Newham Councillors at Debden House - Now and then: 1949 and 2019

On Friday we had a Cabinet training day at the Newham Council owned Debden House Conference, Education and Camping centre in Epping Forest.

This is the first time I have been at the centre and I was amazed at the facilities and that there is such a beautiful 50 acres campsite that Newham residents can use at reduced rates.

On the venue website there was a picture of Newham (East Ham) Councillors standing outside the main building in I think 1949.

70 years later, modern day Newham Councillors were here and I think you would agree we are quite different but still East Londoners.

(I would point out that our training event on Friday was informal but the picture from 1949 was probably of a more formal occasion).

Jack Hart Funeral Possession outside Newham Town Hall.

Picture above is from outside Newham Town Hall this lunch time. There was a traditional East End send off to former Council leader, Jack Hart (born 1913-2010). Jack was a Labour Councillor from 1935-1985 who held pretty much all the major positions in first East Ham then Newham Council. I first heard of his death at a Labour Party event last month when it was announced by East Ham MP Stephen Timms. I never had the privilege of meeting him but many people I have met were personally touched at news of his death. Jack was of course a trade unionist and had been a member of the Labour Party since 1928. During the Second World War he served his country in the Royal Air Force.

The funeral possession stopped outside the Town Hall as a mark of respect. Somewhat aptly inside the foyer of Newham Town Hall today only some 50m away from Jack’s coffin there are details posted of all the present day ward and Mayor candidates standing for next month’s Council elections (including myself and 60 other Labour candidates).

Passing on his baton to all of us...