Alison decided it was time for living life to the full by swapping stability for excitement. From corporate office to exotic beaches…

What does ‘normal’ mean anyway?

“I gave up ‘normal life’ in a big corporation five years ago, after taking a Tantra journey and retraining as a sex coach. So pre-pandemic, my unusual normal was living in Hebden Bridge making a small living as a sex coach for one-to-one clients, and running events called The Sex Lectures in Manchester. I lived alone with no mortgage and had a fantastic group of friends. In 2019 I’d been to Bali and written a memoir which I was editing.

“I was living fairly comfortably and with a sense of stability. Excitingly, I had a writers residency in Sri Lanka lined up; I was already following my heart. As well as holding together financially, I had a small amount of savings for back-up.

While he was in love and thought he was ‘helping me’, I was dying of boredom, entrapped in conventional housewife mode

“At the end of 2019 I’d had a date with someone who was visiting the UK from Australia. He came back to visit in January 2020. I’d realised our hearts, minds, and personalities were incompatible, but as the first lockdown happened, he asked to stay. Overriding my instincts, I agreed.

“Although sex was a brilliant coping mechanism – as was my Tantra teacher’s advice about kindness and patience – by May I felt imprisoned in my own home with an older man who loved looking into the fire, telling repetitive yarns about bygone days in the marines and his childhood. While he was in love and thought he was ‘helping me’, I was dying of boredom, entrapped in conventional housewife mode.”

Taking a leap and travelling the world

“The pivotal moment during the pandemic for me to change my life was when a friend bailed me out of my metaphorical jail and took me to Corfu for a week. I came home, told the guy to leave, then decided it’d be better if I used this time to follow my instincts to live abroad in my fifties. So the ex turned into one of my two lodgers – both of whom are ex-lovers.

“My life looks so much better now; I’ve lived simply and cut down on spending. I went back to Corfu before heading to Italy for five months, to housesit with a friend I met on the beach. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the house or the location for the second winter lockdown, where I edited my memoir for the sixth time. I started an online Sensual Salon with a Tantric poet from Berlin: a speakeasy for sex-positive people to share experiences, vulnerability, and honesty. At the time, I was also on the teaching team for the UK Sexological Bodywork training in 2021.

“In spring, I moved to the Albanian riviera for three months. It was a revelation to be in an open country, and a time to enjoy living alone by the beach. From there I went back to Corfu for 90 days, before heading to Mexico for 90 days to work at a Tantra festival and live at the beach. I then lived in Oaxaca in an artist’s studio.

Read more: Reclaiming the rail. Why older people are interrailing and backpacking 

Living life on my terms

I’ve refused to let my attention be hijacked by the COVID narrative

“I’ve refused to let my attention be hijacked by the COVID narrative; I’ve ignored much of the news and just got on with creating what I wanted to create. I’ve lived life on my terms, which largely involved travelling when my 90-day visas ran out. And I’ve mostly been in the sunshine, learning to enjoy solitude.

“I’m becoming curious about living in intentional communities in the future. I’m currently here in a creative one in Colombia called Arte Sumapaz, as I would like to explore setting one up.”

Accepting losses

“The biggest loss is in the close friends I miss and the chances to be in relationship. While I am enjoying being single again and following my own path, I miss love, intimacy, kissing, being close.

I know my choices mean I’ll be something of a pleasure nomad for a while, so it’s hard to create something lasting

“I’ve had occasional erotic dalliances but as my body has changed and I discovered that sex is painful, then I’m wary. In the absence of a medical system to explore the prospect of HRT, my tantra and sex coach training mean that I can still have sensual choices in the moments of connection. I know my choices mean I’ll be something of a pleasure nomad for a while, so it’s hard to create something lasting. A brief foray into Tinder didn’t help.

“I’m in a sex positive community so emotionally-connected friendships – if not physical intimacy – has been a valuable constant. Although I’m alone, I rarely feel bereft. I’m flirting with polyamory knowing that when I’m back in the UK for the summer, there will be friends and former lovers that I can be intimate with, as well as new possibilities for love.”

Breaking even

“Financially, I’m just about breaking even with the rent, mentoring, and government grants of 2021. While there are no luxuries, I’m recognising that I’m in a fortunate position of living like a barefoot hippy while following ideas and impulses that – if I hadn’t broken out of the UK when I did – I’d have been a lot more vexed by restrictions.

“I haven’t touched a tax bracket in years which is a huge contrast to my successful corporate life. Letting go and becoming truly happy has a price, but when you make a living from teaching that involves touch, you’re unable to find the energy to create a new business beyond sex therapy and coaching.”

Appreciating the unknown

“Mentally, I’m mostly steady, though I have the occasional periods of homesickness, anxiety about the future, and regular outbreaks of ‘what the fuck am I doing with my life?’. Whenever I find myself in those natural moments of doubt, I acknowledge how grateful I am for my choices, the sunshine, and the freedom I’ve had in the last two years to live freely in beautiful places meeting like-minded people.

I know I need to go home at some point and do a bit of life admin, but for now, I’m enjoying Colombia and the discovery of a more beautiful world

“Having a spiritual practice, however patchy, allows me to feel a trust in this transition. I have no answers or certainty about the future, but the chance to experience this uncertainty in new places allows me to understand how much I value feeling safe, loved, and free.

“I know I need to go home at some point and do a bit of life admin, but for now, I’m enjoying Colombia and the discovery of a more beautiful world and myself; three years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined this was possible.”

Are you thinking of travelling abroad this year, or are you going play it safe with a staycation? Here’s our top tips for staycationing safely.

Carly Pepperell

Carly gets to do everything under the sun, including writing, editing, taking photos, creating stories, and swanning around at launches. She can down a glass of Prosecco without pausing for breath, and aims to be the youngest Pulitzer winner ever.

The post I’m over fifty and finally living life on my own terms appeared first on Silver Magazine.

People are often concerned about having jabs. We’re not talking about the hardline anti-vaxxers out there, but many who sit in the middle, wondering if it’s okay, wondering if the cure is worse than the ill.

This has always been true particularly the flu jab, largely because of the mild symptoms that follow an innoculation. Old wives’ tales circulate wildly. Will it make them weaker, and therefore more susceptible to Covid? Will the flu vaccine actually give you a mild dose of flu? How does it work?

We spoke to Dr Deborah Lee to find out exactly how the flu vaccine works, and why you should have one…

It may seem illogical that being vaccinated against the influenza virus can also help protect you from the COVID-19 virus, but in fact there are several reasons why this seems to be the case.

How does the flu vaccine work?

A flu vaccine contains dead influenza virus. You cannot get the flu from having the vaccine.   The current flu vaccine contains four different strains of influenza. Your body recognises the proteins on the dead virus surface, called antigens, and mounts an antibody response.

This means if you encounter these influenza viruses, you will not develop the infections, as your new flu antibodies, will immediately counteract them.

Every year scientists calculate the degree of protection having a flu jab will give you. This year, the flu jab will reduce your chance of getting the flu by around 40%.

A flu jab may also give some protection from COVID-19 infection

The flu jab protects you from becoming infected with the influenza virus. But there is some evidence it may also give you some protection from infection by COVID-19.

…there is some evidence it may also give you some protection from infection by COVID-19

Virologists believe there are similarities between the way the influenza virus and the COVID-19 virus enter the cells of your body. This means the antibody response to the flu vaccination may also help prevent other viruses from infecting you.

Once the influenza vaccine stimulates an immune response, there is ‘cross-talk’ in the immune system, meaning white blood cells such as lymphocytes and neutrophils pass chemical messages. As a result, when any other invading organism appears, it is more quickly recognized, and the immune response is more robust. Hence, a flu jab primes the immune system for a COVID-19 attack.

