FREE Issue 9 | September 2021  @Newhamvoices  /Newhamvoices  @Newhamvoices

FREE Issue 9 | September 2021  @newhamvoices  /NewhamVoices  @newhamvoices www.newhamvoices.co.uk

We’re a year old! This edition marks our first birthday. And we’re mark- Solidarity ing it by celebrating the solidarity that makes Ne- wham such a special place. The people of Newham are always ready to help – working on projects to improve our neighbourhoods, supporting refugees in search of a better life. Newham But as always there are challenges. On Page Three we report on how park lovers are ready responds to to fight to save a neglect- ed corner of beautiful West Ham Park from the developers and on a new campaign international to save Newham City Farm from closure. And we have more inspiring stories – two icons of refugee crisis Black culture in Newham provide a curtain-raiser to October’s special report on Black History Month on • The Mayor offers Newham Page 13. We also have urban as a safe haven for Afghan gardeners on Page 14 and a Covid survivor talks of his refugees struggle with long Covid on Page 11. • A local shop-worker tells of PLUS all your favour- ite columns and inspiring family tragedy and Taliban community news stories. It’s brutality been a great year and we can do more with your support. Find out how on Page Two. See Page 5

Newham Voices needs your ©Apik / Shutterstock.com support. To make a donation please scan this code with the PayPal app.

Helping The votes Hands: are in! Summer Full list of on the community Calais project frontline winners See Page 7 See Page 8

Photo courtesy Care4Calais Photo courtesy XLP/Facebook 2 Newham Voices September 2021 About us

Your £5 can give Newham By local people, for local people Our aim is to provide a voice for all of Newham’s people. We are committed to helping you share your news, views an independent voice and experiences with each other. We Newham Voices aim to be transparent, accountable Welcome to the anniversary edition of , the free news service for London’s most diverse and and responsive to your needs. vibrant community. We are a group of volunteers who over the past year have defied lockdown and the pandemic to launch a newspaper and online news portal. We are independent and not-for-profit. We have no We are a non-profit Community Interest Company (number political affiliation, but we are dedicated to the people of Newham. 12790786). Our journalism is We are a grassroots organisation, providing a platform for everyone, but we need your help. Today I am asking based on core values of accuracy, for your support. We need to raise £3000 a month to pay for printing and production costs. Every contribu- fairness, independence, humanity, tion, no matter how small, can make a difference. We have no corporate backers and we are grateful to the accountability and transparency with a strong commitment to citizen businesses who take out advertising, but we believe the support of residents is crucial to our survival. So every journalism. More information is penny you can give, no matter how small, is important. Become a supporter today – just £5 a month from indi- available on our website: viduals, or £15 a month from organisations. Above all, get involved. www.newhamvoices.co.uk Contact us at [email protected]. – Aidan White, Publisher

Newham CIC Directors Jean Gray, Catarina Joele, Shagufta Nasreen, Rebekah Samuel, Winston Vaughan and Aidan White Thankso t the local businesses supporting Newham Voices Publisher Aidan White 07946 291511 Editors Catarina Joele and Jean Gray Designer Mary Schrider Editorial Team Mickey Ambrose, Andrew Baker, Sylvie Belbouab, Fawn Bess-Leith, Nicole Blythe, Cecilia Cran, Phoenix Debola, Noah Enahoro, Neandra Etienne, Coco Garcia Acevedo, Charlotte Hall, Michelle Harris, Thomas Holdroyd, Wendy Jackson, Karolina Króliczek, Peter Landman, Phil Mellows, Zhenreenah Muhxinga, Thana Narashiman, Julia Omari, Farzhana Rahman, Rebekah Samuel, Daphne Stedman, Mir Tasin, Lorraine Trapper and Winston Vaughan Thank you to all of our supporters!

Complaints If you have a complaint regarding the content of our newspaper or website contact the editor at editor@ newhamvoices.co.uk Or by phone: 07946291511 or by post to 11 Vicarage Road, London E15 4HD. We will normally respond to your complaint with a final decision within 21 calendar days. If we uphold your complaint, we will tell you about our actions to remedy the situation. If you are not satisfied you can submit a formal complaint to IMPRESS, who will independently examine your complaint. Newham Voices agrees to be bound by the outcome of IMPRESS investigations. For more information, go to www.newhamvoices.co.uk/feedback Join others in supporting us by listing For general inquires email us at: or advertising your business with [email protected] Newham Voices and by subscribing to receive a digital copy of the newspaper direct to your inbox for just a single fee of £6 for the year. For further information contact Rebekah Samuel on 07306 515 223 or at [email protected] Campaigns Newham Voices September 2021 3

Park users draw up action plan to fight ‘insult to the community”

JEAN GRAY

he City of London is facing a major battle over its plans to Tbuild blocks of flats on a corner of West Ham Park where the plant nursery used to be. Friends of West Ham Park have pledged to fight the proposal. Chair Roger Jones said they are drawing up plans for “a vocal campaign, bring- ing together all the affected stake- holders, to fight against this insult to the local community”. Campaigners claim the park - the biggest in Newham - provided a life- line during the lockdown, attracting more local people than ever, in what is already “a densely populated area” that can ill afford to lose green space. In June, the City of London Corporation’s West Ham Park Committee approved plans to begin marketing the site over the summer and to invite developers to submit bids for further consideration. In a press release the Corporation The flower garden above is the park showpiece, one of the features that has been a magnet to thousands in Newham. © Friends of West Ham Park claimed that alongside the planned housing development, 50 per cent defined as brownfield sites. for children and youth.” The City of what the Council has to say about of the site would be reserved for a The framework also says local London agreed to maintain and pre- it?” asks Richard Stubbs. combination of operational build- authorities should maintain brown- serve the Park for this purpose at its A spokesperson for the City of ings, new parkland and recreational field registers of land suitable for own cost. London Corporation told Newham facilities, such as a community café housing. Newham Council maintains The Corporation manages the park Voices that the land is considered and changing rooms. such a register and the proposed through a charity that it controls, brownfield because it ‘is previously The housing element of the scheme development site is not listed. though Newham Council does have developed land’ and repeated that is expected to provide “vital fund- He cites the fact that when the two representatives on its Committee the 3-acre former nursery site is not ing” for future management and park was originally transferred to (Cllr. James Asser and Cllr. Tahmina within the green space of West Ham maintenance of the park. They argue the Corporation by the Gurney fam- Rahman). Park. She added: “The Nursery was it is the most viable way of gener- ily in 1874, it was to be held “on trust “It’s hard to understand how closed because business was not viable ating income for the charity while forever as open public grounds and building private housing in the park on a site of that scale, unable to com- “meeting the need for additional gardens for the resort and recrea- is anything other than a breach of pete with cost-effective plants from homes in accordance with the objection of adults and as playgrounds the charity’s objectives. I wonder the larger scale European growers.” Q tives of the National Planning Policy Framework”. However, two elements of the June press release in particular have been described as ‘misleading’ by local resident and park user Richard Hundreds join campaign to Stubbs, who has fact-checked the claim by the Corporation that `the vacant plant nursery site is ‘adjoin- save Newham City Farm ing’ the park and that the glass- houses, unused since 2016, are on a NOAH ENAHORO people with special educational needs is to decide on the future of the farm ‘brownfield’ site. and disabilities,” said McLucas. in the coming months, to make sure According to Richard Stubbs, the n online petition calling for “We are concerned at reports of any decisions made reflect the views site is not “adjoining” the park, but Newham City Farm to remain funding cuts to the current farm, of local residents. Q is within the West Ham Park bound- Aopen to the public has received proposals to close it and to regener- aries, which are shown in a plan of more than 600 signatures in just ate the current site into more general the park held by Historic England 24 hours after concerns were raised green leisure space with which the and clearly include the proposed area over its future. area is already well-served. designated for redevelopment. The petition was started by local “We consider that with careful He also argues that because the site resident Alison McLucas who urged funding, it should be possible to keep is within the park it cannot be seen the Mayor and Newham Council to a community farm at the heart of as a “brownfield” site. The National keep the farm. any green spaces regeneration plan.” Planning Policy Framework excludes “We consider the farm to be a Opened in 1977, Newham City Farm “land in built-up areas such as res- special place, a valuable asset and is one of London’s oldest city farms idential gardens, parks, recreation educational resource for the local and Alison McLucas called upon the Photo courtesy Newham City Farm grounds and allotments” from being community, families, schools and Mayor and Newham Council, which 4 Newham Voices September 2021 News

