 "New Deal" (New Docklands Environment And Leisure) was founded In 1980 by Ian Sharpe in response to growing public concern about the environment, as the chair of 'Wapping Recycling Group' he had got the Local Authority to install their first recycling units and bottle banks. The 'New Deal' group joined the 'Docklands Forum', then East London's leading Community Umbrella group, to campaign for green issues and save important local heritage sites from being overun by developers bulldozers. After the 'London Docklands Development Corporation' came to an end, Reg Ward, its chief executive, formed the 'Island Gardens Associates' to try and stimulate tourism and encourage ethical investors to Docklands, Mike Fisher was elected Chair and he was joined by Terry Walker then editor of an excellent Monthly Magazine called 'Docklands Digest', we were invited to join them because of our record on the environment and our knowledge of local heritage, an exciting proposal for a 'Waterscape City' was put to Borough Leaders at the time but failed to materialize. In 1995, Lt.Com Len Crickmar, a time served Waterman, invited Ian Sharpe and John Bauer to help him launch a new project called the Pensioner's Boat Project'. 'New Deal' helped John Aldenton's 'Environment Trust' in a successful campaign for the unique 'Mile End Green Bridge'. They were part of Marianne Frederick's successful campaign for a 'Civilians Remembered' WW2 Memorial in Wapping Lest We Forget In 1996 'New Deal' was renamed to the 'Lea Heritage Group' to avoid any confusion with 'new labour's' 'new deal' launch, their 10 year community campaign to save the First Settler's Memorial was successful when the developer agreed to restore this historic site. The 'LEA Heritage Group' has followed principals laid down in "Agenda 21", we encourage more research into local history, an example is the work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. By helping to preserve and protect local heritage sites, we help to stimulate ethical investment and a healthy tourist economy. The innovative ideastore has become a great community asset. we will continue to campaign for better educational facilities and more investment in our Public libraries. East London, in War and in Peace, has experienced a remarkable history, from 1939-1945 its people bravely withstood Hitler's devastating blitz on their City, while in peacetime East London's diversity has been a vital ingredient in helping to win the 2012 Olympic bid, this part of London helps to stimulate the whole economy and provide a sustainable future and new jobs even during a world-wide recession. The Olympic Games will require investment not cuts, especially in the dissemination of better educational material for Schools, visitors, as well as the general public, knowledge can help them learn about the remarkable historic achievements of East London and all its peoples. Our experience has shown that ordinary people can become extraordinary people when they work together for the common good, voluntary work helps to bring out the very best in people and helps to revitalise social, economic and environmental structures for all communities. In 2012 the Olympic Games can help to provide a sustainable future for East London and its peoples, the simple message that all decision makers should take on-board is that East London, with its remarkable history and diversity, is a huge economic assett for the whole Country. Those struggling with recession may indeed find that this part of London is the wise choice for ethical investment, not only helping to guarantee sustainable development for the future but restoring deprived areas and Communities to profitability. Because of historic events like 'Brunel200', 'Jamestown 2007', and the 2012 Olympic games Tourism from abroad is growing, helping to contribute to a buoyant economy and sustainable future, not only for East London and all its people, but for the rest of the Country too. 'LEA Heritage' is a not-for-profit voluntary community group, all and any contributions supporting their devoted community work are most welcome, if you have any comments or need further information please contact us below:
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