What makes a city?

[Buenchico]

Yes, I know that it's got nothing to do with the size of the place, or with whether it's got a cathedral or not. It's solely based upon the grant of a Royal charter. However I'm wondering which of the following current applicants for city status ABers think DESERVE to be cities (or, conversely, which clearly DON'T deserve city status):

Bolton, Bournemouth
Chelmsford, Colchester, Coleraine, Corby, Craigavon, Croydon
Doncaster, Dorchester, Dudley
Gateshead, Goole
Luton
Medway, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes
Perth
Reading
Southend, St Asaph, St Austell, Stockport
Tower Hamlets
Wrexham

Any thoughts?

[ChuckFickens]

Before doffing your cap to anyone in Long Melford make sure you give them a nudge to ensure they are awake to appreciate it first though :)

[antlad]

Three Men In A Boat was better !

[Bummle]

Thanks for the review. Shame it didn't live up to the first one but maybe I'll give it a go one of these days.

[Buenchico]

Maidup:
Cathedrals and churches? We can't compete when it comes to cathedrals but you need to remember that the term 'silly Suffolk' is derived from an old English word 'sealy'(?), meaning 'holy', because of the large number of churches here. So perhaps we've got quantity, if not quality?

Rivers? Ipswich has got two as well. OK, it's the same river really, but it's called the Orwell in the tidal stretch and the Gipping above that.

Theatre? We used to only have the Wolsey but new theatres, or other performing arts spaces, seem to be opening every other month around here!

A football club? I daren't comment! (Delia lives near me and she might clout me one, when I next pass her in Tesco, if I do!)

A proper university? I'm sure that the people at the new UCS would strongly object if you suggested to them that it's not a 'proper' university!

An art college? Well, I suppose you could call it that. (I've seen some of their output!)

[Caran]

Bolton, I used to live not far from there, my brother still lives nearby and works in Bolton.

[Buenchico]

Er, are those meant to be reasons for Bolton becoming a city, Carandrog?
- or possibly reasons as to why it shouldn't? ;-)

[wolf63]

I may be slightly biased but Perth should get its city status back.

Susan
in - Perth

[Buenchico]

Well you've got plenty of support, Susan. Perth has been by far the most popular choice so far.

[Caran]

fond memories of Bolton so anything to enhance it will suit me !!

[Buenchico]

Most people seem to favour Perth, Eddie. (So we can probably assume that the decision-makers will choose somewhere completely different!)

[craft1948]

York is the ultimate city...............

[Buenchico]

As I said earlier, Carandrog, my memories of Bolton are fond ones. I can only ever recall visiting Bolton (by rail, from Sheffield) to visit the Octagon Theatre, but it was always in pleasant company, and we always had a good time there.

[wolf63]

I won't see it is dull in Perth - but I live in the 'City Centre' and there is no noise outside. It is pretty safe place to live.

[Buenchico]

I like York, Craft, but (even if we ignore London, which isn't 'officially' a city anyway) I think that quite a few places could rival York as 'the ultimate city' (in the UK). For history and culture, Edinburgh would have to be a contender. For a cosmopolitan feel and great nightlife, Brighton also needs consideration. For the cities with the most friendly people, Liverpool and Sheffield are near to the top.

[craft1948]

Okay Chris................I could never understand why York is second only to London for the number of tourists.

[Buenchico]

Perth seems to be unaware that it's not currently a city anyway, Susan ;-)
http://www.perthcity.co.uk/

[wolf63]

Chris - and nobody told me until they started their campaign to get the City status back. It is just a big waste of money - money that could be used to buy more hanging baskets or floral displays to represent various other artistic stuff. It is all for the tourists.

[Buenchico]

But it's those tourists who bring money into the city, Susan.

Anyway, at this point, I'll thank everyone for their posts, as I'm off to bed.

Goodnight all!