I met recently with representatives from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).  They have launched their Hearty Lives campaign, and have chosen Newham and Dundee as pilot Boroughs.

Cardiovascular diseases are among the biggest killers in Newham.  BHF, with local health trusts and the Council, have agreed an eight point plan to combat the problem, including greater support for heart patients and their families, and a teenage smoking cessation service.  BHF is making a big funding commitment to Newham for this, and its important we make the most of it for improving health in the borough.

Community groups can apply for a BHF Help a Heart Grant.  Grants can help fund a wide range of community health projects - for example, setting up a dance class in a local school.  If you have an idea for a project that could make a real difference to people living with a heart condition in Newham, or who are at high risk of heart disease, you can find more information on the BHF’s Hotline: 0870 600 6566.

Incidentally our meeting was at the excellent Kitchen Table fair-trade café, open six days a week at St Bart’s church centre, on Barking Road near the town hall.

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Author Martin Creasy contacted me on spotting a reference in an earlier column to the Beatles playing at what is now Gala bingo hall, Barking Road (then Granada cinema).  He plans a book about the Beatles’ six UK tours.  He writes:

"The Beatles played the old cinema in East Ham on Saturday March 9 1963, on the very first date of their tour with the Americans Chris Montez and Tommy Roe, and again on Saturday November 9 that year.  I'm interviewing musicians who toured with the group, plus staff from the boarding houses where they stayed and cinemas they played.  I'm also talking to journalists and fans who witnessed the shows.  So my question is: do you know anyone who attended either East Ham show?

"PS: If you Google Beatles and East Ham and search under Images you will see wonderful photos by the revered Guardian photographer Jane Bown which date from The Beatles’ November 1963 visit. Happy memories of an innocent time."

Were you at one of those concerts?  I know a local couple who had tickets, but sold them at the last minute.  If any reader has memories they can pass to Martin, please e-mail him at martin.creasy@talk21.com.  And please send me a copy too.

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I am pleased planning problems have been solved, and its full steam ahead for East Ham’s new Primark.  It is hoped to open for Christmas 2010, giving the high street a big boost.  The new building – on the current site, plus the site of the bingo hall next door – will be bigger than the Oxford Street Primark.

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Following the furore over MP’s expenses, all my receipts are on my website, www.stephentimms.org.uk.  Let me know if you have any comments.