Castleford Diary

Mayor's year end speech

2011-05-23T14:22:00.000+01:00

Delivered by me on 19 May 2011 as outgoing Mayor of Wakefield at the Annual Council Meeting.

Last week I attended the rehearsal for today’s event. Just a year ago I was created Mayor and as I recall that mayor making a year does not seem to be a long time. But when I look at all the events that happened during that year at which I and the Mayoress were present the year was a long and superb time.

It has been an exciting, memorable and interesting, to discover what goes on in our district and beyond, to meet those people who are making a difference to the lives of others, and during our lovely summer to say I bring the sunshine with me.

Now in this speech I am going to give a few examples but they are only a few and much has been left out. I don’t want to keep you here all day.

When I was deputy mayor I identified four themes of the mayor during the coming year.

There were the soldiers of whom we are all proud. The main event I remember is the exercising of the freedom of the city right to march by the Rifles on September 11^th. The support for our troops by our citizens is warming, and I had decided that one of the Mayor’s charities be the Army Benevolent Fund, now known as the Soldiers’ Charity.

Another theme is to highlight those who are helping others in their own way. There are many cases of this going on in all our wards. We all have the means to help others less fortunate. Whether it is fund raising for the hospices or Dr Jacksons or devoting time to volunteer or whatever other means, it is all appreciated. This includes galas, which give good memories for years to come.

Then there are our young people. They get complained about but actually a lot of them do good deeds. In my year the guides’ centenary came to a close, finishing in a mass renewing of their promises at which I was pleased to be present. There are the scouts and the cadets whom I visited too and some visited the Mayor’s parlour.

I was pleased to hand out the bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards to those young people who achieved that and to those young people that achieved the Mayor’s award.

The visits to primary schools are a delight. Children ask such interesting and often unexpected questions. “No, I don’t have a driver because I’m too old to drive. “

Young people also feature in the fourth theme. The showcasing of the talent we have within our district. I have enjoyed all the shows and concerts, both professional and amateur, that I have seen during the year. The acting and performing is a delight to watch. Then there are the art exhibitions.

So much is going on the district.

Last year many people, within the district and outside, told me how proud I must be to be the Mayor when the Hepworth opens. Well the publicity did say opening spring 2011. So, I was disappointed when I found out it will be opening two days after I end as Mayor. It’s a good start to the new mayor’s year.

Now, I nearly forgot one of my favourite bits I enjoyed, chairing the council meeting. Yes, I have enjoyed that. It may have been stressful at times but it truly has been enjoyable. The support given to the mayor by all councillors is a credit to Wakefield.

During the year I met some teachers from China who told me that Wakefield must be a lucky place because its Mayor wears gold and red, a combination considered to be a sign of good luck and good health.

I must thank you for supporting the Mayor. In a world that is changing so quickly it is important that we keep traditions that remind us of our heritage. I thank all those who over the year as Mayor and Mayoress and the previous year as Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress have supported Doreen and me. Thanks to those who have supported the Mayor’s charity, the other charity to benefit is the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals Trust patients charity.

I thank Father David for his valued contributions and an excellent sermon at the Civic Service and to the various churches that hat have me over the year including, of course, the cathedral.

It has been a good year, an exciting year.

Support for the Tigers Stadium

2011-04-08T13:23:00.000+01:00

My letter of support to planning:

As a local member I support the application. I declare that I have no position with the club or any of its organisations other than I am a member of the Castleford Tigers Supporters Club.

I am unable to speak at the committee meeting because I have long standing mayoral engagement and therefore submit this written support.

As detailed in the report granted planning permissions have resulted in development in the area including Xscape, a shopping village and a hotel. This application for a sports stadium will complement the existing use.

The location of the existing stadium has resulted in problems with parking that were not experienced until the growth of car ownership in recent years.

By bulking up the number of visitors to this site just off the M62 the addition of the stadium will increase this part of the district as a major regional visitor destination. This will not only increase visitor numbers on the day but encourage visitors to return on other days to other attractions within Wakefield District.

