Encouraging letter!

A very encouraging letter written about The Boom bus from a local resident of the Wood end estate in Greenford...

The Boom Bus Was Banging

As a recovered alcoholic/addict and member of Ealing Support panel. (ESP) I am developing a keen interest in community-based incentives in the Ealing area, so when I heard that the Boom Boom bus had hit town I was to say the least intrigued and in truth baffled. Intrigue having got the better of me I found myself making my way to the Wood End estate not knowing quite (if at all) what to expect.

I was aware of the bus thanks to our local constable and community officer and arrived to find themselves and Adrian Tither Their Sergeant thronged by a host of children, youngsters and parents. As I approached the bus there was an almost tangible air of excitement, as I grew closer still it became blatantly obvious that whatever was happening here, there was a buzz in the air and people appeared to be having fun. I needed no police training to see the evidence for that hypothesis, it was written in the faces, heard in the voices and harkened in the laughter of every person present.

Having now absorbed the obvious, that for all intent and purpose the people gathered here seemed to be having fun, I reached the bus and was about to discover the reasons why. I said polite hello’s and entered the bottom deck of the bus to see the guy I took as the Boom Boom man, sat twiddling dials, arranging microphones and communicating with the children in a way that was completely easy for him and heart warming for an observer (in this case, me). On this bottom deck the kids are able to sing and record their own renditions of their current favourite tunes. This was an inspired move because the way it panned out was that during the time when a child was recording their personal track, the other kids would group together with their mobile phones, searching for and then practicing their own favourite, this was after all serious stuff it will soon be their turn!.

I ventured to the top deck to find little pockets of boys and girls of various ages sat around computer and games consoles avidly and animatedly playing games. Trying my best not to be intrusive, I began asking the kids their thought and Opinions on the bus, I will tell of some of their comments but I would like to Start by telling you first of the revelation that sprang from their collective comments, That the positive consequences of the presence of the bus, prevail for much longer than the two hours of allotted time granted each week. They told me how they had been preparing and planning for the return of the bus since it last departed. How they would meet after school time and practice their songs and debate real stuff like who took what turn. One charming little girl told "you know what mister, I was first here tonight” I said really, what time have you been here since and she proudly said 5 o’clock. When I asked if she was aware that the bus began at 7pm, she said "oh yea but I wanted to be early"

The enthusiasm was palpable but when I looked around what was far more interesting and encouraging, was the way the phenomena of this popular enterprise was transcending age and gender. From the parents stood outside waiting and cheerfully chatting to friends and other local parents, to the young boys/men stood to one side discussing issues of their own whilst still soaking up the buzz and excitement in the air. To the tiny tot’s, busy running around seemingly aimlessly and enjoying something, even though they wasn’t sure exactly what. Much like the elder boy’s they was just soaking up the atmosphere and revelling in the merriment with scant regard to the source. To the many talented youngsters inside the bus, who accompanied by their supporting peers were taking centre stage and besides thoroughly enjoying the experience, were visibly growing in confidence and stature. I should also mention how almost without exception (tiny tot’s) both sex’s and all age groups respected one another by holding silence when silence was needed and applause when applause was due. The co-operation shown and given was done so not through rules, regulations and oppression but borne out of good manners, mutual respect, genuine community spirit and a sense of worth and purpose.

On way home that evening I could not help but feel privileged to have been present and a part of what was not only a fantastic in theory community project, but one that worked practice and one I had witnessed with my own eyes helping promote, foster and nurture in a community, who all to often perceive the police, support officers and indeed the council in an authoritarian and negative way, a counter to the unbalance and reason for people to consider and challenge these misconceptions and perceptions.