The Romford Changemakers and Chinatown Stories
The Romford Changemakers and Chinatown Stories
On Sunday 23rd January, the Havering Changing steering group, the Romford Change Makers, headed into London's Soho for Chinatown Stories, a walking tour of the area.
Member Serena told us: "I thoroughly enjoyed this - it was fascinating to learn about the history of the area and the communities that have called it home. There was a great balance between hearing information and having time to wander and ponder."
The history and heritage tour covered the period between when the area was Henry VIII's hunting ground (the origins of the term Soho, which is a hunting cry) through to the present day. Over the years there have been many cultures settled and make the area home, including Italians and Huguenots. Some of the stories were amusing and uplifting, others heartbreaking.
Another member of the group, Sophie added: "I loved seeing the difference between the three gates which were based on a western interpretation of Chinese culture and the fourth gate, which was more accurate."
The tour, which was a special one to mark Veganuary, was followed by an excellent vegan Chinese meal at The Golden Phoenix in Gerrard Street - with everyone promising they would return!
Serena said the food was "stunning - I was devastated to leave so much at the end", and agreed with Sophie, whose favourite part of the tour was finding out the dragon's secret home, saying "it makes you realise how all sectors of the community embrace each others' traditions, living and working in harmony side-by-side".
The group are now considering if History and Heritage Walks in Romford would be something people want to attend in Romford - let us know if you would be interested in events like this in Romford by emailing hello@haveringchanging.org
If you want to be part of the Romford Change Makers or one of our other steering groups across the borough, with the ability to make decisions about how funding is spent on creative activities on your doorstep and go on great days out like this for free, click here to get in touch:
For more information about the Chinatown Stories tour go to:
