I read an interesting article in The Times sent to me by a client and friend, who like me, is really worried about the volume of selfish people in this country. Witness the hordes who have ignored the Government’s advice on social separation. Witness the households with piles of unused stockpiled food overflowing their dustbins.
It began: “Today we mourn the passing of a beloved friend Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as – knowing when to come in from the rain – why the early bird catches the worm – life isn’t always fair – and maybe it was my fault.”
The piece goes on to detail the many ways in which Common Sense has been put to the sword over the years and explain how it finally gave up the will to live, concluding: “Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone. If you still remember him – think about it. If you do not, join the majority and do nothing.”
On a lighter and more current note I have found it increasingly difficult to watch the early morning news, as it appears to be pretty much a repetition of the previous day’s offering. However, the Labour Party has a fresh and welcome look to it, the only downside being that we have lost the opportunity to witness Diane Abbott crunching out numbers.
I attended Ashford Market for the first two weeks following the lockdown and it felt odd and eerie to witness a very decent penning of stock of all classes with only registered buyers in attendance. It was comforting to know that the auction system was still paving the way and set the benchmark for deadweight offerings in very uncertain circumstances. I am pleased to say my local auction consistently performed above expectations.
I feel, however, particularly sad for those rural-based businesses whose trade has ground to a halt and which look very vulnerable. Pubs, garden centres, local garages, riding centres and local tradesmen, to name but a few; fingers crossed that they will all recover. I am rubbish at sowing seeds and can’t wait to purchase some decent plants from our local garden centre to set out in June/July.
Management and I have just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with isolation and a bottle of Bollinger! I convinced her that my original plan had been to hire the Albert Hall.
My best wishes to all farmers, growers, their suppliers and customers and all those affiliated to the rural community.