If you are at risk from flu you will be more at risk from COVID-19

Influenza is a serious illness and can be fatal. However, COVID-19 is an even more serious infection, and the risk of dying from Covid infection is approximately three times higher. The risk factors for severe infection for both are the same.

In the UK, between January and August 2020, there were 394 deaths from influenza, compared to 48,168 deaths due to COVID-19, and 13,619 deaths from pneumonia (ONS)

The most serious risk would occur if you had flu and COVID-19 at the same time

There has been an exceptionally low number of cases of influenza this year so far, but even looking at the last 5-year averages, Covid has a death rate three times higher than influenza.

However, older people with chronic medical conditions, and a relatively weakened immune system, will be at increased risk from influenza. But even more at risk if they become infected with COVID-19.

In one 2019 study of 1,726 patients admitted to hospital with influenza, 595 patients (34.5%) required ITU admission, and 224 patients (13%) died. Older age was identified as a major risk factor for death.

In a previous study, only 16% of those admitted to ITU with influenza B had had a flu vaccination.

The most serious risk would occur if you had flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

Having flu and COVID-19 at the same time is likely to be even more serious for your health

In a paper published in September 2020, by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) the authors calculated the risk of death from coinfection – with both influenza and COVID-19. People with both infections were more than twice as likely to die compared to those who had COVID-19 alone.

For people admitted to ITU who needed mechanical ventilation, being infected with both influenza and COVID-19 increased the risk of death more than six times.

The authors concluded there was a strong interactive effect between the two viruses.

Can Vitamin D help with Covid?

Older people are at more at risk from COVID-19

The fact older people are more at risk from COVID-19 infection has been known from early in the pandemic. This is probably because older people tend to have more comorbidities, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, raised cholesterol, obesity, and smoking. Older people also have a relatively weaker immune system.

…the greatest increase in rates of COVID-19  infection has been in the 55-64 year age group

Older people are more commonly becoming infected with COVID-19. Recently, scientists have noted the greatest increase in rates of COVID-19  infection has been in the 55-64 year age group, and in those aged 65 and over.

Having a flu jab means you are helping reduce pressure on the NHS

By having a flu jab you are helping reduce the pressure on the NHS and social care staff.

Did you know… having a flu vaccine:

• Reduces the need for a doctor’s appointment by 40%.
• Reduces admissions to ITU by 82%.
• In young children aged 6 months or less, having a flu jab reduces hospital admission by 41%, and reduces admissions to pediatric ITU by 50%.

Having flu jab can prevent a heart attack

When you have a flu jab, if you have cardiovascular risk factors, your risk of having a heart attack is reduced by 15-45%. Thus, having a flu jab offers a similar degree of protection from having a heart attack, for example, as taking statins – this reduces the risk by 19-30%,  or stopping smoking – this reduces the risk by 32-43%.

Here’s the reason why. Once you become infected with the influenza virus, your immune system is activated and your immune response  swings into action. There is a great outpouring of cytokines – molecules which are chemical messengers. Your body is now in a state of inflammation, meaning any existing pathology, for example, atheromatous plaques (fatty deposits) in your arteries are more likely to become dislodged or rupture, and there is an increased of thrombosis (blood clotting). Ruptured plaques and blood clots are the main cause of heart attacks and strokes.

If you have cardiovascular disease or risk factors, you are strongly recommended to have a flu jab and prevent this from taking place.

The British Heart Foundation strongly recommends anyone with cardiovascular disease has a flu jab.

If you have chronic lung disease, having a flu jab reduces the risk of your condition worsening, and the need for hospital admission

A recent 2017 literature review identified 48 studies of people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)  and flu vaccination. Although it was difficult to make a good comparison, because of the types of studies which exist, the authors concluded that having a flu vaccination does have a positive risk-benefit ratio for COPD patients.

The authors commented that older people tend to have weaker immune systems and that the vaccine stimulates the immune system.

Several studies COPD patients who had been vaccinated, had lower death rates due to respiratory exacerbations, than in those who had not.

Patients with COPD are strongly recommended by national and international authorities to have a flu vaccination.

Taskforce for Lung Health strongly recommend anyone with chronic lung disease has a flu jab.

If you are diabetic, having a flu jab has been shown to reduce your risk of hospital admission.

People suffering from diabetes have a significantly higher need for admission to hospital if they become infected with influenza and have a higher risk of complication, and death.

When they have the flu, many diabetics find their diabetes goes out of control and they require hospital care.

Diabetics respond well to the flu vaccination and achieve a good antibody response.

In one 2016 study involving 125.503 adults with type-2 diabetes, the risk of death from influenza, was 24% lower in diabetics who had had the flu vaccination compared to the risk of dying in those who had not.

Diabetics are strongly recommended to have a flu vaccination. Having a flu can keep you well and keep you out of hospital.

Diabetes UK strongly recommend anyone with diabetes has a flu jab.

If you have had a flu jab, you greatly reduce your chance of ITU admission

One 2018 New Zealand study reported that If you are admitted to hospital with flu, your prognosis is better, if you have had a flu jab in the past.  In this stud, those who had been previously vaccinated reduced their chance of needing admission to ITU by 59%, and their hospital stay was around 4 days shorter.

Final thoughts

There’s no beating about the bush – both flu and COVID-19 are serious infections. It’s surely preferably to take steps not to become infected with either one of them.

Interestingly, as we have seen here, experts believe that vaccination against the flu can also reduce your risk of a serious  COVID-19 infection.

Flu vaccination is safe, effective, free and easy to obtain. Don’t miss out on something which could help save your life.

By having a flu vaccination, you are also protecting those around you, many of whom may be older, vulnerable, or sick. The more people who have a flu vaccination, the less the flu virus can spread through the community.

It’s time to stop thinking about your flu jab and get it done. Don’t delay. Contact your GP practice now and find out how you can have a flu vaccination.

For more information

NHS – Flu vaccine

Gov.UK – The flu vaccination: who should have it and why

……………………………………………………………………

by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy

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The post All the reasons why you should definitely get a flu jab this year appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Yesterday Laurence Fox tweeted about how we should let cameras into hospitals. I expect he imagines that some kind of exposé will blow people’s minds. That we will see that the fear-mongering is all nonsense and hospitals are fine, with loads of empty beds. Bless him.

My father has been in the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton since the end of October. He’s not there because of Covid, but because he had open heart surgery, and then tumbled headlong into a hideous rabbit hole of cumulative complications.

I won’t give you chapter and verse of the last two and a half months; but in short, he contracted hospital-borne pneumonia, leading to congested lungs, infections that made him mad, kidney trauma, and coughing which broke his chest open again. Once he bust his chest open we entered a new circle of hell, which was repair work, internal bleeds, and secondary infections.

As we stand today he’s had seven operations and spent over a month on a ventilator. He’s been in the Cardiac Intensive Care (CICU) almost the whole time, and he’s critically ill. We might not get him back. It’s been a fun Christmas.

The rise in Covid cases changed everything at the hospital

…they needed more beds in the Cardiac ICU because the normal ICU was bursting with Covid patients

I expect when people think about whether there are enough beds in hospitals, they think of it in terms of counting bedframes and mattresses. I know I did. What I had absolutely no idea about was how Covid pressures affect the logistics of running the existing hospital infrastructure. Here’s a good example:

Dad was moved to a different ward when staff cautiously thought he might be improving. We were concerned he was moving out of CICU too quickly, but essentially it was a juggling act for them – they needed more beds in the Cardiac ICU because the normal ICU was bursting with Covid patients. Already a compromise, mixing patients like that, but no choice.

