Hike over to Trent Park to start the Charity Walk in aid of Motor Neuron Disease. Lots and lots of people turned up for this good cause. Although the disease is incurable, there is much that can be done to make the life lived with the disease better and more enjoyable. The reason they wanted me is that Clare Chadwick, who is the North London organiser of the organization doing the walk, is a local constituent and she was telling me that they need publicity so that the 30% of people who have this disease but who do not beling to the Motor Neuron Disease Association here about it. Support is critical with such an illness – and the 70% of people with the disease who are part of the MND Association can find support, advice and company with others who understand the whole world that surrounds MND. The hope was that the papers might put it in if I showed up and that this might have the affect of reaching those who are not aware of this helpful body.

The afternoon event was a Green Flag ceremony in Albert Recreation Ground. Haringey, astonishingly, has won 7 Green Flags (certification of good open space / park with lots of criteria) which is more than any other borough in the country. And green spaces are truly important – it’s where human beings can get together and intermingle whoever they are and wherever they come from. Only human relationships will overcome the challenges now facing our country – and something as simple as the local park, free from crime and grime, can help provide the basis for that human network. And the sun shone too! The Friends of Albert Recreation Ground have worked very hard to achieve this (the status that is, not the sun shining!) – and indeed there is a network of ‘Friends of…’ for the spaces in Haringey. With 26 open spaces and 7 Green Flags – the ambition is to make all 26 winners. There was a lovely atmosphere, lots of kids, food, wine and a band – and of course – the raising of the flag!