The Beckton masterplan will include improvements to a pavilion named for a pioneering trades unionist, reports Peter Landman
Newham Council Cabinet has agreed the go-ahead for the first phase of the Beckton Masterplan development including improvements to the Will Thorne Pavillion, which highlights the heroic life of a pioneering trades unionist and fighter for workers’ rights.
Currently, the Pavilion is a single-storey building largely closed to the public. Now there will be changes to provide a café, events space, accessible public toilets and sports changing facilities.
The pavilion itself was first constructed to commemorate the life of Thorne, a former West Ham Borough Councillor and Mayor (1917-8). Thorne, born into grinding poverty and illiterate, moved to London in 1882 and was eventually taught to read by social activist Eleanor Marx, daughter of Karl Marx. In 1889 he founded the Gasworkers’ Union on the site where Canning Town Library now sits.
The union started as Britain’s first successful general union with only 800 members and now is the UK’s third largest with over 500,000 members; representing people across manufacturing, commercial and public services. In November 2022, Newham Council also approved the mounting of a roundel plaque on the side of Canning Town Library to commemorate the birthplace of GMB.
Thorne later became the Labour MP for Plaistow, being first elected in 1918 with a record 95 percent of the vote. His parliamentary career ended in 1945, when he retired aged 87.
Warren Kenny, GMB London Regional Secretary said: “Our union would not be here today if it was not for Will Thorne and those brave members who joined him in creating GMB”.
No news is bad news
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.
Enjoying Newham Voices? You can help support our not-for-profit newspaper and website from £5 per month.