It's over four months since I finished writing the series of articles about religion and our old church. At that time I was losing my sight due to cataracts and wanted to make sure that it didn't affect the articles. I'm pleased to tell you that two operations and four months later and I have fighter pilot vision once more. Modern science and the NHS are wonderful!
I've enjoyed reading the articles each week and a thought struck me this week. You may have noticed that there is a madcap scheme to spend money on 'Brand Pendle', a good example of marketing gone mad in my opinion. In all the news reports nobody seems to have recognised that Pendle Borough Council didn't exist until 1974 and yet this seems to have taken precedence over the ancient history of the villages that make up the district. No mention in particular of Barnoldswick which has written evidence supporting its existence since Roman times. I think we should start a counter-campaign for 'Brand Barlick'! In marketing terms a rich local history like Barlick's trumps all the inspired copy-writing about Pendle which inevitably degenerates into the dreaded Pendle Witches, a serious piece of history but which attracts odd balls and some very debatable 'facts'. Remember that even Nelson didn't exist as an incorporated borough until 1890.
I'm pleased to see that the Thursday and Saturday markets in the Town Square seem to have taken off despite scaremongering politicians complaining about congestion and parking. When was there ever a 'parking problem' in Barlick beyond that created by officious traffic wardens seeking to get the revenue up? I think they should think again instead of jeopardising a brilliant initiative which can do the town nothing but good. If anything puts visitors off more than anything else it's complaints about car parking.
The only dark cloud I can see at the moment is the number of empty shops. I don't agree with taking them over and plastering the front with pictures of a politician, the aim should be to reduce business rates for start-up enterprises and encourage newcomers to take over. One of the glories of Barlick is the thriving private shops giving employment and generating profit which stays in the town. Once again I urge you all to support them, you'd be surprised how much cheaper they can be than the Cathedrals of Choice!
We've all seen the problems that can be caused by lack of maintenance of culverts and watercourses in the last few weeks so a word of thanks to Pendle Borough who are doing a good job of monitoring the danger points in the town. That's right Lads! Stanley is taking notice!
So, the message is I am back in the saddle, clear eyed and bushy tailed and I shall continue to do my best to engage your attention once a week at least! Thanks for sticking with me and for all the feedback I get, it's appreciated.
Local traders at the Saturday market.
