair and Toni and guy Manager) Anthony Mondon Mayor of Redbridge Councillor Cummins Kaijul Pahl 2009/2010 Redbridge Carnival Queen.

Toni and Guy staff spent hours on the make and modern hairstyling techniques that made the occasion one with significant glamour. Training was also provided on cat walk walking and how to address visitors when speaking publicly.

The Selected court

Julia Gold (1st Place Carnival Queen 2011

Natashai Ragavan (2nd Place Carnival Princess)Sits on Redbridge Youth Council and is an Olympic Ambassador!

Neelum (3rd Place Carnival Princess)

Sashi Patti (4th Place Carnival Deputy)

Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of Carnival said:

"This years competition was a closely won challenge, the amount of community work these girls are involved in is remarkable and a real benefit to our borough and Carnival itself. We hope the annual post held by these girls will be a beneficial experience and an opportunity to learn new competencies that they will be able to transfer to their future work and societal roles. Our thanks to Toni and Guy staff for arranging an awesome evening."

Carnival returns with a real humdinger!

2011-09-08T07:59:00.002+01:00

This years Redbridge Carnival is set to be a real humdinger! Our Executive Committee has grown significantly and we have secured funding that will go towards some great additions for you this year.

The event will be held on two days Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September from 12:00 - 19:00 at Valentines Park.

Our main acts for this year include:

Aiden Davies a Street dancer of great acclaim who made the final of Britain's Got Talent 2009.
Honey Kalaria - Britain's Bollywood Supremo
Shin Cobra a mature and renowned Punjabi singer (who has used recordings of Wilson our chairman in his new track)

In addition the main stage is littered with local multicultural performances including Rascals, Panultimate Steel Pan band, Dreams Academy, Immortal Reverie(rock band), Starbrite Twirlers, Aveley Twirlers, Dholl Academy, Redbridge School of Gymnastics, Elektra Tribal Fusion Belly Dancing and much more...

We will also be providing:

A football tournament for all ages organised by Air Football (Sunday 12am - 3pm)
A Gataka (Sikh Sword Fighting) Performance on field
A snake demonstration
Drama
Community stalls
Commercial stall
International food stalls
Facepainting
Henna Tatoos
Go Kart Racing course
Free Multisports taster
Harry Parrish's Funfair
Gym Demonstrations and activities for the young
Bungee Trampoline
Inflatable castles and slides

All day long a free creative workshop will be provided by Whale of a time. Who will use clay modelling to teach children and young people about nature and our ecosphere.

This years procession will start at Ilford Town Centre at 12:00 on Sunday 11th September 2011. The route for the procession will be the same as last year. Walkers start in the town centre and will travel along the High Road to the Former Seven Kings Swimming Baths Car Park, From here a 10 minute break will ensue and a mixed float and foot procession will leave travel back along the High Road, onto Winston Way and then travel back in the Town Centre, along Clements Road following the bus route right at the top onto Cranbrook Road. Eventually they will turn right at Coventry Road and terminate at Valentines Park.

A one minute silence will be held around 14:30, for all the victims of the 9/11 incident and their families on the incident's 10th Anniversary.

Aidan Davies at Redbridge Carnival 2011!

2011-08-31T13:06:00.000+01:00

A true star of Britain’s Got Talent, Aidan Davis is coming to Redbridge Carnival 2011!

With his self-taught choreography skills, Aidan is a rare talent and has an extremely bright future ahead of him.

Since reaching the final of BGT, the teenager has performed to thousands on the official Arena Tour before embarking on two huge tours as ‘Bionic Boy’ with Diversity last year.

Now Aidan, who boasts more than half a million fans on his Facebook page, is ready to put his stamp on 2011. At Redbridge Carnival he has the perfect opportunity to do so....

Whale of a Time at Redbridge Carnival

2011-08-25T16:00:00.006+01:00

Local Residents urged to visit Whale of a Time at Redbridge Carnival

Award Winning Eco-Warrior Irene Schleining, founder of Whale of a Time is asking residents to get down and dirty at Redbridge Carnival as she uses creative arts to connect the community with nature and wildlife.

The Whale of a Time Workshop will be arriving in Redbridge for the first time ever at Redbridge Carnival held on September 10^th and 11^th 2011 at Valentines Park.

“We provide a fun and hands-on activity where young and old are able to model whales and other endangered species out of clay and at the same time learn about the environment, biodiversity and sustainability whilst having a whale of a time!

Participants will make a model of endangered animal and/or plant species. Participants can not only explore their knowledge about endangered species but also investigate ways we can actively change our behaviours towards a sustainable society with less impact on the environment and find ways to take steps to preserve endangered species.”

Director of Whale of a Time Irene Schleining commented;

“We met with the Redbridge Carnival Committee this week and were pleased to mutually agree a commission to undertake our programme at an event that seeks to bring community together in a positive manner. Their focus on community and preserving the environment is similar to ours and we hope that our being present will add a new dimension to an already successful event, whilst challenging local people to preserve our ecosystem.”

The Whale of a Time Workshop has won the Making a Big Difference Award 2010 and NHS Community Wellbeing Competition 2010. It has been nominated for the London Peace Awards 2010, the Archant London Business Awards 2010 and the Archant London Environmental Awards 2009. Recently Whale of a Time has been nominated for the Future Friendly Awards 2011.

For more information go to our website at www.whaleofatime.org

Have a whale of a time! ;)

Your Whale of a Time Community

Redbridge Carnival Queen Selection 2011

2011-05-20T21:09:00.002+01:00

The Redbridge Carnival Association are looking for women between the ages of 15 - 25 that are community stalwarts, active, dress well, energetic and want to be Ambassadors for Redbridge.

The search for this years Carnival Queen has now started and applications are being sought from would be local royalty. The role itself will involve speaking at Redbridge Carnival and other local events, appearing for photo shoots and showing the type of behaviour that a role with such responsibility warrants.

Prizes this year include a trophy and a £500 fashion photo shoot for the eventual Redbridge Queen and £250 photo shoots each for the two princesses at Jack Carter Photography.

We are pleased to announce that this years competition is to be held at the Toni and Guy Salon in Ilford Town Centre(213 High Road, Ilford) on the 30th July 2011.

Manager Kitty Patti and her girls will be putting girls through their paces and illustrating them how to saunter elegantly before the judges and how to behave publicly. The event is going to have Toni and Guy branding so expect a high profile well rehearsed competition. This is a real ramping up oif our traditional competition that was previously held at Redbridge College.

