Nick Elks from Northampton

I think each day I’m become braver and more willing to give voice to my uncertainty about meeting new people. This is probably because of the beautiful responses I have been granted as I walk around town asking complete strangers if I can take their photographs.

Today my curiosity drew me into a newly opened building where some men were evidently deep in discussion. I briefly interrupted them and then, after talking with Nick, I learnt more about the new Hope Enterprise building called, appropriately, Oasis House.

I had wandered into the workshop where the staff passes on the skills to people to repair, service and eventually sell refurbished garden tools. Nick explained how this social enterprise rebuilds both a stock of great tools and people’s self-esteem.

It really is a helping hand for Northampton’s homeless.

Sheik Ali from Northampton

Have you ever been curious about something and then an opportunity to find out the answer presents itself? I have. I took that opportunity today.

“Excuse me ...” I ventured to this man walking towards me. He stopped with a look of gentle curiosity on his face. After introductions we spoke together for several minutes, this gentleman, Sheik Ali, generously answered my question and gave me more than I expected.

You see, I’ve wondered why I see some men walking around with brightly coloured beards. Sheik Ali explained that as a Muslim once your hair has lost the original black colouring you are not allowed to dye it back to black, however the Prophet has said that other colours are allowed and therefore henna is used by many men as an alternative.

I’ve wanted to know this for several years. Now I do. And so do you.

I found out again today that when you approach people with a polite and genuine question it is more than likely that you will be greeted with a gentle and clear response.

Kath from Northampton

“Neighbours. Everybody needs good neighbours. With a little understanding. You can find the perfect blend.”

(Feel free to sing along in your heads to this one.)

I have the best neighbours. Kath is the best of the best. A sprightly octogenarian she still has the same warm smile on her face as when I first met her nearly two decades ago.

Winter, summer, autumn or spring you can be assured that it is the same greeting that you’ll receive from this wonderful woman. I am a relative newcomer in this area -not even my nearly two decades can touch Kath’s sixty plus years in the street.

It’s fair to say Kath has seen it all and still she has a friendly word to share with all she meets. If I had to move anywhere and choose the perfect neighbour then I’d move here and choose Kath and her husband.

Every street, community and town should have copies of Kath for themselves. Yes, I am showing off because I’ve been blessed with knowing such great people so close to home. In fact, they make home feel more like home.

Mel from Northampton

Do you ever think you don’t have enough time to do everything in your day?  A familiar feeling, I’m sure. Let me introduce you to someone who has super-filled days and still finds time to take personal responsibility for herself, her neighbourhood  ... and the planet!

Mel is a mum, a nana and a musician. Her life is a mixture of family, rock n’ roll and for extra variety she also has an allotment. When Mel is not busy on those major parts of her life she spends her time doing community work. Her main focus is with the Umbrella Fair and working with young musicians. As well as assisting with building the community up, Mel is working hard to prevent a youth building from imminent closure while trying to open another one as a community arts centre and cafe venue.

Mel loves her community and she has a big always-giving heart ... she needs it to keep going all day long. 

Douglas - met in Semilong, Northampton

"Do you live in this street?" I asked, "Just waiting for someone," was his reply when I spoke to the young man sitting against the garage door that had a 'No Parking' sign on it.

It was a brilliant summer's day and the ideal time to wait in the sunshine.

I was looking for someone else, however his casual comfort drew me to him.

Martin from Northampton

It’s the smiling eyes that attract your attention to Martin. He’s standing close to a wall with a stack of Big Issues in his hand. Calling out to passersby he sends a free gift of care to each person wrapped in his smile.

Martin has been on the same pitch for the past six years. He’s well known – a fact borne out by the people passing us as we were engaged in conversation.

“Hello, Martin love,” a woman turns to greet him as she walks by.

“Hello there,” he throws back with a wide grin before turning back to talk to me. Martin has known hard times, but he’s also know better times. No longer sleeping rough he remembers the times when he did with deep thoughtful words; he now spends some of his free time helping other homeless people. It really is a big issue.

Buying a magazine from Martin really is a gift that keeps on giving.

Ismail Ali from Northampton

I’m not the only one to have noticed this man recently. Apparently a woman from Russia stopped him with the same question I did when he was in Turkey recently, “Can I take your picture?” It seems like a perfectly normal response to a man looking as particular and dapper as this.

