Dear Readers, it was a mere 84 degrees Fahrenheit today, but with the humidity apparently it feels like 91 degrees. So heaven help the poor elephant leading the parade at the East Finchley Festival. I only hope he or she didn’t expire. There were a couple of people dressed as Mickey and Minnie Mouse too, plus a pink shark. Fortunately for those of us on the Friends of Coldfall Wood and Muswell Hill Playing Fields stall, no peculiar clothing was required, and it was still way too hot.

First up, we were told one site to pitch our marquee, then another one (where someone had already set up), and then finally the correct one, so it was just a case of wrestling the marquee into an upright position. It always makes sense to have a chap to advise on these occasions…

But to be fair, said chap then  helped carry the marquee up and down the festival site until we found the right spot. And look how good it looked once it was all set up!

We had some ‘business cards’  with flower seeds in them, which were a big hit, and we were trying to drum up some business with our tombola, where everyone won something. I suspect that the prizes will get more generous as the day wears on, and it dawns upon us that what people don’t win will have to go home with us.

It’s a lovely chance to chat to people, and discuss the wood, and to see what else is going on, but after a couple of shifts I’m usually done – I’m a bit of an introvert, and so, although I love people, I only have a certain amount of energy. Plus, did I mention it was hot? But it is a great occasion, and watching and hearing the children dancing and singing on the Community Stage was a real joy. And someone brought us ice lollies, just what we all needed. So as usual, I’m glad that we did it, and also glad to be back at home in  the (relative)  cool, writing this. I am so happy to be part of the East Finchley Community. It’s my favourite place in the whole world.