If you feel you are up to the challenge please call 020 8514 0861 and obtain an application form. Alternatively email Rajeshri Chouhan on rajeshri_chouhan2003@yahoo.co.uk.

The role will require some public speaking and is not for the faint-hearted.

Plans are afoot for Redbridge Carnival 2011

2011-05-20T20:45:00.002+01:00

A football tournament for all ages organised by Air Football
A Kabbadi (Asian Wrestling) Tournament
A Gataka (Sikh Sword Fighting) Performance on field
A snake demonstration
Drama
Community stalls,
International food stalls
Go Kart Racing course
Free Multisports taster
Harry Parrish's Funfair

This years procession will start at Ilford Town Centre at 12:00 on Saturday 10th September 2011. The route for the procession will be the same as last year. Walkers start in the town centre and will travel along the High Road to the Former Seven Kings Swimming Baths Car Park, From here a 10 minute break will ensue and a mixed float and foot procession will leave travel back along the High Road, onto Winston Way and then travel back in the Town Centre, along Clements Road following the bus route right at the top onto Cranbrook Road. Eventually they will turn right at Coventry Road and terminate at Valentines Park.

We expect our biggest following for the procession and already have more participants than ever before!

Don't miss out and book this in your diaries now!

Images from Redbridge Carnival 2010

2011-04-15T15:53:00.019+01:00

Redbridge Carnival 2010

2010-09-17T19:01:00.002+01:00

Hammad Singer Redbridge Carnival

2010-09-17T18:59:00.002+01:00

Sofiya Hayat at Redbridge Carnival 2010

2010-09-15T20:02:00.001+01:00

Redbridge Carnival Flyer with dates times and map of this years Event.

2010-08-28T11:41:00.000+01:00

Redbridge Carnival press shoot!

2010-08-27T16:57:00.001+01:00

Here is an image of our press shoot taken on Monday. You can see a number of the performers ready to make Carnival a real success again this year. In the image above we have one of our Carnival Princesses Anum, Elektra (Tribal Fusion Belly Dancer), boys from London Football Academy, members fo the Dallaway Steel Band, Amanjot (Hindi singer) and Nish a Hindi Singer. If you look carefully you will see my daughter Naomi at the front with me and my daughter Hanna to the left of Nish in a burgundy dress. All the above are waiting to greet you at this years carnival.......

This years Redbridge Carnival is set to be the best ever. We have got a real range of diverse talent that will provide Mauritian dancing, Irish Jigs, modern tap and Jazz, Street dance, dramas, pop songs, Traditional and modern Bhangra acts, and much more from our main stage. In addition the Army Cadets will be taking youths through the paces in an interactive Mission Impossible course. There will be free Steel Pan Workshops and performances and a funfair provided by Harry Parrish.

This year we are particularly pleased to announce that Sofia Hayat will be performing her new single and an adapted version of the song she sang for the Pakistani Earthquake appeal to raise awareness of the British Pakistani Christian Association "Flood Appeal" our chosen charity.

Date: 11th and 12th september
Time: 12:00 - 19:00
Location: Valentines Park

We also have a procession that will leave Ilford Town Centre at 12:00 on the 12th September 2010.

Zoweeee!

2010-08-27T14:45:00.008+01:00

Looking gorgeous - Sofia will rock your world at Redbridge Carnival!

Oh my gosh, just when you thought it could not get any better Redbridge Carnival brings you a real star in the making.

Up and coming singer, model and actress Sofia Hayat is to grace the stage at Redbridge Carnival this year. As a performer Sofia made it big after being recognised for her talent at a Zee TV Carnival, she went onto present cult show "sorted for Zee that made her a household name within the Global Pakistani Community.

Sofia was trained as a potential Bollwood star by the professionals in Bombay, after selection in the top four candidates for the "Bollwood Star" series shown on Channel 4. Sofia performed a moving song she wrote for the recent Pakistani Earthquake at the Royal Albert Hall. An adapted version will be sung to raise funds for Carnival's chosen charity this year the British Pakistani Christian Association "Pakistan Flood Appeal"

Her new album "Dishonour" is to be released in September and is already getting rave reviews - hear some of the songs from the album at Redbridge Carnival. Sofia also stars in a film called "Cash and Curry" which will be released in September!!!!

Learn more about sofia bu clicking the links below:

http://www.sofiahayat.com/

www.sofiahayatmusic.com

Here is a link to Sofia's performance at the Albert hall:

http://www.desivideonetwork.com/view/lxt1meaa7/sofia-hayat-live-at-royal-albert-hall-original-song-pakistani-earthquake/

We need you!

2010-05-22T16:36:00.001+01:00

Redbridge Carnival needs more helpers this year if we are to proceed with a Carnival this year. We are looking for committed people to join our committee, who will be involved in raising funds, promoting and organising this year’s carnival.

We hope to make this years event even more spectacular than last years.

This years Carnival will return to Valentines Park on the 11th and 12th September. We have moved the date of the event back a weekend as it will fall after Ramadan and will hopefully induce more participation from Redbridge’s Muslim community, who have not been able to attend for the last two years. Moreover it will also allow better schools participation as Children will be back from their holidays and will be afforded a week to rehearse for our event.

We would like to hear from local performers, political and community speakers, and activity organisers of all types, that may be able to add something to this years carnival. If you are interested please call Wilson Chowdhry on 020 8514 0861 or email wilson@aasecurity.co.uk.
We will be holding planning meetings every week from 19:00 at our offices at 57 Green Lane. The days of the meetings will be agreed in advance by mutual consent.

Redbridge Carnival opts for later weekend!

2010-04-30T14:30:00.004+01:00

This year's Redbridge Carnival has been moved forward form the 1st weekend in September to the second week. This is to ensure that Muslims can attend this year as Ramadan ends before the weekend of the 11th and 12th September. This later date should also inspire more school groups to attend and participate.

Kajul Pahl our Carnival Queen leading protest against potential closure of A&E and Maternity Facility at King George Hospital

2010-01-09T15:05:00.003Z

Campaigning is a serious process, however, it was great to be able to get people to have a jolly in the cold weather.
MP's, Councillors, the leader of the Council and Kajul Pahl our Carnival Queen challenged local people to sign the petition.

Cold weather could not stop the demonstration!

Just look at the ice on the floor! We refused to leave until the day was complete!

Over 50 people attended the event we just could not squeeze them into our camera. Sorry!

As with any event things are not always as organised as they would seem from photos. The event, however, was a great success!

