The growing numbers of local residents either increasing their awareness of and/or their direct involvement in Newham’s long and rich heritage, is welcome and greatly encouraging for all those, like myself, who believe that understanding our past helps us to understand today and improve the future for all.

Over the past three years the number of social media sites dedicated to various aspects of Newham heritage have increased to 20 or more, new heritage clubs and groups have been initiated, the Recorder have consistently carried heritage related feature articles and Newham’s third Heritage Week is scheduled to run from Thursday, November 8 to Sunday, November 18.

Newham’s third Heritage Week includes contributions from local heritage groups, organisations and historians coordinated by Newham Council, celebrating Newham’s rich heritage through education, tours, films, walks, talks, childrens activities, open houses and more. The full programme is available at newham.gov.uk/heritageweek or a copy can be picked up from any of Newham’s libraries.

This year Heritage Week particularly celebrates the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and the 100th anniversary of the suffragette movement with many events throughout the week highlighting Newham’s connection and contribution to both.

There really is something for everyone throughout the week and I urge everyone to try and get along to at least one event.

Also celebrating it’s third anniversary is Heritage Newham – people, places, progress – an umbrella for all interested in and committed to raising the awareness of Newham’s heritage. The group’s ultimate aim is to see the establishment of a year round interactive and participative Newham heritage project.

Further details about our work and how to become involved are available at kjenservices@hotmail.com.

The recent impromptu and successful campaign to preserve the heritage value of the old Canning Town Library is very welcome and a credit to all involved.

It will hopefully be remembered in future Newham Heritage Weeks as the point when Newham made it clear to all developers that the preservation of our heritage is as equally important as building our future.

Please enjoy, but more importantly, get involved in Newham Heritage Week – it is your heritage.