Country Living: Our Man in Arundel

On Monday night I was out at a gig in Brighton. (Woo-hoo – look at me getting down with the kids. Or is it up with the kids? In with the kids? Out with the kids? It’s not kids at all, is it?)

Yes, I was the old(ish) bloke at the back. But that’s not the point, so I’d rather you didn’t mention it. It was a benefit concert for the North Laine Community Association. Brighton’s North Laine area (as opposed to “The Lanes”, which are completely different) is – and please forgive the clichés – an eclectic mix of independent retailers. Lots of odd little shops. Fashion, food, cards, kites, furniture, music… it’s great fun.

Most importantly, the local traders and residents have realised that it’s only great fun because of the mix. The gig (and an associated album) are raising funds and awareness about the NLCA and its work to preserve the (cliché alert!) character of the local area.

And so – as Carrie Bradshaw always used to say – I got to thinking. It seems a shame that Brighton can muster this kind of support yet smaller towns and villages can’t… even though their diversity isn’t just ‘cute’ but is an essential part of them being practical places to live.

I don’t have any answers, really. But I do have a copy of the North Laine Benefit Album.