Once Dad was in the step-down ward, he was OK until a patient came in from another hospital, for the same reason, overflowing with Covid cases. This patient then tested positive for Covid on arrival at Brighton. What happens next in these cases is intense, when someone tests positive. Whether it’s a patient or member of staff.

Operation Cleanup

Everyone on that ward – that’s the patients, nurses, doctors, ACPs, cleaners… everyone who has come into contact with that patient – has to isolate. So that’s all those people off work for a minimum of seven days. The ward is marked Code Red. The remaining staff in those teams and departments immediately have to ramp up their already-probably-illegal hours to cover these absences.

The patients in that ward then get moved to other wards where there are Amber bays, and are put into isolation for 14 days. That means that all hospital staff that now come into contact with them have to wear full PPE. And many of these patients were already gravely ill. Now they face a possible infection too. Stay with me. There’s more.

Go back to the original ward, and they’ve now got to deep clean that ward and EVERYTHING IN IT. That’s all the beds, equipment, cupboards full of meds, nurses’ stations – just take a minute to think about that, and all the kit you see on any given hospital ward. They have to clean everything, every time this happens. And that’s with a load of your team at home isolating too.

And once that’s done, then they can mark the ward Green again, and take patients who are Covid negative from other parts of the hospital. The ward might not be entirely suitable for their medical purpose but that’s just tough right now. Everyone is doing their best.

Enjoying this article? You may like these interviews with famous faces about their lockdown experiences

This happens in every ward, every single time someone tests positive

Can you even imagine the work involved? Across a large hospital with multiple wards; imagine the juggling of patients. The massive loss of personnel. The cleaning. The time spent doing this instead of nursing. All of this is before they even start to think about where the standard gravely ill patients can go. What about the ICU departments where critically ill people are fighting for their lives WITHOUT Covid. What do you do? Put Covid patients in the bed next to them? No.

What about the ICU departments where critically ill people are fighting for their lives WITHOUT Covid. What do you do? Put Covid patients in the bed next to them?

Once Dad was moved out of the Red ward he went downhill again and ended up being whipped into emergency theatre for yet another chest bleed and infection. Once he came out of theatre the hospital had a dilemma.

He needed critical intensive care, but the entire Cardiac ICU ward was now Red, full of Covid patients. And he couldn’t go to the standard ICU because that had gone Green, and he was still Amber, still in his isolation period. They can’t risk putting him in with the other patients until he tests negative.

So they ended up having to isolate Dad, on a ventilator, in a separate bay, on a Red ward, until he passed a negative test. Not only was this unbelievably stressful for us – if he caught Covid he wouldn’t stand a chance now, it would kill him – but it also meant in order to keep him safe from the Reds, he was in a bay with four beds, on his own.

Ultimately he tested negative a couple of days ago and is now in a Green ICU ward (thank god). But that was four days of him essentially holding up four beds, in order for him to remain isolated from the Covid patients. And this happens a lot. The sliding puzzle they’re playing with the beds is mind-blowing.

This has been an eye-opener for me

Maybe you’re reading this and you’ve already realised this is how it must be. I know I had absolutely no idea. I imagined that you’d have Covid wards and non-Covid wards, and that would be it. Simple.

To a degree that’s true. But what I hadn’t factored in was the impact that rogue infections in other wards would make. Or the need to isolate both staff and patients. Nor had I thought about the relentless deep cleaning going on constantly, or the issues with having enough safe spaces for intensive care patients that don’t have Covid. Sometimes the numbers just don’t stack up, and you end up with insane compromises, like having my dad on his own in a four bed bay, just to keep him safe from Covid.

So next time you’re hearing that there are X number of cases, and Y number of beds, and possibly wondering why it’s such an issue, remember this. This is just a tiny insight into what’s happening in the hospitals and if you could see it firsthand, like I have, you’d be humbled. As for clapping for the NHS – it needs something much more robust than that to support it. But you can start by having a bit more respect Lozza.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post This is why Covid puts so much pressure on hospitals. An inside view. appeared first on Silver Magazine.

How can you make sure you have a safe staycation?

So your sun-drenched holiday overseas this year is looking a bit dicey, and you’re planning a staycation instead? Maybe you’re a bit nervous of flying, crossing borders, possibly even being quarantined on the way back. Or braced for a second wave, and keen not to get stuck abroad.

Regardless of the reasons, the term ‘staycation’ has seen a rise of over 350 per cent in search terms on Google since March. And Brits are saying a very definite ‘yes’ to UK holidays this year.

But do you know what you can and can’t do on your break away?

Holidays in the UK

The positives

Let’s look at the positives for holidaying in the UK first. Apart, of course, from the stress of traveling when there’s a potentially fatal virus doing the rounds.

Less hassle
Hi Firstly, you’ll avoid the hassle of international travel. This includes issues like jet lag, the flying process itself (ugh, security and check-in!), and the time spent traveling – you can lose a day each side of your holiday just in the airport and in the air. And yes, you might find yourself in a beautiful place, with a beautiful beach. But there are also beautiful places in the UK.

The UK is beautiful
You don’t need to go far to recharge the batteries; just having a change of scenery can work wonders. But there are astonishing places to visit in the UK – from the West Country to the Isles in Scotland, there’s breath-taking scenery, and plenty to do. And who doesn’t love a road trip? Or a train ride?!

It’s just as much of a break
It’s also much easier to take your bikes, the dog, meet up with friends… and frankly, just switching off your devices and having a digital detox is the best mental holiday you can give yourself, wherever you are. You don’t need to be on a far-flung trek to enjoy that.

Like this article? Read about Paul Tierney going backpacking in his 50s

Plan ahead for the holiday you want

If you’re the kind of person that likes peace and quiet, you’re going to need to think about where you’re going. We’ve all seen those horror photos from the beaches in Dorset and Brighton. If you’re looking to avoid this kind of crush, you need to do a bit of research. There are plenty more places around the UK that are more off the beaten track. But they’re going to take a bit of finding.

If you’re going to Dorset, off the back of the madness; Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council have actually launched their own app. It offers live reports on the crowdedness of their beaches, showing them red, amber, or green. You can download the app on Google Play or from Apple.

If you want something quieter, Airbnb could be a good place to start, looking for areas that are a bit less touristy. You can also message the hosts and ask them for the low-down ahead of booking, get some home-grown information. Also try calling local tourist boards in the areas you fancy, for a bit of local knowledge.

Masks and hygiene

As from 24 July, masks are going to be much more in use. If you’re thinking, like many people are, that it’s a bit ‘horse and stable door’, the main reason for introducing this now is because more vulnerable people are starting to come out of isolation as Covid rates drop. So it’s to protect them.

That’s people with cancer, chronic illnesses, asthma, the elderly, and so on. So do bear that in mind; it’s not a random decision.

You will need to wear a mask in shops, in transport hubs like stations (and airports, if you’re flying), and when traveling on public transport.

What to look out for in your hotel or venue

In terms of what you should expect from your destination venue or hotel, there are key things that you should look out for, to have peace of mind.

We can’t outline everything you need to check, because of the variety of different requirements in different locations. A hotel’s precautions, for example, is not going to be the same as a camp site. But there are certain things you can look out for.

Firstly, does it feel safe?
By that we mean is there clear information on the website, is their social media messaging up to date? Has the place taken the time to outline its plans and actions around safety?

If you’re struggling to find information about a place, and it relies on you having to do things like ring up and ask them, be wary. A professional, organised outfit will know that their customers need this information and will be prepared for this, making sure you feel safe and informed. Go with your gut instinct on this.

Is it clean?
At the very least, you will want to be sure everything is clean. How often are the rooms serviced; what measures are taken to keep communal spaces and toilets safe; how are they managing distancing in areas like restaurants, and so on.

