 |
| 1901 - Art Nouveau classic, Todmorden It has a pretty facade this cafe, we went to lunch there yesterday. It sells an all day breakfast menu, in vegan, vegetarian and meat style. It is called 'The Kindness Cafe' and was pretty full when we were there. I had a half of an avocado in my vegan mix, which I felt rather strange about, especially as I like a french dressing on my avocado. But vegetarian sausages, tofu scrambled eggs (not bad), hash browns, tomatoes and mushrooms were on my plate. It seemed a meeting place for people who were working on their laptops. I have written about the Co-op role in Britain before here. but there is a good, but far too expensive book, on the architectural history of the Co-op written by Lynn Pearson. One of the things you notice "Up North" are very large buildings from the nineteenth century in the cities and towns. All built by people who believed in sharing - gives you grounds for thought! What Else? I watched the last episodes of Mackenzie Crook's 'False Prophets'. Full of pathos and gentle funny comedy of the characters and those 'prophets' grotesque, but lots of lovely twists and turns and the 'hero' Pearce Quigley brilliant. What is a homunculus? I don't know but they are scary. See Guardian revue here. And so to the latest news, well radio RU3, quiet music to accompany your day will be my choice. We settled kingship when Charles 1st was executed and royalty became part of the state's function, alongside the Protestant church and Parliament. This whole business of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor being arrested will dominate the news for years to come. Lets hope that American law will also consider making some arrests of those named in the Epstein files. It is a bit like that mysterious black box that appeared in the film 2001 - Space Odyssey. The secrets are flying out. Just look at his face. Is he looking into the future I wonder? |
The cafe exterior is great. I remember my late partner telling me about the co-ops, and they sounded very good to me. I wonder where it was in Newcastle...his sister will know.
ReplyDeleteThey sprang into life around the Northern towns Andrew. I think the first was a long walk over the moors to Manchester to bring back goods to sell in the villages.
DeleteI binged the first watching of " Small Prophets" and have already started to watch it all through again ....in case I missed anything! Pearce Quigley is brilliant. It is wonderfully different to most things these days on TV.
ReplyDeleteDid you watch " Detectorists'? I have seen that several times. Toby Jones and Crook playing the lead characters are superb.
PS. I " googled". Humunculi yesterday.......interesting !!
ReplyDeleteOf course I watched the Detectorists it was brilliant, I think Toby Jones is probably one of the best actors in England and Mackenzie Crook a very good writer. All the twists and turns in 'false Prophets' were unexpected. Pearce Quigley handled the Father Christmas scene so sweetly.
ReplyDeleteOh I loved the Detectorists and also Toby Jones in that movie about the Post office. I don't think False Prophets is showing yet over here but I will keep an eye out...
ReplyDeleteThe Post Office drama was very detailed on the scandal that took place Ellen, again no one went to prison for causing all that suffering to the postmasters. Pearce Quigley, he was the long haired bearded fellow on the other side, was the main character in the False Prophets.
DeleteThe old Co-op in Newcastle upon Tyne was a splendid 1932 Art Deco architectural masterpiece, repurposed to an hotel when the store closed many years ago now.
ReplyDeleteThat is probably the one Andrew in Australia is talking about Will.
DeleteWe all used to use the Co-op. There are still two in our area.
ReplyDeleteThey are a bit more expensive than Aldi or Lidl but I suspect there is a certain loyalty to them. And of course when there is no other supermarket in the town they are popular.
DeleteI binge watched this too and loved it. Detectorists I have watched several times and this will be the same.
ReplyDeleteAm I right in thinking that the Co-operative Society started in Rochdale?
In 1844 the first Co-op opened in Rochdale Jennie. I think it just spread outwards, selling not just food but clothes,, furniture and now of course funerals.
ReplyDeleteHi Thelma,
ReplyDeleteI was reading about the co-op history. I may not be very clear, but is the Co-op supermarket chain linked to those Owne-ism movements? Or is it a separate thing?
As for Andrew. It just keeps getting more embarrassing. It seems the awful Prince-of-Darkness Mandelson directly promoted Andrew to a role in the state. I never really understood the great aura and reverence for Mandelson among the new Labour hardcore. I do miss our late queen, but this all just makes me glad she passed away.
P.s. I hope you're keeping well. I haven't been on your blog for a while. Been a bit occupied trying to get someone to give me a half-decent job. :)
Answering the first part of your question Liam. The Co-operative movement was led by a few men around this district. It started in Rochdale but the socialist utopian vision Owen had, I think, not much influence on it. People, both men and women were meeting in halls and meeting rooms and were already discussing the many issues of those times. I read when young, E.P. Thompson - The Making of the English Working Class. It starts in the 17th century and covers this early history,
ReplyDeleteLiam I am sure you can find a job soon you put forward such brilliant arguments. All the best in looking for a job and writing your blog, perhaps the art world might be a different option job wise. Thelmax
That really is such an expressive photo of Andrew.
ReplyDeleteI love that shopfront! I'm tempted to come up there and photograph it myself! It is striking how much people were willing to do for each other back in the day (re. the co-op movement). I suspect as the world has become more globalized and people move around more, we all feel less connected and thus less responsible for our neighbors. Which is kind of sad.
Yes the photographer captures a moment of history Steve.
ReplyDelete