Pendle Borough Council come in for a lot of stick from time to time, it’s one of the local spectator sports. So it would be as well to give them praise when it is deserved. I saw an article in the paper a fortnight ago asking for suggestions for improvements to park benches so I contacted the named officer, Colin Patton, and informed him of a serious deficiency in the seating arrangements at Letcliffe Park, Barnoldswick.
There is a group of men in Barnoldswick who are an asset to the town. I am not allowed to name them but refer to them as The Wild Bunch. They meet on Letcliffe most days and are the finest source for gossip, historical fact and general philosophy in the town. However, there was a problem, the bench in the most favoured position only holds five (and that cheek to cheek) and there are often seven in the quorum. I requested that another bench be placed there so that the group could all sit comfortably. I pointed out that one of the new metal benches wouldn’t do, these aged bottoms are only comfortable on wood.
I am happy to report that one of the existing benches has been moved and we now have plenty of room. So, if you are ever asked why there are two benches together looking out over the Dales you will know the answer, it’s to comfortably accommodate Barnoldswick’s superior version of the Last of the Summer Wine.
The Wild Bunch in 2005.
SCG/08 October 2005