How are the staff organized?
Also look for what measures staff are taking to stay clean, how they’re protecting food, how they’re ensuring their own PPE and avoiding cross-contamination. It sounds like a lot to think about, but as mentioned above, much of this ought to be laid out for you to study at leisure – before you visit.

Contact details
And be prepared for ‘track and trace’ activity. Most places are going to want your contact details – frankly if they’re not asking you, that’s a warning bell.

What about activities?

If you’re planning on swimming, or going bowling or visiting an attraction, etc, there will be rules in place for each of those venues too. If it’s not clear, you should call ahead and check the requirements (and their own safety measures!).

If you want to check what you might expect, you can see more information on this on the Gov website, covering what you can and can’t do.

What else should you think about?

Not everywhere is the same – check your destination for its own specific rules. The laws in Scotland, for example, are different to those in England.

Also, check your travel insurance. Does it cover illness – and if so, is Covid-19 included? What if you have to cancel? In fact, check all your cancellation policies. What if you can’t get to the hotel because one of you is ill, for example, or you can’t use your train tickets? Definitely research this.

Watch out for scams

Track and trace offers opportunity for scammers to harvest your contact details and personal data. So it’s be aware of what you actually have to give up to anyone asking for information.

All you need to give to anywhere is your name, address and a contact number or possibly email address – a point of contact. So be aware that genuine contract tracers will never:

• Ask for your financial information – such as bank details, or card details. There’s no need for that
• Ask you for any kind of PIN or password setup
• Ask you to call a premium number to register for any reason

Mostly, scammers working on track and trace cons will be doing this on the phone or online, not in person. If you’re worried that something doesn’t feel legitimate, you can report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting their website.

Finally, a few checkpoints before you set off anywhere…

Symptoms

We’re sure we don’t need to say this, but if you’re not well, STAY AT HOME! You could infect hundreds of people, possibly even kill them if you’ve got Covid-19, or flu.

Plan your journey

If you’re going a long way, think about how often you need to stop, and do this in the most responsible way possible. Can you take packed lunch, and pause in your car, rather than go in and out of pubs or petrol stations? Think ahead. Or try not to travel too far.

Pack a survival kit in the car/your suitcase or rucksack

In order to be able to take care of yourself, pack a little kit. Include a couple of masks, decent hand sanitiser, fresh water, hand wipes, plasters, tissues etc. Consider a spare battery pack for your phone, and a bit of cash. Hey, go crazy and chuck in a bar of chocolate. You never know!

Plan for your destination

Many hotels have different check-in procedures now. Restaurants have limited bookings and spaces. Things take longer to execute, so plan your timings accordingly. The days of flying into the hotel, checking in and flying out again to do something else are gone (at the moment). Allow for this.

Keep your distance

Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you’re suddenly safe. Keep on top of your distancing. Wear your mask. Don’t drink too many Tequila Sunrises and try to hug everyone. Try and keep your groups small, and contained. Be respectful of staff and other guests. And remember – KEEP WASHING YOUR HANDS!

For more information about safe holidaying around the UK, and what you can or can’t do check out the VisitBritain site.

www.visitbritain.com/gb/en/know-before-you-go

Carly Pepperell

Carly gets to do everything under the sun, including writing, editing, taking photos, creating stories, and swanning around at launches. She can down a glass of Prosecco without pausing for breath, and aims to be the youngest Pulitzer winner ever.

The post Have a safe staycation in the UK – the dos and don’ts appeared first on Silver Magazine.

As a huge cricket fan, working at Lord’s as a steward has more than its fair share of thrills. You’re at a world-famous ground, can watch the thrilling action and spot the sporting stars. But it takes its toll on your feet and stamina.

As a Yorkshire lass born into a cricket-loving family, that final over last July was just a few precious moments of nerve-shredding ecstasy, in the lengthening shadows at Lord’s. In that breath-taking World Cup final, England beat New Zealand in the very last delivery. After 48 matches played over six weeks around the country.

It was the most memorable ‘I was there’ moment – and I’ve witnessed my fair share of emotional sporting scenes. The difference was, on that historic day, 14 July 2019, I was actually paid to be there.

Since returning to England in 1999 after living in Asia for eight years, each summer I’d absorb the drama. Albeit in relative comfort. But this time I was peering at the action through a narrow gap in the railings, between yelling fans up on their feet and behind a concrete staircase…

The steward’s view at Lord’s

I was part of the action!

Instead of jeans and T-shirt, I was dressed in white collared shirt, bottle-green blazer, clip-on tie and sturdy black shoes. This was my second summer at Lord’s working as a steward for major matches – internationals and cup finals. At that moment, around 7pm, I embraced the occasion as much as the thousands of disbelieving fans when, in a moment of delight and ultimately confusion, English won their first-ever World Cup.

After Joffra Archer bowled the very final delivery and Martin Guptill was run out, England were declared winners

It wasn’t only the first time that England lifted the trophy. But also the first time that a team won after requiring a Super Over – a kind of tie-breaker or penalty shoot-out when the scores had been tied at the end of 50 overs. After Joffra Archer bowled the very final delivery and Martin Guptill was run out, England were declared winners. After a few moments of hideous uncertainty, by merit of scoring more boundaries.

Fluke? Maybe. An epic? Definitely. It was moments like this that made it worth the dawn alarm and long hours on my feet.

It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it

For any life-long cricket fan, you could say that a job at the sport’s global spiritual home is a dream come true. However it has its drawbacks, the obvious one being the pay: a stewarding shift pays just about minimum wage.

And it’s an early start – I was leaving home at a tough 5.40am to make my way by packed public transport (yes, even at that hour) to northwest London’s St John’s Wood, clocking-in for my shift at 7am. A 13-hour shift takes its toll on your feet and, on exceptionally hot days, you’re cursing that polyester blazer – unless your supervisor is understanding and allows you to ditch it.

The Upper Mound stand, one of seven stands stringing the circumference, is undoubtedly where I’d spend any large lottery winnings that might come my way (if I ever bought a ticket).

Sitting above the 24 corporate boxes are debenture seats. The priciest, best seats in the house overlooking the pristine pitch, bookended by the futuristic media centre and the Victorian pavilion. Home to Middlesex CCC since 1877 and hosting test matches since 1884, it’s seen plenty of sporting history and stars. From WG Grace and Don Bradman, via Viv Richards and Sachin Tendulkar to today’s heroes Ben Stokes and Joe Root.

The Pavilion at Lord’s

Every matchday at Lord’s, whether the world cup, test matches or domestic cup finals, there’s always an impressive roll-call of famous faces: players-turned-commentators, cricketers who had retired decades earlier, prominent TV stars.

There’s always a smattering of MPs and their families; David Cameron, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nigel Farage are Lord’s regulars. Sometimes it means smiling and saying ‘good morning’ through gritted teeth – part of the job, after all, is to be friendly and courteous to all, regardless of political allegiance – yours and theirs.

We’re very strict about dress code

A major part of the job in our section was to politely reprimand those who didn’t hit the strict dress code. This is different in each stand. Ours had some of the strictest rules – T-shirts and shorts, for example, were forbidden. Sometimes the job resembled being a nightclub bouncer and my slender five-foot frame wielded immense power.

But what about the perks? Thankfully there were regular breaks during hours of play. For me there was no better way to spend it than to race down the steps to find a spare seat in the lower stand to watch the action. The thwack of leather on willow will always epitomise summer for me, and it’s one of the best sounds ever.

Eclectic workforce and high-spirited camaraderie

You’d rarely find another workplace drawing in such a broad spectrum of backgrounds among the hundreds of stewards. I might be guarding the entrance with a single mum juggling several part-time jobs, checking tickets with a bank clerk or reprimanding an unruly section of spectators along with a retired police officer.

