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New Docklands Environment And Leisure

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 Introduction 
 
In 1983 a concerned group of Citizens in East London came together to form a green pressure group called 'Wapping recycling Group', their aims and objectives were to improve the local environment, to 'act locally but think globally', the 'green' campaigners were soon to convince our local Authority to introduce recycling units Borough wide and reduce litter, but by 1987 it was realized that a wider range of activities would be needed to get our local Authority to respond to growing community concerns about the environment.

The massive re-construction of Docklands went ahead taking little account of local sensitivities, some significant local history was being bulldozed, including 'Public Rights of Way' and Walkways, access to historic stairs to the Thames was disappearing behind the new luxury developments.

Local people felt a desperate need to do something about this and other environment issues, a number of volunteers came together in 1983 led by Ian Sharpe, they set up 'Wapping Recycling Group', a first for the the Borough, they joined with 'Docklands Forum', then recognised as the leading Community umbrella organization for East London. (now known as known as the London Thames Gateway Forum).

In 1992, after almost ten years of campaigning for a better environment, History was made when 'Wapping Recycling group' in conjunction with 'Wapping Neighbourhood' laid the first green plaque in Boroughwide to 'Environmental Action Day' for Schools, (later this was to become 'environmental action week for Schools'). A quiet green area had been saved from developers.

In 1993 the newly formed 'LEA Heritage Group' took over the green mantle to include local heritage sites which were in danger of being lost to development, their first campaign was to save the 'first settlers site' from the bulldozers. Their work came to the attention of a number of important organisations at home and abroad.

The original first settlers Memorial had been moved several times, the current location was Leamouth, Blackwall. This important monument had been vandalised and the Leamouth site was earmarked for a Barratts residential housing development. the 'Lea Heritage Group' hastily convened a meeting with the Director of Barratts informing him of the significant history of the site and 'First Settlers Monument', also invited were Virginia's leading team of Archaeologists, the APVA

All met in late 1997 to find the first settlers monument had been stripped of its original 'mermaid' figure and plaque, it was sad to find such an important historic Monument vandalised, the Director of Barratt Developers realised his responsibility and responded promptly by taking immediate action to restore the historic first settlers monument, Barratts named the site 'Virginia Quay' and On September 23rd 1999, America's Ambassador, the Hon Philip Lader, attended a special dedication ceremony unveiling a newly restored First Settlers Monument at Leamouth in East London.

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 About Blackwall 
 
Throughout history, the strategic placement of Blackwall had made it the main embarkation and arrival point for Ships, England's most illustrious sea Captains had embarked from Blackwall stairs on their epic voyages of discovery, here had stepped Drake, John Smith, Nelson, Cook, Frobisher, and many other famous names. Blackwall was the main point for emigrants and immigrants until 1932 when the Station leading to the Pier head closed.

The Lea Heritage Group has since campaigned to get Local Authorities, Investors, Developers, and other interested parties to invest in Public access to the historic sites at Blackwall and to improve River access etc. we have encouraged local Authorities to disseminate more educational literature about this Borough's remarkable history and diversity, and hope they will address the long neglect of Thames access and Blackwall Stairs where this Country's most illustrious Seamen embarked on their historic voyages of discovery around the World.

Blackwall Stairs and its surrounding area required a determined regeneration effort to create the necessary enhancements that would help to bring new jobs and local employment for the Lower Lea area and its surrounds, these important historic assetts could help create a sustainable future and needed to be addressed for the benefit of all, both visitor and general Public alike. The Long established legal rights of way to the River combined with safe Public access can be restored as part of an integrated public transport System to include cross river ferry services to Greenwich.

Local people, with local knowledge and expertise continue to volunteer their time, effort, and expense to campaign for local issues, significant successes have been achieved against all the odds, people share a common concern for the environment and the preservation of local history, they want to provide education facilities for all. Without the valiant efforts of these caring people in our local communities, important heritage sites in London's Docklands would have been lost forever to the excesses of development, we owe them our deepest gratitude and respect, their remarkable achievements and efforts are helping to build a sustainable future. .

