The death of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II consumed most of the nation and the commonwealth in a period of mourning and grief, culminating in the funeral to end all funerals. That so many world leaders attended and were fulsome in their praise of the Queen, brought immense pride to us and a testimony to Britain's subsisting softer power. The nation and the commonwealth fully realise that Her Majesty is not only our longest serving sovereign but one who has left an indelible legacy. This was a life devoted to service and dedicated to ruling benevolently with love, kindness and wisdom, and an example to all countries and their leaders.
No one does ceremonial better than Britain and it was clear that the funeral was many decades in the planning, much of it dictated by the Queen herself. For the sceptics and meanminded who see the price of everything and the value of nothing, there will be an inevitable increase in tourism. This was no doubt a traumatic time for Liz Truss. The excitement of her leadership victory and meeting the Queen to be asked to form a government; within days the Sovereign died and the PM meets the new King Charles III. The period of mourning and the funeral required suspension of Parliament and a period of grace for the PM to delay decisions on inflation, energy prices, strikes, tax cuts and other crises; also the unexpected bonus of accessing as many world leaders as possible, during their attendance for the funeral. Prime Minister’s Questions may seem less daunting.
Following Covid lockdown restrictions it was delightful that the North East Chinese Association has been able to resume traditional celebrations. The banquet for the Mid-Autumn Festival was held at Sky in Stowell Street. Sumptuous occasion – fewer speeches but more karaoke.
The Gosforth Curry Club is still going from strength to strength including a celebratory trip out of the area – the Curry Train to The Valley in Corbridge. The standard of debate remains impressive, although emotions run high during predictions of Premier League positions. Starting the football season with only one win for Newcastle United in the first seven games might be called a crisis. The optimists stress that Newcastle have only lost one game and drawn five.
Granddaughter Dayna was not discouraged and came up from London for her first match at St James Park which turned out to be a disappointing 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. However there was the great atmosphere, the tribute to the Queen and the chance for Dayna to meet Mr and Mrs Magpie.