Thank you Gawain - moving, fascinating insight behind the scenes - everything rings true, her conviction, her kindness ...and how I wish I had played hide n seek with Ann Widdecombe ... thanks for sharing your memories and I can only offer my condolences to her family and dear friends .. and we who felt we knew her (whether we agreed with her or not!) will miss her very much.
Lovely article. For those who didn't clock the phrase "two galleons", I have no doubt Ms. Widdicombe was quoting the glorious Joyce Grenfell and her song Old Tyme Dancing...
Stately as a galleon
I sail across the floor
Doing the Military Two-step
As in the days of yore.
Widdecombe was the last of the old school battleaxes. A conviction politician in severe contrast to the dross we now see. People of no conviction whatsoever. A human being first.
Starmer clearly not human. A deviant mutant. Burnham can pretend to be human. Tap on him and a hollow sound issues from within.
Grenfell's film career included the wondrous St. Trinians films. Her TV series as her as a nursery teacher was sidesplittingly funny.
Thank you for this Gawain, I know that this is one of the many tributes paid to this fine lady and I wonder if she would be surprised and a little embarrassed as she would have seen what she did as 'just her duty to the community and her faith'
One example of her kindness to share. Last December our Reform branch was holding our first event and Anne was the speaker. She made time for everyone. Sadly that day my wife due to illness wasn't able to come and when she heard about it she came over and did a quick video for my wife which she asked me to send to her again in memory of this lady.
Sadly this does raise the question as to political figures security, Anne was our current spokesperson on Immigration and Justice
Presidential candidates first got Secret Service protection in 1968, after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy prompted Congress to authorise protection for major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses - this now starts 120 days before the Election.
Surely it is time that all our political leaders represented in the Commons got increased protection via the State
Sadly it highlights why Nigel felt in 2024 he had to beef up his own security even when he wasn't an MP.
I know that MP's are advised on security and get monies for their houses and constituency office security, but this is a matter that needs to be addressed to keep the body politic safe.
Thank you for this tribute. And I’m so sorry for your loss. Of course I’m shocked that she has been killed. And I’m surprised how upset I am about the loss of Ann, a woman I only knew para-socially. It’s not just the loss of the person, but what she represented. Integrity, a relentless purpose and conviction grounded in values. She was a giant of public service, towering over the pygmys who prefer their quagmire.
What an absolute stonker of a tribute…it brought me to tears. And brought enormously fond memories of a family friend who had all the same characteristics that Anne clearly had in buckets too. Dear Joan’s idea of swearing was to say “that Bally thing”, then you knew she meant it. They were from the same mould, but they dint make them like that anymore. Your son is extremely lucky to have spent time with her, in the same way I feel extremely lucky to have had Joan as a family friend. You couldn’t help but love them.
Thank you for sharing. May she rest in peace and we will do well to take a small portion of that spirit to keep going for what is right and true. There is also - I expect - a privilege in having been there and known such a remarkable person.
Thank you Gawain, that was a beautiful tribute to a lady I have distantly appreciated for many moons. Thank you for sharing such personal and precious tributes, you have done at this dreadful time all that was in your capacity. Gods blessings on you and your family, and of course Ann, a course well run, a tragedy beyond compare xx
I'm agnostic, which I think allows me the latitude to offer up a wee prayer for people I believe deserve one.
If there is a God, I don't imagine an appeal from a deeply flawed man like me would carry much weight. My hope is, though, that it might provide Ann with some companionship on her journey to wherever she's going.
The first step toward faith is acknowledging we are ‘deeply flawed’ in God’s eyes. So you’ve made a great start.
The next step is choosing to repent of those flaws and acknowledging we cannot make the necessary changes on our own.
Then comes choosing to believe the Gospel message of GRACE, MERCY, FORGIVENESS and LOVE.
Ann did that. I have done that. Hence I know I will one day finally meet this most formidable lady (who I never met and yet I deeply mourn) and the Jesus we both love.
Whilst I agree with you that our country is going through a rough patch, people felt the same way in the 1970s.
Democracy works, as is being proven. The voice of the people has seen off 5 Tory PMs; it's now seen off Starmer and will shortly see off Burnham.
The most resilient man to never be PM has seen off 9 PMs over the last 35 years. But cometh the moment, cometh the man.
