Welcome to the April/May Connection

So then, how’s your 2020 going, because I for one would quite like to switch it off and back on again to see whether we can get back to normal. What a strange time it is for us all. As I sit here on day 1 of my own 14 day “retreat” wondering what on earth to write, I’m keenly aware that myself and many of my customers - our local businesses - are going through a very challenging time due to COVID-19. I usually try to keep my welcome message light-hearted, but it would be remiss of me to gloss over how devastating the current pandemic is already proving to be, particularly for travel and hospitality industries. These are trying times. Yes, there are loo roll shortages, and swathes of empty shelves courtesy of discourteous panic buyers. What you probably won’t see photos of on social media are the real people behind every business listed (and not) within this publication. Now, we either sit behind our keyboards having a gripe and a moan on Facebook or we rally around and do what we can to help. If you would like ideas, turn to page 46. There are tips for supporting businesses, contact details for community response groups should you need support whilst in isolation, and there’s also a fantastic list of ways you can make productive use of your time if you do get stuck indoors for a while (rest and wash your hands often as a priority, though!).

Our community pages (p.56 &58) are understandably a little sparse and I would ask that you check with organisers of other events listed whether they will be going ahead as planned.

I had a lovely time meeting with Harvington Art Group just last week, which you can read about on page 44. Perhaps, when things return to “normal”, you might be interested in joining them?

Football fans, we have an exceptionally written ‘My Team’ about the woes of being an Everton supporter (p.14 &16). Although I am biased because the guest writerwho stepped in to write at the last minute is also my husband.

Very sadly our last ‘My Team’ writer and my lovely friend, Greg, passed away in early February. We send our deepest condolences to his family... Do you see what I mean about 2020 so far?

We hope that this edition will provide some lighter relief to you over the next couple of months, however you may be feeling about things. I know I’ll certainly be baking the rhubarb meringue pie (p.10), getting through a lot of books (for suggestions see page 60), tidying up the garden with my children (p.18 has advice on gardening jobs for May), and entertaining myself with puzzles (p.6 &48). There’s also children’s puzzle page too (p.30). So, until next time, please take care of yourself.

Amy