The Coldharbour Women

10: Shanika “Flower” Daye

Shani is a native of the town; her Jamaican grandparents moved the family here in the 60s. She’s watched her hometown change drastically due to gentrification, and many of her friends can no longer afford to live in the only place they’ve called home. She’s a revert who grew up listening to UK garage, and her pet name is Flower, though only her family calls her that. She’s also El’s upstairs neighbour.

9: Elenor Amelia Mortimer - Stagg

El isn’t from here, but she’s recently moved into the area after finishing uni. It’s an up and coming area, with all her favourite bars and restaurants within walking distance. She’s just trying to enjoy her new hometown and settle in. However, her neighbour Shanika seems to echo the unwelcoming sentiments of the long-time residents. El means no harm but do they know that?

8: In Or Out

She’s the eldest daughter, a surrogate mother to her siblings. Now, she’s faced with an unwanted pregnancy and has made her choice. At the risk of being judged, she’s going through an abortion alone while trying to manage the responsibilities she cannot leave behind.

7: BXTN

This is the town that The Coldharbour Women come from. Each of them has a different connection to it, but our narrator explains that the bricks and buildings are as alive as the people. She’ll always call this place home.

6: Charmaine De La Rosa

We first met Charmaine De La Rosa nearly 20 years ago, back in 2006. Her name was everywhere after the guy she was seeing made a song detailing their time together. It turns out she never told him her age, but why? What do we really know about Charmaine? Well, she’s decided to lift the lid and tell us in her own words.