Thames Path Ultra Challenge 2026 · 12 September 2026 to 13 September 2026 · Start fundraising for this event
The London Air Ambulance is a fantastic local resource that does great work flying medical practitioners in to accident scenes and casualties out. Sometimes landing as nearby as our local park. To recognise this, I am hoping to improve on my longest walks to date and complete the ultra demanding 100km Thames Path route, walking through the night - any support welcomed
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"UNISON [name of branch] supports our region's priority to tackle the rise of the far right in Greater London and agrees the importance of having a visible presence in the fight against fascism and racism.
Our branch believes that the Cable Street 90 event to be held 4 October 2026 is an important opportunity to use the battles of the past to bolster the victories of the future.
Promoting the Battle of Cable Street not only reminds people of that important struggle in 1936 but illustrates our ongoing role in fighting against fascism and the politics of hate. Commemorating Cable Street 90 will draw parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930's and the current social and political climate
Give a tangible example of successful community action and create optimism that hope and unity can triumph over division and hate
Promote collective action to prove that the politics of hate will not be tolerated on our streets
In line with our rules, this branch therefore resolves to donate (£??? as much as possible) to the GLATUC Cable Street 90 Appeal fund, contributing to the cost of organising the event to be held in Tower Hamlets on Sunday 4 October 2026.
Debated at a quorate Branch committee [insert date]
INFORMATION:
Sunday 4 October 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street in London’s East End when more than 100,000 people came together to prevent fascist Blackshirts led by Oswald Mosley marching through Whitechapel, Shadwell, and Stepney to intimidate the East End’s Jewish population.
Workers from across England, Scotland and Wales joined Irish, Jewish, English and other local London residents in a display of working people's unity against racism and fascism inspired by the anti-fascists in Spain resisting a fascist military coup. Their slogan was: 'No Pasaran!' ('They Shall not Pass!')
In 2026, Cable Street’s lessons are as vital as ever. When far-right, racists and fascists seek to divide and intimidate our communities, we say:
No to Antisemitism, No to Islamophobia, No to Racism. They did not pass! They shall not pass.
The Cable Street 90 Organising Committee is working with Tower Hamlets Council to put on a fitting event to commemorate and teach the lessons of the brave people who made a stand against fascism in Cable Street 90 years ago. We are organising a public march and rally on Sunday 4 October, which will involve local communities celebrating our unity and diversity against those who try to divide us.
On Sunday, 4 October 2026 a public march and rally will take place. Full details will be released soon:
ASSEMBLE: 12:00PM at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1BJ
MARCH: 1:00PM to St. George in the East, Cable St, London E1 0BH
SPEAKERS – MUSIC – POETRY - CHILDRENS EVENTS.
A brilliant 6.09‑mile circular walk from Maldon out to Northey Island today. Once you leave the busy waterfront it becomes wonderfully quiet — classic big‑skies Essex.
We crossed the tidal causeway to Northey Island (only safe at low tide, closed in winter). OS Maps advises phoning the warden on 01621 853142; Gill and I are NT members but no one was at Northey House when we arrived. Just birds, marsh, and huge views.
The route loops back through the probable site of the 991 Battle of Maldon, where Vikings beat the Saxons. Lots of info boards and bird hides along the way, plus views of the sunken barges featured on BBC Countryfile — part of a new artificial island to help prevent erosion.
Finished with a very welcome pint on Maldon’s waterfront near Gray & Sons (no known relations!).
You spoke, we listened 🗣️👂
Some of you living around the Wanstead Flats area recently told us about issues with anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, litter and general nuisance 🗑️
So, we teamed up with our partners to speak to residents, carry out patrols and gather evidence to identify and charge those responsible ❌
A huge thank you to all involved over the four-day operation 🙏
This is just one of the ways that Mayor Forhad Hussain and Newham Council are taking action to make our streets and places safer and more enjoyable.
www.newham.gov.uk/report
This evening I attended the latest drop‑in Housing Surgery at Stratford Library alongside our Deputy Housing Cabinet Lead, Cllr Tonii Wilson, and local ward councillors.
