Visit People's Museum and Newham Gallery during London 2012

Peeping out of the upstairs windows are former local MPs Keir Hardie and Susan Lawerence. Welcome to the People's Museum and Newham Gallery, 306 High Street, Stratford, E15 1AJ. I stopped by on my way home from work on Thursday to visit.

The Museum is only about 5-10 minutes walk from Stratford station and the Olympic Park. It opened last month and during Games is usually open 11-5pm Monday to Saturday. It closes 22 October 2012.

Inside are various displays and multi-media exhibitions. There are a number of special events taking place including a talk on the 8th August 6.30pm by documentary photography Mike Steel; on 13th August 2pm long term East End Resident Ted Lewis on local history and 20th August 4pm Geoff Bell about the history of protest in Newham. There is lots of other things going on as well.

I'll post on Facebook some pictures I took inside later. The museum is actually the home of West Ham Labour Party.

Directly opposite the museum on the other side of the road is a modern day Newham protest. A Tamil Hunger Striker, Gobi Sivanthan and his supporters, who want an international investigation into the Sri Lankan War.

Around and about the Newham, London 2012 Olympics

Today I drove around the Olympic Park while going to work and back. To my continued surprise, despite the “Games” the commute both ways took less time than usual. The

traffic locally now has a permanent Sunday morning feel.

So far every "Newhamite" I have spoken to is supportive of the Games and some admit that they use to be cynics before the opening ceremony but they are now big fans.

During the week I have taken the train past and through the Olympic Park a number of times and it is clear there is a huge number of spectators and competitors but little or no congestion on the underground or overhead train services. This may change tomorrow with the reopening of the main Stadium for the athletes. Hopefully not.

In the morning I went for my usual jog in Wanstead flats past the temporary Police feeding station on the fairground site which is overlooked by the "Surface to Air" missile battery mounted on the top of Fred Wigg House. I drove to Bow in Tower Hamlets from Forest Gate via the A12 for a meeting and later walked through lovely Victoria Park to Hackney Wick station. There is a free “London Live” event in “Vicki Park” with a huge Ferris wheel, cafes and open air video screens. This is just west of the Olympic park and there was a steady flow of people coming and going.

In the evening on the way home I drove along the A11 into Stratford itself, parked up (thank you Morrisons) then walked around with my camera taking in the sights. As I have already pointed out here, while I’m really pleased that the Olympics are in Newham, I’m not into watching sports at all. But I like people watching and feeling part of an occasion.

There was a music festival in the gardens of St John’s Church. I first went into the excellent "Peoples Museum and Gallery of Newham" at 306 High Street (which I will post upon separately) then into the melee of the stairs near Stratford station and the shopping centre Westfields. Christian and Islamic propagates compete for attention with Tamil protesters. The staff and volunteers had it all well organised.

There is a very international and touristy feel. It reminds me of living in Edinburgh during the August fringe and festival. Everyone appeared to be happy, pleased and intent on having a good time.

Next I went into the courtyard of the Old Town Hall back on the High Street. There is a restaurant under a canopy which serves different international food every evening with an outside bar and a Council information office. Had an interesting discussion with the information officer about why West Ham Football club is actually located in East Ham (for now). Then along West Ham Lane past the East Thames Housing Association HQ (which is now home to the Kenyan Olympic delegation) to Stratford Park (proper name West Ham Recreational Park), where there are stalls, displays and a live open air video screen of events.

Finally back to Morrison’s then home (picking up on the way a pack of beer at the supermarket to claim back the £1 parking fee). I still have to pinch myself that this is all finally happening.

(UPDATE: I've done a new collage. Double click to bring up details)

"An Olympic sized legacy for London 2012"

Hat tip David Christie on Labour List

"Many of you may have been one of the countless thousands straining to glimpse a sight of the Olympic torch pass through Central London last Thursday. It had been the same a week before in the host boroughs as huge crowds greeted the Olympic flame in Greenwich, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Barking and Dagenham. It is overwhelming how this country has come together to celebrate these games. We must make sure that we use that good will to carry the Olympic spirit into a legacy for people.

