HEALTHIER LIVES CELEBRATING OUR BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS Keep Covid-safe Campus life at Victoria Park during the festive Queen Mary scoops more period University awards SEE PAGES 4-7 SEE PAGES 12-13 SEE PAGE 29

ISSUE NINETEEN // DECEMBER 2020

Best school in England Mayflower named best state primary school – see page 8 Children’s Centres remain open for families All 12 of the Tower Hamlets Children’s Centres remain open and are providing a mixture of face-to-face and online sessions.

Services and sessions Information and advice Free childcare We have adapted our services to If you are concerned about your To learn if you are eligible for free be Covid-secure and deliver: child’s development, contact your childcare call 020 7364 1553 • Stay and play local Children’s Centre for advice. (Monday to Friday, • Family support If your child attends a childcare 9am-5pm). • Universal health services setting, talk to the Inclusion • Employment training Coordinator in the setting and • Education advice you can also get advice from the Inclusion Team on Many centres have also introduced 020 7364 1553. ‘walk and talk’ sessions, which means families can receive support and advice whilst meeting our experts outside. Doors are open Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm

Visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/childrenscentres to learn more.

2 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // NEWS FROM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY

As 2020 draws to an end we reflect on what has been an 4-5 // Healthier lives 25-26 // Arts & events extremely challenging year. Following the Covid-19 tiers, staying Year of the Ox, Holocaust Memorial Day Covid-19 safe during the festive season, 2021, ’s ‘open air gallery’, We think of those that lost their lives and been affected by how to get ready for winter, call for grand musical walk, what’s on. Covid-19 and thank our key workers who have been there for donations – emergency food appeal. us throughout the year. The economic impact has been felt by 27-29 // Council news many residents and businesses and will continue to affect us 8-9 // Young people and families Make a date for important polls, census for some time. Mayflower takes top honours, funding day is coming, digital revolution sparked I hope that with talk of a vaccine there may be some light at boost for two new secondary schools, by lockdowns, asthma campaign wins the end of the tunnel. Until then we must keep following first specialist college for autistic award, Victoria Park voted the best in the the government’s rules which are there to keep us safe. That students set to expand, UK, make volunteering your New means continuing to do the basics of wash your hands, cover Christmas card winners. Year’s resolution, housing fraud your face and make space as well as booking a test if you show couple face bill. 11 // Clean & any symptoms of Covid-19. 30-33// Community green As a council we stepped up this year and continue to provide news support to our most vulnerable. We’ve had to change the way Crackdown on we deliver services and this has shown both the value of the flytipping, Tower Tackling digital exclusion, council and our ability to adapt and to work successfully with Hamlets at your running for mental health, our Voluntary and Community Sector and other partners. fingertips. toy appeal, former England From providing PPE, to housing rough sleepers, supporting footballer makes virtual visit, people who are shielding or feeding children in the school 12-13 // Celebrating healthy, holidays, we have been there for our residents this year and we our borough affordable food store, getting through 2020 together. have seen a fantastic community spirit. Queen Mary University : living While Covid-19 has dominated 2020, ‘business as usual’ has and learning in Tower Hamlets. 34-35// Council news continued and that means delivering new council homes, 15 // Jobs & economy Let’s Talk Tower Hamlets, Bow liveable helping residents get into training and work and cleaning up streets, A12 noise barrier a UK first, free our streets. £200 million lifeline for businesses hit by winter meals for children, help us to pandemic restrictions. We have just consulted on our budget as we continue to have save £30 million in latest budget, to make savings due to government cuts. We’ve also moved 16-17 // Spotlight borough partnership column. to online council meetings and held online ‘Ask the Mayor’ Keeping Tower Hamlets 36-37 // Harmony events – although it has been harder to see people face-to-face I and safe. remain committed to being open and accountable. Council news in Bengali and Somali. I wish readers as good a seasonal break as 18 // Safer is possible in these circumstances. Merry Together 38-39// History Christmas and I hope people have a chance Fight to tackle drugs Winter is coming. to see friends and family where they can continues. and let us hope 2021 brings relief and 40-41 // Know renewal and some return to a normal life for Housing 21 // your council you all. New homes named after ‘The Singing Contact details for the mayor and As ever, you can get in touch Mayor’, local housing projects win top councillors. with me by emailing awards. [email protected] or 42-43 // Useful information calling 020 7364 4000. 22-24 // Walk with Graham Barker Election of the new Speaker, have your , say on BAME Inequalities Commission, Building communities. meeting dates and how to get in touch.

Our East End is produced by: Tower Hamlets Council Sign-up to Facebook Editorial enquiries: 020 7364 4389 Tower Hamlets news /Towerhamletscouncil Email: [email protected] Twitter Find out what’s on, get Tower Hamlets Advertising enquiries: 020 7364 6005 news, take part in competitions and receive @TowerHamletsNow Printed by: Reach Printing Services local offers straight into your inbox! Instagram Distributed by: London Letterbox Marketing Visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/signup @TowerHamletsNow

// 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 3 Following the Covid-19 tiers HEALTHIER LIVES

keep At the time of publication (11 Dec), Tower HamleTs Tower Hamlets is in Tier 2 – high alert. safe However, rates have continued to rise in some areas, particularly north east London. Tower Hamlets’ rating may PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS change when the tiers are reviewed on December 16 and at regular intervals after that. Below we outline some of the key restrictions for Tiers 2 (high alert) and 3 (very high alert). The full restrictions can be found at gov.uk/coronavirus. HANDS FACE SPACE Both Tier 2 and 3: Wash hands regularly Wear a face covering Keep a safe distance

• Work and business: Everyone who can work from home should do so. receptions and wakes; 30 for funerals. Entertainment • Retail, entertainment, personal care No matter what tier – (Note: Wedding receptions not allowed and indoor leisure: Open. • Tier 2: Open. In Tier 3). • Education: Early years settings, • Tier 3: Indoor venues closed. protect yourself and schools, colleges and universities Overnight stays others open. Childcare, other supervised Differences between Tier • Tier 2: Permitted with household or activities and childcare bubbles support bubble. 2 and 3 Remember: Hands, Face, Space permitted. • Tier 3: Advise against overnight stays • Places of worship: Open, but Meeting family and friends other than household or support If you have any symptoms of Covid-19 cannot interact with anyone outside • Tier 2: No mixing of households bubble. you must book a test. Symptoms include: household or support bubbles. indoors apart from support bubbles. Travelling: • Exercise: Classes and organised adult Max. of six outdoors. • A high temperature. • Tier 2: Reduce the number of journeys sport allowed outside but not indoors • Tier 3: No mixing of households you make. Avoid busy times on public • A new or continuous cough. if it involves people from different indoors or most outdoor places, apart transport. Avoid entering a Tier 3 area households. Organised activities for from support bubbles. • A change or loss to your normal sense unless absolutely necessary. elite athletes, under-18s or disabled Bars, pubs and restaurants of smell or taste. • Tier 3: Avoid travelling outside your people allowed. (Note: contact activity • Tier 2: Pubs and bars must close. area, other than where necessary such should be avoided in Tier 3). Hospitality venues can only serve We now have four testing sites in as for work or education. • Indoor leisure: Open (Note: no group alcohol with substantial meals. No Tower Hamlets. Tests can be booked activity in Tier 3). orders past 10pm. Must close at 11pm. Accommodation: by calling 119 or online www.nhs.uk/ • Weddings and funerals: 15 guests for • Tier 3: Closed except for takeaway or • Tier 2: Open. weddings, civil partnerships, wedding delivery. • Tier 3: Closed. coronavirus.

keep TesTing cenTres in Tower HamleTs Tower HamleTs safe

Idea Store Watney Market Arts Pavilion, 260 Commercial Street Clinton Road E1 2FB E3 4QY Monday – Sunday Monday – Sunday 8am – 8pm 8am – 8pm

Billingsgate Market Jack Dash House Mobile testing unit 2 Lawn House Close Trafalgar Way E14 9YQ E14 5ST Monday – Sunday Every three days To book an appointment at any 8am – 8pm 10.30am – 3.30pm test centre call 119 or book online www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

4 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Staying Covid-19 safe during the festive season

With the festive season approaching we know many residents will be looking forward to celebrating with their families. Between 23 and 27 December, people can form a bubble of up to three households. While this is allowed under government guidelines, please be cautious, especially of anyone who may be more vulnerable including the elderly and those with existing health conditions. Mixing between households remains the main way Covid-19 is being transmitted in Tower Hamlets, so think carefully before coming together with other households, even over the festive period. If you do form a festive bubble (a maximum of three households), find out how to stay safe and take precautions at home www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/ coronavirus

here to go for hel Go online Other phonelines: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/coronavirus for council information and support Concerns about children and www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/homeresources for fun activities and ideas to stay active young people www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/selfisolation if you’re self-isolating and need help or support 020 7364 5006 www.nhs.uk/coronavirus for the latest NHS information, advice and to book a test Adult safeguarding 020 7364 5005 www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19 to check your symptoms with the NHS Trading standards www.gov.uk/coronavirus to keep up to date with government guidance and support 020 7364 5008 Domestic abuse To book a Covid-19 test call 119 0808 2000 247 For medical help by phone call your GP or 111 Department for Education If urgent, call 999 (or go to your nearest A&E department) helpline or urgent hel advice and suort from the council call 0800 046 8687 Council tax iii caawimaad ah talo iyo taageero 020 7364 3030 020 7364 5002 ahadal 020 7364 3030 ama booo

// 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 5 HEALTHIER LIVES ow to get read for winter ere are some to tis on eing reared and staing well. or more like these visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/winter

You can get a free Covid-19 has had an impact on all Take care of yourself flu jab if you’re of us, so it’s more important than and people in your aged over 65, ever to stay safe community who may are pregnant or and healthy. be more vulnerable. have a long-term Find out the Find information health condition. latest updates on local services Speak to your GP at www. for those who may or pharmacist or towerhamlets. be isolated and experiencing book your jab at gov.uk/ loneliness: www.towerhamlets.gov. www.myvaccinations.co.uk coronavirus uk/loneliness

Need to speak to someone? The Stay active by Keep your home Tower Hamlets Mental wrapping up warm by setting your Health Crisis Line warm and getting heating to the right is free and available outdoors if you can. temperature (18-21°C). 24/7: Go for a walk, cycle, You can contact a 0800 073 0003 jog or play with your Gas Safe registered children. Even just engineer to make moving for 20 minutes a day can sure your appliances are operating make a difference to your overall properly and safely mental and physical wellbeing. www.gassaferegister.co.uk

Have hot meals and drinks throughout the day and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables – frozen and tinned count too. Remember to stock up on basic items including canned and tinned food and medicines for coughs and colds.

6 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Staff and volunteers helping with food distribution at Mayfield House Call for donations – emergency food appeal The council has launched a fundraising Many local food providers have seen an The council has provided funds and Alternatively, if you would like to campaign to make sure people don’t go unprecedented rise in demand and are resource to support this vital service, and volunteer your time, please visit www. hungry this winter amid the ongoing now reaching crisis point. now, in partnership with the borough’s vcth.org.uk/ for more information and challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic, Tower food banks, we are asking partners, to sign up. The appeal, which is on behalf of Hamlets Council has distributed 190 business and residents to please donate This year has been challenging for 31 food banks in Tower Hamlets, is tonnes of food to those in need and to our crowdfunding campaign. everyone, but no family should be looking to crowdfund at least £5,000 invested £950,000 through its resident If you would like to donate, please without the basic essentials. Please show a month towards the cost of providing support scheme. Despite this, the need visit www.spacehive.com/tower-hamlets- solidarity and help us to support our food support to vulnerable residents. is greater than ever this year. food-appeal#/idea. community.

ur Covid-19 community champions network is vital in helping share and keep our community up to date with the latest advice around Covid-19.

f youre interested in helping share information and keep friends, family and the wider community safe, sign up online www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/covichamions.

ogether we can hel kee ower amlets safe.

// 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 7 Children from Mayflower prepare for an art class Mayflower takes top honours YOUNG PEOPLE schools in the UK, ranked by their most AND FAMILIES recently published exam results. John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Mayflower Primary School has been said: “Congratulations to all of the staff named The Sunday Times State Primary at Mayflower Primary School. This year, School of the Year 2021 by Parent Power, we have learned the true value of our The Sunday Times Schools Guide. schools, not just as places of learning The 28th edition of Parent Power but as vital institutions that raise a identifies the 2,000 highest-achieving generation of children whilst supporting entire communities. Nowhere is this truer than in Tower Hamlets.” Mayflower Primary School tops The Sunday Times primary school rankings for the second year running. It was one of six schools from Tower Hamlets to appear in the Top 500 state-funded primary schools - from over 15,000 in England - alongside St. Edmunds (90); Sir William Burrough (117); Blue Gate Fields Junior (153); Dee Bleach, headteacher of Bigland Green (228) and; English The Queen visits Mayflower Primary School in June 2017 to mark the 100- Mayflower Primary School Martyrs (368). year anniversary of its attack by enemy aircraft during WW1 8 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Funding boost for two First specialist college for autistic students set to expand new secondary schools Phoenix College is moving to a new home in Bow after opening in September Two new secondary schools and the as the borough’s first specialist college rebuild of another school moved a step for autistic students. closer to being built after Tower Hamlets The college, set up by the Phoenix Council secured £47m of funding. Autism Trust with the support of the The money from the Department for council, is currently being hosted by Education (DfE) will go towards the cost New City College in Poplar. It teaches life of building a new school on the site of Investing in schools and employment skills helping students London Dock in Wapping. The DfE will to live more independently, realise their also develop a new permanent home for means investing potential and lead productive adult lives. a secondary free school, Canary Wharf in the future of Partnerships with local organisations College, on the Westferry Printworks site and businesses allow students to make on the . informed choices about what type of These agreements could also allow children and young work they want to pursue based on their the council to release funds to rebuild people in our experience. This includes nine-month George Green’s School on the Isle of internships for those aged 16 to 25 with Dogs, subject to a feasibility study. borough. learning difficulties or autism. The total cost of building London Dock School will be £52 million, delivered by the future of children and young people They are supported every step of the Mulberry Schools Trust, which currently in our borough. I’m delighted to have way by a mentor who has daily contact operates three schools in Tower Hamlets. agreed this funding which will mean we with them, their tutor and a job coach, Additional funds will come from have enough secondary school places to and the internships have led to full-time planning contributions which are meet demand. job offers from companies including paid by developers to go towards “I’m pleased at the possible rebuilding G4S and Home Bargains. social infrastructure such as schools, of George Green’s School, whose For information about Phoenix healthcare and transport. building is wearing out, and which College, write to info@phoenixcollege. Cllr Danny Hassell, Cabinet member will allow them to build on recent london or call 020 8980 4740 to learn An intern supporting grounds for Children and Schools, said: improvements and improve their offer of more or ask about applications for and maintenance at Queen Mary “Investing in schools means investing in a great education in a great new setting.” September 2021. University London.