There’s a strong spirit of togetherness on the job, crucial to keep up morale on the most tiring of days. Fatigue takes its toll in the early afternoon, often when some spectators, buoyed up by booze, try to blag entry to the corporate boxes. They’ll try namedropping and insist that the host invited them.

Persuading guests to go home – even at 8pm, one hour after play has ended – would test the patience of a saint. Most guests have been drinking since 10am but they will insist that there is still booze to be finished.

By then, when we’ve been working for 13 hours, it’s the camaraderie of our colleagues that keeps us going until clocking out time. It’s not just the two teams playing each other on the pitch – the staff working there is the team with the strongest bond of all.

You want to be a steward?

First day at work!

When I applied for the steward’s job, after a friend forwarded me the link back in the winter of 2017, I had zero experience of the hospitality or entertainment industry. I was hoping that my love of cricket would compensate for that. My telephone interview was surprisingly straightforward: How would I handle a group of unruly spectators? What would I say to those trying to bring extra guests into the corporate box?

A training day in early March, along with around 80 other new stewards, taught us the basics. We learned how to use a fire extinguisher and how to spot someone trying to smuggle in illegal items. Which included flags and musical instruments. (Fans from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh were always entertaining with constant singing and dancing – sadly tabla drums were prohibited.)

We were taken through the emergency security alerts, highlighting that safety is paramount. We always have to be on high alert – while ensuring all fans have the best possible experience.

Crucial to the job is endless patience and stamina. And a constant smile on your face.

What will happen post-Covid19?

The stewards Head Office recently told us, “In terms of possible cricket at Lord’s, whilst the ECB announced on Friday that there would be no domestic and recreational cricket played until August 1st at the earliest. MCC is working closely with the ECB and the 18 first-class counties on a couple of plans to play a number of matches across a condensed period of time from August through until, possibly, October.”

The first test match – England v West Indies – was played on 8 July behind closed doors. Sports fans across the world are reluctantly accepting this new reality and perhaps prepare to watch action on TV.

We’re all looking ahead, hoping for better times and for life to return to ‘normal’. Next year’s fixtures, scheduled to begin in May 2021, provide a beacon of hope. I’m keeping my white shirts, sensible black shoes, and clip-on tie ready for that. Let’s hope that the drama will match last summer’s epic final.

More information about fixtures from the Lords website

Emma Levine

The post Behind the scenes. What’s it like being a steward at Lord’s? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Like probably everyone, my Facebook feed in lockdown was filled with jokes about people’s drinking habits. Hilarious memes and jokes about day drinking, and hangovers. But for many, the habit has stuck and it seems like a lot of people have still been drinking too much since lockdown.

For some people, it’s not a joke. It’s serious, and it’s dangerous. The lack of routine has meant that many are now facing worrying drinking habits that escalated over lockdown.

Maisie, aged 47*

Lockdown literally knocked my legs out from underneath me. I work in business development, and love my job, often out and about, meeting people. So for me to be suddenly locked down, doing no work (I was furloughed) and seeing nobody was a massive shock to the system. I felt totally lost.

I had hoped I would be able to carry on working. But my company felt at the start that it was bad form to be trying to develop new business when people were dying in their hundreds of thousands. They didn’t want to look bad. Fair play I suppose. Frustrating for me though.

Good intentions

I started out like loads of people – I was determined to use my furloughed time to improve myself. I signed up for Davina’s online fitness thing, and started to plan healthy meals. I’ve always been good at taking care of myself. I love making healthy food.

But I’ve also been the sort of person who likes a few drinks every night after work, as a reward or to let off steam. Sometimes on my own at home, a few wines while cooking dinner. But most of the time with other people, nice end to the day in a bar. Few large vodkas, maybe get a bite to eat, you know? I really missed that.

Becoming isolated

Once I didn’t have anything much to do during the day I found that my ‘rewards’ were getting earlier and earlier. I stopped even bothering to pretend I was exercising or whatever. I used to go for my one hour walk and then I’d be climbing the walls with boredom.

… once I stopped having to speak to people I was actually relieved. Now I could just drink all day

At the beginning I used to do Zoom things, you know, talk to friends. Do pub quiz things. Dress up even. But as time went by I just stopped joining in. Nobody really noticed – I guess everyone was just trying to deal with their own dramas. But that made me feel worse, the fact nobody noticed. Like, those people I used to go drinking with after work? Not one of them checked in on me.

I found that once I stopped having to speak to people I was actually relieved though. Now I could just drink all day if I liked, and not have to worry if I appeared to be pissed at 11am. I told myself it was funny, that once I went back to work I’d just go back to the old me again. But in reality I found my life and health starting to unravel.

Drinking stopped being fun

My drinking changed. At first it was a laugh, on my own at night playing music and drinking vodka and messaging people. I joined Tinder and spent ages on there chatting to men, it was fun. Then I started to feel like death the next day, and so I’d have a hair of the dog for breakfast before going out for my walk. I stuck sunglasses on and walked round the block in my pyjamas. I never thought I’d drink in the mornings but there I was. God knows what I must have looked like.

Once my days started to be messy like this I decided that the way forward was to get coke so that I’d get stuff done, like the housework or whatever. So then I was buying cocaine, doing that as well. And drinking even more. It didn’t help with anything.

I totally isolated. I couldn’t face talking to anyone at all, so I just shut myself away. People must have started to cotton on maybe, I got calls from friends then. But I would stare at the phone screen, crying, until it stopped ringing and I never picked up the messages. I still haven’t; I can’t face them yet.

My life was falling apart

As days and weeks passed I stopped washing or even bothering to get dressed. Ordered booze on Amazon so I didn’t have to go out and face people staring at me. I’d do all my interaction online and on social media rather than talk to people or do Zooms so they couldn’t see how bad I was. Bizarrely I still thought I was okay. I mean, I just thought as soon as things got back to normal, so would I. It’s shocking how quickly this all degenerated.

… the pain just kept getting worse. It didn’t even occur to me that maybe I should stop the alcohol

I had a wake-up call about six or seven weeks into this fiasco. I actually had liver pain, or maybe my pancreas or whatever, I don’t know. Pain down the right hand side of my body anyway. I tried to tell myself it was sugar, it must be the sweet stuff I was having with my vodka, because the pain started when I started drinking vodka and coke.

So I switched mixers, got diet tonic. But the pain didn’t go away so I bought some milk thistle tablets. But the pain just kept getting worse. It didn’t even occur to me that maybe I should stop the alcohol.

Turning point

Finally, one morning I woke up on the floor in the living room, in my own vomit. And I was covered in bruises – I still don’t know how I got them. I must have fallen over I suppose, but I don’t remember. And it was like I was seeing myself for the first time, like I was someone else looking at me? Does that make sense?

And it was at this point that I realised I had a problem. Because once I tried to stop, I found that I couldn’t. Or at least I could, but I was really sick and shaky and madly anxious, and the only thing that helped was having a drink.

I joined some Facebook sober groups and that helped. This was the start of what turned out to be a very short attempt at moderating. I’d manage it for a couple of days, just having a glass or two of wine like a normal person. But by day three there I was, waking up on the sofa staring at the table covered in empty glasses and cocaine and feeling like I’d been run over.

I got some help

I went to my GP first and told her what was going on. She was great, not judgy or anything, and she also gave me some sleeping pills and a few Valium for the first few days. They were amazing when I felt really ill.

I do know that I can’t drink safely at the moment. And I don’t know if I will ever be able to again

I joined a group called One Year No Beer, and that has been brilliant. I did the 28 day challenge and had loads of support from the others in the group, so I just kept going. I’ve learned to swap my drinks for alcohol-free alternatives. I still struggle with the idea that I might never be able to drink again, and think back to the person I was before lockdown. That makes me feel really sad. I was successful and fun.