When London won the right to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2005 the promise of a tangible legacy was a fundamental reason for the bids success. In 2007 that promise was restated and augmented with a series of promises by Government including to use the Games to “transform the heart of East London.”

There has long been a view in East London that this should be about more than just the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park and a few thousand houses. It has to be about the lasting change for this part of London and a reversal of a century of inequality that has existed between the East and the rest of London.

In 2009 and in response the 6 host boroughs published the ‘Strategic Regeneration Framework’, which sets out their objectives to meet this challenge. It is epitomised by the principle of ‘convergence’: that within 20 years the communities who host the 2012 Olympic Games will have the same social and economic chances as their neighbours across London. Central Government and the Mayor of London are on paper signed up to this.

Last year the host boroughs published their record on convergence and there are signs of success, particularly with excellent schools in East London contributing to a good 5 A*-C GCSE rate. But the notable issues of low skills in the working age population, high unemployment and low median incomes remain. Beyond the report, the issues of poor quality housing and overcrowding are a barrier to success.

This is an issue of severe inequality within one of the richest cities in the world. Billions of pounds of public money has been spent, not only on the Olympics and Paralympics but on trying to resolve the health and skills gaps that exist and in the overlarge benefit cheques which result from the failure of those policies. Yet unlike eradication of inequality between nations there is no mass movement campaigning for ending this scar on London’s face.

In parts of East London convergence may be achieved through natural market forces. Areas such as Bethnal Green, Dalston and parts of Stratford are seeing new developments and young professionals moving in who will change the mix of people, the employment levels and the incomes. But do we want the legacy of the Games to be a replacement of the people who live here? Or do we want it to have been a genuine shift in opportunities for people who have lived here their entire lives and those that choose to make East London their home?

Labour should lead for London in embedding the spirit of convergence in our policies and ensure that the power of the Games is truly used to transform lives. These two weeks and the Paralympics will be an amazing celebration for our country; a country which is comfortable taking a centre stage in the world. Let our political leaders now deliver on that promise of legacy that made all this possible".

The Third London Olympics 2012. The Greatest Show on Earth is about to begin

It is finally happening. Tonight sees the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics which is happening in my own borough. After years and years of waiting and countdowns, it is about to start. Travelling back yesterday to London from a family wedding abroad I noticed on Greek TV news that they were describing it as, "The Third London Olympics". I knew about the 1948 Olympics but had forgotten about the 1908 event.

The opening ceremony will take place about a mile or so away from me which I will watch on telly. I will look out of the bedroom window to see if I can see the fireworks.

I haven't got any tickets yet. Watching competitive sports has never been my thing. However, I do feel genuinely excited and pleased at the prospect of the "Games".  I think that the investment in Newham and the rest of East London has been well worth all the construction works and expected congestion. It has brought together the community in a way that nobody expected.

My elder sister is a sports fanatic and a professional gymnastics coach (who is currently hopping around with her foot in plaster after yet another break). I can remember when we used to fight as kids during Olympics over what to watch on the telly (in those days there was only ever one). She wanted wall-to-wall sport while I wanted anything but.  She still reckons it is best on TV rather than watching live since she doesn't miss anything. No change there then.

I will try and get some tickets to some of the less popular events so I can say "I was there" but I won't be that disappointed if I can't. There will be more than plenty to do during the next few weeks.  I'll try and post as and when.

Remploy Strike - 2nd Day of Action

Picture is from this morning's picket line outside the Remploy factory in Barking.  The government is closing 27 factories employing 1,012 disabled workers. 

Check out this BBC report here and GMB press release here.

Local Labour Assembly member John Biggs (left) was there in support. Seen in picture on left with Remploy steward (and Newham Labour Councillor) Jose Alexander (2nd from right)

People’s Museum & Gallery of Newham

Coming to Newham for the London Olympics? What to see something a little different for half an hour or so? How about popping into the "Peoples Museum and Gallery of Newham".

Click on link to check out the list of exhibitions, films, "Reminiscence sessions"and guest speaker's on local history and art. Since space is limited they ask you to RSVP if you intend coming.

