Iain Varah (@IainVarah) header
Iain Varah (@IainVarah) profile picture

CEX Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure, Chief Culture and Leisure Officers Assoc, Libraries taskforce and Rugby fanatic.Views my own,RTs not an endorsement

Ilford, London
Joined January 2015
Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)Photo by Iain Varah (@IainVarah)
Iain Varah retweeted
Today we remember the fallen and honour all those who have served our country. We also pay tribute to today's Armed Forces, our veterans, and their families. They are genuinely the best of us. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
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Gurkha soldiers selling poppies in the Market Place, Warminster. Saturday 7th November 2026. Thank you for your service x
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Iain Varah retweeted
It was an honour to join His Majesty the King at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, as well as accompanying His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in receiving the @PoppyLegion Cenotaph Parade of veterans and their families. Their courage, service, and sacrifice are woven into our nation’s story. We will remember them.
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Iain Varah retweeted
Grateful to all the representatives of the armed forces, cadets, scouts and local residents who joined our @RedbridgeLive Remembrance Service this morning. We all have a responsibility to make sure we mark and honour the sacrifices of our armed forces. Lest we forget.
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Iain Varah retweeted
Today, at the Ilford War Memorial in Newbury Park, we stood united in two minutes’ silence to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in two World Wars and conflicts since. They came from every corner of the globe, united in courage, shared humanity and sacrifice. They gave their tomorrows for our today. We will remember them. 🌹
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This November, communities across Redbridge will come together to honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Join us at one of the Remembrance Day services taking place across the borough as we stand united in reflection, gratitude and remembrance. 📍 Woodford War Memorial 📅 Saturday 7 November | Service begins 9.00am 📍 Ilford War Memorial 📅 Sunday 8 November | Service begins 10.50am 📍 Hainault War Memorial 📅 Sunday 8 November | Service begins 10.45am 📍 Wanstead War Memorial 📅 Sunday 8 November | Service begins 12.30pm 📍 Fairlop Waters Country Park 📅 Wednesday 11 November | Service begins 10.45am 📍 Snaresbrook Memorial Garden 📅 Wednesday 11 November | Please arrive by 10.45am 🚗 Travel Information A reminder that temporary road closures will be in place around the Ilford War Memorial service on Sunday morning, including brief closures of the A12 Eastern Avenue during the ceremony and parade. If you're travelling through the Newbury Park area, please allow extra time for your journey. For more information: vrcl.uk/remembrance-services #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget #Redbridge #WeWillRememberThem #Remembrance #RedbridgeCommunity
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🎬✨ Looking for the perfect space for your next big idea? From historic venues and flexible halls to stunning outdoor spaces, we have locations ready for events, celebrations, community gatherings, filming projects and so much more. 🌟 Whatever you have in mind, our team can help bring it to life. Get in touch with our Venues Team today: vrcl.uk/venues @RedbridgeLive #VenueHire #FilmingLocation #EventSpace #CommunityEvents #redbridge #ilford #visionrcl
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📱 Your local library, right in your pocket! 📚 Meet the Vision Libraries app - making it easier to make the most of your local library, wherever you are! ⚙️ Manage your library account anytime, anywhere 📲 Use your phone as your library card 📖 Borrow items from your phone 🖨️ Print to the library 🎁 Enjoy exclusive rewards and discounts 🎧 Explore digital books and audiobooks on the go and much more! Your library, your way. ⬇️ Download the Vision Libraries app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play and discover a whole new way to enjoy your library. 🔗 Visit vrcl.uk/library-app to get started! @RedbridgeLive #VisionLibraries #LibraryApp #YourLocalLibrary #DigitalLibrary #VisionIsLibraries #RedbridgeLibraries #DiscoverYourLibrary #LoveYourLibrary #Redbridge
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🌿 Ready for a cleaner, greener Redbridge? 🌳 Join us at our upcoming Nature Conservation and Action Days across parks and green spaces in Redbridge. 🌱 Help protect local habitats, support wildlife and keep our parks thriving. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply have a few hours to spare, everyone can make a difference! 💚 Feel free to come along, get involved and help keep Redbridge green. visionrcl.org.uk/nature-cons… #NatureConservation #NatureVolunteering #Volunteering #VolunteerInParks #Parks #RedbridgeParks #MakeADifference #Redbridge #VisionRedbridge
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📚✨ Discover the joy of your local library with Vision Redbridge! Hear from Jaya, one of our regular library members, as she shares why she loves visiting our libraries and the positive impact they have on her everyday life. From discovering new books to accessing free resources, activities, and welcoming community spaces, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Join your local library today! 📖✨ Find out more: vrcl.uk/libraries #VisionRedbridge #Libraries #LibraryMember #ReadingCommunity #RedbridgeLibraries #LoveLibraries #CustomerStory