The movement of the ground from this part of Wheldon Lane that is close to the town centre will encourage development to the east of the town centre, close to areas, such as the former C6 site and the former school site at School Street that will provide a boost for the town centre. This boost will be helped by the visitors to the Glasshoughton site being attracted to the town centre, which in itself will encourage that growth.

The social value of this rugby league to the well-being of the town should be taken into account. The community cohesion and pride by local sports on a town is well established. The Tigers have a long history and are part of the town’s heritage and psyche. The new stadium is vital to the team being in the superleague. It is, therefore, important not just for the club and its supporters but the town as a whole that this stadium goes ahead.

In relation to highways issues, I understand these are covered by a condition of the approved outline application. I point out that there is a railway station and a regular bus service close by

Therefore, as a local member, and having read the report and associated documents, I support this application taking into account the conditions of this application and of the approved outline application.

Why Ferrero should come to Castleford

2011-02-28T20:51:00.000Z

The 150^th anniversary of the unification of Italy is approaching but Castleford’s connection with the country goes much further than that.

Nearly two thousands the Romans established a major fort and settlement here. It became a key outpost of the empire and a major manufacturing site with its artefacts, such as specially crafted spoons, traded throughout Europe.

That heritage of manufacturing continued in the Industrial Revolution and included sweets. The local Bellamy’s factory, later owned by Rowntree McIntosh and in recent times Nestle. The factory produces chocolates such as After Eights.

Alas, it is closing as the company consolidates its factories. Despite Castleford being in an excellent position for transport, close to the A1, M1 and M62 motorways. No wonder that distribution centres, Xscape and Junction 32 shopping outlet all picked the town for its excellent location.

So, with its central location and chocolate making expertise Castleford is well suited for a manufacturer to set up here to make and sell its wares.

Ferrero, makers of such quality products as Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno, would find the town an excellent location for a British factory. Above all, its Nutella spread, now overtaking Marmalade as the nation’s favourite spread, would not have to spread too far from the town to reach all the breakfast tables of Britain.

Castleford and Ferrero make a delicious combination.

Planting of the Interfaith Tree Speech

2010-12-01T19:01:00.000Z

As part of the events to mark the start of the second annual National Interfaith Week, we are gathered here, from different faiths and from none, to plant a symbolic interfaith tree. Thanks go to the Natural Environment Service and the Wakefield Tree Wardens for their important assistance towards making this happen.

We are all similar in many ways but we are all, as individuals, different. It is this recognition of our similarities, that brings us together, and of our differences, whose understanding broadens our knowledge, that strengthens us all.

The tree we plant today is a symbol of that. It is but another tree in this park but it is not a native to this area. It is a Giant Redwood also called Wellingtonia, a native evergreen of North America. It will flourish and grow here as a sign of the importance of differences and diversity.

Thornes Park is a popular place for all residents of Wakefield that is in the heart of the city. It is a place we all enjoy together.

In this common meeting place this tree, tall as it is now, will grow much taller, a symbol of our wish to reach towards the stars and of our trust in something greater than ourselves. Being an evergreen it symbolises life in the dullness of winter, giving us hope for the future.

I cannot stay for the full event having a prior engagement so I will unfortunately miss the beautiful works of art to be seen in the hall where you can have refreshments.

I hope we return next year to see how this tree, this sign of diversity, has flourished. I hope that in the time up to then and beyond people of all faiths and those with none will continue to work together for the common good and to enhance our common environment.

My Street survey

2010-08-27T09:53:00.000+01:00

Visitors to my surgery or people I meet elsewhere often comment on something about the street where they live. Comments such as litter, dog dirt or parking problems. So, I've devised a quick survey for you to tell me about your street. If you live in Castleford give it a go.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6SYHRNG

It's upto you whether you want to be anonymous or leave your name and e-mail address for me to get back to you about any concerns.

Remember, any problems such as dog dirt or noisy neighbours can be reported to Wakefield Council 24/7 on 0845 8 506 506.