The opening night is on Wednesday and it is open to the public from 26th July to 22 October 2012.

It has been organised by Eastside Community Heritage and is being held in West Ham Labour Party rooms in Stratford, E15, which is about 10 minutes walk away from Stratford Station. 

4th July? Keir Hardie Day!

"Today, Wednesday 4th July, it is not just the anniversary of the only successful British Revolution (American Declaration of Independence), it is also the 120th anniversary of the election of Keir Hardie, the first ever Independent Labour MP, for West Ham South on this day in 1892.

To mark the anniversary, members of the modern day West Ham Labour Party and Newham TULO are organising a walking commemoration tour around Stratford town centre (Newham - Home of London Olympics 2012).

We will meet 7pm outside the Old Town Hall in the Broadway, Stratford, E15, which was where the 1892 election count took place. It was from its open balcony, overlooking the High Street, that the result was read out to cheering crowds and Hardie made his first speech as a Labour Member of Parliament.

It is hoped that everyone in Newham, regardless of their political affiliations, will join us in celebrating the achievement of an ordinary, decent working man - born into abject poverty - who was still able to be elected as the first genuine independent working class MP. He is an example to us all".

Press release from West Ham CLP. (I was reminded last night at my School Governors meeting that this is also the 120th anniversary of the first ever Black UK MP Dadabhai Naoroji)

A Day in the Life (of Newham Youth)

This is an excellent snapshot of a day in the life of young people in our borough.  Made by members of Newham Youth Council and introduced by film director Danny Boyle. Very professional looking production with sharp observations, some great shots of Newham and a thoughtful twist at the end.

"Effective working across the Labour movement "

(hat tip London Labour Party - members only) Saturday 7 July 10.30am- 4pm, Labour Party Head Office London 

Join us at Labour's new London HQ to learn how local Labour Parties are working with our Trade Union and Socialist Society partners to campaign and organise in new and innovative ways.

We will be joined by Helen Symons, National Campaigns and Communications Officer for the Trade Union and Labour Party Liaison Organisation (TULO) as well as guests from the socialist societies. 

Sign up to:

Find out how to make contact with and buiild relationships with Trade Unions and Socialist Societies in your area

Learn about some great joint campaigns across the country, meet, share ideas and best practice with fellow Labour campaigners 

The training day starts at 10.30am and will finish by 4pm. Lunch will be provided and the cost for the day is £10.

To sign up click here.

(What a good idea to have this training. I hope it goes well.  I would have gone but will be a the UNISON Labour Link Forum at Cardiff that day)

Newham Freedom of the Borough to G Company, 7th Battalion The Rifles

On Saturday morning I went to the London Borough of Newham presentation of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough to G Company, 7th Battalion The Rifles. G Company is our local Territorial Army Unit based in West Ham Park (in my ward).

The event started with the Regimental band "The Waterloo Band and Bugles" playing music in West Ham Recreational Park. Who went on to led the Company to the Old Town Hall in Stratford. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chair of Council and Major General Greg Smith then inspected the Company. This was followed by a march past outside the Town Hall along Stratford High Street. Finishing with a reception inside the Town Hall.

It was a very moving occasion. Soldiers from G Company have put themselves in harm's way in all the major conflicts of recent years. A number have recently served in Afghanistan and more are due to be sent out soon. Whatever you think about our involvement in these conflicts I would hope you would recognise the bravery and self sacrifice of the troops who are carrying out the wishes of our  elected government.

The local link with the Regiment can be traced back to the formation of The Rifle Rangers in 1859. 61 members of The Rifles have been killed in action in the last 5 years and many more wounded.

The Mayor, Sir Robin Wales, made it clear that the Borough was also honouring the families whose loved ones had been away on active duty or had suffered loss.

A special day. It was particularly satisfying to see all sections of Newham's diverse community coming together to respect and cheer their local regiment.

