VE Day!

On Friday all the staff at Tesco celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day. All major national events had been cancelled due to Coronavirus, so our two resident performers, who are usually on stage at the Kings Theatre, Zoey and Rachel, put on another great show for all our customers and staff to enjoy.

Such an important anniversary would normally be celebrated up and down the country with street parties, and large events attended by dignitaries, but with COVID-19 wreaking havoc across the World and gatherings of more than two people banned, it became a rather personal affair, with neighbourhoods trying their best to mark this important date. Social distancing street parties, singing 'We'll Meet Again' on doorsteps and flying the Union flag as a sign of respect, became the 'new normal' way to remember the sacrifices my Grandparents generation made in World War II, ensuring we all enjoy the freedoms we have today.

A few friends from the Newcome Public House where I work during ordinary times, were also out celebrating as best they could, doing their best to stay socially distanced from each other and enjoying the beautiful weather. There were many such functions across Britain yesterday and the festivities did feel very different to previous national occasions.

Seeing these six sat in the street brought home, just what COVID is doing to communities. In usual circumstances, all of us would be toasting our armed services in the pub, instead we are all separated and isolated from the ones we care about most. I preferred not to join them sadly. I am a key worker and would not want to potentially spread any virus onto anyone else. The right thing to do was to say hello and move swiftly on!

Zoey and Rachel gave another truly uplifting performance. Customers were left happy, thoughtful and in many cases singing along with the sounds of the forties, making the day an event to remember for all of us who took part, in our own small way. Just as music, stage and comedy gave the war time generation a much-needed morale boost, during testing times, so these two young ladies have lifted all our spirits at Tesco.

Once again I had a memorable day, just before my Birthday, one I won't forget in a hurry. I am proud to work for such a forward thinking organisation, surrounded by the best colleagues I have ever worked with. This is indeed a time to reflect, think and remember what came before the virus but it is also an era to celebrate family, friendships and the people who put a smile on your face every day.

Stay safe everyone!

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