I’d like to say ‘Merry Christmas’ and thank you to all 14,597 people following this popular page who follow Blantyre Project posts so avidly here each day.
It’s been another difficult year for us all as the pandemic tightens its grip yet again with another raft of restrictions. However, having a hobby such as this, keeps me motivated and in good spirits whatever life throws at me. This year has been a difficult one with health deteriorating and I find myself now awaiting a heart bypass early in the New Year. A friend once asked me to be positive about this and thats exactly what I’ll be doing. Positive and upbeat despite facing many months of recovery. There’s no doubt 2023 will be a difficult year for me personally. I know this already, but it may afford me some quiet, downtime to write, research and take it easier.
Back to the last year…..As always, I’ve learned plenty these last 12 months reading your comments and appreciate all your input. I can confidently say, I’ll be scheduling posts for some time to come.
Blantyre Project approached its tenth year of dedicated daily posts. I’ve now spent a fifth of my life faithfully writing up every single day (without exception) about Blantyre! I’m extremely proud of that commitment and effort and hope you’re enjoying it too. Revenue from book sales continues to come in and benefit local communities.
New books in 2021 were few and far between. I recently published the ‘Story of the National Memorial to David Livingstone’, a small book, but there is more going on behind the scenes. I’ve been writing a novel about Irish Immigration to Scotland. I fully intend on publishing that in 2022, a different direction for me and one with a much more widespread interest, far beyond Blantyre. I have to plan around recovery of my surgery and of course recovery will come first. Posts will continue to be scheduled every single day all being well.
What a reach this page continues to have all over the world. Who would have thought this little town could attract SO much attention not just in Lanarkshire, but from further afield and from ex-pats all over the world!?
From Blantyre Project, (that’s me…Paul Veverka), no matter where you are in the world, I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas. Peace, warmth and happiness to you all over the festive season.
Dear Paul a very merry Christmas to yourself and family, it came as quite a shock to hear of your impending heart surgery, and I wish you every good thing for your successful and ongoing health journey, “lang may yer lum reek” right enough … my Mum had it done and she did really well.
Hey Paul.. I never thought that ‘uninteresting’ wee Blantyre could keep throwing up the endless stories and connections that you find and continue to faithfully report. All your great work is really appreciated. Best to you in ’22.
Walt
Happy Christmas Paul and to Paula and wee AnnaLily. Please have a speedy recovery and rehab from the surgery. Good health in 2022 from this New York Blantyre Project follower.
Dear Paul
A very Happy Christmas to you and your family. Keep up the excellent work – I don’t know where you find the time! All the very best for the New Year when it comes.
John Diwie
There is a auld saying you can take a man out of Blantyre but you can’t take Blantyre out of the man. The first thing I do in the morning is make a coffee and check your daily posts, take care you of yourself and all the best in 2022 to you and your family, you are in my prayers
Duncan
Happy Christmas Paul. Thanks for all the great research you do. Best wishes for 2022.