May 27nm

Disunited 

After all the shenanigans in parliament yesterday, Mr Johnson and all the members go back to work, tackling the daunting task of solving Britain’s many problems

In a frenetic, not boisterous but simmering with anger atmosphere, opposition benches called on him to resign but with most of his members supportive the prime minister, like an outclassed boxer, rode the nonstop barrage of punches to escape, no doubt for a celebratory drink.

Now comes his and his government’s fight back, starting with handouts to a weary and shocked public. The chancellor, probably reluctantly, will loosen the purse strings in a bid to lesson  public anxiety, fear even, about surviving what even he admits will be a cruel winter.

Britain today, is, in a way, suffering as it did in the war, this time a different war when we and  the world, faced an uncertain future.

One big difference is that than Britain was led by a united national government which with the people 

as one in their determination to win.

That is the spirit and action needed today .

Sadly, yesterday showed no sign of unity and determination.

May 25

Economic plight

Britain’s economy is in an appalling position, the worst for many decades, with rocketing prices and the prospect of it worsening this autumn. The government, desperately try find a way of helping the millions who are sunk in poverty, are expected to announce tomorrow how they will do so.

A combination of factors is to blame affecting the whole world, involving the production and transportation of a vast range of products, exacerbated by the Ukraine war, Brexit and the hesitancy or inability of government to act effectively to get to grips with a disastrous situation. 

Here we read of people spending the day in the local library or on a bus., washing in their sink.

 And it could be much worse this winter, with millions officially poverty stricken.

Not everyone is being dragged down, sinking in a sea of poverty and debt. Look around around and you  see some businesses, international, national and small, making massive record profits. And there are millions of people who are doing very well, thank you.

Like me. I am fortunate in being able - now my savings are no longer gushing out, paying care home fees.  I am able to live comfortably, my savings saved, able to go out for meals regularly and even on  cruise next month.

I hope that the government, unfortunate to be hit by the tidal wave that is upsetting the world economy, will strike the right balance, alleviating  the the plight of those who are suffering.

 

So what is this about retail sales surprisingly increasing last month mainly due to us taking to drink and smoking?

Somehow, millions of us think that is the way to pack up our troubles. Tea and sandwiches are not the answer, and in any case, a drop of our favourite tipple is cheaper to drink at home.

I should say so. At lunch at a local restaurant I was charged £6 for a glass of Italian lager.

May 24

Surprising Penarth

Penarth surprises me.  Having known it for eighty years and lived here for almost thirty years it continually surprises me. It did so today, thanks to my scooter. Unable to explore by foot I am finding remarkable changes that have made it more attractive and interesting to residents and visitors.

I now regularly enjoy a morning drive through Penarth Marina to shop at the Tesco hypermarket. It takes about twenty minutes, driving on the road.

Today, a few hundred yards into my drive home I ventured onto the steep winding path leading up from the road. Would I manage it safely?

It turned out an easy, exciting diversion; the best ride I have had in town, wide, zig zagging, perfectly smoothly tarmacked  path with magnificent panoramic views over Cardiff. And it revealed another suburb of modern, attractive houses I had not known existed.

Even better, it led up to near the town centre, making my  journey easier and shorter.

Earlier this week I finally tried another route home, avoiding my usual drive on the busy Beach Road hill or pavement down to the Esplanade.

I found it quicker and easier, and only a small incline. Why did I not think of that before?

Penarth has obviously changed and grown from when in 1942 I arrived by steam train to start work as reporter on the Penarth Times, its population then; today is 30,000 is double that of eighty years ago. with new communities extending westward to Cosmeston and on the hilltop overlooking Cardiff. So many changes and the attractions including scores of restaurants. 

It’s good to be home.

Love 

I 

 

Love 

May 23

Off to the cinema?

I am thinking of going to the cinema next week, the first time for years and the first at the pier cinema.

The film, How Goes The Day, first shown in 1942 at the height of the war, depicts a village occupied by German paratroopers, with a host of actors who became stars. 

Made by Ealing Studio, famous for its comedies, it is, unusually, serious.

By coincidence, Penarth pier, a regular location for cinema and television films, was busy for many days recently with the latest tv film.

It was closed  during the war when Rosemary and I went to the town’s two other cinemas, the Windsor and Washington.

The Paget Rooms, built in the early 20th century, originally the Regal Cinema, was acquired  in 1950 from the Kibbor cinema company. It was occupied by the RAF during the war.

We used to go regularly to the Penarth Windsor and Washington cinemas but we never went there together, preferring those in Cardiff. Our first date was to the Olympia, one of several in Queen Street.

Our wedding reception in1952, with seventy guests, was one of the first events to be held at the Paget Rooms, now run by Penarth town council.

Partygate

So, after five months exhaustive investigation, Britain’s biggest police force announces that there will be no more penalty notices. After giving out 126 notices, mainly to civil servants and political advisers with one fine to their boss, the prime minister, his wife and Chancellor Rishi Sunak for illegally celebrating his birthday, it is all over bar the shouting.

Oh, apart from one outstanding matter to be cleared up - the case against the former head of the County’s Prosecution Service, Sir Kier Starmer,  and I think we know the likely result of that investigation.

