Earlier this year I focussed a column on the need for a local history museum in Newham - something the borough has not had since the Passmore Edwards Museum at Stratford, which was closed by the council in 1994.

Various artefacts and exhibits along with new artefacts unearthed in various archaeological digs are now thankfully archived and stored in Stratford.

I am pleased to confirm that a good number of residents and community organisations have confirmed they share my concerns and very happy to add their support to the growing campaign - A Museum for Newham.

To this end, I have organised an open half day event on Thursday, November 19, 1pm to 4pm to consider how everyone can work together to establish a new interactive facility enabling future generations to access and learn from the boroughs rich heritage in the future.

If you would like to attend the event or to be kept informed on the campaign - A Museum for Newham generally, please email your contact details to kjenservices@hotmail.com.

Elsewhere in today’s paper, what I believe to be another Newham initiative that we all should be very proud of - The Newham Recorder and Community Links Christmas Toy Appeal has launched.

It’s the annual chance for all those in Newham who can afford to help bring Christmas joy to children in families who cannot afford to provide toys for their children due to their personal circumstances, and this is exactly what the Newham community has done every year for more than 35 years now.

Once again, this year as we face an unprecedented level of need, I respectably ask everyone who can help to please do so again - together local businesses, schools, churches, clubs, agencies, the council and residents can once again make that difference for our most disadvantaged, at risk and vulnerable children. Thank you. More from Kevin