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🏋️ A fresh NEW gym experience is coming! South Woodford Library & Gym is getting a modern, welcoming upgrade for everyone aged 11+ - whatever your ability or fitness goal Get ready for: 🏋️Strength Zone 🏋️Functional Fitness Zone 🏋️Cardio Zone All coming soon -  and designed to help you feel confident, supported and ready to move. ✨ Keep an eye on our website for updates: vrcl.uk/leisure #Gym #Fitness #Localgym #Southwoodford #Soundwoodfordgym #gymrefurb #Comingsoon
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This October we have you covered! 🎃 Spooky fun, sporty challenges, creative adventures this October has everything to keep the kids active, excited and smiling from start to finish. From swimming crash courses and cycling fun to watersports, theatre, Owls halloween party, the colourful Festival of the Dead, our inspiring Black History Month programme and much more! Half Term Holidays are is packed with things to explore. Some activities need booking, so grab your spot and jump into the fun. 👉 Explore all kids’ events: visionrcl.org.uk/kids #OctoberHalfTerm #KidsActivities #FamilyFun #Halloween #BlackHistoryMonth #OutdoorArts #JuniorGym #Swimming #Cycling #Redbridge #VisionRedbridge
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🌲Foxburrows Barn Market - Save the Date!🛍️ Our monthly markets are here, and Foxburrows Barn turns into a buzzing forest hub of independent makers and family fun. 🎉 Next Market: Saturday 31 October Expect dog treats, face painting, resin gifts, 3D‑printed creations, pottery, jewellery, handmade soap and wooden kids’ toys and so much more - all in the heart of Hainault Forest. 💳 Bring cash and card, as some stalls are cash‑only. 🌲Want to be a stallholder? Email [email protected] 🌲Find out more about the upcoming market and plan your visit: hainaultforest.org/events #Market #Localmarket #Octobermarket #Autumn #Autumnevents #Hainault #Hainaultforest
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Iain Varah retweeted
Hidden in Chadwell Heath is an extraordinary piece of our wartime history, the ZE1 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Gun Site at Warren Farm. It went into action on 30th August 1940, just before the Blitz, and then fought night after night defending London. By 1942, it was a master gun site with radar, and over 280 service personnel. Today, the remains are still there, fragile but standing. I’m working with the Crown Estate, Historic England, LBBD, BeFirst, TCE & Savills to secure its restoration, so this remarkable story isn’t lost. These concrete gun pits aren’t just ruins. They’re a reminder of the men and women who defended London when it was under attack. I’m determined we preserve their story.
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🌟 Vote for Vision RCL - Redbridge Business of the Year 🌟 Every day, we're proud to bring people together through events, wellbeing programmes, culture, sport, and community initiatives that make a real difference across Redbridge. This reel celebrates the incredible people at the heart of everything we do, from the communities we serve to the dedicated teams who work tirelessly to create opportunities for all. If you've attended one of our events, used our services, or seen the positive impact we've made across the borough, we'd be honoured to have your vote. 🗳️ Vote for Vision RCL for Redbridge Business of the Year and help us continue making Redbridge a healthier, happier, and more connected place for everyone. 👉Vote today: vrcl.uk/business-awards @RedbridgeLive @InIlford #VisionRCL #RedbridgeBusinessAwards #BusinessOfTheYear #Redbridge #CommunityFirst #VoteForVisionRCL
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💦Adapted Water Sports 💦 Get ready for an afternoon of big energy, big smiles and big adventures on the water! Our fully adapted watersports sessions are designed so children with disabilities and their siblings can paddle, sail and explore together in a super fun, supportive environment Don’t forget your essentials: 🧦Change of clothes 🧴Towel 💧Water 🥪Snacks And make sure to book a space for each child attending: vrcl.uk/foac #adaptedsports #sports #adaptedwatersports #Fairlop #Fairlopwaters #FOAC #Redbridge #inclusivesports
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Iain Varah retweeted
Great work by Colours of Redbridge and @LeisureVision bringing brightness as we move into autumn.
🎉🌊 THIS WEEKEND! Get ready for Treasures of the Tide -  splashing into Redbridge on Saturday 12 September with colour, music and unforgettable energy. Hosted by Colours of Redbridge, this annual street parade celebrates journeys across oceans, generations and overcoming barriers and is a vibrant tribute to the stories that shape our community. 💙 Throughout the parade there will be: Silk waves flowing through the streets, sharing how people came to call Redbridge home Giant fabric shell sculptures Samba drumming bringing the beat Smoke effects adding atmosphere It’s bold, beautiful and bursting with creativity - bring your colour, bring your friends, bring your weekend energy. Find out more and plan your visit: colours.red/whats-on #Localparade #Parade #Redbridge #inclusiveparade #localparade #ColoursofRedbridge #Familyevents #Familyfun
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🎪💛 The countdown is on – THIS SUNDAY: Wanstead Festival comes to Redbridge on Sunday 13 September, and it’s bursting with things to do for the whole family. 🎨 Arts & crafts 🎢 Children’s rides  🍔 Street food heaven 🧘 Holistic wellbeing zone 🚂 Land train adventures 🍻 Pop‑up pub 🎭 Strolling performers 🐶 Walkies with Una dog competition Bring your family, bring your friends and make a whole day of it! Find out more: vrcl.uk/wansteadfestival #Wansteadfestival #Entertainment #Localactivities #Familyactivities #Wanstead #Artsandcrafts #Streetfood #familyfun @RedbridgeLive
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