Ten year-old Esther Noble-Stein holds her winning design Winning designs from Claudia Febo and Sumeet Mojumder Christmas card winners Winners of this year’s Christmas Card William Davis Primary School designed competition will see their designs used the mayor’s card which features as electronic cards by Tower Hamlets the borough’s logo as the pot for a Council this year. Christmas tree; eleven-year-old Claudia John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Febo’s artistic drawing of Santa and his Will Tuckley, the council’s Chief reindeers whizzing under Executive and James Thomas, Corporate is on the chief executive’s card; and Director of Children and Culture had the Osmani Primary School pupil Sumeet difficult task of selecting three winning Mojumder’s picture of Father Christmas designs from more than 70 entries by and a snowman posing by a Christmas children between the ages of five and 11. tree is on the front cover of the corporate Ten year-old Esther Noble-Stein of director’s card. Other entries for the Christmas card competition Adiyaaan Saleh // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 9 Aged 9

Naurin Age 8 Domestic, Recycling and Commercial Waste Collections Christmas and New Year 2020/2021

Over the bank holiday period there will be changes to your normal rubbish, recycling, food and garden waste collection arrangements.

Friday 25th December Christmas Day No Service Saturday 26th December Boxing Day 25th Dec Collection Monday 28th December Bank Holiday – Boxing Day Normal Service Tuesday 29th December Normal Service Wednesday 30th December Normal Service Thursday 31st December Normal Service Friday 1st January New Year’s Day No Service Saturday 2nd January 1st Jan Collection Monday 4th January Normal Service *Please ensure your waste and recycling (including food and garden waste) is available for collection before 7am on your scheduled collection day. Christmas tree recycling

There will be a collection for the recycling of real Christmas trees from 4th to 18th January 2021

If you currently receive a kerbside food and garden waste collection, please remove any decorations from the tree and leave out for collection on your scheduled day during this period. If you do not have kerbside services, please contact your property landlord or management company who can arrange collections from the nominated communal collection points.

10 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Our environmental services team ready for a patrol and an officer inspects some flytipped waste in Fordham Street Crackdown on flytipping CLEAN & GREEN to keep our streets clean.” officers the chance to identify street In line with government guidelines, issues such as graffiti to be cleared by the council was concentrating on critical waste crews. Tackling flytipping is the name of the waste collection services when the Covid- The council will continue to work with game for the council’s environmental 19 pandemic hit earlier this year, but landlords and residents, particularly support officers who are determined to since the start of October the council those who rent or live in properties crack down on illegally dumped waste. has issued more than 70 fixed penalty above shops without adequate provision Flytipping is a growing problem notices (FPNs) to repeat offenders. for storage. in Tower Hamlets, with the council The decision to increase the FPN for Our environmental services team spending more than £690,000 a year flytipping to £400 from £80 – with no has also been working with the police on its removal and disposal – money that early payment option – was made in to conduct waste carrier vehicle checks. could be better spent elsewhere. February. Those carrying waste through Tower Officers have been pounding the The previous £80 fine was the same Hamlets without a licence or the correct streets during the colder months to step penalty that was faced by those who documentation you could face a fine. up enforcement during ‘days of action’ in dropped litter. The increased levels If drivers are caught flytipping, the and Weavers. The council is reflect the more serious and costly council has the power to seize vehicles running monthly group patrols in areas nature of flytipping. and offenders could face an unlimited with high levels of flytipping, on top of Some businesses in the borough had fine or a custodial sentence. the work already carried out by waste previously been issued with multiple Residents can report dumped waste crews. £80 FPNs yet continued to flytip because via the council’s online form by visiting Illegally dumped rubbish along John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, it was cheaper to pay the fine if caught towerhamlets.gov.uk/flytipping. Road said: “Flytipped waste is a blight on our than to organise the lawful disposal of borough and it is ultimately residents their waste. who have to pay the price of the costly Money received from the fines is Tower Hamlets at your fingertips collection of dumped rubbish on our being spent on waste management, Don’t forget, the Love Your streets. street cleansing and enforcement. Neighbourhood app is “Although our officers have been There will continue to be a focus focusing on businesses as the worst on communication, education and available to download. offenders, residents must also take advice to businesses about their duties You can use the app to responsibility for their waste. and responsibilities regarding waste report any council issues, “Most people take pride in their management. share things that you love neighbourhood and we are committed to Action days undertaken so far have about the borough, access working with residents and businesses also given environmental services air quality data, see road The council spends more than closures and events, find out about waste and recycling £690,000 a year on the removal collections and much more. To start making use of and disposal of flytipping – the app, simply search ‘Love money that could be better Your Neighbourhood’ in the spent elsewhere. Apple or Google Play stores. // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 11 Queen Mary University London students sit by the canal on the Mile End campus Queen Mary University: living and learning in Tower Hamlets Thanks to this history and the local CELEBRATING area, a strong desire to be active in OUR BOROUGH local life is embedded in our DNA, and realised daily through our activities Philippa Lloyd joined Queen Mary For example, we were proud to play University London in 2019 to lead the a role in the recent Season of Bangla university’s approach to partnerships Drama, celebrating British-Bengali art and social responsibility. Philippa and theatre. The People’s Palace Projects, reflects on Queen Mary’s place in east a charity based in our drama department, London, the whirlwind of 2020, and her also uses art to explore social issues, hope for what’s next. both here in Tower Hamlets and around “We’re proud of our place in east the world, from West Africa to South London: it’s our home. America. Our university’s east London roots Our Legal Advice Centre, which date back to around 1785, when continues to offer free legal advice England’s first official medical school to local residents, businesses and was set up right here in Tower Hamlets. organisations, recently launched the Fast forward 100 years and Queen Black Justice Project to advise members Victoria opened the People’s Palace, of the Black community who may be built to provide educational and social facing discrimination. And we have a opportunities to the people of east team dedicated to supporting young London. We didn’t become Queen people, and their parents and teachers, Mary until 1934, when the East London as they prepare to leave school and College was renamed after the wife of embark on an exciting future. A QMUL student ambassador welcomes a prospective student to the King George V, Mary of Teck. We were the first university in the campus for a Covid-secure tour 12 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // UK to introduce the real Living Wage students come from within 15km of the for reflection. At Queen Mary, we involved, you can join one of our focus for all staff in 2006, one of the first to University), they are joined by many want to make sure we’re playing an groups or complete a quick survey offer degree apprenticeships and, thanks more from across the UK and overseas. active, positive role in Tower Hamlets. (closes Sunday 17 January 2021) – we’re to our outreach efforts, around 57 per This makes for a vibrant student We’re reflecting on how we can best listening.” cent of our students are the first in their community, and please be assured that support you, with plans to launch a new Find out how to get involved: www. family in higher education, around 70 we are working hard to ensure the safety commitment to east London in 2021. qmul.ac.uk/cua per cent of our first-year students come of our staff, students and residents. Your views and perspectives on local Dr Philippa Lloyd, Vice-Principal from Black, Asian and minority ethnic Making our campuses, learning priorities and opportunities are a vital (Policy and Strategic Partnerships) at households and around 35 per cent are spaces and facilities as ‘Covid-secure’ part of that process. If you’d like to get Queen Mary University of London from low-income households. as possible became the number one Our commitment to east London priority, with courses adapted to offer a was brought into sharp relief this year blend of online and in-person teaching Fingertip facts: by Covid-19. We have offered help in a and experiences. This term has been • Founded in 1785 as England’s first official medical school number of ways: back in the spring we a challenging experience for staff and provided personal protective equipment students, but thanks to the steps we • Home is Tower Hamlets with two campuses (Mile End and (PPE) to local hospitals and hospices, have taken, and the hard work and care Whitechapel) and a presence in Paris, Malta, Athens and we lent research equipment to the taken by staff and students, we have so Singapore government and offered accommodation far seen very low numbers of Covid- • Ranked 12th in UK and 110th in the world by Times Higher to NHS workers. Our researchers have 19 cases within the university. Indeed, turned their attention to finding ways to our health and safety team has recently Education (THE) World University Rankings tackle Covid-19, most recently celebrating been shortlisted for an industry award in • Offers 240 degrees across three faculties: Humanities and Social the launch of Bethnal Green Library as recognition of the work it has done this Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Medicine and Dentistry a uniquely located Barts NHS vaccine year to make our campuses safe. • Twenty-seven thousand students and 4,600 members of staff trial centre. And our catering team has As we get closer to the end of the year, worked with the council to offer free hot I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping for • Fifty per cent of students come from within 15km of the meals to local families during the Easter a different, brighter 2021. For now, we’ll university and October school holidays. continue to put safety first, and find ways • Fifty-seven per cent of students are the first in their family to But with all we can do to help, we also to adapt. Our Festival of Communities attend university understand that having a university on might not look quite the same, but we your doorstep in the midst of a pandemic will make sure it’s a chance to come • Seventy per cent of first-year students come from Black, Asian can be a cause for concern. We’re home together in some shape or form and and minority ethnic households to around 27,000 students, and while celebrate living and learning in Tower • Nine Nobel Prize winners amongst former staff and students Hamlets. we’re proud to welcome many from the Learn more: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/about/facts-and-figures/ local area (around 50 per cent of our The end of the year is always a time // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 13 The Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre offers free legal advice to members of the Facebook Sign up to get public in the following /Towerhamletscouncilareas of law: Twitter Tower Hamlets news @TowerHamletsNow • Employment (including • Wills and probate disputes discrimination) Instagram• Immigration (incl. a specialist For Covid-19 advice and other local updates • Landlord and tenant @TowerHamletsNowservice for the LGBT community) straight to your inbox, subscribe to our • Consumer • A specialist clinic for victims of image based sexual abuse. residents’ e-newsletter and much more at • Contract www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/signup • Company • Fitness to practice proceedings for Nurses and Midwives • Criminal • Actions against the police • Assistance with lasting power of For more information on the attorney • Assistance completing welfare benefit forms, mandatory local response to Covid-19, visit • Special educational needs reconsideration appeals and www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/coronavirus • Family (incl. a specialist service tribunal representation. for the LGBT community) or check out #TowerHamletsTogether and #KeepTowerHamletsSafe on social media.

You can find out more information on our services here: http://www.lac.qmul.ac.uk/ To book an appointment contact the Centre on 020 7882 3931 or [email protected].

All advice is given by supervised undergraduate law students in writing following an appointment. There are restrictions on maximum income for some of our clinics.

STEPNEY GREEN SIXTH FORM

Believe. Belong. Become.

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APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2021 ARE NOW OPEN

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Stepney Green Sixth Form is an inclusive environment. Our students have a love of learning and grow within an environment that offers extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities. We place great importance on choice. Our academic pathways are designed around the abilities and career aspirations of our students and we are committed to providing a well-balanced and challenging curriculum for all.

Apply online at www.stepneygreen.towerhamlets.sch.uk 14 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Hands, face, space are the watchwords for shoppers to stay safe during the pandemic £200 million lifeline for businesses hit by pandemic restrictions JOBS AND ECONOMY Aside from the financial help, the footfall due to the pandemic. council’s High Street and Town Centres The trader said: “Sales are about 60 per Grants and team has been offering free training to cent down year-on-year so we’re looking help traders set up shop online and offer payments issued to Businesses in Tower Hamlets have been at developing a website and a home supported with almost £200 million of a home delivery service. delivery service, but it’s challenging for November 2020 grants and rate relief since the outbreak Irene Chew runs her Katsu Wraps small businesses. of Covid-19. stall at and says the Covid-19 restrictions means trade Shopkeepers, entrepreneurs and “We’ve received two grants from the • £98m business rate is currently about 80 per cent down on market traders ineligible for rate relief council which helped but there was no usual demand. were able to apply for discretionary government support as we don’t pay relief Irene, 37, said: “We’ve had to reduce payments to help cope with the economic business rates. from 20 employees to four or five and downturn. used online apps and our own staff to “I’m hoping that the council can • £78m support grants With falling footfall and many deliver food. invest in Whitechapel with the arrival of premises forced to close, a range of “The news about the vaccine Crossrail and the new town hall bringing grants was made available to provide a local is encouraging so we’ll try to stay more people to the area.” • £13.8m lifeline to businesses and protect jobs. positive and do the best we can for our For more details on the grants and As restrictions continue into the customers.” restrictions grants winter, a second round of grants was Sunil Khosla runs his jewellery and making your business Covid-secure, made available in late November to hair accessories stall in Whitechapel visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/ • £4m top-up grants support traders still striving to recover. Market and has struggled with reduced coronavirusbusiness

Irene Chew says the reduced footfall from office workers has affected Restrictions on ‘non-essential’ retail have been tough for Sunny Khosla, a lunchtime trade to her Katsu Wraps stall in Petticoat Lane Market regular at Whitechapel Market for more than 30 years // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 15 Natalie Thompson with a face covering poster being provided to traders Keeping Tower Hamlets safe SPOTLIGHT and small, are no exception and have Hamlets safe, some have not. Cue our compliance, with around 20 officers a COVID-19 COMPLIANCE been hugely impacted with restrictions environmental health-cum-Covid-19 day deployed around the borough. They around how they operate, when they compliance team! work in shifts, with teams out during the During the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve all open and close and making it mandatory Formed of environmental health, day and evening, to ensure no businesses had to adjust to a new normal and accept to display public health messaging. health and safety, licensing, food safety go unchecked. restrictions around how we socialise, While the majority of businesses have and trading standards officers – as well Activities include visiting areas where work and travel. played their part, following national as four new recruits funded by central the council has received reports about Businesses in the borough, both large guidelines and helping to keep Tower government – the team solely focuses on businesses and people not adhering to 16 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Team members walking down Bethnal Green Road Natalie Thompson leaving a shop after a compliance check

