The quality of Acton air.
Over the years there have been lots of interesting comments on this forum about pollution and the quality of Acton air. On holiday this summer I came across the following written by the Rector of Acton sometime between 1755- 1764. "Give over all the busy careOf gain, and with despatch repairTo Acton for untainted air;There, happy in your rural seat, where nobles gladly might retreat, Who, tho' in haste, their chariots stayEnvying, yet pleased while they surveyThose undisturbed in calm reposeRegain the health in town you lose......."This is quoted in a book written in 1910 by Acton resident Percival Jolliffe who, in the last chapter writes " Much of the commotion which is now such a feature of the High Street, may be traced to the advent of the electric tram- cars....and rattle of the unwieldy and evil - smelling motor omnibus."I enjoyed the read and wonder what Rector Cobden and Mr. Jolliffe would make of Acton today!
Kyria- Josephine Sewell ● 4762d1 Comments ● 4762d