Fakenham not a ghost town
MOST local residents know that our football team has long been nicknamed 'The Ghosts'.
Just quite where this originated I don't know, even if I did play for the team for about five seasons.
But in these rather straightened times, it's been a bit depressing to come across Fakenham itself now being referred to as a "ghost town".
Having come across some actual examples of these in various parts of the world, I am at least qualified to suggest that this community is a very long way from such destitution.
Admittedly our business sector has taken some difficult hits over recent months and the same must be true of many places right across the country. But 'ghost town'? Surely not.
I'm not about to bore you with all the positives but there are plenty of them to challenge the prevailing doom and gloom merchants.
My crystal ball is no more reliable than anyone else's but as we clamber our way out of this long and cold winter into what will hopefully be a mild and cheerful spring, let's hear it for the optimists.
Times may be tough for some but let's at least put a bit of positive perspective on the situation.
Such has been the criticism of the art work at the Tesco entrance that I feel more than a little inclined to sing its praises.
Especially after looking at the oak tree cut-out design from different angles and having it depicted so effectively by Lynn News photographer Alan Miller.
The shape of the tree can't really be enjoyed without background colour and this is provided by neighbouring buildings and the prevailing streetscape. It catches you unawares.
And at night, the lighting lends it an altogether different appeal and I can't believe I'm the only one who hasn't been charmed by the sliver of moon cut into one of its corners.
Public art is an easy target for those who regard the decorative – and sometimes the outrageous – as a waste of money that could be better used for more practical purposes.
Towns like ours have never gone in for it so residents are unaccustomed to admiring – or not – representative symbols of past heroes or present follies.
The nearest illustration Fakenham manages, alongside numerous other Norfolk communities, is through its town sign – and the engravings patterning the market place.
I hope the instant negativity which artist Colin Miller's work seems to have generated does not condemn it out of hand.
It could be with us for a very long time.
Friday the 13th of February worked its spell on our racecourse so that the scheduled meeting had to be abandoned.
There was heavy snow the night before and it was still lying on the track in the morning.
This was most disappointing for the determined group of amateur riders due to take part in the annual charity flat race prior to the main event.
They had been preparing for their big day for months by getting themselves and their horses fit for the challenge.
Plus also raising big amounts for the Countryside Alliance and the charity of their choice.
Happily, the course has been granted an extra meeting on Friday at which the amateurs will finally get their day in the sun.
The charity race is at 12.20pm and the first race on the main card is due off at 1.50pm.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
