A wet Saturday in 2016

As the title suggests, it was a wet Saturday in March of 2016. The EU referendum had been announced and I saw this is a chance to put things right. Both my parents voted to join the Common Market as it appeared to be a good thing however, they both had a good deal of buyers’ regret and even apologised for doing to.
I was a supporter of GO (Grassroots out) more than Vote Leave as they just seemed to be more down to earth but of course, I would support any and all organisations that had the right intent. I signed up to a mailing list and remember it being a very exciting time, offering to help stuff envelopes, post leaflets and canvass. Then came an email, there would be a canvassing session on a high street about ten miles from where I lived – everything that day was put on hold and off I duly went.
When I say, off I went, organisation was a little clumsy. By this, I mean that there was no exact time nor place just inferences. No matter thought I, this has to be done.

It was pissing down and cold so I dressed suitable for the occasion – a couple of layers, heavy, waterproof coat, boots and so on.
I located myself in a cafe roughly where I thought things might be going on an and I could spot people getting together. Imagine if you will, your first meeting with any Puffins. What does a Puffin look like, how do you ask a complete stranger if they are a Puffin, how does one begin a conversation with somebody with the intention of a discussion or even mention of Puffins?
You get the drift.

Anyway, I was on my second toasted teacake following a Bacon sandwich and a belly swishing around with far too many cups of coffee when I recognised Peter Whittle.
That’s it, time to head over.

When I got there, face beaming, knowing I’d got the correct day, sort of the correct time and far too much caffeine coursing through my veins, it was as though I’d just been reunited with long, lost family.
“Remember everybody” said Peter, “We’re not UKIP today, we’re Grassroots Out!”
The brief was simply to talk to people, get their opinions and then give ours which, hopefully, would be more aligned with British sensibilities.

Not many people wanted to talk. The weather had dried slightly but it was still March and still miserable. Most just wanted to get their shopping and get home however some people actively engaged.
My first ‘engagement’ was a 30 something year old lady. After some discussion with this Europhile, she let on that she worked as a researcher for the EU – a bit of a baptism of fire for me!

A few other people were surprised at the facts but remained resolute that the PM and the media were for staying in and so that’s how they were going to vote.

One person began to get a little vocal so Peter came over, calmed the whole conversation down and even got them to agree a number of points.

At the end, I took a couple of photos of the group with the GO banner and emailed them to Peter for use in publicity.

I’d only met him for a couple of hours but in that time, I found him to be kind, energetic, very knowledgeable and absolutely genuine in his beliefs.

His loss will be felt in many, many circles.

Thank you for making me welcome Peter.
 

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