Today to the fore of Ilford Town Hall, the Green Party organised what has to be recorded as a pivotal moment for the campaign against potential termination of Accident and Emergency Facility and Maternity Facility, at King George Hospital. The first All party protest against these closures was a great success.

Over 500 signatures were collected and many people learnt about the dastardly Redbridge PCT plans, for the first time. Wilson Chowdhry from the Green Party said:

"I would like to thank in particular the Readbridge Carnival Queen Kajul Pahl. She rallied people to the petition table and organised an orderly queue for the insistent people determined to show their apprehension to potential closures at King George Hospital. The fact that the Newspapers honed in on her and asked for her personal reasons for being involved - indicates how much of an ambassador she has become for the Borough. Without a doubt, I can categorically state Kajul attracted a large crowd, to what would otherwise have been a run of the mill event!"

Visitors to the event included:

Leader of the Council Cllr Keith Prince
Mike Gapes MP
Lee Scott MP Cllr Balvinder Saund
Cllr Lorraine Sladden (Redbridge Mayor 2008)
Cllr John Tyne
Kajul Pahl - Redbridge Carnival Queen
Mark Dawes - Redbridge and Waltham Forest Green Party Co-ordinator
Bob Archer -Hope Not Hate

and several other councillors......

Thank you to all that joined us - The Green Party will be arranging other events so why not view there blog at: http://chadwellgreen.blogspot.com/
-
Do sign the on line petition (click here).

Mayors Parade 2010

2010-01-08T08:35:00.012Z

Carnival Mascot Hannah Chowdhry - worn and withered by the end of the event. As cold as it was this adventurous 5 year old lasted the fierce adversity of the weather!
There were literally hundreds of participants from Redbridge groups at the event.

The Carnival team with the Redbridge Float - The three of us Rajeshri Chouhan (Court Chaperone) Kajul Pahl Carnival Queen and Wilson Chowdhry lead the procession. The Two Carnival Princesses Jesse Baker and Katie Woolnoth waved to the crowds on the Redbridge Float with Mascot Hanna Chowdhry.

Lovin it!

A Gatakha Sikh Sword Fighter passes by to impress later during the procession.

Great fun for all!

The Air cadets with Carnival Queen Kajul Pahl just before moving off for the parade.

Twice for luck!

Group Shot no.1 !

Group shot no.2!

Group shot number 3!

At the front left St John's ambulance, Front Right 241 Squadron Air Cadets, middle front Jam Dancers and Jive Dancers, the Police cadets are a little further back and we have the Sikh Sword fighters and Dholl Academy here too!

That's much better - we worked out placing the banner lower allowed more people to become visible! The Scouts are holding the arrangement of flags.

Its Jive dancers withe the Pom Poms!

The Police Cadets moved further forward!

Jive and Jam Dancers!

Redbridge Float with a Jazz Band and Steel Pan performance from the awesome Panultimate!

Jive Dancers to the fore of the Houses of Parliament.

Air Cadets from 241 Squadron outside the Houses of Parliament.

Panultimate Steel Pan Band and the Jazz Performers on the main Redbridge Float.

Like the yellow!

All's well that ends well!

Watch yourselves on the Road!

Everyone had a good day!

Where's the limo?

Banana Splits!

Wilson's off again! Well that's goodbye from us!

The event went awesomely well and Councillor Chan put in a lot more effort than previous Mayors. He has proven to be one of the most charming individuals to hold the role and this year in office has been a real treat. It will be a shame to see him go in the summer and the Redbridge Carnival team wishes all the best of success for the future.

Pink day

2009-11-12T10:26:00.004Z

Its the rinky dink panther, the pinky pink panther...

Wilson looks a bit peturbed in his new hat?!

When I became Chairman of Redbridge Carnival I promised to the committee present before me, that I would make Carnival and its representatives intrinsic, to as much of what is fun and important in Redbridge, as was possible.

It was hence a real delight and pleasure to be invited by the incumbent Mayor Cllr Chan to be invited to the Pink Day event held at the Town hall last Tuesday. Our Carnival Princesses and Mascot attended the vent with great aplomb and looked glorious in their regalia and shimmering pink dresses. The day had a serious tone in that it was organised to promote Women's Breast Cancer Awareness day and a collection was made for the Cancer Research Fund. Being a part of such an important day was a privilege for all involved with Carnival and I know that the girls were impeccable with their timing and with their attitude on the day.

These girls have committed themselves to charitable work with Redbridge Carnival throughout the year and have already distributed programmes at the Area 5 Festival, collected money for St Johns Ambulance and participated in the recent sponsored Walk held by Joe Browne and the Ilford Athletics Club and here again they have proved to be great ambassadors for the Borough. The Mayor has asked our court to attend various other events in the Year (so do look out for them!)and they will be present on the New Years Day Parade Float too!

Redbridge Sponsored Walk 2009

2009-09-29T09:36:00.017+01:00

Joe Browne (Sponsored Walk Organiser) MP Lee Scott, Jessica baker 1st Princess, Katie Woolnoth 2nd Princess, Leader of the Council Keith Prince and Rajeshri Chouhan (Carnival Chaperone) registering for Sponsored Walk.
Wilson Chowdhry preparing to enter the 5k Run even though suffering with the Flu- Did quite well too even though he was in excruciating pain by the end.

Cllr Keith Prince, MP Lee Scott and MP Mike Gapes - opening the Sponsored Run

Almost ready to go!

Were off! That's Wilson in the Black T Shirt just behind Joe Browne's beaming face.

Could there possibly be a more Glamorous Carnival Court in the UK - even in walkwear!

From Left Kajul Pahl (Carnival Queen), Katie Woolnoth (2nd Princess) Jessica Baker (1st princess) and Anum Khan (Deputy)

All smiles before the walk

Deputy Mayor Lambert in the centre of Picture

Always the coolest - Wilson after his awesome run - well not that great but he did have flu!

The deputy Mayor addressing the gathering before starting the main event (sponsored walk)

Another angle and much clearer image

Almost ready to go now!

It did start but we have no images sorry!

Area 5 Festival - Our Queens and Princesses are real Ambassadors!

2009-09-24T10:51:00.026+01:00

These are probably the best images you will find of the Area 5 Festival held in Chadwell Heath on the 20th september 2009. I was on the organising committee and suggested they use our girls as ambassadors for the event. Unanimously, all the committee agreed. Our girls met and greeted as many visitors as possible and handed out free programmes. They did Redbridge proud and our Carnivals reputation increased reciprocally. All who attended wanted a picture with the glamour girls and though our princesses could not make it Kajul Pahl and Deputy Anum Khan did a miraculous job!

