The Late Ian Dury

I've never been a "fan" of the late musician-cum-entertainer, Ian Dury; though I have enjoyed one or two of his hits. So, having read a generally favourable review of Sex, Drugs And Rock And Roll, a so-called "biopic" about his life, I decided to go and watch it.

I found it strangely fascinating. Dury was a remarkably strong character, given his physical handicap with polio, thus necessitating having to wear a leg caliper. His father seemed to be self-made and wealthy, since we saw him driving a white Rolls-Royce or Bentley Silver Cloud. And Young Dury was taught to look after and fend for himself, especially given his disability. Dury hated being thought of - or treated as - a "cripple".

All in all, I was glad I went to view it. Catch it if you can.

Four Illustrious Generations

His Grace the Duke of Wellington has just become a very proud great-grandfather, to infant Arthur Darcy Wellesley, Viscount Wellesley.

The Duke's son and heir is Arthur, Marquess of Douro.

Lord and Lady Douro's eldest son is Arthur, Earl of Mornington.

The Natural Baronet

How can I put this - phrase this - in a nice way? Sir Richard Wallace, 1st and last baronet, was the natural offspring of the 4th Marquess of Hertford. Despite Sir Richard's elevation to the ranks of the gentry with a baronetcy, his status as Lord Hertford's illegitimate son probably remained a stigma to him throughout his life, given Victorian rectitude.

Sir Richard inherited an absolute fortune, unimaginable to many nowadays, let alone in 1871.

He inherited his father's estates in County Antrim, around Lisburn, for instance, making him one of the largest landowners in the Province, with 58,365 acres.

Next week, I intend to visit the Wallace Collection, at his former London home, Hertford House in Manchester Square. I've never been there before: Have any readers visited the Collection?

Comment Moderation

I've been receiving literally dozens of comments from a follower in Romania, purporting to call herself Eva; and she is obviously infatuated with Prince William, judging by how eager she is to make contact with HRH.

My readers and followers would be unaware of these innumerable nuisance messages.

As a consequence of this, and with reluctance, I am applying Comment Moderation with immediate effect in order to rectify matters.

Regular readers: Please be assured that this action will not effect your contributions and messages; and I still welcome comments!

Old Building Saved

It is gratifying, for once, to see that the High Court in Belfast has effectively overturned a planners' shameful decision to permit the demolition of an old Victorian building in Queen Street, Belfast.

I commented about this about three months ago.

The building's finest feature is a carved stone door-case, the archway being supported on red granite colonettes with grape and acanthus capitals. The keystone boasts an Elizabethan gentleman's head, sporting a long beard, ruff and hat; flanked by shields, oak-leaves, roses and acorns; with bosses of thistles and shamrocks.

The Honourable Mr Justice Treacy was told on Friday that the application to quash the planning permission decisions was no longer being resisted.

New Royal Portrait

There is a new portrait of Princes William and Harry on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London. TRH are seen wearing the uniforms of the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals).

Clarence House has issued more details here.

The painting was commissioned by the Gallery and the artist was Nicky Philipps.

Prince William wears the breast star and sash of the Order of the Garter.

Suits you, Sir

I've treated myself to many things down the years; and, in some ways, wonder whether I ought to have "invested" in a bespoke suit from a Savile Row tailor decades ago. How much do they cost nowadays? £3,000? I must admit I've refrained from such expenditure on a suit, despite my size and figure remaining constant since adulthood.

I suppose there would be logistical - or practical - issues as well: several fittings, necessitating flights to the metropolis.

Are there any decent tailors left in Belfast or Northern Ireland? There used to be an old tailor tucked away in an entry off Ann Street; but he is long gone. I think his name was Peter McAllister or something like that. He made me an Oxford grey suit about 25 years ago and it is still going strong.

Back to that question about Savile Row: would you pay £3,000 for a suit?