Thanks a lot! (From Durham Times)

Thanks a lot!

9:50am Friday 6th July 2012 in Spectators Notes

EVERYONE was extremely happy and on-message at the launch of the 12-month countdown to the temporary return of the Lindisfarne Gospels earlier this week.

But it still grates a little that we North-Easterners have to be oh-so humbly thankful to the British Library, in London, for letting us have the Eighth Century wonders for three months, when there remain calls for their permanent return.

It doesn’t help when Claire Breay, from the Library, tells reporters it has ‘leant’ the Gospels to the region three times in recent years.

Some might say the Library has had them on loan, not the other way round.

WE report elsewhere this week that the Rotary Club of Durham has handed over £25,000 to a range of good causes.

Club president Patrick Conway’s comment that it is impossible to imagine life in Durham City without the voluntary sector is spot on.

It seems everyone in Durham is a volunteer or has a cause, be it religious, social or charitable.

Perhaps Mr Cameron, if he would like to see how there’s nothing new about the Big Society, would care to pay a visit?