Amran Mohammed and Jacqueline Brown outside Bethnal Green station during evening compliance checks

Covid-19 guidance, supporting premises of November, large organised gatherings by positively giving advice on rules and and parties dangerously bringing many While we have the power to regulations, and answering queries and people together, and restaurants and issue fines to businesses who issuing warnings or fixed penalty notices cafés allowing customers to dine when where guidelines are repeatedly ignored. this was against regulations. aren’t complying with guidance, Natalie Thompson, Principal To date, the team has issued over Environmental Health Officer, said: 150 warnings and fixed penalty notices, we always aim to engage and “While we have the power to issue fines with repeat offenders facing fines of to businesses who aren’t complying with up to £10,000 for failing to close their educate first. We know it is a guidance, we always aim to engage and businesses and adhere to national educate first. We know it is a tough time restrictions. Work with police partners tough time for everyone and for everyone and in some cases, such as has led to the closure of two large in some cases, such as really really small local businesses, they aren’t unlicensed music events and police will always aware of all the guidance. be looking at issuing the most serious small local businesses, they “Our approach, both before and offenders with fines of up to £10,000. during Covid-19, is to have positive David Tolley, Head of Environmental aren’t always aware of all the relationships with traders, supporting Health and Trading Standards, said: and helping them where we can.” “Our team has been working hard on guidance. While compliance in the borough the ground during Covid-19, ensuring is generally good, the team recently compliance and supporting police where hospitality settings close at 11pm – the challenges and impact us all in different found about 60 businesses operating greater enforcement is needed to address new curfew – and that businesses and ways, one thing is for sure – together outside of regulations out of over 5,000 those wilfully breaking the rules.” retail operate within the tiers, adapting Tower Hamlets can get through this. observations, all undertaken while out Reflecting the changing nature of in case London’s tier changes to the high Thanks to the compliance team for on patrols. Covid-19 regulations, the role of the alert level. their amazing work, which continues to Some of these were repeat offenders, team will evolve in line with national Only with a combined effort and play a huge role in keeping us all safe. having already received visits and guidance, which keeps them on their everyone following the rules together will If you’re a resident and want to warnings from the team. Rule breakers toes! With the new tier system that came we achieve the reduction in infections report anything to the team, they can be included non-essential retail staying open into effect on 2 December, the team needed and, more widely, tackle Covid- contacted by email healthand.safety@ during the second lockdown at the end has new challenges including ensuring 19. While the virus continues to present towerhamlets.gov.uk // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 17 Fight to tackle drugs continues

SAFER TOGETHER

Although the Covid-19 pandemic has continued to impact on some council services, it has not stopped our community safety team continuing its vital work. Tower Hamlets enforcement officers, together with our CCTV team, have remained vigilant in tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting police to fight against drug-related crime across the borough. We’re cracking down In October, we conducted another of our Operation Continuum raids, the sixth this year. The most recent raid targeted on drug dealing Whitechapel and Mile End and was the result of reports from residents about drug dealing and drug taking alongside wider intelligence. Operation Continuum In total, there were 21 arrests for drug supply offences from the October raid with a total of 56 drug supply-related charges. Alongside this, large quantities of Class A and B drugs were recovered by the police together with cash over Tower Hamlets Council is working with police partners to crack down £40,000. on drug dealing and make neighbourhoods cleaner and safer. We’ve Cllr Asma Begum, Cabinet member conducted 6 operations this year which have resulted in: for Community Safety, Youth and Equalities, said: “We know that our residents are concerned about crime, especially drug dealing and taking, which £320,950 is why we work with police partners 86 85 to disrupt local drug markets. I am in cash pleased to see that our community safety seized operations have continued throughout people charged with under the Covid, and that Operation Continuum over 189 drug supply Proceeds of is helping to make Tower Hamlets a total arrests charges Crime Act safer borough. We will continue to work with the police to target those intent on breaking the law.” If you have any information about drug dealing, call the police on 101 or 84 61 10 report it online by visiting www.met. police.uk If you don’t want to report a crime to high visibility weapon Community Behaviour sweeps conducted in weapons recovered the police, you can do so anonymously Orders applied for in court to drug dealing hotspots last 5 years post convictions including 1 firearm through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org 65 1 large quantities of Class cannabis café shut down A and Class B drugs with drugs, cash and warrants executed (cannabis) seized weapons seized

www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/OperationContinuum

Cash seized from the October raids

Sign up Keep up to date with news on community safety by signing up to our new e-newsletter. To sign up, simply visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/signup

18 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Tower Hamlets Change a child’s life by fostering

Local children need foster carers now. People of all different backgrounds foster. Get in touch now and find out if fostering is for you.

Tower Hamlets Council offers carers a wide range of support including extensive training opportunities, 2 weeks paid holiday per year and allowances and fees up to £491 per week (per child depending on age).

Call 07535 684063/07949 680280 www.fosteringandadoption.co.uk

We can start the fostering process virtually to ensure your safety

Free boiler upgrades for home owners

Tower Hamlets Council has re-launched its award winning Boiler Replacement Programme, a free scheme to replace old and inefficient gas boilers.

If you have a boiler changed through the Programme, you may also be eligible for replacing faulty radiators, old heating controls, draught proofing and insulation.

To qualify you must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit and live in a property you own or with a family member who owns and also lives at the property. The existing boiler will also need to be checked for eligibility.

0800 508 8364 www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/energy

// 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 19 Nursery & Reception NurseryOpen & Mornings Reception OpenAre you looking Mornings for a small, friendly school where your Are you looking for a small, friendly school where your child can learn and flourish? Come and visit Halley child can learn and flourish? Come and visit Halley and see what we have to offer. and seeWednesday what we have 9th to December offer. Wednesday 9th December Wednesday 6th January Wednesday 6th January Tuesday 12th January Tuesday 12th January From 4.00pm to 4.30pm From 4.00pm to 4.30pm Or alternatively check out our Or alternatively check out our ‘Welcome to Nursery & Reception Film’ ‘Welcome to Nursery & Reception Film’ on the School Website: on the School Website: www.halley.towerhamlet.sch www.halley.towerhamlet.sch IsIs your your childchilds’s birthbirth date between...’ date between... September 2016 - August 2017 SeptemberThey 2016 are Nursery - August age now, 2017 but willThey start are Reception Nursery agein September now, 2021 (Closingbut dates will for start Reception Reception 2021 in admissions:16 September th2021 January 2021) (Closing dates for Reception 2021 admissions:16th January 2021) September 2017 - August 2018 SeptemberThey 2017 can start - August Nursery 2018 once theyThey turn can 3 start or in Nursery September 2021 (Closing oncedate for they Nursery turn 32021 or in admissions: September 16 2021th February 2021) (Closing date for Nursery 2021 admissions: 16th February 2021) To book or arrange a visit, call 020 7265 8061To or book email or [email protected] a visit, call 020 7265 8061 or email [email protected]

20 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Local housing projects win top awards

Two innovative projects providing new homes in the borough were among the big winners at this year’s New London Awards (NLA). Each year the hotly contested NLA awards celebrate the most innovative architectural improvement projects across the capital. The Toynbee Hall Estate won for the best mixed-use charity estate regeneration. This was a collaborative project between the charity Toynbee Hall and developer London Square creating a mixed-use scheme around the Grade II-listed Toynbee Hall, on Commercial Street, E1. It involved the refurbishment of Orwell House overlooks Ravenscroft Park Toynbee Hall as well as building 63 new homes, a mix of private and affordable housing, creating a landscaped pocket park and new commercial premises. New homes named after The charity has been working to tackle poverty in the East End for more than 130 years and the development will help support it in continuing that valuable ‘The Singing Mayor’ work. The Queen’s Yard housing HOUSING development was named winner of the New London Awards 2020 prize for mixed use development in the planning Tower Hamlets’ newest social housing stage. development recently opened in Bethnal Queen’s Yard will be a residential- Green bearing the name of the borough’s led mixed-use development in Hackney second ever mayor. Wick. A stroll away from Columbia Road The plans include 143 new homes Flower Market, the new development which will be a mix of private and welcomed 20 new households to the affordable housing as well as well area as part of the commitment to deliver as flexible, mixed-use workspaces, 2,000 new council homes in Tower including affordable workspaces. Hamlets. It also includes a new theatre and The latest of several in-fill schemes studio space and will be the long-term designed to make the most of the home for the Yard Theatre. borough’s eight square miles of land, the property is named after the late ‘Singing Mayor’, John Orwell, and his wife, one of the last living veterans of the 1936 Battle of Cable Street. Beattie, now aged 103, grew up in the East End and served as a councillor for a decade from 1972, after working in a trouser factory and bringing up three children. Former Mayor Orwell meets HM Queen Elizabeth II on a visit to the Overlooking Ravenscroft Park, the borough in the 1960s bright, new homes feature a roof terrace, Queen’s Yard balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows with ground-floor apartments adapted to be accessible by wheelchair. Orwell House also features security fob access, smart utility meters, high speed internet connections and a secure bike store. Alongside some large-scale developments, several smaller in-fill schemes on existing estates will be brought forward in the coming months. To find out about new council homes being built in the borough, visit talk. Mayor Biggs with Beattie Orwell on Mayor Orwell (right) was a popular towerhamlets.gov.uk/newcouncilhomes her 100th birthday figure in Tower Hamlets Toynbee Hall Estate // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 21 Studios and offices rise in freight containers at Trinity Buoy Wharf (12)

WALK ABERFELDY/

Building How would you design a new village? It’s a thought that recurs on this walk, as you explore the Lansbury, Brownfield and Aberfeldy Estates, Goodluck Hope and City Island. communities Each of these neighbourhoods has developed from the ground up, on land that was either flattened in the Graham Barker takes a closer look at new developments on this Blitz or reclaimed from industrial use. As you explore, you can see how walk around the Lansbury and Aberfeldy Estates, Goodluck developers and town planners have tackled the challenge of creating Hope and City Island. Photos by Kois Miah. new communities. Starting at All Saints DLR station, | Start: | Finish: | Distance: | Allow: | All Saints DLR | Canning Town | 2.8 Miles | 90 minutes Continued on page 23 station DLR/tube station

(1) Chihuahua mural on Chrisp Street (5) Chrisp Street market stalls (6) Autumn leaves in the Brownfield Estate

22 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // 15 16 17

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Chrisp Street Market (4) Aberfeldy Street A lively mix of market murals (8) stalls, value-for-money There’s a wow factor to these shops, and eating places, dazzling, street-long murals, all set around a traffic-free inspired by fabric patterns in the square. Read about the Bangladeshi ‘kantha’ tradition. redevelopment plans here: www.thelondonmural https://bit.ly/3lrh2F9 company.com

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2 East India Dock Basin (10) Boards in the bird- watching hides will help 10 you identify the grebes, 11 cormorants, redstarts and kingfishers that make a habitat in the salt marshes here. 12

peer across the road to a giant Chihuahua purples and pinks. Street artist Agva took Victorian times. But after heavy Blitz Street. stands on the (1), some eight storeys high; painted by a steer from the shop’s owner, Brian: damage, Frederick Gibberd was tasked horizon; you’ll visit later, but in the street artists Irony and Boe in 2014, and “I asked the artist to include George with creating the UK’s first purpose-built meantime nip right, through the first adorned with a diamond-studded collar, Lansbury, the crane, Canary Wharf and pedestrian shopping area. It formed a archway – via a garden square – and it looks endearing and slightly manic at the docks because they’re a key part of focal point during the 1951 Festival of continue eastward along Susannah and the same time. the market’s history and reflect what it’s Britain ‘Living Architecture’ exhibition; a Follett Streets. Cross over East India Dock Road at like today.” You’ll also spot a wheelbarrow showcase of post-war approaches to town At 18 Follett Street, the Jerusalem the lights and look back towards Poplar that belonged to the local greengrocer for planning, with the scissor-pattern clock Coffee House opened in 1900 as an Baths (2). Opened in 1934, the baths were 30 years. tower serving as a viewing platform. offshoot of St Frideswide’s Mission designed with art deco touches, including On the corner, Chrisp Street Idea Store These days, you’ll find market stalls (6), over in Lodore Street. Instigated by ladder windows and a vaulted ceiling. (4) is a striking building, designed by selling pound-a-bag vegetables and Christ Church College, Oxford in 1881, St Over the following fifty years or so, many David Adjaye with full-height green and homewares, cafés, and further shops Frideswide initially occupied old cottages local children learnt to swim here, until it blue glazing. Normally busy with book along Market Way. Take time to visit until a new church, mission house and was closed in the 1980s. After a complete browsers and internet surfers, during the Chrisp Street Management Office, nunnery opened in 1893. It brings to refurbishment, it re-opened in 2016, lockdown they’ve been offering a click- where a model depicts the upcoming mind Nonnatus House in the TV series ship-shape and offering not only a pool and-collect service. Continue between redevelopment of the area, which will Call the Midwife, when nurses and nuns but also a gym, sports hall, fitness studio butchers and DIY stores, a credit union include new homes, a community hub, work together in community midwifery. and rooftop football pitch. and co-working space, and you emerge and cinema. Cut through the playground and Across the piazza, outside Eastenders into Chrisp Street Market (5). Near the clock tower, take the zebra archway to Balfron Tower (7), which Pie & Mash shop, there’s a mural (3) in There has been a market here since crossing and continue along Brownfield – along with neighbouring Carradale

(7) Balfron Tower viewed from afar (8) Street art depicting engineer, Tommy Flowers (9) Concrete tea crates in

