Thought for the Week

by Rob Fry

IN THE sixties Mr’s Lennon and McCartney penned about “The places I remember…” where as in my day Mr Weller wrote about “the place I love, a million miles away…” which I guess was a bit of an artistic exaggeration. But I get what they mean. Memories and nostalgia are such a strong force.

I was at one of my old stomping grounds a few weeks ago, visiting family. When I was a lad, my friends or brothers and I used to trip up to the local park for the afternoon to play out. If I close my eyes, I’m back there once again. The sounds, fun and excitement.

In order, there was one of those rocking spaceships, a round-a-bout, followed by swings and a really big slide. I know they say that change is here to stay, but when I was there I couldn’t be sure that the park was really a park anymore! The play equipment was gone and the grass, far too long to kick a ball on… There was a fair pack of dog walkers. But that was it, other than the council sign which read “It is forbidden to cycle, skate, slide, or ride on rollers, skateboard or other similar equipment…”

Now the park doesn’t have a say in the matter, no voice, its just a patch of grass but I couldn’t help but think that if it did it would prefer the former set up. A park without children isn’t right. Lifeless.

This got me thinking about the environment we best grow and prosper in, if we’re only told “don’t” we learn from negativity. Over the years the people who have brought the best out in me are the ones who have encouraged rather than picked fault. Not rocket science! Childs play I guess…