FREE Issue 7 | July 2021  @newhamvoices  /NewhamVoices  @newhamvoices www.newhamvoices.co.uk

Lockdown hobby Solidarity fund Cheers! After serves up a for neighbours 18 months The Centre sizzling success Page 5 helping neighbours Page 4 Boleyn is back pages

This will be put to an historic community vote a sustainable, state of the art living space. NEWS FOCUS expected to take place in September. Around a But it is a complex situation and many ques- maximum of 800 voters will decide on a project tions remain. The Dovetail centre will host a A handful of people living in a doomed tower that aims to provide 2,500 new homes by 2035 monthly surgery for residents starting in July block overlooking Carpenters Estate in and costing around £700 million. on the second Saturday of each month. Stratford are among those who face an uncer- The council’s wholly-owned delivery com- Newham Voices plans to follow the latest devel- tain future as Newham Council prepares to pany, Populo, is pulling out all the stops to opments closely. In this issue we report on the sign off on the multi-million regeneration of make sure that residents understand the perspective of two long-term residents still living the estate. scheme and what is on offer. in the largely empty tower blocks. And, inside, we Later this month the council cabinet is Last month it opened the Dovetail centre on provide background on the history of the estate expected to adopt a masterplan and a compre- the estate, providing community activities as and the breathtaking vision for its regeneration. hensive housing offer to residents and lease- well as presenting a vision of how the estate holders – past and present. will be transformed over the next 20 years into More on this story page 3 Carpenters Estate: uncertainty despite a visionary masterplan AIDAN WHITE and a former tenants’ leader, has lived on the estate for 50 years. udrey Clarke has lived in Den- She lives in a three-bedroomed nison Point on the Carpenters flat and is the only person occupying AEstate for 40 years. But now her space on the 11th floor of Dennison future is unclear as she gets caught Point, a high-rise due for demolition up in plans for major redevelopment under the masterplan. of an area that has been plagued by She is fiercely independent and not uncertainty for more than 20 years. convinced by the current plans and Audrey is one of a handful of peo- is defiant over any pressure to move. ple still living in three tower blocks, “I’m not going anywhere,” she two that are to be refurbished, and told Newham Voices. “If they want to one that faces demolition. knock this place down they’ll have to It’s a complicated situation in get me out, and I’m not moving.” which there are bound to be winners As a leaseholder June was disap- and losers, as Newham Council and pointed by the offer she received to the developers they have appointed leave her flat. She said it was not work hard to win the support of local enough to buy a one-bedroom studio people. They have to. in Stratford – highlighting the hard- In order to secure vital Greater cash realities of rehousing. Authority investment, they June has been closely involved with must carry out a ballot later this year the future of the estate for many to ensure that there is local backing years. She was the first chair of the for the scheme. Tenant Management Organisation in Audrey is hoping to stay. “I raised the 1990s. Her husband Eddie who my two children on the estate and I died five years ago also played a don’t want to leave,” she said. “But role in the organisation which, with it’s not clear if I’ll be able to afford council support, helped manage the to stay.” estate until it was closed after the Her concern is that when the council withdrew funding in 2015. work is finished and she is offered After two decades of neglect and the chance to return, the existing broken promises June is unconvinced rent will be raised with additional that the latest plans will work. “I’ve costs and this uncertainty remains a seen it all before,” she said. “I have stumbling block for many residents. the original plan from 1998 and that Audrey Clarke from Dennison Point: “I want to stay” Her neighbour June Benn a widow, went nowhere.” Q 2 Newham Voices July 2021 About us

By local people, for local people Help us to give Newham Our aim is to provide a voice for all of Newham’s people. We are committed to helping you share your news, views and experiences with each other. We an independent voice aim to be transparent, accountable and responsive to your needs. Democracy is breaking out across Newham – we have voted for the Mayoral system, a permanent citizens assembly will meet soon, and residents on the iconic Carpenters Estate have the right to vote on their future. We are a non-profit Community It’s a crucial moment in the Borough’s history and we at Newham Voices, are proud to be part of it. We launched Interest Company (number 12790786). Our journalism is in the teeth of the pandemic and after almost a year we are now your established community voice – high- based on core values of accuracy, lighting the humanity, solidarity and powerful energy of people who make Newham Britain’s most diverse and fairness, independence, humanity, vibrant community. accountability and transparency But we need your support to survive. We have no corporate backers and we don’t aim to make a profit, and with a strong commitment to citizen we have bills of around £3,000 a month to meet, so every penny you can give, no matter how small, is impor- journalism. More information is tant. Become a supporter today – just £5 a month from individuals, or £15 a month from organisations will available on our website: go a long way to strengthening the voice of our community and we will deliver a copy to you every month. www.newhamvoices.co.uk Above all, get involved. Contact us at [email protected]. – Aidan White, Publisher

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

Complaints If you have a complaint regarding the content of our newspaper or website contact the editor at editor@ newhamvoices.co.uk Or by phone: 07946291511 or by post to 11 Vicarage Road, London E15 4HD. We will normally respond to your complaint with a final decision within 21 calendar days. If we uphold your complaint, we will tell you about our actions to remedy the situation. If you are not satisfied you can submit a formal complaint to IMPRESS, who will independently examine your complaint. Newham Voices agrees to be bound by the outcome of IMPRESS investigations. For more information, go to www.newhamvoices.co.uk/feedback Join others in supporting us by listing For general inquires email us at: or advertising your business with [email protected] Newham Voices and by subscribing to receive a digital copy of the newspaper direct to your inbox for just a single fee of £6 for the year. For further information contact Rebekah Samuel on 07306 515 223 or at [email protected] Community Newham Voices July 2021 3 Destruction and renewal for a ‘wonderful community’ he upcoming vote by residents wanted to stay together. It had been a the right to return and will take part on the future of the Carpenters very friendly area with zero-crime – a in the ballot planned for Septem- Testate will be the latest phase in wonderful community.” ber 2021 along with existing tenants a history of renewal and destruction Today around 25 flats out of a total and leaseholders. dating back more than 250 years. of 430 across the three tower blocks For more information from the The estate gets its name from Car- on the estate are currently occu- Newham Heritage Month 2021 visit: penters Company, a City of Lon- pied. Some of those who left have www.newhamheritagemonth.org don , which in 1767, bought a 63-acre farm estate in the parish of near Stratford, as a revenue investment. In the decades that followed fac- tories were built around the site and the Carpenters Company built terraced housing on Carpenters Road as well as setting up a school and a social club. The area was badly damaged during wartime air raids and the present estate was built in 1967, combining low rise Local Shops housing, maisonettes and three tower blocks: Lund Point in 1967, Dennison Point in 1967 and James Riley Point in in Focus 1969. Altogether there are 710 homes – 435 in high rise blocks We need local shops Since 2003 residents on the Car- penters Estate have faced uncertainty more than ever, but about their homes with repeated plans shopkeepers must to regenerate the estate falling through and it is estimated that two thirds of do more to stop us the residents have been relocated. returning to the High Eight years ago a row erupted that made national news headlines when Street giants, says estate residents contested plans by Wendy Jackson the council under the leadership of Sir Robin to sell the site to University College London. f you are an independent retail- UCL are currently developing their er in Newham, you might like to new campus in the nearby Olympic Iknow that many residents want Park, but the original plan was to to continue supporting local shops build on the Carpenters estate. just like yours. Despite the internet, Furious residents refused to accept we want you to stay in the commu- the plan and demanded that the estate nity that you helped to build, with remain intact. “”People wanted to stay all your smiles and conversations, because it was a beautiful estate,” said so here are just a few handy tips to former Tenants Management Organ- help you attract more customers: isation leader Tee Fabikun. “People Ivy Aubynn’s art class at the Dovetail 1. Walk into your shop every day as if you don’t own it; and be com- pletely honest about what you see. The masterplan: 2500 new homes in next 15 years 2. Discard anything that looks tired or untidy and any clutter that hides he masterplan for Carpenters Aubynn, a freelance artist who lives Homes” (estimated to cost about 50 all the great things that you sell. Estate sets out a grand vision in Doran Walk. She hopes the class per cent of the existing market rates). of transformation. will challenge ideas of art as an elite With 27,000 people on the hous- 3. No matter how you feel; make your T shop as welcoming as possible. The model of the future is availa- past-time and put out a positive ing waiting list, Newham Council ble for viewing at the newly-opened message to the estate and help bring hopes that the development will help 4. Get to know us better and say hello Dovetail activity centre, situated at people together. reduce the pressure on accommoda- to any new faces you might see. the heart of the estate. “There’s a really vibrant community tion in the borough. The plans include the demolition spirit here,” she said. “We’re sur- Three offers have been prepared for 5. Remember that despite parking of one of the three existing tower rounded by gentrification but I don’t tenants, home owners and those liv- restrictions, people still walk to blocks – Dennison Point – and the want us to lose the Carpenters legacy.” ing in temporary accommodation. But the shops. renovation and modernisation of the Residents can visit the centre many residents are still not clear about 6. Make your shop an amazing other blocks plus the renewal of the to discuss their concerns and see how the proposed changes will affect experience that will make us low-rise accommodation. examples of possible 4-bedroom, them and how they can best respond. come back again and again. The new drop-in and activity centre 3-storey townhouses and the layout The questions are familiar for inde- is open every day from noon and also of rooms. There is also a film show pendent adviser Rob Williams who has Thanks for many years of service. includes a range of community activi- setting out the plans for the regen- been working to help residents since We are rooting for you. ties, organised on a weekly or monthly eration. 2007. He is adamant that the con- basis. In all, if it all goes according to cerns of residents must be answered. Wendy Jackson is an independent Among the activities is a weekly plan, around 2,500 new homes will be “People must have choices and these business development consultant with a arts class being organised by Ivy available, including many “affordable are being worked on,” he said. Q predominant focus on small shops 4 Newham Voices July 2021 Community News