It’s shake hands, make up, get on with your job you two. A fudge, very convenient but not one welcomed by the many thousands who obediently and at sad cost to them and their families caused by the governments draconian lockdown obeyed the rules of law:; something they will never forget.

This whimper for me typifies modern Britain, clouded in uncertainty, hesitation and concern for the future.

 But let’s not be too downhearted… there is one bright spot, the reminder of steadfastness, the Queen’s platinum reign celebration, with our extended bank holiday except for those trying to keep the country going.

May 17

 Just thinking

The news that the prime minister thinks it worthwhile, essential even, to hire them, think tanks  are a crutch for governments and a multitude of organisations. They have become an  essential part of modern life  judging by the non stop outpouring of information, projections and ideas.

They operate all over the world, researching for, lobbying and offering advice to governments, political parties, organisations and the public, covering a vast range of subjects including economics, education, military affairs, technical and social.

Funded often by wealthy donors and government grants they have a huge influence, useful, but potentially dangerous in its effect on on the public by vital decisions.

It is part and parcel of society today but it goes back a long way its simplest form as far as 600, first employed by kings but it has flourished  psince the 1950d and 60s, taken up assiduously in Britain by the governments and now in every country in the world.

It has become an essential political tool not just in research and advice but in advocating policy.  It is often biased, a form of canvassing, and it encourages lack of thought, encouraging laziness.

 Dangerous.

May 18

 Off to sea again

In one month’s time I hope to be enjoying life on the P&O Ventura. 

All being well, deo volento - the reason for the caveat is the long lingering Covid.

Everything is in place, including insurance - expensive but surprisingly available at my age - the driver to take me to and from Southampton and my long list of essentials including cruising gear I fortunately did not discard with so many other items when I went into Sunrise almost three years ago.

The fly in the ointment in the venture is proving I am fit and safe to go. Not easy, and another example of official incompetence. At 95 and ‘vulnerable’ I am due for my second booster injection, but I am still waiting. Worse, I have no idea when I will get it despite efforts by myself and my family. Nothing to do this us, said my surgery, it’s the NHS. You will get a letter.

Easier said than done. I have trying for three weeks now, using the hopeless NHS on-line information service.

Going cruising is not plain sailing and days before,  and then on the day,  I hope to step on board I have to pay for a test. I am exploring how that is done. 

If I get that far I know I will enjoy my rare break.

G

May 10

 Media danger 

As an old reporter I am sorry to say that reading newspapers and watching and listening to broadcast news these days is a danger to our health.

I am doing it much less, tired of the endless negative, sensational accounts of most topics, especially war, the economy, who did what in lockdown and the impending doom of the UK.

Just look at a few recent stories-

Economy: Man goes to the library to stay warm; More than 2m adults cannot afford to eat every day: Fire chief warns against fires in efforts to save heating.

War: Putin preparing for long war.  Sixty killed in Russian air strike. Ukrainians in UK face years of war trauma therapy.

Politics: Chaos in Northern Ireland.  Partygate, Beargate.

Travel: Chaos at airports for holiday travellers.

Just a sprinkling of the shower of depressing news. Give it a rest, please.

Worse than negative, in fact, more often 

As

R 

May 10

 Oh, dear!

In my last school report just months before World War Two broke out the report from my history master was devastating. ‘Too vague and romantic’, he  wrote, accurately. He meant my knowledge of and enthusiasm for dates and monarchies was abysmal. 

It has never improved as my blog yesterday confirmed. 

Any of my readers - are there any? -  could see the catalogue of errors. Robert, who must live and breathe figures pointed them all out and he will edit my offering.

So thank you, Robert and for the rest of you, please forgive me. I will not  be quoting dates again. 

 With my failing memory, it is fatal.

 enthusiasm for dates and monarchies  most of it eas made up

Skinner

Historic

June 2022. An historical month and year. The platinum anniversary of the queen’s reign that began dramatically with the sudden death death of her father, King George V1 in 1952.

I remember it well, and many royal events, going back to the solemn radio announcement of the death of King George V and  in the 86 years since, those that have shaped her.

I recall as a schoolboy standing in the crowds opposite Wandsworth county hall for what I think must have been a visit by the queen’s mother Queen Elizabeth soon after the abdication of uncrowned Edward VIII.

We waved the mini flags and ‘goody bags’, gifts, I presume, from Wandsworth council.

I have seen the queen many times, first when I was a reporter covering her visits to Wales. Always at the rear of the press motorcade, when she stopped for an engagement I had to race up and report it.

When we were in our flat in Caerphilly Rosemary set  up a camera in our window overlooking the main Street to get an exclusive picture for the South Wales Argus as the queen drove past.

She missed it. 

Later, when I was city and county public relations officer I was at royal lunches in the city hall .

I have even provided briefing notes for her visits.

And, a unique experience, I went down a coal mine with her in the Rhymney Valley, following her as she stopped to talk to colliers and pat pit ponies.

My last royal  experience was an evening at Buckingham palace seven years ago, celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust of which I am now the oldest member in Wales, and was introduced to her and the Duke of Edinburgh.