Whilst Nigel Farage was and is happy to take on the establishment politicians and bureaucrats almost alone in Clacton, the turn of events with Ann Widdecombe's death has put a completely different complexion on matters.
The by-election will go ahead despite his political opponents abandoning their supporters and leaving them without a democratic voice, and Nigel will be reelected; I don't believe the people of Clacton or anywhere else consider the politics of a former BBC comedian wearing a bin on his head remotely funny any longer.
The parliamentary investigation will continue if for no other reason than that body will not want to lose face, and there's no longer any question about Nigel's motive for accepting the money Christopher Harbourne gave him.
Nor do I believe the people of Clacton would tolerate being asked to raise support for a recall petition if the commission's decision were such that it might be justified. I suspect we will see the election continue, followed rapidly by the comission either absolving Nigel altogether or, more likely, handing him a feeble punishment that will not trigger the opportunity for a recall.
This is just beautiful. I could say more more but I’ve filled up. I’m more shocked today than I was yesterday. X
Thank you Gawain - moving, fascinating insight behind the scenes - everything rings true, her conviction, her kindness ...and how I wish I had played hide n seek with Ann Widdecombe ... thanks for sharing your memories and I can only offer my condolences to her family and dear friends .. and we who felt we knew her (whether we agreed with her or not!) will miss her very much.
Lovely article. For those who didn't clock the phrase "two galleons", I have no doubt Ms. Widdicombe was quoting the glorious Joyce Grenfell and her song Old Tyme Dancing...
Stately as a galleon
I sail across the floor
Doing the Military Two-step
As in the days of yore.
Widdecombe was the last of the old school battleaxes. A conviction politician in severe contrast to the dross we now see. People of no conviction whatsoever. A human being first.
Starmer clearly not human. A deviant mutant. Burnham can pretend to be human. Tap on him and a hollow sound issues from within.
Grenfell's film career included the wondrous St. Trinians films. Her TV series as her as a nursery teacher was sidesplittingly funny.
I was and am certain she was referencing that exact thing.
Absolutely!
Youtube
Search
Joyce Grenfell Nursery Teacher and off you go.
Thank you for this Gawain, I know that this is one of the many tributes paid to this fine lady and I wonder if she would be surprised and a little embarrassed as she would have seen what she did as 'just her duty to the community and her faith'
One example of her kindness to share. Last December our Reform branch was holding our first event and Anne was the speaker. She made time for everyone. Sadly that day my wife due to illness wasn't able to come and when she heard about it she came over and did a quick video for my wife which she asked me to send to her again in memory of this lady.
Sadly this does raise the question as to political figures security, Anne was our current spokesperson on Immigration and Justice
Presidential candidates first got Secret Service protection in 1968, after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy prompted Congress to authorise protection for major presidential and vice presidential candidates and their spouses - this now starts 120 days before the Election.
Surely it is time that all our political leaders represented in the Commons got increased protection via the State
Sadly it highlights why Nigel felt in 2024 he had to beef up his own security even when he wasn't an MP.
I know that MP's are advised on security and get monies for their houses and constituency office security, but this is a matter that needs to be addressed to keep the body politic safe.
Oh I’m sure she would have had all these commentaries filed and unread, wouldn’t really comprehend the fuss.
I would rather a government sorted out our country such that MPs didn't need security.
Thank you for this tribute. And I’m so sorry for your loss. Of course I’m shocked that she has been killed. And I’m surprised how upset I am about the loss of Ann, a woman I only knew para-socially. It’s not just the loss of the person, but what she represented. Integrity, a relentless purpose and conviction grounded in values. She was a giant of public service, towering over the pygmys who prefer their quagmire.
What an absolute stonker of a tribute…it brought me to tears. And brought enormously fond memories of a family friend who had all the same characteristics that Anne clearly had in buckets too. Dear Joan’s idea of swearing was to say “that Bally thing”, then you knew she meant it. They were from the same mould, but they dint make them like that anymore. Your son is extremely lucky to have spent time with her, in the same way I feel extremely lucky to have had Joan as a family friend. You couldn’t help but love them.
All too sad for words currently 😢.
I too have known ladies of similar vintage. The world is poorer for their passing from it to the next
Felicity and Sheila were my similar friends. They don't make them anymore. Sadly missed, forever.
