"Wanstead Flats at War: An illustrated talk" - Sat 11 May, 5pm

 

Takes Place: 11th May 2024

Time: 4pm

Venue: St Gabriel’s Church, Park Road, Aldersbrook, London E12 5HH

Description: To mark Local and Community History Month the Friends of St Gabriel's invite you to an illustrated talk by Mark Gorman and Peter Williams. The event features the launch of the Aldersbrook and Lake House Heritage Scheme Doors open at 4pm with refreshments available to purchase and the chance to browse history stalls and view the newly catalogued church archive. Talk starts at 5pm

How to book: https://st-gabriels-church.sumupstore.com/product/wanstead-flats-at-war-talk

Price: £5

Email: g.brewis@ucl.ac.uk

Website: https://st-gabriels-church.sumupstore.com/product/wanstead-flats-at-war-talk

Organiser: Friends of St Gabriel's

Lecturer: Mark Gorman and Peter Williams

(Will definitely go if I can. Think photo is back drop of what is now called Jubilee pond)

Wanstead Flats A Short Illustrated History

 

I have finally just got around to ordering myself this book as a late Crimbo present. I have lived opposite Wanstead flats (now part of Epping Forest) for over 30 years and it is an absolute joy. I went for an early run this morning around the flats, while listening to "Today" on Radio 4. My perfect start to the day. 

You can buy this book by local authors Mark Gorman & Peter Williams, from Newham Bookshop https://www.newhambooks.co.uk/request.php?ref=A422&within=home  for £10 (plus £3 postage). 

"Once part of the riverbed of the Thames, in medieval times the Flats became grazing land. Over the last two centuries the Flats has hosted funfairs and football, become a site for political protest and been a key part of London’ anti-aircraft defences in two world wars.

Wanstead Flats: A Short Illustrated History includes a number of never-before-published photos".

Newham Heritage Month 1-30 June

Check out Newham Heritage Month website  and the range of recordings, videos and photos available to download and virtual events to sign up for.

I have just listened to residents reminiscing about VE day; life in post war Newham for a bus conductor from Barbados and waking up find an unexploded German Parachute bomb in your roof.

I have booked so far :-

"Making a home in Silvertown" Wednesday 3 June 12-1pm "A virtual guided walk of Silvertown and Royal Docks by poet and researcher from Birkbeck, University of London, Matt Martin

"Forest Gate - from village to suburb" Saturday 13 June Royal Docks History Club presents a live talk by local historians Peter Williams and Mark Gorman on the history of Forest Gate. This event is part of London Festival of Architecture 2020

"My story of researching BAME Seafarers"  Friday 26 June 3pm-4pm A live conversation between Asif Shakoor & Georgie Wemyss, co- director of the Centre for research on Migration, Refugees & Belonging (UEL)

Today the site features the Shpresa Programme (the ‘Hope Programme’ in English), which is an  organisation that supports the Albanian-speaking community in Newham. Some great folk singing and dancing as well as some tasty recipes. 

FAIRS, FILMS AND MUSICAL DOGS - LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT IN FOREST GATE ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO

I really regret that I cannot attend this presentation due to meeting clash but look forward to someone posting an account on it.

The now long gone Wanstead Flats bandstand is only 250m from my home. It would have been great to go and listen to live music every Sunday.