By Will Metcalfe

Last updated at 15:23, Friday, 15 June 2012

MAKING a comeback is always a risky affair. From Schumacher’s doomed foray into F1 to Harold Bishop’s return to Ramsay Street – sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.

Will Metcalfe

Like many native Cumbrians my age the comeback is a familiar concept.

After moving to university I swore I’d never return – but due to the economy and being hopeless with money I’ve found myself back here more than I ever imagined.

Once again I’m preparing to leave the peninsula but Monday night’s edition of the Great British Story: Furness Journey (BBC One) was almost enough to make me tear up my new contract and pledge my allegiance to South Cumbria once more.

Stuart Maconie has, in my eyes at least, had a bit of a resurgence in recent years; shifting from the fading rent-a-mouth who appeared on I Love the 70s to the fantastic author who penned Cider With Roadies and the brilliant exploration of northern Britain, Pies and Prejudice.

So seeing Maconie plodding around the best of the Furness peninsula was something to warm the cockles for sure.

Maconie rode the Furness railway, visiting Burlington Slate, the Dock Museum and Furness Abbey – even Millom (through a Norman Nicholson reference) got a mention.

And, what’s more Maconie seems to revel in the contrast of Furness’ industrial past against the backdrop of the Lakes.

It may have only been shown in the north-west, and to some extent I can see why, but it was enough to warm even the coldest of Barrovian hearts.

First published at 15:22, Friday, 15 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk