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New Statesman
12-08-2025
- Politics
- New Statesman
The Cotswold's plot against JD Vance
Photo by Greg Balfour Evans / Alamy For those new to political activism – not brave enough to risk arrest yet, unsure about the historical merits of toppling a statue (complicated, isn't it) – may I recommend a trip to the Cotswolds this afternoon? An hour on the train out of Paddington to Charlbury, and you will find yourself in Land Rover Defender Mecca, where the dogs are polite and the horses can't believe their luck; where men on the platform wear US Open baseball caps and the women – if I have identified the make and model correctly – $1,000 shoes; where the jewel-in-the-crown rural pub is Michelin-approved and full of women with hair like Princess Di in 1995; and where your £6 ale comes served with a perfectly seared £27 pork chop. You will be protesting the arrival of the US vice-president JD Vance and his family, who are there to holiday and to make bland diplomatic gestures towards the special relationship. But there's no need to fret about the Yank invasion; the resistance is here! The spirit of Robespierre and the sans-culottes loom in the form of European Union bunting, a single Ukrainian flag limply hanging from the town hall, and a post on Charlbury's messaging forum that valiantly states: 'I think we need to let him know just because we're in the affluent Cotswolds we don't take kindly to him [sic].' Well viva la revolución, I say, Oxfordshire-style. And so, for your itinerary. The Stop Trump Coalition will gather on Mill Lane at 1600 GMT. Commence the interviews with the press from 1630, with banner waving, 'chanting etc'. At 1730, you're off to the comparably downmarket Rose & Crown pub (this is like being the least expensive restaurant on the Golborne Road in Kensington) for a well-earned 'rest'. The brief, I understand, is 'very broad', focusing on 'Palestine, inequality, migrants, Ukraine, trade justice, women's rights, LGBTQ rights & climate'. It's a lot to fit on one sign. And within one hour. Luckily, Charlbury is prepared for such civil disruption. I am sitting in the Bell (a pub apparently run by children but technically owned by the Daylesford estate) and talking to a gardener. How are they preparing for Vance? I ask. There's not much to do, he tells me. Charlbury is on constant alert for the great and good: David Cameron only lives up the road ('and he was actually prime minister'); Jeremy Clarkson's farm can't be more than a 25-minute drive away; the man beside me in a very serious watch is probably receiving the A-list treatment, too. If Charlbury is ready for anything, it's ready to serve a perfectly cooked onglet to the second-in-command of the world's erratic superpower. The protesters, I suspect, are not inclined to serious disobedience. Perhaps it's the perfect location for such diplomatic overtures. Vance, along with Elon Musk and a coterie of the new American right, has been critical of Britain of late. They see a country in total discord, beset on one side by riots and ethnic tension, phone thieves and shoplifters, levels of immigration that are tearing at the fabric of the land. They also describe a country under the cosh of creeping and inchoate authoritarianism, downtrodden with post-imperial tristesse. This time last year, Musk looked upon the UK and declared civil war 'inevitable'. In February, the vice-president gave a temperamental speech at the Munich Security Conference, lamenting the UK's 'backslide away from conscience rights'. 'Free speech, I fear, is in retreat,' he added. Whatever their perception of Britain is – a clichéd Orwellian nightmare or lawless bandit country – Vance will not find much of it here in Charlbury. Everyone is smiling. A bus drives past, with one passenger – there is not much need for public transit when everyone has their 4×4, newest model. The pale-yellow Cotswold stone – a type of limestone derived from the skeletal remains of marine organisms, or the Lib Dem-Tory coalition – looks good in the August light. But this is not the real Cotswolds, a resident of Cirencester tells me with a blend of disembodied snobbery and intra-elite anxiety. It resembles something closer to a playground for the American and English urban elite. A taste of the countryside, without any of the toil. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe And so, I am sitting in the ambient Cameroonism of Charlbury: it is like a warm bath of Farrow & Ball, in which you will inevitably drown; where you will be laid to rest on a bed of the Telegraph's property supplement; or your ashes spread on a cricket crease, 'Jerusalem' humming in the background. It is green, it is pleasant, it is Potemkin. Vance will see through it all, and have a lovely time nonetheless. The protesters will be home in time for supper. [See more: British food is reactionary now] Related
National Geographic
02-06-2025
- National Geographic
The essential guide to visiting Bermuda
Bermuda's famed pink sand beaches have drawn travelers to its shores for decades. Still, travelers shouldn't miss the rich cultural traditions, historical landmarks, and annual events that are just as alluring. The 21-square-mile island encompasses neighborhoods and natural wonders that provide enough options to inspire any trip. Best time to visit Bermuda Horseshoe Bay Beach is touted as one of the prettiest pink sand beaches in the world. Photograph by Don Mennig, Alamy Stock Photo Summer: Join the bacchanalia of Bermuda's annual Carnival celebration in June. Parties commence on boats and in the streets with soca music and reggae as the soundtrack to the lively events. Head to the famous pink sand beaches of Horseshoe Bay, or experience an exhilarating water sport like freediving through the island's reefs, deep-sea fishing, or a cruise under the Somerset Bridge. In August, the island's largest event, the Cup Match Cricket Classic is a can't-miss event for anyone who wants to truly feel the spirit of Bermuda's excitement for the sport. Spring: Revelers take over the streets in May for Bermuda Day, which commemorates the island's rich heritage through a variety of events, including parades and local art showcases. As temperatures become warmer, enjoy a round of golf with ocean views at one of the island's world-class PGA championship golf courses, Port Royal. Spring is also an ideal time to embrace outdoor adventures like cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and more. Water activities to consider include whale watching, paddleboarding, parasailing, and exploring Bermuda's Crystal Caves. Fall: In October, Taste of Bermuda and Art Month offer culinary and cultural experiences around the island. Indulge in a month-long festival featuring wine tastings, walking tours, a three-day chef competition, and an all-day food fest showcasing the best of the City of Hamilton's restaurants. Art enthusiasts can explore Bermuda's rich artistic heritage with events that include a Sip n Paint in an underground crystal cave and intimate conversations with local artists. Winter: Though temperatures get cooler in winter, there are still plenty of ways to explore the island of Bermuda. Save your appetite for restaurant week, a month-long event in January that includes discounted menus at restaurants and exclusive tasting menus with celebrated chefs from around the world. The Driving Horse and Pony Club of Bermuda is home to a weekly race evening throughout January and February, and golf lovers can try their hand at the sport at night at Turtle Hill Golf Club, where glow-in-the-dark balls are provided and light-up sticks mark the courses. Key Areas to Explore in Bermuda The Clocktower Mall, located in the heart of Bermuda's Royal Naval Dockyard, was once a naval warehouse but now functions as a shopping center in Sandy's Parish and features restaurants, local shops, and art galleries. Photograph by Greg Balfour Evans, Alamy Stock Photo A photo captures a modern scene in Bermuda's Hamilton Business District. Photograph by George Oze, Alamy Stock Photo For a truly immersive way to visit Bermuda, there are three distinct parts of the island to discover. Royal Naval Dockyard & The West End: As the island's maritime hub, West End features the historic Royal Naval Dockyard—now the main cruise ship port and destination for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. It's also home to the National Museum of Bermuda, which features over 500 years of the country's history via exhibitions, artifacts, and educational programs. Hamilton & Central Bermuda: Every trip to Bermuda should include a trip 'to town,' better known as the City of Hamilton. Front Street glows with pastel-colored buildings that house great restaurants, shopping, and art museums. On the Hamilton waterfront, a sculpture entitled 'We Arrive,' honors 72 slaves who were eventually freed after their American ship sailed off-course and landed in Bermuda in 1835. The sculpture is one of 13 sites across the island that encompass the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. St. George's & The East End: Located on the northeast end of the island, St. George's Parish is one of the oldest continuously inhabited English settlements in the New World and holds the distinction of being a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winsome 18th-century cottages, cobblestone lanes, and preserved historic buildings offer a glimpse into the island's rich past. Here, you can visit St. Peter's Church, the oldest Anglican church in continuous use outside of the United Kingdom. Where to stay in Bermuda One of the island's newest hotels, The Loren at Pink Beach offers 45 suite-and villa-style resort rooms with ocean views on a blush-colored beach. Large groups will find ultimate relaxation in their private Residence, a six-bedroom retreat that includes a private beach. The property is also very close to two of the island's best golf courses, Tucker's Point Golf Course and the Mid Ocean Club. For five-star service perched on a prized hilltop, check into Rosewood Bermuda. After a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, the 92-room property received upgrades that include a lobby gin bar with a retractable roof and a trendy open-air beach club. With 250 acres for guests to explore, it may be hard to leave. Taste of Bermuda Make a reservation at the island's latest upscale dining experience, Intrepid, located inside Hamilton Princess & Beach Club in Bermuda. Prime-aged steaks and a raw seafood bar are just a few of the highlights on the menu. Enjoy a rum swizzle—the country's national drink–at the oldest and most famous pub in Bermuda, The Swizzle Inn. No trip is complete without a visit to Art Mel's Spicy Dicy for a generously sized sandwich that consists of a lightly fried filet of wahoo or snapper cushioned between house-made raisin bread. Fish chowder is another popular dish with a distinctive flavor imparted by the island's own Outerbridge's Original Sherry Peppers and black seal rum. Head to The Lobster Pot or Wahoo's Bistro and Patio to try a steaming bowl. Getting around Bermuda By bus: Bermuda's public buses are safe and operate year-round. 