7 Things we learnt about outdoor lockdown

Social Distancing. For many an introvert, these words were like gold dust sprinkled in their ears. What’s that? I don’t even have to make an excuse for not going out, not coming round or never seeing your annoying face again? I’m simply not allowed to see you or touch you. You may not hug me or try to kiss me, I am quite happy here in my own little home-made beer garden and I have finally had the time to build a really high fence because social distancing is just so important! #notsobad

THE 7 THINGS WE LEARNED ABOUT OUTDOOR LOCK-DOWN ACTIVITIES

Could we all please just go back inside now?

Words by Clare Bowie

The Garden. Yes yes, we know that Venice got clean, dolphins swam through the canals and the Himalayas could be seen from different places as the smog clouds cleared but nobody mentioned that everyone in suburbia would become complete garden bores, going on and on about their patio areas, the merits of bark over chippings and how they decided to paint their pergolas to connect the indoors with the outdoors. Stop telling me about it!

The BBQ. It became a bit of a competitive sport. It started with a casual, ‘come round for a beer and a burger under the pergola,’ to, ‘I thought we’d try Cantonese salted cod to accompany my nettle infused gin.’ I mean, a quinoa salad or a pig on a spit would be just about acceptable but most people really want something that fits between two pieces of bread and since when was a yellow cheese square replaced with a slice of halloumi on a rosemary stalk? What??

The Clapping. It seemed to induce a true marmite reaction as many forced themselves out the front door on a Thursday evening to confront the cringe factor. We feared it would never quite disappear, like red noses hanging sadly on cars for months after the fact or a coffee arrangement with a close friend which was only supposed to be bi-monthly rather than weekly. The agony was real for so many, a mere heartfelt and truly grateful clap that turned to bell ringing and banging of pans. Applause has never felt so painful.

The Daily Exercise. It started so well, a good walk to clear the head, to escape the house and make sense of the chaos that lurked in your head. The peace soon subsided as people got too close, took over the whole pavement or casually skimmed your shoulder as they jogged past, panting sweat and germs in their wake. In fact, everyone wanted to get a little cosier, a little friendlier and walks had to be re-scheduled or taken at dusk to avoid the sickening stream of friendly neighbours and strangers. #shudder #sonotinthistogether

Virtual Reality. As if the Teams work calls or the enforced zoom quizzes weren’t excruciating enough but when the teachers suggested virtual sports days or virtual science projects to be conducted outdoors, it was a lockdown step too far! It’s hard enough making kids learn their times tables in the vicinity of Disney+ without then starting a scrapbook about the great outdoors that is usually done by the parents anyway! Em, no thank- you, those minibeasts will so have to wait. Not doing the extra curricular school projects is the only chink of light in this whole experience! #nochance The Neighbours. Obviously, they were always annoying, always had bad taste and always laughed a little too loudly but during lockdown you really felt their presence. As soon as you stepped outside, there they were, shouting cheery greetings in your ear, strimming their edges or just insisting on too much small talk. How many times can you say, ‘at least the sun’s out,’ or ‘it could be worse,’ or ‘Thank God for wine,’ or ‘this homeschooling is driving me nuts’. All valid points but probably not four times everyday. There’s no escape!!!

NEXT TIME YOU TRAVEL, SAIL BY FERRY

YOUR PLANNED FAMILY HOLIDAYS, CITY BREAKS, WEEKEND ESCAPES AND BIG TRIPS MAY HAVE HAD TO BE PUT ON HOLD FOR 2020, BUT THAT SHOULD NOT STOP YOU FROM DREAMING ABOUT YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE. FOR MANY, FANTASIZING ABOUT GETTING AWAY ONCE IT’S SAFE TO DO SO HAS BEEN A FAVOURITE PASTIME OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS…

For those ready to book something for next year, sailings for the whole of 2021 will soon be available to book with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company - giving you the ability to start planning your next break whenever you’re raring to go!

The Company has made a number of changes to make travel as flexible and easy as possible, including the introduction of its ‘Book with Confidence Commitment’. This means amendment fees have been removed, in addition to the promise of a full refund if your travel is affected by COVID-19 Government imposed travel restrictions.

Talking about other changes within the Company, Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘As always, the safety and welfare of our passengers and crew remains our top priority. This has led to a number of precautionary measures being introduced to reduce any risk of contamination on board our vessels and at our ports. We are doing all we can to ease anxieties and minimise risks to make travelling as safe as possible, including even stricter measures and cleaning regimes.

He continued: ‘By releasing the 2021 timetable early, we hope Island residents that are looking forward to going away now that border restrictions have started to relax, will have plenty of time and options

Manannan in Liverpool

to start planning. Before you go however, we do advise keeping up-to-date with the latest government advice and travel requirements at covid19.gov.im .’

When you travel by ferry you can enjoy spacious and comfortable seating with plenty of room to keep a safe distance from others throughout the journey, or you can head out on deck for some ultra-fresh sea air.

It is vital to note that if you are displaying any recognised symptoms of COVID-19, or have been in contact with anyone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19, you must not travel by ferry with the Steam Packet Company.

If you are fine to travel, on-board safety measures are in place and all passengers must:

n Wear appropriate face coverings (such as a fabric mask comprising three layers or a FFP2 disposable respiratory protection mask) n Wash your hands frequently n Try to remain seated n Socially distance where possible

So, when you feel ready to travel again, you just have the simple task of deciding where to go! Why not bring the car and explore some of the UK’s ‘hidden gems’? There are a world of possibilities out there, from rural breaks and cosy countryside cottage retreats to tree lodge hideaways and quirky glamping escapes in the peace and quiet. Without the expense or anxiety of longhaul flights and costly luggage fees, you will be able to relax a little easier from the moment you step on board.

Plus, travelling with your own vehicle means you can create your own little holiday bubble. With no need to walk through busy ports or use additional public transport to get to your chosen destination, you can avoid large groups of people and keep contact with others to a minimum.

The Lake District

With a great range of Car and Foot Passenger Special Offers to take advantage of, start planning your trip by visiting www.steam-packet.com today.

Abbey Dental is now open for all treatment and can’t wait to see you again.

COVID-19 is causing teething troubles for everyone, but here at Abbey Dental we have advanced hygiene and safety protocols in place and full PPE, ready to welcome back all patients old and new. We are working through our list of patients but if you haven’t heard from us yet please make contact now to secure your appointment(s).