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Pirates of Penzance at Ossett

2010-07-18T00:00:00.001+01:00

I always enjoy "The Pirates of Penzance" by William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan but tonight's show was special. All the performers were aged16 or under. They were members of e.chaos, the junior section of the Elizabethan Opera Company.A good performance too.

I remarked that the players were so good they must have been rehearsing for ages. The soloists were brilliant in their presentations. It's more amazing because the original operetta dates back well over a hundred years to 1879. An era unfamiliar to our youth.

Girlguiding Centenary Exhibition

2010-07-17T23:57:00.000+01:00

One hundred years ago girls gathered at Crystal Palace in London to ask Lord Baden-Powell to set up a female equivalent of the boy scouts, and so the girl guide movement came into being.

Today I attended the opening of an exhibition about one hundred years of girlguiding at Wakefield Museum. It is a collection of items showing guiding over those years, including uniforms and badges. It not shows how guiding has changed over that time, it also ilustrates how attitudes to girls have changed too. They are no longer trained to become stay at home housewives.

The exhibition runs until 15 August 2010.

I was also told about the Centenary Camp where thousands of guides, including visitors from abroad, will attend Britain's largest Guide camp. This will be held at Harewood House from 31 July to 7 August 2010.

Creating a better walkway

2010-02-10T00:55:00.004Z

About two years ago residents came to me complaining that a well used pedestrian short cut was mainly a muddy hazard. It was on Smawthorne Lane, Castleford. I decided that not only was I going to tackle that but I was also going to improve the entire walk way along its route from Willow Court to Smawthorne Lane.

The first obstacle was the backs of Blands Close. This consisted of a series of build outs, some grassed, some concrete and one had a pile of rubble. Council officers placed a smooth tarmac surface along the whole of the backs, filling in the gaps to create a continuous pavement.

Next was an area between a wall and garden walls that had bushes on either side. These bushes were cut rarely but I arranged for them to be cut often.

Following that the pedestrian comes to some steps. I arranged for a banister to be placed alongside them.

Finally came the muddy ground the residents had complained about. This was the tricky part in that it was not council owned. However, the owners of the building next to it ( a care facility called Whitwood Grange) agreed to tarmac it over. The building of a new extension gave them the opportunity to do this.

As well as council officers and the care home owners I would also like to the local residents' group BLOND for their help in supporting me to make this walk way happen.

Presentations at the WEA exhibition of mosaics

2010-01-27T20:34:00.001Z

From l to r: Christine (WEA), Emma (Bridge Arts), Doreen (Deputy Mayoress), me, Trish (WEA)

picture by Ted Bird

It’s always good to present awards to those who have been creative, and I have found that there a lot of creative people in the district.

On Tuesday I presented certificates to students of a WEA course who in just four hours had each produced a mosaic. All were well done and some of the artists had no previous experience. I was pleased to be at the launch of the exhibition of these works.

This show of fourteen mosaics is at Bridge Arts on Sagar Street, Castleford (opposite the new footbridge).

Art is not just about pretty pictures. It’s also about expressing emotions. The tutor (Julie Hand) encouraged each artist to produce a mosaic based on some feeling important to them. All were so good, I had no particular favourite.

A mother pig and piglets gave a depiction of family love, while another represented her family by hearts. Another used stars to symbolize his father and grandfather.

The workshop was part of the WEA’s Learning Revolution Festival held last October. It was held at Pontefract Museum. Funding came from the government (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills). The aim is to “open up opportunities and highlight the real benefits of learning for enjoyment, personal development and community development.”

WEA (the Workers’ Educational Association) is the UK’s leading adult education charity. It relies on dedicated volunteers who work alongside paid staff to run educational courses at community venues.

Castleford Civic Trust awards2010

2010-01-16T21:28:00.004Z

Each year in the run up to Christmas members of Castleford Civic Trust judge the town's shop windows. On Wednesday 13th January presentations were made to this year's winners. As a member of the trust I was pleased to be there to congratulate the winners.
First prize went to Salon 37 of Beancroft Street.
Second prize to Hair and Beauty of Smawthorne Lane.
3rd to furniture shop Complete the Look of Carlton Street.
Three commendations: Sense shop, Maureen's cafe (Sagar Street) and Global Gaming.