Finance jobs are top priority for Timms as UK trade envoy VIEW FROM ast Ham MP Stephen Timms, Secretary to the Treasury. who has been appointed a gov- Although the post is a government MY WARD Eernment trade envoy to Swit- appointment there was no objection zerland, aims to use his new role to to it from Labour leaders and it will protect and create more jobs for East not mean any significant cutback in Londoners in financial services. his work as a local MP. East Ham South Timms, along with former crick- “I think the job will involve only Councillor Susan Masters eter Ian Botham and other MPs, joins a government team to boost Timms, along with British business. ast Ham “I’m glad to take on this role,” he former cricketer Ian (beautiful) told Newham Voices. “Financial ser- Botham and other MPs, South is the vices are such an important part of E ward I’ve rep- our economy and I’m very keen to joins a government resented for the work to raise employment in this team to boost British sec tor.” past seven years. His focus on Switzerland, a leading business. Stephen Timms It’s the tail end player in world financial affairs, gives of East Ham, the him an opportunity to draw upon his a couple of visits to Switzerland a it,” he said. last stop before experience as a finance minister in year and it’s not going to be a big “We all want UK trade to increase Newham crosses the governments of Tony Blair and part of my ongoing work. I’m not and we have a lot of people working the A13 and becomes Beckton. Travel Gordon Brown, when he had several the first Labour MP to take on a role in financial services which is a major east and you’ll find Wall End; to the senior appointments including Chief like this, and I’m looking forward to part of our trade with Switzerland.” Q west, Boleyn, and north, East Ham Central. It’s a family ward, home to three great primary schools (Vicarage Lane, Brampton and Roman Rd) as well as soon-to-be-outstanding In trouble? An advocate nursery Oliver Thomas. Our one secondary, Brampton Manor Academy, is the school famous for winning may be able to help more Oxbridge places than Eton. East Ham South is also a surpris- ingly green ward. I deal with a lot PETER LANDMAN Photo from ageuk.org people to say what they want, secure their rights, and obtain the services of casework around Central Park t can be difficult to get your voice t he y need.” which lies a mere stone’s throw heard in bureaucratic powerful At least two other organisations in over the border, but our residents Iorganisations, whether it is a Newham provide advocacy: Newham also have Brampton Park to kick government department, the Bor- Health Watch and Voiceability, spe- back in. ough Council, or the NHS. cialising in mental health. Gooseley Lane Fields might be This is where an advocate could more tucked away, but those who do help. An advocate is someone spe- make the trip will be rewarded with cially trained to make representa- CONTACT DETAILS tennis courts, a petanque patch and tions on your behalf and to help you Age UK even a BMX bike track. to express what you want to achieve. dence, the responsible Housing Officer [email protected] East Ham Southers are a really pro- Age UK East London provide a free, at the Council carried out an inspec- 0208 981 7124 active bunch. Over the years they’ve independent and confidential ser- tion and instigated a programme of Healthwatch delivered the quarterly Greatfield vice for residents over 50. planned repair and maintenance. [email protected] market selling homemade foods and Phillip Adams, a senior advocate 020 3828 8245 crafted gifts as well as the East Edge with the group, explained how he In their work Age UK adhere to the principles of the Advocacy Charter. Voiceability Sisters Women’s Institute. can offer to help: Local artist studio Red Door offers The first sentence of the charter [email protected] • To clarify what is happening in 0300 363 1660 a monthly pop-up café with occa- reads: “To take action to support your involvement with the organ- sional music evenings and exhi- isation bitions and the gorgeous St Mary’s • To provide further information Church hosts a nature reserve and about your situation CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS green gym. • To explain options More than this, though, we are an • To help you reach decisions In last month’s article It’s Time to Celebrate with Pride (August 2021) we inclusive community. When the pan- • To challenge decisions made about gave the impression that Forest Gayte Pride were working in collabora- demic struck, our ward mutual aid you, if you disagree with them. tion with Newham Council. They are not. We apologise to FGP who have group united the Somali Association He provides one example of tenants informed us: “We do not work with the council. We are an independent with the Muslim-run local commu- who were long term residents get- grassroots organisation that is not affiliated with Newham Council or nity centre and the Bonny Downs ting nowhere in dealings with the any other government or state organisation, or corporate sponsor.” Community Association – a charity landlord over dilapidations, rising In the article Lift Off for Young Athletes we said Dalton Grant was Team that has grown out of a local church, damp and black mould. GB captain. He is, of course, a former captain of the team. dedicated to community resilience In this case, the advocate visited the Apologies, too, for some typos – to our own Zhenreenah Muhxinga offering a food bank, advice for premises, spoke to the tenants and for misspelling her name on the Poetry in Mind column and on Page 8 those facing homelessness or debt took photographs. As a result of the we spelled MP Vicky Ford’s name as “Vicki”. Sorry about that. issues and activities for young peo- contact, and the photographic evi- ple, children and families. Solidarity Newham Voices September 2021 5

We’re ready to welcome refugees says Mayor

he Mayor of Ne- wham has of- Tfered Borough support to help reset- tle Afghan refugees as the government announced an emer- gency resettlement scheme for up to 20,000 refugees following the takeover of the country by Taliban forces. In a statement on August 18, as the government recalled parliament to discuss the crisis, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said Newham was ready to extend support to help refugees fleeing persecution. She said: “I am calling upon the UK government to do all they can to help as many people as they can. In Newham we stand ready to work with the government to support the resettlement of humanitarian refugees Afghan nightmare with the right financial support from central government.” She also acknowledged the need to give priority to vulnerable groups returns for local worker particularly women, children and religious minorities who are most at risk from the Taliban takeover. “Like all of us,” she said, “I am hor- who fled Taliban terror rified to see the events unfolding in Afghanistan and my heart goes out to the people of Afghanistan, especially AIDAN WHITE American-led invasion in 2001. desperate to get out,” he said. the women who will suffer the loss Two months ago Akram’s uncle When he arrived in London 20 of many of the freedoms that we all he drama and tragedy over- was shot dead by five gunmen. He years ago Akram went to college and take for granted. I know that if I lived whelming opponents of the was serving in the Afghan army, but since then has worked in the family in Afghanistan I would be one of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan business. He married and now has T had been targeted by the Taliban. He first people the Taliban would target has brought back horrifying memo- three children of his own. leaves a widow and six children who for persecution because of who I am.” ries for one Newham worker. have now gone into hiding in Kabul. Every day he commutes to Newham Akram (not his real name), who works in a food delivery outlet in the “I know from experience the dangerous situation that borough, fled the country 20 years How you can help ago as the Taliban were rounding people are now facing. I was able to escape then, but displaced people in up young men from high schools to now the crisis is just as bad.” fight in the tribal war then engulfing Afghanistan the country. People who want to support can He was a fresh-faced teenager who He has two other uncles and their for work with his cousin, who came contact: escaped attention because he looked families who are also at risk. to Britain five years ago and is still • www.rescue-uk.org/article/ young, but some of his friends, many “Everything is very confused on trying to get his mother and sisters how-can-i-help-afghanistan with the first traces of facial hair, the spot,” he says. “No-one knows to join him from Afghanistan. • www.donate.redcross.org. were not so lucky. “Most of them what to do, but there are thousands “I welcome the statement from the uk/appeal/afghanistan-cri- were taken away and sent to fight in of people facing persecution.” Mayor of Newham,” said Akram. “It’s sis-appeal important that people give as much the frontline,” he told Newham Voices. He says that western governments, • www.afghanaid.org.uk “I know from experience the dan- help as they can.” But he recognises including Britain, should not recog- • www.unicef.org.uk/donate/ gerous situation that people are nise the new regime or give it any that even in Britain divisions exist and threats remain. donate-and-help-pro- now facing,” he said. “I was able to legitimacy. tect-children-in-afghanistan escape then, but now the crisis is Nor is he impressed by statements “There are people who support the just as bad.” from Taliban leaders saying they Taliban even here and my family In addition, the Church of Eng- Members of his family who have are not interested in revenge and have already received warnings and land Chelmsford diocese cov- been political opponents of the that they will respect the rights of threats,” he said. “It’s important that ering Newham, said its Refugee Taliban in Afghanistan for many years women and free speech. we don’t do anything that will make Engagement Team is ready to are particularly in the firing line. “The reality is that among the matters worse or put people still in support parishes helping Afghan Afghanistan at further risk.” Q In the past they supported the Taliban forces will be people who refugees. Northern Alliance, a united front have lost family members in the • www.chelmsford.anglican. formed more than 25 years ago to fight conflict and they are already looking The identity of our source has been with- org/news/article/afghan-ref- a defensive war against the Taliban for revenge and hunting down their held to protect his safety and that of his ugees-welcome government that was toppled after the opponents. That is why people are so family, both in Britain and Afghanistan. 6 Newham Voices September 2021 Lifestyle

It’s time to play the long game. Cecilia Cran already has her eye on a colourful Spring

