It has been a challenging week on the health front, as Sally and I were both struck down with chest infections, which brought with them some rather persistent coughs.
As a courtesy to others, we decided to cancel our attendance at Lady Wakeham’s charity talk on Margaret Thatcher, as well as a lunch at the Lords with Charles Allen.
We simply were not feeling up to either engagement and did not want to spend the time coughing and spluttering through them.
We were very fortunate to see our GP quickly, who prescribed antibiotics that seem to have done the trick. I also had a couple of nasty falls, which, of course, are related to my dementia.
All of this, however, was lifted considerably by the arrival of Clemmie and Brian from Saudi Arabia, who are here for a fortnight’s break from everything going on there.
Their long-awaited visit is part of a wider family plan they kindly arranged, including a trip to the Isle of Wight as a Christmas present for us all. They have booked an Airbnb and invited the whole family: us, Clem’s siblings, along with their partners and children.
It promises to be a wonderful week, filled with funfairs, dinosaur walks and plenty more besides. Sally grew up on the island, where her late father was a successful hotelier and restaurateur, so it holds a very special place in her heart. We are all greatly looking forward to it.
Clemmie also shared some insight into life in Saudi Arabia at the moment. Her experience has been one of safety and calm organisation from the authorities, with regular alerts advising people to remain indoors when necessary, but otherwise life continuing largely as normal.
She was able to fly home overnight from Riyadh to Heathrow, although there was a delay due to a missile strike and temporary airspace closure.
She said British Airways handled the situation calmly and professionally, although there was a noticeable increase in ticket prices, which had to be accepted.
I often reflect on how important family is to me. Sally, my wife, who in truth is also my carer; our grandchildren, who are the best possible pick-me-ups; our children, who are loving, loyal and endlessly supportive; and their partners, all of whom are terrific.
We are also very fortunate that everyone gets on so well and remains close and supportive of one another. One of the first things that happens when Clemmie returns is that her eldest brother brings back her car, which she kindly lets him use while she is away. She then promptly sets off to visit her other brothers and nephews. There are always plenty of hugs and stories to catch up on.
Alastair Stewart: A challenging week on the health front underlines the importance of family
| GB NEWSOn a different note, I could not help but smile at Donald Trump’s recent comments about Keir Starmer, suggesting the UK was once the Rolls-Royce of allies.
Given that Rolls-Royce is now German-owned, he rather missed the point, especially as Chancellor Merz has been more openly critical of Trump’s actions than Starmer. Trump increasingly reminds me of a Ford Edsel among modern leaders.
I was also saddened to read about the decline of parking giant NCP, one of the great recognisable brands of modern Britain. Mention NCP to almost anyone, and they know exactly what you mean.
It was founded in the post-war years by Ronald Hobson and Donald Gosling, two ambitious entrepreneurs who saw opportunity in bomb-damaged land.
They acquired sites, laid the tarmac, and built a business that became part of everyday life. Gosling, a former naval officer, later used much of his wealth to support naval charities and museums.
He was also known for his magnificent yacht, Leander, which was a familiar and elegant sight in Southampton during Cowes Week.
He was generous too, even hosting members of the Royal Family and leaving a significant sum towards a successor to the Royal Yacht Britannia, something that has yet to materialise.
In its heyday, NCP’s Hyde Park site even housed collections of luxury cars belonging to visiting royalty and wealthy clients, all carefully stored under covers. It was an extraordinary operation.
After Gosling sold the business, standards were not always the same.
We discovered this ourselves when they overbooked during the Rolling Stones’ last Hyde Park concert. We were less than impressed and promptly found an alternative.