David Hockney is Awarded the Order of Merit
The Order of Merit is a unique order in that it is a personal gift of the sovereign. It has just been awarded to David Hockney.
I first came aware of Hockney when he won the John Moores Painting Prize at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, in 1967 and can remember seeing his painting, Peter Getting out of Nick’s Pool, at the time with C. I also have seen the major collection of his works at Saltaire.
Reading the list of those who have been awarded the Order of Merit is to read a list of some of our greatest scientists, artists and composers with a few politicians thrown in. Although, I think it is true to say, that these days there are more of the thinkers than the politicians, than there was fifty years or so. At present there are only two British politicians on the list and both are women; Margaret Thatcher and Betty Boothroyd. There are however two long serving Commonwealth Prime Ministers; one Canadian and one Australian. Decades ago, there would have been many from the military, but now there is only the respected military historian; Sir Michael Howard.
I think on the whole it is a good list and if you look at those who hold the honour today, no-one stands out as universally condemned by all.
There are some interesting connections and some would think anomalies.
For instance the only churchman is the Anglican Primate of Ireland, Lord Eames. Although Cardinal Hume was a member.
Dorothy Hodgkin was also a member, as is her pupil, Margaret Thatcher. I think it is true to say, that their politics were very different. I wonder if they ever met, when Thatcher was Prime Minister! This web page provides a glimpse of their relationship.
Margaret Thatcher worked as a fourth year student on X-ray crystallography in Dorothy Hodgkin’s laboratory. Despite later political differences they always held a great affection for one another.
According to this page on the BBC, they did meet whilst Thatcher was Prime Minister to discuss world peace.
Another Senseless Multiple Gun Murder
In the North East over Christmas, Michel Atherton apparently murdered three others and then killed himself with legally-held weapons.
For many years, the National Farmers Union has always felt that shotguns and other legally-held weapons, should be kept in a locked cabinet, with two separate keys, that must be held by two people.
Their reasons are mainly to do with preventing suicide amongst farmers and others in the countryside, who have fallen on hard times or are depressed.
Sensibly applied, these rules might well help to prevent tragedies. Especially, if the two key holders live in different dwellings.
An acquaintance of mine was murdered because a shot gun was easily available. If this rule had applied, he might still be alive.
How to Do a Football Shuttle Bus
The Madejski Stadium isn’t close to Reading town centre or the station, but getting there on Saturday couldn’t have been easier.
At the station there was a signpost that couldn’t have been clearer.
Signpost at Reading Station
The walk wasn’t far too and I think it will be shorter and easier, once they finish the works at the station.
A Smart Football Shuttle Bus
The bus was a rather smart Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 and I think it was a hybrid too. It was also free to those with a bus pass.
Many other clubs could do well to look at how Reading organise the transport for fans.
It was a pity Ipswich went and lost.
The Anonymous Widower 