What to grow: Muscari Latifolium deep and then space the bulbs around As we come to the end of summer, 7cm apart. Place the bulbs in, with now is the time to start planning the pointed tip facing upwards and your plants for the seasons ahead. cover with peat-free compost. Once Begin thinking about the different the bulbs are planted, press down on spaces you would like to bring to the top of soil to ensure they make life - the foliage, textures and plant contact with the soil and then water. colour combinations you want to try. Getting seeds and bulbs planted in Green escape: Cody Dock autumn is key to ensuring you create To anyone who has not yet witnessed your perfect spring space. the joy of Cody Dock, I implore you to This month, I’m planting my go and see the space. It is part of the Muscari Latifolium - more com- Gasworks Dock Partnership, which monly known as grape hyacinths is a registered charity and social (they look like perfectly formed lit- enterprise formed to act as a vehicle tle bunches of grapes!). These little for the community-led regeneration cobalt blue flowers are fabulous and of Cody Dock. provide such a wonderful colour to As the area’s surrounds have rap- any garden. I have to note that you idly received a facelift over recent are playing the long game by plant- years, this little corner of the Lower ing these, as they are considered an Lea River has remained relatively early spring flowering plant, so you untouched, except for a number of can expect colour from around mid- passionate and ambitious pioneers Phil Mellows is looking forward to Cask Ale Week later March through to early May. who have big dreams for the area in the month, but he can’t wait that long for a good pint! and have been committed to nurtur- ing a wonderful and inclusive crea- enerously spread over 11 days, you don’t often see it down here. tive community. Cask Ale Week gets under way How to spot a good pint? One way It has so much to offer, whether Gon September 23. Events and to tell is the lacing on the glass. It you’re keen on gardening, the arts, activities are brewing and will be shows the beer has successfully wildlife, learning or volunteering, announced soon. But you don’t have re-fermented or ‘conditioned’ – and there is always something exciting to wait to start drinking it. it’s a sign of a clean glass, too. happening. The area has so much Cask conditioned beer, or ‘real ale’ to explore – from a wonderful lit- as it’s otherwise known, has had tle café and a gallery space (which a hard time during the pandemic. runs creative sessions and also hosts Thousands of pints had to be poured exhibitions), an array of sculptures, down the drain when lockdown their very own outdoor classroom closed the pubs, and brewers remain space and their newly refurbished nervous about producing too much river boat the River Princess, which of a product that doesn’t keep for can be hired for community or com- long. So try and order something on mercial use. the handpumps when you can. The Gasworks Dock Partnership Quality remains an issue, though. was awarded funding by the Green Cask beer is ‘live’, meaning it under- Recovery Challenge Fund to deliver goes a second fermentation in the a programme of citizen-led ecol- pub cellar. That makes it a rare kind ogy surveys, clean-ups, restoration of product that’s finished by the and habitat creation. Most recently, person selling it. Skill, patience and in July, they secured grant funding passion are required, and not every How to grow from Newham Council to build Cody Dock’s Community Forest Garden. publican can serve a great pint. Muscari bulbs work well in pots Only five Newham pubs are listed or can be planted directly into the in the 2021 Good Beer Guide, chosen The Black Lion also displays the ground. For the purposes of this, Visit codydock.org.uk to find out more. by local members of the Campaign blue Cask Marque plaque, mean- I’ll refer to planting directly in the for Real Ale. First among those has ing its beer has been approved by ground (but the same rules apply). to be the Black Lion in Plaistow, not independent experts, mostly retired These bulbs like to be planted in only a genuine freehouse and the brewers, so that’s something else to sunny spots and prefer a sheltered Borough’s most historically interest- look out for. space with well-drained, but not too ing pub – it’s an 18th Century coach- The others in the Good Beer Guide dry, soil. A word of caution – think ing inn – but one that prides itself are Greene King’s Golden Fleece in carefully where you would like to on its cask beer. Forest Gate, Tap East brewpub in plant these bulbs, as they will come There are usually three or four We s t fi e l d , a n d a p a i r o f We t h e r s p o on’s, back each year and spread quickly. on the pumps, including ‘house’ the Miller’s Well in East Ham and the Each bulb will give around one to ale Captain Bob from Essex brewer Golden Grove in Stratford. three flowers that grow to around Mighty Oak. On my last visit I was And with the likes of the Boleyn, the 15cm tall and create a fabulous surprised to see Boltmaker from Denmark Arms and the Forest Tavern effect when grouped together, so I Yorkshire’s Timothy Taylor. Timmy’s reopening I reckon there could be a tend to plant around five bulbs at is more famous for its Landlord but couple of additional pubs in the 2022 the same time. Boltmaker won Camra’s Champion Guide. Live beer is looking up! Once you have chosen the best Beer of Britain a few years back and Photos courtesy Phil Mellows location, dig a hole around 7-10cm Photos courtesy Celia Cran Community News Newham Voices September 2021 7 Summer on the Calais frontline Newham fixers put a smile on the faces of refugees

orest Gate couple Simon Shaw new coat, I want this one, it works, and Lesley Hare have spent the and I don’t want to lose it. ‘ Fsummer supporting refugees in “So many coats aren’t that water- France as part of a project run by the proof, or the zip is broken, or they charity Care4Calais. But their experi- don’t fit that well, so when he’d found ences mending clothes and servicing a coat he really liked he wanted to bikes have led Simon and Lesley to keep it. I set about sewing the sleeves dub themselves Repair4Calais! back on. It took a while but he walked Lesley said: “They are just boys away with the biggest grin. It just mostly and need some looking after. warms my heart to sew for them.” I noticed how many had torn clothes, Simon, the other half of jeans that had holes in, pockets fall- Repair4Calais, mends bikes. “I’m no ing out and coats with rips in them. expert but can just about change a It’s not that easy to get good clothes tyre. Bikes are so valuable here, they in Calais and often the refugees want mean you can get to distributions, to keep the stuff they have but need find food, make appointments and it mended.” get to the shops. The bikes we mend So she made up some sewing kits are falling to pieces, held together for her latest trip. “At first I bought with a wing and a prayer! There is all sorts of fancy stuff to put in the maybe only one nut holding a wheel kits but over the years have found on, or the frame is so rusty it’s a that all I really need is a needle and miracle it holds the rider. We provide spools of black thread. Mending tears a few tools and some spare parts we is about my limit.” have managed to source.” The boys often call Lesley ‘mum, Mostly refugees fix the bikes them- mama, mummy’ and ask if she can selves and are incredibly resourceful. mend their clothes. “They sit down Simon watched a group of young beside me and patiently wait. They men dismantle a bike and rebuild it are always so polite and respectful, using whatever they could find and it’s a pleasure to help them. Most scavenge from other bikes. have left families thousands of miles ‘I had the idea to start the repair Photos courtesy Care4Calais and Simon Shaw away. It’s a little bit of time just for shop as I’m a cyclist myself and always them and they walk away with a coat take my bike with me. There’s some to Calais for five years. too. It is a way of doing something, that will last a few more weeks. beautiful countryside to cycle through Simon said: “We’re not beach not just talking about fighting rac- “One fellow came to me with both outside Calais. I’d be devastated if my people, so this is ideal. I really enjoy ism but actually doing something sleeves of his anorak about to fall bike broke but I know I would be able helping in Calais, it gives you a buzz concrete and anti-racist.” Q off. It looked like a big job for a nee- to replace it, but I thought the refu- to be useful. I love talking to the ref- dle and thread, so I was getting up to gees can’t so how can we help them ugees, really getting to know them To volunteer with Care4calais email go to the van to get him a new coat, keep the bikes running?” and seeing what amazing people they [email protected] but he stopped me. ‘ I don’t want a Lesley and Simon have been going are. You meet some great volunteers  care4calais

