Tuesday 9 August 2011

Coming Together

We had our annual street party on Sunday.  We played music, we drank Pimm's, we ate each other's home cooked  food, we made and displayed bunting.  We had break dancer's performing, a best decorated cake competition, poetry reading's, tug of war, face painting etc.  We had a police sergeant, a constable and 2 community police officers join in the fun and camaraderie.

We celebrated under a shadow as news trickled through about the appalling events in neighbouring Tottenham the previous night.  As we chatted and rubbed shoulders under the gazebos, the rain lashed down and we could see and hear a helicopter circling overhead.  Sirens could be heard in the distance.

At around 3.00pm the police left abruptly and moved swiftly away from the street.  Later that evening after the evidence of the party was swept away, we sat in our houses and listened to the relentless sound of sirens.  Helicopters swooped down and we knew something untoward was happening.  That night my town was ravaged by troublemakers, vandals, arsonists, opportunists and looters.

Yesterday our local shops were in lock down from 4.00pm.  Trains were stopped, buses diverted.  It has become a no-go area.  I am deeply saddened.  As society crumbles, thank goodness I have neighbours who are willing to come together.

15 comments:

  1. You have my sympathy Simone, believe me I do know how awful all of that is!
    Best thing is to focus on the good time you had at your street party with your neighbours and remember that the troublemakers really are in the minority!
    Vivienne x

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  2. I am sitting here listening to it on the radio and shaking my head in saddness. One lady just said "the policestation round the corner from where she lives went untouched they were only interested in looting the electical goods from down the road...it saays it all I think. I am glad you have such a good community and neighbours. Take care
    xxx

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  3. Yes, it's quite shocking what has been happening. I guess there's a small number of people who seem to feel this is a way to let their feelings be known, and they've been joined by opportunist criminals and just plain thugs, all still fortunately a minority of the population. But still I wonder why do these people want to behave like this? I haven't led a life of privilege but have been lucky to learn the value of education and have I suppose followed the rules and now have a nice life, is it really so difficult for these people, if they really want a way out can they not attempt to work for it instead of thinking it's all owed to them. Do they feel no remorse at all for the homes, businesses, communities and lives they're wrecking. Anyway, far too many questions and dicussion points here for a blog comment. We should teach them all to crochet maybe that will calm them down, haha!

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  4. Thank goodness you live in such a good community with thoughtful neighbours. I was watching the breakfast news this morning and it all seems unreal - I felt for the owners of a furniture store that had survived two world wars and the depression in the 30s just to have it destroyed and all the people who lived above it now homeless. Take care and stay safe.xx

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  5. It's just awful isn't it . My uncle and his family live just 200 metres from the shop that was set alight in Peckham and I have other friends with families also in close quarters . Terrible just terrible - hugs x

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  6. I've been thinking about you Simone. This needless destruction of peoples' lives sickens me, although it has to be said the coming together of the community at a street party offers hope. x

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  7. I do so hope your area keeps safe and free from the stupidy that seems to be going on all around you. So glad you had a good neighbourhood party. What a shame that the people who do these terrible things can't feel some sense of neighbourhood camaradie too. I love Andamento's idea of teaching them all to crochet - might just work if they all had to complete a granny square blanket before they were free to go out!!

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  8. Thinking of you. So sad and scary. I am glad, though, that you have such good neighbors.

    Wishing you peace.

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  9. Oh gosh, I was wondering if any of my bloggy friends live in the affected area, I have goose flesh at watching the news.
    Hugs x

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  10. I cannot believe what is happening at the moment and I am so sorry to hear that you have been affected by it.

    Remembering the positives and strength in our communities at times like these is so important as it stops us responding to angry and fearful actions (like the riots) with our own anger and fear. You are very lucky to have such a close neighbourhood and I hope that you can continue to enjoy such a community for many years to come xx

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  11. So sorry to hear of this, Simone.
    Sending you a big hug.
    xxx

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  12. It is all so sad. Sad that these youths don't realise that the latest gadget or the money from the sale of it is not going to bring them happiness. How can they be taught the value of friendship, kindness and caring for others when they are so self-centered, inward-looking and angry? Stay safe, Simone.

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  13. Sorry I have been away so wasn't able to comment sooner.
    The last week has been an awful time although I can't say I was surprised by any off the wanton destruction and crime. Sadly there are people out there who have no respect for the police or for people who have worked hard for the things they have.
    What a sad ending to what must have been a nice day with your neighbours.
    Hope you are OK xx

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  14. Simone,
    I've just returned from visiting my husband where I learned of this ugliness. Now I'm back and catching up on my computer friends. I had hoped this evil was no where near you. I will work to send even stronger healing energies your way. I'm wrapping you in good thoughts.

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