// 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 23 Sculptures are dotted throughout Trinity Buoy Wharf (12) Newly-built City Island viewed across the River Lea (13)

and Glenkerry Houses – was designed teardrops inset into the pavement. interest. Now continue around the basin – and the proving house. by Ernö Goldfinger. It’s currently As the green ends, turn right and cross and through the Salome Gates, sculpted Out on the riverside, art installations – being refurbished – not without some East India Dock Road with care, over to in iron folds by Sir Anthony Caro. Time and Tide, Alunatime, and Floodtide controversy – but you can still appreciate blue-strutted Telehouse; a circuit board At this point you have a ‘there and back’ – translate the Thames tides into sound the 1960s brutalist architecture soaring façade hints at the data centre inside. walk to Trinity Buoy Wharf. Orchard and light. And inside the octagonal dramatically skywards, 27 storeys tall. Just beyond, cross firstly through Place is currently buzzing with builders, lighthouse, the Millennium-inspired Walkways connect the maisonettes to the old East India Dock wall, and then as blocks rise up within the Goodluck Long Player is set to chime ‘singing the lift tower, which is cast in rugged a gateway that once led to the East Hope development (11). Named after a bowls’ in a random sequence for the next concrete and slashed with arrow-slit India Company’s pepper warehouses. meandering stretch of the River Lea, this 1,000 years. windows. Two snake-entwined rods denote the development will provide over 800 new After exploring, re-trace your steps Head right and follow the footpath medicinal properties of spices, and the homes, flanked on one side by the Lea along Orchard Place and, beside No 42, behind Balfron Tower. The subway street names hereabouts – Nutmeg Lane, and the other by the Thames. brings you into the Aberfeldy Estate. Clove Crescent, Saffron Avenue – echo a It’s an area with an industrial past; you emerge beside the Lea – a sinuous, Farmland until the 1860s, Aberfeldy similar theme. info-boards and evocative painted tidal river – with views back to Goodluck was first developed by David McIntosh On the far side of Orchard Wharf signs refer back to Samuda Brothers Hope. – hence why the street names have a – currently under construction – you shipbuilding yard, the Thames Plate Beyond the flyover, multi-coloured Scottish flavour – and later by chemist, reach the River Lea. From here, there’s Glass works and other enterprises. Old apartment blocks rise up on City Island John Abbott. a fine view of City Island, which you’ll buoys perch on the pavement, and Bruce (13). This 12-acre peninsula has been Aberfeldy Street (8) had a remarkable visit later. For now, skirt the river to the Mahalski’s fishy mural shows life ‘In the developed with over 1,600 waterside makeover this year. Inspired by the right, cross at the lights, and – opposite Belly of the River Thames’. A giant ship’s homes. Veer left into Botanic Square, Bangladeshi ‘kantha’ tradition of the giant silver acorn on Switch House – bow projects out, as if in dry dock, next to landscaped with angled pathways and recycling old textiles to make something continue into East India Dock Basin. the sales showroom. flanked by creative co-working studios, a new, the shops and flats have been Away from the traffic, you enter Trinity Buoy Wharf (12) was once the gallery, café-bar and clubhouse. painted top-to-toe in vibrant fabric another world. East India Dock Basin maintenance depot for Trinity House, the Ahead, the translucent white building patterns, bringing fresh energy to the (10) is now managed as an urban organisation responsible for managing is home to the English National Ballet. high street. nature reserve, with the salt marsh and lighthouses and buoys around Britain’s Here, with access to seven rehearsal A side mural and community pub reed beds providing habitats for varied coastline. It’s a fascinating place to studios and a main performance space, commemorate Tommy Flowers, who birdlife. Opened in 1806, the East India explore; a mix of artists’ studios, offices the company of dancers and a symphony was born locally in Abbott Road and Docks were much larger than what and cafés, interspersed with remarkable orchestra work together to create world- went on to design Colossus, the world’s you see today. The export and import artworks, such as a taxi-cab sprouting class dance performances. first programmable computer, with Alan docks were filled in to reclaim land for a metallic tree, perched on top of the The plaza outside is paved with a criss- Turing at Bletchley Park. building Brunswick Power Station – Orchard Café. Behind, a red lightship is At the end of the parade turn left and, later redeveloped as Virginia Quay – and home to a recording studio. cross design – a motif also featured on as the hoarding ends, continue between offices, including Mulberry Place. The old workshops have been the City Island logo – inspired by the newly-built blocks. Aberfeldy Village (9), Cross over the v-shaped lock gate and supplemented with freight container lattice pattern on the lighthouse you saw as it’s called, will comprise 1,100 new pause to take in the far-reaching views units to provide flexible workspaces. at Trinity Buoy Wharf. From here, a red homes when completed. As you follow around Blackwall Reach. The O2 Arena, Weave your way anti-clockwise around steel bridge arcs gracefully across Bow the linear green, look out for a cluster of boats zipping along the Thames, and the the site, past the electrician’s shop, Creek, leading you to Canning Town concrete tea crates and decorative silver Emirates Air Line cable car add extra chainstore – these days, a parkour zone station, the end of your walk.

(11) Goodluck Hope runs along Orchard Place (12) Taxi-tree sculpture above the Orchard Café (13) English National Ballet on City Island

24 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // ARTS & EVENTS WHAT’S ON

Calligraphy and children’s dancing are some of the features of the Chinese New Year celebrations Year of the Ox Tower Hamlets will be celebrating Chinese New Year, which falls on 12 February. It will be the Year of the Ox. Council Idea Stores and libraries will join the Chinese Association of Tower Hamlets and the Museum of London Docklands to celebrate online, with food demonstrations, calligraphy and performances. Please visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/CNY for details. Scan a QR code on Grand Union’s musical walking tour Holocaust Memorial Grand musical Day 2021 – Be the light walk in the darkness Music organisation The Grand Union Orchestra, based in Reflecting on the depth humanity can sink to and the ways Spitalfields, has added another people have resisted darkness ‘to be the light’ before, during string to its bow by launching a and after genocides is the theme of this year’s Holocaust trailblazing musical walk titled Memorial Day (HMD) on 27 January. From Cable Street to Bethnal To mark HMD, there will be a film programme for schools, Green. self-guided walks taking in historic locations in Tower Participants are invited to scan Hamlets linked to the Jewish community, and Interfaith QR codes and an interactive map commemorations organised in partnership with UK Jewish and discover some of the exciting Film, East London Central Synagogue, Jewish Care and culture, heritage and historic Jewish East End Celebration Society. Reflect on the ways communities ‘resisted darkness’ landmarks in the borough.

The theme in 2021 is ‘Be the light in the darkness’ which We can all stand in solidarity. We can choose to be the light The 5km walk goes from St George asks us to consider different kinds of ‘darkness’ – for in the East to St John on Bethnal in the darkness in a variety of ways and places – at home, example, identity-based persecution, misinformation, Green, via the Cable Street Mural, in public, and online. denial of justice; and different ways of ‘being the light’ Wilton’s Music Hall, Altab Ali Park, – for example, resistance, acts of solidarity, rescue and For further information and to access events, please go to , Weavers Fields and illuminating mistruths. www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/HMD. Oxford House. At each location, walkers will discover a QR code to be scanned Canary Wharf has one of the UK’s largest collections of with a mobile phone, which will Canary Wharf’s ‘open public art that is free to enjoy in the green spaces of the link to a YouTube video of Grand air gallery’ estate. Union’s performance of a pertinent Among the newest additions is Scribbleform by piece of music. Canary Wharf continues to expand its collection of public Birmingham-born artist Julian Wild, now one of the largest The videos relate extraordinary art, introducing six new pieces to the estate’s collection – sculptures on the estate, at an impressive 10 metres, in a stories and political or historical creating an ‘open air gallery’ for people to enjoy. stunning red and weighing three tonnes. events including tales of exile Also displayed is The Clew by Ottotto, a minimal and and liberation, of protest and elegant structure formed of 100 circles of red light. sometimes violence. Music and songs by Tony Haynes have been Other new artworks include Metamorphosis, by Helaine specially selected from Grand Blumenfeld OBE, which was exclusively commissioned by Union Orchestra shows spanning Canary Wharf Group to be placed in the new residential over 30 years, with local people district, Wood Wharf. The four-metre bronze sculpture of all ages among the performers, joins previously commissioned piece Fortuna (2016) also and many filmed in the venues and by Helaine Blumenfeld, located in Jubilee Park. locations on the trail. Meanwhile, contemporary street artist and East London The map also contains descriptions resident Camille Walala’s bold transformation of Adams revealing the story behind each Plaza Bridge has been absorbed into the permanent art landmark, its significance, and its collection after its debut at the inaugural London Mural relation to the musical material. Enjoy colourful light artwork and other displays on Festival. For further information visit the Canary Wharf Estate this wintertour Visit www.canarywharf.com for further information. grandunion.org.uk.

// 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 25 ARTS & EVENTS WHAT’S ON

Drawings by Doreen Fletcher – Benjy’s Mile End 1992 and Hot Dogs, 1993 dusk to see the installation at its adapted as an interactive online Exhibitions mesmerising best. Christmas adventure to mark their Until Sunday 31 January 2021, dusk 25th year, The Space is thrilled to Drawings and Prints – 10pm daily revive this tale by Lobelia Golightly. More information: 20 - 23 December by Doreen Fletcher www.canarywharf.com Online performances including BSL 1974-2020 at space.org.uk/event/the-saving-of- santa Doreen Fletcher is an artist who documents change, be it the use Activities for of buildings, faded shop signs, Tea dance at home dilapidated street furniture or graffiti. children and Join us for our online festive tea dance This exhibition focuses primarily and celebrate Christmas at home. on the period 1985-2004, a time of families Residents of all ages can enjoy an tremendous transition in the East afternoon of entertainment. Grab a Special guest at Idea Store online cup of tea and a mince pie or two and End, but it also includes more recent activities work recording the changing face of enjoy music and dancing from the the . These comfort of your home. The Sunshine club, discussions about books, story Kings jazz and swing band will are tender depictions of familiar time, chat about football and more. play a selection of old favourites. sights and evoke the ambience of the We have also heard on the Christmas Popular dance leader Tony Lane will built environment through the type grapevine that a special guest from the demonstrate some steps for a range of premise as much as the specific North Pole may be joining some of the of dancing styles. Dress up for the location. activities to say hello. Children must occasion and quick step into the spirit Until Sunday 31 January 2021 be accompanied by an adult at the of the season. Brady Arts and Community Centre, start of the event. From 2 - 4pm on 17 December or 192-196 Hanbury Street, Whitechapel Every week up to 19 December and any time over the festive period. E1 5HU. then from 4 January 2021. Tune in to view on our You Tube Visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/ Visit www.ideastore.co.uk/children- channel at www.youtube.com/user/ arts families for contact details for each towerhamletscouncil/videos Old Flo by Henry Moore activity. The team will get back to you with a Zoom code and details of how Old Flo quiz and art to join. Festival book Bangladesh 50 To help youngsters to get to Next year marks 50 years since the know Henry Moore’s Draped independence of Bangladesh. To Seated Woman sculpture, known mark this, Tower Hamlets Local affectionately as ‘Old Flo’, which has History Library & Archives and been sited in Canary Wharf for over the National Portrait Gallery are three years, Canary Wharf Group has leading Bangladesh 50 Years, one of produced a new children’s quiz. The four projects that forms part of the quiz encourages children to explore National Portrait Gallery’s offsite art, the history of Old Flo and the programme, Citizen UK, during its Neon Tree at Connected by Light process of creating a sculpture. temporary closure to transform the Download the quiz and the gallery. Citizen UK is an exciting accompanying artbook or complete an research and creative engagement Connected by Light online form to have a copy posted to Christmas story Saving of Santa project involving the borough archive A vibrant collection of inspiring light your home address. services, local communities and artworks igniting the sky against the Ongoing Saving of Santa contemporary artists. It is funded by Canary Wharf skyline. Showcasing Visit www.canarywharf.com/whats- Oh no! There’s something wrong the National Lottery Heritage Fund. the intricate work of UK artists, it on/childrens-old-flo-quiz-artbook with Santa. It’s up to chief elf ‘n’ The project will conclude with a provides the perfect opportunity for safety officer Nordstrom, Aurora, Bangladesh 50 Festival, marking an evening of escapism. The exhibit Idea Store events the cleverest fairy and YOU to save Bangladesh Independence Day on 26 is complemented by the existing eight Christmas. Can you help overturn March and the related anniversary light art pieces which form part of online the dastardly deeds of revolting elves, UN International Mother Language Canary Wharf’s public art collection Idea Store activities and events for Marmadron and Squelch, before Day on 21 February (over 75 pieces by 50 world-renowned children have moved online. Free it’s too late? This delightful, original 21 February - 26 March 2021. artists are situated on the estate, free fun for youngsters between the ages Christmas story was first staged at Visit www.ideastore.co.uk/ to visitors all year round). Visit after of five to 11 years includes a creative The Space in 2009. Updated and bangladesh-50-years 26 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Counting staff at work Make a date for important polls coming up on 6 May 2021

COUNCIL NEWS established through a referendum, so it can only be changed through another referendum, and any new poll can only List of voters updated

The and Greater take place at least 10 years after the date The Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, Will Tuckley, has overseen the London Authority (GLA) elections that of the first one. publication of the revised Register of Electors on 1 December 2020 following new were due to take place in May 2020 Councillors agreed that the governance canvass reform legislation. Canvass Reform has made the process simpler for had to be postponed due to the Covid- model to be considered as an alternative citizens, allows for a more tailored local approach with better use of resources. 19 pandemic. They have now been to the current Mayor and Cabinet system It is also more accurate, and maintains the security and integrity of the register rescheduled to take place on Thursday will be the Leader and Cabinet model. including data-matching with government and local records to remove the need 6 May 2021, and in Tower Hamlets they Councillors were asked to consider a for many households to send back forms if the information held about them was will also run alongside two referendums number of factors relating to the timing already correct. arranged for the same day. of a referendum including how ongoing Don’t worry if you have just moved to Tower Hamlets, or believe that you have In November, councillors voted in uncertainty around how Covid-19 could missed the recent annual canvass process, you can still register to vote in about 5 favour of a borough-wide referendum impact the May 2021 elections. They minutes on the government website: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. on how the borough is governed in the also agreed that running the referendum future. This is in addition to a smaller alongside the rescheduled Mayor of Executive, is the senior official Depending on the outcome of the neighbourhood planning referendum London and GLA elections would help overseeing local referendums. As the governance model referendum, the taking place on the Isle of Dogs. to boost voter turnout and reduce some ‘Counting Officer’ he also had to give his chosen system will be in place for the Tower Hamlets has operated a Mayor of the council’s costs for running the agreement to the date, again considering and Cabinet ‘model of governance’ referendum. the issues around public engagement, local government elections involving since May 2010. The current model was Will Tuckley, the council’s Chief participation and cost. Tower Hamlets Council in May 2022. Census days is coming so let’s make it count Sunday 21 March 2021 is Census Day and developments or transport links. With The census will include questions households across Tower Hamlets will one of the fastest growing populations about your sex, age, work, health, be asked to take part in the nationwide in the country, it’s important that the education, household size and ethnicity. survey of housing and the population. It borough has an accurate picture of the Results will be available within 12 has been carried out every decade since pressures we face, to help meet the months, although personal records will 1801, with the exception of 1941 during complex needs of our communities. be locked away for 100 years, kept safe the second world war. Households will receive a letter with a Information from the census will unique access code in the post, allowing for future generations. Find out more help decide how local services in Tower them to complete their questionnaire on the census website www.census.gov. Hamlets are planned and funded in the online, although paper questionnaires uk - which also includes details on the future – this could include anything, will also be available for those who need 30,000 flexible census job opportunities from doctors’ surgeries, new housing them. available. // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 27 The ever popular ‘story time’ went online during the pandemic Digital revolution sparked by lockdowns

