HUNDREDS of campaigners gathered together for an event to support a family of seven on the day of their eviction from their home of 26 years.
Esme Boggart, a new arts collective who are campaigning against Section 21 no-fault evictions, threw a ‘resistance fete’ on Saturday at the Mapledurham property rented by Nick Garnett, Emma Bowen and their five children.
The family have paid over £200,000 during their tenancy and have never missed a payment.
Mr Garnett said: “This afternoon has been amazing. I’m leaving my house today, apparently, my tenancy ends today. I suppose I should probably be packing my suitcase and I’m not. The support from people I know and people I don’t know is phenomenal, I’m slightly overwhelmed. It’s been absolutely phenomenal.”
“We’re in limbo at the moment. We have no idea where we’re going to live, so I don’t know what’s next to be honest. I’m really not prepared to leave this part of the world.
“I know what it feels like now to feel that you have to leave or feel that noose tightening that means you’re not going to be able to stay in the place where you belong, with your family and community. People don’t do that lightly, so I’d like to stop vilifying those who are forced to seek refuge here.”
Visitors young and old were treated to an afternoon of entertainment which included a Punch n Judy show, art workshops, ceilidh dancing and book readings.
At the end of the event, a 6 metre wooden statue depicting the fictional Esme Boggart and the concept of no-fault evictions was lit on fire.
Many residents bought items of artwork to support the Garnett-Bowens.
Nick Hayes, a member of Esme Boggart, said: “There’s something about this story which has resonated not just with people personally, but also the feeling of the times. People are sick of the inequality of it all, the fact that one person, who doesn’t even live here, should have the right to uproot people who mean so much to us.
“It’s the notion that because someone owns the land on which the property is built, they can just deconstruct communities in whatever way they fancy is not right. We want to show people that it’s not shameful to stick your head up and say ‘not today’.
“The Mapledurham Estate, what have they actually contributed to this community? They’re rent takers. They were born with the inheritance of a lot of land. It’s not humane, it’s not ethical.”
Some guests spend the days before Saturday’s event parading placards around various Reading landmarks.
William Sleeman, agent for the Mapledurham Estate, commented on the family’s eviction prior to the event. He said: “Both numbers 1 and 2 Pithouse Cottages are in a poor state of repair and last summer the Estate commissioned architects to refurbish the cottages.
“Their advice was that the houses needed so much work, that it would not be possible to do the work with the tenants remaining in the property and it would be necessary to demolish and rebuild the houses.
“Therefore we served notice on the tenants of both houses to gain vacant possession to carry out the repairs. We gave a four month notice period rather than the minimum two month notice to give more time for the tenants to find suitable alternative accommodation, as we appreciate that it is not easy to find properties to rent.
“Paula Rhiordan in No 1 Pithouse Cottages has found another property and has vacated her house and we need possession of No 2 Pithouse, so that work can commence.”