Newham Solidarity Fund supports neighbours helping neighbours

THOMAS HOLDROYD works as a teacher. He said: ‘During the pandemic, local groups were pop- ockdown has seen a number of ping up to help those self-isolating. local charities offering help to It was the first time I’ve experienced Lthose who have suffered finan- this explosion of the idea of mutual cially, but Newham Solidarity Fund aid. There will be a crunch where has taken a different approach, based redundancies start and furlough will on the principle of mutual aid. end, financial support without any Forest Gate residents Rebecca Woo strings attached might be the best and Jack Walker set up the Newham way we can offer support to people.’ Solidarity Fund in October last year. Woo has witnessed an increase in Woo, originally from Hong Kong and demand: ‘I’d say at the start on aver- an advocacy and campaigns manager, age we had about 20 applications a explained the organisation’s aims: month but it has soared to over 60, ‘The Newham Solidarity fund is based unfortunately we’ve been receiv- on the concept of mutual aid, that we ing more applications than we have Rebecca Woo and Jack Walker all help one another in the community money to give out.’ and what we have spare we give to the A number of local businesses sup- pot and what we need we take from port the fund. Jack said: ‘TracksE7 in website, where you will be asked to payment. Jack added: ‘It’s more the pot. It’s for all of us but we’re very Forest Gate donate 10 per cent of all set up an account with basic details, helpful if it’s monthly as it helps us aware that in Newham there are a lot their coffee sales to us every month, proof of an address in Newham plan our budget moving forward.’ Q of communities struggling with work and the Pretty Decent Beer Co have also and bank account details. But Woo and without recourse to public funds.’ helped us print leaflets and supported stressed: ‘There are ways we can She added: ‘We work with charities us in different ways. The vast major- support you should you be homeless If you’d like to find out more go towww. and organisations in Newham so they ity of money is from local people. It’s and not able to provide an address.’ newhamsolidarityfund.org. or con- can make people aware of the fund.’ neighbours helping neighbours.’ You can add to the fund through a nect on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram Jack, originally from Newham, You can access funds through the one-off payment or set up a monthly @newhamsolidarityfund.

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Newham Voices and recruitment agency London Works will be holding an online open conversation to discuss inclusivity in the corporate world and we would love you to take part.

Thursday, 15 July 2021 | 4:00 – 6:00pm | via Zoom

The panel of speakers and more details to be announced on our website: www.newhamvoices.co.uk

For more information, email [email protected] Community News Newham Voices July 2021 5

It's good to chat PETER LANDMAN

ge UK is leading the provision of Connect Ne- Awham- a telephone befriend- ing service for all adults over 18. Volunteers and befrienders are matched in a scheme that aims to prevent loneliness and isolation. One such couple is Lisa McLean, a volunteer befriender, and David Pocock. Lisa has an exacting job with the Financial Ombudsman Service. She was referred to Connect Newham by the East London Business Alliance. Lisa is happy that she and David have ‘hit it off’, and says she looks forward to each session. They talk Kym and Andrew Le together freely on a wide range of topics, from how their weeks have been to what was in the news. Frequently they talk for more than an hour. Plaistow couple turn lockdown She is particularly pleased that David will be applying to become a volunteer himself, and that she might have contributed to his growth hobby into a sizzling success in confidence. CHARLOTTE HALL cooking – his own recipe creations. ily and friends that businesses can His personal twists to traditional take a long time to grow, so we are ietnamese couple Kym and An- dishes and his home-made sauces very lucky that we had a committed drew Le live in Plaistow with and fresh ingredients keep the cus- customer base from Instagram. If Vtheir two children. In March tomers coming back for more. it wasn’t for them we would never 2020, due to the pandemic, Andrew’s However Kym’s personal approach dream of opening this place. It’s chef work stopped abruptly and Kym to customer service and her knack for only because we had them that we lost her admin job. With more time on creating meaningful relationships thought we’d get the support to keep their hands and a passion for cooking, within the community has forged a it open, so we decided to go for it.” they began distributing spring rolls loyal and supportive customer base. What’s next for the Le family? Kym amongst their neighbours to keep up She takes customer feedback on has lots of ideas including providing morale during lockdown. board, such as when she began using outdoor seating, an alcohol license The couple started receiv- eco-friendly recyclable packaging and selling products such as Andrew’s ing requests to provide takeaways upon recommendation. popular homemade sauces bottled up. for special occasions. Neighbours Andrew and Kym are surprised at But for now, Kym wants to ensure encouraged them to start an their own success. “We just thought they don’t take on more than they Instagram page and sell their home- selling spring rolls could help us get can handle as keeping up their cus- cooked dishes online. “We had no by at the start of lockdown, we never tomer satisfaction and authentic clue on what to do and how to do it, thought we’d run our own business. home-cooking are her priorities. David was referred by his support I don’t really know anything about We’re so happy with how things have Kym’s favourite moments? “The workers at care charity Look Ahead social media!” said Kym. turned out. We’ve seen from fam- good reviews, the customer satisfac- and by social services. He had suf- Word quickly got around that tion and the sense of community. I fered a mental breakdown after a high quality, authentic Vietnamese really enjoy living in Newham. I love relationship break up. home-cooking was available at a my neighbourhood, I love my road. David agreed with Lisa, saying that time when restaurants were closed. The neighbours are brilliant, they talking to her had brought some- Kym began posting a limited menu are so supportive. We’re so grateful thing important into his life. As a on Mondays for customers to pre-or- for all the local support - it’s been a Tottenham Hotspur supporter, he der for the weekend. Andrew cooked lovely experience.” was pleasantly surprised that Lisa them and they took it in turns to Have a taste of Vietnam on Barking has a massive knowledge of football. personally deliver the meals. Road and support a local family Having worked as a support worker What started off with a few business by visiting Le Kitchen, or by before his relationship breakdown, Instagram orders of spring rolls from ordering online, by phone – or still, David is looking forward to becom- their home kitchen has now, one year via Instagram. Q ing a chat volunteer. Q later, transformed into a fully-fledged business employing four staff, with a menu of over 20 dishes, operating Le Kitchen, 390 Barking Road If you would like to be put in touch from a restaurant on Barking Road. Open 6 days a week (not Tuesday). with a befriender or are interested in The secret? Kym modestly puts 15% off on Monday and Wednesday. volunteering please get in touch at the success down to her husband’s  @lekitchen_homecooking [email protected] 6 Newham Voices July 2021 Community News