The Local Sikh sword fighters providing a ring of protection around our valuable girls!

The young pretender -Jesse Boucher a prospective Liberal Candidate (well not so young and he seems to only be pretending to be Chris Evans)

Cllr Gary Staight of the Liberal Party (Chadwell)

That's me with a sword - heh heh!

PCSO Steve (the one with the big head) Sgt Marl Lowrie from Chadwell Safer Neighbourhood A lady who will be providing acts for next years carnival.

The Queen and Deputy introducing themselves to the gathering.

I introduced the crowd to the Court and informed them about next years event.

Rt Hon Mike Gapes MP Ilford South (Labour) with Queen Kajul Pahl and Rajeshri Chouhan our Chaperone.

Full image of the event stage

The rest of the Chadwell SNT

Councillor Balvinder Saund from Seven Kings with a group of People at the South East Gurdwara stall that wa sproviding free frood and drinks all day. Mr Gurdip Singh Hundal in the blue turban is General secretary of the Gurdwaras South East.

Early on when only one member of the Chadwell SNT was around.

Our Worshipful Mayor Cllr Chan (Conservative) with his wife (Madam Mayor)

Cllr Scott from the Liberal Party Chadwell Ward.

Take Action For Seven Kings Stall with Leaders Ali Hai and Chris Connelly

The local Churches group with Father Fr Benjamin J Rutt-Field centre (black clothes) and another Father and far left Danny O'Brien from "Miles not Knives".

A local residents association group receiving a programme from our Kajul

Cllr Bob Littelwwood (Labour) Seven Kings ward

Cllr Stuart Bellwood (Labour) Seven Kings Ward and Cllr Staight (Liberal) Chadwell Ward

Redbridge Carnival Award Ceremony 2009

2009-09-22T19:52:00.006+01:00

"Reporter of the Year" Dominic Wiggan - Ilford Recorder

"Youth Group of the Year - Redbridge Youth Services"

"Redbridge Carnival Community Champion" Phil Walby -Redbridge ASBO Team

Redbridge Carnival held a post event award ceremony at the Ilford Recorder Building on the 11th September 2009. Our thanks go to the wonderful Ilford Recorder team who made the event a special occurrence.

As main sponsors of the Award ceremony and the Carnival event itslef we asked Chris Carter to present the an award to Phil Walby who won the "Community Champion Award based on his ongoing committment to reducing antiscoial behviour in the borough, including helping with the initiation of 7 Neighbourhood watches and encouraging other officers to attend NHW's to gather intelligence. Phil Walby in particular has been involved in several Antisocial behaviour contracts in Chadwell Ward that has restored much community peace.

Our Princess Jessica Baker presented the Redbrideg Carnival Youth Organisation trophy to Redbridge Youth Services. She presented the trophy to a fellow colleague fo Woodford County High ......who represented the team at the event. Redbrideg Youth service arranged two days of entertainement via a seperate marquee on our field and a 1 our extravanganza on the main stage, including rock, dance and other performances. they also designed costumes and participated in our main procession.

Finally my favourite Award went to Dominic wiggan and often enigmatic and at other times innovative reporter. His article in the Ilford Recorder dominate the front pages are informative and accurate and written in a manner that is both stimulating and didactic. His genius has elevated him to a role as sub editor in without a doubt Redbridge's strongest paper.

Our thanks to Chris Carter again and his wonderful team for their sterling efforts to make the award ceremony a success and for favouring carnival from it's outset.

Redbridge Carnival 2009

2009-09-11T21:26:00.023+01:00

Pictures from Redbridge Carnival 2008

2009-09-02T22:15:00.018+01:00

Rebridge Carnival September 2009

2009-09-02T21:21:00.011+01:00

The Recorder backed Redbridge Carnival returns on the 5th and 6th September 2009 from 12:00 - 20:00 at Valentines Park, Ilford.

The event is full of fun and adventure including:
A whole day Circus skills performance and workshop area

Bouncy Castle
Face Painting

Henna Design
6 International Food stalls
A craft and photo display by Redbridge Youth Services
Picture Stalls
Community and Charity stalls,
Jewellery stalls
Organised sports activities

Charity football match
A large music and performance art stage with internationally, culturally, faith based and diversity

There is no doubt that Michael Jackson was a musical prodigy and genius. To celebrate his life Alexandra School of Performance arts will be providing a Michael Jackson Dance Tribute and Jenny Rix will be providing a Michael Jackson singing tribute. This will hopefully bring some solace or trigger good memories in the huge following of his fans that are mourning for his loss and have missed out on what would have been the tour of the century.

A Carnival foot procession starts on the from 12;00 on the 6th September at the Community pitch to the fore of Harrison Gobsons in Ilford town centre, from there we travel to the car Park of the Former Swimming Baths at Seven Kings. Here vehicle will form interspersed with pedestrian procession teams and the procession will continue up the High Road to Winston Way, we will then take the second exit from the Eastern Roundabout into Ilford Town Centre , travel down Clements Road and back into the far end of the town centre using the Bus route. We will turn right here at the newly formed and soon to be operational right hand turn for buses, from which we will travel down Cranbrook Road, into Coventry Road then Granville Road, Valentines Road and finally Melbourne road into the Park

We are still looking for procession w\alking groups and floats to make this years procession better than last year. We are particularly hoping a local freight company might offer 3 lorries for 3 groups that could not find any vehicle, to use in this years procession. If we do not find any Redbridge Carnival will have no Redbridge based floats. Please help...?

2009-08-30T12:05:00.002+01:00

Raj and Rachel and I completed putting up a number of our carnival banners on Redbridge Parks. We were disappointed however, to see, that someone had decided to remove two banners from Valentines Park. This was on the same day we received a bizarre email form Redbridge Leisure services about the timing of our event. We have been planning the event for over a year now and have always stipulated a finish time of 20:00. It seems the council now believes that the Event is to finish at 19:00 with 1 week to go. This complaint adds to the ire our committee feels about the way we are treated by the council. You will remember no doubt, how they decided to change the location of our event last year with just two weeks to go. It all seems rather contrived and antagonistic, however, I will investigate further before making any hard allegations.

