The 2011 census pack arrived at Francis Towers yesterday, have been studying the contents with interest. This 32pp Parma Violet coloured questionnaire could well be a historical document in its own right, as it seems likely to be the last of its kind.
The overwhelming vibe is that this will the last nationwide census to be carried out using a paper form - as an indication of the way things are going it's also the first where it's possible to submit the details online, too. The technology available to us in the 21st century should, in theory, make it possible to gather census-like information more frequently and more accurately, although the track record of government when it comes to large IT projects does make this feel somewhat doubtful.
While reading through the questions an amusing article from the BBC website came to mind, regarding the dying art of doctors' slang. I do wonder how, in this new age of ignorance, the apparent superabundance of slack-jawed, 'pumpkin positive' residents of the UK will cope with the census questions, no matter how simple they try to make them.
Studying the accompanying info leaflet I also learn that this mammoth print job extends further still, because it also includes the availability on demand of translation booklets in no less than 56 languages, count 'em! Please note: 'Your answers cannot be sent back on the translation booklet'...
I do feel sad about the likelihood of the census form's passing, though. Once everything is reduced to bits and bytes in some sort of giant database future generations researching their ancestry will no longer be able to gaze upon the actual handwriting - however illegible - of long-gone relatives carrying out this civic duty.
Kudos to the team at Polestar who've made the packs happen, and to all the posties charged with putting them through the right letter boxes.
