Newham African Caribbean Heritage Reference Group

09/07/2026

23/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us on our Bittersweet: Legacies of Sugar Walk through Forest Gate, led by local historian Peter Ashan.

Together we explored the history and uses of sugar, Caribbean cuisine and its links to the sugar trade, and the impact of sugar on the Newham Community.

We visited the site of the Newham Black Performing & Visual Arts Workshop and heard about its work uplifting the local community, in particular young people. This included classes led by Benjamin Zephaniah, inspiring the young people of Newham.

We stopped off at the Jimi Hendrix mural on Woodgrange Road, created as part of the ‘Colours of Forest Gate’ series; a project in which our member, Neandra Etienne, is a stakeholder.

What made the walk truly special was the knowledge participants brought with them, their own memories and stories of Newham adding so much depth to Peter's expert guidance.

A huge thank you to Peter Ashan for leading us, and to Forest Gate Community Garden for kindly offering us a place to stop, rest and enjoy refreshments along the way. 💛

Bittersweet: Legacies of Sugar programme, in partnership with and funded by Lyle's Local Fund.

For further events search NACHRG on Eventbrite or click the link below. 👇

https://linktr.ee/museumx_uk

18/06/2026

16/06/2026

15/06/2026

📌 Save this post — the full Bittersweet: Legacies of Sugar programme is here.
Seven free events across East London this summer, exploring the history of sugar, the docks, and the communities who shaped this place. Walks, workshops, gallery tours and more — led by Peter Ashan, Marilyn J. Fontaine, and Remiiya Badru.
Come to one, or come to them all.
Presented by in partnership with , funded by Lyle’s Local Fund.
Book your place via the link in our bio.

11/06/2026

🚶🏾 Join us Saturday 20th June for a free guided walk — Bittersweet Walk: Impacts of Sugar with Peter Ashan

This is Event 2 of 7 in our Bittersweet: Legacies of Sugar community programme, and we'd love to see you there.

Local historian Peter Ashan will lead us through Forest Gate, exploring how sugar shaped local history and community life — sharing the stories that sit behind places many of us walk past every day.

Peter has spent over 20 years working in post-16 education, museums, galleries and archives, with a particular focus on uncovering East London's Black histories and the stories of other ethnic minority communities too often missing from the record.

No prior knowledge needed. Come as you are.

📍 Forest Gate Youth Zone, 1 Woodford Rd, London E7 0DH
🗓 Saturday 20 June · 11am–1pm
🎟 Completely free to attend

👉 Book your place here: https://linktr.ee/museumx_uk

This is a free community programme presented by NACHRG in partnership with Museum X, funded by Lyle's Local Fund.

03/06/2026

Just 3 days to go — and we cannot wait to see you there! 🍬

The launch of Bittersweet: Legacies of Sugar is almost here.

📅 This Saturday 6 June · 1:00pm – 2:00pm
📍 Cundy Community Centre, London E16 3NP
🎟️ FREE — spaces still available!

Come along to discover the powerful stories behind sugar — its history, its impact on our communities, and its legacy in our everyday lives. Presented by NACHRG & Museum X.

And do not leave early — at 2pm, local artist Marilyn J. Fontaine leads a FREE collage workshop 'Coming Together', open to all ages and abilities. A wonderful afternoon awaits.

✅ Free entry
✅ All ages welcome
✅ Family friendly

Grab your free ticket now 👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bittersweet-legacies-of-sugar-launch-tickets-1988689266129

Join us for the launch of Bittersweet: Legacies of Sugar at 1-2pm and ‘Coming Together’ Collage workshop with Marilyn Fontaine at 2-4pm.

03/06/2026

Just 3 days until we come together! ✂️🎨

A reminder that our FREE collage workshop 'Coming Together', led by local artist Marilyn J. Fontaine, is this Saturday at Cundy Community Centre.

📅 Saturday 6 June · 2:00pm – 4:00pm
📍 Cundy Community Centre, London E16 3NP
🎟️ FREE — all ages and abilities

No experience needed — just turn up ready to create, connect and be part of something meaningful. This workshop is part of a full afternoon with the Bittersweet: Legacies of Sugar launch at 1pm.

Spaces are limited — make sure you have registered.

👉 Get your free ticket:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coming-together-collage-workshop-with-marilyn-j-fontaine-tickets-1989746599642

A hands-on collage workshop weaving your family history into the legacy of Tate & Lyle's workers — and reclaiming the story of South Newham.