A wide range of Newham housing teams were present — Housing Liaison Officers, ASB, Allocations, Rents and Service Charges, Repairs, Homelessness, Asset Management and more — all working together to support residents who need help now.
I had some constructive but difficult conversations with residents on the Newham Council waiting list. One family of four with very young children is living in a single room in a shared private rented house, unable to afford anything larger. Their situation is sadly not unique, and it underlines the scale of the challenge we face.
Our Labour Government has already invested many billions into building more affordable homes, but the truth is simple: we need even more national investment if we are to truly solve the housing crisis and give every family the dignity of a secure, decent home.
My thanks to all the Housing and Library staff who supported residents throughout the evening. These surgeries are happening across the borough — please look out for one near you.
"UNISON has launched a campaign to demand that the UK government creates new laws that require employers to protect workers from excessive heat.
The action, as part of the union’s Year of Green Activity, comes as a series of heatwaves this summer has put many workers at risk as they perform their jobs in unsafe conditions.
Joe Donnelly, UNISON head of health and safety, said: “Extreme heat is a growing workplace hazard linked to climate change, and employers must take proactive steps to protect staff.
“Across the UK, guidance is clear that during periods of extreme heat employers must take steps to reduce harm. This includes avoiding work during the hottest parts of the day, reducing physical activity, maintaining hydration, keeping workplaces cool, protecting workers from sun exposure, and taking additional steps to protect those more vulnerable.
“However, there are currently no statutory heat at work thresholds, despite clear and increasing risks to occupational health and safety.”
UNISON has long campaigned for maximum workplace temperatures. The union is now calling for stronger legal protections against excessive heat at work, recognising that heat risk is influenced by factors such as humidity, ventilation, physically demanding work and unsuitable protective clothing – not just temperature.
The campaign is asking members to write to their MPs, calling on their support of UNISON’s demands:
Ministers will be urged to represent these demands to the secretaries of state for business, innovation, science and trade, energy security and net zero, and work and pensions.
A template letter (see link below) notes that safe levels of heat exposure may vary, depending on factors such as the type of work undertaken, the working environment, ventilation, humidity, radiant heat, location and building design.
That’s why UNISON wants the government to development legislation in consultation with trade unions, relevant experts and other key stakeholders – to ensure that any new requirements are practical, effective and capable of being implemented across all workplaces".
2 weeks ago I met up with my former West Ham CLP comrades John Whitworth and John Saunders for a meal and chin wag in Stratford. Both of whom are long standing Labour Party members and former Newham Councillors (and both also have PHDs)
John W is now a member of the new West Ham & Beckton CLP while John S and myself are in the new Stratford and Bow CLP.
It is really good news that the local labour Parties in Newham are being brought back out of special measures. This move is long overdue, but better late than never
"Over the last few months, we've been continuing our work to tackle housing improvements and addressing the housing issues that matter most to residents of Newham. This is just a snapshot of the action that's been taken and we know there is more to do.
If you'd like to stay up to date with our housing work, you can sign up to our housing e-newsletter https://ssl.cmadvantage.co.uk/su782856146/frm9
A belated but sincere thank you to the A&E staff at Newham General for treating me with kindness and respect during a visit two weeks ago. I had managed to injure myself in a particularly foolish way: having a fight with a jammed rod while trying to clear a blocked external kitchen waste pipe… while standing on a ladder. I won the battle with the rod, but promptly lost the war by falling at least six feet off that ladder.
Instead of going straight to A&E like any sensible person, I assumed it was just a painful bang, climbed back up the ladder, and finished the job. Five days later — still in pain — I finally admitted defeat and went to Newham General.
While there was a delay, I was triaged quickly. The nurse was rightly concerned about the fall and arranged for me to see a doctor, who then sent me for an MRI scan (despite their computer system repeatedly locking them out). After the scan, the doctor explained that I had fractured two ribs, damaged some lung tissue, and needed codeine, antibiotics, regular paracetamol, deep breathing exercises, and — crucially — to avoid climbing or falling for the next 6–8 weeks.
And once again, thank you to the A&E team for their care, patience, and professionalism. While there was some delay and confusion. They overall looked after me brilliantly, even when I hadn’t looked after myself.