COUNCIL NEWS The move online has benefitted activities continued online. 4pm. residents of all ages. Popular clubs From 3 December, four Idea Stores Tower Hamlets Local History Library ,including Prime Time (where residents opened their doors to the public (Bow, and Archives will stay open until 18 Despite the restrictions of two aged 60 plus meet to socialise), Chrisp Street, Whitechapel and Canary December on Tuesdays and Fridays for lockdowns, the Idea Store and libraries Conversation Club (where people whose Wharf) on Monday-Friday from 10am- pre-booked visitors only. To book a visit team have continued to support people first language isn’t English have the 6pm and at weekends from 12noon- go to www.ideastore.co.uk/local-history by putting services online. chance to practice with others) and Book In fact, the changes have been so Group, were all held via online platform successful that 2,000 new members Zoom this year. have joined since March and 8,000 Support children and families through Library facts • There are five Idea Stores (Bow, Whitechapel, Canary Wharf, people have signed up for adult learning the pandemic has been a key focus. courses. Library staff have recorded themselves Chrisp Street and Watney Market), two libraries (Bethnal Green The service has increased its range reading children’s books and singing and ) and a local history library and archives (Mile of eMagazines, eJournals and eBooks, nursery rhymes to keep toddlers End) and has provided self service machines entertained through the Idea Store • Since 2002 when Idea Stores opened, visitor numbers have to borrow and return books along with YouTube channel, and there has been a increased from 550,000 to almost 2 million providing a click-and-collect service. host of other online activities including • There are more than 800 adult learning courses – everything Those without digital access can still art workshops. from ESOL, to business training and even ballet book out computers for study or to Creative youngsters were not left in • Over 2,000 new members since March 2020 access council services. the lurch as art workshops and children’s Asthma campaign wins award Tower Hamlets Together, a partnership symptoms at all. of health and social care organisations As a result, there has been a 22 per in Tower Hamlets, triumphed at cent reduction in unplanned hospital October’s Local Government Chronicle admissions due to asthma, an increase in (LGC) awards winning the public asthma care plans from 40 per cent to 75 health category for its ground-breaking per cent and improved control of asthma asthma and wheeze pilot project ‘Take in 92 per cent of high-risk children who a Breather: Stopping the Monster Days’. were seen in the pilot intervention. Involving nearly 300 partners from Winners of LGC awards are selected across the borough, the project was by a panel of council chief executives co-created with local children who from across the UK and judged on inspired the title, saying: “We just want their innovation and reaction to to breathe.” It has since been adopted nationally and presented to audiences residents’needs. across the country. Children with asthma should review It found over 500 children in Tower their asthma plan at least once a year Hamlets, who were at high-risk of and keep a copy of their asthma/wheeze asthma attacks, with many of these plan at home and at school. Any child thinking it was normal to be wheezy, who needs to use their blue inhaler more miss exercising at school or sleep than three times in a week, four times in badly because of their asthma – which, an hour, or coughs at night-time should Co-created artwork, in green, of a monster as drawn by a five-year-old boy when treated properly, should have no see their GP. from Tower Hamlets. 28 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Victoria Park again voted among the best in the UK Victoria Park has again lived up to its nickname as ‘The People’s Park’ after picking up two more awards including being named in the top 10 parks in the country for the 7th year running. The Green Flag Award scheme is the international quality standard that recognises and rewards well- managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the and around the world. In October, Victoria Park and 11 other parks and open spaces in the borough retained their prestigious Green Flag Awards. In the following month, the public was invited to vote for their favourite park and more than 59,000 did just that. For the seventh consecutive year, Winter scene at the multi-award winning Victoria Park Victoria Park was amongst the People’s volunteers, Victoria Park is a great Choice 10 most popular parks and green place for recreation, sports, play and spaces. relaxation. During the pandemic, the Cllr Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet member jewel in the borough’s crown, has for Culture, Arts and Brexit, said: proven to be even more valuable for its “Thanks to our amazing staff and green and open space. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for Victoria Park and Green Flag Award winning I am delighted that in 2020 it has been parks in Tower Hamlets are: recognised in the Green Flag People’s • Altab Ali Park Choice Awards, for the seventh year • running. • Meath Gardens Elsewhere, organisations and • Mile End Park community gardeners across the • Park borough have been recognised for their amazing sense of community spirit • Poplar Recreation Ground Mile End Park among 11 parks to retain its Green Flag status • Sir John McDougall which has enabled people to enjoy green Gardens spaces and face the difficulties of the Hamlets Cemetery Park and Canary more, and we have heard that people • St Georges Gardens pandemic together. Wharf. are valuing your work more than ever The Royal Horticultural Society Writing to organisations, Kay Clark, • Stepney Green Park before. (RHS) and London in Bloom awarded RHS Community Development Manager • Trinity Square Gardens We want to recognise how important • Victoria Park certificates of recognition to the council said: “We know that people have felt you all are and how valuable your work is • Weavers Fields and council-run Victoria Park and closer to nature through lockdown and Trinity Square Gardens as well as Tower valued access to green space so much with certificates in 2020.” Make volunteering your New Year’s resolution Covid-19 changed many things, but Volunteering Hub. If you sign up for the volunteering remains a very rewarding hub you could help local charities in activity you can do in your spare time. many ways, such as befriending local Many local residents still rely on the residents over the telephone to keep them generosity of local volunteers to help company, delivering food or medication them live a better life, for a bit of to vulnerable people using your own car company and to carry out essential tasks. or bike, or cooking food. There are many Covis-19 increased resident need and options, and not all are Covid-related; brought us together as a community. volunteer for just one day, for a couple Whether you want to help more in the hours a week or more regularly. You can new year, or just try out something new, use your existing skills or develop new volunteering is the perfect New Year’s skills in administration, social care and Resolution. customer service. Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets is It has never been easier to volunteer. funded by Tower Hamlets Council to run Visit www.vcth.org.uk or text 07595 the Coronavirus Covid-19 Tower Hamlets 219603 and start volunteering today. Housing fraud couple face ‘Wapping’ £80,000 bill A couple who were forced to return a September last year of obtaining a sentence of 9 months, suspended for 18 gain compensation under the Proceeds three-bedroom social housing property property in Frobisher House, Wapping, months, 80 hours Community Service of Crime Act 2002. Mr and Mrs Hoque in Wapping after being convicted of by deception as they failed to declare and were electronically tagged with agreed to pay a total of £80,000. housing fraud, now face a huge bill that they already owned a five-bedroom overnight curfews. If you have information that a of £80,000 including £50,000 in detached bungalow with a swimming Following the conviction, the council council or social housing property compensation to the council. pool in Rainham, Essex. obtained a court order to prevent the is involved in housing fraud, email Mr Joinul and Mrs Shahida Hoque They were caught out by the council’s couple from selling their assets and [email protected]. were originally found guilty in housing fraud team and both received a carried out a detailed investigation to uk

// 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 29 Tackling digital exclusion among young people

COMMUNITY NEWS government support and who need to be able to access learning at home to reach their full potential. A social enterprise in Tower Hamlets Rich Clensy, a co-founder of has launched a crowd-funding initiative TechInclusion UK, said: “By taking to reuse devices to help tackle social unused devices, we can give them a new exclusion and reduce e-waste. lease of life to help empower a young person who finds themselves digitally It is estimated that there are some excluded. 11 million unused devices in the UK “Each unused device that you have alone. TechInclusionUK is working with under your bed or in a cupboard can Tower Hamlets Education Partnership be reused or recycled. We’re able to to refurbish up to 500 donated devices, divert e-waste from being prematurely such as laptops or PCs, and give them to recycled, ending up in landfill or simply digitally excluded children. Every device just not being used.” donated is wiped of data so there are no To donate unwanted equipment, go to security issues. techinclusion.org.uk/ or to pledge a cash TechInclusionUK is initially focusing donation, visit www.spacehive.com/tech- on young people who are ineligible for for-tower-hamlets By taking unused devices, we can give them a new lease of life to help empower a young person who finds themselves digitally TechInclusionUK co-founder Collette Nabyonga handing over iPads to excluded. Robyn Bruce, headteacher at Cubitt Town Infants’ School Running for mental health

We know that Your gift can provide happiness for joining any group children in this difficult year for the first time Toy Appeal sets can be daunting, but up shop Run4Rene is a free, This Christmas, you can share a thought, and a gift, for a child in your safe and welcoming local community with the East London space where you can Business Association Toy Appeal. Running until Friday 18 December, come to listen or be the Toy Appeal pop-up at Canary Wharf offers the public a chance to donate a heard. bought toy to a child who may not be able Shah (front) and the Victoria Park running group, before the lockdown to receive one this Christmas. A running group is helping people keep have continued to connect with each “We know that joining any group An incredible team of volunteers will fit and look after their mental health other virtually during the pandemic. for the first time can be daunting, but then sort and deliver the gifts to children during the pandemic. Stef’s friend Shah Alam, who leads Run4Rene is a free, safe and welcoming in east London and beyond who may Run4Rene was founded in 2017 by the run in Victoria Park, said: “We are space where you can come to listen or be have thought receiving a Christmas gift Stefanie Stavri in memory of her brother more than just a running crew, we’re heard. We walk, jog or run one lap of the this year was just not a reality. Rene who took his own life at the age of a community dedicated to having park and usually have breakfast at the Visit www.canarywharf.com/whats- 22. conversations around mental health and café afterwards. on/east-london-christmas-toy-appeal- It meets outside the Pavillion Cafe fighting the stigma that isolates people Visit www.run4rene.com for further dec-2020 for details of how and what to every Saturday morning and runners and steals lives.” information. donate. 30 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // Former England footballer makes virtual visit

Alex Scott MBE made a virtual visit to took time to speak to the young people Newark Youth London in Whitechapel to to learn more about how the project learn how Children in Need funding is supports them and what they get out making a positive difference. of it. They were also excited to ask Alex The project was awarded a three-year about her time at Arsenal FC, England grant of £99,927 to provide a range of and representing Great Britain at the activities including arts and games, 2012 London Olympics. sports, healthy cooking and life-skills Alex said: “It felt so good to be a part of sessions. It also helps young people to the skills session and get involved with build their confidence and friendships. the activities. It was great to see everyone During her online visit, Alex took smiling online and I’m still smiling part in a skills and exercise session and now.” It felt so good to be a part of the skills session and get involved with the activities. It was great to see everyone smiling online and I’m still smiling now. Alex Scott in action © Shutterstock Tower Hamlets first healthy, affordable food store is open to support families in need A community-led scheme to provide healthy food and other support to those in need opened its doors in last month. The Food Store in Limborough House helps eligible families to shop for their groceries at a fraction of the usual price. Residents pay a small weekly membership fee of £3.50 giving them access to a significant value of surplus food. Ongoing membership is conditional on continued engagement with support services such as debt and welfare benefits advice agencies. Offering longer-term support than food banks and a greater choice of produce, the aim is to increase household stability by offering low-cost food alongside sustainable solutions to improve participants’ finances, wellbeing and debt management. Members are referred based on need by partner agencies and housing associations. Food Store advisors will refer them to support services to address Mayor John Biggs cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the Food Store their underlying needs and maximise income. “We continue to support families with Food insecurity is affecting a an extended free school meals offer and Referring Agencies growing number of residents in the our Tackling Poverty programme offers borough, especially lone parents and financial support and benefits advice to • London Borough Tower the unemployed. Healthy food can be vulnerable residents.” Hamlets / local advice unaffordable for low-income residents Babu Bhattacherjee, Director of often due to pockets of “food deserts” Communities and Neighbourhoods at agencies in the area, meaning a lack of shops Poplar HARCA, said: • Tower Hamlets Community that sell healthy affordable food within a “This is an important scheme and we reachable distance. are pleased to be able to provide support Advice Network Burdett Football Club (BFC) is and free space for the local community delivering the scheme supported by through this partnership. The end • Jobcentre Plus housing association Poplar HARCA and goal is strengthened communities • Refuges funded by Tower Hamlets Council. with improved family finances and John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, wellbeing.” • Health centres said: “We’re delighted to see the For more information about the Food community come together to ensure Store contact: Masoom Ahmed, CEO, • Faith institutions more residents can afford to eat a The Food Store, 07930 983 651 or email • Registered social landlords balanced diet. [email protected] Supplies at the Food Store // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 31 A sample of updates posted by our community on social media using #TowerHamletsTogether Getting through 2020 together

