I had the pleasure of attending a recent Citizenship Ceremony for 47 new British Citizens at Newcastle Civic Centre. This was together with Councillor David Cook, the Sheriff of the City and preparing to be the new Lord Mayor.
We had a discussion about special events occurring in his tenure and I reminded him that 2019 will mark the 50th anniversary of Newcastle United’s last silverware, the momentous Fairs Cup win in 1969. Although David being from Sheffield was a Blades fan, he became a follower of the Magpies on arriving at Newcastle University in the 60s – and we shared that we were both at the 1969 Final against Ujpest Dozsa.
What a great opportunity for David to announce a momentous commemoration in the City and to celebrate what very good memories Newcastle United supporters need to remember winning anything. ”Twas the Summer of ’69”.
Hidden away in Jesmond Road East is the wonderful new Hancock Gallery where you will find a remarkable exhibition of the works of Alexander Millar. He is of course one of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary impressionists.
On display are many pieces not seen before, paintings of his famous old gadgies, sculptures and his remarkable portrayals of the Peaky Blinders; not to mention the stunning portrait of Michael Jackson. Well worth a visit.
A great coup for the area in the announcement that the British Masters Golf Championship is returning to Close House in 2020. Well done Graham Wylie and Lee Westwood for bringing this off. It was a fantastic success here in 2017 and this should be an encouragement to have more national events staged in the north east. Incidentally, why did the Turner Prize not return?
Very sad news of the death of Doris Day at the age of 97. She was married four times but had only one child. However this was sufficient for her to be able to offer some sage advice on parenting: “Wrinkles are hereditary. Parents get them from their children”.
This year’s Fickling Lecture in the Newcastle University Insights series featured Dr Henry Marsh, Neurosurgeon and author. His book ‘Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery’ is an international best seller and has been translated into 34 languages. Copies of his latest book ‘Admissions’ were Ali’s available for signature. Dr Marsh gave an amazing insight into the complexity and often unscientific processes as well as his insight and compassion in life and death operations and how to deal with some tragic outcomes.
Credit to Israel in hosting a stunning Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, the 64th annual competition. 41 countries have participated in an event which, although regarded by many with derision and cynicism, is an opportunity for widespread international bonhomie and good natured competition despite some dubious partisan voting.
It was reassuring that the usual suspects who want to ban Israel from everything failed in their attempts. Madonna resisted all attempts to dissuade her from being there to perform her new single ‘Future’. A more catchy headline might have been ‘Madonna returns to Bethlehem’.
Vegans are now claiming to be the latest victims of discrimination and persecution. They may be in line for specific protection. Perhaps a new European Directive is due, and such Directives appear likely to affect us for some time. Veganism may be the recommended lifestyle for all, to reduce cancer, heart disease, lowering carbon emissions by reducing meat production and consumption, alleviating animal cruelty and generally saving the environment, the world if not the universe.
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church 150 years ago stressed abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and meat. Leo Tolstoy espoused vegetarianism in his quest for godliness and asceticism.
We may all need to learn the new language – veganaise, aquafaba, seitan and sosage, and develop a liking for a Buddha Bowl. Or am I being veganaphobic?
Home / Business / Comment with…Barry Speker
Comment With...barry Speker
I had the pleasure of attending a recent Citizenship Ceremony for 47 new British Citizens at Newcastle Civic Centre. This was together with Councillor David Cook, the Sheriff of the City and preparing to be the new Lord Mayor.
We had a discussion about special events occurring in his tenure and I reminded him that 2019 will mark the 50th anniversary of Newcastle United’s last silverware, the momentous Fairs Cup win in 1969. Although David being from Sheffield was a Blades fan, he became a follower of the Magpies on arriving at Newcastle University in the 60s – and we shared that we were both at the 1969 Final against Ujpest Dozsa.
What a great opportunity for David to announce a momentous commemoration in the City and to celebrate what very good memories Newcastle United supporters need to remember winning anything. ”Twas the Summer of ’69”.
Hidden away in Jesmond Road East is the wonderful new Hancock Gallery where you will find a remarkable exhibition of the works of Alexander Millar. He is of course one of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary impressionists.
On display are many pieces not seen before, paintings of his famous old gadgies, sculptures and his remarkable portrayals of the Peaky Blinders; not to mention the stunning portrait of Michael Jackson. Well worth a visit.
A great coup for the area in the announcement that the British Masters Golf Championship is returning to Close House in 2020. Well done Graham Wylie and Lee Westwood for bringing this off. It was a fantastic success here in 2017 and this should be an encouragement to have more national events staged in the north east. Incidentally, why did the Turner Prize not return?
Very sad news of the death of Doris Day at the age of 97. She was married four times but had only one child. However this was sufficient for her to be able to offer some sage advice on parenting: “Wrinkles are hereditary. Parents get them from their children”.
This year’s Fickling Lecture in the Newcastle University Insights series featured Dr Henry Marsh, Neurosurgeon and author. His book ‘Do No Harm: Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery’ is an international best seller and has been translated into 34 languages. Copies of his latest book ‘Admissions’ were Ali’s available for signature. Dr Marsh gave an amazing insight into the complexity and often unscientific processes as well as his insight and compassion in life and death operations and how to deal with some tragic outcomes.
Credit to Israel in hosting a stunning Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv, the 64th annual competition. 41 countries have participated in an event which, although regarded by many with derision and cynicism, is an opportunity for widespread international bonhomie and good natured competition despite some dubious partisan voting.
It was reassuring that the usual suspects who want to ban Israel from everything failed in their attempts. Madonna resisted all attempts to dissuade her from being there to perform her new single ‘Future’. A more catchy headline might have been ‘Madonna returns to Bethlehem’.
Vegans are now claiming to be the latest victims of discrimination and persecution. They may be in line for specific protection. Perhaps a new European Directive is due, and such Directives appear likely to affect us for some time. Veganism may be the recommended lifestyle for all, to reduce cancer, heart disease, lowering carbon emissions by reducing meat production and consumption, alleviating animal cruelty and generally saving the environment, the world if not the universe.
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church 150 years ago stressed abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and meat. Leo Tolstoy espoused vegetarianism in his quest for godliness and asceticism.
We may all need to learn the new language – veganaise, aquafaba, seitan and sosage, and develop a liking for a Buddha Bowl. Or am I being veganaphobic?
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