MY Woolwich! (Written by Munna Sherif ) (Photography Task Week 1)
Woolwich home to 71,526 people as of 2011 and growing*. 5404 are of Nepali heritage and this number is steadily increasing. The Nepalese warriors ( also Known as Gurkhas), served the British Army for around 200 years, and in 2009 following a high profile campaign by actress Joanna Lumley they won the right to retire in Britain. They have since formed a community group where they meet up daily in the Woolwich Square to socialise. I spoke to Pretem, a retired ex Nepalese Soldier who stated - “Woolwich Square is a place we can watch the world, socialise and (it) prevents us from feeling lonely. A lot of us are used to our routine and have developed certain habits in the army that we carry to this day. We meet up at 7 am and go for a daily walk, we then meet back in the square. Our wives usually pack us some lunch and we all share this and eat together. I love Woolwich Square because it has given us a space to feel a part of the community” The Nepali community not only served Britain but also bought along with them a ray of colours. My Woolwich is not only culturally diverse but also a place for everyone to feel at home. *(According to a study that was carried out by Greenwich Council).