John Blackie’s example to Dales must be followed – The Yorkshire Post says

Described on the standstone memorial as a “community leader and champion of the Upper Dales”, its location by the war memorial and next to the Dale Head garage – which he helped save from closure – is another reminder about the importance of safeguarding local services and coming up with innovative ways to protect them.

No one was more astute, or adept, at this than the 70-year-old whose death in the summer of 2019 deprived the area of a rural leader and champion whose passion, and spirit, was renowned far beyond the Yorkshire Dales.

Let us hope this simple tribute inspires others to take up the mantle – rural communities will wither unless more people are prepared to take a stand just as John Blackie did.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson