Yesterday the police had to clear Durdle Door beach following three accidents caused by people jumping from the rocks into the sea (known as tombstoning), and also too many people crowded into this small space. I suggested that maybe the police should close the beach because it was impossible to maintain social distancing in such an enclosed area. Today they did close roads and put up notices saying the beach was closed, not because I said so, I’m sure. It didn’t hinder a rather large number of visitors who found a way to arrive there and some of whom continued to jump from the rocks. Police and coastguards had to attend to clear them, again.
Our two intrepid astronauts, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, who rocketed into space yesterday in a private venture, today entered the International Space Station (ISS). They were in the Dragon capsule which attached itself to the bow of the orbiting lab 422 km above China. I bet the Trump didn’t like that, he’s bound to see a conspiracy or something with China so close. What an amazing achievement for private enterprise.
The horrific news of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by a police officer has sparked some of the worst riots where it happened and across America. It has also brought forth a number of offensive remarks by the Trump, unforgivable in a president. Four police officers have been arrested and one of them, who knelt on the victims neck for eight minutes, has been charged with murder. I’m very sorry to say that I don’t think equal rights for all will happen in my lifetime. Demonstrations in support of George Floyd were held in Trafalgar Square and Battersea in London with thousands gathering in spite of the social distancing rules. Hundreds marched through Manchester and a smaller protest took place in Cardiff. George might not now be forgotten but he should not have died in those inhuman circumstances.
I’ve been lucky enough to go for a BBQ this afternoon invited by my daughter Sam and Paul. Lovely to sit in the garden with family and spend time with grandchildren. Always a pleasure. I made an effort before going and coloured my hair. I’m sure nobody had realised that I had slightly grey roots but no harm in trying to look ones best. It was a bit of a palaver trying to do the back, lots of arm twisting but I think the result was ok. I don’t look at it that much anyway.
Dominic Cummings still has a job but Prince Andrew doesn’t. The Queen has decided (I wonder if a 94 year old woman makes this decision alone) that he should never resume royal duties and that they have no plans to review the situation. It seems that she will also pay off his debt of £6.7 million on a swiss chalet that he purchased with his ex wife Fergie. Seriously? she must be the only mum in the world who has that sort of money lying around to help her wayward offspring. I need to lie down. Good night, sleep tight.