Emergency Planning

2009-08-27T09:20:00.004+01:00

Here are images taken at the end of a 3 hour training session, run by the boroughs Emergency Planning Team. The Aim of session was to review our Emergency Plan, helping us with improvements for our Emergency Plan, Training us in better use of Radios and giving us emergencu planning experience via controlled scenarios!

Derek Hobday leader of the team took us through some very difficult situations, one of which was a tragic funfair accident. His presentation skills were implacable and his ability to use previous recorded incidents to advise us of possible issues - was excellent.

It was fun and rewarding and provided us with better insight for our event next weekend (5th and 6th September at Valentines Park). So do come along to an event that we have tried to mak as safe as possible...!

finally Police and Council have approved our procession

2009-08-25T22:43:00.003+01:00

Today I am pleased to announce that or the second year running Redbridge Council will be organising a procession for our event. The police and council approved our plans, risk assessments and have started the work on our traffic management order. We still need floats for the procession and several requests for assistance have been rejected...this will mean a lack of Redbridge Floats will be visible at the event. Several Groups have expressed an interest and we really hope someone might be able to bail us out. If so please do cascade our request to any approriate people.

Redbridge Youth Services Summer UNI Programme

2009-08-05T16:49:00.004+01:00

Today I visited the Downsall Centre at Aldborough Road South. In my role as Chairman of Redbridge Carnival I was invited to facilitate a learning session to the young 13- 21 year olds who were undergoing a programme on a pre-selected course in Event Management. I had produced a 20 minute powerpoint presentation with pictures and lots of interesting facts on the history and development of Redbridge Carnival, whilst also promoting the ideology and principles of our existing Redbridge Carnival Association:

Promoting Community Cohesion
Promoting Local Talent
Promoting Good Community Citizenship

The young people at the session posed questions on how to seek funding, how to promote an event, intricate questions about health and safety and policing issues and much more. I was pleased to be able to use some of my experience to provide some positive and useful information to the group before me.

The young participants are going to be planning, promoting and facilitating 1 hours worth of entertainment and an arts and craft tent at our carnival on the 5th September 2009. I wish them the best of luck for the future and believe having met with them...that the professionalism that exuded from them will result in one hell of an exciting performance.

2009-07-29T14:52:00.006+01:00

"Glamour" was the call of the day when the contestants for the 2009 Redbrige Carnival Queen took the stage. All the women and girls were bright, intelligent, dressed immaculately and caused the judges no-end of trouble as the margins between them were difficult. The event was delayed by over 30minutes as the judges battled it out to have their favourite candidates win. The judges include The Mayor Cllr Chan, his wife Madame Mayor Chan, Jean Challis (a former Romford Carnival Queen and a founder member of the original Redbridge Carnival from 1968), Alison Upchurch (0ne of the very early Redbridge Carnival Queens) and Punit Hare the first ever Redbridge Carnival Queen from the new association.

The Selected Carnival Queen is Kaijal Pahl from Ilford (centre)

The first Princess is Jessica Baker from South Woodford (left)

The second Princess is Katie Woolnoth from South Woodford (right)

The winners were chosen after assessment of their commitment, voluntary/community work, communication and manner - this is not a beauty contest!. It is hoped that they will represent the borough as Ambassadors and will be present on the Mayors New Years Day Parade Float. The Carnival Queens will now lead our procession on the 6th September 2009 and they will also be present over the two days of carnival. We hope that they will provide an enduring image of professionalism and community to all who attend. Dont forget from 12:00 - 20:00 on the 5th and 6th Septmber 2009 our event will be in Valentines Park (Melbourne Fields).

Throughout the event we were entertained by live DJ and wonderful performances by Alexandra School of Performing Arts (Thriller rendition and cabaret acts), Khatak Dancing, and Elektra (tribal fusion belly dancing See picture). Our thanks to all the performers. It should be noted in particular that the two princesses performed in 3 ASPA cabaret performances and still displayed the correct poise, demeanour and appearance to impress our judges!

Jessica Baker

2009-07-26T09:00:00.001+01:00

Hobbies:

My passion is dancing, I love to perform! I also enjoy singing and acting and go to a Performing Arts school.

Interests:

I love music, shopping (of course!!), watching films and spending time with my family and friends. Yet again dancing is what I enjoy the most!

Aspirations:

In the future I would love to pursue my hobby as a dancer and maybe perform in the West End. Also after completing my A levels at sixth form I hope to then go onto University to perhaps study Maths as it is what I love at school.

What you believe gives you Star Quality:

I am a young positive teenager who has a lot of ambitions. I am dedicated to my education and hobby. I love to teach dancing at the weekend and to perform and share my talent with younger children - some with special needs.

Katie Woolnoth

2009-07-26T08:56:00.001+01:00

Hobbies:

I am a very active person who loves to dance, sing, act and participate in various sports. I studied P.E at GCSE and enjoy spending my free time at my local performing arts school- The alexandra school of performing arts.

Interests:

When I'm not performing im at home or out and about with my family and friends! I love music and have played a variety instruments in my childhood- such as the violin and drums! I also have a great interest in make-up and beauty.

Aspirations:

Following my passion for make-up and beauty it may be a career path that i follow in the future after completing two years at sixth form.

What you believe gives you Star Quality:

I'm a lively, bubbly teenager, who's always up for a challenge (and a laugh!). I share my talents at my dancing school where I teach younger students of many different ages and abilities.

Rachel Daniel

2009-07-25T19:53:00.007+01:00

Hobbies/Interests :

I enjoy live performance; theatre, live music, comedy shows.
I am an avid Tudor historian.
I collect vintage accessories.
I like baking cakes.

Aspirations:

I hope to be a successful playwright.
I would love to travel round the world in a VW campervan.

What you believe gives you Star Quality:

I am confident, and articulate. I would be a great Carnival Queen because I am very encouraging and supportive; an excellent ‘cheerleader’.

Jaya Nuckched

2009-07-25T19:46:00.007+01:00

Hobbies:

My hobbies are cooking,swimming,watchig new hindi movies,shopping and many more.
.
Interests:

My interest are to learn dancing, shopping ,going to parties,attend weddings, reading newspapers and many more.

Aspirations:

To be a dance

Star Quality:

I believe I am a good designer.

