Tina - Met in Northampton

Smiles abounded in this particular area of the town this morning.

Tina brought the sunshine out from behind the thick layers of clouds. This is not a new skill, Tina has been doing this for years – smiling and supporting Macmillian Cancer Support – World’s Biggest CoffeeMorning, she even had her own cheerleaders singing her praises. What a joyous encounter for a wonderful purpose.

Cavan – met in Northampton

It was the hat that first drew attention. It stood tall and bright. Like the smile that Cavan constantly wore. 

This brightness was perfectly matched by the blond plaits and the vivid tie he sported with flair.

When asked if there was any particular meaning to his name, Cavan burst out in song! The people around were treated to a tune about his name and County Cavan in Ireland. Everybody was smiling.

Just what’s needed on a cold autumn day – bright, breezy people doing their bit for the community and raising money for a worthy cause: Macmillian Cancer Support – World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

Alan – Met in Mereway, Northampton

Alan is outstanding. He also has a striking look. Once seen, never forgotten.

My enquiry about his different colour facial hair was met with an air of polite and calm resignation – I’d correctly assumed that others had also noticed it and commented on it.

Alan explained that he had inherited his particular look through his genes – his grandparents had it, then it skipped a generation and he was gifted with it. It’s called vitiligo  - a condition that results in the loss of pigmentation - and his occurs only on one side of his face. Apparently Michael Jackson had the same condition.

I told him I thought his look was a fashion statement before I spoke to him, he smiled at my suggestion that he dyed his hair on one side of his face. When I asked if I could take his photograph he willingly obliged and remarked that someone else had recently asked him the same question because they knew someone with the same condition.

Fortunately the other man and I were part of a group of sensitive enquirers. Alan remarked that he’s had some negative comments from people because unfortunately we live in a country with lots of sensitive people. All his observations of these other people were kind and courteous.

An outstanding man, in more ways than one, especially in charity to others who have been less than thoughtful to him.

Ieva – Met in Kingsthorpe, Northampton

Style, panache, presence – all these elements and more are evident in Ieva. She stood out against the brick buildings as she was casually and professionally doing kick-ups in the street.

I asked if she was practising for a particular event, Ieva responded, “No, I just like to do it.” She was very good.

After explaining why I was taking photographs Ieva agreed to let me share a touch of her style and skill.

Leyion - Met in Northampton

He stepped out of a building in front of me and I immediately noticed his strong calf muscles. Thinking about the upcoming Olympics I admired his easy, yet determined walk. After passing him I hesitated and went back.

Leyion had just finished working out in the gym something he plans to continue for the next eight years at least – until he’s 60. Yes, that’s right, this young looking man is over 50 (in fact, he’s the same age as me).

Leyion was raised in Northampton but left after gaining his qualifications to find work in the West Country and on the south coast. He is using his return to the county well, he hailed and talked to many people as we ambled along the road together. His strong, yet easy, manner extends to his character as well as his physique.

I think Leyion will be working out for a good few more years to come, at this rate he’ll be doing gym sessions until he’s at least 90.

Tom - met in Northampton

I interrupted Tom as he was minding his own business walking through town. His eye caught my eye.

“Excuse me." I said, "That’s an interesting tattoo.”

“Thank you.”

“Can I take a picture of it, of you as well?”

“Mmm, yes. What’s it for?”

Tom took out his earphones when I’d approached him and after explaining why I was bothering him he willingly let me take a few photographs.

I asked if he had more tattoos than the ones visible.

“Are they all over your body?” I asked.

“I’m getting there,” he responded shyly.

“Don’t worry,” I said, “I’m not going to ask you to look at them all.”

We smiled together at the thought. 

Dave Cox - from Northampton

Did you know you can miss out on the best quality conversations because of preconceived ideas? “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” So the saying goes. It’s true.

Dave was a boxer. You can tell that from his rugged face. What you can’t tell is the warmth of his personality and the extent of his community interest.

There was a time when Dave was the busiest boxer in Britain, now he pursues more gentle occupations like window cleaning and walking his dogs.

Like his Rottweiler and Husky you don’t really know what’s beneath the surface until you approach him (both dogs are also very pleasant).

Dave says he’s not political but he wants to see a change in the political landscape where things are more equal for the everyday workers of the country. With a passionate speech (that sounded very much like an election speech) he pointed out the evident errors in many systems from social care to the deteriorating health system. Dave is a man who has his finger on the pulse and his eye firmly fixed on the shifting landscape.

Looking to the future Dave wants to see more changes that will not rob the children of their rights. He could be right.

As he says, with a cheeky version of his ever-present smile, “Dave Cox for Prime Minister!”