
Windrush celebration

Newham is recognising the 75th anniversary of Windrush with a series of free community events, including art exhibitions, talks, workshops, entertainment and Professor Dr Shirley J. Thompson OBE, opera Women of the Windrush.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz attended the launch event at Stratford Old Town Hall on Windrush Day, 22 June, which included a talk and Windrush Journeys: A black and white photographic exhibition of the Windrush community and their journey to the UK.
The launch also featured a preview of Home: Remembering the Windrush Generation exhibition, curated by author Tony Fairweather. The exhibition gives an insight into the nostalgic recreation of a Caribbean family’s front room. It takes place at Stratford Town Hall from 1-12 August. Windrush events continue throughout the summer. See www.newhamwindrushday.org
BiBi Crew honoured with Newham Heritage plaque

One of the main Windrush anniversary events was the unveiling of a Newham Heritage Blue Plaque for The BiBi Crew at Theatre Royal Stratford East as part of the Windrush anniversary celebrations.
Original members Joanne Campbell, Judith Jacob, Janet Kay MBE, Suzette Llewellyn, Josephine Melville, Beverley Michaels and Suzanne Packer, devised and directed their own productions at the theatre from 1991-1995.
Sadly Josephine Melville, from Forest Gate, a dancer, actress, writer, director and producer with the Bibi Crew passed away unexpectedly in October 2022.
During her acceptance speech Suzanne Packer said, “I am so honoured really and very emotional. I feel privileged and full of gratitude.”
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz was joined by Cllrs Terry Paul, Sabia Kamali, and Joshua Garfield along with the families of the BiBi Crew, Theatre Royal Stratford East team and some local residents.
Philip Headley, Artistic Director of theatre from 1979 to 2004, gave an impromptu speech during the unveiling ceremony. He recalled giving the BiBi Crew the opportunity to devise and produce their own productions at the theatre.
For my own part, as the Creative Director for this event, I’m proud that the BiBi Crew have received their own Newham Heritage blue plaque. Just to see how much it means to the BiBi Crew and their families makes me feel very happy.
Lee McQueen film and legacy

As the Creative Director for the McQueen Newham Heritage Month projects I was also given an opportunity in June to acknowledge the legacy of British fashion designer Lee with a film screening event and plaque unveiling ceremony for Newham Heritage Month.
The Mayor joined the screening of McQueen – a personal look at the life, career and artistry of McQueen CBE at Stratford Town Hall. He grew up in Newham and attended Carpenters Primary School, Rokeby School and Newham College. McQueen was also mentored by Yvonne Humble, founder of Rosetta Arts. Ian Bonhôte, the film’s director and producer, gave an insightful and intriguing account of how the film was made. He said, “Lee McQueen’s legacy can still be felt to this day and it was one of the greatest honour of my career to make a documentary about his life.”
The Fashion and Art Creatives Exhibition paying homage to McQueen’s rise from Carpenters Estate to worldwide recognition, is showing from Friday 30 June – Friday 7 July, on the estate at The Dovetail, 22 Doran Walk. For more info email carpenters@populoliving.co.uk or connect at www.instagram.com/mcqueenfilm
Memorial for Sophie

April saw the unveiling of a planter in Forest Gate Community Garden in memory of Sophie Rigg. As Co-ordinator for six years she transformed the space, as well as sharing her ideas and enthusiasm with everyone she met. Made by volunteers mainly from recycled materials, the planter contains herbs for people to help themselves. Her spirit lives on in her memorial.
The summer season continues in the Garden with ever popular plant sales on July 1 and 27 with a welcome e summer event on 15 July. For full details, follow on Facebook. The Garden is also available for private hire and interested volunteers can drop in on Fridays from 10am to 5pm, Saturdays 10am to 3pm or Sundays 10am to 12pm. Contact us at info@fgcommunitygarden.org
… and finally, Colours of Forest Gate
Colours of Forest Gate is a series of mural installations coming to Forest Gate that will highlight the history and identity of the area. The project will create opportunities for residents and the wider communities to co-design and actively take part.
I am collaborating with Bud Studio on the mural that will feature the musicians who performed at the Upper Cut Club. The mural will be placed above the Jimi Hendrix, Purple Haze Newham Heritage plaque arranged for Newham Heritage Month 2021.
The other mural project locations include Wanstead Park Station Bridge and Woodgrange Road.
The mural designs will be discussed at in-person workshops, drop-in sessions and online discussions with local people. There will be a public consultation on final designs.
Bud Studio’s art making workshop 2 will focus on what Forest Gate means to me with a discussion about the area’s cultural history and how to champion the area through artwork. Participants will be supported by professional artists to design and develop their own artwork. The outcome of this workshop will form the base themes and aesthetics for the artist brief.
Thursday 13 July, 6pm-7.30pm, The Gate Library, Woodgrange Rd, E7 0QH.
For more information visit newhamco-create.co.uk/en/projects/colours-of-forestgate

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