My last post mentioned International women’s Day. Today’s news is mainly about the vigil on Clapham common in memory of the murdered 33 year old Sarah Everard. Hundreds of people had gathered to pay their respect for the victim and her family in spite of the event being cancelled due to coronavirus rules. Kate Middleton made a brief visit early on and before the crowds were too large. As darkness fell and the crowds grew the Met police arrived and tried to disperse the crowds. No doubt they tried persuasion first but when this failed they apparently became heavy handed with the women and several of them were led away in handcuffs. Women are demanding to ‘Reclaim These Streets’ with the hope that women everywhere will be able to walk about in safety. I’m not sure how they expect this to happen as the men who carry out the acts will still be there. More police on the beat are definitely needed. More and better street lighting and serious penalties for offenders. And most importantly, women need to learn how to take care of themselves and their friends. Self defence should be taught, maybe at school. Carry a small can to spray in the eyes of an attacker and have an app on your phone that will emit a piercing sound quickly. The news sadly is that the police – mostly male – over reacted to the mainly female gathering and even the mayor of London described the police action as unacceptable. And a Met police officer has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out the murder.
In Florida, home of the ex potus and ex flotus, the Kent variant of Covid is responsible for the highest number of new positive tests in the US. However, the number of actual infections and deaths is dropping dramatically, 75% drop since January. This unexpected fall is giving hope that Britain may not have to fear a third wave. Now correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t the experts say a year ago that Covid spread more easily in cold damp climates? Isn’t Florida the place people go to for winter sunshine? Is this maybe the answer? Or maybe and hopefully the pandemic is being beaten by the vaccines and immunity by the number of people already, previously infected.
I’ve really enjoyed watching Grayson Perry Art Club on TV which started last March. He and his wife Philippa are an absolutely charming couple as well as both being super talented. Viewers send in photos of art works they have created during lockdown following a weekly theme. Grayson shows his favourites and phones and chats to the creator of his three super favourites. He invites a celebrity to create something in whatever medium they choose. Sue Perkins crocheted a beef burger in a crocheted bun with crocheted cheese and tomato in the episode dedicated to food. Mostly it’s quirky paintings though and several from each week will be shown in an exhibition after lockdown. Hey people, let’s be careful out there.