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    Cancer Research - First Day Back!

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    First day back at Cancer Research today, after a four-month break. It was great to see so many familiar faces and although the 'new normal' prevented us from working in exactly the same way we were used to, we did our best to carry on as best we could. It was good to know fiends and colleagues hadn't changed a bit, each with their own lockdown story to tell, but like me, everyone was pleased to be back, making money for Cancer Research UK!

    All of us have different reasons for volunteering; for many spending time with others is important, especially if they live alone. Cancer Research promotes friendships and encourages volunteers to form bonds, that they wouldn't otherwise have had. COVID-19 put a stop to social interaction and many of my colleagues have spent the last sixteen weeks alone. Coming back to this little shop in Portsmouth, has once again given them the confidence to express themselves in the company of others, something sadly missing in all our lives until recently. Getting back to the way things were isn't going to be easy, but tiny tentative steps should help, as all of us begin the process of once again reconnecting with others!

    I am thrilled to be back with some truly wonderful co-workers, who I have dearly missed. I am known for calling Cancer Research my 'Happy Place,' because that is exactly what it is. It boosts my sense of self-worth and gives me something to look forward to each week, able to chat with companions and make money for a cause I champion. It feels fantastic to be home - the first place I started working when I returned from Spain and a part of my life I will always hold dear!
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    Welcome Home Mollie!

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    Mollie has arrived from Australia, where she has been for the last two years. Like most of our personal belongings she was shipped to Perth when we left Spain in 2018 and that is where she stayed. I asked Darrell if he would post her several weeks ago as my life isn't the same without her. This grand old lady has travelled  with both of us, all over the World and I thought it was about time she came back home.

    The truth is, Darrell and I haven't decided where we want to stay long term, but it looks likely to be somewhere in Europe, when this Pandemic is finally over, so Mollie would have to return to this part of the World one day. She was one of the few possessions I kept when we left our home in Gran Alacant, and she is a big part of my life, containing many memories.
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    This is the picture I commissioned when the actress Mollie Sugden died. She was the lady I grew up with on the television set, as I sat down to watch 'Are You Being Served' with my Mother in the 1980s. Of course, it wasn't until later I understood much of the meaning behind the comedy that was a part of the show, but that didn't stop me laughing at sketches that still resonate today.

    Like most comedy shows of the 1970s and 80s, they weren't particularly politically correct and would never be instructed today, but 'Are You Being Served' echoed a different Age, that seemed far more innocent than now. Mollie was an actress who never failed to make me laugh and a house full of laughter is the most important aspect to life. Happiness at times of stress and upheaval is the key to success, which is why Mollie is home where she belongs!
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    Photographs of Hope - Family Toast!

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    Inspirational photographs at a time of crisis, creating positivity for the future!

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    We've been doing our family toast for ten weeks now, throughout the duration of the first wave of this pandemic, and like most families we have done our best to keep in touch, despite the difficult circumstances. I still haven't seen all of my relatives, even now, because I don't want to put anyone at risk.

    The last time I saw my Father, was in January of this year. It has been hard not seeing him, especially at this time, but I don't feel it is appropriate quite yet. I work in Tesco, a pub and have a voluntary job with Cancer Research, all of which are customer facing roles.  I come into contact with many members of the public daily, that's a lot of people; so I really don't want to put my Father or any other member of my family at risk unnecessarily. I do speak to Dad every week, and he seems to be in good spirits, but this is also a lonely time for him and all of us who are separated.

    This week we were able to welcome back Aunty Sue, to our family toast, after a few weeks away. Sue hasn't been feeling on top form recently and decided to take a break. To be honest I don't blame her; there were times I wish I could have just disappeared for a while, hoping this year would just go away, but to no avail. Aunty Sue hasn't been too well and having to shield for weeks on end has taken its toll on her, but fighting fit as ever, she has returned, joining in the weekly toast!

