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UEL encourages local people to explore their past and present

Monday 15 March 2010

Plaque

A series of twelve plaques have been put up around the Royal Docks to celebrate locations that hold special meanings for local residents, in a project funded by the University of East London, Newham Council, Awards for All and the Royal Docks Trust.

 

The plaques were created by artist Loraine Leeson, director of cSPACE at the University of East London. They resulted from a combination of her Precious Places project with London East Research Institute’s Ports of Call.

Residents suggested twelve locations for the trails ranging from parks and walkways to a secret beach on the River Thames and a hairdressing salon linked to Lithuania. Locations also include the sites of past community celebrations, a launderette, City Airport and the Woolwich Ferry.

The trail is the latest in a series offered by the Ports of Call website developed by the Raphael Samuel History Centre to encourage people to explore the past and present communities that surround the Royal Docks.

Each location on the trail is marked by a commemorative plaque explaining its significance to local people and providing a unique insight into the area through the eyes of its residents.

Ports of Call project Director Dr Toby Butler said: “I think people are going to enjoy hunting for the plaques - it will be like a treasure hunt. Along the way, everyone can experience this unique community next to the river and the docks, and make their own connections to this extraordinary part of London.”

A list of the plaque locations, a printable map and an online version of the trail can be found at http://www.portsofcall.org.uk/precious.html

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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