ORCHARD BANK was for many years one of the finest houses in Darwen.

Nathaniel Walsh, owner of Orchard Mill, lived there. W.B. Huntington, who became High Sheriff of Lancashire, lived there before moving to the even grander environs of Woodlands.

I’ve known it for nearly 50 years as the Alexandra Hotel and I’ve sunk many a jar there and played many a frame of snooker there.

A few weeks back the rather elegant Alex on Hindle Street became the latest Darwen pub to close its doors.

When I hit 18 it took me about three months to try every pub and club in Darwen – and the ones accepted in those days as close enough for a night out: the Rankin, Duke and Con Club in Hoddlesden, the Globe, King Bill and Cross Guns over the lump in Egerton, the Hindle and Swan in Lower Darwen, and the Bull, Rock, Vic and Royal on the way through Tockholes.

There must have been around 60 of them. I could probably do the rounds now in three weeks, although admittedly it’s quicker by car than it used to be on two feet and the bus.

Some pubs won’t be missed. Even I used to think twice before calling in for a pint or a large Bene.

Others have been part of the colourful fabric of the local scene for many years.

I was shocked when the Craven Heifer – temporarily – closed its doors last back-end.

I had my stag night there. I think. But if landlords struggled at the Heifer what chance was there for the other pubs?

I believe that the Alex’s closure will also prove to be only temporary.

It's the way it’s been going. Close for a spell and, hopefully, reopen.

Others have become restaurants and houses. Several have been flattened. Some are for sale or to let.

And away from the town centre and the winding main road there are all too few.

Two more long-established clubs are on their last legs, I’m told.

How many pubs and clubs who are sadly no longer with us can YOU recall? Let’s say since the early 70s?

Have a go; it’s better than counting sheep if you’re having a sleepless night.

Every local landlord I talk to is complaining. Overheads are crippling, customers are hard to find, breweries and pub chains demand more and more.

And the smoking ban has been a nightmare for most landlords.

I decided to venture further afield at the weekend and called in at the best pub in Bolton town centre, the Hen & Chickens opposite the post office.

They do a lot of catering and regulars have rather welcomed the smoking ban, says landlady Hilary Coyne.

There’s a smoking shelter out back and it’s very popular.

“Customers who’ve never passed the time of day with each other chat away merrily,” she says.

“The ban hasn’t been a problem here. We’ve been lucky.”

But Darwen is certainly suffering.

Right! How’s that list coming along?