Update: Click on this Youtube video of the event here. You may even recognise someone tapping his fingers to the music (probably out of time)

Campaigns Organiser Newham Labour Group

Campaigns Organiser
Newham Labour Party
Based: London
Salary: £28,987, Fixed Term Contract
A Campaigns Organiser is sought for the London Borough of Newham’s Labour Group.

Based in Newham and reporting directly to the Mayor you need to be an effective communicator with experience of running political campaigns and leading and motivating teams of volunteers. You will contribute to strategic planning using your knowledge of local issues and campaigning techniques.

This role will involve planning campaign events, canvassing sessions and drafting and producing leaflets and other written material based on an agreed campaign plan.

You will be required to support and facilitate the work of the local campaign teams. You will need excellent IT skills and must be prepared to work both evenings and weekends in the run up to elections.

You will also be required to provide political input into the policies and practices of the Council as formulated by the Mayor, Executive and Group.

We are looking for a start date any time from now until October 2012 depending on the right applicant’s availability.

Closing date for applications is 22nd June. Interviews will be held on the afternoon of the 29th June.

For more information or to submit an application contact Robin Wales at newhamlpapplications@gmail.com

(main advert Labour Party website here)

Newham timelapse of the Olympic Park

Excellent youtube video of the changing landscape following the building of the Stratford International Station; Westfields Shopping centre, 2012 Olympic Stadium, Aquatics Centre and Olympic Village.

Abbey Gardens Summer Fair - Saturday 9 June 2-5pm

On Saturday 9 June there will be the Abbey Gardens Summer Fair in  Bakers Row, West Ham, E15 3NF. Abbey Gardens is a fantastic community garden project in West Ham Ward on the site of a 12th Century Abbey.

Israel Palestine 2012

I've been following the blog here of 9 friends who for the past 10 days have been touring Israel and Palestine. Three of them are from Newham. David & Louise Christie and Ellie Robinson.

David and Ellie are fellow first time Newham Labour Councillors. This was a self funded trip and in a strictly personal capacity only.

The blog records their journey and experiences. They have tried I think to be as fair and open minded as humanly possible.

It must have been fascinating. Pictures are from their blog of the Security Wall and Yad Vashem, the Jewish Memorial centre. I recommend you check out the blog.

"A Future that Works" : Building for the TUC London demo 20 October 2012

Picture from this morning's UNISON London Regional Council of Laurie Heselden from SERTUC briefing delegates on the demo.

The TUC are planning a major national demonstration in London on Saturday 20 October. The march will be called "A future that works" and its focus will be to end the austerity polices that have sent the economy back into recession. Laurie helped organise the successful "March in March" and the demonstration on 30 November 2012.

He believes for it to be another success then we need to get even more than the 500,000 people we got in March out on 20 October.

A communications website www.afuturethatworks.org.uk will be up and running before the summer break. An email group has been set up for union organisers and "...of course (we will use) twitter, both in advance and on the day". Laurie made a plea for more stewards to put themselves forward.

I will probably be marching with my branch but I will be working with Newham Labour Group, TULO and trades council to encourage and maximise the Newham Labour Movement family to march together again on 20 October!

As they say - watch this space as there will be lots and lots more on this event to follow.

London Olympics 2012 May site tour

Early on Friday last week I went on a guided coach tour of the London Olympics 2012 site. This is the 3rd tour for Newham Councillors I have been on I think since I was elected in May 2010.

The change in the last 2 years alone has been remarkable. I also use to run/cycle into work and back through the site for many years before that. That change is simple breathtaking. Beforehand the area was an industrial estate dominated by scrap merchants, sweat shops, electric pylons and burnout buildings. There was some decent businesses but the area was known for the number of work related deaths and serious accidents.

It is now like being on a different part of the planet. Click picture to bring up detail.  I'll post some better ones on Facebook later.

This tour saw that the main Olympic stadiums and athletes village is pretty much complete but there is plenty of ongoing work going on to build the temporary buildings and sponsor concessions. 

The more I see of the green spaces, the trees, the flowers, the footpaths and waterways, the more I look forward to the post Olympic Queen Elizabeth Park.

