Quote Originally Posted by Dedworth View Post
I didn't bother with LBC as rightly or wrongly I've always regarded them as cowboys. Scant pickings this year, couple of bags and a Western Union plastic cap thing. Couldn't see a Unison stall - my wifes a member and they're normally good for giveaways. Did the round of stalls on Sat couldn't be bothered on Sunday. I saw they crazed preacher lady was at her usual spot under the trees on the Civic Offices side. Other notable absentees from the stall holders compared with last year were the PPI claimback folks and Kabayan Payday Loan leeches
Oh the Kabayan Payday loans people were walking round as indivudals with flyers I saw one in the area to the rear of those watching the stage going group to group not sure she was that gemmed up on what they did, but certainly handing out leaflets. The organisers need to consider investigating ways of cutting down on the hassle people get, we had so many promotional (from official stalls and some not so official) people trying to sell items including bootleg DVDs from shopping trolleys I think they might need to start clamping down otherwise in a few years worth of Barrios it might become a bit of out of control issue which might end up with one authorities or another clamping down hard on the Fiesta. I have seen very dubious looking charity collectors, those selling financial products which might be a bit dubious and morally wrong, and also people offering pirated material lets not get a great event crippled due to people not
using a it of common...
Which would spoil it as it is fun to see the police looking so bored but relaxed it must be one of the jobs high on the wanted Shift list in the local area

I have to say the stalls were thin on the ground and know from what the Wife had heard from one of the regular food stall holders at the morden barrio fiesta this year they didn't think it was financially viable as it was 3k a day at Hounslow. I am sure there was more to it than that but they were regulars and were put off.

I did notice like you the Unison and some of the other possibly not exciting but possibly more useful for those needing help or information or careers advice were either not there or somehow i missed them. Which is concerning as many of the Pinays and Pinoys ofw with out a family connection here in the UK might need these facilities more if things go round or at least need to know even sub consciously need to know they exist.

Did notice a few hard core prayer groups going on, one group seemed very creepy for some reason with lots of young phills all very smart in appearance and looking like they in a trance like state