YouGov poll.

 The most recent national opinion poll by YouGov dosen’t make good reading for either the Labour Party or Conservatives, both on 17 per cent respectively, but Reform out in front on 27 per cent. The Green Party on 16 per cent and Lib/Dems on 15 per cent. These polls have an impact on morale in the headquarters of parties, and also on MP’s - who will worry about losing their seats in a little over 3 years time. If I was in a marginal seat with less than a 1,000 majority, I would definitely planning for a future outside political life. Why wait for the sword of Damocles to strike? It must be very depressing. Reform on the other hand are doing relatively well, but don’t - count your chickens. 

Prunella Scales has died today 1932-2025.

 The consummate actor Prunella Scales, has died aged 93, she suffered from Dementia in the last few years of her life. Her husband was also an actor. Perhaps, she was best known to the general public for her iconic role as Sybil the long suffering wife of Basil Faulty - in Faulty Towers? This series brought her to wider recognition both here in the UK and abroad. Like many others across the land - I loved this extremely funny and hilarious show that made you - feel good by just watching it. 

Art is good for your mental health.

 As someone who has been coming to the - Summer Exhibition at Royal Academy in Piccadilly since I was a wee lad of 5 years old in 1947 - I agree with this hypothesis. I was first brought to this establishment by my then much loved aunt - who had a great interest in the arts in general and the Royal Academy in particular. The RA first Summer Exhibition after the WW2 - was in the summer of 1946 - only a year after the war had ended. 

So the research mentioned in The Times today by Kings College, London just published makes interesting reading. They took 50 individuals aged between 18 to 50. They split the group in half with one group going to the Courtauld Gallery, in London and looking at a random collection of paintings in that setting. The other group - looking at the same pictures, but only in photographic form. The group that considered the original pictures in the gallery setting, where found their cortisol was greatly reduced and so was their saliva that also contained less stress indicators  - in addition their skin registered less stress hormones. They are hoping to get additional funding to replicate the research results, but with a longer cohort, to consider if there is a - causal correlation - between original art and less stress? It’s good to know that art might be good for your health - as someone who has 50 pictures in his sitting room - this is potentially good news. 

Choral music.

 At this time of year - I generally turn to choral music, as we approach Christmas. At the moment I’m listening to Thomas Tallis (1505-1585) the great English composers of rich of Renaissance music. Also on my list are: Gregorian, Palestrina, J.S. Bach - great Organ works, and of course Christmas carols. I have a very old CD of famous arias, by such great singers as: Maria Callas, Mario Lanza and others. There is something deeply - meditative about this form of music that is relaxing and spiritual. 

Is the tide of public opinion changing?

 Outside Litchfield Cathedral on Monday there was a - heckler shouting at King Charles, about his wayward brother Andrew. Perhaps a lone voice, nevertheless the monarchy cannot ignore the fact that people are very angry about the situation with Andrew. In addition there is the opacity of the royal financial arrangements and no proper scrutiny of - all their vast wealth. There should be more scrutiny by parliament and perhaps a - special select committee, devoted exclusively to having a regular look at - how things are being managed? It’s interesting how history repeats itself. One reason King Charles I lost his head in January 1649 - was connected to his - believe he was above the law and parliament. And no one is, including a monarch. Moreover it’s time for change and less deference towards this privileged family. Without the support of public opinion - they are an anachronism in this day and age. 

Arsenal football club.

 I’ve been a supporter of Arsenal for as long as I can remember. They originated from the Woolwich Arsenal, in south London in 1886. They moved to north London and Highbury in 1913 and have been part of the north London scene ever since. They last won the Premier League, way back in the 2003/4 season when the brilliant Arsene Wenger, was the manager. That particular season was known as the - “invisibles” as they went the whole season without being beaten. A staggering 26 wins and 12 draws and 0 losses. A record no other time has achieved and moreover is unlikely to achieve, given just how competitive the Premier League is. At the moment we are top of the league this season on 22 points, 4 points ahead of the next team Bournemouth. The biggest rivals are: Manchester City on 16 and Liverpool on 15. But is a very long season, so many things can happen. As the saying goes - ‘don’t count your chickens, before their hatched’. 

Andrew Marr.

 The veteran journalist Andrew Marr, has a stark assessment of the plight of the Labour Party and in particular that of the prime minister Keir Starmer. He says in The New Statesman this week he has a blunt assessment of just - how bad the government and party is in. Unless things drastically improve, well before the next election then - Marr says ‘we are heading for a Reform government’. It makes sobering reading and should put fear into the hearts of all Labour politicians - it’s time to - wake up and smell the coffee. Those MP’s on small majorities, and there are many of them - will be extremely worried they could be kicked out in as little as 3 years from now. I can’t see this happening any time soon as Starmer, is incapable of changing his character - so the rot will continue, unless they kick him out. They need a more charismatic leader - who has a vision for the future and can tell a convincing story to the party and public.