Thursday 8 March 2012

Ice Cold In Birkenhead

It seems appropriate to use my blog to announce to the world that I am hanging up my quill and returning to work in the family business.

There will be those, I am sure, who think this is a cowardly act.  It was over fifty years ago, after all, when I turned my back on the old family firm of William Blunt & Sons to embark on a career in newsprint.  It seems like only yesterday.

Since then, there isn't a newspaper in Stockport that I've not written for - and I've been proud of my contribution to local British journalism. There comes a time, however, when even the most seasoned hack must call it a day.  Reluctantly, that day has come.  My life's canvas has been the tabloid: the smell of printer's ink has followed me from bar to bar in Fleet Street and beyond.  Now, my canvas has shrunk to just 7cm x 4.5cm, as I contemplate a dotage devoted to fridge magnets.  

It's a brave man who accuses Bill Blunt of surrender. As I begin the next chapter of my life, I do so proudly, picking up the mantle of my ancestor, William Gladstone Blunt, who had the foresight to found a firm that is still going strong a century and a half later.

I will not, however, entirely desert this blog, or its loyal readers.  I plan to update you on my new life, and I doubt I will be able to resist the urge to comment on world affairs - particularly where they affect Stockport.

So, it's 'au revoir' rather than 'goodbye'.  

2 comments:

lucylastic said...

Oh no Bill - and so soon after it seemed you were back!!! What a shame - I always enjoyed your wry observations about 'life in't north' and as someone who can claim the dubious privilege of an education at Birkenhead's oldest, (but alas, no more) convent school - Holt Hill, I always felt close by when reading your posts. Good luck, whatever you do!!! Lucy

Bill Blunt said...

Why, I'm off to Holt Hill this very evening, Lucy - one of the old buildings on the site is now The Merseyside School of Dance.

And I think I'll be penning the odd broadside via the blog.

Thanks for your comments!