THE well-travelled Barclay Simpson, Richmond's long-serving ambassador, has been hob-nobbing with the international jet set again as part of his ongoing efforts to spread the word about the North Yorkshire town around the world.
The author of Richmonds of the World – there are 90 communities around the world named after our original or the other one in south-west London – Mr Simpson was a guest at the recent welcome reception for the Prime Minister of Fiji in Kensington. Mr Simpson had become friends with the Fijian High Commissioner Mr Ratu Naivakarurubalavu Solo Mara after the commissioner attended a Fijian concert at the Zetland Centre in Richmond earlier this year.
About 350 Fijians are based at Catterick Garrison (the reason for the concert) but the connection between Mr Mara and Mr Simpson is Mr Mara's home Fijian island of Kavadu – where there happens to be a community called Richmond Hill.
Bets placed
My note two weeks ago about the prominent businessman who has considered standing in 2015 as an Independent in the Richmond constituency, sparked speculation among Conservatives as to who the individual threatening to further muddy the political waters could be. Bets have been placed, we understand.
Spectator remains sworn to secrecy but we can say it is not a local councillor which some folk seem to have surmised.
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