But I’m trying not to think ahead too much and just take it day by day. I don’t feel safe enough to try drinking again. And I don’t know if I will ever be able to again.

I think before lockdown I was a big drinker, but it never consumed me like it does now. Being isolated and unhappy at home definitely changed something in me. I wonder if I’ll ever be the same again.

(Model)

Mike, 62*

I should have known it was going to be a time to be vigilant really. I’m not exactly a new kid on the block. I’m an alcoholic and up until recently I’d been successfully in recovery for over 15 years.

We have a saying in AA about the gift of desperation. I had that gift – I went there on my knees

My story isn’t particularly dramatic or outstanding, although it was obviously a huge deal for me. I was someone who was always fun to go out with, until I wasn’t fun any more. I used to get blackout drunk, pick fights with strangers. I’d come home and be sick or behave badly. Or sometimes not come home for days, just go on the missing list.

My drinking escalated over a number of years until I lost everything. My wife, the kids, my job. Even my driving license. We have a saying in AA about the gift of desperation. I had that gift – I went there literally on my knees. It was that, or chuck myself off Beachy Head. The only thing that stopped me doing that was the fact that I had kids.

I was so happy when I got sober

Once I’d got over my self-pity and got sober, life improved. Not instantly – I had to earn back love and trust. I found a new job, started to rebuild my life. I didn’t ever win my wife back, but at least the kids talk to me now. Or at least, they did.

Alcohol is cunning and baffling. And it creeps up on you when you’re not vigilant. You can never be complacent. But lockdown got me. I mean, alcohol got me really, but I have relapsed in lockdown and it’s made me realise just how important it is to stay connected.

Alcohol is cunning and baffling. And it creeps up on you when you’re not vigilant

I used to love going to the meetings. A big part of staying sober for me is going to the meetings. Once they stopped and people were doing them online, I lost interest. I don’t like doing online things, I feel really awkward. I honestly thought with so many years under my belt I’d be fine.

Turns out I’m not. I bought some beers on impulse, god knows why. And so I had a drink. I picked up that first drink.

The descent was slower than I thought it would be

I was alright for a while actually. It wasn’t like I drank one drink and fell straight into the jaws of Hell; it took some time. And in that time I thought I’d cracked it, I thought I was in control. But my drinking has gradually crept up and up. Now, it’s not unusual for me to crack through a bottle of scotch in a day, and beers too. And the self-loathing is back. I fucking hate myself.

My blood pressure, which had improved after I quit, shot back up. I do stuff like go on Facebook pissed, and pick fights with people, or have aggressive text exchanges with people. I don’t know until I wake up the next day and see what I’ve done the night before, cringing.

Thinking about alcohol consumes my every waking moment

What I’ve really noticed is how alcohol has completely taken over my life again, all my head space. That serenity I had in sobriety has gone. My head is filled with thoughts of drinking, not drinking, managing my drinking, counting drinks I’ve had, wondering if I’ve got enough to get through the night, wondering if people have noticed my behaviour, wondering what I did last night… God, it’s exhausting. And drinking stops that, blots it out.

That serenity I had in sobriety has gone. My head is filled with thoughts of drinking

What’s really disturbing now is memory loss. I don’t just mean when I’m out of it, I mean all the time. I plan my entire life around drinking – not seeing people before midday because I’m a wreck. And not seeing people after 3pm because there’s drinking to be done, hiding at home alone.

I know what I need to do. I’ve got to get there. I have to hand this over and get back in those rooms. Find my humility, get on my knees again and ask God for help. Because I can’t do this on my own.

If you’re worried about your own drinking:
Alcoholics Anonymous
DrinkAware
Alcohol Change UK

If you’re worried about someone else’s drinking:
Al Anon
Alateen (for younger members aged 12-17)

*Names have been changed. Stories as told to Sam Harrington-Lowe, Silver Magazine

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Wrecked lives and health issues. Are you drinking too much since lockdown? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

I can’t say I’m surprised, looking at the papers this morning. Did anyone really imagine the British public could be trusted not to behave like lunatics out there, particularly after a few drinks?

Soho London yesterday afternoon, 4th July

Of course it’s not everyone. There’s millions of people behaving perfectly reasonably, but for many, it’s evident that the easing of lockdown restrictions couldn’t have come soon enough.

Denied their right to go to the pub for three long months, ‘Super Saturday’ was for many a welcome return to getting out there to eat, drink and be merry again. But for many others, that prospect is pretty terrifying. For some, the idea of even leaving their own home – let alone visiting a bar or a restaurant – is the last thing on their minds.

I totally understand businesses are desperate to open again for the sake of the already severely damaged economy. But seeing the photos this morning, it’s unsurprising that people are worried about a second wave of infection, and maybe even a second lockdown.

Hazel Lindsay-Sturrock says, ‘I think it is too much too soon.’ Jen Andrew is equally concerned: ‘I don’t like staying in, but I wish people would listen to the advice and not be stupid. I would hate to have to go through all this again.’ Ray Bacchus agrees, saying firmly, ‘Nothing changes for me until Christmas’.

I wash my shopping down with bleach

Sometimes it’s hard to remember how we were all feeling back in late March, when everything changed so quickly, and how scary that felt. I know when I realised this thing was serious. I’d moved from feeling incredulous at what was happening, to someone who washed every damn thing that came through the front door. I didn’t want to go into shops, and I was frightened of walking behind people, breathing in their breath.

KriszTina Patchett felt the same. ‘They were frightening times indeed, but we quickly adjusted. We did the sensible things like wearing a mask (reusable, made by a local lady) and gloves if necessary. I started washing all my shopping down with bleach when I got home. It just seemed like the right thing to do. I might keep on doing it for a while – it’s shocking how much muck and dirt comes off it.’

Slowly getting used to it

For me personally, as time passed, I got less paranoid. I refused to live in fear. I relaxed enough to order in delivery food, and walk the dog in busier areas, and I just took care. But I was astounded at how many people didn’t seem to be taking things seriously.

As human beings we need to be with others. We are social by nature

Honestly, it was mostly much older people, wandering around in shorts in the sun, chatting and behaving like it was a bank holiday. Real oldiewonks seemed to be the worst! Which was confusing, as they are definitely more at risk. What’s that about? Are they just in denial? Maybe they don’t understand what they’re supposed to do. Surely that can’t be right.

‘I do feel like my three-and-a-half-year-old daughter understands the lockdown rules better than some grown-ups,’ says KriszTina Patchett, clearly disheartened by the level of selfishness on display. ‘I hate the world today,’ she says, ‘I hate how people have become super-ignorant and thoughtless.’

Hard as this behaviour can be to accept, it’s nevertheless understandable, says Michelle Mrsd. ‘As human beings we need to be with others. We are social by nature and being shut away is unnatural for us. This is why so many people are breaking the distancing rules at the moment. Yes, people are behaving selfishly by meeting in large groups and in some cases acting in what is considered to be out of order. But this has always happened when people are restricted and restrained against their will.’

Enjoying this article? You may like these interviews with famous faces about their lockdown experiences

‘I’ve hated lockdown’

Even among those who have stuck to the rules throughout lockdown, there’s now a strong desire to get back to normality as quickly as possible. ‘I’ve absolutely hated lockdown,’ admits Michelle Mrsd, who is clearly ready for the new normal. ‘I couldn’t wait to get back to work. I’ve missed friends and family and being able to socialise. I can’t wait to resume some kind of normality – although I’m obviously concerned about the consequences too.’

Will there be money for pensions in years to come?