Stratford memorial for one of England’s finest and most troubled poets

JULIA OMARI decided to dedicate himself to train- while confusing many minds because ing in order to become a Roman it did not follow the standard poetic itting outside Stratford library is a Catholic priest - an act that would see form of English poetry for that time. memorial stone for a man classed his Anglican family distance them- During Hopkins’ years of writing, Sas one of England’s greatest po- selves from him permanently. he had developed a style of his own ets: Gerard Manley Hopkins. Gerard made a vow never to write which he called Spring Rhythm. Hopkins was born in Stratford on poems again, unless by order of his Gerard Manley Hopkins died on the 28th July 1844 and lived at 87 superiors. In fact, he burnt all his the 8th June 1889 in Ireland after The Grove for the first ten years of poetry in a self-made bonfire! some years spent in isolation. He his life. The family were prosperous, It took eight years, a shipwreck was a poet ahead of his time. His well educated, deeply religious and and the loss of 157 lives (including lifelong friend and then poet lau- attended their local house of wor- those of five Franciscan nuns) before reate Robert Bridges published the ship, St John’s Church. his superior asked him to write a poems of Hopkins some years after Hopkins’ father moved the family poem to commemorate the tragic his death. to Hampstead in 1852 and Gerard was SS Deutschland - the ship had run On the 28th July 1994, 150 years sent to Highgate School as a boarding aground in the Thames estuary dur- after his birth, a memorial stone student. It was here that he started ing a storm on 6th December 1875. with four lines from The Wreck of to write poetry. Gerard continued Hopkins’ poem The Wreck of the the Deutschland was placed near the Photo courtesy Julia Omari to write poems until 1867, when he Deutschland touched many hearts location of his Stratford home. Q 8 Newham Voices September 2021 Community Assembly The votes are in! All the winners in Newham’s £800,000 community projects ballot Here we list all the winners and highlight some of the feel and hear equipment for children police, community safety events, neighbourhood projects that topped the polls in last month’s with special educational needs and online safety awareness, children’s their families. safety, community safety packs in voting on proposals submitted to Newham’s eight community In Stratford and West Ham different languages and women sup- assemblies. most votes went to XLP Hub in the port groups. The winners will get a share of £100,000 allocated to each Stratford Centre for a project to run In Manor Park most votes went to more health and fitness sessions and the project to buy branded pop-up assembly by Newham Council. team building exercises as part of market stalls to establish a small Next month we will carry more information on winning their work to create positive futures farmers market to be created on projects in East Ham, Beckton, Royal Docks, Custom House for disadvantaged young people in Manor Park Road/Station Road at and Canning Town. Newham. The Hub will provide more weekends. activities for young people. A bi-weekly/monthly pop up mar- For the full information on each project go to the community The centre already has special ket would encourage local residents assembly website at newhamco-create.co.uk/en/folders/ girls-only gym sessions and girls to shop locally, meet the traders assemblies groups to provide support and guid- and support their local businesses, ance to young women; an equipped a more sustainable way of shopping recording studio; and provides for Manor Park, and will build on the employability training for those who success of similar initiatives in other n Forest Gate top of the poll was Wild Green E13, a voluntary com- are not in education or training to neighbourhoods such as Forest Gate. the charity Ashok’s Vision which munity organisation founded two help them have the skills and confi- Iwill create a weekly pop up work- years ago to set up a community park dence to find jobs. Beckton and Royal Docks winners shop for creating handmade planters. in the Upperton Road West Park, will Also among the winners was 1. Inclusive Community Hub The project will support young peo- use the funding to provide fencing, the Carpenters and Docklands 2. Permanent Play Street in Beckton ple to learn about the importance of hard-standing pathways, timber Community Centre, which won sup- 3. Beckton Nature Play and a cleaner and greener borough where benches and a container for storage. port to buy a second hand van to Learning Sessions for Families everyone has access to nature, clean Second place went to a project to support its food and clothes banks. 4. Social space at North Beckton air and pleasant spaces to rest, relax improve the Greenway Orchard by The food bank supports more than Park pavilion and enjoy. providing three benches situated 350 people a week directly and thou- Among the other projects, of the both in the orchard and on the green- sands indirectly, providing food to 5. Provide wheelchair access to 12 selected was one submitted by the way itself; creating a possible picnic people currently placed in tempo- ponds and replace derelict view- Magpie Project a charity which sup- area; play equipment to attract more rary accommodation and the most ing platform ports women with children under family engagement including touch, vulnerable and families on the 6. Beckton Community Projects - five who are living in temporary or Carpenters Estate. They also sup- Initiation of the Youth Club insecure accommodation. The fund- port thousands across the Borough 7. Improvements to park map sig- ing will help them transform the by providing food to numerous other nage derelict Hamfrith Centre between food-poverty organisations. 8. Improvements to the green Forest Lane and Romford Road into In Green Street neighbourhood the space on the Drew Rd estate, a new community space to bring the project to improve Priory Park, being Silvertown Magpie project back into the area and one of the only green spaces in the 9. Multi Use Games Area at Beckton provide a beautiful and welcoming area, won most votes. The project Globe space for mums and small children. will fix the current water fountain, In Plaistow, most votes went to the adding picnic benches for families 10. Improvements to Britannia Wild Green E13 project to create an to sit and enjoy the park, install- Village Green urban garden. Wild Green E13 ing table tennis tops, installing fruit 11. Community Gardening for trees and planters to create a com- Wellbeing munity growing project for local residents to grow fruit and veg. Custom House and This project will bring local people Canning Town winners together to grow food in a dedicated 1. Cody Dock Community Forest community gardens space. The pan- Garden demic has shown the benefit of gar- 2. Ling Road Tree Pit Flowerbeds dening for physical health and men- 3. Victoria Dock Road Re-greening tal well-being. Project Among other proposals to win votes 4. Youth Community Centre was a community safety for women 5. Improving and maintaining green project. Given the high number of anti-social behaviour incidents and spaces- community gardening crime issues, the question of public project. safety, particularly for women and 6. CHB - BAME and Disabled children has been a major concern. Bookshop proposal The project will deliver work- 7. What’s The Point? (an anti-knife

XLP Hub shops and sessions on self-defence, crime project lead by FiS and safety awareness, sessions with local NYFC) Community Assembly Newham Voices September 2021 9

10. Greening Green Street Project 9. Walton Road Community Garden Ashok’s Vision (£20,000) Manor Park winners 10. Parks and People (£4,250) 1. The Living Wall (£20,000) 11. “There is no planet B” Art & Craft 2. Manor Park Community Garden Project (£4,820) (£20,000) 12. Sewing Project for Residents 3. Arts Café, performance and (£5,000) Exhibition Space in Plashet Park (£20,000) Stratford and West Ham winners 4. Street Planters in East Ham North, 1. Stratford XLP Youth Hub Little Ilford and Manor Park Ward 2. Community Van Carpenters Estate (£20,000) 3. Cook, Eat and Grow: sustainabil- 5. Mini Lending Library and Trees in ity and well-being for young peo- Plashet Park (£5,000) ple and families 6. Manor Park Community Pop-Up 4. Growing Roots and Floating hab- Market (£5,000) itats 7. Trees for the Avenues and 5. Anti-fly tipping project Romford Road (£5,000) 6. Greener Together – Space for Play 8. Plant street trees along Romford and Exercise Road (£5,000) 7. Health and Wellbeing through Plaistow Winners Digital Inclusion for Vulnerable domestic Abuse survivors. 1. Wild Green E13, an urban garden for all (£20,000) 8. Make do and Mend 8. The Youth Café Green Street winners 2. Greenway Orchard Improvements 9. The Potential Project 21 9. Play Wheels - Mobile Play Project 1. Priory Park Improvement (£19,160) 10. Art in the Park 2. Tree Planting & Planters East Ham winners 3. Plaistow Park Play Space Planting 3. Green Street Pocket Parks 1. Urgent refurbishment and new (£4,992) play equipment for Barking Road 4. Food Growth Katherine Road 4. Replace New City Green bro- Recreation Ground 5. Hamara Ghar Community Garden ken and missing play equipment 2. Changing Places Toilet in Central Project (£4,850) Park Café 6. St Stephens/Dorset Road Alley 5. Parklets for Plaistow (£3,850) 3. Making East Ham Safer, Cleaner, Way Project 6. Free Little Library Boxes and and More Accessible 7. Women Community Safety Project Benches in Plaistow Park (£5,000) 4. Adding art to fly tipping hotspots 8. Renovation and enhancement of 7. Plaistow Litter Picks (£5,000) 5. East Ham Nature Reserve Dorset Road Community Garden 8. More Bins and Benches for New enhancement for local residents 9. Stondon Walk Community Project City Park (£5,000) Manor Park pop-up market 6. Additional funding for Changing Places Toilet in Central Park 7. Grow Together, Be Together - Improving a Community Garden in East Ham 8. Additional funding for refurbish- ments in Barking Road Recreation Growing interest in West Ground 9. Tiny libraries for E6 10. Tackling anti-social behaviour in Ham Park’s vegetable garden Central Park EUGENE CZAUDERNA when that’s done, there’s always Anyone interested in helping out Forest Gate winners some more weeding! with the garden, please contact 1. Youth Led - Forest Gate Planting ntering West Ham Park from Gardeners have grown straw- Stella on parks.gardens@cityof- Project the main entrance on Upton berries, gooseberries, raspberries, london.gov.uk, or drop in to one 2. Creating an environmentally ELane, you pass a house on blueberries, beans of all kinds, of their sessions from 10am on friendly open space your right. Immediately after this peas, herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, Tuesdays or 2pm on Wednesdays. 3. Creating a new home for The is a path off to the right where you carrots and potatoes along with Or why not drop in anyway and see other crops, all with great success. how they are getting on! Magpie Project and other com- may notice a barred gate, set in However, they are very open to munity groups a hedge. Beyond this is the West Ham Park Vegetable Garden, which suggestions for other, maybe more Eugene Czauderna is a volunteer in 4. Going Green - Green the high is run by volunteers, with assis- exotic, plants to try to grow. West Ham Park vegetable garden street: Woodgrange Road and tance, advice and guidance from Upton Lane the park staff. 5. Woodgrange market - a commu- The garden has been in opera- nity space tion since 2012 and, as its name 6. A new nesting raft and nesting suggests it is primarily concerned box for ducks in Forest Lane Park with growing fruit and vegetables, 7. Permanent Rainbow Crossing though the keen volunteers also on Woodgrange Road - LGBT+ grow flowers. This year they have Visibility a bed of edible flowers as a way of combining the two! 8. Greening concrete-dominated The group have some ten or so estate in central Forest Gate regular volunteers who usually 9. Bio-diverse corridors come on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 10. Make the most of what we’ve got There are always jobs to do; plant- 11. Odessa Park Improvements ing, harvesting, improving the soil, Photo from friendsofwesthampark.co.uk 12. Signposts and Trails to looking after the compost bins and Playgrounds 10 Newham Voices September 2021 Lifestyle

