On Wednesday we received an A4 sheet of paper in the post emblazoned with a Union Jack and a request to join a street party! Not remotely! An actual party, in our street but adhering to the social distancing rules.This was going to be easy. We have space between gardens and a large green in front of our houses.
Most of our neighbours are lovely and we all get on really well. The tiny percentage who arenāt donāt cause any trouble. They just keep to themselves and ignore the rest of the street. So, another chance to āfrock upā! And it was my turn to go shopping as well!
On Thursday night I washed my hair and cut my nails. Not painted them or had a manicure or pedicure, just cut them! I exfoliated, used a face mask and shaved my legs! Not that I was going to expose them, just to show that I was making an effort! I sorted out a red, white and blue outfit for Friday evening and had an early night so that I could get to the supermarket first thing on Friday morning.
My timing was wrong! I didnāt realise that Friday was a bank holiday. The supermarket opened at 9:00 am for frontline staff and those over seventy. I was twenty fifth in the queue when I arrived but that meant nothing! Arriving just before 8:30 am I remained twenty fifth in the queue until 9:55 am when I slid up to twentieth! I stood quietly in the lovely warm sunshine, minded my own business and didnāt speak to anyone! My children would have been proud!
Shopping done and I was home by 11:30. After our daily walk I made a salad ready for our barbecue after the party at 6:00 pm. I helped my husband set up two chairs and a table on our front lawn. I had bought snacks to enjoy with our pre dinner drinks. I wasnāt sure how we were going to communicate as the distances between our houses were great!It was going to be a challenge. Perhaps we should have arranged for some loudspeakers?
But, we took it in turns to walk along the wide street. We easily kept our distance yet chatted to everyone, taking turns to speak to neighbours, one at a time. We kept moving. There was never any need to remind anyone about social distancing. It was as if we had lived like this our whole lives! We had a laugh, commiserated and cemented new friendships. We have lived in this house for twenty years. We have waved to faces in cars. We have greeted neighbours as they walked past, usually with their dogs. We have now made new friends and promised to meet up on our green for picnics, barbecues and drinks when the world re opens! I canāt wait!
So, lockdown week seven was a good week. We used it to form new friendships, remember those fallen during the Second World War so that we can have the freedom which, until now, we have taken for granted!
As we gradually move into the next phase where we will have more of the freedom that our grandparents fought for so heroically, Iāll not forget those who have lost their lives in this pandemic. Iāll also remember the silent army who have signed up to test possible cures and vaccines! Our contribution is to stay at home! So letās use common sense, adhere to the guidelines and slowly, one step at a time, we shall all meet up again ! š
Jenny Burrell 