If there is one thing about Lancashire folk we are very good at getting on with things and making ‘do’ as they say.

This week I had the pleasure of meeting some fine folk on my visit to the town centre to see businesses and how they are coping during the final day before the lockdown. One thing I did notice was how people are generally making a huge effort to either stay open during the lockdown or those who were having to close were of course disappointed but lived in hope that would be able to reopen ahead of the Christmas period. 

There was also a feeling that we are essentially in it together. Over the past few months Lancashire has been in the spotlight for having the highest rates of infection in the country. 

Whilst there have been some people who have tried to use this to sow levels of disharmony, in main if you actually go out and speak to genuine people you will be completely blown away by the attitude many of us have. 

You would think after so many months in lockdown and insinuations and accusations we would all be at each other’s throats! But the truth is we all know that we are in this together and no matter how long this goes on for we will remain united as an area and as a town.

This lockdown will be a test of character but we are reminded of those are going through a lot worse.

Over the past six months I have met and spoken to many volunteers and groups who swing into action when their town needs them most. It is easy to cast blame on these minor infractions but rather than point out each other’s fault I think we should all take a moment and read about this amazing fellows I met on my travels.

Lancashire Telegraph:

We had the duo manning the Poppy Stall in the Blackburn Mall (above), Neil Shorrock and Aaron McKean. On display they had these wonderful creations made from poppies inclduing lifesize model of a soldier.

And then there was Alan Taylor who runs the ‘Poppy stall’ in Blackburn Market. People may well have noticed the Poppy display in the marker as you enter from Church Street. This year he had moved over to the counter at the bottom of the escalators.

He opened the stall from 11am and 4pm. And to ensure he would be able to man the stall he would get up at 6am and then continue his shift as a street cleaner for Blackburn with Darwen Council from 4pm until 7pm.

It is something few of us aware he did.  It was also very humbling to see people making an effort for a greater cause. Maybe it that attitude we need right now and maybe we should all just ‘Be Like Alan’.