WHAT’S ON IN SEPTEMBER Compiled by Neandra Etienne

East Ham Library national Festival, London’s largest Canning Gallery, 11 Brunel St. E16 1EB 8 Emporium Forest Gate with your Below are some of the activities for and longest-running festival of canninggallery.art details and money. residents aged 35+: outdoor theatre. linktr.ee/FGJumbleTrail • Monday: Embroidery 11am – 1pm Free, Pontoon Dock Newham Unlocked Festival  @number8fgemporium 10 SEPTEMBER - 17 OCTOBER • Tuesday: Pilates 9am-10am www.royaldocks.london/whats-on  @fgjumbletrail Newham Unlocked Festival is an • Friday: Chair based exercise 10-11am TikTok Dance Class arts, culture and creativity festival 50 Mile Sponsored Cycle Ride • Friday: Knit and knatter 11am-12pm 4 SEPTEMBER – 3PM FROM £10 featuring an exciting and diverse 12 SEPTEMBER • Friday: Evening yoga 6-7pm If you want to take your dance programme of events. Showcasing The Renewal Programme’s chair of For these events, due to limited moves to another level, book your talented local performers, it will be the board has organised a sponsored capacity - residents should ei- place at Roof East’s brand new Tik- happening throughout Newham with cycle to raise money for their 50th ther come in or call the library Tok dance class, hosted by Pineap- loads for residents to get involved appeal. The cycle will cover 50 miles 02033730827 to book their slot. ple Dance Studios. with in the run up to the festival. The and take place in 50 of Newham’s  @NewhamLibraries Roof East is located on top of the theme of this year’s festival is Unity. landmarks and views. Stratford Centre car park. Floors 7 & 8, www.newhamunlockedfestival.org www.renewalprogramme.org.uk East Ham Community Neighbourhood Stratford Multi-Storey Car Park, Great • Tuesday: Coffee morning at Pil- Eastern Way, London E15 1XE Strangers on a Patio Forest Gate South Jumble Trail 11, 18 & 25 SEPTEMBER 19 SEPTEMBER grims way 11am-12:30pm www.roofeast.com/events • Thursday: Coffee morning at Cen- Comedian, mental health advocate, St Matthews Church is organising a tral Park Café 10 am-12pm Gallery Opening cocktail enthusiast and gardener jumble trail for residents wanting to 4 SEPTEMBER Krish, aka the Depressed Baker has sell anything from books, clothes, The Line London Stratford Unitarians are having their opened up a comedy club in his gar- bric a brac, artwork and home craft If you want to explore the wildlife, official opening of a gallery space. den in Maryland. projects. Anyone in the area can set art and heritage along The Line in It’s going to encourage the creativi- All proceeds from these events will up a stall in front of their house; all Newham why not join their free One ty of professional artists and pro- be going to The Wickers Charity who you have to do is register free online. Step at a Time wellbeing walks - mote community participation. organise community programmes in stmatthewse15.co.uk/whatson.html which are running until the end of West Ham Lane, London E15 4PH London for young people aged 8 – 18. September 2021. bit.ly/StrangersOnAPatioWebsite Quincy’s Comedy Lounge Presents… www.ukunitarians.org.uk/stratford 27 SEPTEMBER Walks are at 12pm on Thursday  @the_depressed_baker afternoons and start from The Print Materials and Process Doors open 6pm with showtime at 8pm House in Stratford. You must register 9 SEPT - 3 OCT Forest Gate Jumble Trail Canning Town’s very own Quincy to attend. Private Viewing: Thurs 9 Sept 6pm-9pm 12 SEPTEMBER – 11AM – 4PM aka Cockney Prince is performing To find out more and sign up, Artists Talk: Sat 18 Sept 12-3pm Wilkinson Estate Agents are spon- his Stand Up Monday comedy event soring the Forest Gate Jumble Trail. at the Refreshment Room. 27 Broad- please email [email protected] Artist KV Duong invites you to his If you would like to be a seller at way, Stratford, E15 4BQ  @thelinelondon group exhibition. KV is exhibiting with Diana Burch, Chris Horner and the Jumble Trail it costs £5. You can refreshmentroom-stratford.com Undercurrents Geraldine Van Heemstra. book a stall by popping into Number  @quincy_comedian 17 AUGUST - 5 SEPTEMBER Abstract Artist Leah Dyke will be showing some of her paintings at the Abstract works of colour and texture exhibition. The opening times are between Actor Jo Martin in the frame 8.30am till 4pm during weekdays and 10am till 4pm over the weekend. Number 8, Forest Gate Emporium, 8 as Doctor Who lead changes Sebert Rd, London E7 0NQ  @number8fgemporium  @lsdyke.art ZHENREENAH MUHXINGA Monroe, became her inspiration. Two years in Holby City playing Denmark Arms ewham actor Jo Martin, star of neurosurgeon Max McGerry made QUIZ NIGHT 2 SEPTEMBER Dr Who and Holby City, is one her a household name; she also Start time 7pm till 9pm Nof the top contenders to become appeared briefly in EastEnders. It’s time to get your thinking caps the 14th ‘doctor’ when Jodie Foster Eventually Dr Who producers saw on for the return of the first quiz leaves the programme this year. Jo in a film, she auditioned for the night post lockdown. £50 first prize. Jo, who has already played an part and was cast as ‘The Fugitive of incarnation of the doctor in series Soul Night (DJ) Jud o on’. 12, was born in Newham to parents 3 SEPTEMBER She said: “Dr Who put me on the who arrived in the area from Jamaica 6/7pm until 10pm map internationally, the first black in the 1950s. She went to Portway A DJ will be playing a mix of old person playing the lead part. I am primary school then Plashet all girls skool classics and new age soul mu- very proud, my family is proud and secondary school. sic. A selection of cocktails will be I hope I make the Newham commu- She told me she loves the diversity served that night too. (Mojitos, Woo nity proud. Acting in Dr. Who is a big of Newham, different cultures and the Woos, Tequila/Rum/Vodka Sunset) Jo Martin achievement for me.” community spirit. ‘I enjoy getting on Denmark Arms 381 Barking Road, E6 1LA For relaxation, she loves to be in with everyone and eating the different www.denmarkarms.com She told me: “I got into acting her kitchen cooking good healthy types of food available in the area.’ from the tender age of ten at Monega food as well as cycling around Future Cargo Jo once moved out of the Borough, school, doing school play. A 14, my Newham for her wellbeing. 3-4 SEPTEMBER – 8PM but missed it so much she returned, first play was “Job Rocking” sup- Jo was voted third in a Radio Times Future Cargo is a sci-fi dance show saying: “It’s easy reach for ported by Benjamin Zephaniah, it reader poll to find the most popu- performed in a 40 foot haulage everything, such as the local post got all the way to Edinburgh.” lar contender to follow Jodie Foster, truck. Future Cargo is showing as office, train stations, and our lovely Seventies actresses, like Mona behind Michael Sheen and Richard part of Greenwich+Docklands Inter- heritage of the Olympics.” Hammond, Ellen Thomas and Carmen Ayoade. Q Community News Newham Voices September 2021 11 The lasting pain of Coronavirus is one of 225 people in Newham trying to get to grips with long Covid. Thana Narashiman I understand that there are now 89 Dave and Carol Richards known to be suffering from long Covid. He argues specialist clinics in England, and, in June, the government announced a for action to recognise and treat the condition. £100 million expansion of long Covid care. With so many people affected, St John’s Dave he Covid-19 virus pandemic has remains unresolved pending clarity it is vital that we have the funding left a lasting mark on many of on budget and clinical pathways. locally for the services we need, and and Carol on Tthe survivors of the illness – There is also a stigma around long that GPs are trained as soon as pos- those now recognised as sufferers Covid as I have encountered medical sible to support those patients who from long Covid. staff thinking I might transmit the are affected.” the move after As someone who caught Covid in Covid virus – which is untrue. I have With around £25 million budget April 2020 and now suffering from had both doses of the vaccine after for community services allocated to 31 years long Covid – diagnosed in October the diagnosis of long Covid and the ELFT, it is very regretful that the 2020 - the impact has been debil- vaccine was not the causal factor for Newham NHS commissioners have ave and Carol Richards, vet- itating on my day to day lagged allocating budget to eran champions of community activities. It may now be treat long Covid. Currently, Drights in Newham, are moving time for this condition to only online triages hubs on after 31 years at St John’s Church be classed as a long-term exist in Newham and I have in Stratford. disability. not been seen by any long They will hold final services at The NHS has rightly Covid medical specialists St John’s on Sunday 5th September focused on the main Covid despite having reached out at 11am and 6pm and are inviting pandemic with billions of for urgent intervention. everyone to join them. They will pounds allocated. But sadly There should be specialist retire to Dorset, where they expect the funding for long Covid Covid units with expertise to to continue ministry at their local has lagged with suffer- treat – and not simply diag- church. ers not referred for rapid nose - this condition. Dave and Carol arrived at St John’s response diagnostics cou- I urge the local NHS com- – “The Big One in the Middle” – at pled with treatments. It missioning Board and the Stratford in 1990. At the time the seems we have been forgot- Health Minister to rapidly church was struggling, with a small ten while clinical pathways collaborate for an integrated congregation and a backlog of repairs are being drafted. In con- approach to treating this to the building. trast, the USA has classified syndrome holistically and Today it is home to a large con- long Covid as a long term engage better with identi- gregation, one of the most diverse in disability and enacted laws fied sufferers so that they London, with about 55 nationalities (Americans with Disabilities can compile data coupled represented, and the building has ADA) to protect sufferers with multi-disciplinary become a major base for community from discrimination. Thana Narashiman expertise. meetings. It has hosted large events, One of the main symp- The primary focus on in partnership with others, such as toms is the severe leth- Covid itself has masked the the 2018 World Cup Large screen, the argy, plus short term memory loss long Covid or its associated symp- heath inequalities for long Covid 2012 Olympic Community festival, (brain fog) and breathing issues that toms. I wanted to share this to dispel sufferers and we need to level-up and the annual Love Stratford event. have prevented me from wearing a any myths. better outcomes – and it needs to The couple have been dedi- mask. However, I have counted over Nationally around 2 million peo- start now. Q cated community activists. Carol 24 symptoms and 200 have been ple are impacted by long Covid, but has been a board member of every reported in all. I had to curtail many in Newham around 225 were diag- Regeneration group in Stratford of my usual activities and am mostly nosed as of July 2021. Many I sus- According to ELFT a specialist hub Town Centre, starting with Stratford housebound at the moment. Even pect have not been diagnosed with on dealing with long Covid for Tower City Challenge in 1992, and continu- travelling to the local supermarket this “invisible” disease due to lack Hamlets and Newham is being ing to the Stratford Original BID. is challenging. of public health dissemination. I did established. The following online Dave has been a school governor, Dr Kate Corlett, Medical Director approach Public Health Newham but resources will provide more infor- part of the Westfield Chaplaincy Community Health Services, East no response was provided. mation and support for people wor- Team, has hosted the Local Police London NHS Foundation Trust Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet ried about the impact of long Covid: Ward Panel, and was a founder (ELFT) states: “long Covid is a sig- Member for Health and Adult Social • Supporting your recovery after member of the Greater Carpenters nificant cause of disability even in Care said: “long Covid is of signifi- covid: www.yourcovidrecovery. Neighbourhood Forum, challenging people who were not hospitalised cant concern given the huge numbers nhs.uk Sir Robin Wales’ plans to demolish with their initial infection and have of people that have been impacted by • Royal College of Occupational the Carpenters Estate. no detectable abnormality on exam- Covid 19 locally. While our under- Therapists Resources: www.rcot. They said: “We have loved every ination and investigation, for exam- standing of long Covid is in its early co.uk/conserving-energy and minute of our time at Stratford. We ple chest X-ray.” days, we are working closely with our www.rcot.co.uk/node/3540 have seen it grow and develop into an amazing place. We will miss the Now, finally, in July 2021, I have NHS partners to understand both the • COVID 19 Patient Rehabilitation vibrant church and the diverse com- been referred by my GP to special- scale of the impact and ensure there Booklet flipbooks.leedsth.nhs. munity. We have been so lucky to ist cardiologists and neurologists is adequate and proper support for uk/LN004864.pdf with long waiting lists for full diag- people suffering”. work with such wonderful people.” • Resources and webinars: nostics related to heart palpitations My MP Stephen Timms has been a www. It will take about nine months and internal potential nerve muscle strong advocate for me and for oth- longcovid.org/resources/patients to appoint a new Vicar at St John’s, pain manifesting in “body tremors ers, raising questions with the stake- • Yoga for post covid patients: www. and, meanwhile, Rev. Robert Otule, and vibrations” but other symptoms holders and states: ”The NHS is still theyogaforlifeproject.co.uk Associate Vicar, will be in charge. Q 12 Newham Voices September 2021 Books

