Geordies find space for an alien race
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IF LITTLE green men really exist, the first people to entertain them may be residents of the town of Bedlington, in Northumberland.
To attract tourists, the former pit town's chamber of trade has replied to an Internet advert for material to be included on Nasa's Mars 2001 flight. A CD-Rom entitled A Guide to Bedlingtonshire will include special offers and possibly courses on Geordie. Aliens will find a land famous for its terrier dogs and television and may be fascinated by the FA Cup giant-killing exploits of the local team, Bedlington Terriers.
Malcolm Robinson, chairman of the chamber of trade, said the whole town was joining in. "We are using this to let aliens know about Bedlington - but God knows if they'll understand our accents. We'll offer any alien visitors a range of discounts, with pensioner rates for haircuts, discounts on food and clothing and they'll even be able to join our Christmas club. Who knows, now the pits have closed down here, there might be more jobs on Mars and we can make the return trip."
Bedlington has received a document from Nasa confirming that its details will be on the Mars flight.
On yesterday's evidence, villagers are taking the possible advent of aliens in their stride. A pub regular, questioned on the arrival of visitors from Mars, replied: "Aliens? I married one in 1947."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments