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HEAVEN

Now that the pain of lock-down has been slightly eased The Contessa Di La Proctero has decided that we are both in need of a bit retail therapy and I’am not talking about any of that internet crap. No, we are entering the hallowed ground of Newcastle’s most famous retailer Fenwick’s, if you are a Geordie and have few quid in your pocket there really is no place like this iconic store.

It’s true, that The Frozen Northerner is no fan of department stores, much preferring smaller independent traders, but Fenwick’s Newcastle store is the exception to the rule. Why do I love this store so much, well, it’s probably the only thing the Geordie public has left to identify with, other great Newcastle institutions have sadly disappeared over the years, leaving Fenwick’s to stand alone, a retail oasis, within a once great city, that is now only a shadow of it’s former self.

I don’t care what you buy, clothes, food, furniture, anything, as long you support this great shop because if it were to go ( how it has survived the pandemic without an adequate website beggars belief) then Newcastle would be finished.

The reopening of Fenwick’s is more important to me than any pub or restaurant opening, just wandering around the place makes me feel good. I may shop in some flash places but in Fenwick’s I have a sense of belonging, it’s Geordie thing, that only a native of the area really understands.

Hopefully things are going to get better and the news that Fenwick’s are creating a rooftop cafe/restaurant fill’s me with optimist, so slip on your best pair of Crockett and Jones loafers and head to Fenwick’s, it will make you feel alive.

POLITICS

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You have to applaud Major League Baseball’s (MLB) decision for taking their all star game away from Georgia in protest at the state’s law changes, which are aimed at changing the voting rights of many people across that particular state.

It’s a bold move, other sports are continually crying out about a lack of equality and racial injustice, (I’am just scratching the surface here)always asking that everyone be given the chance to be treated honestly and fairly. They may take the knee and offer other token gestures but if sport is to influence change then they and in particular golf have missed a golden opportunity this week.

Taking place this week is The Masters, the most prestigious tournament in the American golfing calendar, it’s the jewel in the crown when it comes to golf, sponsored by the richest companies in the world, this is an event that is watched by millions and where does it take place, oh yes, in the state of Georgia. Now I am not saying to the hierarchy of the USPGA that they should boycott the competition, but, if sport wants to heard and take a stand against social and racial injustice then they have missed a heaven sent chance to do something positive.

Unfortunately, this week the world’s greatest golfer, Tiger Woods, is not competing at Augusta due to injury, I wonder what he thinks of the situation in Georgia ? The simple truth of the matter is that voting changes that have been made in Georgia are unpalatable. Would boycotting this global event, have any effect on the Georgia legislate, probably not, but it would surely make them sit up and think. The Crystal Palace footballer Wilfred Zaha is probably right when he says that taking the knee is a gesture that has lost it’s impact and the time has come for something more radical. Sport can influence change, but don’t just talk about it, do something, be like Marcus Rashford, stand up and be counted.