Grandchildren inspire memoir of ‘a Forest Gate girl’

JULIA OMARI

ocal author Carole Payne was born in Forest Gate in 1950, the Lsecond of six children, after her family fled India, the country that had been their home for generations, but where it had become too dangerous to remain. Carole spent her childhood being Photo courtesy John Walker shaped by the excitement of London in the 1960s and ‘70s, first as a student at St Angela’s Convent, then City University, before setting off to Exposing the horrors fulfill her many goals, one of which was writing. She achieved success on all fronts: of childhood poverty in a career, marriage and children, but it was becoming a grandmother that inspired her to write her first book, called Times Of My Life. Carole Victorian Forest Gate wanted to pass on to her grandchild the many stories, memories and THOMAS HOLDROYD the 1980s, where it saw the birth of traditions she had continued from 50,000 Newham babies. The stories her mother and grandmother. ut of Sight, Out of Mind, Abuse, of all of those children and the sub- In Times Of My Life, Carole shares technology played such a big role in Neglect and Fire in a London sequent lives of many are told, and the premarital years of her life grow- childhood. It is available to buy from Children’s Workhouse is a new O they are gripping.” ing up in Forest Gate in a time before Newham Bookshop. Q book from Forest Gate resident and A great deal of research was author John Walker. required for the book. John said: The local historian is also owner “Very little has been published about of the highly successful his- the institution, but there are thou- tory blog E7 Now and Then: www. sands of documents about them in the Good reads in Newham e7-nowandthen.org. London Metropolitan and National His book is an account of the lives Archives, and thousands of articles The Newham Bookshop in Barking of Victorian east London pauper chil- about them in nineteenth century Road tells us these are the top sell- dren, from the age of two, trapped in newspapers. The more I looked, the ers this month: greater the story emerged, of, as the an institution where abuse, neglect, • Secrets of the Lavender Girls title of the book indicates, abuse, ill-discipline and corruption were by Kate Thompson • The Dying Day “The more I looked, the greater the story emerged… by Vaseem Khan It took about a year to research, and the writing gave • Saving the People’s Forest me something to do during lockdown!” by Mark Gorman • The Great (Food) Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Raúf scandal and the devastating fire on rife. The story is told in the context • You are a Champion New Year’s Day 1890, killing 26 chil- of how English authorities treated by Marcus Rashford ‘looked-after’ children over a thou- dren. It took about a year to research, sand-year period. and the writing gave me something Compiled by David Ceen I asked John what prompted him to do during lockdown!” to tell this story: “Having written So what is next? “Let’s see how newhambooks.co.uk ©Myanah Saunders about the building in my blog, I’ve this goes. I’m at the early stages of  @NewhamBookshop been left wanting to find out more. investigating another gripping local I started to dig around in archives history topic concerning one more and was amazed at what I discovered little-known institution, about which about the Forest Lane establishment. there are reams of documents in the Are you ready to challenge racism? “There was a book in it, which I Essex Records Office. I need to dig a Newham Council is looking for people to join the Newham Race Equality felt I had to write! The establish- bit deeper to work out if it becomes Alliance to help tackle racial inequalities. The Council is seeking an ment housed over 50,000 East End a book, or a smaller pamphlet - but independent chair and eight people as members of the Alliance to champion workhouse youngsters, from the there is definitely a story to be told!” race equality across the Borough. age of two, in the second half of the nineteenth century. After its closure Published 26 August 2021, priced To find out more, go to:www.newham.gov.uk/council/get-involved- as a workhouse school, it became £12.99 the book will be launched at shaping-new-newham-race-equality-alliance Forest Gate maternity hospital, until Newham Bookshop on the same date. Black Lives Newham Voices September 2021 13

People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of East London and British history for centuries, and every year Black History Month – in October – provides an opportunity to celebrate their value and contribution to our community. The next issue of Newham Voices will highlight the impact on Newham of black heritage and the importance of black culture.to our community.with stories to celebrate Black History Month 2021. We will carry stories on the contribution made by the Black community in the fields of social welfare, culture, sport and, of course, in the world of business. In her report below Michelle Harris highlights the contribution made by a black entrepreneur who over 30 years overcame personal challenges to make his barber shop a cornerstone of the community and, bottom, Neandra Etienne talks to a local author about her inspiration and the changing climate for black writers.

Black culture: a cut above the rest airdresser Patrick Phipps has “The community is what spurred “The best part is come a long way since he me on. I’ll never forget being up on a Hopened the doors of the bar- ladder trying to paint my shop sign. I witnessing the growth ber studio Cut Above the Rest at 339 was nowhere near ready to open, but of clients like the music Barking Road 30 years ago. already there were three people down- Patrick - better known to many stairs calling up to me for a haircut. artists Kano and Ghetts as ‘Uncle Pat’ - said: “I was just 21 I knew then everything I had gone who went on to really make when I got the keys to the shop, and through was worth it. I put my brush I’ll never forget how much resilience down, and with just a few milk crates something of themselves.” it took to make this happen. At one I sat people down and started cutting point I thought it almost wouldn’t.” hair in between renovating the place.” He was expelled from school at Over the years he has cut the hair ents like the music artists Kano and the age of 14, diagnosed with dys- of children who became fathers and Ghetts who went on to really make lexia and told by his teachers that he then grandfathers “Now I cut their something of themselves. It’s expe- ‘wouldn’t amount to much.’ sons, sons’ hair! That’s four genera- riences like this that make it very Patrick with Stephen Timms. ©Neandra Etienne He didn’t agree. “This didn’t sit tions!” he says. And he has been an hard for me to be just a barber.” right with me,” he said, “so I picked inspiration to others. Now his barber shop is a centrepiece tion Troan. He also has more plans up a hairdressing course at City and “I’ve seen many barbers come and of the community. He has published – to launch a barbering academy East London College in Stratford. I go,” he said. “Some I’ve trained and four books, been a qualified teacher where he will teach 16–19-year-olds. was the only one to pass and since proud to see they have gone on to at Newham college and in 2018 won “I just want to make a difference and then I dreamed of having my own start their own shops now. The best the Community Hero award from this way I can.” busi ness.” part is witnessing the growth of cli- Newham based non-profit organisa- – Michelle Harris

