Butchers is right kind of business

It could have been Benjamin Disraeli, or possibly Mark Twain, who coined the expression ‘Lies, damned lies and statistics’, and I believe Winston Churchill made use of the expression – even though he would never read how our council spokespersons would describe as Ashford High Street as being ‘vibrant’ and ‘thriving’. Their stated reason for this is based purely upon statistics. Our High Street, apparently has a higher percentage of occupied shop premises than most other, similar-sized towns. Let us suppose that every shop were to be occupied by hairdressers or estate agents or phone shops to the extent that the figure stood at 100 percent occupancy. No one would ever consider that to be a vibrant town centre. However, there has been a fresh sign of life in our town centre. A business that can only be welcomed by everyone (vegans and vegetarians excepted). At long last, just across from the John Wallis pub, we have a proper butcher’s shop, selling fresh, well hung meat which, as any carnivore will attest has texture and flavour far superior to that of the frozen, longterm chilled, vacuum-packed offerings we’ve unfortunately become accustomed to buying from supermarkets. Yes, supermarket produce may be a few pence per pound cheaper and yes, it may be a little easier to chuck the weekly joint into the supermarket trolley but, if we truly want a proper High Street, then it’s up to us to support TK ‘s Family Butcher and any other individual traders who are prepared to take a risk and put their faith in us. And so to the North Park. Mrs. B and I went along on Sunday afternoon and spent a very pleasant five hours or so at Festival in the Park, listening to various bands and solo performers and catching up with old friends and acquaintances. It was a wonderful day out for families with young children. And, on the subject of young children, there was a superb display of cheerleading/dance performed by members of the Blossom Dance School. The school takes children from three to sixteen years of age and it is clear that they are taught by an imaginative and enthusiastic lady. Clearly a great weekend for all.