Feest Isolation Days – 6 July
The 4th of July dawned grey and dreary. It was the first day of easing lockdown and we decided to go out for brunch. We went to a new place for us. Under the magnificent beech tree at the bottom of the garden! Just as we began to eat, the rain arrived. Terry got out our old patio umbrella which has broken, and placed it in a vice so it could stand tall above us and keep off the light misty shower. It worked! The umbrella kept us dry and we enjoyed a new spot for brunch. It wasn’t “out” out, but it was different and they say a change is as good as a rest! We were pleased we spent our first day of easing time “out” under the tree in the gentle rain, because from about noon the heavens opened and didn’t stop for the rest of the day. Soggy Britain!
Unlocking has its benefits but there are still some areas of the economy that cannot unlock. I ran into a neighbour today who has a great idea for a concert in an empty club with tickets sold on something like Zoom. She’s been told it goes against the rules! Argggg! Performers need some unlocking support. Performers and the arts are in total disarray and there seems to be little understanding or help for them from any quarter. We need our cultural events and performances. How will this happen?
This virus seems to be economically dreadful for the young, and physically dreadful for the old. We oldies have the better deal I think. Our younger friends and families are still struggling with so much. There remain millions of people who can’t work anymore no matter what profession they are in. Law courts are nearly silent with huge backlogs, the hospitality industry is making redundancies daily, the aerospace industry is cutting jobs; no sector seems to be safe. Except perhaps for key workers in caring professions or delivery people.
Today we had a socially distanced tea and cake time with daughter Naomi and family. Wonderful to see them all. This seemed easier than the first time we did it with the other kids because we knew what we were in for. We nearly froze as we sat huddled under sweaters, coats and blankets in the wind at the bottom of the garden. But hey! We saw each other and chatted and all agreed this pandemic isn’t anywhere near over yet. We still maintain more than the rules, as all of the members of our family are. No restaurants, no pub visits, no holidays or hotel nights away yet for the Feest clan. We will all watch and wait a bit and see what happens.
Our next door neighbours have a new puppy which is very sweet and I can watch it frolic in their garden from my study window. Adorable. For some reason it reminded me of Pavlov’s Dog…and Eddie Izzard and Pavlov’s Cat. Enjoy!
With love
Kathy x
Stop Press
I wrote my blog before I went to bed last night and this morning woke to amazing news!
The government has provided 1.57 BILLION dollars for Arts and Culture. Oliver Dowden the Culture Minister says the package is all “new money” which intends to support “crown jewel” venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the National Galleries but also will help local groups across the UK. The scheme includes grants and loans and those bodies applying will have to provide evidence as to how they will contribute to wider economic growth
This can only be good news for the beleaguered arts and cultural institutions large and small in this country. Mr. Dowden has done an excellent job that sees funding set at the higher end than was expected by some working in our arts institutions.
It wasn’t a dream! The Arts have finally been included in recovery plans. Hurrah! Well done minister.