No longer a roll

now it's ...

It’s been a while since we looked at Boston Borough Council’s “Roll of Achievement” – but we took a peep again the other day.
And once again, it left us wondering what on earth is the point of it.
To begin with, in terms of names, nothing much has changed – there are now ten names, where a few weeks ago there were nine.
Presumably people are not coming forward with nomination in their droves as had been hoped.
By way of compensation, a new feature has been added.
It comprises a list drawn up by the University of the Third Age – that’s the over-50’s to you and I - who have been researching “the stories behind the naming of some of the borough’s roads and streets.”
Disregarding the fact that mature, sensible people ought really to have better things to do with their time, the list is really of little help when it comes to beefing up the Roll.
For example, there is the Irby Family (Irby Street) and Sir John Franklin (Franklin Close) who was born in Spilsby and who probably had a road named after him after Boston ran out of famous local people.
There are a few others with little if any connection to Boston and some more that are already in another borough council list – the one of “Famous Bostonians.”
And whilst we have a Robin Hood’s Walk and a Marian Road, we do not believe that there is any connection with the gallant archer of Sherwood and his moll.
The same is true of Wellington, the Saints John and Nicholas, and Winston – who must be Churchill.
The Roll of Achievement was controversial from the outset – and for something apparently so innocuous, was recalled for councillors to be able to discuss it, rather than merely have it inflicted on the borough by the BBI cabinet of curiosities.
Critics also pointed out that Boston borough council already has a community and civic award scheme – as well as the roll of famous local people.
The latest addition to the Roll of Achievement serves only to make it look daft.
It is a mish-mash of names – some of which should not be there in the first place, padded out with this latest effort from the U3A – as it likes to call itself in these days when literacy is considered infra dig.
As we have said before, there are hosts of Bostonian achievers who are not on the list and who should be, and also some names on the roll that are not really appropriate.
The roll appears to exist because someone wants it to – rather than for any other reason, and it is clear that little if any thought has been given to it.
It really needs taking back to the drawing board and doing all over again.
At present it is an embarrassment which gives the impression that we are seriously short of achievers when we are not.
One final point …
The dictionary defines “achievement” as the act of accomplishing or finishing -something accomplished successfully, especially by means of exertion, skill, practice, or perseverance.
We don’t believe that having a road named after you qualifies.

You can write to us at boston.eye@googlemail.com  Your e-mails will be treated in confidence and published anonymously if requested.