The small market town where I live is essentially a quiet, sleepy, part-retirement place, part dormitory town for London where nothing much of any note ever happens. Probably it's greatest claim to fame is that it is the hometown of Chantelle Houghton, erstwhile winner of a Celebrity Big Brother. I have seen it described in a newspaper as a 'rundown market town' which, although a little extreme in the description, is essentially a fairly accurate statement of the state of the High Street. Nevertheless, it has been my home for the past six and a half years and I'm rather fond of the place.
Unfortunately, tomorrow afternoon it is to be the starting point of a protest march against the imminent Dale Farm eviction, the site of which is only a couple of miles west of the town. I gather that most of the High Street is shutting up shop on Saturday as the police are warning of possible trouble from the protestors. Following so closely on the heels of the recent riots in England, the news of this protest march (which I only learnt of by over-hearing a conversation between two shop owners a couple of days ago) is just a little worrying. I have to admit to being more than a shade perturbed about what will unfold here tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, it will all pass off without incident but to be on the safe side P and I are heading in the opposite direction and taking ourselves off to a village fete, well away from the proposed route of the march and well away from any potential trouble. I'll let you know what happens.
Quite a peaceful place to live in.
I envy you for having such a calm and peaceful mind despite that situation.
Posted by: plumbing | 09/10/2011 at 10:34 AM
Blimey, I hope there is no trouble there for you and it all goes through peacefully. Scarlett x
Posted by: scarlett | 09/10/2011 at 08:38 PM