By Mike Senior
Here it is – the last of this year’s Moans of the Month. Probably the last Moan ever in these pages. Apparently, some of our esteemed Newsletter readers have suggested that Moans should be banned and that only jolly, smiley things should appear in these hallowed columns. What nonsense. Such a Janet and John/Happy Families approach would kill The Newsletter stone-dead before you could say “Enid Blyton”.
And that is what this month’s Moan is about. We just don’t moan enough. Just think about it. What have these things in common: two glasses of red wine; a cup of strong ground coffee; four squares of dark chocolate; a stiff whisky and a good moan? Answer: if you indulge in these delicacies each day, then you will almost certainly live longer and happier. The doctors say this, so it must be true.
We could all compile our own list of treats that would improve our daily lives, but moaning is an essential. Moaning is good for you. It lets off steam and reduces frustration.
Take the various Moans
that have featured in recent Newsletters – lakes across our roads; giant
buses blocking Oxford Street; blinding security lights; the idiot gnomes
of officialdom; grotesque speed signs; the urbanisation of our green lanes;
stupid advice from busy-bodies; ghastly wheelie-bins, etc. None of these
moans, sadly, will have much effect, but if you can’t win at least you can
have a good moan. It balances things out.I have recently come across a book by J.B.Priestley, a native of the West Riding of Yorkshire, which encourages grumbling. The title is, aptly, “Delight”. Priestley writes: “In the West Riding of Yorkshire, all local customs and prejudices favour the grumbler. To a good West Riding type there is something shameful about praise. Fault finding and blame are constant and hearty… I have always held that a fine grumble makes things better”.
It should be noted that Priestley lived, generally happily, until the age of 90.
Perhaps we should extend the life of the Moan after all. Any takers?
Anyway, have a jolly, smiley Christmas and a moaning New Year.