FOR someone who only has six GCSEs to his name I do sometimes wonder what might have been.

Following an intense discussion in a parked car recently, the question was raised as to whether I would join the armed forces in the current political climate.

I was at one time in my life about to join the Royal Navy.

I loved the sea when I was a kid and decided early on that I would follow in my father's footsteps and become a member of her Majesty's Royal Navy.

It seemed like a career that had everything, and a top outfit too.

You see there was a time when I would have gladly joined the Royal Navy without feeling a little bit apprehensive about doing so.

But then things got a bit weird and signing on the dotted line wasn't all that it was cut out to be.

Now, if the opportunity arose I must admit I would think twice about joining any of the armed forces.

That does not mean people shouldn't. I know of various friends of mine who have joined and seem content.

But when I realised I could string a few sentences together for a couple of pennies, I decided this was the career for me.

It also does not mean that I would not defend the nation when called upon. If they re-introduce the draft, then so be it.

I have already mapped out a plan of action if any force would wish to invade Blackburn in the near future.

The five points at Darwen, Samlesbury, Intack, Grane Road and Roman Road would be defended with everything we had.

If we had to take heavy casualties then so be it, but they would take Mill Hill over my dead body.

And if that failed, we could always fall back to the town centre. They wouldn't find the route in anyway.

But then it suddenly dawned on me. I like the rest of the town, but for some reason have started to hate the town centre.

With the way it looks these days with all the half-finished improvements, I wouldn't really mind if we let the invading forces have the centre of town, as long they left all the surrounding areas alone.

A walk through the town centre depresses me now.

It wasn't always like this. I loved Christmas in the town centre.

Maybe joining up is the answer after all?