The event was sponsored by Carlton Lanes shopping centre and the venue was the RAFA Club on Pontefract Road. Awards were presented by the Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Heather Hudson, in the presence of the Trust's Chair, Mrs Joan Nicholson, and President, Lord St Oswall, with guest Peter Spawforth, Chair of the Yorkshire region of Civic Trusts.

Remembering the floods at Abrigg

2009-11-02T22:13:00.005Z

I have volunteered to be on the climate change working party. Today we visited Abrigg, Wakefield. It was the scene of flooding two years ago.
Climate change has affected rain in Britain. Over the year the country is now drier but when it rains it can be in heavy downpours. Flooding has now become a worry in many parts of the country.
I was surprised at the affect of flooding that occured in the area. The area covered included a main road into the city. The flood water was so high that one family who placed their possessions on the settee and on the upper shelves of the book case woke up to find that the flood waters had reached them.
We talked to residents about their experiences and worries and how they coped. We asked how the insurance companies helped and how they felt about being kept in touch about what the various agencies were doing. All the remarks were noted to be put into the enquiry.
What came over to me was how quickly rumours spread just after the flooding occured. Some may be true but some seemed to me could not be so.
This area is not in my ward but there are areas in my town that are prone to flooding. I trust the experiences of Abrigg will provide lessons not only to ease the chances of another flood there, but also help to prevent a flood here.

Leukaemia Research Wakefield Bikeathon

2009-10-08T14:22:00.002+01:00

Last Sunday (4 October 2009) the Wakefield bikathon in aid of Leukaemia Research was held after a gap of a few years. I was pleased to have been invited to start it as the Deputy Mayor.

There were over 100 entrants and the cyclists were of a great range of ages. One told me he was 77 and still using a bike he bought in the nineteen seventies. While another (okay it was a passenger) was a two year old.

There was a choice of two courses, 13 or 26 miles, both designed to avoid heavy traffic and to take the riders through picturesque villages and past country pubs.

The bikeathon was an excellent opportunity for people to socialise. All the participants I spoke to at the beginning were in good spirits. The weather, stormy the day before, looked to be calm and only a litttle cool when the sun was not shining.

The main thing it was for a good cause. I am sure the event raised a significant sum towards research into leukaemia.

Meeting about Smawthorne Marsh

2009-05-27T20:33:00.002+01:00

The meeting went very well this evening. The room was full with around fifty people that included some of the land owners. There were council officers, the police, Wakefield District Housing, the probation service and Groundwork representatives present. The residents were quite clear that they would like to see something positive happen with the land. It is already a natural beauty but not maintained and prone to fly tipping and anti-social behaviour. A biodiversity study that was taken in 2002 was circulated. This showed the variety of wildlife there, from many types of beetles to cormorants, including rare great crested newts.

I was keen that everyone had their say and a discussion take place. It was decided that officers will meet with the owners to find out what their views are. I had just received the result of a land search that showed the owners of most, but not all, of the land. So, hopefully, the owners who were not at the meeting can be contacted.

A working group is to be formed by people who volunteered. The council and agencies are to consider the points raised, decide what can be done and then report back to the working group.

This is something where everyone can benefit. The nearby residents could get rid of a troublesome eyesore in their neighbourhood, Castleford could get a decent natural area to complement its parks that is worth visiting, and the owners too benefit as their land could be tidied up. At this early stage there are no promises but a lot of excellent possibilities.

I also thanked the Pontefract and Catleford Express for its coverage as some residents had come because they had read about it in the newspaper.

Sticks and Stones but...

2008-10-28T00:01:00.000Z

Last Thursday and Friday I was contacted by a few of the national media. The local newspaper had published a report by a rugby player which on the face of it insulted Castleford.

The first thing I wanted to do before commenting was to check the facts. I phoned the local newspaper. The report was from an interview in a Australian newspaper, a copy of which had been sent to this country. The player was answering a query asking what was the worst place he had visited. I could imagine that he gave an exaggerated off the cuff remark, thinking it would go no further. However, it did and for a brief time attracted national attention.

