Joyce Cracknell, of Havering Way, who formed the Thames View Tenants' and Residents' Association

Joyce Cracknell is chairman of the Thames View Tenants; and Residents’ Association. The 78-year-old has lived in Havering Way since 1968.

I was born in 1933 in the East End of London and was aged just six when the Second World War broke out.

I managed to survive the Blitz against all the odds.

Since moving from London, I have lived in Barking for more than 50 years and love its history.

For 23 years I worked for a local timber company in order to support myself and my children but I retired in 1993.

I now have six children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

I formed our tenants’ and residents’ association in 1989 in order to object to a huge building being erected close by which interfered with residents’ television reception.

The building went ahead but we got the TV problem sorted along with many other issues that arose.

I became secretary and held that post for 21 years – but was elected chair a few months ago.

I believe that tenants’ and residents’ associations have become the voice of the people and are a real asset to the community.

I enjoy my role which involves meeting people and helping to solve their problems.

I am also involved with the many local groups who do great work within the community.

This includes helping to organise several entertainment nights which we held in the local community hall.

These events raised several thousand pounds which we gave to our selected worthy causes.

The last one raised £600 which will be used towards buying equipment for our latest project, The Thames View Community Garden.

This garden will be owned by the community with areas allotted to two schools and the Sue Bramley Children’s Centre.

We envisage this to be a garden of education, work, leisure and pleasure with vegetables and flowers growing.

There will also be a wildlife and sensory garden plus seating areas.