On Sunday night the Queen addressed the nation. I hope her message of calm at a time of real fear and concern will have brought encouragement, reassurance and comfort to many during this difficult time of isolation.
In her address the Queen talked of “self discipline” and I would like to thank all of those who are following the Government guidance, as is vital.
As the Spring weather improves the temptations to break the rules increase but it is vitally important that we continue to observe the NHS guidance. Failure to do so really can cost lives. The NHS, every individual nurse and doctor, needs us to work with them.
Sticking to the rules will be especially poignant this weekend as it would ordinarily have involved seeing family, partaking in Easter egg hunts and for many the Passion Play in Carfax and attending Easter church celebrations were something to which they were looking forward. For me Easter would usually mark the start of a succession of school and village fetes, part of a regular pattern of life which we will all miss.
One can still however find ways to celebrate Easter and enjoy this time with those who are significant to us. We live in an age where technology has made us more connected than ever before. We are incredibly fortunate that we can video call our families and friends, that we can live stream a church service to our front rooms and that we can join in with Easter events online, such as the Rotary Club of Horsham’s online “Easter Hat Competition”.
I know technology does not replace the real thing of being able to be with family and friends. However, it is important to remember that just as Easter marks new life and new beginnings, this challenging time in all of our lives will come to an end and there will be a new beginning for us all.
It is important to remember the words of hope with which the Queen finished her address on Sunday “We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families; we will meet again”.
