'Owt else or Any Other Business

[Stanley]

I tripped over this in the undergrowth today and thought it was interesting.....

[Tripps]

I hesitate to do so - but I'll put the full link up here. This wants watching.
Billy Moore has been through the mill, and is worth listening to.
Bear in mind this is only about 7 miles from Barnoldswick - and the year is 2025.

[Stanley]

I watched it for about twenty minutes David and it thoroughly depressed me. I think I have lived too long. I can remember Nelson when it had mills full of clattering looms and Stan Iveson.... I accept that change is inevitable but would somebody please tell the politicians that it doesn't have to be for the worse!

[Tripps]

I can remember Nelson when it had mills full of clattering looms

So can Google which is obviously following the thread, and has fed this video to me It's worth watching as an antidote to the video from Billy Moore above. Much to think about I'd say - The social attitude of the local mill workers is captured perfectly. I'm surprised at the number of Asian children in the school in the 1980's and the BBC spinning like mad, describing them as "Indians" and not the more likely "Pakistanis!". Interesting to see what people thought would develop and then see what actually did. The speech (accent and dialect) is a good record.

[Stanley]

I didn't watch it all David.... Too much to do at this time of the morning, especially if you've had a big sleep. But it was a good factual story of what was happening. How many people from today's generation will have 40 years in work, let alone in the same job..... We have lost that certainty and security and swapped it for zero hours contracts....

[Big Kev]

He's on the way home

Screenshot_2025-07-03-15-57-40-730_com.flightradar24free.jpg

[Wendyf]

I saw that but had no idea 'twas he.

[Big Kev]

I saw that but had no idea 'twas he.

I only checked it out as it sounded a lot heavier than the 'usual' helicopters that fly over.

I waved but I don't think he saw me

[Wendyf]

I would have curtsied if I had known!

[Tripps]

Sue mentioned the Rochdale Park model railway and Armed Forces day, with the Littleborough Brass Band.

Well Google has decided that I should watch it - so here it is for everyone. . . . Looks all very jolly.

[Stanley]

Well done David! I never thought to look.

[Sue]

Sue mentioned the Rochdale Park model railway and Armed Forces day, with the Littleborough Brass Band.

Well Google has decided that I should watch it - so here it is for everyone. . . . Looks all very jolly.

Thanks for that . It was a very jolly day. Bob has just written a report for the MODEL ENGINEER magazine

[Big Kev]

Excellent

[Tripps]

Youtube repeatedly takes me back to videos of this occasion, the state funeral of the late Queen. I've also watched other state ceremonial occasions and learned that she took a great interest in their planning - down to the finest detail. Is the 'elephant in the room' deliberate - as I suspect it might be - or just a pure coincidence? Clue - there are about a hundred and fifty matelots, afore and abaft the gun carriage. What think?

[Stanley]

Sorry David.... I'm not sure what your point is......

[Tripps]

In view of this Diversity and Inclusion it is is very disappointing to see that at this most important occasion there seem to be only white faces in the procession gun carriage party. I can see only one in about a hundred and fifty who is not. Not a single Sikh turban to be seen, and despite a sprinkling of female matelots - not a single female wearing a burkah (suitably adapted for seafaring of course) - or any sort of head scarf.

This is the Reductio ad absurdum argument for those who struggle with subtlety. I think it was quite possibly done deliberately, and under instruction.

The advertising industry is fully committed to the cause - Come on RN get some catching up done.

[Stanley]

I see what you mean and understand. I suppose I am so used to the lack of diversity in anything connected with the royals.... (It was a miracle that Philip got in!)

[Tripps]

I came across this today. If you enjoy a 97 year old, remembering the past - try it. It rang a bell with me as I remember the shop before it went to cycling. It was Sidlows the grocers. and successful benefactors to Failsworth.

Mention of Gerry Shields and Eddy Merckx Eddy Merckx Bike

Well off topic I know - but nowt else happening, it's a gentle pace, and you can safely ignore it if you wish. .

[Stanley]

Bloody Marvellous!!!! So many names I remember, Reg Harris in particular. I always fancied an Ernie Clements frame and were those Michelin tyres or tubulars on the bikes?
Only one complaint, why of why did we have to have the guitar playing while Gerry was speaking and we were looking at the bikes......
Thanks for that David, a wonderful start to the day. Reminded me of the days I spent helping out in the Bradbury's bike shop on Heaton Moor. Sid the old bloke who was manager used to tell me stories about Manchester during the war when he was up to some very dodgy things..... Always connected with cars or bikes. For many years my bottle opener was one I pinched from Fallowfield track but I don't know where that went.
That was quality time, thanks David!

[Tripps]

Wow - It's very pleasing to get such an enthusiastic response to an off piste topic. I guessed it might 'hit the spot' and was right. I don't hear any intrusive music - though when I played it back through my phone early doors - there were a lot of adverts. On thedesk top - I just hear the film.

The shop address was 1-5 Old Road Failsworth. At the other end of the Old Road was number 165 - being the ancestral home of the family when they moved to Failsworth from the Accrington area. A certain Mr LS Lowry also visited the place and did a painting. Here's a 'then and now' view.

Old Rd then and now.jpg

[Stanley]

Was it Gerry who, during the interview, quoted his army number 229........ and the interviewer expressed surprise he could remember such a large number? If not him it must have been in the Repair Shop. I noticed it because mine is 23050525 and it was so close to his..... That's a number you never forget!