Love and criminal justice hirty years working in the write a story that focuses on Black tion, job or religion. However she protagonists white. Unfortunately, criminal justice system issues, because domestic abuse wanted to highlight why abusive that was non-negotiable.” Tinspired Pamela R Haynes to occurs regardless of race, educa- relationships affect black women But Pamela noticed a change after write a book that puts the probation differently. the death of George Floyd. service at the centre of the story. “For Black women there is a real “A significant number of tra- Loving The Brothers focuses on fear about involving the authorities ditional publishing houses have Patti, a Senior Probation Officer; when things go wrong in their rela- appeared to open their doors, “ she Charmaine, a stressed out mum of tionships, because of the discrim- said. “ I have certainly seen more twins; and Rose, a pastor’s wife with ination they may experience and mentoring opportunities and writing five daughters. the systematic racism within large competitions focused on redressing Previous experience of dealing organisations like the police, social t he ba la nce.” with domestic violence at HM Crown services and the family courts.” Pamela completed her second book Prosecution Service and later at the It took Pamela two years to write during lockdown, a sequel called Probation Service in Stratford, gave Loving The Brothers alongside work- Loving The Sisters and is currently writ- her the idea to tackle this issue. ing full time. ing her third novel Loving The Children. She said: “I chose to include the Her experience of publishing was – Neandra Etienne cycle of domestic abuse to demon- not always positive.  strate the different forms of abuse, “The feedback I received from anchor.fm/pamela-r-haynes for example, financial, emotional agents was not always helpful. Some  @prhaynes and physical abuse. “ suggested I change the title of my  @lovingthebrothersauthor Pamela R Haynes Pamela didn’t feel any pressure to book, the cover or make one of my  @PamPamHaynes 14 Newham Voices September 2021 Community News From derelict site to the green heart of the community NEANDRA ETIENNE work began. winter, whatever the weather.” watch the garden grow both as a gar- “When we first found the site we Forest Gate Community Garden is a den and as a place where people can hen local residents Lloyd never imagined the garden would charitable organisation that aims to meet and learn about gardening. The Jeans, Myanah Saunders, become so special. As well as being create and maintain green spaces for garden has given space for artists and WPaul and Karin Holloway, a peaceful haven for wildlife and wildlife, wellbeing, plants and people. musicians to teach and play.” Yasmine Curpen and Hugh Barnard a place for relaxing and meeting They are involved with local com- The land is owned by the London discovered a rundown site close to friends, it has become somewhere munity groups including the Magpie Borough of Newham. They have plans the town centre, they recognised the where people can make new friends Project (for homeless families with to redevelop the area into hous- area had potential to become a com- and develop new interests. young children), the Forest Gate ing. Forest Gate Community Garden munity garden. “The success of the garden is entirely Festival, Forest Gayte Pride, Bloomin’ hopes to have the lease renewed in Eight years later, after a fight for down to the efforts of the many vol- Forest Gate, UCL Stratford Campus, May 2025, however, if this is not the lease and a two-year consultation unteers, who are there summer and Woodgrange Market, Forest Arts and successful they may have to look for with local people, Myanah believes Newham Climate Collective. They also another site. Q their dream space is making a major take referrals from GP social prescrib- contribution to life in the area. ers and mental health services. Volunteering Lloyd explained how it all started: Their sub group, Green Shoots, is 136 Earlham Grove, London E7 9AS “The idea of a community garden committed to improving the local Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 3pm was born in April 2013, engendered environment by working alongside Summer 10am to 12pm on Sundays. by local opposition from ‘Save Forest local residents to maintain street Two volunteers are always on site to Gate’ to a proposal to build a 26-sto- planters and plant up bare spaces. ensure public safety, welcome visitors, rey tower block on the site. Local musician and artist Paul open and lock up. The Garden is also “We spent two years consulting Romane is an occasional van driver available for hire at a small fee. with the local community to plan and regular visitor to the garden. our dream space while we fought for “It’s a great community resource [email protected] the lease. We finally succeeded in and I admire the work that the vol- fgcommunitygarden.org Photo courtesy Myanah Saunders May 2015, and that’s when the hard unteers put in. It’s been a pleasure to  @FGCommGarden

As we wind down after the summer, do take time out to visit and support our local coffee shops, cafés and restaurants. Remember to always safe. As we wind down after the summer, do take time outstay to visit and support our local coffee Here are a few venues that would welcome your shops, cafés and restaurants. Remember to always stay safe.support. While you’re there, don’t forget to mention HereNewh aream Vao fewices .venues that would welcome your support.East Ham While you’re there, don’t forget to mention THE FOX & HOUNDS N 1 e Centralwham V Parkoices .Café 3 Little Bartle Avenue, East Ham, London E6 3AJ 4 Ilford East Ham THE FOX & HOUNDS Forest Gate Forest1 Central Gate Park Café Manor Park North 2 3 2 Little BartleGiovanna’s Avenue, Deli East & Wine Ham, London E6 3AJ 4 Ilford 58 Woodgrange Rd, Forest Gate, London E7 0QH Forest Gate Green Forest Gate 8 9 Forest Gate North StreetManor Park East Ham 3 The Fox & Hounds South 2 Giovanna’s Deli & Wine 2 East North 10 Green 58178 Woodgrange Forest Lane, Rd, Forest Forest Gate, Gate, London London E7 9BBE7 0QH 9 Street Green 8 Forest Gate Manor Park West Street East Ham 3 The Fox & Hounds South East North 4 Kaldi Coffee Stratford 10 Green 178 Forest Lane, Forest Gate, London E7 9BB Street 345 High St North, Manor Park, London E12 6PQ & New Town West Ham East Ham Wall End Manor Park West Central Plaistow Plaistow4 Kaldi Coffee Stratford NNorthorth The Greengate CCafeafe 5 345Cornerstone High St North, Café Manor Park, London E12 6PQ & New Town West Ham Boleyn East 1Ham Wall End Central 408 Barking Road, Plaistow, London E13 8HJ Plaistow Plaistow 7 NNorthorth PlPlaistow i 6 The Cali Candy Shop The Greengate CCafeaf6e 5 Cornerstone Café 1 River Roding Canning 5 South Boleyn 538a Barking Road, Plaistow E13 8QE Town East Ham South 408 Barking Road, Plaistow, London E13 8HJ North 7 PlPlaistow i 67 The CaliGreengate Candy CaféShop 6 River Roding Canning 5 South 538a538b Barking Road, Plaistow E13 8QE Town East Ham South River Lea North Stratford7 The Greengate Café Beckton Canning Custom House 8 Olive538b Barking and Lemon Road, Mediterranean Plaistow E13 8QE Café Town 30 Broadway, Stratford E15 4QS River Lea South Stratford Beckton 9 Jollof Hut Canning Custom House 8 Olive and Lemon Mediterranean Café Town 3065a Broadway, North Mall, Stratford Shopping E15 Centre, 4QS Stratford, E15 1XF South 109 JollofThe Refreshment Hut Room Royal Docks 65a25 Broadway, North Mall, Stratford, Shopping E15 Centre, 4BQ Stratford, E15 1XF Scan to access 10 The Refreshment Room the interactive River Thames map online. Royal Docks 25 Broadway, Stratford, E15 4BQ Scan to access the interactive River Thames map online. Sports Newham Voices September 2021 15

