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I didn't choose Blackburn. Blackburn didn't choose me. It just happens to be the place I was born. A long time ago now. 1958, in fact. Back when beer was cheap and good (so they tell me). I lived there for the next thirty years. The longest time I spent away from Blackburn was seven weeks. This was during an ill-advised, and ill-starred sojourn in the Royal Navy. As far as I can remember, I spent those thirty years wanting to get away. I managed that in 1988. I've spent the following years wanting to get back. CLICHE ALERT! You only realise how much you need a thing when you no longer have it.

So, this site will, I hope, explain why I love Blackburn. Like any meaningful love affair, there are contradictions involved. there are things about Blackburn that I loathe. I loathe the fact that, as far as I can tell, it elected the first National Front councillor in England. Just the fact that it elected a National Front councillor at all. There are aspects that I would dislike if they existed elsewhere, but I love them because they exist in Blackburn. It's that illogical.

I love Blackburn's working-class heritage. I love the fact that Blackburn would send a monkey to parliament, as long as it wore a red rose. In 1997 the electorate proved that. I love its multicultural environment. I used to love the fact that the local football club (Blackburn Rovers) were a workaday second division side. Now I love the fact that they are a relatively successful (fingers crossed) Premiership side. The fact that we're only there because of one man's money gives me a perverse pride. That I detest the fact that one man could do so much good, but chooses to spend his money on a football club, adds to the perversity. I love the local food, despite the fact that it's nearly all meat based, and I haven't eaten meat for over ten years.

Follow the links to find out more about this wonderful town. Text versions of the links are available at the top of the page.

And feel free to e-mail me