A historical society that remembers victims of the worst shipping disaster on the River Thames is searching for a new home.

Creekmouth Preservation Society planted hundreds of flower bulbs in 2008 in honour of the 650 or so people who died when the Princess Alice sank near River Road, Barking, in 1878.

Society members previously met at the Crooked Billet pub in River Road, near the site of the disaster, but no longer do so following a change of management.

On Saturday, Christ Church in Bastable Avenue, Barking, hosted the historians for an afternoon tea party.

Society spokesman Maria Williams said: “The society is without a home at the moment but the Rev Mina Smallman kindly allowed us to hold a tea party at the church. It is hoped we can repeat the success of that in the spring.”

If you can help the society find a new base, call Maria on 01277 657115.