MyNewham

How long have you been connected to Newham?

I was raised in Newham, originally born in Mile End but moved to Plaistow at the age of one. I have lived in Newham for all but four years of my life (three years in Essex 20162019) I have also always worked in the Borough.

What’s your favourite Newham moment? Meeting French footballer Zenadine Zidane at The Olympic Park when the Champions League Final was being held in London. The fact that not only does Newham have such an amazing open space like the Olympic Park, but someone of such prestige to be in the Borough was amazing to me.

Most inspirational Newham person?

Jermain Defoe and Kano. To have reached the heights in their respective professions, having come from an area often spoken down on shows everyone that you can achieve anything, regardless of where you are from.

Favourite place to eat in Newham?

I wanted to name a place that is not a corporate giant in the food industry, itime objects that dockers would have worked with.

Set in the pavement ahead of the memorial is a plaque that reads:

“Dockhands by Paula Haughty 1995”.

The area is currently undergoing more improvements and residents recently voted for an extensive redevelopment plan but the Dockhands monument ensures that the past lives on. Q