I'm told a local guy was once asked, how's things? Not as good as yesterday, but better than tomorrow! came the dour, harbinger of doom response.

OK carry on! Be gloomy, try & spread that ray of despair amongst us all! It's bound to buck us all up! What better tonic can there be than a double dose of despondency?

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We all have our challenges or setbacks. We all could be in a bit of a better place. But for every hurdle set in front of us, real or apparent, there's always someone, or several someones who have cleared that barrier or least attempted it!

So this week I found myself in Blackburn College helping to present the Hive Awards alongside Chairman Khalid Saifullah, Council Leader Mohammed Khan, College Principal Thomas Moore, Chamber of Commerce President David Sharpe & others.

Big national, international companies, industrial or service, some family based concerns, some 'just trying to get established in the field' companies, a whole spectrum of great local businesses. Well done everyone!

And the night after, our art & design exhibition, again in the College. Students, their tutors, their families & friends, local employers, all there, excited & proud. Imagination, ideas, innovation, inspiration, some failures, some wonderfully creative pieces.

And you dare complain? Get your head out the clouds or out from the sand!

Arte et Labore, by skill & hard work. Those who want to "dis" our youngsters, their teachers, our local businesses & their work force, wake up.

Moan if you want, groan if you like...or get your sleeves rolled up & we'll get more shoulders to our wheel!