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.