Royal Docks Stories
Encouraging discovery and sharing of oral stories!
'The Royal Docks Stories’ funded by The Royal Docks Trust, aims to uncover interesting people, stories and experiences about the Royal Docks area.
This project carried out research and oral interviews with Royal Docks residents and representatives, some of whom, shared their experiences and stories in an inter-generational encounter with young people from Winsor Primary and Ellen Wilkinson Primary. Materials gathered from the research were used by IROKO with the participating young people from both schools to create a musical theatre piece incorporating drama, storytelling, music and dance. On two dates in February, the schoolchildren and a selection of interviewees performed their show ‘Royal Docks Stories’ for the local community. There was also an exhibition of some of IROKO’s research findings alongside the pupils’ poems.
Feel free to take a look at our Research Videos to hear some our interviewees' Royal Docks Stories.
We have also compiled a short Royal Docks Stories Quiz based on our research findings. All the answers can be found in our PDF Resource Pack.
Credits
We have been very fortunate to secure the support of key organisations and individuals on this project. We would especially like to thank the following for their support, advice and encouragement:
- Antony Angol, London City Airport
- Liam McKay, London City Airport
- Harry Holmes, London Borough of Newham Council
- Jackie Lehane, London Borough of Newham Council
- Kris Krishnarajah, London Borough of Newham Council
- Nandita Saha, Beckton Community Centre
- Lee Faires, Royal Docks Community School
- Martin Pinder, Newham Partnership for Complementary Education
- Michala Alyward, Royal Docks Community School
- Sovra Newman, The Food of Love
- Newham Recorder Newspapers
- Newham Super Choir
- Crossrail Limited
- Docklands Light Railway Limited
- Roy Pratt MBE, Imps Motorcycle Team
- SS Robin Trust
It was a genuine pleasure working alongside the staff from both schools. They went to great efforts to accomodate us and sort through the various logistical considerations involved. We'd like to give a special mention to:
-
Carol Farwell, Head Teacher, WPS
-
Martin Noutch, Creative Coordinator, WPS
- Janice Owen-Adamasun, Assistant Head Teacher (Inclusion), EWPS
- Joy Osobu, Numeracy Coordinator, EWPS
-
Glenda Haughty, Year Five Teacher, EWPS
-
Plus all the other members of staff and school volunteers who helped ensure the project ran smoothly
We would also like to express our gratitude to our interviewees for sharing their fascinating stories, namely:
- Angela Hilaire
- Cherelle Adams
- Cllr. Alec Kellaway
- Cllr. David Christie
- David Mace
- Doris Koon
- Eileen Frost
- Eileen Mace
- Joan Plant
- Margaret Murnaghan
- Phyllis Grant
- Sheila Campbell
Finally, the project could not have been possible without the help of our team of dedicated volunteers:
- Jenny Farren, Research Volunteer
- Carol Edozie, Project Volunteer
- Andrew Turley, Research/Project Volunteer
- Phyllis Reid, Project Volunteer
Contact us now for bookings and more information.
Other Projects
Speaking without Voice
A project which explored four Nigerian pre-colonial nonverbal communication systems: Aroko, Nsibidi, Uli and the Talking Drums, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
Forever Young
Enhancing skills and wellbeing of older people through fun and gentle creative arts activities
Rhythmic Connections
Promoting social action and/volunteering through inter-generational encounter that enhances mental well-being
Stepping Stones Project
A project that used fun and creative means to enhance the practical English speaking skills of refugees/new migrants in Newham London, was funded by People’s Postcode Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The Magic of Rhythms
A project supporting homeless and vulnerably housed people in the London Borough of Newham, using creative arts activities.
Friendly Circle
A family bonding project supported through funding from People’s Health Trust using money raised by HealthLives through The Health Lottery.
Our Shared Heritage (OSH)
Connecting cultures through stories, objects and artefacts
Bright Stars Project
Supported through funding from Aspers Good Causes Fund, provides opportunities for the development of skills of London Borough of Newham young people and their parents.
Homage to Canning Town African Ancestors
Discovering the history and contributions of Africans in and around Canning Town since the 1920's.
The Homage to Canning Town African Ancestors project explored the areas in and around Canning Town that have historical links with Africa.
IROKO Family Edutainment
Fun and Education For All The Family
Since 2009 Big Lottery has funded IROKO Family Edutainment project under its Family Learning Programme.
The Forgotten Folks Project
The Forgotten Folks project was funded by Comic Relief. It incorporated fun workshops that used elements of African arts and culture to break down the social isolation and health problems usually faced by elderly people.
IYE AJA (Umbilical Cord)
A Heritage Lottery Funded Project
IYE AJA means Umbilical Cord in the Itsekiri language of Nigeria. This project, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to highlight and celebrate the ingenuity of Diaspora Africans in managing to retain an active commitment to their customs and values.
Heritage Africana
A Heritage Lottery Funded Project
A project to explore the Oral history behind the artefacts in the British Museum's Sainsbury's African Gallery.
