As Bob Geldorf joined the throng in Central London and was claiming that the 'People's Vote' campaign was as uplifting as Live Aid, the risks of mob rule as against democratic process create confusion and alarm. The first EU referendum was in 1975 after the Heath government had decided in 1973 to join the Common Market. It took over 4 decades for there to be a second referendum on the issue last year.
Large numbers have demonstrated for this so-called People’s Vote, but that is what the 2017 referendum was. Do the campaigners suggest that the majority who voted were not the people’ or just not their sort of people? What are we to have? Best of three? And if it is still leave what would our negotiating position with the EU be then?
Some brighter news was the opening of the Invictus Games in Sydney by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry spoke of his pride at sharing with Australia the announcement of the newest addition’ to his family.
His stirring speech to the 500 ex-service competitors due to take part in 13 sports in the Olympic Stadium was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm for the Royal Family. He praised the Invictus generation for their selfless service to their countries in complex and dangerous conflicts with a dedication which was often unrecognised.
The opportunity had been taken to lay a wreath at Sydney’s Anzac memorial as part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
I hope he has also had time to work on a trade deal with Australia and New Zealand.
Talking of major sporting events and just before the forthcoming Race to Dubai there was the Robbie Howard Race to North Berwick’. The usual miscellany of variously talented golfers graced the links of Gullane and Longniddry as well as supporting sales of the best Scottish (and Irish) whiskies. The usual high quality hospitality from Chris at The Open Arms. The joint winners Frank Matthewson and Ewan Duff- lawyers of course.
I was delighted to be at the North East Chinese Association Autumn Festival Banquet at the Hilton. This was also the opportunity for Sue Winfield, the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear to present to NECA the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. QAVS is a prestigious national award presented to selected groups each year.
My customary speech in best Cantonese may have been comprehensible to some. Well done Jimmy Tsang, your committee and volunteers.
As a Freeman of the City of London I had the privilege of guiding sheep over London Bridge at the annual Sheep Drive organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen. Leading the event this year was Alan Titchmarsh. He probably collected some fertile material for his back garden.
The Russian State Opera made their yearly visit to Newcastle appearing at the Tyne Theatre. Their production of Madam Butterfly was memorable although imagination was needed to make the casting and characterisation convincing. How ironic for Russian opera singers to be praising Captain Pinkerton of the US Navy sailing his fleet through the Far East. The music was brilliant. The Russian State Ballet is coming to the Tyne Theatre on 15th November to perform The Nutcracker. It will be magnificent. Get your tickets now!
During a recent holiday in Israel and staying at the magnificent Carmel Spa in the hills above Haifa, there was some unusual after dinner entertainment. The talented group of musicians turned out to be a Beatles tribute band. A real pleasure to join in with Can’t Buy Me Love’, Eight Days a Week’, Hey Jude’, Twist and Shout’ and many more. And we still knew all the words. And finally, and talking of biting the hand that feeds you, actress Keira Knightley has announced that she has banned her three-year old from watching certain Disney films – because they lack strong female characters. For example Cinderella puts up with her fate waits around for a rich guy to rescue her’, while Snow White cleans up after seven men, eats a poisoned apple without questioning and the arising from a coma falls for a total stranger who kisses her, without permission!’
Keira has cashed in with appearances in various Disney films including Prince of Thieves, four Pirates of the Caribbean films, and the soon to be released The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ full of maleficence, magic and mystery. Probably not suitable for three year olds even without worrying about the #MeToo agenda.
Home / Business / COMMENT WITH……BARRY SPEKER
Comment With.....barry Speker
As Bob Geldorf joined the throng in Central London and was claiming that the 'People's Vote' campaign was as uplifting as Live Aid, the risks of mob rule as against democratic process create confusion and alarm. The first EU referendum was in 1975 after the Heath government had decided in 1973 to join the Common Market. It took over 4 decades for there to be a second referendum on the issue last year.
Large numbers have demonstrated for this so-called People’s Vote, but that is what the 2017 referendum was. Do the campaigners suggest that the majority who voted were not the people’ or just not their sort of people? What are we to have? Best of three? And if it is still leave what would our negotiating position with the EU be then?
Some brighter news was the opening of the Invictus Games in Sydney by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry spoke of his pride at sharing with Australia the announcement of the newest addition’ to his family.
His stirring speech to the 500 ex-service competitors due to take part in 13 sports in the Olympic Stadium was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm for the Royal Family. He praised the Invictus generation for their selfless service to their countries in complex and dangerous conflicts with a dedication which was often unrecognised.
The opportunity had been taken to lay a wreath at Sydney’s Anzac memorial as part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
I hope he has also had time to work on a trade deal with Australia and New Zealand.
Talking of major sporting events and just before the forthcoming Race to Dubai there was the Robbie Howard Race to North Berwick’. The usual miscellany of variously talented golfers graced the links of Gullane and Longniddry as well as supporting sales of the best Scottish (and Irish) whiskies. The usual high quality hospitality from Chris at The Open Arms. The joint winners Frank Matthewson and Ewan Duff- lawyers of course.
I was delighted to be at the North East Chinese Association Autumn Festival Banquet at the Hilton. This was also the opportunity for Sue Winfield, the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear to present to NECA the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. QAVS is a prestigious national award presented to selected groups each year.
My customary speech in best Cantonese may have been comprehensible to some. Well done Jimmy Tsang, your committee and volunteers.
As a Freeman of the City of London I had the privilege of guiding sheep over London Bridge at the annual Sheep Drive organised by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen. Leading the event this year was Alan Titchmarsh. He probably collected some fertile material for his back garden.
The Russian State Opera made their yearly visit to Newcastle appearing at the Tyne Theatre. Their production of Madam Butterfly was memorable although imagination was needed to make the casting and characterisation convincing. How ironic for Russian opera singers to be praising Captain Pinkerton of the US Navy sailing his fleet through the Far East. The music was brilliant. The Russian State Ballet is coming to the Tyne Theatre on 15th November to perform The Nutcracker. It will be magnificent. Get your tickets now!
During a recent holiday in Israel and staying at the magnificent Carmel Spa in the hills above Haifa, there was some unusual after dinner entertainment. The talented group of musicians turned out to be a Beatles tribute band. A real pleasure to join in with Can’t Buy Me Love’, Eight Days a Week’, Hey Jude’, Twist and Shout’ and many more. And we still knew all the words. And finally, and talking of biting the hand that feeds you, actress Keira Knightley has announced that she has banned her three-year old from watching certain Disney films – because they lack strong female characters. For example Cinderella puts up with her fate waits around for a rich guy to rescue her’, while Snow White cleans up after seven men, eats a poisoned apple without questioning and the arising from a coma falls for a total stranger who kisses her, without permission!’
Keira has cashed in with appearances in various Disney films including Prince of Thieves, four Pirates of the Caribbean films, and the soon to be released The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ full of maleficence, magic and mystery. Probably not suitable for three year olds even without worrying about the #MeToo agenda.
barry.speker@sintons.co.uk
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