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 About Us 

OUR HISTORY (with links added)

GREEN EDUCATION
We first worked with our local councillors in Wapping Neighbourhood to launch an annual 'environment action Day' for local schools, this event eventually became a Borough-wide annual 'environment action week' involving all Schools in Tower Hamlets, The first green plaque 'to 'environmental action Day' was laid by us in Wapping in 1992, it represented the first green action in the Borough.

THE SEEDLING PROJECT
We also helped the biggest inner City Farm in Europe, Mudchute Farm , Isle of Dogs, to win a 'British Telecom' award of £23000, and named the project 'The seedling project', It provided a green education centre where local School Children could learn about the living Environment and take part in Farm projects learning about planting, growing, and harvesting.

THE PENSIONERS BOAT - "One of their happiest days":
In 1995, on behalf London's Pensioners, ex-Servicemen and Women, Lt.Com. Len Crickmar R.N. a time-served Waterman supported by Ian Sharpe and John Bauer launched their 'Pensioner's Boat Project', they were aware that a large majority of elderly and retired people enjoyed river trips, and they were to prove this beyond doubt when, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ending of WW2, the heroic little Dunkirk vessel, 'Kingwood' was hired to give more than 400 London Pensioners what was described as one of their happiest Days in years.

Yet a joint application to the lottery with plans for 'City Cruises' to build a permanent state of the art boat for London's 3/4 Million Pensioners and supported by the overwhelming majority of London Borough Leaders, and including the Corporation of London as a partner, was sadly turned down by the Commission, the project being described, surprisingly, as 'indistinct', could one imagine a more distinct feature than a a Pensioners Boat on the Thames?

The small Boat Project Committee under Len Crickmar worked tirelessly to organise the project and raise money from leading Trusts, businesses and local Authorities, the donors included 'News International' and Richard Branson's 'Virgin' who sent the Project several crates of his own special branded Vodka, which was very much appreciated by the Pensioners during their trip. A great Day to remember.

STILL A DREAM BOAT
Pensioners appealed to Richard Branson to consider their proposal for a permanent state of the art 'Virgin' Boat to be moored on the Isle of Dogs preferably near Masthouse Terrace, it wouldn't need to move at all, therefore being environmentaly friendly, what's more, being in the heart of Olympic East London it would be a prominent focus for the whole of London many visitors could enjoy Virgin's facilities 24/7. But a state of the Art boat could offer various groups Club facilities aboard, e.g. A 'Pensioners Boat Club', a disabled Club, a Music Club, etc. a Club fee could include a boarding pass providing the security and income before people board. The Virgin boat would, no doubt, be a great 24/7 attraction for all London and its many visitors, bound to do great business.

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 Dedication 
 
CREDIT WHERE ITS DUE:
Docklands Forum East London's leading Community umbrella Organisation, is now called "London Thames Gateway Forum", not to be confused with the Thames Gateway London Partnership. headed by Eric Sorenson of LDDC fame,. it has a large number of participating member community groups who contribute a wide range of experience and ideas to benefit local Communities along the Thames, Monthly meetings, often with MPs and other dignitaries attending, discuss a wide range of issues affecting local people, These regular meetings can be very productive, helping to influence important decisions taken by local Authorities, Planners, Developers, and Government, and therefore contributing to local regeneration.

Local participating Community Groups are represented by informed and dedicated people elected in their communities on a voluntary basis, they give up their own time to work together with others to, help improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, works or plays in London and the Thames Region. Community volunteers are caring people who merit our deepest gratitude and support, their unselfish dedication and commitment, added to local knowledge and expertise, is contributing to the regeneration of long deprived areas of East London and the Thames Gateway.

We therefore dedicate this web site to the sterling work of voluntary groups World-wide and hope it will help to inform others of the diverse daily challenges faced by ordinary people who live, work and play in our big Cities, theirs is a tale of extraordinary efforts to preserve and enhance local environment and the quality of life for all. Not all voluntary efforts succeed in getting Politicians to refrain from making poor decisions, but those that do enhance the environment and help to regenerate our neighbourhoods creating a better future for all. This site can be viewed by anyone with access to the internet so please take time to enjoy its many interesting links.

