Alan Weinberg MBE, who has died aged 78, was a tireless and principled figure in Jewish communal and civic life, best known for his decades-long service as a councillor in Redbridge and for his unwavering commitment to education and remembrance.
Born on August 21, 1946 in London to Mary and Dave Weinberg, Alan grew up in Stoke Newington. He was educated at Avigdor Orthodox School and later won a place at Central Foundation Grammar School. His early life was shaped by a love of learning and a deep-rooted sense of Jewish identity, which would inform his public and private life.
After leaving school, he began his working life as a watch repairer, later working as a window dresser and buyer. At 20, he undertook the rigorous “Knowledge” of London’s streets, earning his Green Badge as a licensed black cab driver within a year – a feat he remained characteristically modest about but proud.
Around this time, he met Hazel, who would become his wife and closest partner in public service. They married when he was 23 and began a life of shared commitment to local and Jewish community life. During his time as a cab driver and inspired in part by Hazel’s growing political engagement – she joined the Clayhall Conservatives in 1977 – Alan stood for local office and was elected a Redbridge councillor in 1982. He would remain a dedicated public servant there until 2018. His career as a cabbie, however, was cut abruptly short by a heart attack after 15 years on the road.
During his 36 years in local politics, Alan served as deputy mayor and in numerous leadership roles on Redbridge council. He met Her Majesty the Queen during a civic visit and wryly reminded her: “You were still a princess when you last came to Ilford in ’49.” He fondly recalled her response – “It’s been far too long.”
Among his lasting contributions was the establishment of the Holocaust Memorial in Valentines Park, Ilford. Alan was the driving force behind both the memorial and the annual multi-faith Holocaust ceremony that takes place there, drawing pupils, religious leaders, and political representatives from across the borough. He later seconded Redbridge’s adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, a milestone he regarded as one of his proudest acts in office.
His dedication to Jewish remembrance was matched by a deep conviction in the power of education to transform lives. He chaired the board of governors at Beal High School for nearly three decades and became a life patron of the Beacon Multi Academy Trust. He also served as vice-chair at Ilford County High and as a governor at Thomas Willingale School, King Solomon High School (for eight years), and as a founding governor of Atam Academy. During his time on the council, Alan was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
For these and many other services, he was appointed MBE in 2014 – an honour he accepted with characteristic humility.
In later years, after moving to Essex, Alan continued his civic engagement as a parish councillor in Buckhurst Hill. He remained active across community bodies, including the Redbridge Community Centre and British Tamil Conservatives, and played roles in business and property forums such as Hainault Business Park and Boleyn Court Management. Buckhurst Hill parish council recalls him as “a dedicated public servant whose life was marked by extraordinary contributions to local government and education in east London.”
Alan’s life was defined not only by his achievements but by his values: loyalty, modesty, and a belief in giving back. He was a familiar face at countless Jewish and civic events, often working behind the scenes, always intent on fostering dialogue, unity, and continuity. He was a member of Loughton Synagogue and a great supporter of Chabad.
Friends recall his dry wit and his knack for putting people at ease, whether in a council chamber or the back of his cab. He would say: “Jewish life… it’s a way of being part of a larger family.” For Alan, that family included not just his loved ones, but the community he served so faithfully for more than 40 years.
To his four grandchildren, Alan was more than a public servant – he was a source of great strength, boundless encouragement, and often a cheeky presence in our lives. As his granddaughter,
I knew him not just as someone deeply respected in the community, but as someone who showed by simply being himself what it meant to care, to give back, and, most importantly, to keep going.
Alan Weinberg is survived by Hazel, his devoted wife of 55 years, their son and daughter, and four grandchildren.
Alan Edward Weinberg MBE: born August 21, 1946. Died June 19, 2025
