Springtime ready?

10th May 2021

I don’t know about you but it’s felt all a little strange towards the back end of this May day week. We are at that time of year when there is so much to do (and maybe more this year than any other year) and with there being a four-day working week we end up spreading the load of that fifth day across the working week, into the time we’ve got. As a consequence, there is always an intensity about the May Bank Holiday week.

I’m also a little disappointed with the unseasonably cold weather. I’m guessing that the government ministers are so happy that the period following the staged reopening of shops, pubs and restaurants has been covered by a particularly cold and occasionally wet spell. It’s made it quite uncomfortable to be sat out eating and or drinking. I’m guessing that the initial surge of people entertaining themselves ‘outdoors’ has dropped off somewhat more recently and, due to the climatic conditions, we’ve all held onto the lockdown routines of staying at home with one’s family. Let’s hope that the combination of limited and careful lifting of restrictions and this cold snap allows for a continued fall in the Covid rate.

What many of us would normally be doing at this time of year is looking forward to and planning for a decent summer break. We await, as a nation, the government’s position around travel from the 17th May and then on into the summer. I am increasingly optimistic that, not only will domestic summer breaks be permitted but, there may well be some European breaks allowed under a reasonable traffic light system. The ‘ever the optimist’ in me means that I can only see that the traditional European holiday destinations and countries will be in the green category; no amber or red – surely? That might mean no long haul but many of us will cope with that. Whatever the fine detail there will be some of us who will still be uncomfortable with foreign travel, to some degree. But it should mean that those who want to travel abroad can do so in controlled circumstances. And that would be great news!

It really is that time of year when within the schools and college, and the population more widely, we do start to look forward and plan for what the summer might bring. Be that professionally or personally all we can do is follow the guidance very carefully, prepare for all eventualities and then expect to be able to manage any consequent challenges.

Not quite the right month but the sentiment feels right…

‘It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.’ Charles Dickens

For those members of our community who are following Ramadan, can I offer you my best wishes as you near the end of the holy month? And you can look forward to celebrating Eid, this coming week. Eid Mubarak – when it arrives.

I hope you have a good weekend. Again, it’s looking wet and cold but I’m sure you’ll make the most of whatever you are doing.

ps there’ll be no mention of the last day of the season and fate of RUFC.