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 Regeneration 
 
A HUGE SUCCESS
In the 80s, the London Docklands Development Corporation was set up under Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Government to re-develop Docklands, Bob Mellish, an ex Labour MP from Rotherhithe, was appointed its Head accompanied by Reg Ward, who produced the vision for Docklands, within 8 remarkable years, they had transformed a barren wasteland into a massive commercial infrastructure which has since proved to be a huge economic success.

FOCUS FOR INVESTORS
Despite the credit crunch, Docklands is still a focus for new City Businesses with Canary Wharf dominating the skyline at its heart. the big names that moved to Docklands have helped to create many jobs and wealth.

WHAT NOW?

VISITORS
With the coming Olympic Games, forward looking investors still realise that there are economic gains to be made by putting money into London Dockland's, they know that Blackwall, Greenwich and the Tower of London still have the highest tourist appeal in the Country, despite recession, imaginative investment is now preparing for the Olympic Games in 2012, helping to create visitor friendly facilities that will provide ethical development in the Thames region consistent with 'Agenda 21'.

TRADITION:
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets , once a great International trading Port, still attracts visitors from around the World, the cultural diversity of this City encourages trade from many distant parts, the weary traveller will find that East London still has a traditional welcome of friendship to extend to visitors.

LONDON IS THE MILLENNIUM CITY 2000:
TheTower of London remains one of the greatest attractions on Earth, but there is also an abundance of other important historic sites, monuments, and buildings which will attract many visitors. Unfortunately, the neglect of local heritage sites has not helped. We trust that the National Lottery good causes will not forget East London now that we have won the Olympic Games bid.

This Borough has trading links with a Commonwealth of Nations around the Globe, it is an economic assett yet to be fully realised.

TRADE GALORE, BUT....:
One of the big attractions of visiting East London is its unique diversity of small trades and industry, nevertheless the increasing scourge of London traffic pollution impinging on the pedestrian shopper needs to be tackled as it prevents many visitors from fully enjoying their shopping experience, it is surely about time that the pedestrian shopper's importance to the local economy was recognised and duly given priority over the vehicle.

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 Environment 
 
GOING GREEN:
In recent years concern has grown about the levels of pollution from road traffic and its affect on Public Health in our Cities, yet local Authorities and Governments are still failing to address this problem despite promises made at Kyoto, etc. There is still no integrated Public Transport System worthy of this great City, it means that more people daily take to their cars, and more traffic lights and road humps are created to calm the extra traffic, thus more pollution occurs at snarl-ups causing the, already dangerous levels of toxins and hydrocarbons, to rise. Local Communities are working tirelessly to reverse these destructive effects on our environment, Our great City needs to be a place where people can enjoy traffic-free shopping, breath purer air, and safely access historic sites, monuments, walkways, canals, and the river, without being exposed to traffic, pollution, noise and dust.

It is vital that Cities are made visitor friendly, able to provide ample green open space, top priorities must be enhanced air quality, improved local facilities and environment for visitors, more cycling lanes, etc. In busy City centres, extra benches and seating and more greenery and trees are needed, not only in local Parks, but along Highways and Byways, it all helps to consume C02 emissions, reduce the carbon footprint and replenish oxygen levels by providing 'breathing lungs' for local communities and visitors.

Local Authorities must ensure that shoppers and tourists are allowed easy traffic free access to our famous Street Markets like Brick Lane, Petticoat Lane, Roman Road, etc. Tower Hamlets diverse communities can play a leading role in helping to generate wealth and sustainability. but Local Authorities need to improve inner-city shopping precincts and provide more green open spaces for a sustainable future.

Reducing London's pollution from traffic will help to reduce our carbon footprint in keeping with Britain's Agenda 21' promises on climate change. London deserves facilities worthy of this World class City, especially now that it is hosting the 2012 Olympics.



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 Thanks 
 
Thanks to every one who has helped us to improve our web site, we always listen to sound advice

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