Sheila performed "stately as a galleon" too.
That's so lovely. You've moved me to tears XX 😢
Thank you for sharing. May she rest in peace and we will do well to take a small portion of that spirit to keep going for what is right and true. There is also - I expect - a privilege in having been there and known such a remarkable person.
Thank you Gawain. It’s lovely to hear a really personal account of this wonderful lady I only knew as a public figure. Beautifully written!
That is the best tribute I could ever imagine, heartfelt and personal. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful piece, Gawain, thank you.
I envy you having known her so well.
A genuine conviction politician - rarer than hens’ teeth.
(Certainly our Nigel is the only political Leader of our time who can claim to be a conviction politician)
One of the things I despise most about most politicians are their bare-faced lies, like those of our soon-to-be ex-Prime Minister:
“I pay tribute to Ann’s dedication during her many years of public service.
My thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ann’s family and friends”
There was once a first class sketch on ‘Not the Nine O’Clock News’ illustrating this unpleasant characteristic.
RIP Ann, the world is better for having had you in it. We shall not see your like again.
I recall that sketch very well
Thank you Gawain, that was a beautiful tribute to a lady I have distantly appreciated for many moons. Thank you for sharing such personal and precious tributes, you have done at this dreadful time all that was in your capacity. Gods blessings on you and your family, and of course Ann, a course well run, a tragedy beyond compare xx
Left me with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat ♥️
A lovely tribute Gawain. I have tears in my eyes.
Moved to tears by this. Thank you. RIP my role model and heroine.
I'm agnostic, which I think allows me the latitude to offer up a wee prayer for people I believe deserve one.
If there is a God, I don't imagine an appeal from a deeply flawed man like me would carry much weight. My hope is, though, that it might provide Ann with some companionship on her journey to wherever she's going.
Dear David.
The first step toward faith is acknowledging we are ‘deeply flawed’ in God’s eyes. So you’ve made a great start.
The next step is choosing to repent of those flaws and acknowledging we cannot make the necessary changes on our own.
Then comes choosing to believe the Gospel message of GRACE, MERCY, FORGIVENESS and LOVE.
Ann did that. I have done that. Hence I know I will one day finally meet this most formidable lady (who I never met and yet I deeply mourn) and the Jesus we both love.
I truly hope you’ll be there too. 🙏❤️
Whilst I admire your faith, I'm afraid I can't share it.
I don't believe that a god who evidently gave humans the ability to think critically would welcome me worshipping him on faith alone.
Humanity has progressed through time by questioning everything. I imagine a benevolent God would admire that.
Sad to read David but free choice is one of God’s gifts to mankind. No forced coerced conversions.
Faith alone, not works, is how God’s grace works - thankfully as none could make the grade otherwise.
We must beg to differ too on your perception of ‘humanity progressing’ as our decline as a nation mirrors it’s spiritual decline.
I wish you a happy and healthy life David. May my God bless you.
That's very kind of you, thank you.
Whilst I agree with you that our country is going through a rough patch, people felt the same way in the 1970s.
Democracy works, as is being proven. The voice of the people has seen off 5 Tory PMs; it's now seen off Starmer and will shortly see off Burnham.
The most resilient man to never be PM has seen off 9 PMs over the last 35 years. But cometh the moment, cometh the man.
Whilst Nigel Farage was and is happy to take on the establishment politicians and bureaucrats almost alone in Clacton, the turn of events with Ann Widdecombe's death has put a completely different complexion on matters.
The by-election will go ahead despite his political opponents abandoning their supporters and leaving them without a democratic voice, and Nigel will be reelected; I don't believe the people of Clacton or anywhere else consider the politics of a former BBC comedian wearing a bin on his head remotely funny any longer.
The parliamentary investigation will continue if for no other reason than that body will not want to lose face, and there's no longer any question about Nigel's motive for accepting the money Christopher Harbourne gave him.
Nor do I believe the people of Clacton would tolerate being asked to raise support for a recall petition if the commission's decision were such that it might be justified. I suspect we will see the election continue, followed rapidly by the comission either absolving Nigel altogether or, more likely, handing him a feeble punishment that will not trigger the opportunity for a recall.