compost. They thrive in sunshine, so find a sunny spot and be sure to keep We’re officially into barbeque them well watered. These salad crops are swift grow- and salad season, so get ers, so expect to see more leaves planting, says Cecilia Cran appearing in a few weeks. When the salad leaves are ready for harvesting, carefully cut them at around 2.5cm What to grow have an on-going supply of salad, I from the base of the plant – this With things starting to heat up, I can recommend you sow new batches will ensure the plant continues to announce barbeque season officially of seed every 10-14 days through- grow and produces more leaves. You open! So this month I am planting out the summer. Continue sowing up should get around four cuts from lots of greens for salads and summer until the end of August and you’ll be each plant before growing slows. smoothies. Rocket, lettuce, cress and enjoying salad until early October. mizuna are all favourites of mine. Green escape: Stratford Park They are so easy to grow and are the How to grow Perhaps overlooked due to its loca- perfect ‘cut and come again crop’ – Because my salad crops always seem tion - sandwiched in between the meaning you can carefully cut off to be irresistible to slugs and snails, Olympic Park and West Ham Park - what you want to eat, when you want I opt to grow them in containers Stratford Park maybe hasn’t always courts enabling you to play well into it and the vegetables will then sprout and put a heavy layer of copper tape had the attention it deserves, but this the evening and if you like basketball, again. A brilliant way to ensure you around the top of my pots, as well as green space is worth a look. you guessed it, the park has a great do not have a glut in leaves, providing wrapping them in netting to keep the As you come in through the main outdoor, covered court. It also has a you with multiple salad harvests over trouble makers out! gated entrance, you’re greeted with a couple of table tennis tables and for the whole summer. To make sure you I start by growing the seeds thinly, pretty fountain – a lovely focal point, those less active, it is well furnished in small seed trays, using peat free, enjoyed by ducks and pigeons alike. with benches throughout, so you can multi-purpose compost. Salad seeds The park has a little sensory garden, sit, relax and watch the world go by. are very small, so I only place them which proves a cosy spot to relax in. The park also houses ‘Newham around 0.5cm below the soil. With the It hosts a fabulous array of colourful Poetry Group’. Established in 2016, warm weather we have been having, plants and lush foliage. The rest of the the group offers a series of free poetry they’re fine outdoors. Once the seeds park and green space itself isn’t huge, workshops, readings, performances, germinate and they’re around 5cm but is well maintained and provides a open mic sessions, book swap events tall, I transfer them into the bigger great little spot to soak up nature. and more. Open to all ages and abil- containers, positioning the larger That’s not all - if you have kids, ities, it’s a brilliant creative commu- leafed greens in rows 10cm apart, there is a great playground, if you like nity initiative. Find out more at www. again I use peat free, multi- purpose tennis, there are excellent, floodlit newhampoetrygroup.com. Student app is

You never know who you might meet in one of People’s Choice Newham’s landmark pubs, says Phil Mellows NOAH ENAHORO who then worked with a mentor from t’s 1931 and Mahatma Gandhi, in There’s the Black Lion in Plaistow, London Metropolitan University as London for talks on the future of the Red Lion on Barking Road, the usiness students at Newham well as getting help from an employer. IIndia, pops into the Boleyn after Golden Fleece on Wanstead Flats, Sixth Form College have won NewVic Student Development the West Ham game. Nursing a glass the Bridge House in Canning Town, BThe People’s Choice Award at Manager Kate Reed said: “We are of cream soda he chats to the regu- a world-famous music venue that The London Met’s annual Big Idea very proud and we wish the students lars about the footie and non-violent closed in 1982. And other names that Challenge final with their Fitness good luck with their future plans on resistance. Probably. resonate in the geography and his- Reviver app that will detect strain, developing their idea.” Q According to local legend, that’s tory of the borough. fatigue and impact for athletes. how one of the greatest figures of the These pubs are plainly more than The idea came from four NewVic 20th Century liked to hang out away places to drink and eat. More than business students, Prosper Odum, For more information and a video of from the negotiating table, and it social centres, even, as important Byron Michael Olisaebuka Chome, the award-winning pitch go to bigide- makes sense when you think about it. as that is. Somehow these landmark Dilwar Hussain and Pedro Lenghel achallenge.co/finalists-2021/. The Boleyn Tavern, which reo- pubs are embedded in the identity of pened after an 18-month closure (see an area, known to all. centre pages), while not quite the Taj The good news is that while we Mahal, must have been a draw for have lost some, and will probably any foreign visitor. It’s what they lose a few more, others will be res- call a landmark pub. Even when you cued and restored. don’t see it, you hear the name as a Companies like Remarkable Pubs, destination or direction. Or read it which owns the Boleyn, and Antic, on bus timetables. Landmark pubs which has bought the Denmark, see are how people find their way about. potential in such sites as new people Even when the pubs aren’t there any move into less fashionable localities more, the name lives on, a sad ghost such as Newham, and see the pres- of the pints we once had. ence of a local pub with character as Newham has quite a few of them. one of the attractions of living here. Up the road from the Boleyn there’s Now it’s down to you, the poten- the Denmark Arms, promised to tial customers, to do your bit on the reopen soon, and further north the other side of the bar. Who knows, Earl of Essex in Manor Park, one of you might bump into somebody the lost. famous. Q Community News Newham Voices July 2021 7