COMMUNITY NEWS offices, and parks and public spaces have As we head into the festive season been valued more than ever. The NHS and a new year, we cannot forget the and our health and care workers have challenges we have faced but we can No matter which way you cut it, 2020 become – or cemented their place as – reflect on the courage and collaboration has been a tough year. our national heroes. But the community of Tower Hamlets The local response to the Covid-19 our communities have shown. We can has shown that at times of challenge, the pandemic continues to impress and look forward to a better year ahead, While these are very best of the human spirit comes to inspire us. taking with us the East End spirit this Thank you to all of you from across tough times, the the fore. crisis has strengthened. Thanks to you, 2020 has also been our diverse communities for playing Mayor John Biggs said: “While these a year of togetherness, kindness and your part – together you’ve shown that East End is even resilience. we’re stronger than we were before. are tough times, the East End is even tougher. Our Over the past nine months, we’ve seen Thank you to our partner tougher. Our communities are showing countless people come forward to help organisations, community groups, great resilience, courage and camaraderie communities are local businesses, transport, emergency others. From delivering food and care and I want to thank everyone for helping packages, making face coverings and services and council staff. To our showing great us get through this together.” supporting those who have been isolated teachers, health and care workers, and to donating meals, books and laptops everyone at the NHS – the list goes on. Here, we recap on some of the many resilience. I want and finding creative ways to help small To those who have experienced loss, moments and gestures that have brought to thank everyone businesses stay afloat. please know you are not alone in your smiles to our residents’ faces throughout grief and your community stands by We’ve seen key workers keep essential 2020. for helping us services running, and we’ve seen others you at this difficult time. This year has Thank you for sharing what you’re stay home to protect each other. Parents touched us all in ways we didn’t see get through this have become teachers, partners have coming. You and your loved ones are not doing to help or saying thanks on social become colleagues, homes have become forgotten. media using #TowerHamletsTogether. together. 32 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 33 Let’s Talk Tower Hamlets Have your say at talk.towerhamlets.gov.uk/projects

COUNCIL NEWS Tall buildings project: Share your ideas now or join a workshop in early 2021 We are developing a new supplementary We value and appreciate feedback from planning document to guide and our residents. Your thoughts help shape influence the design and planning of tall our proposals, projects and priorities to buildings across the borough. We want improve our borough. We’re consulting to hear any ideas or thoughts you have on the development of tall buildings. on a range of initiatives at the moment: Proposal for the closure of St Matthias Proposal for the closure of Shapla – statutory notice: Respond by 7 January Primary School – statutory notice: 2021 Respond by 16 December 2020 In partnership with the governing In partnership with the governing body of St Matthias Church of England body of Shapla, we have reluctantly Primary School, we have reluctantly determined that the school should close determined the school should close due to a substantial decline in pupil due to a substantial decline in pupil numbers over an extended period and numbers over an extended period and the associated impact on its educational the associated impact on its educational Help shape the future of Tower Hamlets’ library service – have your say by and financial viability. and financial viability. 29 January 2021

Proposal to amalgamate Cubitt Town Proposal for the closure of The Cherry education; and employment. This will St. Peter’s ward to Bethnal Green West Infants and Cubitt Town Junior Trees School – statutory notice: Respond help the commission deliver tangible ward; and Canary Wharf ward to Millwall by 7 January 2021 – statutory notice: Respond by 16 actions to bring real change to the lives ward. The Cherry Trees Special School has of our Black, Asian and minority ethnic December 2020 previously been a valued asset to communities. Surveys will be open until We are proposing to combine the two Changes to day support in adult social the borough’s provision for children 5pm on Friday 15 January 2021. Read care: Survey closes 4 January 2021 schools as follows: Cubitt Town Infants with special educational needs and more on page 42. We are consulting on proposals that School will close from 31 March 2022; disabilities. However, it has become will change day support services in Cubitt Town Junior School will alter its evident that the specialist provision The future of Tower Hamlets’ library adult social care. Day support includes age range and convert to a three form offered by Cherry Trees is no longer service: Survey closes 29 January 2021 activities, services and day centres for entry all through primary school (90 effective or fit for purpose. Due to changes in funding and the adults who need care and support. If places in each year group) from 1 April Covid-19 crisis, we have to save an extra you would like help responding to the 2022; and all children attending Cubitt Birth to 19-years offer: Survey closes 11 £30 million by 2024. To do this, savings consultation in a different way, you Town Infants School will transfer to the January 2021 have to be made including reducing the can call us on 020 7364 2930 or email We are consulting on our new birth cost of our library service. The changes new Cubitt Town Primary School from 1 [email protected]. You can also to 19-years offer (up to 25 for young we are proposing will deliver savings of April 2022. contact Real on 020 7001 2175 or email people with special educational needs £1.6 million. If you require support with on [email protected] Liveable Streets – Road West and disabilities). Our aim is to provide the online survey, call 020 7364 0237. services that support families to build You can also book to access a computer proposals: Survey closes 20 December resilience by providing advice, support or WiFi at Idea Stores Bow, Chrisp Street Cressy Place development: Survey closes 2020 and, where needed, early intervention. or Whitechapel. 24 January 2021 Liveable Streets aims to improve We are consulting on plans to build 44 the look and feel of public spaces in Tower Hamlets Black, Asian and Proposed ward name changes: Survey homes and community facilities ahead neighbourhoods across the borough Minority Ethnic Inequalities closes 2 February 2021 of a planning application next year. The and make it easier, safer, and more Commission: Share your views on four We are carrying out a consultation to new homes being developed on the site convenient to get around by foot, bike key focus areas by 15 January 2021 consider proposed name changes to will be well designed, built to modern and public transport. We would like your Commissioners want to hear your ideas three wards in the borough. Suggestions space standards, be energy efficient and views on the proposals for the Old Ford and lived experiences on community have been put forward to change: Bethnal make a positive contribution to the local Road West project area. leadership; health inequalities; Green ward to Bethnal Green East ward; environment. You said, we did: Bow Liveable Streets

Traffic calming measures will be support for the investment in cleaner, • To reduce rat-running traffic, there introduced in Bow next year as part of greener streets for residents in Bow.” will be timed restrictions for motor our Liveable Streets programme. Measures to be implemented in 2021 vehicles on Coborn Road on weekdays. In response to our consultation, 70 include: • Continuous pavements along Fairfield per cent of respondents in Bow backed • A bus gate during weekday mornings Road and St Stephen’s Road aimed plans for timed restrictions for motor and evenings at the junction with St at increasing road safety by slowing vehicles around Roman Road Market, Stephen’s Road and Roman Road. traffic at junctions. schools and residential roads to reduce • Roman Road Market (between St • A new T-junction to replace the the 16,000 vehicles cutting through the Stephen’s Road and Parnell Road) will mini-roundabout on the junction of area each day without stopping. be closed to motor vehicles from 10am Tredegar Road and Fairfield Road. More than 3,800 people responded to to 4.30pm, seven days a week instead • The Mayor and Cabinet agreed to the proposals which were shaped by 18 of only on market days (Tuesdays, explore an exemption scheme for months of community engagement and Thursdays and Saturdays). vehicles designated by blue badge are aimed at improving road safety and • Skew Bridge on Old Ford Road will no holders. air quality. longer be accessible by motor vehicles Read more about the consultation John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, with additional residential parking results and view the designs at talk. What Skew Bridge might look like said: “We’re delighted to see so much and short-stay bays for visitors. towerhamlets.gov.uk/lsbow under the proposals 34 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // NEWS BOROUGH PARTNERSHIP

Working together for a better borough Peter Okali, Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets CVS With over 1,500 community groups and organisations, Tower Hamlets has an active and vibrant community and voluntary sector (CVS). Together, these groups have provided vital support to our vulnerable communities in what has been a very challenging year. I wanted to share three examples of the contribution they have made. New A12 noise barrier © Edmund Sumner Tower Hamlets Friends and Neighbours is a community organisation that has been running for over 70 years. It provides face- A12 noise barrier a UK first to-face befriending services for around 250 vulnerable older people. The start of the A new barrier intended to dramatically reduce the residents who have complained about the level of noise pandemic was a critical time for the group, impact of traffic noise on passers-by has been fitted on pollution and if the scheme is successful it could be but they quickly adapted their services, the A12, next to -by-Bow station. rolled out elsewhere in Tower Hamlets.” providing online befriending contact that The project, led by housing association Poplar Local people surveyed and who took part in focus was a lifeline for people. HARCA, and funded by the London Borough of Tower groups scored road noise as a ‘highly irritable source of New volunteers were successfully recruited Hamlets and Transport for London (TfL), aims to noise’ in Bromley-by-Bow. to the organisation to help with the extra enhance the area for people walking and cycling in the Fran Jefcoate, a local resident who took part in the demand Covid-19 created and the team is area. consultation, said of the stretch of road: “You can’t have now exploring how they can sustain this Noise levels on the busy road, which sees more than a conversation with the person next to you, let alone level of support more permanently. 15 million vehicles moving along it every year, have make a phone call because the traffic noise makes it Then there is Age UK, which has delivered been found to consistently exceed 78 decibels by the impossible to hear. I hope the barrier makes it better for over 100,000 meals to vulnerable older University of East London (UEL). This puts the A12 in anyone who uses this stretch of pavement.” people since the lockdown started. How the most severe category for noise pollution, according The ‘Silk Metal’ noise resistant material from which incredible is that? Age UK has also to the World Health Organisation and the Department the barrier is made makes it the first of its kind in the launched a virtual community centre so for the Environment. UK. The installation’s unique design intends for it to that those they support can access classes John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “This also function as a public artwork. Led by architects online, alongside the creation of a ‘digital innovative barrier should serve as a comfort to residents Beep Studio, the design and construction team is a buddy’ scheme matching volunteers with passing through the area who suffer from excessive collaboration between Expedition Engineering, Cake older people who need digital support. noise emanating from the A12. We have listened to Studio, Echo Barrier and Power and Line. Then there is the Women’s Inclusive Team, which provides information, advice and guidance support to Somali women. Since Free winter meals for children the lockdown the team has expanded its service to also support families and The council will be providing meals announced nearer the time. directly recruited over 150 volunteers to for children in need across the The council is working closely help provide over 25,000 halal meals. The borough over the Christmas break with its schools, who will again team has recently been nominated for a and February half-term – with any be going above and beyond their Queens Voluntary Service award for its child who is eligible for statutory usual work, to help to distribute work. free school meals during term-time the vouchers to families, in another These examples highlight the vital role receiving support. £25 vouchers to that community groups have played and example of their role in providing cover the Christmas period will be continue to provide. Their support has distributed through schools, with community leadership as they have been nothing short of incredible. details of the February scheme done throughout the pandemic. Support will continue for existing clients over the festive season and emergency support will still be available through Help us to save £30 million in latest budget either the council or on our website www. Thank you to everyone who gave their views as part of in that context. The council has also worked hard to thcvs.org.uk our budget consultation, which closed on 9 December. make £200 million in savings since 2010. However, Finally, we must acknowledge the This year the council is spending £1.2 billion gross ongoing financial pressures mean that we have to save hundreds of volunteers, as none of this expenditure (£354.5 million net expenditure budget) a further estimated £30 million by 2024. work would have been possible without on public services to support people and improve lives. them. We have truly seen the best of the Work continues on setting the budget, which will be Over half of our net budget is spent on supporting community in Tower Hamlets and it is a children and vulnerable adults. discussed in a series of Cabinet and other meetings in pleasure to be part of the community here. Covid-19 has had a huge and ongoing impact on our the new year, ahead of the official budget setting Full Thank you and season’s greetings to all. services and our finances, and we are setting our budget Council meeting on Wednesday 24 February 2021. // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 35 London waxay ku jirtaa aaga digniinta sare la gashay Following the Covid Tiers – page 4 Keeping Tower Hamlets safe HARMONY ama waxyeelo ka cararayso. BENGALI & SOMALI NEWS • Shaqee adoo guriga jooga haddii aad awoodo. London, ayna ku jiraan Tower Hamlets, ayaa hadda ah aaga digniinta sare, heerka • Dugsiyada iyo xarumaha waxbarashu 2, ee nidaamka digniinta maxaliga ah ee way furnaan doonaan. dawladu u dajisay COVID-19. Tani waxay • Goobaha cibaadadu waa furan yihiin, ka dhigan tahay in talo cusub lasoo saaray laakiin dadku lama joogi karaan qof si ay gacan uga gaysato xakamaynta ka baxsan qoyskooda ama kooxda faafinta Covid-19. ay istaageeraan. Xeerarka kala Qofkasta waa inuu hadda raacaa fogaanshaha bulshada waa in la raacaan xeerarkaan: markasta. • Waa inaysan isku imaan qoysasku • Aroosyada iyo iskaashiyada ayaa la gudaha guryaha marka laga reebo qaban karaa ugu badnaan 15 marti ah kooxda iska agdhaw. Ugu badnaan lix halka tacsiyada iyo baroordiiqda ayadoo qof ayaa iskugu imaan kara banaanka. ay kaqaybgalayaan ugu badnaan 30 qof. • Kaliya kalaabyada iyo maqaayadaha • Jiimamka iyo xarumaha nasiinada bixinaaya cuntada ayaa furnaan ayaa dib loo furi doonaa. Jimicsiga iyo doono khamrada waa in la baxshaa ciyaaraha la nidaamshay ayaa lagu kaliya marka ay la socdaan cuntooyin qaban karaa banaanka lagumana qaban muhiim ah. Dalabaadka u danbeeya karo gudaha waana inaysan dadka waxay noqon doonaan 10pm ayadoo qoysaska kaladuwan isdhexgalin ama dhammaan xarumaha raaxada la xiri dadka ka baxsan kooxda istaageerta. doono 11pm. • Munaasabadaha waawayn sida • Dhammaan goobaha tafaariiqda ciyaarta iyo bandhiga ayaa furnaan ayaa furnaan doona, ayna ku jiraan doona laakiin waxaa lagu koobayaa ku maaweelooyinka sida shaneemooyinka dhawaad 50 boqolkiiba dadkii goobtu iyo daryeelka shaqsiga ah sida timo qaadi kartay ayaoo xeerarka kala qurxiyayaasha iyo daryeelka shaqsiga fogaanshaha bulshada la raacaayo. ah. Xasuusnoow, talada iyo tilmaanta ku • Yaree safarada la sameeyo mar kasta oo xeeran COVID-19 way isbadali kartaa si ay suuragalayso. Ka dheeroow socdaal dhakhso ah si looga falceliyo fayraska. aad ku aado meelaha ku jira heerka Gobalada iyo aagaga ayay dib u eegis ku 3 ilaa inaad u socdaalayso maahee samayn doontaa dawladu 14 maalmood ba shaqo, waxbarasho, balamo caafimaad, marka feejignoow oo la soco talooyinka ku waajibaadka daryeelka ama xaalado aadan COVID-19. Raac xeerarka oo dhawr kale oo degdeg ah, sida inaad dhaawac badqabka qof kasta. Dhawr badqabkaaga xiligaan jiilaalka

