Key Points:
- The Charabancs and Cadillacs heritage project is touring libraries, schools, and community centres in Newham.
- The project features a trunk filled with transport-related memorabilia and photos collected over two years.
- Items include a 1955 household radio, a 1960s BOAC shoulder bag, and toy models of mobile homes.
- The collection stems from reminiscence events, including one at Stratford Old Town Hall opened by Deputy Mayor Sarah Ruiz.
- Cllr Sarah Ruiz praised the project as “the best reminiscence project” she has seen.
- The initiative is led by two community transport organisations from Newham and Waltham Forest.
- The project captures post-war life and migration memories in east London.
A trunk of memories capturing Newham’s rich transport history is now on tour. Charabancs and Cadillacs, a two-year heritage project gathering memories of travel and transport in east London, has begun a public tour across Newham. The initiative, involving libraries, schools, and community centres, showcases a unique collection of memorabilia kept in a specially curated trunk.
The project, created by two community transport organisations from Newham and Waltham Forest, aims to preserve untold stories of east London life, focusing on generations who have settled in the area from around the world following the Second World War.
What items are included in the Charabancs and Cadillacs trunk?
The trunk houses a fascinating range of artefacts such as a 1955 household radio set with an analogue dial, a 1960s BOAC shoulder bag symbolising the golden era of air travel, and toy models representing mobile homes and caravan trailers. It also contains an array of black and white photographs capturing everyday life and significant moments across the past seven decades.
How did the project collect these memories?
The Charabancs and Cadillacs project gathered stories through oral history sessions and reminiscence events, allowing local residents to share personal experiences linked to travel and community life. One key event was held in March at Stratford Old Town Hall, officially opened by Newham’s Deputy Mayor Sarah Ruiz.
What did Deputy Mayor Sarah Ruiz say about the project?
Speaking at the Stratford event, Councillor Ruiz said, “I have followed this project for two years. It is the best reminiscence project I have seen.” Her endorsement underlined the project’s importance in celebrating community heritage and fostering intergenerational connections.
Who is behind the Charabancs and Cadillacs project?
The project is a collaboration between community transport organisations serving Newham and Waltham Forest. Their shared goal is to document the stories of how migration and transport shaped east London’s post-war identity, reflecting the diverse roots of the local population.
Where will the Charabancs and Cadillacs trunk be touring next?
The trunk will continue its tour around Newham, visiting a variety of public venues to ensure broad community engagement. Each stop offers residents a chance to interact with the historical artefacts and learn more about the borough’s vibrant past.
Why is capturing these memories important for Newham?
The organisers believe that by preserving these personal narratives and objects, future generations will gain a deeper understanding of east London’s evolving cultural landscape. It not only honours the past but also strengthens community identity and pride.