WHAT’S ON Mum, I Want To Pee! IN JULY Compiled by Neandra Etienne JULIA OMARI audience and see the famous BBC acts on stage but as soon as they had Newham Poetry Group hen Sharon Milling moved secured their spot she announced: A creative space featuring: workshops, to Newham in 1998, she fell “Mum, I want to pee!” It’s a sen- performances, poetry sessions, open Win love with the Borough’s tence that most parents have mic and spoken word events. High- parks, multi-cultural mix and an- heard and dread! Sharon took this lights from their July calendar include nual community events. What the moment and turned it into an enjoy- Newham Poetry House, family creative would-be author didn’t know then able book, illustrated by Jason Lee, afternoon, Universe of Words and Plai- was the role her new home would based on the mother and daughter stow Poetry Group Creative Mornings. duo. Seeing her image, Jasmine sang play as the inspirational backdrop to newhampoetrygroup.com her first children’s book titled:Mum, “I’m going to be in a book!” and has I Want To Pee! since been inspired to write her own Roof Top Film Club Sharon was a creative child whose short stories. Grab some popcorn and don’t for- father had taught her to play the Sharon has enjoyed reading Mum, I get to bring your face mask to watch piano aged two. She continued to want To Pee! to students in Newham a selection of classic ‘80s, ‘90s and develop her creativity, resulting in primary schools and has recently new releases. July highlights include the ability to play six instruments, been nominated for The Author Elite Grease, Top Gun, Dirty Dancing, Fri- create art pieces and author a hoard Awards (www.authoreliteawards. day, Romeo and Juliet and the Judas of handwritten stories. com). She is now working on her sec- and the Black Messiah. Then life got in the way - a mort- ond book, a self help work for adults. rooftopfilmclub.com gage, two children and a nine-to- She said: “It is never too late to try.” five job. Finding those same stories Newham Word Festival Sharon with her daughter Jasmine. Photo 21 JUNE – 4 JULY years later, Sharon decided to turn © Leonard Burton Mum, I Want To Pee! is available on her dream of being an author into This festival, which features poetry, Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/ reality. The story unfolded from Mayor’s Newham Show, which is film, storytelling, book signings, per- mumiwanttopee personal experience during a trip held annually in Central Park. formances and visual art events takes with her daughter, Jasmine, to the Jasmine was excited to join the  www.sharon-milling.com place online and at different venues across the Borough newhamwordfestival.org Artist Accelerator arts trail On Saturday 17 July Rosetta Arts are Free interactive musical show launching an arts trail in the East Village showcasing the work of their Accelerator Artists. There will be a on offer to local groups programme of events happening at The Hall hub on East Village and you ZHENREENAH MUHXINGA can do a walking tour of the art works. rosettaarts.org azanne Arts, a group that special- South Asian Heritage Month ises in working with older people 18 JULY – 17 AUGUST and those living with dementia, J A variety of free educational, arts and is planning to stage its musical “Ex- cultural events featuring local artists changing Dreams” at venues around and organisations showcasing their London this summer. food, literature and history. ‘Exchanging Dreams’ is an inter- www.southasianheritage.org.uk active musical show that uses rem- iniscence, drama, music and dance ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to explore the relationship between 24 – 25 JULY 2021 two friends from their childhood Formula E makes a return to the to their older age. The show is fully streets of London as 24 cars and driv- funded by Arts Council England and ers go head-to-head in the historical so is available for free to organi- heartland of East London’s docklands. sations who would like to book a Photo courtesy of Jazanne Arts www.excel.london/whats-on/ performance. To get in touch email Speak Easy London Presents [email protected] Jazanne Arts provides a range of Spoken Word 29 JULY reminiscence workshops and arts Pop along to the Ve6 Coffee East Ham activities in the community, in care East Summer School: for an evening of spoken word every homes and day centres with the aim last Thursday of the month.Ve6, 296 of giving a voice to older people, to Fun and activity in the sun Plashet Grove, London E6 1DQ support their artistic work and ena-  ve6_coffee ble ‘successful ageing’. The East Summer school will be back face to face as lockdown eases (we Co Director Jacqui Livingston has hope) at the end of July. The summer school will take place from 26 July Fort Fit lived in Newham all her life. The to 6 August with the biggest programme to date. Youngsters from 12-17 30 JULY - 13 AUGUST group is currently working with should register by July 12 at https://s.chkmkt.com/?e=233347&d=e&h=F- Classes take place at Kier Hardie Stratford Circus and local older peo- 95C7B0C0E2FDF5&l=en Recreational Park, Custom House ple’s drama group Age Well on a Participants get access to free, unique, interactive and high-quality E16. The two- week event features 18 project called ‘Meeting Places’. This face-to-face sessions which range from one-off one-day workshops classes in the park covering dance, project uses drama, and improvisa- to week-long courses covering arts and fashion, engineering medical football, Boxercise and Taekwondo. solutions, skateboarding and break dancing. tion to explore going out after lock- pathwaystohealthnewham. down. Q business.site/ 8 Newham Voices July 2021 Building Back Better Remarkable return: The Boleyn is back!

Words by Phil Mellows | Pictures by Andrew Baker

East Ham got a little bit of itself back on June 24 when the Boleyn Tavern reopened its doors after being closed for nearly 18 months.

wner Remarkable Pubs has walls recall the days when, until spent £1.5million restoring the 2016, West Ham United played at the OVictorian landmark, recreating just up the road. its original seven bars with hand- Remarkable, which also runs the crafted wooden screens featuring Holly Tree in Forest Gate, closed the acid-etched glass that follows the Boleyn for refurbishment in January designs customers would have seen 2020 after buying the freehold from when the pub was first opened. Greene King. Lockdown delayed the It includes the spectacular former work but gave director and designer billiards room with its vast kalei- Jake Miller time to research the doscopic skylight, now transformed history of the building and cap- into a dining area and theatre ture a sense of the pub architects kitchen from where the Boleyn will Shoebridge and Rising created for serve food for the first time in recent Cannon Brewery back in 1899. memory. “It was important to us to do the For beer-lovers the pumps will job properly without cutting cor- pour ales from Hackney’s Five Points ners,” he said. “We want to respect Brewery, Tottenham’s Beavertown, the history of the place. But it’s not a Fuller’s and Greene King, while the museum. We want it to be a real pub, lagers will be led by Czech-brewed with spaces where local people can Litovel, exclusive to the Remarkable get together and socialise. group. “It feels great to bring a pub like Football memorabilia around the the Boleyn back to life.” Q Building Back Better Newham Voices July 2021 9

Jake Miller, designer and Alex Summers, business development manager 10 Newham Voices July 2021 Community News

Looking for work? Barts offers path

A scheme run by Barts Health NHS Trust aims to placement participant can provide a ally is the employment team from manager with an extra pair of hands local authorities. give local people the skills they need to find work for up to eight weeks. Those who pass assessments are in health care across the Borough. Community We work closely with others across invited to a 1-to-1 online interview to the Trust to provide placements for check their suitability for the roles. employment co-ordinator Anna Szkola outlines Talent Pool candidates and the place- Successful candidates are enrolled the scheme and the benefits it brings. ment managers have been incredible onto the 1-week employability train- in supporting and upskilling those ing where they learn about Barts people. Health, policies and procedures and The process how to successfully apply for roles and Interested candidates need to sub- prepare for interviews in the NHS. mit their CV (including postcode) to: Once they complete the train- communityinitiative.bartshealth@ ing there are registered with Barts nhs.net Health Talent Pool and are eligi- They will then be invited for one ble to apply for internal entry level of our virtual Information Days vacancies. to find out about the programme, The programme has been very suc- roles available, entry requirements cessful since it started. Initially it and how to apply. After the session was run once a quarter, but because they need to sit a functional skills of the huge interest from local resi- assessments with one of our local dents and increased number of entry partners / training providers. We level vacancies within the Trust we work closely with employment out- decided to run it more often and now fits within east London, which usu- have up to ten cohorts annually.

