Old and new

I live in a town that was one of the first built under 'The New Towns act'. It was a beautifully thought out town, with lots of green spaces and the houses set out around small parades of shops making them have a 'village' feel.

During World war II  it had been an area of munition factories employing woman from all over the area ( forever known as 'The Aycliffe Angels' of which my Mum was one). When we first moved to the town the now industrial estate, still had 'mounds' where the factories had been.

In the late 1960's the town council decide to expand the town and it continued until the 1980's when they pedestrianised the town centre and built huge concrete and red brick monstrosities which swamped the focal point of the town, the clock.

In the years since there has been much discussion about knocking this down!

 over the past couple of years the clock lost its chimes and then looked as if it was going to be made into  a rubble heap.

However after some 'thought' the local council decided to remove the buildings around it and keep the clock.

The clock faces were taken out ( there are 4) revamped and a couple of weeks ago where back in situ.

This weekend saw the  chimes return.

work in progress to save the clock

As I am sitting here typing it is wonderful to here the clock ringing out.

I have read with interest the comments on the local town forum. most new comers to the town hate the whole thing.

It was, however, the heart of the original town scheme and as such I think that it was worth saving. A tiny piece of the old town planning retained.

And taking saving, are India going to be able to save their test match against Australia?

Well they are currently  213-4 and have a 126 run lead over their visitors.

Who knows?

England Lions lost their roar as they lost their series against Sri Lanka A, best to get them home for some R & R  before the County Championship starts.

And Graeme Swann has challenged Hugh Jackman to a net session!!!???????

Yeah, Wolverine against a 'has been'. That should be good.

Just for the record I am challenging Sean Bean to a game of Twister...............................should be fun!!!!

clock is chiming so time to go.