Stratford Labour Party Street Stall 27.11.09

It was just a little bit too cold and windy on yesterday's stall. People were rushing around and not as keen to stop and chat. Despite this we managed to recruit 3 new Labour Party members and we still had people coming up to us and asking about the free school meals for Newham primary school children.

One rather large chap came up to the stall and announced loudly “Labour is not a good party in Newham” to which we thought “oh, oh” then he said “No, it is the very best Party; it has done excellent things for elders and young people in Newham”. Fair enough. A local pensioner whose son lives now in Kent and has 3 primary school age grandchildren was really impressed with the free school meals. She thought this was very good for ordinary working people. The cost of a school meal in the next door Tory run London Borough of Redbridge is £1.93. If you had 2 children of primary school age for one year this would save you £752 (£1.93 x2 x5 days x39 weeks). This makes a real difference to the low paid and is clear red water for any future election manifesto. I hope this measure is adopted nationally by the Party. If you have a hungry belly you do not learn.

Our stall was in front of the shopping precinct right next to a Paintball Stall and a very dedicated Christian preacher with a mike. Also there were various other people milling about giving out invites, phone cards and other offers.

An ex-respect Council candidate at the last election came up to have a bit of a moan but was not that serious and he confirmed that Respect in Newham was pretty much a dead duck. Which of course is such a shame.