“I was recommended by my friend on this programme and would gladly do the same to anyone who is interested in joining. If I have to rate this programme from beginning to end I would give it a 10/10, the reason is I had efficient, welcoming and knowledgeable people to deal with. Now thanks to them I am more confident and I am looking forward to being employed by Barts Health he Community Works for Entry Requirements: NHS Trust.” Health (CWfH) programme is • Level 1/2 in Literacy and Numeracy Ta core part of the Barts Health – candidates will need to sit a –Zuberia Auleear who completed the programme in May 2021 Public Health Team’s vision which functional skills test in maths and seeks to help local residents secure English and: work in the lower bands within the • Admin/clerical – Minimum require- Trust. It aims to address health ine- ment: GCSE (A-C) including maths qualities by working with local part- and English, good IT skills, and Maira Cordero – from ners and contributing to the local some administrative experience community. By filling vacancies with • HCA - A health and social care qual- candidate to project officer local people, Barts Health supports ification (min Level 2) or relevant My journey into work with Barts the development of a workforce that experience in a healthcare setting represents the local community and Health NHS Trust started when • Phlebotomists - Previous experi- its needs and therefore contributes I completed the Community ence in phlebotomy or a minimum to service improvement. Works for Health (CWfH) pro- of 2 weeks phlebotomy training The scheme is open only to people gramme. The course helped me from: Newham, Tower Hamlets,City • MLA – A Biomedical/Science degree to get more knowledge about the of London, Hackney and Waltham is required (must not be in educa- organisation, as well as preparing Forest tion) me to apply for jobs within the Since it started in 2012 it has helped • Pharmacy Assistants – A Trust. hundreds of local people get skills Pharmacology or related degree. The next step was register- and experience through placements Placements ing with the Talent Pool so that and jobs at local NHS organisations. An optional 4-6 week placement will I could apply for internal jobs. be offered to candidates applying for After pre-employment checks, Admin and HCA roles. I got the opportunity to do a As a project officer I am -re placement with the public health sponsible for administrative and The CWfH programme ring The completion of a 6-week place- ment is required for candidates team. This was great, my su- project support to the CWfH pro- fences the following entry pervisor Anna was a pleasure to gramme. I facilitate placements level roles for local candidates: applying for MLA, Phlebotomist and Pharmacy Assistant roles. work with and I really enjoyed for candidates who completed the • Admin / Clerical Placement days/hours are subject to doing admin work and helping training, so I liaise with various • Healthcare Assistants/ agreement between the manager and other candidates like me. managers on all sites. I register Theatre Support Workers the candidate (min 20 hrs a week) A few months later I was able candidates to the Talent Pool Placements are of great benefit to to apply to work in the same and do all the pre-employment • Phlebotomists all parties. Candidates will develop department as a project officer. I checks. I also attend and help • Medical Lab Assistants invaluable experience within the am grateful for all the support I organise a lot of job fairs and got from the first moment and I information days to raise aware- • Pharmacy Assistants Trust increasing their chances of being considered for lower banded am enjoying every minute of it. ness about the programme. vacancies and internal references. A Community News Newham Voices July 2021 11

to health careers Remembering

Last year we registered nearly 150 gramme to virtual platforms to be still local residents onto our Talent Pool able to help residents, especially when Phyllis Nelson and over 110 got jobs already! We are so many lost their jobs during lock- working hard, constantly and tirelessly down. We now run our Information 13 January 1945 - 25 March 2021 improving and adapting to new chal- Days, assessments, interviews and lenges. When the pandemic started training via Teams or Zoom enabling last year we moved the whole pro- more candidates to participate. Zhenreenah Muhxinga pays tribute to a community champion

Contact Details: The Community Works for Health programme hyllis Nelson, a life so won- Public Health Team, Barts Health NHS Trust derfully lived and a heart [email protected] Pso deeply loved, was born in Kingston, Jamaica on January 13th 1945. She came to England in 1992, hoping for a better life “I will soon start working as an imaging receptionist” for her and her children, finding a home with her grandson in Kent “This has been the best thing I have ever done. It allowed me to change career Street, Plaistow. and get back into employment. Phyllis used to work as a dress- I worked more than 20 years in sales, but due to the pandemic I couldn’t maker, and a support worker in make any sales and I was really struggling. I decided to adapt my skills to other a nursing home in Mile End. She jobs and follow many courses to retrain. When I heard about the Community retired and became a community Works for Health, I applied straight away. volunteer worker. The course has given me a deep understanding of their values and processes. She was a phenomenal woman: Having been able to access the internal vacancies after the course is another a mother, grandmother, wife, great advantage as you acquire the skills to get through the interview. friend, and a community builder. at the Caribbean Centre and she Passionate about community had a major part in an upcoming The placement after the course, although not mandatory for admin, is an activism, she was involved in show for Black History Month in advantage for anyone like me who wants to work within the NHS. many local projects, events and October 2021. I will soon start working as an imaging receptionist at Whipps Cross Hospital.” groups. Shortly before her death Phyllis – Valeria Curzio, June 2021 The list of activities and groups realised a line from her script was she supported was extraor- taken out and three days before dinary: Stratford East Singers she passed away, she made a point choir at Stratford Theatre; Editor that she wanted it to be put back of Newham Street Life Magazine; in. It read: “OUR FAITH WILL An extra pair of hands - Active Newham; Citizens GUIDE US”. The group will dedi- Assembly; Quadrille Dancers; cate the play in memory of Phyllis. and part of our team Member of African Caribbean Phyllis’s death came as quite a Centre in Plaistow; Super Choir shock to everyone in the commu- Petra Francis, Matron for Specialist at Beckton; Leap of Faith; Older nity, especially as she had recently Medicine at Newham Hospital, is a People’s Reference Group; Mellow recovered after being admitted to supporter of the scheme. She said: mental health group. the Intensive Care Unit in Newham So far all candidates have been Her favourite pastimes included Hospital with COVID-19.(January amazing, they make a lot of dif- gardening, singing, dancing, 2021) She will be greatly missed ference to our patients and for staff drama and travelling. She would in the community. Our empathy they are an extra pair of hands. All leave her home to water the plants goes out to her and her family, in are local so they understand our at the Caribbean Centre, not far England, Jamaica and America. community and its needs. from where she lived, on the Phyllis will be greatly missed by I am trying to roll this out across Barking Road E13. her family, friends and everyone the whole of my division now (five Phyllis was also a devoted who knew her. May her Soul Rest wards). We currently have volunteer member of Agewell Drama Group In Eternal Peace. trainees on two other wards, so far going really well. In terms of challenges, there have to be clear boundaries for existing © Sylvie Belbouab staff and for the volunteers to ensure patient and staff safety at all times. For the organisation, we get home Call for Newham blood donors Volunteers are seen as a part of the grown talent, staff happy to be part team and not outsiders. of Barts Health, good staff retention, Blood donors in Newham are being urged to give blood over the Trainees make a huge difference better community relationships, critical summer months, as demand creeps back to normal capacity. to patients, for example a 20-year- finding rare gems in a haystack. All Extra appointments have been added to the Stratford donor centre at old patient with cognitive impair- staff that have permanent roles now Westfield. ment with no relatives formed a are a big credit to our organisation The appeal from NHS Blood and Transplant coincides with landmark really special bond with one of our and NHS as a whole. new eligibility criteria, which will allow many more people to donate trainees. He felt loved and that was I feel privileged to go home every safely. From June 14 anyone with the same sexual partner for the last so touching to see. Helping others day knowing I made a difference three months will be eligible to donate. develop and teaching them to keep in someone else’s life and to find humanity close to their heart makes staff who make a difference to our The Stratford donor centre, is at Lower Ground Floor, Westfield, all the difference. patients, there is no better feeling. Stratford City, E20 1EJ. Book appointments by calling 0300 123 23 23. 12 Newham Voices July 2021 Community News

