Author Archives: eastlon

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 →

Opinion piece East London Advertiser 21 November 2024 An Australian relative recently told me how grateful a close friend had been for assisted dying laws. They operate in most Australian states. The story is a powerful counter to those who … Continue reading →

Opinion piece published Ilford Recorder and Newham Recorder November 2024 An Australian relative recently told me over dinner how a close friend had benefitted from assisted dying laws which now operate in most Australian states. The story is a powerful … Continue reading →

Opinion piece published East London Advertiser and Barking & Dagenham Post October 2024 Constitutional reform isn’t the sexiest of subjects. But three facts about the House of Lords might grab your attention. First, it has over 800 members, more than … Continue reading →

Opinion piece published Barking & Dagenham Post, Ilford Recorder and Docklands & East London Advertiser September 2024. Parents, pupils and teachers are gearing up for the new school year.  So too are volunteer Humanist school speakers like me. Visits are … Continue reading →