Out and about in Royal Docks for Labour: West Ham & Beckton

 

This evening I joined my West Ham Ward colleague, John Whitworth in Royal Docks ward to canvass with local Councillors, Caroline Adaja and Steve Brayshaw. 

Our West Ham & Beckton Labour Parliamentary Candidate, James Asser, was out canvassing with activists in our North Woolwich ward. 

I had no "negative" responses during the door knock but I guess that some responses from residents that said they were "undecided" were probably from those who are actually opposed. But I felt (hope?) that while they will not vote Labour it is possible that they will stay at home and not vote. Which in one way is a shame but their choice and a reflection of how dreadful the current Conservative offer is to even their traditional supporters. 

On the plus side, we had plenty of positive responses in a part of the borough that some would think is not great for Labour.  A lady came to the door who was celebrating her birthday but wished us well and ensured us that everyone in her family and her friends would be voting Labour - including those who had changed their minds recently. 

I also came across a number of residents who had either never voted or had not voted for several years who were genuinely interested in the election process and who were pleased to be canvassed and learn more about how to vote. One young mum who was happy to engage, while also trying to ensure her excited toddler and her cat did not run out of the open front door was so pleased to meet Steve, one of her Councillors, who lives nearby and discuss with him local issues. 

Afterwards, John and I joined our colleague Shabs who had just finished his ward canvass at the Canning Town Efes to share their meal platter. A great meal and finish to a long day. 

Waltham Abbey and the Lee valley walk

Somewhat off message but today Gill and I drove to this 4.5 mile circular route from "Essex Walks" Pathfinder series. It is also very accessible by public transport. 

It was a peaceful and relaxing walk mostly next to water but also across fields and hedgerows. The weather forecast was a bit dodgy but luckily there was only a few spots of very light rain. 

It is difficult to imagine that this area was for hundreds of years a Royal factory for the production of gunpowder and armaments. There still remains a very large fenced off former military "research station" which appears to be gradually being knocked down to build modern flats and offices. 

Many of the lakes and water features were also caused by industrial scale gravel extraction. 

The riverboat community were very friendly (apart from one who told us off for cooing at her cat which was sleeping in the bow of the boat). 

There are a number of interesting modern sculptures scattered around the area which are well worth a stop and a ponder and at least one wildlife hide. 

There was a "Viking" signpost and information board which pointed out that this used to be the border between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to the west and the Viking controlled territories known as Danelaw to the east. 

By coincidence last night, I started watching the "Last Kingdom" series on Netflix, which is set in this period. It is not for the fainthearted (thank you Shabs) and I will give it another go tonight but if the death and gore count is similar to last night, I may give the rest of the series a miss. 

I recommend this walk but it is likely to be very busy for the first half if a warm and sunny weekend.