History group bids to find out more about Flats political and religious meetings

October 7, 2018

The Wanstead Flats history group are researching aspects of the history of this green space on Newham’s borders. Their latest project is looking at the use of the Flats for political and religious meetings. We have found a lot of references to meetings from the late 19th century to World War II, but after 1945 … More History group bids to find out more about Flats political and religious meetings

Heritage walk in Stratford is part of Friends of Abbey Gardens Harvest Festival event

September 21, 2018

Abbey Gardens in Stratford are staging a heritage walk as part of their Harvest Festival Celebration on Saturday September 29. The event lasts between noon and 4pm. The walk is due at 2pm and starts and finishes at Abbey Gardens, writes Colin Grainger. Walk organiser Torange Khonsari said: “With huge evelopments and changes in Stratford … More Heritage walk in Stratford is part of Friends of Abbey Gardens Harvest Festival event

Reflections of the past … mapping out the past of the old County Borough of East Ham

September 4, 2018

Another in our series of Reflections of the Past. I am indebted to the wonderful Maureen Norris for this superb example of an old map of the County Borough of East Ham produced in the late 1950s, writes Colin Grainger. Burrows Pointer guide maps came, as the name suggests, with a pointer, which you can … More Reflections of the past … mapping out the past of the old County Borough of East Ham

Magnificent Norman church that has stood the test of time

August 29, 2018

Calling St Mary Magdalene Church the jewel in Newham’s crown is a massive understatement. It is the sparkling diamond in our manor. It’s hard to think of anything that predates it that is in such a great condition, writes Colin Grainger. The 1130 church is getting a well-deserved makeover next month (Sept) with over £80,000 … More Magnificent Norman church that has stood the test of time

Looking ahead to this year’s celebration of Newham’s history and heritage

August 14, 2018

The dates for the third celebration of Newham’s history and heritage have been confirmed. Newham Heritage Week will take place between November 8 and 18. The key themes this year are Women’s Suffrage and the representation of the peoples act plus the Armistice  – both of which have centenaries this year, writes Colin Grainger. Armistice … More Looking ahead to this year’s celebration of Newham’s history and heritage

Mind your language – imagery that reveals so much of our lives…

July 5, 2018

I’ll have to be very careful with this look back at the phrases and sayings that have been part of life in and around the Royal docks community since well before I was a twinkle in my mother’s eye. If I give the impression I don’t know my ’ariss from my elbow I might have … More Mind your language – imagery that reveals so much of our lives…

Reporting from the F1H20 London – Heritage Newham goes live

June 16, 2018

This year’s F1H2O London has the word HERITAGE written on the programme and poster in capital letters. There are many different stories (one going back all the way to 1872…) which link this event with Royal Docks’s history, writes Colin Grainger. And to mark the event, Heritage Newham  – People, Places, Progress is going live thanks to … More Reporting from the F1H20 London – Heritage Newham goes live

Child’s play – focus on the games we played…

June 11, 2018

They are the games that have stood the test of time. Each generation had its own favourites and passed down the laughs and memories to the next in the Royal Docks Community. My earliest memory of those wonderful days is playing out in Auberon Street, North Woolwich, writes Colin Grainger. The family who lived in … More Child’s play – focus on the games we played…