Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Harringay Is Such A Beautiful Place...
Due to the election campaign I spent a long time in Harringay. I only live on the otherside of Green Lanes (and have done so since I was 3), so do shop and go to the restuarants and pub in the 'Harringay' area - but the campaigning took me to parts I guess I'd never seen
That stream that runs through some of the Ladder Roads is stunning viewed from some streets. I loved all of the houses that kept their intriguing period features, have no idea what some of the writing/engraving meant - but was very curious (i.e. sorry if you saw me just staring at your house).
But I guess the best part was the people, having campaigned in many areas, Harringay was by far my favourite. A nice mix of people from various ethnic backgrounds and classes. Regardless of the political choices, most were nice and jovial.
I was stationed at a few polling stations on the day (7am -3pm) of the election and really loved the conversations with people. I found it warming to see such a blend of people from different backgrounds all determined to get their vote casted and how important they felt it was for their civic duty.
This included people new to our country, who were very aware of what they wanted and why democracy was important given the circumstances in their homeland. How to vote can be confusing for those of us who speak & read English, so those who had language barriers must be saluted for not allowing themselves to be excluded.
My faves have to be
- The older Caribbean woman who wanted everyone to know she had lived in Harringay for 50 years and never missed one election. You could see she physically struggled but was determined.
- Despite the rain, people were still getting to the polling station. A young man who was drenched said "I saw the rain and came straight as others might not come now & we might get a Tory!"
- The African woman who itching to vote but was waiting for her teenage children who she always took to vote with her so they saw how important it was when they were old enough.
- The group of adults with learning disabilities, who came with their support worker and said they read all of the leaflets but are keeping their choice a secret (not that I asked!).
I am gutted UKIP felt they could stand in my ward, the sh*t they posted through my door was nothing more than paper vermin, but can see why they didn't even bother in Harringay.
The demographic mix of Harringay without tension is something I think should be highlighted a lot more.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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I take it you didn't go to the Hidden River Festival last year then!
The 'stream' is the New River. It can be accessed on Wightman between Beresford and Hewitt. It's all closed off through the Ladder. 10 or 15 years ago local residents (and possibly the LCSP - I'm not sure), requested that it be shut off for security reasons. Given that life goes in with the Passage open, it seems like a real shane to me.
I tried to get it opened for the Hidden River Festival last year. Whilst Thames Water were sympathetic, it was all too much of an administrative headache.
So, there you are new councillors, here's one for you to get your teeth into. Help open up this brat amenity to the public. Most stretches of he New River that run through residential areas are open. Only ours is closed off. East of Finsbury Park, it's open again - yet oddly remains fenced off in the park itself.
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Permalink Reply by Seema Chandwani on
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No. There was a reason though... It was on 22nd Sept? I was back from Poland by then, but cannot remember why I couldnt go.
That is a shame.
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(Declaration: Despite helping setting the festival up, I didn't go either. I was in Rio. As things turned out, I didn't really have a choice, Although I have to admit that it wouldn't have been the hardest choice I've had to make in my life ).
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Permalink Reply by Maddy on
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As far as I know the New River has been closed off for more than that, Hugh - I've lived round here since 1988 and we've never been allowed in. There have been sporadic campaigns to open it up, but the householders on the river banks always object.
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I can understand riverside householders doing that. I'm sure I might do the same if I was in their position. As to whether that's reason enough to close off this great public amenity is wide open to debate!
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Permalink Reply by Robert Pike on
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Is Cornwall Rd at the bottom end by Chestnuts Park in St Ann's or West Green?
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This is where it gets meaningless, but the way I see the soft boundaries, the southern half would be St Ann's hamlet (if it exists) and the northern half West Green Neighbourhood. If you want to know about the voting district, I think it's all in St Ann's ward.
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Cheers. It was more out of geographical curiosity. I know I voted in St Ann's Ward.
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Permalink Reply by 1rk254kmc0kqw on
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Seema you wouldn't be saying this if Labour had not won.
But thanks for pointing out the concern of UKIP, have to agree with you there.
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Actually... I would.
You make a lot of assumptions about me, but I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting.. Have we?
I think Karen and David are both lovely people. I enjoyed my two hour shift with Karen on Thursday at the polling station. I am grateful for the support she has shown my youth group and the fact that despite knowing who I was, she was always lovely when we met and I can't wait for us to get back out on our photography missions.
I also appreciate David's offer of tea later in the morning (which I turned down as I dont do tea or coffee unless tired or ill) and the way he always greeted me with politeness when we saw each other.
I have tweeted my wishes to David, Karen and Richard Wilson. I also had a nice chat with Clive Carter at the count. This is a political battle and anyone who makes it personal, needs to get a grip. Although, I except the stress of an election led people to behave in a way they may not have. I also admit, I have an innate dislike for Tories... But I make no apologies for that!!
Im glad we agree on UKIP - the people of Haringey told them exactly what they thought and we should be proud we did so.
Anyway, this post has been hijacked by political chit-chat (probably my fault as I contextualised my observations to the campaigning).
MTV are showing loads of Beyonce videos, I need to get my hairbrush and sing along!
Hope you have a great day
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There are people born and bred here, who do not understand the political subtleties. I don't think any group (young vs old | new or old communities | new or established residents) can be stereotyped in such a way.
I met a few Australians and New Zealanders whose ability to read/write English was good but may not have fully understood.
In fact, one told me she is only voting as she has dual nationality and thinks she will still be fined if she does not vote.
Everyone may have different reasons or understandings of why they voted, but they can and they did. If we had some sort of test on how much people really understood politics, 96% of the population would fail regardless if they were born here or not.
I think all people should be judged on an equal playing field and assumptions should not be cast because of their language barriers.
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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on
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Asking people to think more about their voting rather than asking the people who don't vote to do so is putting the cart before the horse. Get people voting first.
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