Page 5

East_End_Life_06Apr2015

Hundreds of homes refurbished Between 2009 and the end of 2013, more than £220 million has been spent on the Ocean Estate with more than 1,200 council homes refurbished and new community facilities provided. see story below It’s free to tea The council is holding a tea dance on St George’s Day – admission is free but tickets must be booked in advance. details below News New phase under way in Ocean regeneration BY SAM GOUGH WORK has begun on the next phase of the Ocean Estate regeneration. This will see the demolition of three poorly designed blocks on the estate, which will be replaced by 225 new homes for affordable rent and shared ownership. The demolition of Allonby, Channel and Studland Houses, is part of an ambitious project to transform the Stepney estate. The new homes will be built by East Thames Housing Association and 54 per cent will be affordable housing – 92 for affordable rent and 29 for shared ownership. This next phase will see approximately £13 million invested in the Ocean, including £3.9 million from the Greater London Authority. Between 2009 and the end of 2013, more than £220 million has been spent on the estate, with more than 1,200 existing council homes refurbished. So far, more than 800 new homes have been built and new community facilities have also been provided, including a community centre offering an extensive GP service, housing services, and space for community groups. Aman Dalvi, director for development and renewal at the council, said: “It’s a new, inclusive community that has AFTER a week of wind and rain, the sun came out just in time for the Easter hat parade at Cubitt Town Infants School on the Isle of Dogs. Children made Easter hats at home with their parents and then proudly paraded them around the playground. Following the parade, parents were invited back to the classrooms for refreshments made by the children. Make merry on St George’s Day Scholar publishes second Bible translation delivered, and will continue to deliver, positive change to people. “It is a brilliant example of how to ensure the community is involved in the changes going on around them.” A SERIES of free special events have been lined up to celebrate St George’s Day. The festivities will begin on the day itself, Thursday, April 23, when the council invites older residents to a tea dance at the Art Pavilion in Mile End Park. There will be live music from The Sunshine Kings who will play a selection of jazz, swing, traditional and vintage favourites. A dance leader will be on hand to help the afternoon go with a swing by stepping out in style and encouraging residents on to the dance floor. Light refreshments will also be provided at the dance, which runs from 2-4.30pm. Admission is free, but it is essential to book in advance from this Tuesday, April 7 – call 7364 7924 from 9.30am-1pm or email festivalsandevents@tower hamlets.gov.uk On Saturday, April 25 the council and the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green will host a traditional day of merriment to pay homage to England’s patron saint. The museum in Cambridge Heath Road will be staging old-fashioned games and entertainment between 11.30am and 4.30pm. No booking is necessary, just turn up on the day. For more details call 7364 7907. A SCHOLAR of South Asian languages who produced the first ever translation of the Bible in Sylheti, using Bangla script, has now published an edition in Sylhet’s historic Nagri script. James Lloyd-Williams, who has lived in Tower Hamlets for more than 40 years, saw the new edition published in time for Easter. And last week he took it to a reception marking the 44th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh where he was introduced to the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Mohammed Abdul Hannan, and his senior staff. Study groups for those wanting to learn the Sylheti Nagri script have been started at Shantir Boi (charity bookshop and library), 49 Fashion Street, off Brick Lane, and Books for Life, 305 Cambridge Heath Road, E2. For more details visit http://shantirboi.org or email james_lloyd-williams@kastanet.org 6 – 12 APRIL 2015 N E W S F R OM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 5


East_End_Life_06Apr2015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above