This column comes as a complete shock to me – and I’m the one writing it.

I was thinking back to a wonderful holiday in New Zealand last year, which included a few days in the town I called home for nearly 30 years.

Given my exalted position – no, really – I was taken on a tour of the town by the mayor, a man with vision and enthusiasm and a man who faces a lot of criticism but still gets elected as mayor each time.

There were some wonderful changes to the main street and, replacing the rickety old grandstand on the sports grounds, was a beautiful new stadium and sports centre.

What a job he had convincing people of the merits of the plan. Too much money! What a waste of resources! It would never be used!

Had I still been living in Balclutha I would have been reporting on all the in-fighting and citizen outcry.

But I went as a visitor to my old hometown and discovered a wonderful asset to both the town and the area. This was now a place where first-class sports tournaments could be held. It was a place where the public could hold meetings where the community could enjoy the facilities of a high-class gym. It was brilliant.

So – what about the West Cumbrian stadium? Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I would ever write about it or even have any interest in it. In fact, as someone living in Maryport I have an unattractive envy of anything any other town gets because I think it all belongs here. But why shouldn’t Workington have a top-class stadium? Why shouldn’t Workington be able to attract elite sporting events? Once the fuss and bother are over, I hope we end up with something we can be as proud of as the people in Balclutha are proud of theirs.

I have a feeling that the stadium is one of the things people will be voting on in next month’s local body elections but I hope it is not the only thing.

I wish people would look at who will best represent them and their town.

I have long held the opinion that too much weight is given to party politics at local government level and it should not be about politics but about the good of the area.

I also feel a bit sorry for the candidates and especially those already in office, no matter who or what they represent.

Social media is a great place for debate but it can also be cruel and unfair.

So often you see councils being blamed for something over which they have absolutely no control.

People talk about “the council” with absolutely no idea of the difference between parish, borough or county tiers of local government and the very different areas of responsibility they have.

It is slightly easier for the new candidates who can promise the earth and then discover the restraints once they are elected to office.

By the way, no local candidates are responsible for the Brexit mess – so when they knock on your door, don’t blame them!