Jill Hendry is a hairdresser and is excited to get back to the salon. ‘I can’t wait to see my clients, although I’m worried about wearing all the extra PPE in the middle of summer…’

As a keyworker, Marta Guimaraes has worked throughout lockdown. ‘I’m happy with some kind of normality on the horizon,’ she says. ‘I’m worried about the economy, and wondering if I will be able to retire at all. Will there be money for pensions in years to come?’

Anxious about a second wave

Rates of Covid-19 admissions to hospitals are currently on a downwards trend. But, more importantly, the percentage of those patients dying is also improving. We’re either getting better at treating this coronavirus, or the virus itself is changing, becoming less deadly. Possibly both. But that’s of little comfort to some of our readers, who can’t understand why restrictions are being lifted so quickly.

Either we didn’t need to close down or money has now taken over as a priority

A lot of us are feeling incredibly anxious about there being a spike in new coronavirus cases following the relaxing of rules this weekend. ‘I’m not looking forward to going back to a pre-lockdown way of life,’ says Carol Liptrot. ‘I’m scared it’s not safe. We lost my dad to the virus at Easter and it’s been incredibly difficult to deal with.’

‘I genuinely don’t see how we can close down the world for three months and then make everything normal again when people are still dying in their thousands on a daily basis,’ says Sue Walsh. ‘Either we didn’t need to close down or money has now taken over as a priority.’

‘I’m feeling anxious about the lifting of some restrictions,’ says Ann Atkins Grant. ‘We need to use our common sense and I hope that people will respect my space.’

‘Let’s just hope that history won’t repeat itself (look at what happened with Spanish flu) and that this virus will disappear as quickly as it came,’ warns KriszTina Patchett. ‘Because good luck getting the Brits back under lockdown…’

‘I’ve loved lockdown’

So would it really have been so bad to have had a longer lockdown period? For many of our readers, lockdown has actually brought a great deal of positivity to their lives. Homes have become welcome sanctuaries. Families have been brought closer together. People have taken advantage of having more time to focus on their health and wellbeing, finding new ways to relax and entertain themselves.

I’m now the lowest weight I’ve been in 20 years, and the fittest I’ve been since I was in my 20s

‘I’m loving lockdown; I’m in no rush for it to end at all,’ admits Amanda Ettridge. Firstly, I’m working from home full-time, whereas I usually commute to London, so I’m financially better off, but I also have far more time to myself. With the extra time, I’ve been able to concentrate on eating healthily and getting plenty of exercise. I’m now the lowest weight I’ve been in 20 years, and the fittest I’ve been since I was in my 20s.’

Jill Hendry has also used the time to get into healthy eating habits and do more exercise. ‘In June I signed up to a charity’s 10,000 steps a day challenge to keep me focused,’ she says.

Those with family at home have reaped rewards from the unexpected – and in most cases unprecedented – bonus time together. ‘I’m lucky to have one of my daughters living with me, along with her three little ones,’ says Carol Liptrot. ‘We’ve baked, made models, made dens and discovered a shared love of gardening. I bought a tent, a paddling pool and a BBQ for a holiday at home. I’ve learned patience and tolerance. I’ve laughed and cried, and listened to the dawn chorus more than once.’

KriszTina Patchett views this extra time as a gift, enabling her to do things she wouldn’t otherwise have done. ‘I’m making the most of this time off work with my family, working on much-needed home improvements. We’ve decorated and planted vegetables, keeping little hands busy and entertained.’

Don’t forget to be kind

People have really missed their loved ones, and lots of you are craving human contact, hugs, and so on. But it’s largely felt to be a reasonable price to pay for not spreading the disease.

‘I still see friends and family – socially distanced of course – and I do find it hard not being able to give them a hug,’ says Amanda Ettridge. ‘But as I have so much more time and energy now, I probably see more of them than I did before lockdown!’

Lockdown has been tough mentally but I have loved the peace and quiet

Then there are the much-celebrated benefits that lockdown has brought to the world around us.

‘It has been wonderful not to have noise, smoke and light pollution,’ says Tracey Ann. ‘Lockdown has been tough mentally but I have loved the peace and quiet.’

KriszTina Patchett feels the same. ‘Nature needed this break from us humans the most,’ she says. ‘Look at what’s happened with the easing of lockdown. As soon as we’re “let back outside”, we leave tons of rubbish behind on the beaches. It is hard to watch the world crumble away around us.’

I don’t know about anyone else but I totally expected to see the parties in the streets yesterday. And I believe that loads of people are ready for the new normal! People will be people – and Boris Johnson was right about one thing. There’s a limit to the amount of time people have taken lockdown and safety really seriously. But it seems there’s a widespread feeling of loss as the ‘new normal’ kicks in.

As Janey Jay puts it, ‘I just want everyone to go back home, and for the rainbows, clapping and kindness to return. #nostalgicalready’

For Govt advice on coronavirus

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Is the UK really ready for the new normal? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

When did you first know this was going to be a big deal?

It was when the conversation started about the kids having to leave school. And the possibility that GCSEs weren’t going to go ahead. Yeah, I think that was absolutely the moment. My daughter came home quite distressed about the idea that this thing that she’d studied for for years was going to be potentially cancelled. That was the moment for me.

What was the first concession you made to the pandemic?

I think it was just my social life, or just… Oh no, do you know what it was? It was a press night at the theatre. And I love a press night, because they’re free theatre tickets essentially. So I let them know that I wouldn’t be able to go; and this is before we’d actually locked down. But because I’d heard about it being transmitted and so on, it was like, “Do you know what? I don’t want to go. I don’t want to go to sit in a theatre with loads of different people.” And so yeah, it was turning down free theatre tickets!

Did you panic shop?

Yes. I remember exactly where I was when I put in my Ocado order. We’d had a big weekend away with friends and we were sat having a huge Sunday lunch. And someone got a text through going, “Listen, this is really serious. You need to stock up at home.” And I put my Ocado ordering and I must admit, I bought 12 toilet rolls before everyone was kind of panic buying those. Luckily I did only order 12, so I didn’t feel so bad about that afterwards. But yeah, I got straight on the online shopping when you could still do that through an app.

Who is in your house?

In my house are myself, my husband Jason, my 16 year old daughter Luna, my 13 year old daughter Missy, and my dog Smith.

Do you even get dressed any more?

I get dressed every single day. Every single day. I have not bowed down to that. I mean, I’ve been working out quite a bit. So I do sometimes wake up and put on leggings and work-out stuff. But yeah, I get dressed every single day.

I think when you’ve got the kids around, well, you can’t be seen to be giving in. I want it to give the girls routine, I wanted to give them structure. It’s important to give them something to get up for, in order keep them healthy in mind and in body. So yeah, every day we’ve woken up to an alarm apart from on the weekends and worked out, done school work, or gone on a big walk with the dog. But we’ve kept active. And I would say that that leads into the next question…

How are you stopping yourself going mad?

How am I stopping myself from going mad? By doing that structure and routine. Filming has also helped because that’s meant that I have a job. But trying to just see the positives of the situation… that’s stopped me from going mad, I think.

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done in lockdown?

Naughtiest thing I’ve done in lockdown is having people over. Six people in my garden a couple of days before we were supposed to. So it was meant to happen on the Monday and we had people over on the Saturday. Yeah, I expect the police to come and knock on my door any minute now. Just didn’t see what the difference 48 hours would make. We stuck to the rules and everyone came, we kept the two meters apart, but just didn’t understand why I could do it the Monday, but not do it the Saturday.

If you could be locked in with any three people, living or dead, who would they be. And why?

I would be locked down with my two best friends Lisa Faulkner and Nicholas Stevenson, and Michelle Obama, because I just think she’s incredible. Michelle Obama is all right as well. Yeah. I wish I could be locked down with my two best friends. I’ve got to say. And I think we’d get on really, really well.

