Week beginning 12th May 2021

Book review: Peter Hore, Bletchley Park’s Secret Source Churchill’s Wrens and the Y Service in World War 11, Greenhill Books, 2021

I am not a reader of war books and before reading Blethcley Park’s Secret Source my knowledge of women’s contribution to this aspect of the war was through novels; my research on Barbara Pym who was a Wren, but in a far more peaceful job than the Wrens in the Y Service, in Bristol; and a visit to Bletchley Park. I cannot recall whether the historical records on display at the latter included any reference to the women Peter Hore writes about in Secret Source, but they should.

UK Elections

The British Labour Party had mixed results in the Hartlepool by-election, mayoral and council elections that took place on May 6th. Immediate reactions to the results have been Kier Starmer’s taking responsibility for the loss, a shadow cabinet reshuffle, including a change in the responsibilities undertaken by the Deputy Leader, Angela Rayner. The latter has been portrayed as both a ‘sacking’ and a promotion. Hopefully, animosity over the change will be set aside so that Labour can do what it should: unite to work to win elections so as to implement policies to deal with the swathe that the Tories have cut through measures to benefit people Labour represents.

It seems a precipitate move to discuss a replacement for the current leader. A General Election, when a leader has failed to win government is the time to consider such a major change. Thirteen months to regain the electorate’s support after the devastating loss of the last General Election is a very short time for such a dramatic move.

As more results become available it is even clearer that they are mixed, with Labour Mayors and Councils replacing Tory strongholds – and (unfortunately) in some cases, vice versa. One contributor to Labour List, a Labour news source, suggests that perhaps Labour should be looking to win the ‘blue wall’. Labour needs to find the ideas, language and strategies to find a way through to both ‘red’ and ‘blue’ walls.

Two articles in The conversation, 10 May, 2021, provide further information. uk.newsletter@theconversation.com; The BBC news site reports Angela Rayner’s continuing support (‘100%’)for Kier Starmer as leader. https://www.bbc.com.

On a personal note, I was disappointed that I could not canvas in the West Chesterton City Council elections. While living in London I had a terrific time canvassing in the West Chesterton County Council election – with a result for Jocelynne Scutt making her the first Labour Councilor returned for West Chesterton for 27 years. Her, at the time unique, canvassing during the week, personal letters following up constituents’ concerns, and speeches at rallies covering wider issues, were an important factor. Canvassing in the snow and freezing temperatures was rather different from Australian elections in the heat. This time, Jocelynne was returned as one of two Labour candidates from West Chesterton for the City Council. The other was Mike Sergeant who ran her successful campaign in 2013. The Cambridge City Council retained its control of the Council; the County Council also showed gains for Labour and the Tories no longer have a majority.

Jocelynne Scutt, Richard Swift and Mike Sergeant. Richard lost by only 69 votes, but knowing him, he’ll be running again.

American politics: see https:// http://www.facebook.com/ for Heather Cox Richardson’s report on President Biden’s administration and its ‘gaining positive traction’. Sixty-three percent of Americans approve of how he is handling his job as President’. The article details the work that has taken place related to the ‘influx of migrant children’ with far fewer numbers and children spending much shorter periods in CBP facilities than in March. Vice President Harris has also met with Mexican President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and will travel to Guatemala and Mexico in June. This is a very truncated account of the report – the full report certainly bears a thorough read.

Cindy Lou reviews two Sydney restaurants

Four Frogs Creperie

The Four Frogs Creperie at Circular Quay Sydney serves a variety of savoury and sweet crepes. The attention to ensuring that the food is Gluten Free, with awareness that people who suffer from coeliac need additional reassurance about the suitability of everything that is served, is heartening. The restaurant has outside and inside seating. It is comfortable and well-spaced, taking into consideration Covid requirements now, but the atmosphere suggests that attention to reasonable spacing between tables will continue to be a given.

Service is friendly, informed, and responsive.

The food, savoury crepes this time, were delicious and filling. With a glass of wine for two of us, and a cider for the other, the meal and atmosphere were delightful.

This is a restaurant that I shall visit regularly.

Unfortunately, I was so engrossed in the conversation and food that I took no photos, so I have had Bing Photos help me out.

The Rocks Cafe

What a fabulous place to eat. This is the second occasion recently that I have eaten at this café. Previously I had lunch just before lockdown in 2020. On that occasion I was inside, upstairs, in a friendly atmosphere where I ate from the lunch menu. As I passed the glass case downstairs, in which the wonderous cakes reside, I decided that next time I would come to morning or afternoon tea and enjoy the amazing lemon meringue tart. I’ll have to return, as I had breakfast on my most recent visit.

The Covid measures in place were excellent. I tapped in with the New South Wales app, newly installed on my phone. Then when being taken to the table the fact that I had done so was checked. Tables were at a Covid safe distance.

Service is efficient and friendly, the menu interesting, and the outside location very pleasant. An Ibis made an investigation of a near by table, but went happily on its way.

The middle eastern omelette ( Ejjeh) was the star of the breakfast, but my s more familiar avocado on toast was also a success. The crusty bread, well seasoned tomato, egg with a runny yolk as it should be, and generous avocado were delicious. We enjoyed our coffees.