I am, as they say, Bournemouth born and bred. I grew up here, Winton if you’re interested, and developed a deep love for the area, as well as an irrational fondness for the mighty Cherries; our local football team for the uninitiated. I moved away from the area in my early twenties, to return later when I wished to bring up my kids in an area where they could enjoy the benefits of living in a vibrant area with a beach and lots going on.
I soon felt that things were good here when I moved back; a larger student population at the newly expanded University had meant that the town had a younger feel, together with the language students who have for years helped boost our local economy. Plus, we seem to have a thriving LGBT scene and a greatly entertaining Pride parade every summer. Hell, after a rather dismal spell even the Cherries are on a roll and gracing English football’s second tier, the Championship!
So, I was horrified to hear that the bigots and knee-jerk racists of the English Defence League (EDL) were planning a march through our town. And I was heartened that a wide variety of community and faith groups, including the trade union I belong to, UNITE, were organising a peaceful celebration of multicultural Bournemouth on the same day as a response, under the banner ‘We Are Bournemouth!’
Today (Saturday 23rd August) I approached our meeting point in the centre of town, full of trepidation that there would not be many of us and that the racists would have claimed a moral victory. I needn’t have worried. Horseshoe Common was filled with, I imagine, 400+ people of all ages and backgrounds; people from diverse community groups, political parties and trade unions. The area was a sea of colourful banners and placards, many home made. Before setting off, we listened to wide range of speakers including the local Imam and Church of England representative, as well as those from trade unions and Unite Against Fascism.
The march was noisy but good natured. I marched alongside the real EDL (English Disco Lovers) with their funky beats, and it must be said that there were a real cross section of Bournemouth residents; young and old, black and white, demo veterans and definite first timers. We wound our way through a town centre packed for the bank holiday weekend and finished up at a car park near the seafront where we heard more speakers and, determined to do it again if necessary, we went our separate ways.
As for the EDL; well, they had less then half our number and managed to make themselves a nuisance in the town centre well after we had dispersed. And I am pretty sure that only a small number of them were local.
Vigilance is now required, as they will no doubt try again; but I have faith in my fellow residents to make it clear that racism and fascism are not welcome in our town.
Bournemouth is multicultural, diverse, vibrant and united….. and that’s how the vast majority of us like it!
Paul H