But that’s enough name dropping!

As almost the same age as Her Majesty, I had hoped I might get an invitation to the celebrations in London. I am still waiting.

 

 

I went down a coal mine in the Rhymney Valley with her.

Two of the most exciting royal events were the gardena

May 6

Election aftermath

For anyone involved in elections the count is a momentous occasion. Jubilation or despair. And overwhelming tiredness after long hours of tension. 

In Wales where unlike in my day it was all cut and dried in one day, the count dos not begin until next morning, meaning a sleepless night for the candidates.

For almost sixty years as a reporter and in local government I was caught up in the excitement, the frenzy.

There were stories to write and in my council years reflection on the difference the result might make to me if my council changed hands, which happened from time to.time.

The biggest upheaval in my career was when the London Borough Hounslow went from blue to red overnight with almost all the members who had appointed me thrown out. I soldiered on, unlike my colleague in the neighbouring borough who lost his job.

Whatever the size of the council the prize is to control, to have power. I was fortunate that all the ones I worked for showed initiative and innovation. None more so than my first, Caerphilly urban district, that became nationally noted for its pioneering work in housing - the first housing association in Wales - and promoting industry and commerce. I advertised our first industrial state at a penny a square foot. A USA firm, Gem Corporation, built the first hypermarket  in Wales in Caerphilly in the early 1960s.

In its most ambitious move, the council bought lock stock and barrel the town’s huge railway works, ‘the Welsh Swindon’ after its closure.

In the years that followed I kept ratepayers in Wales and London interested and informed of the work, the successes and problems of the men and women they had voted in.

I was the first local government public relations officer in,Wales, at that time looked upon with suspicion of bias towards my council. It was demanding yet rewarding occupation..

National governments may hold the purse strings but it is the local councillors who have the most impact on our ordinary daily lives. 

As the new councils take over in most difficult of circumstances they deserve our interest and support. I vote for that,

 

May 5

Sell out

Forty years after Mrs Thatcher offered council house tenants an offer they could not refuse the government is thinking of repeating the move..

Not believing their good fortune, by 1995 2.1 million had bought their home at a knock-down price - a 60 % reduction - and Britain has been struggling ever since to provide enough affordable homes.

Almost 70% of people in the UK own property, far fewer than most European countries. In Germany it is only 20%.

Useful if you are among those fortunate ones, with some properties, including London, worth more than £1 million. but increasingly difficult for the younger generation, coping with crippling costs and having to resort to renting.

And what  the did the he government do with that £28billion windfall? It disappeared in the treasury coffers and did not produce a  single new house. 

I am fortunate in owning an excellent Wales and the West Housing Association flat.

Founded in 1965 it now owns 12,000 properties, mostly for rent. It is one of the biggest providers of affordable homes houses and flats, building hundreds a year.

This could be in danger if the government goes ahead with its ill-advised plan that would exacerbate the dire housing situation, denying young people a chance of a home of their own.

May 4

A growing idea

Since I was a child I have been fascinated by growing fruit. My first attempt in our back garden at Bushey Road, West Ham, to produce my own strawberries was a failure but over the years I have had some success in producing fruit and vegetables in my garden at Winnipeg Drive, Cardiff.

I have even raised tomatoes and mint in tubs on my flat balcony in Penarth.

So I am delighted to see that this grow-at-home idea has caught on. Across Britain hundreds of groups are transforming spare land into micro gardens, producing fruit and vegetables for their communities.

‘Fourteen years ago in Yorkshire a ‘Right to grow’ was organised and the local council allowed them to plant trees and vegetables in unused, neglected public land.

Now the idea is catching on and more local authorities are seeing the benefits of using verges and waste land to grow food.

The next step is to persuade the government to back the scheme and it seems possible as there is cross party support.

I have been impressed by town streets overseas lined with apple trees, providing an array of blossoms and free apples, in contrast to the ill chosen street trees throughout Britain that are a danger to pedestrians - and scooter riders like me.

It would go some way to meet the soaring cost of fruit and vegetables, much of which is imported.

May 1

 May Day

May Day May Day

Not a celebration but a danger signal, a cry for help. That is how not just Britain but much of world has reacted, and with good reason. 

My memories of May Day are almost all benevolent. When I was a young reporter in the Rhymney Valley a regular May Day story I sold to the national papers was the inevitable annual Bedwas and Machen council’s busmen’s strike.

Today’s media stories are much more significant - war, economic problems, parliamentary upheaval, and the lingering effects of covid.

This uncertainty adds to the interest in the local government elections on Thursday.As usual, fascinated by it, I shall stay awake watching the story unfold. 

For many years I was in th thick of it, as a reporter and then local government officer. 

I have watched the fervour and excitement, the elation of the winners and dejection of the losers.

I have seen the politics of councils change overnight - one year in London most of the seats on Hounslow council were upturned.

I hope, but do not expect to see a much needed increase in people voting. Our record is poor. The average is under 40%. Compare this with 80% in Tokyo.

The highest is Australia, at over 90 %. Not surprisingly as voting is compulsory.