My Chinatown

Can you tell us a bit about what the CCC does?
The Chinese Community Centre was established in 1980 to provide assistance to the people of Chinatown and the Chinese community in Britain. We provide services like advocacy, social support, guidance and advice – we handle thousands of enquiries a year. We also hold events, clubs, courses and health groups.

How long have you been associated with the Community Centre?
I started as a volunteer at the Centre in 1996, and was invited to join LCCA (London Chinatown Chinese Association) two years later by the then Chairman Tim Yau OBE.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to establish a Professional Chinese Chef School at Westminster College, Vincent Square where we work to enhance the standards of the catering trade in Chinatown. I have also helped to organise our biggest public events in Trafalgar Square in 2002 and 2005 with the support of the mayor as well as the China in London programme which commenced in 2005 with the Greater London Authority.  I’ve worked very closely with the Westminster Council for the Chinatown Renewal and I’ve chaired the steering group to monitor its progress.

How do you spend an average day?
The Chinese Community Centre is a very busy place which requires lots of time and attention! I’ll have meetings with various organisations like the Police, the Greater London Authority, Westminster City Council, the Community Centre, the Soho Society – and then I help in the restaurant.  I end the day around midnight and I start about 9am each day except Sundays!

What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
Peaceful and happy dreams every night when I hit the bed!

Can you tell me what developments you’d like to see in Chinatown?
The first stage of renewal action has already made a difference - but work must be continued to raise the profile of Chinatown and to upgrade its position in London.

Does Chinatown have any Olympic celebrations in mind to mark the Beijing Olympics this year?
Yes – we have celebrations on 7th February and 10th February with the Torch Relay.

What is your favourite thing about working in Chinatown?
It’s that Chinatown is not just a commercial centre. Chinatown embraces strong community life, the conservation of Chinese tradition and culture, and a mixture of the East and West sprit that’s very unique.