Half-mast

The light interested me as I took Molly for her morning walk today. But there is a story here too.
There are three businesses in this photo. From left to right: The Black Bull Hotel and Resturant, the Grey Bull and the Northumbrian Sausage Company’s butchery, all in our village. (There are other businesses too.)
The first two are owned by the same person. The Black closed in 2020 due partly to Covid, but mainly due to planning permission for a wedding venue being refused. It is now being turned into holiday accommodation. A business which has run as a hotel since 1735. 
The Grey closed its doors last Sunday. It is a small traditional wet sales only pub. It’s been trading since 1705.  With no kitchen or accommodation (even for an owner) it has very limited potential these days. Attempts have been made to find a new tenant including a half priced opportunity if run by the community but, so far, to no avail. The butchery, owned by a local woman, thrives.
Many people lament the closing of the two Bulls so the Union Flag, not deliberately at half-mast (that’s how far the ladder reached) reflects the mood. But times have changed. People often need a reason to go to the pub, which usually revolves around food. We will hold our breath to see whether someone will take on the Grey.