What's this all hub-out? ... Charles Moore, former editor of the Daily Telegraph, writing in his weekly column in the Spectator, last week conferred an interesting distinction on Boston. "Sometimes, a perfectly reasonable word turns itself into a fashionable concept, and starts to grate. We have reached that point with the word 'hub.' Everything — a city, a café, a church, a school, a website — feels the need to claim that it is a hub or, even better, a 'community hub.' One begins to long for those few places or bodies in this country which are still completely unhubby. I am thinking of Boston in Lincolnshire or Ely or St David’s, or the English Speaking Union, or the Royal and Ancient Order of Buffaloes, or the University of Wales, Lampeter, or Lydd Airport, or the Angus Steak House chain ('an institution that you can depend on.') Away with all this hubbub."
Bus-ting the highway code ... Perhaps someone at Brylaine would tell the driver of the IT1 service travelling through Strait Bargate towards the Market Place at 10-30 last Saturday morning that the correct way to control one's vehicle is with both hands on the steering wheel. It may be more comfortable to place one hand on the wheel, then plant your elbow in the centre of it and cruise along with your chin resting in your cupped hand, but it tends not to be a good idea if someone is suddenly to block the path of your vehicles. We have noted before the contempt of some Brylaine drivers towards Boston pedestrians, and it seems to be getting worse, rather than better.
More the merrier ... Recently we accused Boston Borough Council of not being particularly communicative, but we are prepared to reconsider that view in light of the steady flow of information that has recently been appearing on its website. Let's hope it's not a flash in the pan, and also that the BBI is next to take the message on board and let us know more about what goes on behind the closed doors of the Worst Street committee rooms.
Raising the Standard ... One news story missing from this week's Boston Standard was the increase in the cover price from 42p to 45p. Newspapers used to tell us in advance of price rises, but that tended to lose them listeners. Then they used to make the announcement in the edition where the price increased. Now, they say nothing and hope that people won't notice the extra 3p on the bill, which, of course, many people won't. It's a form of inertia selling, really. By the way, if you think we're making a fuss about nothing, don't forget the the increase represents 7.1 percent. That's twice the rate of January's inflation, or three times December's, and fourteen times the current interest rate.
Memories are made of this ... A reader with a long memory brings us this amusing anecdote. "I distinctly remember the glee that was portrayed by the BBI membership regarding the hope and support shown by the Boston Eye for 'the new administration' in '07. To quote Councillor Ramonde Newell, as he gloried in their political arrival 'We all should be very proud of the constant encouragement and support we are getting from the Boston Eye, and how appreciative they are for what this change can do for Boston. All of us should look at it and pay attention to the comments made by this very important and loyal voice of the people.' I am sure that they do still 'read you' - but sadly, your reputation for 'telling it like it is' is never mentioned these days. Can't understand why."
Snow (White) now we know ... Our curiosity at references to a councillor given the soubriquet "Old Grumpy," is no more. We learn that they stem from the full council meeting on February 8th which was held under a gagging order denying admission to the public and the press. A fly on the wall tells us that the source was Councillor Richard Dungworth, himself nicknamed "the man in black" by his peers. "He who grasps every opportunity to heap 'vomit inducing thanks' to officers for their hard work and dedication on everything they so kindly do for us, now extends this long-licking tongue to his political idol Peter Jordan, he of title and fame, saviour of Norprint and the NHS, Head of Governors of the Grammar School and other admirable roles. Councillor D. got to his feet to publicly ( except that the public was barred from meeting) deliver more grateful thanks, and I roughly quote 'This is another good news story for Boston, as we now know the PRSA is beginning to come into profit, and the man who has helped me enormously with this project, and my portfolio in delivering the Sports Strategy, which this town will benefit from due to his highly regarded experience, Old Grumpy!'" What was intended as praise may not have been as well received as the donor may have wished. Councillor Jordan? Old and Grumpy? Never! But wait, our picture below suggests such things are possible.
Suggestions, please as to who the other six dwarfs in the BBI may be - just a reminder, the names are: Doc, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Bashful and Happy. Please don't kill us in the rush with nominees for Dopey.
You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.
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