I still enjoy the remarkable transformation that a decent
shower of snow brings. Out walking in Oxford’s wonderful Port Meadow I was
delighted to see that vast area of green that laps so nearly onto the centre of
the city blanketed in soft whiteness. The horses and cattle which roam freely
across these thirty-five hectares of common land were nowhere to be seen.
Instead the city end of this great expanse, edged on one side by the River
Thames and the other by the railway line, was populated by strange white
figures: some of them menacing, some sweet, others artistic. Yes, snowmen were
everywhere and some clever snow worshippers had even created a snow elephant!
Though I no longer have any desire to touch the stuff myself,
it is touching to look out of the kitchen window of my flat and observe the
wonderment of tiny tots seeing and touching snow for the first time in their
lives. The sight triggers memories of snowball fights, building yet another
sledge for the kids, failed attempts at constructing igloos and success in
creating snowmen who hung about for ages after the snow lying around them had
vanished.
Clearly, there is no link between the magic of snowfall and
Brexit – none at all. What’s more I do try to keep away from this divisive
topic in my blogs. However, there is one thing that leavers and remainers can
agree on here – it really is conflict-ridden. Nevertheless, I had to smile at
the reaction of the media to the latest agreement in Brussels. I suppose this
simply demonstrates the range of opinions amongst the UK’s pundits, but it is still comedic how one event can attract such a range of headlines. Here they
are with sources, listed from good to bad, or bad to good dependent on your
point of view:
- · Telegraph: The Price of Freedom
- · Mail: Rejoice, We're on Our Way
- · Express: Huge Brexit Boost at Last
- · Times: May Bounces Back
- · The i: Britain Sets Course for Soft Brexit
- · Mirror: Mrs Softee
- · Guardian: Deal is Done but EU Warns of More Delays
- · Financial Times: May's Triumph Blunted by Tusk Warning on Tough Choices Ahead