Emma Rengasammy

2009-07-25T19:38:00.012+01:00

Hobbies:

During my spare time I enjoy reading a variety of genres. I also love cooking and baking all sorts of dishes. I enjoy swimming and love to try new things- for example next week I will be trying some ice skating! I also enjoy creative writing. I enjoy going out and spending time with my friends and family. Anything creative!
.
Interests:

I am interested in languages and different cultures. I love travelling to different parts of the world. I love television, music and film. I also enjoy voluntary work and taking part in charity work. Aspirations:I would like a career in science- I am particularly interested in becoming a scientist one day.
.
What you believe gives you Star Quality:

What I believe gives me star quality:I'm sweet, have a great personality and am always smiling. I have a good sense of humour and love being part of the community. I am someone people can relate to and I'm a good listener.

Krystle Acquah

2009-07-25T19:31:00.017+01:00

Hobbies:

Bollywood dancing
Languages- French. German, Italian and Latin
Protesting - with London citizens

Organising events – stripped (Redbridge talent uncovered)
Taking walks in the park Socializing

Interests:

Listening to music

Shopping
Travelling

Learning about different cultures
Translating
Ice cream

Aspirations:

To continue to make a positive impact on society, through my participation in events, manner and optimism. To reach my personal goal of becoming a politician and represent this country internationally, further on in my career.

What you believe gives you Star Quality:

I inspire

Anam Naib

2009-07-25T19:16:00.019+01:00

Hobbies:

Love cycling, doing random art pieces at home, going cinemas.

Interests:

Keeping fit and healthy, keeping up to date with politics, enjoy reading murder mystery novels, keeping up to date with the latest fashion!

Aspirations:

To be a successful and independent lady and also somebody that others can look up to.
I give charity at the moment but one day I would like to set up my own charity.

What you believe gives you Star Quality:

I am charismatic
Have a bubbly personality
I am Considerate
I aAlways hit my target
I can handle pressure

Alexandra School Of Performing Arts

2009-07-25T11:02:00.003+01:00

The Redbridge Carnival Committe would like to extend it's greatest thanks to the Alexandra School of Performing Arts.

They are one of the few committed community orientated groups in Redbridge who have served the carnival in an exemplary fashion. Last year they put on over 2 hours of varied performances at no cost and each time drew the biggest crowds.

I know haow good they are as after they attended carnival my 5 year old daughter has been attending the excellent classes and has already performed in two concerts. Of which ASPA try to keep cost down by sewing costumes and seeling them for cheaper than it would cost to hire them with some other dance organisations!

ASPA will be providing a "Thriller" Michael Jackson Tribute at Carnival this year and having already seen a rendition - I can confirm it will make any true Michael Jackson Fan proud.

Our thanks to Alex and her staff for encouraging two new Carnival Queen applicants from their fold. We wish these girls and all the others, a tremendous amount of success for tomorrow's event and towards their future aspirations!

Leelam Ramrachheya

2009-07-25T07:56:00.001+01:00

Hobbies:
.
I will give priority to swimming - I love water! I like following t.v programmes and reading magazines gives me pleasure.I love going out as well...to see a new day.
.
Interest:
.
I'm a bit of a natural girl; I like going to the forest as I love the green environment. My interests also include gardening. Iwouldn't say gardening is my hobby but it does interest me. Thirdly, my current job I do get to learn a lot of things which sometimes amaze me, however, I have no complaints as I simply love learning new things
.
Aspirations:
.
The first aspiration i get it's from the people themselves.It is true when we say its easy to do a mistake but difficult to a good deed;people collecting money,doing marathon etc. does give me aspiration and makes me believe I as an individual can help.
.
What you believe gives you Star Quality:
.
The fact that i am a free human being and i can speak for myself,the fact that I am daring makes me believe I have star quality. God has blessed all humans with beauty and wits all we need to do is to discover and use them. It's worth trying...

Images of our potential Carnival Queens - further details pending!

2009-07-24T06:53:00.012+01:00

Jessica Baker

Katie Woolnoth

Anam Naib

Krystle Acquah

Emma Rengasammy

Jaya Nuckched

Rachel Daniel

Leelam Ramrachheya

Procession Meeting

2009-07-13T17:32:00.007+01:00

We attended a meeting with The Met Police, Transport Police and the Highways Team although nothing outlandish was found in our procession route plan. It has been agreed that the MET and Transport Police will undertake a survey of the route on Thursday to finalise details of policing requirement and the safety of the route. This is the final step before we apply for a Traffic Managment order - this is a real milestone!

In the picture from left to right we have Syed Hussain (Highways) Paul Coombes (Traffic Police). Roland James (TFL), Wilson Chowdhry (Carnival Chairman), Unknown, Unknown.

In particular we would like to thank Sgt Stewart Brewster and PC Adrian Sagger who have dedicated so much time and effort into making this carnival a reality. We also thank Sgt Paul Coombes and of the very professional Syed Hussain whos local legislative and traffic mangement knowledge has been key to our progress!

Carnival Route - complications!

2009-07-09T17:29:00.005+01:00

We completed a tour of the route for our procession today and reviewed the policing and event safety concerns for the route. The major problem identified is ensuring good policing of the Eastern roundabout along Winston Way. It is a major traffic intersection and two entrances to the roundabout will need closure for up to 10 minutes. The concern is reduced in significance as we are holding a Sunday Procession.

We will have meeting with Traffic Police and the Highways Team on Monday for final ratification and hope to share good news with all our potential Carnival revellers via our blog after this. The good news is that the management team from Skanska -working on the new right hand turn lane at the top of the High Road/beginning of Cranbrook Road will be ready for use by our procession for the 6th of September- should we obtain the requisite Traffic Management Order! Excellent news methinks!

Linda Robson - Could she be at Redbridge Carnival?

2009-07-08T18:47:00.006+01:00

Our Chairman Wilson Chowdhry met with TV Actress Linda Robson (formerly with Birds of a Feather) at a public roadshow arranged by "News of the World" regarding the issue of street violence and crime. Linda spoke openly about her son's traumatic experience being the last person to cradle Ben Kinsella as he died, fatally injured in a youth crime incident that shocked the nation.
She has stated that if she is not booked, she would be willing to talk on the futility of knife crime - at our Redbridge Carnival event on the 5th and 6th September 2009. We have her agents number and will keep you informed of progress!

Grassroots funding means it's all go!

2009-07-08T18:27:00.005+01:00

I have spent a day volunteering to join the judging panel for the East London Community Foundation "Grassroots" and Small grants scheme. I met many interesting and astute individuals from the community sector and believe I have encouraged many of them to join us by obtaining a free pitch which we offer to the 3rd sector (Community Groups and Charities). I have been told we have look favourable for a grant award towards our Carnival event. We submitted two applications, which together amount to around £10,000. This is very exciting as it means that if ratified by the ELCF Committee it will arrive well before school closure, ensuring we can advertise our event in schools before the start of the school holidays - for the first time ever! This year is proving to be a real success and hopefully the event will grow in stature in proceeding years as it has done from the outset. In the picture you will see Anja Beinroth and Rick Pataky from the ELCF with me sandwiched in the middle.

