I love your observations of village life, and they resonate with me. One of my best friends lived in a cottage on the main road in Rydal for many years called 'The Hermitage', and tourists frequently stopped to take photos through his kitchen window. By contrast, my parents live deep in the Nothern Fells and have no fear of such Disneyfication, but just like the inhabitants of Old Bolingbroke, they are fighting to save their pub - trying to raise sufficient community funds for a buyout that will prevent it from being changed into a house.
Thanks for your thoughts, Marek! I think these issues affect everywhere in rural Britain. But it's heartening to hear of community-focused efforts, especially successful ones. Happy endings can still take place! Happy new year to you.
I love your observations of village life, and they resonate with me. One of my best friends lived in a cottage on the main road in Rydal for many years called 'The Hermitage', and tourists frequently stopped to take photos through his kitchen window. By contrast, my parents live deep in the Nothern Fells and have no fear of such Disneyfication, but just like the inhabitants of Old Bolingbroke, they are fighting to save their pub - trying to raise sufficient community funds for a buyout that will prevent it from being changed into a house.
Thanks for your thoughts, Marek! I think these issues affect everywhere in rural Britain. But it's heartening to hear of community-focused efforts, especially successful ones. Happy endings can still take place! Happy new year to you.