    I was reading an article online this morning, talking about living with Coronavirus long term. It looks like it will be awhile before we can all get back to normal and enjoy life as it used to be. Until then, we will have to continue making the best of this situation; our weekly toast will be here for a while yet, which is no bad thing. Family up and down the country are coping remarkably well and all of us have used our ingenuity to focus on the relationships that remain important, despite the distance between us. I guess sometime next year, we will all be able to hug each other once again; until then we have our weekly toast to one another, showing everyone, no matter where they are, that we continue to care about them and lives we share!
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    Bosnia Herzegovina - The Majesty of Mostar!

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    Visiting Bosnia in 2014, was the highlight of my stay in the more recognised state of Croatia. This relatively new country was formed in 1992, after the Bosnian public voted to break away from the old Yugoslavia, shortly after the Communist eastern block nations began to crumble. Between 1992 and 1995, war raged in the region following the vote for independence. Bosnian Serbs supported by the new Serbian Government and the Yugoslav Peoples Army fought to secure the country. This was a war that split families, saw the death of thousands through ethnic cleansing and perpetuated the shelling of towns and cities. As we drove along the Dalmatian coast towards the Bosnian boarder, I felt apprehensive, not knowing what to expect, after all this was a country still recovering from conflict; conjecture ran riot inside, as we entered this undiscovered land.

    Mostar was our destination, the fifth largest city in the country, named after the 'Mostari' or bridge keepers, who guarded the world-famous 'Stari Most,' or old bridge, over the river Neretva. This 16th century bridge was our destination, one of the most important landmarks in Bosnia. It is a physical crossing between the Islamic and Christian halves of the city. This is a place where East literally meets west.

    I was struck by the wounds that still litter this city. Standing outside the Gimnazija Mostar, looking around the vast open space before me, I was overwhelmed by the number of ruined, derelict buildings, left as a reminder of the Bosnian War. Much of the destruction had been replaced by new, modern structures, well-kept and looked after, but there were however mnemoric reminders of a traumatic past. Badly bombed tectonic shells, daubed with bullet holes, shrapnel damaged and adorned with gaping holes. It was a rather eerie scene, that constantly reminded one of this great cities recent past, a memorial to a time before the conflict. I'm not sure whether these were left as a permanent aide-mémoire or just left untouched, undeveloped from twenty years prior, but it certainly brought home the nature of Mostar and the history that still lived on  in the architecture that protrudes around every street corner!

    Walking through the Islamic sector of the city, you could be forgiven for thinking you are in Marrakesh or Algiers. We passed through a number of small souks, as we walked around the historic cobbled streets. Beautifully made handicrafts, herbs and spices punctuating the air, Arabic jewellery, ceramics and carved wooden mementos. This is how I imagined the Islamic World to be, and I wasn't disappointed.

    We sat in a small traditional Turkish kahve dükkanı and had some thick home ground coffee. As I looked out across the narrow street towards the market stalls beyond, absorbing the atmosphere, sights, sounds and smells of the emporium, I noticed the locals, traditionally attired in Islamic dress, young children playing happily with friends and the odd tourist bartering with a stallholder; all this in complete contrast to the war that left its mark on Mostar. After a spot of shopping and some photographs on the bridge we headed towards the Christian side of the city; the feel was distinctly European. Islamic treasures were replaced with more familiar western postcards, religious icons and cafés selling alcohol. Once again we stopped, this time for a much-needed ice-cold beer and a glass or two of wine, followed by an evening meal in a restaurant tucked neatly away behind a tree covered court yard, a welcome break from the searing Balkan heat.

    Mostar is a beautiful city, despite being disfigured by war. I felt relaxed and safe walking around its streets and have many fond memories, spending time with family, surrounded by hundreds of years of history. This Balkan gem unfamiliar to most, will most certainly be a tourist destination of the future. The breathtaking views were a reminder of my travels in Italy and like Sorrento and the Amalfi coast, I fell in love with Mostar and the life it encapsulates. Despite my British credentials, I will always be a European at heart; the freedom to travel unhindered at will, is important to my sense of well-being. Visiting Bosnia, even briefly, was a life-changing moment and one I hope to repeat; seeing more of this magical, inspirational, historic region deep in the heart of Europe, as it comes of age, is a journey for another day!
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    Cancer Research Returns!

