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