The Legendary One Pound Fish Man

"Muhammad Shahid Nazir works on a fish stall in Queen’s Market, near to the Olympic Stadium.

More than 1m views on the video sharing site show people love his tune, “come on ladies, come on ladies, one pound fish… Have a have a look, one pound fish.”

He is now in talks with a record label and has also auditioned for the up-coming X factor 2012.

“I feel very good and can’t believe everyone is singing the song,” said Mr Nazir. “It’s become famous.

“People want my autograph and they take photographs as well as make videos of me.”

“West Ham football supporters often stop here and tell me they’ve come to hear me sing as well as watch the match.

“Once a head teacher told me that his whole school is singing the one pound fish song.

“I’d been doing the job for just a week before I decided to sing the song which I made up myself. I soon realised it got people’s attention and drew them to the stall to buy fish.”

“My mother prays for me and encourages me to pursue my dream of becoming a singer. Singing has always been my childhood hobby and I want to make a career out of it,” Mr Nazir told BBC.

Hat tip London24

Much Hadham and Henry Moore Foundation Walk

Off message but today I went for a superb 8 mile walk in Hertfordshire. Only 40 minutes from Newham by car. Check out map and description here. Lovely rolling countryside. 2/3rd of the way around you walk through the Henry Moore Foundation Park. I must admit that I don't totally "get" Henry Moore. The sculptures are visually impressive and expertly crafted but really not my cup of tea. The large reclining figure 1984 (see above - double click to bring up detail) I did get.

Newham Planning and Historic Environment Tour

I've been meaning to post on this for a while. Last month I went on a bus tour of Newham Conservation areas and listed buildings with other Councillors.

Newham has 9 conservation areas and 114 listed buildings or groups of buildings. The oldest dating from the 12th Century.

Pictured in the collage include East Ham and Stratford Town Hall, a memorial to victims of the Titanic, the entrance to City of London Cemetery, historic railways stations, the Red House (no known socialist connection except it was once the home of a Mr Tuthill, the manufacturer of early trade union banners!) and the workers memorial statute in Three Mills Green (which isn't currently listed because it is less than 30 years old but I am looking into applying for this status because of the memorial flagstones around it which are)

Highlight of the tour was the Norman St Mary Magdalene Church in East Ham where we had a tour by its vicar (and local Councillor!) and Temple Mills.  Near to Temple Mills was the scene of the famous strike in 1972 (Chobham Farm warehouse) which led to the Pentonville Five trade unionists being imprisoned (including Vic Turner who later became Mayor of Newham).

Many thanks to the officers and local volunteers for organising a superb tour. The serious purpose of which was to make us aware of the rather complex and detailed planning regulations regarding historic buildings and conservation areas.

Out and about for Labour in West Ham

Today I took annual leave from work and campaigned for Ken and Labour in my ward, West Ham. In Newham there were a number of target wards in which we ran full GOTY (Get out the Vote) sessions with polling agents and "knock up" teams. In the rest of the borough we had smaller teams "working their ward" to maximise
turnout.

It was a great day. The rain held off (only a little bit of drizzle now and then - nothing like what we have had in recent weeks). Collage Picture of key West Ham Labour activists John Whitworth, Montrose Matty, Councillor Ron Manley and Freda Bourne (double click to bring up detail). I only heard one negative political comment all day from the hundreds we came in contact with (an attack on Ed Miliband coupled with a tease about "Red Ken").  The majority of "West Ham-mers" were genuinely open and enthusiastic about voting for Ken and Labour (although one person said she would normally vote Labour but she use to be a waitress and she once served him but he didn't give her a tip! I said I am sure that there must have been some sort of a misunderstanding).  The ward is a traditional Labour heartland (as is most of Newham) and the support for the Party amongst all parts of the community is genuinely humbling. Afterwards we went for a beer and a curry in the excellent Manus Palm Grove Restaurant in West Ham Lane.

The London Count does not start until tomorrow morning and the results not expected until late Friday.  I am sure that Labour will do well but turnout is key. Will Tory supporters do what Labour supporters do when they are "unhappy" with a Labour Government and sit on their hands and not vote???