BST

British Summer Time begins today although- with the UK on near total lockdown- it might as well not bother LOL.

Keep Your Distance

The UK is now on the second day of our Covid 19 lockdown. Measures will last for three weeks and will then be reviewed by the medical experts and our government. Citizens must keep at least two metres from each other in public (so called Social Distancing), not congregate in groups larger than two while outside. The police have new powers to disperse gatherings that breach these rules.

Further we may only leave our homes for the following reasons:

1) for one form of reasonable exercise in public.

2) to purchase food.

3) if you are unable to work from home, and your work is deemed essential, travel to/from your normal place of work.

Somehow my job is deemed essential to the national medical supply chain and I cannot perform my duties from the house. We are using all reasonable measures to protect ourselves in the office but it's not helping me feel very safe at all. Anxiety has sky rocketed these past few days.

Dance Dance Dance

Never before have I contributed to a crowd funded cd release. The Pupini Sisters, one of my favourite groups, have a new album and this is how they reward those who supported them. Oh and also the digital download a few months back of other previously unreleased work.

The only trouble with have a physical disc is that I only now have a player in my car and if the UK goes into Covid 19 lockdown, I won't be able to drive anywhere LOL.

Doctor, Doctor

The UK government, in conjunction with medical training establishments and unions, has announced they will be drafting in trainee nurses and doctors to help combat the current health situation. In addition they will be recalling those who have recently left the profession (retirees).

Somehow I'm not quite sure this is what they meant by retired Doctors LOL.

Plastic Fantastic

Finally got my hands on a couple of the new Polymer £20 notes. Don't they look lovely?

First Of The Year

It may not in any way keep Covid 19 at bay but it sure taste good today LOL. First Mr Whippy of the year dontchaknow.

Spread

I've not posted here previously regarding the Covid 19 pandemic, there's been plenty of coverage elsewhere. Some of which has even been helpful and accurate. Other posts have been downright silly: that echinacea stops the virus in its tracks or if you keep your mouth moist, the virus will be washed into your stomach and destroyed. Yeah right.

Listen to the official health experts, and also your government officials and the advice they provide. Differing countries have different circumstances and will be tailoring their response to this virus as necessary.

Here in the UK, the government is attempting to flatten out the peak and delay. Spring is approaching at last and it is believed Covid 19, like ordinary 'flu, doesn't thrive in warmer conditions. They hope this will give our brilliant National Health Service the best chance of coping and also enable the wider population opportunity to develop herd immunity. They strongly believe that come next Autumn this virus or a form of it will likely be back.

Anyone who thinks they may have symptoms is requested to self isolate for 7 days or if it is a confirmed case, for a minimum of 14 days. For most of us, it will likely seem like a severe case of the 'flu. Those deemed to be in an at risk category will be provided with official medical care.

Stay in contact with the elderly and vunerable, but don't needlessly put them or yourself at risk. Don't hoard or stockpile supplies; there will be plenty in the shops to go round.

Now I don't wish to sound all doom and gloom, and since it is 42 years since the first broadcast of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, I am reminded of some very fine words of advice:

Don't Panic.

Holy Pilgrimage

It is hard to believe that a once sleepy little town like Reading had not one but two sites of Holy Pilgrimage. Obviously the famous Abbey was no doubt a focal point drawing the devoted to the town.

However tucked away on the side of the road, in what is now the leafy suburb of Caversham, is St Anne's Well. To be precise on the junction of Priest Hill and St Anne's Road. Something of a curiosity, those exact history is not clear. Anyway, enjoy these images from a recent visit. Follow this link to additional information (other sites such as this one are also available).