11 bus routes cover 14 zones that reach most major attractions. Travelers can purchase a Transportation Pass, offering unlimited rides for periods ranging from one to seven days. View the bus schedule here. By taxi: One of the most common ways to get around Bermuda is by taxi. Taxis are readily available outside the island's larger hotels, at the airport, and throughout the City of Hamilton, the Town of St. George, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. By electric microcar rental: Tap into one of the most fun and flexible ways to explore Bermuda by renting an electric car. Available to anyone 18 and older with a valid driver's license, electric cars provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to see the island at your own pace. By ferry: Explore Bermuda by sea on the ferry, accessible from a terminal on Front Street in Hamilton. Travelers can purchase a transportation pass that offers unlimited ferry rides for one to seven days — making it a convenient way to hop between key points across the island. View Ferries's schedule and routes here. Ride-share app: For a ride-sharing service option, download the Hitch app. Similar to Uber or Lyft, Hitch lets you enter your destination, uses GPS to determine your location, and provides fare estimates. Here's what you should know Hours: On Sundays, many shops, restaurants, and businesses are closed or operate at reduced hours. Public transportation, including buses and ferries, also runs on limited schedules. Check local listings for up-to-date hours and availability. Driving: Driving on the island is on the left, British-style, and the maximum speed limit is 15 mph in Hamilton and 21 mph on the rest of the island. How to sustainably visit Bermuda Support reef conservation by adopting a coral garden or baby corals with the Living Reefs Foundation, the first organization dedicated to preserving the island's coral reefs. On the southeast end of the island, take an eco-tour of Cooper's Island Nature Reserve, which features 12 acres of untouched wilderness. Keep your eye open for the seabirds and giant land crabs that live in Bermuda's diverse ecosystem. To get around the island, there are several low-emission transportation options, including electric buses, e-bike rentals, electric mopeds, scooters, and Microcars. Transportation: Visitors can explore the island via electric cars, which help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Hotels: The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club's sustainability efforts include the installation of refillable water stations across the property, customized PATH aluminum water bottles in each guestroom, and a new solar panel system as part of its recent renovations. Rosewood Bermuda is the island's only hotel to receive Green Globe Certification, recognizing its excellence in sustainable management. In partnership with the Living Reefs Foundation, Rosewood Bermuda offers guests the chance to support coral reef restoration through guided snorkeling or kayaking tours of the Coral Gardens. Guests can also adopt and plant coral, directly contributing to restoration efforts and research. Kristin Braswell is a travel journalist and founder of Crush Global Travel. She has penned pieces for Vogue, Bon Appetit, USA Today, NPR, Architectural Digest, and the Los Angeles Times, among others.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wisden, cricket elitism and football punditry
A cricket match at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey. 'A more appropriate name for the award might be the 'Wisden (independent) schools cricketer of the year'.' A cricket match at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey. 'A more appropriate name for the award might be the 'Wisden (independent) schools cricketer of the year'.' Photograph: Greg Balfour Evans/Alamy Another year, another Wisden schools cricketer of the year gong awarded to a student from a private school. No pupil from a non-fee-paying school has ever been given the Wisden award since its inception in 2008. Last year, I wrote to Wisden to share my concern that the award and the almanack's inability to identify kids from the state system worthy of such recognition was symptomatic of cricket's exclusivity. I suggested a more appropriate name for the award might be the 'Wisden (independent) schools cricketer of the year'. And so I was dismayed to read in your article Lawrence Booth, Wisden's editor, bemoaning India's dominance of the men's game (Wisden calls World Test Championship a 'shambles' and makes case for reform, 21 April). In repeating his criticism of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, while ignoring precisely the same issue in the UK and how more money corresponds to more opportunities in cricket, the article lacked balance. Dan Ayliffe London Advertisement • I was relieved to read Jonathan Liew's article on partisan punditry (Pundits' showy partisanship reflects football's embrace of fan-centric populism, 22 April) and to also hear Jonathan Wilson's similar gripes on the Football Weekly podcast (21 April). I was sure it couldn't just be me who has grown sick of watching the banter brigade dominate football broadcasting. Despite having to shell out a significant annual fee to watch my team play across three subscriptions, my football-watching experience is being limited to tuning in immediately before kick-off and tuning out as soon as the game finishes to avoid the absolute tirade of banter. Unfortunately, the approach by both Sky and BT appears to be to make content to be clipped up for social media. The concept that someone may be watching a football game for the simple joy of just watching a football game has gone out the window. Football has a lot to learn from cricket. Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain have spoken recently on their Sky podcast about how less is more when commentators are calling great sporting moments. The beauty and magnitude of the moment can be best captured by the commentator saying the minimum, rather than shouting in your ear Edward Binks Leyton, London • Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
