"Out of Sight, Out of Mind - Abuse, Neglect and Fire in a London Children's Workhouse, 1854-1907" By John Walker

I was really pleased to be invited to the launch later this month of a new book by local Forest Gate historian, John Walker. Check out @e7_nowandthen

This will take place at https://www.newhambooks.co.uk/ where you can also order the book (Pub 26 Aug 2021 ISBN 978-1-7399142-0-2. £12.99 from all good bookstores).

One of the very last history events I attended before the first lockdown in 2020 was a talk followed by a guided walk led by John at the site of the Forest Gate Childrens workhouse. 

On New Year's Day this year, myself and my fellow ward Councillor, John Whitworth laid a wreath in remembrance of the 26 young boys killed in the fire at the workhouse in 1890. 

(I also by coincidence know John's son, FT journalist, Owen Walker via the pensions world and must get around to write up an appreciation of his excellent book on the Neil Woodford scandal which was also published this year). 

World Book Day: "Built on a Lie" by Owen Walker

 

Today is "World Book Day" and I have started reading this dissection of the fund manager, Neil Woodford, who was once lorded as "Man who made Middle England Rich". His investment funds then went spectacularly bust, while he has apparently retained a massive personal fortune. 

I have always been skeptical  of "superstar" fund managers and much prefer to invest into a fund managed by seemingly well rounded and emotionally intelligent team.  I haven't always made that wise choice. 

Local Forest Gater FT Journalist, Owen Walker, is the author, who I first met as a fellow employee nominated pension trustee. 

I pre-ordered book via https://www.newhambooks.co.uk/