September 28th
Now that I have recovered from my daughter Rebecca's wedding, (which rolled in and out of our lives like a gorgeous tank, crushing and obliterating every other thought in our heads), I can return to Luton with a clear brain. I still have one bunch of hydrangeas in my home to remind me of that fabulous autumn day, but alas the roses from the bouquets have crumpled and fallen. Memories of the lovely ceremony flash in and out of my mind unexpectedly, I don't want them to fade, but I know that, like those roses, they surely will.
Luckily Luton fills the vaccuum left by that all-consuming family event, and continues to entrance. Last Saturday was fascinating. I flew back from a ChildLine fund-raising event in Edinburgh, so I missed the morning, but even so, the first International Food Festival in St George's Square was a feast of spices, breads, sauces, dozens of different ways to cook chicken, and little cakes, Polish, Caribbean, African, and everyone sat in the afternoon sunshine filling their faces and watching the dancersl. Arlene, Craig, Len, Bruno and Alesha would have loved them. Not that I've ever seen the Strictly dancers fill their faces with food, those costumes would cling to any extra ounce. Eeven the men wear lycra that hugs them mercilessly, I wonder they can walk, let alone rumba.
I wasn't watching Strictly last Saturday evening, addict though I am. I was presenting prizes to the winners of the tennis tournament in the Vauxhall Recreation Club, held in aid of the Marie Curie charity. Such a wonderful cause, working as it does to ensure cancer patients have a quality of life and a freedom from pain. The club is a precious resource for Lutonians, with indoor and outdoor courts so that maybe, one day, a Lutonian will win Wimbledon. Why not? Marilyn Murray, one of the coaches, is a bundle of talent. She took up tennis when her injured knees meant that she had to give up netball at the age of forty - so it goes to show, doesn't it, that not only can an old dog (sorry, Marilyn, I don't mean you) learn new tricks, but she can excell! Her family have promised to show me Luton after dark - I can't wait.
On Monday I was in the Leaside Hotel meeting some trusted supporters and planning our future together. They were talking about their hopes and fears for the town. Our discussion led us into difficult territory. Luton is a microcosm of the whole country, with the problems that beset the whole of Britain. If we can find solutions, that would be hopeful for everyone. After having spent happy hours enjoying the diversity of Luton, which must be one of its great strengths, it's so sad that a football match had to be cancelled, for fear of violence. I need to know more. Who is instigating the violence? Why? It's always self-defeating.
I'm returning to Luton almost every day this week. Not everyone knows that. Stephen, the 3 Counties breakfast shock jock rebuked me a couple of mornings ago, "You're not here, Esther!". Yes I am Stephen. And what's more soon I'll have an office in the indoor market, so you can come and take coffee with me there, and, as Michael Winner says, Calm down dear!