For the Record: Talking Change & Future Hopes

Imagine… Your message is found in a bottle floating in the Docks 25 years from now.

What would your message for the future say about the Royal Docks?

If you currently live, work or study in the Royal Docks, or have a connection to the area we would love to hear your stories and hopes for the future of the Royal Docks!

Join Eastside Community Heritage for a fun and creative session exploring the Royal Docks' past, present, and future.

For the Record will travel to neighbourhoods across the Royal Docks and Newham collecting memories for the future and they want to hear from you!­­

For the Record is a new oral history project for the Royal Docks Originals 2025 festival, dedicated to capturing your stories and hopes for the future of the Royal Docks. Exploring themes of the Royal Docks’ transformation, the festival will be inspired by change, the diversity of its people and the extraordinary heritage of the Royal Docks neighbourhoods.

For over 200 years the Royal Docks has served communities as a hub for industry, goods, jobs and homes. Within that time, it has undergone many changes and is still transforming with emerging transport links, workspace, new homes for growing communities and culture.

Your contributions will be shared with creatives and communities participating in the festival - inspiring their work. In particular, For the Record will inform a soundscape made with local artists.

In addition, recorded contributions will be added to the Hidden-History archive, managed by Eastside Community Heritage, and to the Newham Council Heritage Service archives.

For the Record sessions will be taking place throughout October and November – See below for information on upcoming sessions:

Tuesday 29 October, 10:30am
Knit and Natter Group at Manor Park Library
Join Knit and Natter - For the Record at Manor Park Library!
Address: 685-691 Romford Road, E12 5AD

Thursday 31 October, 11am-12pm
Coffee Morning at North Woolwich Library
Join For the Record over a coffee at North Woolwich Library
Address: 5 Pier Parade, North Woolwich, E16 2LJ

Friday 1st November, 10:30am
Tiny Tots group at Green Street library
Bring along your tiny tot to Green Street Library and have a chat at For the Record.
Address: 337-341 Green Street Upton Park, E13 9AR

Saturday 9th November, 2.30-4.30pm
Winter Warmer storytelling session at Forest Gate Community Garden
Join For the Record alongside other activities for “Hygge” – a term in Danish Culture means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying life's simple pleasures with others. Refreshments included, however, do bring a blanket or hot water bottle to keep snug if it is cold!
Address: Forest Gate Community Garden, 136 Earlham Grove, London E7 9AD

Monday 11 November, 6pm
Youth Group at West Silvertown Foundation
Young people, join For the Record at West Silvertown Foundation and have your say!
Address: The Britannia Village Hall, 65 Evelyn Rd, E16 1RZ

Tuesday 19th November, 10am-12pm
Women’s Group at West Silvertown Foundation
Join For the Record at West Silvertown Foundation Women’s Group. Women only activity.
Address: The Britannia Village Hall, 65 Evelyn Rd, London E16 1RZ

If you can’t attend a touring session or in addition, why not take a few minutes to complete a quick questionnaire and share your thoughts about Royal Docks? It will only take 5 minutes, and you can leave your contact details if you'd like to contribute a story.

Or you can get in touch – just email office@ech.org.uk and mention “For the Record” to talk to someone about participating.

Stay tuned here and on our social media channels for updates on For the Record activities happening near you!

For the Record: Talking Change and Future Hopes is an oral history project for the Royal Docks Originals 2025 festival, commissioned by the Royal Docks Team and delivered with Eastside Community Heritage.

It is part of the Royal Docks Team’s partnership with Newham Council’s Where Newham's Past Meets Newham's Future.

Eastside Community Heritage is committed to recording and preserving the stories of people living and working in London. These accounts are compiled in the Hidden-History archive, making sure voices are heard and contributions are recognized.