It was not a true picture, I told them, a northern stereotype that rarely exists in real life. Too kind. Only the BBC took up my reply for their website producing a balanced and interesting story. I think the others were disappointed that I would not get into trading insults with the man!

So, he said we don’t wash, like boozing, have rotten teeth. Most people here are not like that. He claims the place is dull and grey but a look at my web site shows many beautiful sites around here. Okay, it is not perfect here, but it has a lot going for it.

I enjoyed Katy Guest’s account of this story in the Independent. She summed it so well. Basically, we were supposed to have been insulted, so what?

New Glasshoughton Supermarket opens

2008-10-21T09:43:00.000+01:00

On a windy Monday morning at 9 am I arrived at the new Asda supermarket for its official opening. There were dozens of people waiting to be the first customers. I talked to a few; some I knew, some I did not; some from Castleford, others from further away, as far as Wakefield and Leeds even though those places had their own large Asda stores.

I went inside to join up the Mayor, who was being shown around. Although I saw plans at the planning committee, where we approved the store, they never give a perfect representation. The internal layout was simple and accessible so customers, once recognising where products were located should find shopping easy.

Following the guided tour there seemed to be a gap in time between the tour and the opening that was not in the schedule. So, we went to the cafe for a drink before going outside to see the entertainment of jugglers and cheerleaders before Andy Statcher turned up to open the tour.

Andy was chosen by his Asda colleagues to have the honour. As the store opened at 10 am, pupils from nearby Smawthorne Henry School launched 200 balloons that were easily carried on by wind.

I then had to go to Wakefield but returned with my wife to shop there in the evening. Again, there were crowds going in. The world outside might be talking themselves into a recession but here in Glass Houghton the emphasis was on fun and shopping.

First PACT meeting with the Police

2008-10-08T10:07:00.000+01:00

Attended the first police / public local meeting last night, as much as a resident for the Smawthorne area as a local councillor.

The meeting was crowded, I estimated just over one hundred. Held in the back room of the Magnet Hotel there was just enough room.

Following a brief introduction explaining the new public consultation arrangements, the inspector then went over to response to questionnaires that had been circulated. These included a list of concerns and the public were then asked to pick the three main ones.

These three were: youths hanging around in the streets, speeding cars and anti-social behaviour.

Drugs and litter did not make the top three but in the discussions that followed these two were also prominent.

I pointed out that local councillors are to hold a meeting to discuss environmental issues like litter and fly tipping at the end of November.

The inspector encouraged contributions to the debate and as a result built up a record of where the concerns were and what they were. A few commented about how good it was that the police were listening to their views.

The meeting finished with a promise that an update would be given at a future Smawthorne meeting to be held in three weeks time. In the meantime two other areas are to have similar meetings; the three meetings cover all the ward between them.

When the meeting concluded, a couple and then another lady approached me. I was pleased when they thanked me for dealing with some concerns I have helped them with.

Traffic Issues

2008-09-30T14:09:00.000+01:00

Traffic is a major issue in Castleford especially the town centre and the surrounding streets. So on Thursday local councillors organised a public meeting to discuss this. Council officers were present and the meeting went well as we discussed the problems presented.

These included: speeding traffic and the need for traffic calming; the problems of finding somewhere to park and the poor frequency of buses.

One resident wants to bring back a regular train service from the town to York and Scarborough. A good vision even though it needs the second platform at the station to be re-opened, something that is not in the plans or costings for the new Interchange.

We will now look over the concerns expressed to see what can be done but there are no simple solutions. The thirty people at the meeting were happy with the way the meeting went and understand that solutions do not happen overnight.

We asked the people what they would like to discuss at our next public meeting. The overwhelming answer was environmental issues such as litter and recycling. The new recycling scheme starts in about a month’s time.

Graffiti - Vandalism or Street Art?

2008-08-24T20:21:00.008+01:00

On Thursday morning residents in Glass Houghton awoke to find graffiti, some obscene, on buildings throughout the village. All through the day reports came through to me of locations and those were reported to the Council's Neighbourhood Action team on 0845 8 506 506.

