Harleston Town

In the Diss Express I read that, in the opinion of the proprietor of The Patchwork Parlour, Harleston was a dying town. Personally, this was never my impression. Subsequently, the Diss branch of the store closed but, last time I was in Harleston, both the shop and the town were going strong.

Also, the newspaper columns are peppered with news and opinion about a “travellers” site planned for the locality. Whereas the true “Romany” is well respected by most tax-paying citizens, there are reservations about “travellers” who are seen more as “freeloaders”, interested in the community for nothing more than their “Giro”. Incomers prepared to contribute to the community – local and at large - are always welcome.

A, theme 1

Someone said that Harleston is dying

They just don’t know the old girl well

I can tell you this town is flying

Don’t start ringing her death-knell

B, theme 2

You can see it in the faces of the children off to school

Hear it at the Farmers’ Market in the new Sports Hall

C

Harleston Town by history fashioned

Never died and never will

Loved by many with such a passion

Welcomed then and welcomes still

D

To her fine old inns folk will come from everywhere

To shops both old and new along her Thoroughfare

E

If he says that Harleston is dying

I don’t know why he thinks that way

Strangers come to pay her a visit

Many of them decide to stay

F

Bustling to their business in this friendly Norfolk town

A smile upon a face more often than a frown

G

Harleston people are proud and honest

“The town is ailing? How absurd!”

“It must be true, it was in the paper!”

“Don’t believe a single word!”

B, (repeat)

You can see it in the faces of the children off to school

Hear it at the Farmers’ Market in the new Sports Hall

A, (repeat)

Someone said that Harleston is dying

They just don’t know Harleston well

I can tell you this town is flying

Don’t start ringing her death-knell

Harleston town is alive and well!