As you read this, copies of the February Spurtle are already being distributed across Broughton and beyond. From the snow-capped peaks of George IV Bridge to the lush valley of Canonmills, from Pilrig’s sunny meadows to the mist-girt slopes of Howe Street and Henderson Row, local news, views, gossip, and reviews are on the move.
Page 1 of Issue 281 begins with booze and the forthcoming lack of it, proceeds with rising unease to the goings-on in parks, gets cross, then reaches a hopeful conclusion.
Page 2 features new bollards and a fanciful mastodon. It touches on bins and developers, piddling conversions, Hungarians, brewing, and bars. It considers the future of Drummond, the selfishness of parkers, the mystery of misplaced boulders, and, ahem, a rather significant anniversary.
It’s enormous
Page 3 enjoins readers to look up at stupendous statuary, looks back at the life of a much-loved Bellevue doctor, and looks in multiple directions simultaneously at a soon-to-be-published history book by a local author. There is encouraging news on roadworks, appealing news on a hole in the wall, and disappointing news for those craving open space. Money, cladding, church history, and crime bring up the rear.
Tree enthusiasts will not want to miss Page 4, nor will Lady Boy enthusiasts. We have some thoughts on unachievable perfection, a word of caution on buying a bike, and a worrying forecast which will delight all those with investments in Wellington-boot manufacture.
Basically, if it tweets, croaks, honks, moos, or occasionally breaks wind anywhere near Broughton, chances are you’ll read about it in February’s Spurtle. Available in shops and libraries across the barony, and downloadable HERE from midnight tonight.