At tea time I toured the area to have a look at the graffiti and gave the team the list of places I had seen and had been reported to me, but over the next two days further sites came to light. By Saturday morning, most of the graffiti had been removed by the council's rapid response team. Only where property owners could not be contacted does the gaffiti remain for now.

Yet as the police look for the culprits who call themselves the Cas Crew and have a tag of Grifo, some ask; is it graffiti or street art?

Let us answer this by looking at this scenario. Suppose that in 1508 a young sreet artist decided to break into the Vatican's Sistine Chapel and paint something for all the visitors to see. Wouldn't that be graffiti? There are three points that do separate Michelangelo's vision of God creating Adam from graffiti.

First, it is art. Unfortunately a lot of "street art" is not. The so called artist probably thinks it is but the test is whether the viewer thinks it is. Even taking into account that art is matter of taste, there are some pictures that are clearly without talent at all. For every Banksy there must be dozens of "street artists" whose so called talent does not exist at all. Actually, while most of the Cas Crew's graffiti reminded me of what could happen if you let loose a chimp with a paint brush, a couple of the paintings did show a glimmer of talent, but only a glimmer.

Second, if the public did not like what they saw, Michelangelo would have removed it. Street artists hide behind their tags. They might claim that being anonymous is part of their culture, but it's true purpose is that they do not want to pay for the removal of the work if the public do not find it pleasing.

Third, and the most important, is that Michelangelo did have the permission of the Pope to do the work. Graffiti artists place their work on buildings without asking permission of the owners in the first place. Some councils (not Wakefield) actually force an innocent victim, the owner of the building, to pay for removal of the work.

Yet, where there is talent, where can it be expressed? For street art not to be graffiti it should be placed on sites where the owner has given permission and where the artist is prepared to pay for its removal if it is not accepted as pleasing by the public. Without these conditions "street art" is no more than vandalism.

2008-07-15T12:56:00.003+01:00

Gavin Prewer of Castleford Civic Trust shows the new plaque

We have had a lot of rain lately but when it comes to outdoor events we are lucky the sun comes out. It had done so for the opening of the new bridge and did again on Sunday for the marking of the bicentenary of the old bridge. There was a march through the town centre led by a New Orleans band called Red Rose, very entertaining. Then at the bridge the mayor unveiled a plaque marking the event. This was arranged by the Civic Trust, of which I am a member.

There were refreshments afterwards at the parish church hall. I wonder how many local people know that the bridge and the church are the only two listed buildings in the town centre.

The members of the British Legion approached me about some concerns of the forthcoming move of the war memorial. I will be taking these up with officers.

Edwin Bird donates bridge photographs

2008-07-15T12:52:00.003+01:00

On Saturday Mr Bird donated a collection of his photographs to the local library and at his invitation I was there. Mr Bird had photographed the construction of the new footbridge from the first clearing of the area to the opening.

He donated to the library prints of almost 2,000 photographs. Yes, that’s right 2,000. Now for the more amazing news. His DVD collection has around 5,000 photographs.

I thanked Mr Bird on behalf of the community of Castleford for his tremendous feat. As Lynne at the library pointed out, his collection will serve as an excellent record for years to come. Of interest not only to those of Castleford but also to anyone interested in bridge engineering.

Mr Bird is not retiring though. He is now recording the work that has just begun at the Fryston and Wheldale collieries’ site and hopes to record the building of the new Forum.

Teva comes to Castleford

2008-07-15T12:51:00.000+01:00

Friday. Attended the burying of a time capsule at the UK headquarters for Teva being built at Glasshoughton. The company were very hospitable and the six children from Glasshoughton Infant School, of which I am a governor, enjoyed taking part in the historic occasion.

New GP led Health Centre

2008-07-15T12:48:00.000+01:00

On Thursday the Wakefield District Partnership “Wakefield Together” held a Wakefield Speaks at Castleford’s Civic Centre.

