Digging around on my computer, I discovered this gem - an interview done at the Ford Park Market stall in June 2007.
This was my first meeting with Jackie - on a market stall in June 2007. Here she talks about the plans for converting the Ford Park Centre into a Youth Hostel and community facility - a project she put an enormous amount of work into. In spite of detailed plans being drawn up and a strategy involving a comprehensive consultation and a bid to attract funds, this project failed to attract the approval of the people awarding grants.
Never-the-less, as a result of Jackie's will to succeed, this scheme has now morphed into a visitor's centre which has been built and is about to open. All credit to her determination and will power to not be defeated in the face of many obstacles and problems. Compare the person we have now with the one we had in 2007 and you will see the effects of years of struggle.
Jackie's enthusiasm shines out as a beacon for the rest of us.
2 comments:
Your comment of how the struggle to save Ford Park has taken its toll on Jackie struck a raw nerve Geoff. Very few people will understand the anguish and obstacles that have been placed in her way, and even now on the cusp of success there are still those who don't seem to understand what she and the group have been trying to achieve. There WILL be a lasting legacy at Ford Park that will have taken its toll, on more than just Jackie, Bob Bolton, & Dickon Abott, lets not forget them.
Right now it looks like we're almost there, but spanners and works come to mind, if you all knew half the truth of what this has taken to get here , well......
As for Jackie, she's under orders to go sailing. We leave late September for the Dominican republic where we'll buy a cheap sail boat and seek out adventures on the Caribbean seas, and get our lives back.
I said nothing about "taking its toll".
What a sad negative comment hiding behind the name "Ford Park Community Group"
Five years of intense activity is bound to show on anyone's body. The result can be very positive. For instance one's face develops beautiful patina that reflect the character inside in a similar way to a well used piece of furniture.
I'm reminded of the beautiful description of the sailor in the skilfully written book that was made into a film - The Shipping News.
At one extreme of this continuum I love faces of people who have lived life to the full, showing character in every detail.
You have that of Maggie Smith in the new film - the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Is she not a joy to look at ?
Let's celebrate people who have grit and determination - I've just interviewed Stan Walmsley the guiding, stead plodding, driving force behind the Dalton Leisure Centre - My what character is demonstrated in the way he speaks, looks and acts.
Do we really want L'Oreal "Because you're worth it" lookalikes ?
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