an evening of miscellany

Our little local history group pulled no punches with the quiz they prepared for us after delving into the archives at Bishopsgate Institute.  It was a tough one, but with so much to learn about the East End. So thanks are due to Carolyn, Annie, Heather and local polymath and writer Linda Wilkinson who did the research, and to Afia Begum at the Institute who so ably facilitated the project. Well done, Barbara, Natasha and Rachel who were the top team. And thanks to those who brought along photos for us to see - I loved Karen's photos of her uncle's 60's wedding in Leyton.  If you could not get along on Tuesday, I have a few more copies of the quiz - with answers - tucked away for you.

We managed to fit a lot more in...   Lindsay Burns from Kid's Company told us about the wide range of work they undertake with and for troubled youngsters, including the project to support social enterprises set up by young people who have benefitted from the support of the charity. If you are interested in volunteering, check here. And if you know of a local organisation that might be interested in hearing about the project, let us know and we'll pass the information on.

At the end of the evening when things had quietened down, Martha from Shoreditch Sisters intereviewed me and Clare about East End WI. We may have been a bit gaga by that time, although Clare was very composed and sat there doing her knitting. You can tell for yourself if you listen in to Longwave Ladies radio shortly.

I'll be off next week to Tower Hamlets Foodbank with the toiletries that you donated. As ever, many thanks for your generosity. And if you missed out this time, we'll still be taking donations next month too. More of which shortly...

Enjoy Apple Day this weekend. Natasha and Elizabeth will be going along to the Friends of City Gardens Apple Day event on Saturday, 11.30am - 3pm, at Golden Lane Community Hall with a few cakes. If you're staying at home, you could always try baking a cake of your own to celebrate the days when there were orchards in Stepney Green...