The foresight of the Redbridge Jewish Community Centre founders was applauded at a celebration of its 50th anniversary.

Looking back on the RJCC beginnings, its president, Phillip Leigh, told guests: “Dr Sidney Gold, a local GP, and Bernard Sinclair, a pharmacist who had a dispensary in Stepney, recognised that there was a generation of people marrying and moving from the East End and settling in Ilford.”

Sinclair House opened in 1969 and in 1997 merged with Jewish Care, “enabling us to continue our work in Redbridge and Essex”.

Today the centre delivers social, welfare, educational and community programmes to more than 2,000 people every week. Activities range from play sessions for children to salt beef socials.

Jewish Care chair Steven Lewis described RJCC as “a lifeline to the local community.

“The dedication of the staff and 420 volunteers — including lay leaders, youth leaders, fundraisers and advisory board members — ensures the centre can continue to provide high quality services and a programme which moves to meet changing needs. We are looking forward to serving and supporting the local community for many years to come.”

Jewish Care trustee Gayle Klein said her involvement in RJCC dated back to attending its playcentre at the age of four. “Many people from both the past and present at RJCC have shaped me as a person, as well as developing my personal commitment to the Jewish community and communal life.”

Redbridge Mayor Councillor Zulfiqar Hussain was a special guest at the celebration.