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Elizabeth Braund, who for many years has run Shallowford Farm to help inner London city children, shares her experience.

The riots in a number of cities last summer shocked us all. There were banner headlines about the ‘end of an era’, a constant barrage of grim forebodings from the media, endless political argument and social confrontation. But all this has left us not so much keyed-up to new resolve, as indifferent and only wanting to be left alone to get on with our own lives.

The red van stopped outside the front gate where straw was laid across it and the post box hung beside a footbath of disinfectant, a spray and a broom.

'Good to see you', called the postman. 'You're the first person I've set eyes on round these parts today!' No wonder he was early: no chats at each door, no going in for cups of coffee.