Introducing Mandeep Mahadeo

As part of the Framing Marks Gate series we photographed and interviewed a series of local residents and key workers who have played an interesting role on Marks Gate. Meet Mandeep Mahadeo, Locality Manager for Barking & Dagenham council.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a small feisty person with a passion for food, life, people, justice, equality and community spirit. I love working with the local residents, families and children and helping them.

Why are you on Marks Gate?

I work on the Marks Gate estate as part of my role as a Locality  Manager.  I manage the two local Children’s Centre (Marks Gate and Furze) and also more recently the Community Centre on the Marks Gate estate. I am actively involved in many of the local projects in the area and up until recently was also a School Governor at Marks Gate Infants/Juniors.

How long have you known Marks Gate?

I have worked on the estate for 6 years now.

What are your experiences of Marks Gate?

Marks Gate is a place like no other. Often described as a ‘village within a village’. The sense of community is overwhelming, the older people that live on the estate are very loyal and have great pride in the changes over the years.  Marks Gate has a bad reputation, but working here, I can see that it is certainly not deserving of the reputation that has stuck to it over the years.  I hope that the current regeneration of the area will bring in more business,  residents and boost the local economy.

Tell us a special memory that you have of Marks Gate.

My favourite memories of Marks Gate has to be the legendary Rev. Roger Gaylor, who is a pillar of the community and the brilliant annual Marks Gate Day festival, which has been running since the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. A very special day where you see that true community spirit.