What ‘normal’ thing have you missed the most?

Oh, it’s getting on the Tube. I missed the Tube. As a northerner, living in London I think the Tube’s amazing. I can’t believe you can get so far so quickly. And I used it so much before lockdown and I miss it massively. In fact, public transport altogether because now we’re a taxi service to having to take our kids to see friends and stuff like that. So I hate being a taxi driver. I love public transport.

Have you picked up any bad habits?

I don’t think I’ve picked up any bad habits. I think it’s all just been dead positive for me. Maybe playing on computer games, is that a bad habit? I don’t think it is. I think it’s a way of winding down, a stress relief. But I suppose some people would think that was a bad habit. I really love playing on my PlayStation four and my Nintendo Switch.

What have you enjoyed in lockdown that you’ll keep doing once it’s lifted?

Playing on the PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch. I will continue waking up at a normal time during the week, even if I haven’t got a job. I will eat lunch and dinner with all my family as often as possible and make the dinners as special as what we have been doing.

We’ve really loved being in the kitchen and having little themed nights, whether it be takeaway night or Mexican night, Spanish night or whatever. We’ve really made our meals occasions and I really, really wants to keep that up. Oh, I’ve just remembered. I found a bad habit, drinking! Drinking every single night. That’s a really bad habit and I will stop that once we come out of lockdown. And exercising every day, even if it’s just for like 15, 20 minutes. Yeah, I think I’ll definitely try and keep that up.

Are you doing any volunteering etc?

I’m not doing any volunteering, no. I’m volunteering to be my daughter’s teacher. Does that count?

What music takes your mind off the crisis?

TikTok music takes my mind off the crisis. God it gets played in our house so bloody much, that every time I hear it, I just can see the moves in my head. So yeah, TikTok music absolutely takes my mind off the crisis!

What’s the first silly thing you’re going to do the minute the restrictions are lifted?

Oh, what am I going to do? I mean, I just want to cuddle my friends. I’ve got to say, I’m desperate to cuddle my friends. I think that that’s the only thing I’ll do is probably get on the Northern line at High Barnet and ride it all the way to the other end and back again. Just enjoy public transport.

Dun Breedin is a lockdown comedy hitting all the punchbags that women of a certain age would like to smash! Catch all the Dun Breedin’ episodes here

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post My Corona – Angela Griffin appeared first on Silver Magazine.

When did you first know this was going to be a big deal?

Arriving in Bangkok Thailand on a DJ tour to an unwelcoming demand for fingerprint scans. Which is where thousands of people place their hands on the scanners entering the country. The unhygienic touch scanners was a newly introduced biometric system, and there was no offer of hand sanitizer. Fortunately I brought my own.

Everybody was wearing face masks, and there were temperature-checking scanning areas at the airport. Week or so later whilst in the gym I watched a BBC World news report from Wuhan China. People being dragged terrified from their homes with force by the Authorities. Then it felt big.

What was the first concession you made to the pandemic?

Spent a few days cooking food to freeze individual isolation portions for a couple of months’ supply. Also over-stocked wine in survivalist mode!

Did you panic-shop and if so, what did you get?

I chose not to join the ridiculous toilet roll panic buying shopping frenzy; what a complete absurdity. Just stocked up with regular trips to the local shops for more wine (see above!) and 90% coco dark chocolate stockpiling. Which is far more important and satisfying.

Do you even get dressed any more?

Yes. I’ve made regular trips to the Co-op in Richard James’ latest collection. The local Co-op has become the social high point of my day!

How are you stopping yourself going mad?

Some days are better than others right now, and a sanity test for most of us. I’ve taken up the Wim Hof (The Ice Man) cold water method. Plunging into the cold English Channel daily, which helps by stepping out of one’s headspace and comfort zone for 15-20 mins.

Invigorating, meditative, and state changing. Great for the immune system and wellbeing. I now doing open water swimming on a daily basis.

The first weeks of this lockdown were and continue to be difficult for many of us, losing our work, business and incomes.

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done in lockdown?

Sorry to disappoint nothing naughty at all! Just cannot wait for this storm to pass, and all storms pass in time, better days ahead.

If you could be locked down with any three people (living or dead) who would they be and why?

Certainly wouldn’t choose any dead people – you wouldn’t get much out of them in terms of conversation. Bob Proctor, the leading self-development teacher. DS Ollie Olerton to get my personal fitness motivation mindset back on track. Chef buddy Jason Atherton to cook and teach new cooking skills. Jason’s isolation cooking at home videos on Instagram are very inspiring.

What ‘normal’ thing do you miss the most?

Saturday night DJing in clubs, gym HIIT classes, London, restaurant dining. And pints in the pub with friends, as drinking beer at home isn’t as enjoyable. Socialising, tabbing on the Seven Sisters and the Welsh mountains. Not having to walk six feet away from others. Shaking hands, and a hug.

We are living in very strange times right now. I miss waking up with vigour each morning. Rather than the stark uncertain reality of another episode of the Covid 19 sci-fi Orwellian reality show that we’re living in at present.

What new habits will you keep?

Created a new radio podcast of the Lovegroove dance party streamed on Mixcloud. Written more content for my book. Taken a break from the noise and distraction of Facebook to read more books, learn study and plan work income solutions. I will certainly also be continuing cold water therapy.

Are you doing any volunteering etc?

Blood donation. I’m also campaigning supporting www.forgottenltd.com and www.ntia.co.uk  #savenightlife

Which piece of music takes your mind off the crisis?

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life by Monty Python. Some days I just play this song on repeat, and sing along and smile.

What’s the first thing you’ll do the minute the restrictions are lifted?

Go and visit my son Claudio in London, and my mother in West Sussex. We are all missing seeing our family and friends.

Check out the Shoom London website
Picture credit Joe Meijer
Danny Rampling on Mixcloud

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post My Corona – Danny Rampling appeared first on Silver Magazine.

When did you first know this was going to be a big deal?

Well not when my husband said ‘this is going to be bad’ and I ridiculed him. I hate it when he’s right so don’t tell him! I still find it surreal.

What was the first concession you made to the pandemic?

Hair dye….I’ve got roots on my roots.

Did you panic-shop?

Hair dye! Well I tried but everyone had run out! I’m not ashamed. If anyone has a sneaky stash I’ll pay top dollar!

Who is in your house?

A menopausal woman (me) and two hormonal teenage girls. My very patient and understanding husband, and our dog Striker who is LOVING this. It was a High Noon moment when we realised we were going to be trapped together, but actually it’s been relatively drama free. Famous last words.

Do you even get dressed any more?!

Nope. I’m doing this naked.

How are you stopping yourself going mad?

Drinking. Eating. Writing. Walking. Filming. Wanking. I try to mix the order up every now and then.

If you could be locked down with any three people (living or dead) who would they be and why?

Tallulah Bankhead, Mae West, Ru Paul. Something for everyone!

What ‘normal’ thing do you miss the most?

Hugging. The pub.

What have you done during lockdown that you’ll keep doing once it’s lifted?

Writing for sure. Social distancing from wankers.

Are you doing any volunteering etc?

The writing project I’m doing Dun Breedin’ is linked to the Trussell Trust which is a charity connecting a network of food banks. Even if you can’t afford a money donation you can volunteer or fundraise. Unfortunately they are now a front line service during this lockdown.

What’s the first silly thing you’ll do the minute the restrictions are lifted?

I think I’ll go to the park and have a go on a swing! Kids look out!

Julie Graham has written and is performing in Dun Breedin’ – a lockdown-created, comedy, menopausal, rip-roaring sitcom showing every Thursday on Youtube.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post My Corona – Julie Graham appeared first on Silver Magazine.