Tower and Town, August 2022 (view the full edition)Editorial: ChangesI happened to be walking along the High Street a few months ago when the social distancing corridors outside the cafes and restaurants (with the exception of The Polly Tea Rooms) were being removed. I am aware that they were controversial, being considered unsightly and taking up valuable parking spaces. However, I really liked the way they encouraged cafes and restaurants to spill out onto the pavements giving the High Street a lively social atmosphere on fine days. This short-lived change prompted me to reflect that it is only one of many I have seen in the High Street since I moved to Marlborough in 1986. So I asked some individuals who have lived here longer than I have to reflect on the changes they have seen in the town. David Chandler tells us of his childhood in George Lane and the town's old businesses while David Davidge considers big changes in policing in Marlborough in his career. Trevor Dobie reflects widely on a lifetime in the town while Betty Dobson gives us a view from St John's Close. By way of contrast Peter Marren writes about the names we give to our butterflies and Nick Baxter tells the story of Isabel of Gloucester, a remarkable woman with strong connections with Marlborough. As always I am very grateful to all this month's contributors and hope that you enjoy reading what they have to say. Perhaps it will prompt you to think of changes you yourself have noticed. Please feel free to contribute an article of your own if you are moved to do so. (See p 28 for information on how to go about it). Sarah Bumphrey |