It seems that I will have to stop moaning about cyclists pedalling away on the pavement.

If I believe what I’ve read in the national dailies, it is now acceptable for them to do so.

Just in passing, I wonder what the situation would be if a cyclist was steering with one hand, with a mobile phone in the other?

But that would never happen, would it?

Moan over – until the next time.

Every so often I get asked why I am interested in local history – and history in general – and I always wonder how anyone could not be interested.

And here I’m not talking about the often dry-as-dust lessons which teachers were, because of some syllabus, required to cover.

History is about more than that. History is, whether you recognise it or not, about you…about us!

History is not just about happenings in ages long past.

Just look at the past few weeks – the American presidential election, the Brexit situation, the future of our local hospitals, the changes to our local schools and colleges – the list is endless.

Today will, literally, be history tomorrow.

How can you not be interested?

I am not going to parrot the old adage that those who know nothing about such mistakes that happened in the past were likely to repeat them.

I very much doubt that we humans do learn by our mistakes.

All you have to do is to look at the world today to realise that, in various parts of the world, very little ever seems to change, but that doesn’t mean that we should stop trying!

I do get a trifle fed up when I hear some people go on about the “good old days” – and hark back to some golden age.

That golden age is now – and we’re living in it – and have been for the past few decades.

If you are interested in the history of your area, why not join one of the many local history societies which have sprung up over the years?

They cater for the needs and interests of a wide section of the community.

You don’t have to be a serious local historian to join, although if you do, you might well find yourself turning into one.

They hold meetings on a regular basis and some of them produce newsletters to keep their members up to date with their activities.

Being a member brings you into contact with others with similar historical interests.

These societies often organise a number of social events, especially useful if you are new to the area, and it is quite surprising to find out just how many recent offcomers there are in any one area.

Many of these are only too keen to find out as much as they can about their new surroundings.

And here can I offer a word of advice to our area’s established local history enthusiasts – do not assume that these offcomers actually know much about your area.

I well remember, a few years ago, when I was asked by someone who had lived in the area for over two years what the song D’ye Ken John Peel had to do with Cumbria.

If you want to find out whether your area has such a society, ring or visit your local library, museum or archives department and they can put you in touch.

Googling can also cough up the necessary info.

Some people have wondered what, if anything, they can contribute to the study of the history of their area.

If you have any such doubts, forget them.

Everybody has something to contribute – experience of working in a local industry or business, knowledge of another academic discipline, having access to old photos.

Or documents – and these need not be antique publications – almost anything printed will eventually be of historical interest.

And if you’re ever downsizing, just pause before you have that final document clearout.

Documents and photographs – once they’ve gone, they’ve gone for ever.

How many times have I been told that old Mr X, who had died a few weeks previous, had a marvellous collection of old photos or whatever – which ended up on the tip, dumped there by some visiting distant relative who’d been lumbered with the job of clearing the house out.

Do you know what you’ve got stored – or dumped – up in your attic? You might even have some sheet music or admin records of the activities of the one time Workington Independent Labour Party Choir!

I’ve asked about these before – so they’re probably gone forever.

Unless, of course, you know any different!