bulshadaada ee aadka u nugul. How to Xog dheeraad ah oo loogu talagalay dadka waajahaaya go’doonka iyo get ready kalinimada ayaa laga heli karaa barta oonleenka www.towerhamlets.gov. for winter uk/loneliness – Ma doonaysaa inaad qof la hadasho? – Page 6 Laynka gurmadka caafimaadka dhimirka ee Tower Hamlets waa mid bilaash ah waxaana la heli karaa 24/7 Hoos waxaa ku qoran qaar kamid – 0800 073 0003 ah tilmaamaha ugu waawayn ee ku – Lahoow firfircooni adoo nasanaaya aadan u diyaar garoowga iyo dhawrista banaankana soo wareegaaya badqabka xili jiilaaleedkaan. markaad awoodo. Kusoo wareeg Xog dheeraad ah ayaad ka helaysaa lug, baaskil, rucleyn ama la ciyaar Staying Covid-19 safe during the festive season – page 5 oonleenka www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/ carruurtaada. Xitaa kaliya socoshada winter 20 daqiiqo maalintii ayaa farqi u samaynaysa caafimaadkaaga guud ee – Qaado talaalkaaga hargabka ee dhimirka iyo fayaqabka jirka. bilaashka ah. Dadka da’doodu ka wayn tahay 65, uurka leh ama – Kululee gurigaaga adoo ku xiraaya qaba xanuunka mudada dheer kululeeyaha heerkul sax ah (18-21 ayaa u qalma talaalka. La hadal Oc). Waxaad la xariiri kartaa injineer dhakhtarkaaga guud (GP) ama ka diiwaan gashan Gas Safe si aad u farmashiilaha si aad u balansato xaqiijiso in qalabkaaga korontadu talaalka hargabka ama booqo barta ay si sax ah u shaqaynayaan ayna badbaado leeyihiin www. oonleenka www.myvaccinations. gassaferegister.co.uk co.uk – Hayso cunto kulul iyo cabitaano – Covid-19 wuxuu saamayn ku reebay maalinta oo dhan oo cun miro iyo dhammaanteen, marka waa xiligii khudaar badan – kuwa la qaboojiyay ugu muhiimsanaa inaan dhawrno iyo kuwa qasaca ku jira ayaad sidoo badqabkeena iyo caafimaadkeena. kale cuni kartaa. Xasuusnoow Hel talooyinkii ugu danbeeyay oo inaad guriga dhigato alaabaha aad ka helayso oonleenka www. muhiimka ah ayna ku jiraan cuntada towerhamlets.gov.uk/coronavirus qasacadaysan iyo tan qalalan iyo – Daryeel naftaada iyo dadka daawooyinka qufaca iyo qaboowga.

38 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // 36 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // HARMONY Keep well this BENGALI & SOMALI NEWS winter– page 6

Tower Hamlets at your fingertips – page 11

Consultation on day support services

Residents back Liveable Streets in Bow – page 34

Protect yourself and others

Emergency food appeal – page 7 Have your say on council’s library services – page 34 Proposed ward name Fight to tackle drugs changes in Tower continues – page 18 Hamlets – page 34

// Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // 39 // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 37 Santa Claus: Father Christmas and St Nicholas increasingly became one figure, clad in now-traditional red Winter is coming A look back at the rituals for the change of the seasons

HISTORY have to be fed over the winter. Food India, the solstice evolved into Makar throughout South India, is celebrated would be stored and preserved, and eked Sankranti, observed in January and on the winter solstice, when, according out until the new growth in spring. marking the end of the winter and to the traditional Hindu system of By JOHN RENNIE And then, one big celebration of the start of the longer days. Pongal, reckoning, the sun, having reached its feasting, fire and light on the darkest of the three-day Hindu festival held southernmost point, turns to the north Londoners have had a long and days. The slaughtered cattle would be complicated relationship with the eaten, wine and beer fermented through midwinter solstice and its celebration. the year would be ready to drink, and the Many of the elements of a ‘traditional’ tribe would awaken on the first day of Christmas are far more modern than we the astronomical new year, with a raging pretend, and in a multicultural London, hangover, but also with a few seconds of the Hollywood-ised Christian Christmas extra daylight. doesn’t fit everybody anyway. The winter Over the centuries before the birth of festival long predated the birth of Christ, Christ, the solstice celebrations in our and was in any event a festival common bleak and cold corner of Europe had to many faiths and non-believers too. multiplied. But most were modest, and Our early ancestors must have viewed in tune with the seasons. The harvesting with horror the ever-dwindling days of of evergreen holly, ivy and mistletoe was winter, as the planet spun towards the a nod to the persistence of nature in the winter solstice, wondering if warmth, face of the frost. This festival that evolved sunshine and an adequate supply of food in Nordic and Celtic Europe was called would ever return. For hunter-gatherers Yule, which comes from the same word and the early farmers, charting the year root as ‘wheel’. The sun, in our ancient to ensure the food lasted till spring was mythology, was a wheel that endlessly a crucial calibration. Animals would be spun the seasons. A Victorian Christmas card: Another Victorian tradition, now sadly largely slaughtered in midwinter so they didn’t Every culture had its variation. In killed off by electronic communication 38 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // again and re-enters the sign of makara London became richer, there was more who also put up your Christmas services, and Christmas dinner got (Capricorn), usually on January 14. surplus splurge on the midwinter decorations. bigger than ever, with the ever-growing In ancient Persia (and modern Iran) festival. In the meantime, the established turkey, and the reinvention of Christmas they would celebrate Yalda night, the The Church reinvented the celebration Anglican Church, invented by Henry cakes and puddings. Father Christmas ‘longest and darkest night of the year’. as ‘Christ Mass’ during the 11th century, VIII a century before, was keen to and St Nicholas merged in one figure, In East Asian countries and religions, and it now included a lavish run-up establish its own authority and to keep who changed his signature garb from Dongzhi, the winter solstice section of during Advent, and partying during the business ticking over. With more than pagan-nature green to fiery red. In 1834, the 24 divisions of the year, would be 12 days after, until Epiphany on January a nod to the Catholic Church in Rome, celebrated. 6. Life would begin again in England Canterbury encouraged congregations Christmas Day became a bank holiday in The Romans would celebrate after that day, with Plough Monday to celebrate the holidays of the Christian Britain. Boxing Day joined it in 1871. Sir Saturnalia. As the old year ended, old marking the day when – with spring calendar. The more radically protestant Henry Cole produced the first Christmas rules would be subverted (for a day at on the distant horizon – farmers and Puritans disapproved of such ‘popery’. cards in 1843. And, most famously, that least). Masters would wait on servants, peasants would attempt to get a harrow Of course, Londoners do like a bit of arch-sentimentalist and romanticiser old grudges were set aside, courts and back into the frozen winter ground. misrule, and Christmas returned as a of London tradition, Charles Dickens, schools closed, and ceasefires would be By the 1640s, the English parliament legal holiday with accession of Charles wrote A Christmas Carol, shifting Yule declared. These traditions of ‘misrule and was recognising what had long been a II in 1660, but it remained rather from a time for self-indulgence to one of chaos’ would appear again in medieval concern in the European Church – that disreputable. Its reinvention as a family charity and family connection. English celebrations of Christmas. But Rome was too focused on symbols, festival would have to wait a century or In fact, as we contemplate a very as ever, the holiday had even earlier revenue-generating festivals and other two. different midwinter celebration, perhaps roots. At the head of the pantheon of earthly delights. They also complained And just as the Church of England we should remember that this holiday gods sat Sol Invictus, the unconquered that the celebration had evolved, as reinvented the liturgical year with its sun, and originally a Syrian deity. His celebrations tend to, from piety into a feast days and celebrations of the saints, of all the faiths (and none) is ever birthday was celebrated on December 25. weeks-long drunken carnival. So the so the Victorians reimagined Christmas changing and – in many ways – all very The Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Puritans banned Christmass. Cromwell as a medieval Merrie Englande pageant. recent. (Indeed, any Scottish readers Christianity and Islam each drew on stood up in the Palace of After the 18th century Enlightenment may reflect that it wasn’t until 1958 earlier belief systems of course, and and declared that December 25 should and the primacy of ‘Reason’ and that Christmas Day was even a holiday shared a god. And their various holidays be like any other day, with business as ‘Science’, there was a yearning for a north of the border). In 2020, Puritans (or holy days) were anchored in the usual. simpler and perhaps more mystical past. and cavaliers may well argue about the turning of the seasons, different though The English have long been a strange The architecture of the Victorians defines wisdom and practicalities of lockdowns, they first appear. mixture of deference and defiance our city today – neo-Gothic churches tiers and keeping the family safe this Ramadan, following the cycle of the though, and dislike being told what’s (and the classic Victorian terraced house festive season (even Oliver Cromwell moon, moves steadily back through good for them. Riots broke out in London with its finials and sharply pitched roofs) kept the shops open), but once we’ve the months year by year. Hanukkah and other southern towns. sought the romance of an imagined shifts between late November and late Canterbury, the seat of the Church in medieval London. started spinning back towards the sun December. Christianity, meanwhile, England, was controlled by protestors Christmas gathered pace. The royal after December 21, we can perhaps start often simply co-opted the existing pagan shouting royalist slogans and decking family brought trees into the home, to pack up the toughest year in most of celebrations into its calendar. doorways with holly, ivy and mistletoe. and we all copied. Carols (many of our memories, and look forward to a Throughout the Middle Ages, as These were very English rioters, ones them secular) joined hymns in church new beginning.

Pongal: The Hindu midwinter celebration Stonehenge: The world’s biggest winter solstice clock

Ramadan: Islam is unusual in that its liturgical month moves steadily Hanukkah: Judaism, like practically every religious faith, has a midwinter backwards each year, based on the (more strictly accurate) lunar calendar celebration // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 39 THERE ARE 45 COUNCILLORS IN 20 WARDS: 41 LABOUR, 1 , 2 CONSERVATIVE✦, 1 LIBERAL DEMOCRAT IN TOWER HAMLETS KNOW YOUR COUNCIL BETHNAL GREEN BLACKWALL & BOW EAST BOW WEST BROMLEY CUBITT TOWN NORTH Mohammed Amina Asma Ahbab Ehtasham Ali* Begum* Zenith Hossain Haque (LAB) (LAB) Rahman (LAB) (LAB) (LAB) Tel: 07988 641407 Tel: 020 7987 3014 Tel: 07946 292712 Email: Tel: 07943 999681 Email: amina.ali Email: asmak.begum Tel: 07961 865923 mohammed.hossain Email: ehtasham.haque @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk Email: zenith.rahman @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @AminaAliLabour @cllrasmabegum @towerhamlets.gov.uk @ehtashamulhaque Sirajul Rachel Val Dan Islam* Mohammed Blake* Whitehead Tomlinson (LAB) Iqbal (LAB) (LAB) (LAB) Morshed Tel: 07931 708308 Pappu Tel: 020 7364 1378 Tel: 07879 616155 Tel: 07501 461113 Email: sirajul.islam (LAB) Email: rachel.blake Email: val.whitehead Email: dan.tomlinson @towerhamlets.gov.uk Tel: 07775 689621 @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @CllrSirajIslam Email: mohammed.pappu @RNBlake @valjwhitehead @Dan_Bromley_N @towerhamlets.gov.uk Eve Marc Josephine Candida Francis McQuillan Ronald* (LAB) (LAB) (LAB) Tel: 07594 828420 Tel: 07973 815 272 Email: eve.mcquillan Tel: 07949 164104 Email: marc.francis @towerhamlets.gov.uk Email: candida.ronald @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk

MILE END POPLAR SPITALFIELDS & ST DUNSTAN’S BANGLATOWN David Sufia Rabina Dipav Edgar* Alam Khan Shad Das (LAB) (LAB) (LIB DEM) Uddin (LAB) Chowdhury Tel: 07958314 844 Tel: 07506 473136 Tel: 07944 790383 (LAB) Tel: 07488 299131 Email: david.edgar Email: sufia.alam Email: rabina.khan Tel: 07737 337148 Email: dipa.das @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk Email: shad.chowdhury @towerhamlets.gov.uk @SufiaAlam1 @RabinaKhan @towerhamlets.gov.uk @DipaDas01 Asma @shadchowdhury2 Islam Mohammad Ayas (LAB) Harun Leema Miah Miah Omar (LAB) Tel: 07538 325176 (ASPIRE) Qureshi Email: asma.islam Tel: 07949 051295 (LAB) Tel: 07961 566066 @towerhamlets.gov.uk Email: harunmiahcllr Tel: 07916 305953 Email: ayas.miah @THLP_ASMA @outlook.com Email: leema.qureshi @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @ayasmiah3 Puru @leemaqureshi Miah (LAB)

Tel: 07846 890823 Email: puru.miah @towerhamlets.gov.uk @th_puru

40 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // THERE ARE 45 COUNCILLORS IN 20 WARDS: 41 LABOUR, 1 ASPIRE, 2 CONSERVATIVE✦, 1 LIBERAL DEMOCRAT IN TOWER HAMLETS * The members of the Cabinet are: Cllr Sirajul Islam Deputy Mayor for Housing Cllr Dan Tomlinson Environment and Public Tower Hamlets Council has a system of (Statutory Deputy Mayor) Realm (job share) governance in which the elected mayor, Cllr Rachel Blake Deputy Mayor for Adults, Cllr Mufeedah Bustin Planning and Social John Biggs (right), has personal Health & Wellbeing Inclusion (job share) responsibility and executive powers. Cllr Asma Begum Deputy Mayor for Cllr Eve McQuillan Planning and Social Mayor Biggs is responsible for determining Community Safety, Youth and Equalities Inclusion (job share) and delivering a wide range of policies Cllr Danny Hassell Children and Schools Cllr Candida Ronald Resources and the Voluntary Sector and priorities. He is advised by his Cllr Sabina Akhtar Culture, Arts & Brexit Cllr Asma Islam Environment and Public Cllr Motin Uz-Zaman Work and Economic cabinet of councillors and by Realm (job share) Growth council officers.