Private support for NHS and cancer sufferers AIDAN WHITE Interim managing director of the alliance, Ivor Baker, said that cancer s people in Newham brace services have been able to continue themselves for a third wave of running thanks to the creation of Acoronavirus infections and the a “cancer hub” at BMI the London lifting of Covid-19 rules is put on Independent Hospital, near the Royal hold, the NHS relationship with pri- London Hospital. vate medicine has been in the spot- “A lot of hard work has gone into light with news that public health making this a successful clinical col- providers are working “more close- laboration, which we look forward to ly than ever before” with private building on in the future.” healthcare providers. However, earlier in the year senior Designs that travel: Across Newham and north east clinical leaders, including the medical London some patients have benefited director of Barts Health Trust, cov- from private and public collaboration ering Newham University Hospital Celebrating South Asian textiles during the pandemic, particularly to and Whipps Cross Hospital, said they provide cancer treatments. were “profoundly uncomfortable” The Gate Library, Forest Gate July 3rd - 31st This comes just a few months with routine care in private hospitals after NHS hospital medical directors while the NHS was facing “unthinka- ewham Heritage Month in May with fun and free activities from issued a warning about the private ble” pressures from coronavirus. all ends of the Borough may be over but participants in artist El- sector not giving enough priority to In a joint letter to all the medical Nlie Burkett’s project, Designs That Travel, have been busy com- the crisis caused by the pandemic. directors of London’s acute hospi- pleting beautiful samples which they started during a series of Zoom In six boroughs collaboration with tal trusts, regional leaders asked and in-person embroidery workshops inspired by khetha quilts handed private hospitals has helped cre- them “not to support” their staff down from mother to daughter in Bangladesh. ate “much-needed extra capacity” performing non-urgent work in the “I have a feeling that I am back home, as after 10 years I am sewing to deliver essential cancer services private sector and called for a sus- and recalling old memories,” said one participant. according to the North East London pension of such work for the month The embroideries and khetha will be on show in the window display of Cancer Alliance. of January. Q The Gate Library, Forest Gate during July. Ellie will share her research about the sinking of the SS Persia, and of the Newham residents and South Asian seafarers, many from Sylhet, who were crew on this ill fated liner.

Suitman Jungle’s ’21 EP Thomas Holdroyd reviews the Plaistow musician’s latest album

ff the back of his first solo -al bum, Liquid Lunch, Marc Pell, Oalso known as Suitman Jungle, has released ‘21 EP against the back- drop of a global pandemic. A local musician, having grown up in Forest Gate and now living in Plaistow, Suitman Jungle is an alum- nus of Guildhall School of Music and Drama, drummer and percussionist for popular bands Micachu and The Shapes, Mount Kimbie and Good Sad ©Ana Origel Happy Bad. If fast paced experimental elec- vention, is ‘‘4 parts to a year(4bpy)’ tronic music is your jam, this is an with its wispy and thunderous synth EP to check out. A slight depar- and piano sections. The release is ture from his previous releases, ‘21 finished with ‘Kick Pitches(178bpm)’ When charity is hair raising EP is a stripped back collection of an energetic track full of syncopated tracks which highlight the rhythm and melodic percussion. Newham-based Charlotte Huggett shaves her hair for Brave to Shave, a in melody. This EP is a showcase of the eclec- fundraising initiative set up by the charity Macmillan Cancer Support that Interestingly most of the tracks tic stylings and evolution of Suitman has collected £825,080 so far and brought together 3,416 people who are named after the speed in which Jungle’s sound and I look forward to signed up for shaving this year. Charlotte’s hair will be donated to The Little they are played. The first four are a future releases. You can find Suitman Princess Trust, to make wigs for children who lose their hair as a result of curiosity of electronic composition. Jungle on all major music platforms cancer treatment. Images ©Macmillan Cancer Support. The stand out track for me, and not including Bandcamp, Facebook and in the beats per minute naming con- Instagram @suitmantjungle. Community News Newham Voices July 2021 13 Parents campaign for the first local Christian secondary school

JEAN GRAY 50 per cent of students made up of church attendees and ewham parents are 50 per cent from the general being asked to support community. Na campaign that aims “We would expect all to provide a Christian sec- pupils to behave respect- ondary school for children in fully,” she said. “It would not the Borough and across East be a matter of brainwashing London. but of encouraging a really So far, 350 parents have honest debate.” signed up in support of the Church schools are gener- ‘East Park School’ scheme. ally seen as successful, and But before it can go ahead, the East Park vision assumes an application has to be small classes of no more made to the Department than 24, and a longer teach- for Education when it next ing day. invites bids to set up publicly The scheme is working funded ‘free’ schools. under the auspices of the Lawyer Sarah Wilkes, a Fulham Boys School Trust, mother of four who lives in which, in spite of its name, Forest Gate, is one of the core aims to provide education team pursuing the proposal. that is Christian-based and She told Newham Voices that nurtures enterprise for both while there are a number girls and boys. of Christian-based primary East Park has already iden- Photo courtesy of www.murwalls.com schools in the area, there is tified a potential home at no secondary school availa- the Raines School across the ble for senior pupils to move Borough boundary in Bethnal on to. Green. Raines, a Church of Rashford scores in school mural vote “Children should have the England school, closed in When pupils at Gainsborough primary school in Stratford were asked what image they option to continue their faith- 2020 but Sarah says that it would like to see painted on the side of the building, they voted overwhelmingly for a based education when they would be ideal for the East portrait of United footballer Marcus Rashford, not for his goal scoring prow- leave primary school, but the Park project. She explained: ess but to acknowledge the work he has done in campaigning for free school meals. provision is just not there,” “It is very accessible to stu- Based on a photograph by Paul Cooper, it was sprayed on by artist Josh Colwell of she explained. “We think that dents from Newham, and it street art company Murwalls. gap needs to be filled.” means we would be able to More than a third of pupils at the school are eligible for free school meals, twice the Sarah says the school would move in straight away as it national average. not be driven by a ‘holier is already set up as a school.” Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz said: “No child should be hungry. In Newham we than thou’ ethos, but would For more information, go have put in place the Eat for Free Scheme to ensure that every child has access to vital play a major role in serving to: https://www.eastpark- nutrition. Thank you Marcus for supporting our ambition.” the wider community with school.org