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    Cancer Research reopened today, after closing its doors nearly four months ago, just before the pandemic took hold in the UK. I will be returning to my voluntary job next week, but wanted to pop into the shop today, to see what measures are in place when I finally start on Monday morning. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised  at how organised everything was. By their very nature, charity shops, create the feeling of cluttered disorder, so working in such an environment will be yet another challenge to overcome in the age of COVID.

    I stayed for about an hour chatting to Zerina and Sam, as they navigated this new World, which remains alien to them on their first working day. Of course, having worked for Tesco for the last four months during the height of the virus, I am well-used to the social distancing measures in place to protect staff and customers; Cancer Research have done well to get everything ready and in place for the reawakening today.

    It was great sat talking with Zerina once again, having only spoken to her on the phone; I have always enjoyed her company and as with the Newcome on Saturday, it felt like I had never been away. She was her usual jovial self  and realistic about the difficulties ahead. My biggest concern is accepting donations from the public and what procedures are in place to limit exposure to any potential danger. By next Monday, I will be working in three front facing, customer orientated roles and that leaves me at a higher risk than most, so anything that can be done to protect me at this time is important. I am a natural worrier who suffers with anxiety, so reassurance and peace of mind are mandatory to my sense of well-being!

    All donations will be stored for 72 hours before being displayed in the shop, in case of any contamination. There are of course gloves, masks and visors, should I need them and like most other establishments, a one way system is in place. I feel confident enough to return and once again next week and want to play my part at this crucial time. Too much Cancer research has been put on hold and with a lack of income, charities have suffered more than most, so as someone who has volunteered for many years, I feel it is right to continue to help raise funds, for a cause that is dear to my heart.

    I would like to wish everyone at the shop the best of luck for the future, and look forward to playing a small role in the perpetual success of this friendly shop, at a time when the World needs all the help it can get!

    Stay safe everyone!
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    First Night at The Newcome!

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    It was back to work at The Newcome last night, as the pub opened once again. After 104 days of closure the doors were finally opened and with restrictions in place we all welcomed back our customers into the fold.

    I was nervous at what to expect, but with so many familiar faces I soon felt very much at home. After nearly four months away everyone had changed in looks - Big hair and even bigger stomachs. In some cases, others had even lost weight, looking fitter and trimmer, using lockdown as a springboard to exercise and lose a few pounds. It was strange to see everyone after such a long period of time, but within half an hour, it was like I had never been away!

    The evening went well and the locals came out in force to support the pub. I am still very apprehensive given the circumstances we all still find ourselves in. The virus is still circulating in the community and all of us need to remain circumspect going about our daily lives.

    Listening to the news this morning, it seems the antisocial behaviour, that alcohol consumption breeds is well and truly back and that really makes me sad. At a time when the country should be pulling together, to fight Coronavirus, the usual suspects are out and about causing mayhem, drinking heavily and fighting in the streets. My biggest fear when lockdown ended was this kind of thing happening once again; infection rates will rise and deaths will surely follow. The number of fatalities in this country are still in the hundreds, while the rest of Europe seems to have the outbreak under control, that is most concerning of all.

    I will always do what I have to, to keep safe and continue to follow the social distancing regulations. I can't say that everyone else is doing the same. Working in a public house is high risk, and it is easy to see why. Drunken customers can find it impossible to socially distance, which is why all members of staff must make it even more of a priority and remove repeat offenders. These are only the first tentative steps towards the new normal, but they are big steps in the life of The Newcome Arms. The next few months will determine the shape of COVID-19 in Britain and all of us hope we don't see a spike in the coming weeks. If we want to get through this, we will have to do so together, helping one another and always, yes always doing the right thing!
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