We are a small community group with strong roots in Deptford. Our backgrounds are culturally diverse. We are experienced in community development, business, charity work, management, academia and journalism.
We are passionate, enthusiastic and working to reveal the forgotten history of Deptford. Though only a stone’s throw from Royal Greenwich, our history is a very different one. The splendours of Royal Greenwich exist because Deptford exists and our more dramatic story, though obscured, deserves at least as much attention as those of kings, queens, famous diarists and fabulously wealthy merchants.
Our history in Deptford needs to be brought to light.
Our Aims
- To highlight the role of Deptford and the Royal Navy in the triangular slave trade and its abolition.
- To explain how London and the rest of the United Kingdom grew rich because of slavery.
- To create a linked visitor experience with the maritime heritage sector at Greenwich, Lewisham and London.
- To research and build relationships with groups and institutions doing similar work nationally and internationally.
- To encourage public engagement with Deptford’s heritage, past, present and future.
- To explore the extent to which freedom from slavery has been won.
Our Objectives
- To obtain suitable artefacts and a museum or exhibition space in Deptford to showcase M ō S a F, Deptford and our part of the Thames.
- To encourage public discussion about the effects of slavery and highlight ongoing struggles for freedom.
- Create a research group and online resources for dissemination of information.
- To run education programmes and develop other public events and exhibitions which celebrate Deptford’s unique culture.
- To empower the local community through training so that it can be fully engaged in the development, management and running of M ō S a F London.
Committee Members
Joseph Oladosu
Director of Action for Community Development (AfCD), Trainer, Capacity Building and Facilitator
Judith Hibbert
A former resident with a great affection for Deptford, worked in both state and private educational organisations. Experienced in the operational development and management of people.
Sue Davies
Deptford resident, writer, former journalist producer in News & Current Affairs at BBC. ‘Once a journalist, always a journalist’.
Warda Farah
Founder of Language Waves and Consultant Speech and Language Therapist
Dr Helen Paul
Dr Helen Paul is a lecturer in Economics and Economic History at Southampton University and is particularly interested in early modern economic history: the Financial Revolution; Atlantic history; the South Sea Bubble, and the Navy’s role within the economy.