What A Wonderful World
The Government’s latest update signalled headlines such as ‘Hibernation at an end’ with the news that pubs, restaurants and hairdressers can reopen from 4 July 2020. Whilst we are pleased with the progress, it is also clear the ‘small-print’ needs to be clarified before we get too excited.
Our Wellbeing HUB references the latest guidance alongside our regular Desert Island Discs, Market Update comment and Distraction Ideas.
You may have raised an eyebrow to our newsletter title. However, before you start thinking that we have finally lost our minds, please take 3 minutes to listen to the version of ‘What a Wonderful World’ linked in Carol’s favourite songs. It is incredible that the sentiment expressed in the song’s spoken introduction by Louis Armstrong is just as relevant 53 years after it was recorded.
Please click the links on all songs, films and activities throughout the Newsletter for your enjoyment.
HarperLees Wellbeing HUB
The full transcript of Boris Johnson’s latest announcement to the House of Commons can be found here. Client conversations since the update have shown there to be a high degree of confusion at the new guidelines and particularly for those over 70 and/or in the vulnerable group.
The Government has issued an updated guidance Q&A to provide some clarity here.
We also found an informative explanation of the changes from the BBC here.
Desert Island Discs From HarperLees
Continuing our series, Carol May shares her 8 songs, book and luxury item:
Bring Him Home (from Les Misérables) – Alfie Boe – Uplifting
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong – For chilling out
Hold on Tight – Electric Light Orchestra – My feel good song
Still Rock and Roll To Me – Billy Joel – Makes me happy
Surfin’ USA – Beach Boys – Another feel good song
Hold My Hand – Jess Glynn – Dancing music
Living On A Prayer – Bon Jovi – When you need to shout
Make Your Own Kind Of Music – Paloma Faith – A sing along
Next To Me – Emilie Sande – Just because I like it
Book: Canaletto by Octave Uzanne. You can look at this time and time again and always see something different!
Luxury item: Has to be a radio as I cannot live without good music.
Market Update
This edition’s update comes from one of our Investment partners, Seven IM, with their view of the things to have been learnt over the last 3 months when deciding the next investment strategy, ‘Cash Out? Based on What?’. You can view the article here.
Distraction Ideas
Our distraction suggestions are:
Music
Moonlight Parade – Paint The Sun. Hailing from Worthing, Surrey, Moonlight Parade’s latest EP along with their two previous self-funded albums Caught In A Wave and Out of Nothing are perfect for a laid-back sunny afternoon in the garden.
Laura Marling – Song For Our Daughter – A beautiful album arrives almost without pre-amble or warning in the midst of uncharted global chaos, and yet instantly and tenderly offers a sense of purpose, clarity and calm.
Nadine Shah – Kitchen Sink – Follows up Shah’s Hyundai Mercury Prize nominated 2017 album Holiday Destination. With the same ferocious determination and distinct voice, Shah now turns her sights closer to home with an album that explores her own story as a woman in her 30’s and the societal pressures and expectations that come with that.
All albums and songs are available to stream via the usual providers. However, please consider better supporting the artists who have all seen their income dramatically reduce through Covid-19 by buying the physical versions.
Online
Great Expectations – Eddie Izzard’s take on the classic book by Charles Dickens, performing a solo show livestream from Brighton Theatre.
Glastonbury – With the cancellation of the iconic music festival, the BBC are looking back at historic performances with full sets being repeated via the iplayer.
Les Misérables – With reference to Carol’s Desert Island selection, The West End production of Les Misérableshas revealed a behind the scenes documentary starring Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher and Matt Lucas.
Contacts and Advice
We hope you find our newsletter informative and entertaining and welcome your ideas for future articles. We would particularly like to hear your Desert Island Discs for future newsletters.
Thank you to all who have contacted us with positive feedback or shared the newsletter with friends and family.
