Author Archives: eastlon

Op piece reflects on a recent controversial public order conviction arising from the burning of a Quran. Docklands and East London Advertiser (26.6.25) and Newham Recorder (2.7.25). The recent prosecution for burning a Quran at a protest in London stirred … Continue reading →

Op piece Romford Recorder and Barking and Dagenham Post May/June 2025 ‘Spiritual’ is a vague, hard to define word I avoid using. But I guess it could describe my sense of connection with nature, stirred afresh by recent news stories. … Continue reading →

East London Humanists have announced the staging of a six week introduction to Humanism in June. The in-person course, which will take place in Wanstead, is based on the acclaimed ‘One Life’ course pioneered by Humanists UK. Click HERE for … Continue reading →

Opinion piece published Barking & Dagenham Post, Docklands & East London Advertiser May 2025 News of a ‘Christian revival’ has recently featured in the media. Some churches in East London have reported being inundated with worshippers.  Humanists are among those … Continue reading →

Opinion piece published Romford Recorder, Newham Recorder, East London & Docklands Advertiser April 2025. Annie Besant was a pioneer of women’s rights in East London. Her beliefs and  achievements are remarkably relevant to today’s fraught US trade talks. Besant’s prominence … Continue reading →

Opinion piece Ilford Recorder, Romford Recorder, Barking and Dagenham Post March 2025 I’ve been swearing more than usual lately. The mere mention of Trump or Thames Water is enough to set me off. So I was chuffed to discover that … Continue reading →

Opinion piece published Ilford Recorder and Romford Recorder March 2025 In February MPs from across the Commons backed a motion to end prayers as part of the formal business of the House. Havering Council, who still follow this archaic practice, may … Continue reading →

Pieces published in Romford Recorder, East London and Docklands Advertiser, Barking and Dagenham Post and Romford Recorder February 2025 Trump is an affront to Humanist beliefs and values in many ways. Take his boast that God chose to spare him … Continue reading →

Published Romford Recorder, Barking and Dagenham Post and Ilford Recorder January 2025 Could medieval Barking have been a hotbed of feminism? The thought had not occurred to me until my recent visit to an exhibition at the British Library. The … Continue reading →

Opinion piece Romford Recorder and Ilford Recorder December 2024 It’s been a dismal year for peace, the planet, and much else besides. But the festive season is a time to celebrate. So please forgive some self-indulgence as I wax lyrical … Continue reading →