Clapton CFC Women’s first team ing two home games in September. Active Newham work closely with have announced their fixture list for Spectators are welcome to come 3 Cricket Clubs in Newham: Ne- SPORTS SHORTS the new 2021/2022 season starting and support the team for free at the wham Cricket Club, West Ham and in September. Memorial Sports Ground in West Compiled by Neandra Etienne Stratford Cricket Club (ages 5 to 16) www.claptoncfc.co.uk Ham. You can buy their merchan- and Bow Green. They offer a range dise including scarfs, hats and pin Central Park All Stars (CPA FC) was of opportunities to play cricket and badges during their home games. started in 2020 by two parents from JK Silvertown FC is an amateur improve your skills. East Ham who wanted to give young Alexandra Park FC 5 September, Indoor cricket facilities are also sports team currently playing in the Leyton Orient Woman 19 September people from the ages of 5 to 16 the Essex Sunday Combination Senior available at East Ham Leisure Cen-  opportunity to play affordable foot- Division. They started the club in @CrusadersWFC tre and Newham Leisure Centre. ball within a structured, safe and memory of their friend James Kiely  @CrusadersWFC www.activenewham.org.uk/cricket enjoyable environment. who died in 2011.  @forestcrusaderswfc newhamcc.com All of their games are carried out Chairman and former Manager, westham.play-cricket.com under the supervision of FA quali- bowgreen.play-cricket.com Ben Short, told BBC Sport: “We’re an Congratulations to East London fied coaches who are DBS checked. 11-a-side team and we’ve all known Rugby Football Club’s Vixens la- The club recently started a CPA The London Youth Games is a Lon- each other for 20 odd years. Silver- dies’ team player Kat Salthouse for Girls FC. Training days and times don-wide sporting event in which all town’s the area we all come from winning the diversity and inclusion are Saturday 9.00 - 11.00 and London boroughs compete. and JK is the initials of our friend category at the national final of the Wednesday 17.30 - 18.30. This year, the programme has that passed away.” prestigious Mitsubishi Motors Vol- There are 5 CPA FC teams playing in been regionalised and Newham will Details of their games can be unteer of the Year Awards 2021. the Echo League season 2021-2022. found at: be competing against boroughs Kat, women’s rugby development from the East region of London. www.cpafc.co.uk @JKSILVERTOWNFC officer on East London RFC’s man- In September, Newham competes @echoleague  @jksilvertownfc agement committee, was nominated in Basketball 5th September, Football by the club based at Memorial Park, 11th September, Cricket 12th Septem- Take the first step to becoming a West Ham, and supported by Essex ber and Volleyball 12th. No specta- BMX Olympic medal champion by County Rugby Football Union. tors are allowed this year apart from signing up for some free coaching www.eastlondonrfc.com family of the participants. sessions. www.londonyouthgames.org This is open to Newham young Two pupils from St Bons Frank- people aged 9-19. All abilities are Congratulations‌ ‌to‌ ‌the ‌ ‌Manor‌ Park‌ lin and Torron were awarded Most welcome. Equipment is provided L‌ a d i e s ‌ ‌313‌ ‌Dragon ‌ ‌Boat‌ Team‌ ‌for‌ Valuable Player (MVP) at the Ball Out or if you have your own bike bring ‌winning ‌ ‌the ‌ ‌Al-Noor‌ ‌Boat‌ ‌Race ‌ ‌for‌ National 3x3 Basketball Competition. that along. All sessions are weather ‌the ‌ ‌third‌ ‌time.‌ ‌The ‌ ‌Al-Noor‌ ‌Annual‌ Former St Bons student Ernaldo dependent. A1 Judo Club ‌Boat‌ ‌Race‌, established‌ ‌by‌ ‌the ‌ ‌Al- Krasniqi who left school in 2019 to 11, 25 September, 11am – 1pm at Goose- Noor‌ ‌Foundation‌ ‌in ‌ ‌2018,‌ ‌at‌ ‌Fairlop‌ play for Huddersfield Town Football ley Playing Fields BMX Track, St Albans ‌Waters‌ ‌in ‌ ‌Redbridge aims‌ ‌to‌ ‌unite ‌ Club in 2019 has gone on loan to Ave, East Ham, E6 6HU A1 Judo Club founded in 2009 is a the‌ ‌ community‌ ‌ whereby‌ ‌ individu‌ - Falkirk FC. bonnydowns.org/youth thriving family run community club. als,‌ ‌families‌ ‌and‌ ‌organisations‌ ‌have ‌ They cater for all levels and ages; East London Sport interviewed ‌the ‌ ‌opportunity‌ ‌to‌ ‌raise‌ ‌money‌ ‌for‌ ranging from 3 year olds to adults. British Canoeing and University of ‌charitable ‌ ‌causes‌ ‌which‌ ‌are‌ ‌close ‌ London Lions men have announced If you would like to take up the East London scholar Chris Bowers ‌to‌ ‌their‌ ‌hearts.‌ ‌The ‌ ‌Ladies‌ ‌raised‌ their Basketball League fixtures for Olympic sport of judo, register your about what motivates him and his ‌money‌ ‌for‌ ‌the ‌ ‌charity‌ ‌Save ‌ ‌One ‌ ‌Life. ‌ the 2021/22 season. interest by going on their website. plans to compete in Paris 2024.  @313fitnessofficial‌ They travel to Surrey for an Visitors and new starters are always  @eastldn_sport  @saveonelifeuk‌ ‌ opening night match against the welcome; the first session is FREE. Scorchers on Friday 24 September Wednesdays at East Ham Leisure followed by their first home game Centre of the season two days later against • 6.30-7.30pm (4-9 year olds) the Plymouth Raiders on Sunday 26 London Landmarks Half Marathon • 7.30-8.30pm (10+ including seniors) September. • Saturdays at Central Park East Ham n Sunday 1 August over £3,500 was raised for Caritas Anchor Copper Box Arena in the Queen • 1.30-2pm (Tots 3-4 year olds) House by a team of seven runners in the London Landmarks Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford • 2-2.45pm (5-12 year olds) OHalf Marathon. www.thelondonlions.com The Newham runners who fundraised for Caritas Anchor House www.a1judo.com were Andy Lewis, James Mackay, Jose Daniel, Andrea Thompson and Alexis Wilson. Clapton CFC put a call out to their Upton Park Ladies play in the Caritas Anchor House’s mission is to build hope, enable lasting members to design and vote on Greater London Women’s Football change and end homelessness for people in East London. They provide their new home shirt in celebration League. They are looking for new accommodation and support to single homeless adults in Newham of the return of football to the Old players, experienced defenders and where 1 in 23 people have nowhere to live; this is the highest rate of Spotted Dog Ground. midfielders ideally ages 18+ to join homelessness in the country. Their new home outfield shirt is their first team. designed by Maurizio and their new www.caritasanchorhouse.org.uk They train at Royal Docks Acade- home goalkeeper shirt is designed by my on Wednesday evenings. Ed. Rage Sport will produce the kits, Spectators are welcome to come which will hopefully be ready in time and support the team for free dur- for the teams to wear when they play ing their home games at West Ham back at the Old Spotted Dog Ground. Foundation, Beckton E6 5NX Ridgeway Rovers Ladies First 12 September, Leyton Orient FC Wom- en 26 September [email protected] www.uptonparkladiesfc.co.uk

Forest Crusaders Women play in the Greater London Women’s Football L-R: Jose Daniel, James Mackay, and Andy Lewis; Alexis Wilson (photos via Facebook) Clapton CFC kits League (GLWFL). They will be play- 16 Newham Voices September 2021 News

Training Newham’s Internships for young people with special needs unsung carers JEAN GRAY oung people with disabilities and autism are being offered internships with Barts Health NHS Trust ZHENREENAH MUHXINGA The Carers Health of groups and organisations Yas part of the Newham Supported Internship Pro- Empowerment Programme in Newham attended work- gramme run jointly with Newham College, Newham npaid carers have been (CHEP), funded by the Big shops to help determine the Council, Generate Job Coaches and Our Newham Works. pushed to their limits Lottery Fund, has provided content for the programme It is open to people aged between 16 and 30 with spe- Uevery day caring for support – aiming to empower in year two from June 2020 cial educational needs and disabilities who can poten- loved ones throughout the carers in Newham to become to May 2021. Those who took tially move into employment. But anyone interested in pandemic. They have often more resilient, through pro- part expressed how chal- taking up the opportunity will need to move fast. The been overlooked and over- fessional training and work- lenging it was to study dur- next intake starts this month and runs until July 2022. whelmed, working under shops, and then providing ing lockdown, while taking Through training and direct work experience, young pressure and saving the gov- practical and holistic support care of their loved ones at people will develop employability skills, self-confi- ernment billions of pounds by mentoring other carers, the same time. dence, job specific skills and maths, English and com- every day. We should also in a friendly and social envi- All carers who completed puter skills while working alongside employees in a remember the contribution ronment. the course thanked Shirley real employment environment. of young carers and the role In year one of the pro- Barber who designed and The Barts scheme involves spending time in a wide they play. gramme carers from a variety delivered the advocacy mod- variety of settings at Newham hospital, carrying out ule. She also delivered train- activities such as catering, booking appointments, ing relating to the rights of engaging with children, deliveries and restocking cup- carers and those they care boards, with an end goal of finding a job. for. Carers also thanked Barts is one of several local organisations offering Catherine Isles who facili- internships, including Asda, Send Coffee, Newham tates Health and Wellbeing Council, John Lewis and Waitrose. for the carers and the Renewal For an application form and more information contact: Programme for their support • Joseph Kunyeda (LBN Our Newham Work) and patience during covid [email protected] challenging times. Tel. 0203 373 4948 In the picture nine proud • Angie Hincks (Newham College) carers receive their awards [email protected] for completing the course. Q Further information is available at: supportedpro- Zhenreenah Muhxinga [email protected] is Chair, Carers Community Mental Health Group

Golden sporting moments at Home and Away! a medal) and Keely Hodgkinson, winning silver in the 1500 and 800 metres respectively, Mickey Ambrose Mickey Ambrose praises the I have to mention 13-year-old Sky heroes of Tokyo and celebrates Brown who won bronze in skate- fortunes from their opening game last season – also against Newcastle a winning West Ham start. boarding, Britain’s youngest Olympic medallist ever (personally I struggle – which they lost! Who picks the to go on the Tea-Cup ride at Thorpe names out of the fixture hat? Park let alone trying to balance They followed that up by thumping myself on a Skateboard) but what a Leicester 4 – 1 with Michail Antonio hat a golden month it’s been gold. So well done to our athletes this courageous young athlete and what scoring to become the Hammers top – there have been golden time – we are proud of you all. skill she showed. goal scorer in the Premier League, moments for Britain’s Olym- There were so many inspirational But my pick of the bunch is the gold overtaking Paolo Di Canio. Wow! W Well done Michail. pians in Tokyo and for West Ham as performances and heroes to talk medal for Lauren Price, Wales’s first they kick off the new Premier League about - Laura and Jason Kenny, of female boxer, a former Welsh foot- I hope to interview Michail for season with two stunning wins! course with Jason winning seven baller, and kickboxer who was raised next month’s Newham Voices – so tell How does the old saying go – you cycling golds and nine in total, and by her grandparents as a new-born all your family and friends to pick up wait for one bus and then they all swimmer Tom Daley who we recall after her parents gave her up. In a copy. I get mine in Sainsbury’s in come together - well that can be said popping into our local Tesco Express her hometown of Ystrad Mynach in the old Stratford Shopping Mall as for sport, too following England’s on Stratford High Street after the 2012 Caerphilly the council have painted a you exit where the Security Staff are superb football display in the Euro’s, Olympics. Then there’s Adam Peaty, telephone box GOLD how cool is that. (hint, hint..). Q Great Britain came fourth in the med- Max Whitlock, Jonathan Brownlee, Onto football and let’s cheer als table at the delayed Tokyo secur- his brother Alistair, Galal Yafao in for West Ham United who beat Mickey Ambrose is a former Charlton ing a total of 65 medals – 22 of them boxing, Laura Muir (who finally got Newcastle 4 - 2 (away) reversing the and Chelsea player who lives in Stratford