Sheltered housing: a vibrant alternative to isolation claiming a range of bene- Lorraine Tapper has found pendence and reduces social a community spirit second to housing you could expect the isolation and vulnerability. none.” following amenities: fits. He says “it gives my life a happy housing solution for purpose”. older people According to the Housing- Jim has lived happily in • Centre manager Care website: “Ruscoe Road Ruscoe Road for almost 21 • 24 Hour support service The age range for eligibility n today’s uncertain econ- is a vibrant sheltered housing years and was rehoused • Lifts for Housing Association prop- omy being able to find a scheme at the heart of Can- within a few weeks of his • Communal lounge erties is 55 and over, Council Q Iplace to rent that is af- ning Town. Key staff are com- private landlord selling his • Laundry room properties is 60 and above. fordable can be challenging. • Guest facilities After being on the hous- This is the ideal situation for older people • Communal garden ing register for two years I • Wheelchair accessibility requested to be rehoused as it allows for independence and reduces • Easy access to local shops/ in sheltered housing and social isolation and vulnerability. stations moved into Ruscoe Road • GP close by in October 2018, I am very • Regular social activities happy there and enjoy the mitted to delivering excellent home. • Secure fob door entry sys- comfort of a secure tenancy housing related support. It Ruscoe Road (Council) tem. with social rent. boasts a recently refurbished and Rowntree Clifford Close Sheltered housing is typ- community room, with Wi-Fi (Housing Association) are Bob has lived in Rowntree ically a studio or one bed- access, beautiful gardens and two types of sheltered hous- Clifford Close for 11 years. He room accommodation. This vegetable patches, regular ing, which normally have a is a Tenant Rep who advo- is the ideal situation for older events in conjunction with a small number of tenants. cates for and supports res- Ruscoe Road people as it allows for inde- number of local charities and As a tenant of sheltered idents who need help with 14 Newham Voices July 2021 Community News

With more great weather set to come over summer, we encourage you to get outdoors, enjoy it, and continue to support our local coffee shops, cafés and restaurants. Here are a few venues that would welcome your support. Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to mention ‘Newham Voices’. East Ham 1 Central Park Café 3 Little Bartle Avenue, East Ham, London E6 3AJ 3 Ilford Forest Gate Forest Gate Manor Park North 2 2 Giovanna’s Deli & Wine 58 Woodgrange Rd, Forest Gate, London E7 0QH Green 8 9 Forest Gate Street East Ham 3 The Fox & Hounds South East North 10 Green 173 Forest Lane, Forest Gate, London E7 9BB Street Manor Park West 4 Kaldi Coffee Stratford 345 High St North, Manor Park, London E12 6PQ & New Town West Ham East Ham Wall End Central Plaistow Plaistow NNorthorth 5 Cornerstone Café The Greengate CCafeafe 1 Boleyn 408 Barking Road, Plaistow, London E13 8HJ 7 6 The Cali Candy Shop 6 PlaistowPl i Canning South River Roding 538a Barking Road, Plaistow E13 8QE Town 5 East Ham South North 7 The Greengate Café 538b Barking Road, Plaistow E13 8QE Stratford Beckton 8 Olive and Lemon Mediterranean Café Canning Custom House Town 30 Broadway, Stratford E15 4QS South 9 Jollof Hut 65a North Mall, Shopping Centre, Stratford, E15 1XF 10 The Refreshment Room Royal Docks 25 Broadway, Stratford, E15 4BQ

You can meet in a group of 6 or a larger group Scan to access River Thames the interactive of any size from up to 2 households (including map online. their support bubbles) indoors in restaurants, bars and cafes. Government rules have been updated - scan the QR code to learn more.

Spotlight on Charities: Our monthly focus on community groups

East London Textile Arts East London Textile Arts is a col- lective that has run textile work- Rosetta Arts Caritas Anchor House shops in community settings and Together! 2012 Rosetta Arts offers creative courses, schools in Newham for over 10 years. Caritas Anchor House is a home- Together! 2012 CIC is led by locally projects, events and exhibitions to We work with people of all abili- lessness charity providing accom- based Disabled artists and is fund- people of all ages and backgrounds ties bringing diverse communities modation and life-skills support for ed by the National Lottery and Arts across Newham. From accredited art together through a common interest single homeless adults. Our driving Council England. We offer a free courses for adults to online commu- in textiles. We often work on themes mission is to ensure that those who Clubs programme for Disabled peo- nity cookery classes and after school of social and environmental interest walk through our doors grow in ple, free Join in from Home activities art clubs, we make sure there’s and hold exhibitions, open days and confidence and move towards lead- and events, screenings, performanc- something for everyone. Activities fashion shows. We print textiles, ing independent, self-fulfilling lives es and exhibitions for everyone, and take place in partner venues, on decorated papers and cards and also by providing education, guidance and a weekly YouTube livestream. zoom and from our visual arts learn- publish booklets of our work. All personal rehabilitation. ing centre in West Ham. classes are free of charge. www.together2012.org.uk www.rosettaarts.org www.caritasanchorhouse.org.uk www.eastlondontextilearts.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]  @ukdpctogether   @RosettaArts  @Anchor_House  @EltaTextiles @together2012cic    @RosettaArts @caritasanchorhouse  eastlondontextilearts @together2012.cic   @RosettaArts  @caritasanchorhouse  @eltatextiles @together2012  @AnchorHouseCharity Community News Newham Voices July 2021 15

Surprise! Heritage plaque unveiled Local hero hair of Newham Council and Forest Gate South ward coun- Ccillor Winston Vaughan has honoured by unveiled the new Newham Heritage Jimi Hendrix Purple Haze plaque. “The plaque on Woodgrange Rd the Queen will be forever linked with his most successful hit, Purple Haze, penned LORRAINE TAPPER in the once famous Upper Cut club. We are delighted to have this plaque hen local hero Frank in our ward,” he said. Charles received an email in The idea started because I didn’t WApril nominating him for a just want to write about the Purple British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Haze story, I wanted to replace the Queen’s Birthday Honours list he plaque that had been taken down. thought it was a hoax. There is already a link to Forest He was sceptical, so he called the Gate in Purple Haze. Lloyd Jeans, number in the email to confirm. He Forest Gate musician, explained: “He was told that he had been nominated used the chord of E7 (as is appro- and would he accept it? Frank said priate for Forest Gate), but to give yes and was sworn to secrecy. it striking dissonance he added a sharp ninth on top. The chord is now known the world over as the “Purple Photo ©Andrew Baker Haze chord”. – Neandra Etienne