If you are a Redbridge group and want to secure funding for one of your projects - why not contact them via the details in the link above? The scheme is open to projects of all types so whether you work with young or old people, are sports or dance orientated, provide advice or networking opportunities...these guys can help you!

Last call for Carnival Queen Selection Tickets!

2009-07-07T19:15:00.003+01:00

Had a great meeting just know and a visit from David Kalloo from the World Carnival Commission (far left in photo). In the picture you will see the team displaying our Carnival Queen Selection Dance tickets which are priced at £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. The event will be packed with fun including performances from ASPA, Tribal Fusion Belly Dancing from Elektra and a Khatak dance performance. We will obviously be selecting our queen from the elegant applicants also. Don't miss out as we have already sold 30 tickets from a potential 100!

Our Thanks to the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian

2009-07-04T08:33:00.003+01:00

We would like to thank the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian for their recent article on our Carnival Queen Competition: It is with the support of local organisations that we will be able to keep making Redbridge Carnival bigger and better! They were also last years Chief Sponsors!

MP Lee Scott to open the 2009 Redbridge Carnival.

2009-07-04T08:11:00.004+01:00

It is with great pleasure we announce that MP Lee Scott has agreed to open the 2009 Redbridge Carnival at 12:00 on the 5th September. As you will be aware MP Scott was one of the few MP's to be unblemished by the recent parliamentary expenses sleaze scandal. He has served the people of Redbridge with due diligence, determination and dignity:

"In Parliament he has joined the "Cornerstone Group" of socially conservative MPs and has also voted consistently to ban smoking in public places.
Scott has a special interest in autism and created history when he presented a Private Members Bill to Parliament dealing with the care of autistic children once they reached adulthood. He was a member of the Select Committee on transport and is on the Select Committee on Health.
In 2008 Lee Scott was shortlisted for the ePolitix Disability Champion Award - for championing the cause of autism in the House of Commons. MP Scott who is Patron of the UK Autism Foundation was nominated by the autism charity for his tireless work supporting parents, carers, children and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome across the United Kingdom.He initiated a landmark debate on autism in 2007 and met with Prime Minister Tony Blair with autism campaigner Ivan Corea after he raised the issue of autism in Prime Ministers Questions"

For us to receive him at our event, will be a true honour and privilege. MP Scott has agreed to give a 3 minute presentation on the importance of Carnival with respect to Community Cohesion.

Redbridge Carnival will be offering 5 golden tickets to our funfair for families that visit carnival during his presentation and the official opening ceremony. The winners will be selected by MP Scott himself - so don't dlay, your arrival, to what promises to be the best carnival ever by the existing Redbridge Carnival Association.

Armed Forces to be present At Carnival ...hopefully!

2009-06-29T11:55:00.004+01:00

Here I am pictured with Captain Baggs of the Army Cadets on "Armed Forces Day" in Valentines Park - last Saturday. National Armed Forces Day celebrated it's inaugural year (The first Armed Forces Day is 27 June 2009, and is an opportunity for the nation to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community). Our Local Territorial army (Gordon Road Ilford), G Company 7 rifles, 3 group Cadets -Gordon Road Ilford, St John's ambulance and the Air Cadets (241 Wanstead and Woodford Squadron) displayed their vehicles had information stalls and provided advice and guidance on how to join and what to expect as part of a recruitment drive. They were a little disappointed with this years turnout - a result of reliance on our local council, however I will be sharing ideas on marketing with them for next year and hopefully some of them will be attending our carnival procession and two day event. If you want to contact them for further info ring 020 8472 0140

The event was really fun and I got to use an unloaded gun and learn how to load it. I pictured some of the incumbent councillors (who did not contribute to Carnival again i.e Area 6) to my fore during this demonstration - I am jesting of course.

Anne Chambers head of the Local St Johns Ambulance informed me of a recruitment drive for the local area. She was proud of her cadets attending on this important day and has assured me that we will have a presence at our 2009 Carnival at which she will be recruiting new members. She is to send me a press release to put on our blog so keep watching this space. Anne is not aware of it yet but our committee has voted to make her an honorary president of Redbridge Carnival for her on-going commitment and historic involvement with bot St Johns Ambulance and Redbridge Carnival. Anne is a true legend!

Risk Assessed and Raring to Go!

2009-06-26T17:49:00.003+01:00

Today Gaya, Rajeshri and our Chairman Wilson Chowdhry attended a risk assessment review for this years carnival with Paul Lacey of the London Borough of Redbridge. He has proviuded some ammendments that he would like to see and a new template for our risk assessments. We are hoping to complete the new structure within a week and gain his approval. On the 2nd of July we have a meeting with the Redbridge Event Strategy Team and hope that they will approve our overall Event Plans. It's all go from there!

Leon Greenman Appeal

2009-06-23T02:43:00.005+01:00

The Ilford Recorder has finally reached its target of £3800 for the Leon Greenman Appeal, which was initiated to remember the life of a true Redbridge Hero who made a vow to ensure people would reflect on the horrors of the Nazi Holocaust through his sharing of his experience - with belief that he could prevent such an atrocity happening again. Leon Greenman showed great strength to survive and to return to the UK after the holocaust where he resided in Redbridge. Learn more here and here.

We are particularly pleased with this result as Redbridge Carnival Association donated £150.00 towards the scheme. The Ilford recorder led campaign will eventually see the monument introduced to the Holcaust Memorial Garden in Valentines Park

Redbridge I

2009-06-15T15:54:00.000+01:00

I have posted details of important featured articles on this Chadwell blog on the Redbridge I website, which has resulted in an increase in activity on our Blogsite recently. Redbridge I is our Council's very interactive, award winning website and it has a useful forum. If you would like to learn more follow this link.

Redbridge College Supports Redbridge Carnival

2009-06-10T14:48:00.004+01:00

Redbridge College have offered us use of their building premises for the Redbridge Carnival Selection Dance. We are very grateful for their kind donation.

"With outstanding facilities, inspiring teachers and a buzzing social scene, you really can have it all at Redbridge College. Small in size but big on success, Redbridge College is in the top 5% of colleges in the country for providing you with all the support you need to succeed¹.

