Wednesday, 23 September 2009
VTF1255
VTF1255. Yet another anonymous number on a nasty-green steel security door. "Warning. These premises are protected by Hackney Council". The "premises" were once a home, a family, a life. For VTF1255 it was the home of Lilian Karpin, committed Labour Party member when - long ago - that meant fighting for genuine values and integrity. She was a wonderfully generous and fair-minded lady. Did any slick, busy, promotion-hungry New Labour politician ever pass by to say hello? Maybe at election time. Maybe to make sure of the vote. Maybe.......
We salute Lilian Karpin and the many decent, honest folk like her. And damn VTF1255.
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There is a wonderful portrait of Lillian Karpin in the Hackney Town Hall. Here's a photo I took of it. Do you know anything else about Councillor Miss Lilian Karpin? Did she die recently?http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarflondondunc/4176913104/
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right - a wonderful photo that truly reflects the municipal pride and integrity of the time. Lilian went into hospital from her Woodberry Down home about six months ago. Her brother Bert and Greta Karpin are still formidable mainstays of the Hackney Labour Party - I won't comment on my own relationship with that organisation! - and I am hoping that even in these strange times the absence of any tribute in the local press means that Lilian is still in good health and able to enjoy the festive season. In the New Year I shall be tidying up her little front garden on Springpark Drive. It is characteristic that it was always well tended and should remain so despite the ghastly council security paraphernalia.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the goodish news. Although in hosiptal I hope she is going well. I'll keep an eye for the garden. Something nice looking on the Woodberry Down estate shoudl be easy to spot.
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