A Grand Day Out……………..in

Doug · 09-06-2007, 18:45

Blackburn.

For you people Blackburn might not be a big issue but it’s been over thirty years since I was in the centre. I was over on Monday to register for my Registered Managers Award and was both in dread of going back and inquisitive at what I might find. I had a brief look round on Monday and though ok I’ll ask Joyce if she want to pop over on the way to Accy to have a look around.

Today we did just that, Corporation Park look the same as it did nearly 40 years back when I visited it as a child. But it was the centre that impressed me. Joyce was very impressed and felt that she preferred it to shopping in Blackpool or Preston. It was clean, the people where friendly, polite and cheerful, the weather was excellent. Joyce though it was Beautiful and said she wouldn’t mind living there,

and believe me that saying a lot coming from Joyce.

Undoubtedly there is still a long way to go before the Town becomes a destination of choice for most, but for me I’ll be looking forward to many more visits and a few excursions in and around Blackburn & Darwin.

Tin Monkey · 09-06-2007, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug

Darwin

Hope you've got your passport and some sun screen. It get very hot down under.

MargaretR · 09-06-2007, 18:58

I suppose anywhere looks 50% better on a sunny day. Blackburn is not a place I would like to live - Darwen maybe - although someone did once remark to me -'Darwen? well I suppose someone has to live there' ' - still dont know why that was said - perhaps a Darrener will enlighten me.

garinda · 09-06-2007, 19:03

What's Blackburn got that Accy hasn't?

Oh yes, a Labour Council.

I agree, Blackburn is looking good.

MargaretR · 09-06-2007, 19:23

I had the misfortune of having to work in Blackburn centre at Broseley House for 2 separate years in 1970 & 1993. Both were years I would rather forget.
That Broseley House - I described it as 'a submarine in a cesspool'. The heating system provided overlarge piping which extended several inches from the walls (as in a submarine) and the cesspool bit came from the deisel fumes from the buses which parked next to and underneath the 'bridge' section. Altogether the most undesirable working environment I have ever been subjected to.
PS - I suppose if one of your hobbies is 'shopping' you might like it - It never has been nor ever will be a hobby of mine

Tin Monkey · 09-06-2007, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

What's Blackburn got that Accy hasn't?

Oh yes, a Labour Council.

I thought the council had no majority after the recent elections? Last I heard, the Tories, Lib Dems and the independents (For Darwen Party) had formed an alliance and were the controlling party in Blackburn with Darwen.

Wynonie Harris · 09-06-2007, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug

I’ll be looking forward to many more visits and a few excursions in and around Blackburn & Darwin.

Doug, you traitor!

Tin Monkey · 09-06-2007, 19:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Darwen maybe - although someone did once remark to me -'Darwen? well I suppose someone has to live there' ' - still dont know why that was said - perhaps a Darrener will enlighten me.

There are some decidedly dodgy areas in Darwen and I would would not relish having to live there. I currently live about 2 miles south of Darwen and it's some of the most lovely countryside in Lancashire, if not the country. I had a bloke doing some work on the back of my house and as he looked around he said, "It's like the Yorkshire Dales round here". It's beautiful for most of the year, but can be a bit wild in the winter.

MargaretR · 09-06-2007, 20:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tin Monkey

There are some decidedly dodgy areas in Darwen and I would would not relish having to live there. I currently live about 2 miles south of Darwen and it's some of the most lovely countryside in Lancashire, if not the country. I had a bloke doing some work on the back of my house and as he looked around he said, "It's like the Yorkshire Dales round here". It's beautiful for most of the year, but can be a bit wild in the winter.

Go on then --- tell me where are those 'dodgy areas'
please

Tin Monkey · 09-06-2007, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Go on then --- tell me where are those 'dodgy areas'
please

To be honest I don't know how dodgy the area is, but I drive through Sudellside as a shortcut and it looks dodgy to me. Always seem to be police round there and some of the people I see wouldn't be out of place on Crimewatch.

Doug · 09-06-2007, 20:16

Thanks TM. Mr Harris we must take the opportunity in life to explore our beautiful county even if that means Blackburn, but Accrington is in my blood and my love for her will never diminish. I agree with you also TM there is some beautiful landscapes around should we open our eyes.

The last time I was in Blackburn it was a dismal **** hole, it was dank, grim and every corner house was a pub most of which where also dank and grim; well they where when I prised my eyes open the following morning.

For me not seeing the place for many years I felt it was a credit to them, which ever party our in power these is a foundation worth building on. I love the Library and I’m looking forward to being able to spend time in there looking for my family roots prior to them hitting Accrington via “Darwen” and Clayton 150 years ago.

MargaretR · 09-06-2007, 20:24

Oswaldtwistle is the most desirable place to live in this area -- as demonstrated by the local estate agents waiting lists and the slightly higher house prices by comparison with similar sized property in Accrington. There are highly desirable areas in any of the outlying districts but Oswaldtwistle as a whole is 'desirable' in any of its areas.

WillowTheWhisp · 09-06-2007, 21:21

I know what you mean about Blackburn Doug. Church Street is particularly impressive and beats our Broadway into a cocked hat in my opinion.

Gayle · 09-06-2007, 21:23

Well I'm glad you had a good day Doug - I had a pretty lousy one. Good job I'm able to adapt.

First thing - gym for Maddie and football for Zack - Maddie threw up five minutes before due to set off and Zack decided he wasn't interested in going today. I adapted by having another coffee (after cleaning up sick of course).

Next, garden clear up day at the kids school - Maddie still sick, Zack hadn't got dressed so decided to leave them both at home with Chris. Got to the school took a couple of pictures, just about to pick up a spade (honest) when my phone rang - the estate agents had someone coming round to view the house so needed to get home and help Chris with tidying up. So that was the end of gardening.

Next, had tickets for the puppet festival. Maddie felt a bit better so we set off. Watched the first show then Maddie wilted again, missed the next two shows because we had to come home.

Next, Mother in law was coming round.

Finally, Asda was due to deliver between 7 pm and 9 pm and it's now 10.22 and I'm still waiting.

Nothing has gone right today. I've still got a smile on my face but hoping tomorrow might go a bit more according to plan!

Doug · 09-06-2007, 22:57

Bless you Gayle, hope you have a better one tomorrow.....