Interesting times

Well, today was interesting! Set off for a Garden Centre/Nursery extravangza with my friend Rebekah this morning. Knew the EDL were planning on holding a march in Sheffield, and also knew that there was to be a counter event about multiculturalism in Sheffield - our wonderful students led by president Abdi  produced a great video about it:



Didn't think it would affect us particularly although we do live very close to the City Centre. How wrong I was. As I was on my way home, Stuart sent me this photo:

Right outside our house. Apparently things were kicking off - the EDL had marched up West Street and the police were trying to keep them away from anti-facist demonstrators who were also close by.

I had real trouble getting anywhere close to the house as all the roads were blocked off. I had to sweet talk my way past two police blockades, and eventually got close to home to see this at the end of my road:

Talking my way past police on motorbikes was one thing. Decided that getting past 10 horses might be harder, so parked car and walked home!  But, then I had a chat with a lovely police officer in full riot gear who told me that it was his job to ensure business as usual for local residents, and moved the horses sideways so I could get the car past.

The horses were very impressive in their protective gear, and all the local residents were out on the street supporting the police

 

All of the roads nearby were blocked  as the police did a fantastic job:

The EDL had overrun one of our local pubs just up the road which promptly closed, called the police, who came and cleared the pub, and the thugs (scum, racist b******ds, whatever) started throwing bottles and glasses at anyone nearby. Suddenly they marched down West Street, and the line of police strengthened:

and they held them off, until the police decided to march them down the street under heavy escort. Suddenly all was calm again. It had all been a bit surreal. Police in riot gear, horses, motorbikes, and the EDL thugs. And all the time me and my neighbours were out on the street chatting to the police and taking pictures. I have to say - the police were fantastic. They knew exactly what they were doing, and I never felt anything other than safe. They were also very funny and chatty. My favourite comment was one of them telling me, when I asked where they were walking the EDL to, was "Grimsby, then we're going to keep them walking till they're all in the sea"

So, the EDL showed themselves up for what they are - racist thugs, and the multicultural event in the Peace Gardens passed without  hitch and was a calm and fun place to be.

Sheffield 1, EDL 0.