As we talked it transpired that I had been in the same venue with Ismail some years previously when we were both promoting different parts of our combined history as part of the Northampton Black History Association.

Ismail was previously a Chairman of the Somali Community Association in the town. He has recently founded and is current Chairman of the Somali Health Awareness Foundation. It seems he will continue to make a positive and lasting impression wherever he is and whatever he gets involved with.

Jan from Semilong, Northampton

Jan has been a fixture of Semilong, in Northampton, for over 14 years. She welcomes all people into her laundrette with a smile. Jan has a mission – and it’s not just making sure that your wash is completed efficiently – this mission is not a secret one: Jan raises funds for the Air Ambulance Service and so far this year she has raised £1,631. 

In the past seven years Jan has co-ordinated the raising of over £10,000 through sales of donated items from the laundrette. She says that without the generosity of the community none of the fund raising would have been possible.

Jan is another example of a number of ordinary people throughout the county doing extraordinary things, and all the time wearing a smile.

Rosie from Northampton

I first met Rosie at a house party. I remember her from those days many years ago. There were dozens of people flowing in and out of various rooms. Rosie personality draws your attention in a crowded room.

However, the way I think of her now is riding her bicycle through the streets of Northampton with her guitar on her back. It’s a wonderful image that I’m going to capture one day soon ...

Rosie is a passionate musician and she brings some of her passion to my home when she teaches M² some wonderful techniques. Their lessons are punctuated with laughter and music – it’s always a joy to overhear these sessions.

Sometimes there are gaps between the lessons because Rosie occasionally lives in Finland and has also been known to take her musical skills to Benin as well. Now, that’s what you’d call a travelling musician. 

Karin from Northampton

... by way of Los Angeles.

Karin is Northampton’s own Tina Turner. She has her own show and can sing, dance and act and has also performed in musicals in the United States and the West End.

With such a vibrant personality Karin’s infectious love of life is transmitted to you the moment you meet her. When she is on stage you are immediately mesmerised and taken on a journey in memory, sound and vision.

Karin is always inviting people to get involved in activities and to join her in the fun experiences of life. This amazing woman reminds me that when you have a dream and want to make it a reality, it is possible.

Phil from Northampton

It started with a casual ‘Morning,’ and now Phil, and his dog Jasper, are a regular part of my weekly routine. 

I see them when I walk in the mornings and we nearly always stop to have a chat.

Phil is a local historian, he has a mountain of knowledge that I love to hear about and, thankfully, he is willing to share. I do know, however, that Phil meets so many people during his many miles of daily walking that I am just one of many in awe of his friendliness and willingness to share precious time with them.

He seems to know everybody ... and their dog! He’s a local ever-smiling legend.

His walking is as legendary as he is. When he replaces his current walking shoes Phil’s retired pair will be placed on display in a local store because of the thousand miles he has racked up in them, and to show how well they have stood the test of time and variable weather conditions. Very apt for a shoemaking town I think.

Tony – met in Mereway, Northampton

Tony is one of those people who like people. You can tell this without saying a word, but if you do take the time to talk with Tony then you feel as if you’ve known him for years.

I met him as I was putting my shopping into the boot of the car.

We struck up a conversation and I found out that this 68 year young man does not have to work but does so anyway because he likes people. Told you so! Tony has had a career in the armed forces and has worked as an engineer. He is a family man who loves spending time with his grandchildren. He recently welcomed the first female grandchild born into the family for 18 years – he plans to spoil her with love, the same way he has with his children and other grandchildren.

A bright man whose sister shares my name! And a smile that warms your heart. It’s all good.

Glynn from Blisworth, Northamptonshire

Glynn and Oscar

M² and I met Glynn on our way back to the car. We’d just been tramping about fields and scrambling over stiles to look at bridges, trains, fields and the world from a different point of view. It was raining but that didn’t deter us. 

We saw Glynn and his dog, a bearded collie, as we headed back through the wheat fields to the road.

As is the way with most country folk we greeted each other and paused for a chat.

Glynn is an interesting man obviously full of curiosity and knowledge. He kindly shared some of this information on the adjacent railway lines, bridges, local villages and history of some village road names. He referred to himself as a ‘generalist’. Whilst we were talking his dog, Oscar, kept running off towards the tracks and barking at all the high speed trains that rushed by; a regular pastime by all account.

A fascinating and unexpected meeting with an intriguing person.