BROMLEY CANARY WHARF ISLAND LANSBURY LIMEHOUSE SOUTH GARDENS Kyrsten Rajib James Danny Perry Mufeedah Ahmed Robert Hassell* (LAB) Bustin (LAB) Venables (LAB) (LAB) King Tel: 07977 049094 Tel: 07958 740097 (LAB) Tel: 07807 732795 Email: kyrsten.perry Tel: 07759 905377 Email: rajib.ahmed Tel: 07736 371160 Email: danny.hassell @towerhamlets.gov.uk Email: mufeedah.bustin @towerhamlets.gov.uk Email: james.king @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk Andrew Kahar @jrvking @dannyhassell George @MufeedahB Chowdhury Helal Wood Peter (LAB) Uddin (CON)✦ Golds (LAB) (CON) Tel: 07732 686208 Tel: 07710 486873 Email: kahar.chowdhury Tel: 07939 998625 Email: cllrandrewwood Tel: 020 7364 4830 @towerhamlets.gov.uk Email: helal.uddin @gmail.com Email: @KaharChowdhury @towerhamlets.gov.uk @Andrewwood17 councillorpetergolds @gmail.com Bex ✦ Independent Member of @going4golds White the Conservative Group (LAB)

Tel: 07434 989611 Email: bex.white @towerhamlets.gov.uk @BexWhiteTH

ST KATHARINE’S ST PETER’S STEPNEY GREEN WEAVERS WHITECHAPEL & WAPPING Kevin Sabina Abdul Faroque Denise Joseph Akhtar Chunu Mahfuz Jones Brady (LAB) Mukit MBE Ahmed (LAB) (LAB) (LAB) (LAB) Tel: 07943 159386 Tel: 07961 792965 Tel: 07985 124248 Tel: 07956 972328 Tel: 07494 494482 Email: kevin.brady Email: sabina.akhtar Email: cllr.abdulc.mukit Email: faroque.ahmed Email: denise.jones @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @Kevin_J_Brady Motin John Shah Abdal Tarik Uz-Zaman* Pierce Suhel Ullah Ahmed (LAB) (LAB) Ameen (LAB) Khan (LAB) (LAB) Tel: 07961 390709 Tel: 07772 710080 Tel: 07930 364985 Tel: 07956 124264 Tel: 07950 414218 Email: motin.uz-zaman Email: john.pierce Email: shah.ameen Email: abdal.ullah Email: tarik.khan @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @towerhamlets.gov.uk @MotinZ @shahsuhelameen @Abdalullah @Tarikahmedkhan Victoria Gabriela Ngozi Salva Obaze Macallan (LAB) (LAB) Tel: 07405 661609 Tel: 07528 807599 Email: victoria.obaze Email: gabriela. @towerhamlets.gov.uk salva-macallan @victoria_obaze @towerhamlets.gov.uk

// 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 41 USEFUL INFORMATION COUNCIL NEWS First virtual election of the new Speaker One of the council’s most important Hamlets to the best of his abilities. annual events is the election of the new The Speaker has also announced Speaker of the Council. The Speaker is the three charities he will be officially responsible for important ceremonial supporting throughout his civic term duties and has a number of specific which are the Patchwork Foundation, roles including chairing full council Capital Kids Cricket and Soytten Sen meetings and promoting and supporting School of Performing Arts. The chosen the borough at civic engagements and charities reflect the Speaker’s ongoing events. support for local cultural, sports and Supporting local schools, businesses, youth organisations. community organisations and charities The challenges faced by the pandemic is a major part of the Speaker’s role. mean that the Speaker has taken part The Speaker also represents the Queen in a combination of virtual celebrations as First Citizen of the Borough, hosting and discussions, as well as attending events and welcoming visitors such as a small number of socially distanced other royals and other VIPs. events including the Annual Civic Like many events affected by the Covid- Service in Westminster Abbey with his 19 pandemic, this year’s election was civic colleagues from across London, postponed from the spring. It eventually and the two minutes’ silence ceremony took place at the end of September for Remembrance Day in the Town Hall. The new Speaker officially ‘signs in’ supported by Mayor John Biggs and when at the first ever virtual full council He will continue to carry out his duties Councillor Asma Islam. meeting, Councillor Mohammed Ahbab following safe social distancing practices Hossain was elected as the new Speaker and using technology to attend virtual I am so proud today. This is a of the Council. events. If you would like to contact the Following his election, the new Speaker or see if he is available to visit an very special moment for me, Speaker said: “I am so proud today. This event you are hosting, you can write to is a very special moment for me, and I him at the Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 and I feel absolutely honoured feel absolutely honoured and privileged.” Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG, email He also promised to carry out his duties him at [email protected] or and privileged. and represent the people of Tower call 020 7364 4883. Have your say on BAME Inequalities Commission Residents have until 15 January to share It is being chaired by Councillor Asma and employment. There has been a bring about real and lasting change.” their ideas and lived experiences with Begum, Deputy Mayor for Community series of broadcasted public meetings You can share your ideas and lived the council’s Black, Asian and Minority Safety, Youth and Equalities and that have heard from expert witnesses experiences until 5pm on Friday 15 Ethnic Inequalities Commission. supported by a number of specialist and from the areas of focus. January 2021 at talk.towerhamlets.gov. The commission was set up in response key partner Commissioners. Councillor Begum said: “I’m so uk/raceinequalitiescommission, the to the killing of George Floyd and the The commission’s work began in grateful to all those who have shared Black Lives Matter demonstrations that September and has been focusing on their ideas and sometimes painful council’s dedicated consultation hub. You took place across the world, including the four main areas of community experiences with the commission, which can keep up to date at www.towerhamlets. here in Tower Hamlets. leadership, health inequalities, education is giving us an invaluable opportunity to gov.uk/raceinequalitiescommission

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Licensing Sub-Committee Health and Adults Scrutiny Meetings (budget meeting) Tuesday 26 January, 5.30pm Sub-Committee All meetings will be virtual. Dates Monday 11 January, 6.30pm Monday 8 February, 6.30pm Cabinet and times may change. Agendas Licensing Sub-Committee Children and Education Scrutiny Wednesday 27 January, 5.30pm will be available online. For Tuesday 12 January, 5.30pm Sub-Committee Audit Committee Tuesday 9 February, 5.30pm further information visit www. Grants Determination towerhamlets.gov.uk/meetings Sub-Committee Thursday 28 January, 5.30pm Housing and Regeneration Wednesday 13 January Overview and Scrutiny Committee Scrutiny Sub-Committee Overview and Scrutiny Committee 5.30pm Wednesday 10 February, 6.30pm (provisional budget meeting) Monday 14 December, 6.30pm Development Committee Monday 1 February, 6.30pm Development Committee Childrenwww and.t Educationowerhamlets Scrutiny.gov .ukThursday 14 January, 6pm Thursday 11 February, 6pm Licensing Sub-Committee Sub-Committee Strategic Development Committee General Purposes Committee Tuesday 2 February, 5.30pm Tuesday020 15 December,7364 5000 5.30pm Tuesday 19 January,www 6pm.towerhamlets.gov.uk Tuesday 23 February, 5.30pm Standards (Advisory) Committee Cabinet Council Licensing Sub-Committee Thursday 4 February, 6pm Wednesdayemail@towerhamlets 16 December, 5.30pm .gov.ukWednesday 20 020January, 7364 7pm 5000 Tuesday 23 February, 5.30pm Licensing Committee Overview and Scrutiny Committee Strategic Development Committee Council Thursday@towerhamletsnow 17 December, 5.30pm Monday 25 January,email@towerhamlets 6.30pm Monday.gov .uk8 February, 6pm Wednesday 24 February, 7pm

/towerhamletscounciltowerhamletscouncil @towerhamletsnow@towerhamletsnow www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/signup @towerhamletsnow towerhamletscouncil 42 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 // @towerhamletsnow USEFUL INFORMATION SERVICES AND CONTACTS Council Samaritans Adult education services Healthwatch Tower Tower Hamlets Law 116 123 Shadwell Centre, Hamlets Centre Town Hall Tower Hamlets Mediation 455 The Highway, E1. Mile End Hospital, Bancroft Unit 1, St Anne’s Street, E14. Mulberry Place, Service (free service 020 7364 5665 Road, E1. 020 7538 4909 5 Clove Crescent, E14 2BG. for council tenants and WorkPath 0800 145 5343 www.thlc.co.uk www.towerhamlets.gov.uk leaseholders) info@healthwatchtower Employment and Age UK East London General enquiries 020 7364 7474 hamlets.co.uk Skills Centre, 82 Russia Lane, E2. 020 7364 5000 www.healthwatchtower Anti-fraud (housing and 55 Upper Bank Street, E14. Caxton Hall, Caxton Grove, hamlets.co.uk Covid-19 advice and tenancy related fraud) 020 7364 3727 E3. support: 020 7364 3030 0800 528 0294 workpath@towerhamlets. BYM Bangladesh Youth Royal London Hospital 14F gov.uk Movement Women’s Wards. Housing Idea Stores Centre of Excellence info@ageukeastlondon. Whitechapel Centre, Units 1 org.uk Repairs Debt and libraries & 2, Myrdle Street, E1. www.ageuk.org.uk/ 0800 376 1637 ext 1 Toynbee Hall Advice eastlondon Bow 020 7377 8668 Housing advice Service www.bym.org.uk 020 8981 7124 Gladstone Place, E3. 020 7364 3558 28 Commercial Street, E1. Canary Wharf 020 7392 2953 Leisure centres Homeless service Advice Churchill Place, E14. [email protected] 020 7364 7474 Account 3 (welfare and John Orwell Sports Centre Chrisp Street www.toynbeehall.org.uk Out of hours debt advice) Tench Street, Wapping, E1. Vesey Path, E14. Fair Money Advice 020 7364 4079 3 Birkbeck Street, E2. 020 7488 9421 18 Ashwin Street, E8. Choice-based lettings Whitechapel 020 7739 7720 Mile End Park Leisure 020 3475 8811 020 7364 2826 321 Whitechapel Road, E1. www.account3.org.uk Centre and Stadium www.fairfinance.org.uk 190 Burdett Road, E3. Homeseekers Opening times: Bangladesh Youth Island Advice Centre 020 8709 4420 www.thhs.org.uk We are operating reduced Movement hours as a result of the Island House, Roserton 21-23 Henriques St, E1. Poplar Baths Tower Hamlets Homes pandemic. Street Isle of Dogs, E14. 020 7488 1831/2 170 East India Dock Road, 020 7364 5015 Mon to Fri, 10am - 6pm; 020 7987 9379 [email protected] E14. 020 3795 0599 www.island-advice.org.uk­ Sat and Sun, 12 noon - 4pm. www.bym.org.uk Whitechapel Sports Report it ideastore@towerhamlets. Bromley by Bow Centre Centre gov.uk Non-emergency crimes Health & St Leonard’s Street, E3. 55 Durward Street, E1. www.ideastore.co.uk 101 Textphone 020 8709 9700 020 7247 7538 18001 101 wellbeing York Hall Leisure Centre To book a computer slot Citizens Advice Bureau Domestic Violence Team Health hotline 5-15 Old Ford Road, E2. or study space, call 020 32 Greatorex Street, E1. 020 8980 2243 0800 279 5434 7364 and add the following 020 7364 5016 020 7247 1050 Currently closed: Haven Whitechapel numbers for Canary Reset towerhamlets@eastendcab. St George’s Leisure Centre (sexual assault referral Wharf 0234; Bow 0237; Tower Hamlets Drug and org.uk Tiller Leisure Centre centre) Chrisp Street 0238; and Alcohol Service www.eastendcab.org.uk 183 Whitechapel Road, E1. 020 3299 6900 / Whitechapel 0236 Island Advice Centre 020 3889 9510 Parent & child 020 3299 1599 Books, magazines, Island House, Roserton reset.towerhamlets@ newspapers, music and Street, Isle of Dogs, E14. Family Information Karma Nirvana (honour- films are available for cgl.org.uk based abuse helpline) 020 7987 9379 Service download for online Idea Safe East (under-19s) www.island-advice.org.uk 30 Greatorex Street, E1. 0800 5999 247 Store members. Join for free compass.towerhamlets Legal Advice Centre [email protected] National LGBT domestic www.ideastore.co.uk/home [email protected] 020 7364 6495 abuse helpline (Galop) University House, 020 3954 0091 Multi-Agency Tower Hamlets Local 104 Roman Road, E2. 0800 999 5428 / Safeguarding Hub History Library and East London Parkinson’s 020 8980 4205 0300 999 5428 (MASH) Archives will be open on Support Group www.legaladvicecentre. Black Women’s Health Tue to Fri for pre-booked [email protected] london If a child is at risk of harm: and Family Support 020 7364 5006 (option 3, visitors only, until Fri 18 0808 800 0303 Limehouse Project 020 8980 3503 open Mon to Fri, 9am - 5pm) Dec and will be closed over Alzheimer’s Society 789 Commercial Road, Unit 020 7364 4079 (out of Rights of Women Christmas. Robinson Centre, Mile End 2, St Anne Street, E14. 020 7251 6577 Visit www.ideastore.co.uk/ hours emergency duty Hospital, Bancroft Road, E1. 020 7538 0075 team) Victim Support Tower local-history 020 8121 5626 www.limehouseproject. Tower Hamlets National Hamlets Tower Hamlets Advocacy org.uk Childbirth Trust All other Idea Stores and 0808 168 9291 / Praxis (New Residents) 0300 330 0700 libraries remain closed. Real 0808 168 9111 020 7001 2170 Immigration, benefits and www.nct.org.uk Local History Library and NSPCC Child Protection [email protected] general advice Archives Helpline Pott Street, E2. Check before localhistory@towerhamlets. Free home fire safety 0800 800 5000 advice General Helpline: gov.uk 020 7729 7985 you visit Childline 08000 284428 Immigration advice: 0800 1111 Careers LinkAge Plus 020 7749 7608 Due to the pandemic, Shelter Young WorkPath/Tower Toynbee Hall, Commercial www.praxis.org.uk some services 0808 800 4444 Hamlets Careers Service Street, E1. Tower Hamlets remain closed or may 020 7392 2914 Respect (for perpetrators) 40-42 Watney Market, E1. Community Advice be operating with 0808 802 4040 020 7364 1401 Stop Smoking services Network reduced hours or by Men’s Advice Helpline youngworkpath@ www.quitrightth.org [email protected] appointment only. 0808 8010 327 towerhamlets.gov.uk 020 7882 8230 www.thcan.org.uk // 2020 DECEMBER Our EastEnd // 43 44 // Our EastEnd DECEMBER 2020 //