THERE’S nothing bog standard about Barney.
A certificate to recognise the town’s efforts to twin toilets with communities in less developed countries now hangs proudly in Barnard Castle Library for all to see.
The town received official toilet-twinning status just before last year’s first lockdown thanks to the efforts of campaigner Ian Blake.
He helped twin 20 Barney toilets – from businesses, schools, churches and other venues – with communities in countries where people have few if any sanitary facilities. Despite the Covid-19 alert, Mr Blake’s toilet-twinning efforts have continued and to date, Barnard Castle has sponsored 29 individual latrines and five school blocks – making a total of 49 toilets.
Durham County Council, which operates the library, has agreed for the town’s toilet twinning certificate to be displayed.
Mr Blake said: “Conscious of the many privileges we so easily take for granted, I have always cherished the opportunity to make a difference.
“The town community has been wonderfully supportive of the scheme and I am honoured the work has been recognised in this way.
“It is clear that hundreds of people have had their lives transformed and I do so hope that seeing the certificate will remind people of that and encourage them to keep going.”
Mr Blake thanked all those who had supported the toilet twinning scheme. Anyone interested in how to twin their toilet and help others less fortunate can email Mr Blake at barneystoilettwinning@gmail.com.
