NEWHAM FOR NEWCOMERS
My Journey. Your Guide. Our Community
Published on 7. February 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
144 pages
978-1-918233-04-9 (ISBN)
Description
History, hardship and hope in one East London borough
Newham for Newcomers is a clear-eyed guide to one of Britain's youngest and most diverse boroughs. Mixing local history with voices from residents, traders, councillors and campaigners, it looks at housing, work, sport, faith, politics and safety ... while not shying away from poverty, crime or bad planning.
Join committed local resident Sharon Chawda on a tour of the clubs, libraries, community gardens and grassroots projects at the beating heart of Newham.
"An original and well-written portrait of this intriguing East London Borough. Newham is fortunate to have been discovered by such a talented young local author." - Antonia Fraser
"As a neighbouring Northeast London MP I am delighted that Sharon Chawda has portrayed Newham's effervescent diversity with such style and charm in her first book. I predict that she has a bright political and literary future ahead of her." - The Rt Hon. Diane Abbott MP
More details
Persons
Sharon Chawda arrived in Newham as a teenage immigrant from Bombay. She never imagined the borough would shape her future. After studying at Newham Sixth Form College and earning a first-class degree at the University of Greenwich, she found herself working in local government, with the Governor of HMP Pentonville, and in the Westminster office of her local MP, Sir Stephen Timms. Those experiences eventually led her to become a civil servant in the Probation Service.