That is the question - although it may soon be 'Why not Plan C?' In the face of vaccine sceptics' doom-laden prophesies about inflation and the economy and predictions of toy shortages at Christmas' the Government is again facing a dilemma.
Restrictions and further lockdown’ if implemented’ will no doubt be attacked as negligent delay fuelled by scepticism and lack of preparedness. Inevitably another public enquiry is due. In the meantime’ panic buying of masks’ checking the numbers of Deliveroo and Just EAT and coming up with ideas about repaying the £Trillions.
The archives of National Treasure Frankie Howard have been acquired by the University of York. As well as the script for an unseen American version of Up Pompei and annotated versions of various Carry On films’ there is a contract revealing his delight to receive the equivalent of £12’000 from the Beatles’ despite his 10 minute appearance in their film Help being cut.
That was a pittance compared with what was paid to Bob Hoskins for not having appeared in The Untouchables.He had been asked to play Al Capone if Robert de Niro dropped out’ but the American actor became available. As a thank you the director sent a cheque for £200’000 to Hoskins’ who phoned to say. ‘Brian’ if you have any more films you don’t want me in’ just give me a call’. Nice work if you can get it.
Having contracted Covid’ from whom I know not’ and having tested PCR positive’ I had fortunately only mild symptoms and completed my isolation in time to get to St James Park for the Spurs 3-1 defeat.
The controversial takeover of Newcastle United by the Saudi-Arabian PIF-led conglomerate’ promises much but will require great patience on the part of the Geordie faithful. They should not begrudge Steve Bruce his £8m as he looks back on his 13th and 12th league finishes with pride.
The Lawrence of Arabia scenes in and out of the stadium have produced a request from the club that supporters ‘kindly refrain from wearing traditional Arab clothing or Middle-East inspired head coverings at matches’ if they would not ordinarily wear such attire’.
It was said that the new owners’ including the Reuben Brothers’ were not offended but were concerned that the tea-towels mimicking Keffiyehs were culturally inappropriate and could cause offence.
More obvious offence came from a Newcastle supporter photographed making a Nazi salute towards Tottenham’s 3000 visiting fans. No good humour or football celebration in that gesture!
The statistics from the Office of National Statistics show that for the current year the most popular baby names to top the charts are again Olivia and Oliver. Nigel has dropped out of the rankings’ its earlier popularity due to Mansell is less so with Lawson or Farage. Worrying that there were 19 babies registered with the name Lucifer.
As for the name Barry’ popular in the 1930s and 1940s’ it was in the top 100 in the 1970s but by 2018 it had fallen to 2’079th’ although still popular in Australia. Varied recollections of Cryer’ Took’ Gibb’ Humphries’ Richards’ Manilow and White but not a name for today?
Into the top 10 for the first time is Archie at 9th just below Harry at 8th and Muhammad at 5th. No Lilibet in the girls’ names although Lily is in at seven.
A happy return to some activities cancelled by lockdown for nearly two years has been British Citizenship ceremonies. I attended recently as Deputy Lieutenant at Newcastle Civic Centre when 50 new citizens and families were able to celebrate their new status and swear or affirm their allegiance. A splendid occasion even if 11am seemed a little early for scones and cream.
All credit to Her Majesty the Queen who despite being 95 declined the offer of the annual award of ‘Oldie of the Year’ from the magazine. Previous winners include the Duke of Edinburgh and Dame Edna Everidge. Her reply was read out: ‘Her Majesty believes you are as old as you feel’ as such the Queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept’.
We can all agree with that.
Even if reluctantly having to accept the need to use a walking stick’ the Queen’s undiminished devotion to her duty and the nation is an inspiration to all. She continues to define the nature of our constitutional monarchy’ and still shows her delight at a day at the races.
