WadebridgeTennis Club

WHAT’S THE G7 AT CARBIS BAY ALL ABOUT?

As Coordinator of the 1991 G7 in London I thought ‘Link’ readers might like my personal forecast for the 2021 Cornwall Summit. What is a G7 Summit? Since 1975 the leaders of the largest economic democracies have met annually to discuss the burning issues of the day. The growing influence of the G20, including second-tier economic powers, has reduced the G7 to role of ‘steering group’ for the West. The original informality has been abandoned and much of the work will have been done when the leaders meet at Carbis Bay. The Summit is the culmination of numerous prior meetings of Ministers and the “Sherpas”, senior officials, representing their Heads of Government (HoG), who plan the agenda and prepare a draft Communique. Following last year’s cancellation and Boris Johnson’s wish to demonstrate the UK’s global power, the range of issues and of supporting Ministers this year is wider than usual. As host, the UK has also invited Korea, India, Australia, South Africa and ASEAN, a grouping of Asian nations, though not autocratic Russia and China. What will we see? Virtually nothing except on TV; security will be intense with local Police, reinforced to over 5,000, forming a ring of steel around every venue, and wherever the senior delegates, especially President Biden in his own bullet-proof vehicle and accompanying ambulance, are travelling. There will be many road closures although usually brief. All we will see here are a few buses carrying the partners of the HoGs or journalists on their separate sight-seeing programmes. Delegates will stay at the Tregenna Castle and nearby hotels while historic buildings such, as Pendennis and the Tate, will be used for receptions and for meals for Ministers and Heads of Government, cooked by our best-known Cornish chefs, for Ministers and HoGs. I anticipate a Grand Reception hosted by a member of the Royal Family, perhaps with entertainment by a group such as the Fishermen’s Friends, as the flagship event. Accredited journalists, fewer than usual because of Covid, will work at the Falmouth Maritime Museum and will be suitably entertained to show-off Cornwall. What will come out of it? Past experience suggests few lasting results of global importance. While I expect climate change, how to eliminate coronavirus, international cyber-crime and agreeing relations with China and Russia to dominate the proceedings, the

Jeremy with George Bush Senior at the G7 Summit in 1991

test, as always with politicians, will not be Cornwall’s organisers should focus on the what is announced, but what is done. journalists. If their reports home of Cornwall’s How may Cornwall benefit? The Newquay warm hospitality, unique history, beautiful airport runway is being strengthened to landscape and beaches are sufficiently accommodate aircraft carrying the US enticing we could hope to receive more and other delegations. If other Summits tourists from a wider range of countries. That are any guide, no other major project is would benefit St Minver as well. So be patient likely; nor should we anticipate much extra foreign investment. Some costs will accrue when roads are closed, or attractions shut! locally while Summit venues will prosper. Jeremy Varcoe

A Personal Anecdote From The 1991 London Summit On the last morning when the delegations were leaving, I sat in my office in Lancaster House with eyes closed, heaving a sigh of relief that it had all passed off without disaster. Suddenly, there was a heavy knocking on my door followed immediately afterwards by the entry of a large American Sergeant of Marines, who stamped on the floor, saluted and said to me, “Sir, the President of the United States”. Naturally I stood up as George Bush Senior entered. Having asked me to sit down, he said, “Jeremy, what a very successful Summit this has been. If you have no objection, I would like to borrow your junior staff for a few minutes so that I can have my photograph taken with each of them”. He was at once taken round to meet the security guards and secretaries so that each of them could have their photographs taken with him by the White House photographer. Two weeks later they each received a signed copy from the President’s office. I noticed that in one the President had his arm around the shoulder of one of the secretaries. Politically incorrect today but at the time accepted as the gesture of goodwill that it was. All this took at least half an hour. During this time, his Chief of Staff was clearly somewhat irritated that he did not have the attention of the President to deal with matters of state. I found this a remarkable gesture from a President who was also an experienced diplomat, a former Director of the CIA and an extraordinarily nice man. I also received a personal letter of thanks from him. A true gentleman. John Major later kindly hosted a drinks party at No 10 for all the officials involved in organising the G7.

Wadebridge Tennis Club

Wadebridge Tennis Club is open again and at the time of writing the weather has been kind and the courts have been in constant use. Membership is available along with coaching and competition, club nights and club teams as summer beckons. The physical and mental health benefits of playing sport have never been so important as the government restrictions start to ease. The Wadebridge Tennis Club has a wonderful facility in Egloshayle road and we are always happy to see new faces of any age or stage. The coaching team of James Brobin, Thomas Leach and Ian Hunter offers a programme that will inspire participation and progress within the club and beyond. If you have been thinking about getting involved then think no more and make contact today. James Brobin Just Tennis brobinjames@gmail.com 07881 583 971

ST ENDELLION & ST PETER’S, PORT ISAAC GARDEN FETE

St Endellion Hall

PL29 3TP Wednesday 2pmAugust 11th

Cakes, Teas, Produce, Plants, Books, Vintage, Bric a Brac, Puppet Show, Games, Sideshows …

COVID RULES PERMITTING ENQUIRIES: 01208 880207

With life getting back to normal, we are looking forward to holding a Fete once again in the grounds of the new St Endellion Hall on August 11th . Come along as there will be something for everyone and, always a bonus, parking and entry are free! Fran Pennington St Endellion Fete Committee