Being a Republican but still enjoying the Newham Royal Wedding Celebrations

Picture collage from two events in Newham yesterday that I attended with Gill on behalf of the Council celebrating the Royal Wedding. While I personally believe that our Head of State should not be a hereditary monarch, I respect the views of the majority in this country, who pretty obviously do.

I must admit to being more than a bit worried in light of the experience "across the pond" of us electing a "President Farage" but still think the democrat principal is absolute.

I have blogged previous on this here. It was great to spend time with local residents at the Community Road Centre and the sheltered tower block in Holden Point (Deputy Mayor Clarlene McLean and her lovely deputy, deputy Esme).  

West Ham "on the knocker" for John Biggs

Picture collage from yesterday of West Hammers (and a East Ham comrade) "on the knocker" for John Biggs as Labour Mayor for Tower Hamlets.

West Ham Labour Chair, Charlene McLean, led our team "assisted" by her campaign hardened 9 month old baby daughter, Esme (definite future Young Pioneer and Woodcraft folk member).

A positive canvass for John and Labour, although many people were away since this was a Bank holiday weekend. I came across some very negative comments about the Executive Mayoral system but was able to reassure people that in the hands of a honest, decent and principled candidate such as John Biggs, they have nothing to worry about.

Rain eventually stopped play. I had some interesting but confusing interactions on twitter trying to direct West Ham activists to join our team. Twitter is all well and good but a mobile telephone call is probably still best in these circumstances.

Tomorrow - Polling Day!

Collage from campaigning yesterday evening in East Village, Stratford led by Council candidate Charlene Mclean, ably assisted by Young Pioneer Esme.

This is the email Charlene has sent this morning to all West Ham Labour Party members as our CLP Chair.

This is just a quick reminder about Polling Day! 

Labour can't compete with the Tories on donations, instead we win elections because we have thousands of volunteers going out speaking to voters. If you can spare any time on Thursday (tomorrow!) to help get a Labour MP elected in Ilford North, one of London's 12 marginal seats, you'll be helping us win the election. 

 If you can help please either: Let Ilford North know what time you can make it via their website - they'll be in touch to let you know where they need your help Make your own way to West Ham's campaign base in Ilford North - 6 Aintree Crescent, IG6 2HD anytime between 10am and 9pm (nearest station is Fairlop on the Central Line) 

 Meet fellow West Ham members at either 4pm or 6pm outside Stratford station (near the sign) to travel together to Ilford North For more info text or call Julianne or John (or email westhamlabour@gmail.com). 

And if you're away from East London tomorrow scroll right down to the bottom to see the other 11 London seats that need your help. Have a great day. And don't forget to vote... 

Best wishes Charlene 
Charlene McLean Chair of West Ham Labour Party

Wednesday 6th May - last day of the campaign Canvassing and telephone canvassing 6.30pm - 8.30pm Meeting at 306 High Street Stratford (opposite Stratford High Street DLR). Led by Alan.

lford North Canvassing 5.30pm/6pm - meet outside Stratford station at 5.30 or Ilford North Campaign Office, 153b Beehive Lane, IG4 5DX nearest tube Gants Hill at 6pm.
Julianne

London marginals 

Battersea, Sean Lawless, 020 7223 5306, 177 Lavender Hill, Battersea, SW11 5TE Bermondsey and

Old Southwark, Martin Tiedeman, 020 7394 6037, 46 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 4TR

Brent Central, James May, 020 8451 6560, 156 High Road, Willesden, NW10 2PB

Brentford and Isleworth, James Swindlehurst, 020 8581 3646, 367 Chiswick High Road, W4 4AG 

Croydon Central, James Goldstone, 020 8760 0109, 131B Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, CR0 6BE 

Ealing Central and Acton, Seph Brown, 020 8992 5614, Ruskin Hall, 16 Church Road, W3 8PP 

Enfield North, Aimy Saunders, 020 8367 3396, Celbic Hall, 77 Lancaster Road, Enfield EN2 0DW 

Finchley and Golders Green, Becca Lyon, 020 8883 0411, 38 Church Lane, East Finchley, London, N2 8DT

Harrow East, Luke Francis, 020 8427 2100, 18 Byron Rd, Wealdstone, Harrow HA3 7ST

Hendon, Jacob Lister, 020 8202 2145, 79 The Burroughs, Hendon NW4 4AX

Hornsey and Wood Green, Joanna Christophides, 020 8340 7362, 28 Middle Lane, London, N8 8PL

Bank Holiday Green Street, Harlow, Stratford & Ilford North

Both West and East Ham Labour met up today at Green Street in a sea of red for a final stall with our Parliamentary candidates, Lyn Brown & Stephen Timms.

Life time Labour supporter, 92 year old Second World War hero, Ron Higgins, who survived 32 missions as a gunner on Lancaster Bombers (the average lifespan for aircrew was only 20 missions) came with his family to show support. Ron in his youth also played for West Ham and Leyton Orient FC and later was a trade union convenor in the docks.  We worked out he first voted in a General election in 1945. He remembers Will Thorne, the founder of the GMB and local MP until 1945.

Stratford & New Town Candidate, Charlene Mclean (& beautiful baby) was also there to leaflet and talk to residents.

Newham Women's Forum were out supporting Suzy Stride in marginal Harlow and after the stall finished activists went out to door knock in Stratford and Ilford North.