Located on the border of both east London and west Essex, Redbridge College is well known for the diversity of its staff and students and takes every opportunity to celebrate multiculturalism.
The state–of-the-art facilities are situated across two campuses, and include indoor and outdoor sports facilities, hundreds of computers (including a dedicated Mac Suite), a brand new TV studio, a fine dining restaurant and hair and beauty salons which offer treatments at unbelievably low prices. There is plenty of free parking at the Chadwell Heath site, and both sites are easily reached by public transport.

¹ Top 5% of colleges nationally for the Context Value Added score in the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ annual Achievement and Attainment Tables 2008."

Learn more about the college.

You can contact them using the following details:

Redbridge College, Little Heath, Barley Lane, Romford, Essex, RM6 4XT.

COURSE HOTLINE:020 8548 7431
GENERAL ENQUIRIES:020 8548 7400
MINICOM:020 8548 7111
FAX:020 8599 8224
EMAIL:info@redbridge-college.ac.uk

Area 7 Commit to Funding Carnival!

2009-06-09T21:26:00.002+01:00

Here is a picture with Councillors from the Area 7 Committee and some of the Carnival Team. This picture was taken after the Councillors had decided to provide a grant for £1000 for the event and suggested that a budget be set from the Cabinet Budget to ensure the longevity of our event. Last year at this time we received no funds from Area committees so this is a step in the right direction.

Pictured from left Gaya, Cllr Shoaib, Rajeshric Chouhan, Cllr Turner, Cllr Mohammed, Cllr Choudhary.

2009-06-05T14:27:00.002+01:00

Adults and children are excited - as we announce we intend to return with Redbridge Carnival from 12:00 - 20:00 on the 5th and 6th September at Valentines Park. We are in the process of finalising use of the Venue and plan to hold a procession that will involve a walking procession from Ilford Town centre starting at 12:00, this will proceed along the High Road to the car park of the former Ilford Swimming Baths, from here we shall re-form into a vehicle and pedestrian procession and will travel along the high Road onto Clements Road, turning right at the top at the newly designed junction. From here we shall travel along Cranbrook Road, onto Coventry road and into Melbourne fields via Valentines and then Melbourne Road. If you would like to participate in any way Please call Wilson Chowdhry on 020 8514 0861.

The Search Continues..........

2009-06-05T14:15:00.004+01:00

There are only 6 weeks left to apply to become this years Carnival Queen. We are urging women between the ages of 16 and 30 to submit their response back as soon as possible to make our shortlisting process easier to manage. We have already received a lot more response that we had last year and hope that this event will also be a day to remember for all who take part in the Carnival Queen selection. Contact Rajeshri Chouhan on 07941 083 716 if you are interested in applying.

2009-06-05T14:08:00.003+01:00

We will celebrating this years event with more performances form Alexandra School of Performing Arts again this year. Last year they really rocked the stage with their wild, energetic performances, wonderful costumes and great stage presence. Our mascot Hannah Chowdhry daughter of the Chairman Wilson Chowdhry is part of this group so do look out for her.

2009-06-05T13:56:00.003+01:00

Here is a picture of one of some of our Carnival Court with the former Redbridge Mayor Lorraine Sladden- Princess Hannah (our Mascot ) and Princess Puneet. in the picture we were supporting one of the Mayors many charitable events -this one in particular a bucket collection at the exchange Mall, Ilford. We were also the only participants that arrived for the disappointing Mayors Float at the London new Years Parade. By cajoling another carnival to join our float we managed to salvage Redbridge's reputation. Our Chairman Wilson Chowdhry even took over control of the float microphone and it is agreed by all that his interaction with the crowd resulted in our surprising 8th place achievement.

Here you can see Wilson Chowdhry and Secretary/Court Manager Rajeshri Chouhan were also present at the Mall Cash Collection events. We did not get any thanks from the Mayor for our contribution in her Annual Year book, however, she did give special mention to Wilson Chowdhry for his overall commitment to her campaign. We hope to support the incoming Mayor Councillor Chan and have written a letter confirming our support of his position. Watch this space............

Deputy Mayor of London to Make Appearance at this years Redbridge Carnival

2009-06-01T15:24:00.006+01:00

We have just received an email from the Deputy Mayor of London [Richard Barnes], who has indicated an interest (this has not yet been confirmed) in attending this years Redbridge Carnival. This is potentially very good news and will add a very important dignitary to our already bloated list of local dignitaries. Redbridge Carnival is proud of its tradition of supporting good local community citizenship and believes that this visit will inform local people of how the London Mayoralty works and the good work they are doing to promote and improve London. So close to the Olympics this would be a special appearance and we hope that many of you will come and see the first official visit to Redbridge from this senior political figure -thats if we are selected as a potential attended event for this year, of course ! Learn more about Richard Barnes here.

Carnival Queen Selection Dance

2009-05-20T20:42:00.000+01:00

The Redbridge Carnival Association is planning to have their Carnival Queen Selection on Sunday 26th July at Redbridge College.

Rajeshri Chouhan, the Redbridge Court Manager says “ We are looking for Women between the ages of 16-30 to obtain the position of Carnival Queen and Princesses for the borough of Redbridge. We’re interested in Candidates with a Standout Personality, Character and a Strong Redbridge Focus.”

The Role will involve attending Borough related Events during the year, carrying out the role of being an ambassador for Redbridge.

Winning Contestants will enjoy Complimentary Fashion photo-shoots from James Carter Photography – Hornchurch, including make-up and hairstyling. In addition to this there also will be a £500 photographic reproduction voucher for the Queen and two £250 vouchers for the Princesses. The Top Ten short listed candidate will receive a hairstyling and makeover session from Toni and Guy on the day of the Selection Finals and the two days of the Carnival itself. This should wow the crowds and their friends.

The Queen and 2 Princesses will be required to attend Redbridge Carnival on the 5th and 6th of September.

So if you’re positive, you have what it takes, please contact A.A. Security 24 hours a day on 020 8514 0861 or Rajeshri Chouhan on 07941083716 and further details will be sent out.

Let your Family and Friends know and encourage them to come and watch the Main Selection Dance on the Sunday 26th July including Live Music and Dance Performances. Tickets will be made available, £4 for adults and £2 for Children.

The Selection Process is now in its Second year of running and therefore is a new addition to the Carnival which will include a procession on the 6th September as well as Music, Activities on Field at Valentines Park, creating a Fun Day Out for the Family.