How many shows have had their central theme set in the ‘local’ pub or bar, where the World’s problems are put to right. Corrie with the Rovers Return, Eastenders with The Queen Vic and Cheers of course in its own domain, to name but a few.
The Australian movie Crocodile Dundee where the leading man played by Paul Hogan, is astounded at his newly realised ways of the Western World, and the idea of paying for therapy. Back home he gets his free of course, as he just goes down to the pub in his ‘local’ outback, shares his problems with the other lads and hey presto ‘no problem’.
We all laughed at this simplistic notion, with our sophisticated worldly hats on, but many of us are going back to sharing our problems at ground level in our local stomping ground, to get some sense of belonging back into our lives.
Whether male or female and at whatever age, the sharing of information is the most powerful in the flesh, and over a pint or glass of wine. If you don’t drink, then a glass of any kind will do – it is more about the interaction of dialogue than the drink itself, and the ambience of an area designated to share experiences good and bad and get to know each other out of working hours and without the intervention of social media.
The ‘local’ has been around in some form or other for centuries, and is responsible for the making and breaking of relationships, the sharing of life events, the interaction of politics and debates, and just general banter and keeping communities together.
It prevents loneliness, and keeps members of a community aware of others needs and social gatherings, and even somewhere to hang out when you need some emotional support, similar to Australian friend, even without giving away your inner secrets. It is incredible what a bit of social banter can do to give you a clear head for problem solving, even with a hangover.
A good friend recently lost her partner and moved solo with her dog to a new area so that she would be memory free of her previous life, only to find that she was really isolated and felt she had made a mistake in moving to the new location.
On one of her doggie walks, she stumbled on an old pub just minutes from her cottage, beautifully renovated in the style of its origins, and on investigation discovered the local community not only in her sphere of conversation, but as an ongoing social event that she attends a couple of times a week. We are not holding our breath, but even think she has met her new partner. Such is the power of the ‘local’.
One ‘local’ we would heartily recommend that is near to the Glotime office is The Black Horse in Fulmer, http://www.theblackhorsefulmer.co.uk/ which is well worth a visit, even if you have to travel. It also has gorgeous suites if you want to stay overnight, and the food is fantastic. You will receive a warm welcome from the friendly bar staff, and even if you are a lady alone, you won’t feel out of place. Many just go there with their laptop or after work, and others just to chill with their family and friends.
We would like to hear from you if you would like to share your ‘local’ experiences with us, as you are bound to have one wherever you are.
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