Day 13: More then I expected

As part of the video section of this in-depth project Zaheer (my viseo lecture) and I decided it would be a good idea to follow a day in the life of the source that I had found Aboo Mohamed. In …

Day 12: A true Mayfair welcome

From deciding that my video was going to be around Aboo Mohammed a police reservist, I was invited to his home in the heart of Mayfair to interview his wife and shoot some images of them at home.

On arrival I was welcomed with such warmth t it was as if I was part of the family. Not only did I manage to get all that I needed for my story, I was treated to some of the best food I have ever had. The minute I walked into the house the smell of spices overtook and there was instantly a sense of a true home. Aboo has two stunning children and a beautiful wife who was so hospitable and makes THE BEST achar I have ever tasted.

What was most interesting for me was listening to both Abo and his wife’s views on crime in the area. Aboo has always said to me that he believes that the driving force of crime in Mayfair is desperation. “People are hungry and are desperate to live and then things go wrong.” Aboo said as we spoke about the rise in crime in the area.

His wife on the other hand believes that a lot of it has to do with foreigners in the area. This highlighted something very interesting for me. Sometimes community perception of crime is not always a reality. What was also interesting was the fact that even though they live with a family and Aboo’s wife worries often about safety, she told me she would not move from the home “it has sentimental value, I grew up in this house with my mother and after she passed I realised most of my memories of here are in these walls so that is why I stay. But for my families sake I think eventually we might have to move.” Aboo however says he has no intention of moving. “I have lived in many places but somehow I always land up back in Mayfair.”

Aboo is an inspiration to me and I am so happy to have met him. There are not many people out there who take their passion and pursue it especially when it means taking time out of their lives to protect the lives of others. I truly hold Aboo in such high regard and admire his passion for the community and his family.