The week began with the sad news of Penelope Keith's death, prompting a nostalgic look back at her iconic role as Margo Leadbetter in The Good Life. Keith's portrayal of the imperious yet guileless Margo remains beloved, with her wardrobe sourced from Harrods and designer Frank Usher. Her follow-up sitcom, To the Manor Born, is described as a precursor to Schitt's Creek, set in Somerset.
Serena Williams's Wimbledon Return
On Tuesday, Serena Williams returned to Centre Court after a four-year absence, losing in three sets to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint. The seven-time Wimbledon champion's daughter, Olympia, occasionally yawned from the box. Williams, at 44 and a mother of two, played a great match, prompting the question: how is that form possible? The answer, as noted by Emma Brockes, is that these women are not normal; they represent a superior branch of evolution.
Bayeux Tapestry Tickets Sell Out
On Wednesday, 80,000 people queued online for tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, with another 40,000 joining Thursday morning only to find all tickets gone. The tapestry, insured for £800m, has left Normandy only twice, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The excitement rivals that for pop concerts, though the subject matter is 1,000 years old.
Secondary School Induction Day
Thursday marked induction day at secondary school, with parents hovering over their soon-to-be year 7s. Smartphone bans for rising year 7s aim to reduce parental tracking, but the habit is hard to break. The author contrasts today's constant monitoring with her own childhood, when she left the house without her mother knowing her whereabouts.
Fibre as the New Protein
Friday brought news of 'fibremaxxing,' as reported in the New Yorker. Fibre is now hailed as the new protein, with benefits beyond 'gut motility.' The article features a food entrepreneur who ate pints of blueberries, leading to weight loss and a divorce revelation.