rather than patients and get peer- to-peer parenting support. Learning together about Workshops are held once a month, after school in a community venue. mental illness in the family Transport is provided where needed, and we offer refreshments including idsTime Workshop (KTW) is a which a child of a parent with a a pizza of your choice. multi-family project in Ne- mental illness may experience. Frank Charles wham for the entire family Trained staff explain mental illness Teen Talk K Alongside KTW, we also run a vir- where a parent or carer has a mental and its effects to children and young The Queen approved his nomination illness. people aged 5-18 in a way they can tual group session, specifically for in early June. His family celebrated. The workshops are ‘non treat- understand, and help them to articu- older young people (10-16 years) Frank was given the commenda- ment’, educational sessions which late and tackle concerns. The workshop where they can connect with peers tion in recognition of his sterling encourage families to come together provides an opportunity for children in similar situations. work in supporting rough sleepers to learn and discuss mental health to have fun, play, make friends and For more information and vulnerable families during the and mental illness in a friendly, safe, express themselves through discus- please contact: pandemic. He receives donations of confidential, non-judgmental space sion, games and drama. Fawn Bess-Leith food, clothes and furniture which he and help to diminish the social iso- Parents/carers have their own Mobile: 07773 573 641 distributes to the vulnerable at the lation, stigma, confusion and fears space to discuss their role as parents [email protected] Carpenters & Docklands Centre. He recalled being visited by a for- mer rough sleeper he didn’t recog- ©Anna Mercado nise. The gentleman was smartly CFC women and non-binary people dressed and told Frank he came SPORTS SHORTS beginners’ team are planning a joint to express his gratitude to him for tournament with Renaissance FC. turning his life around. This made it Clapton CFC Men’s Development all worthwhile for Frank. Neandra Etienne’s round-up team preseason training starts 4 July He has been doing charitable work of the local sports scene. at Hackney Marshes. Clapton CFC for many years and set up his own Men’s first team are playing pre-sea- All-abilities Clapton CFC Cricket charity the Frank Charles Give a Gift son friendly games in July. Details team beat NMCC (North Appeal in 2004 (FCGAGA). of their fixture list can be found on Cricket Club) to win their game with The charity collects and delivers their website. claptoncfc.co.uk 2 wickets and 4 balls to spare. After donations for children who are sick more than ten defeats this achieve- and in hospital over the Christmas ment is a much needed victory for Athletic Newham FC plays in the period. frankcharles.org.uk the team. claptoncfc.co.uk/cricket/ Essex Senior Football League Pre- Also among people from Newham mier Division. The club has re- honoured this year is Harmit Former University of East London leased the fixture list for their July Ahluwalia, known as Anju, who New Vic Sports Academy Cricket student and WBO Cruiserweight pre-season football games. receives the British Empire Medal team are the winners in the AoC T20 Boxing champion Lawrence Oko-  @athleticnewham for community service during the Regional Cricket Championships. lie is the writer and narrator of his  @athleticnewhamfc pandemic. She started Food4All They will now compete in the Na- book Dare to Change Your Life. It is with husband Nim in 2016 to feed tional Semi-finals in Derby 23 June available on Amazon Audible. homeless people and those on 2021. In 2020, NewVic launched a West Ham United U16’s Wom- lower incomes. Based at Namdhari Women’s Cricket Academy with Es- en’s football team AFC Wimbledon Gurdwara in Forest Gate, the initi- sex County Cricket enabling students Clapton CFC have partnered with Women 6-1 to win the JPL Warriors ative has provided 120,000 meals for to play and develop their skills. Hackney-based Renaissance FC, who Cup Final.whufc.com/club-founda- people in need since March 2020. Q newvic.ac.uk/sport-enrichment aid refugees through sport. Clapton tion/foundation 16 Newham Voices July 2021 Sports

The day football stayed home at Upton Park

JEAN GRAY taken at Wembley on July 30th as lifted the trophy, sur- In our focus on memorials around rounded by his West Ham team mates Newham, we look at the World Cup and , with Sculpture that stands on the junction of England squad stalwart Ray Wilson. Barking Road and Green Street . Commissioned jointly by West Ham etter known as “The Champi- Football Club and Newham Council, ons’, this celebration of West the statue cost £725,000, with Ham’s contribution to England’s £400,000 coming from a government B grant, and the bulk of the remainder 1966 World Cup victory is one with a recent history of struggle. Fans won from the football club. their fight to keep it on the site where West Ham played for 112 years at it was unveiled in 2003, despite at- the now demolished Boleyn ground tempts to have it moved to Stratford’s in Green Street. There were huge pro- London Stadium with the club in 2016. tests by local people, including MPs, With England striving for new glory when the club wanted to take the in the European Championship; West statue with them to Stratford. Ham looking forward to a season in Finally, the council decided it could Europe; and as we celebrate the 55th stay put, leaving the club disappointed. anniversary of England’s 4-2 win West Ham United vice chair Baroness over West Germany, ‘The Champions’ Karen Brady accused the council of is a fine reminder of how important going back on a previous promise to football has been in the Borough. the club. She told the Newham Recorder Royal sculptor Philip Jackson’s at the time: “We have made prom- bronze 16-feet high work features ises to our supporters that the statue four giants of the 1966 team – Bobby would sit outside our new home. Your Moore, Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst decision to keep the statue at Barking and Ray Wilson – and weighs four Road will result in what will be per- ©BradleyStearn tonnes. It captures a photograph ceived as a broken promise.” Q

no grass on the pitch but my mate Harry Redknapp, Alan Hudson ex Mickey Ambrose on Hammers’ Chelsea, Stan Bowles and the likes success and how celebrating of , Devonshire, , Frank Worthington(RIP), football brings us together and of course Bobby Moore, could still control the ball and play on any surface, it didn’t need to be a snooker table baize did it? FIFA should just employ an extra My goals – West Ham glory pair of eyes. We already have a ref- eree, assistant referees, fourth offi- Mickey Ambrose cial and reserve assistant referee and a winning future for all! who are all on-field officials. And now we have VAR and we still can- est Ham United has had Tony Doyle, an Irish lad whose fam- to not having any fans in the London not get it right! Just stick another the most fantastic season ily lived near St Andrews Hospital in Stadium, but we all know every official behind each goal and they Wever, finishing sixth in the Bow back in the ‘70s, please contact player wants to show his or her tal- can call it if the ball crosses the line Premier League, and I hope now Jean Gray at Newham Voices. ent in front of a crowd. No, this suc- or not because the offside rule is a that my neighbour in Stratford High Bobby Moore (RIP), Martin Peters cess was down to tactical nous and disaster. Street, David, a die-hard supporter, (RIP) Geoff Hurst, Harry Redknapp, an inspiring manager and coaches. Now bring on the EUROs. Get your will finally be able to chill out. Trevor Brooking, , Clyde I imagine following the home flags out no matter what country His namesake, David Moyes and Best, , Alan Devonshire, defeat against Newcastle United at you’re supporting and let’s have a his backroom staff have delivered, so right old knees-up and celebrate come on David, put a smile on that People have lost loved ones and their incomes, so lend all cultures and respect each other cheeky face of yours. a hand, and particularly you, Boris Johnson… we have because it’s been a tough couple of I always admired West Ham United, years. as a kid growing up in Poplar. I people living on the breadline and in poverty, going to People have lost loved ones and remember my mate Tony Doyle who food banks and this is 2021. It’s shameful. their incomes, so lend a hand, and lived in Bow giving me a knock on particularly you, Boris Johnson (2.6 the door after the equivalent show to million pounds spent on a fancy Match of The Day back then, The Big Downing Street Briefing/Press Match. to name a few, must be so proud of the the start of the season (another team Stand - are you serious?) Come on, Of course, we’re not supposed to ‘Ammers’ this season – a free-flow- with the most passionate support- sort it out,we have people living on climb the school fence but we did ing, passing team who have excelled ers, yet always struggle) you might the breadline and in poverty, going because we loved football and we under the great stewardship of David think, ‘oh no here we go again’, but to food banks and this is 2021. It’s wanted to emulate what we had just Moyes and his backroom staff of look, didn’t the team play well as shameful. Q seen by some of the best players on , Alan Irvine, Xavi Valero, well as winning games? television. Tony would say to me you Kevin Nolan and Paul Nevin. So what next? Get rid of VAR please, be Pele and I will be Bobby Moore. Now please do not tell me West a waste of time. Sod technology, let’s Mickey Ambrose is a former Chelsea How I miss him, so if anyone knows Ham’s success this season is down get back to the old days. Remember, player who lives in Stratford