Covid Captive

I think I’ve always known that, in the event of being captured, imprisoned or taken hostage, (and this is something I’ve given considerable attention to) I probably wouldn’t be the one who undertakes a gruelling physical regime to keep my pecs tight and my abs toned. I wouldn’t be the inmate doing fifty sit...

C-Word

I am sick of it. We are all sick of it. Totally and utterly sick of it. Sick to the back teeth. Sick to the stomach. Sick as a parrot. I don’t want to hear another advert telling me how to wash my hands. I don’t need to see another sign illustrating what two meters looks like. And seriously, I get the whole...

In the Service of the State

I am at heart a public servant. I haven’t always worked in the public service, and am currently seconded from it to a charity, but my values and ethics are in essence those that underpin everything that is good about the sector. Hard work, diligence, remembering what you’re here for (to provide a service to...

Lockdown Lushes

‘Hands up who’s drinking more than normal?’ Ping. Ping. Ping. The emojis come flooding into our what’s app group; various images of hands held high, some proudly, others more shamefaced, but universal in their arms in the air. ‘Define normal’ I demand before reluctantly posting two hands.  One simply...

The Tree Man

I take my now routine twice-daily stroll through our nearby green. What used to be merely the route to the local shops, is now the heart of local activity, and a very welcome respite from the loneliness of the house. It’s even busier than usual, today being Sunday, and the sun being out. The small...