Ian Clayton made a wonderful compere, as he usually does, and I did enjoy the quiz and the armchair exercise.

However, I found the most interesting news was the new health centre for Wakefield District. The poster for the event had promised information about a new health centre for Wakefield City.

I was angry at that. Circulating literature that mentioned a new health centre in Wakefield city to people in Castleford. I knew the response from my residents: if Wakefield gets a health centre why cannot Castleford?

It turns out that, despite the provocation of the poster, the new centre is for Wakefield District although it will be in the city. The accompanying leaflet explains why this is so.

It is all very well those in Wakefield City telling people who like me are from Castleford that we should think Wakefield District rather than just Castleford but it works both ways. Whenever they say “Wakefield” it should be district not city.

Anyway, I think the idea of a GP led health centre, that is easily accessible and has both appointment and walk-in services, is great. It is planned to be open every day from 8am to 8 pm and will offer additional services, such as blood testing. My only concern is that it should not have an impact on existing GP services in the district.

More information is available on the Internet at www.wakefielddistrict.nhs.uk or by calling 0845 602 4832.

Forties Day in Castleford

2008-07-06T21:08:00.003+01:00

On Saturday the town held its second forties day. An event that was so popular last year it was decided to repeat it this year. The weather was rainy but that did not stop the period music flowing over Carlton Street, the people dressed as poeple did in that decade and the star attraction: not one, not two but three George Formbys. An entertainment delight.

The real George Formy met his wife Beryl at the town. They were both appearing at the local theatre. George was to return to the town during the war claiming (jokingly) he was last here when he was a little lad.

This event was part of the Heritage Festival that also included a display of children's art (as it does every year) in Carlton Lanes. We do have many upcoming artists in the town for sure. There were plenty of displays including ones about bridges (very topical) and an interesting one about
Africa.

Hope 08 working with Churches Together

2008-07-06T21:05:00.001+01:00

On Friday night I enjoyed a couple of hours at the Smawthorne Community Church where I met with a subgroup of the Churches Together as part of their Hope 08 project.

We discussed ways of how we can work together locally to make a positive change in the neighbourhood. We came up with ideas. These will be be e-mailed to me and one project will be fed into the first meeting of the ward engagement between the public and local councillors. A date for this is yet to be announced.

I quite enjoyed the meeting and made some interesting contacts. The churches are also looking into getting an organisation called Teen Challenge into Castleford, something I am eager to support.

The new footbridge opens

2008-07-06T20:54:00.002+01:00

Well, it finally came on Friday. The opening of the new footbridge. There was so much interest in an opening that for some months now a date had been set and then postponed. They should have waited for the project to be finished and then announce an official opening.

Anyway, it finally came. July 4 at 2 pm.

The bridge in question is a new footbridge across the Aire connecting the town centre on the south side to Lock Lane. Part of the Channel 4 Castleford Project being filmed by Talkback Thames. I arrived in town at 1pm but in the short space between the car park (I had just been to Wakefield) and the bridge I met two residents with concerns. It was just five to when I got there. The weather was good. It had been just fair with showers during the week but had turned into a sunny afternoon. I was at the back and could not hear the opening speech clearly but it did not last long.

The schoolchildren were among the first to go onto the bridge and then the crowd started their promenade.It seemed that I was right. The complaints about money being spent on a "bridge to nowhere! where muted once the wonder of the bridge became a reality.

The future will decide if this beautiful bridge becomes the initiator of the regeneration of the riverside that it is expected to be or if it does turn out to be truly the bridge to nowhere.

Walking across the bridge, there is no doubt that it is an artistic and practical wonder. A joy not just to cross but to explore, to look out at the river sights and to while away some time.

In the evening, I came back to see the lights come on. People where there too and I chatted to many I knew. We were all in wonder at the new bridge. For so long the town centre had been dying as the town's industry closed one after another. Now, we feel the renaissance, the rebirth. It's
not just about building, it's also about pride returning.

"What next?" I kept being asked. An Interchange next year for sure, and in a few years that long awaited forum hopefully. Oh, and a decent war memorial. The rebirth of a town centre has started.