Thursday 10th August; double figures already.
Last weekend, wet and uninspiring, feels an age ago. I did write fairly extensively nearer the time, but was not overly happy with my ramblings. Daily, we are reminded of the continued presence of covid-19; and infections are now increasing prompting ever changing legislation and recommendations; it’s hard to tell which is which. I manage to remain reasonably content and able to enjoy the first years of retirement. Each week, I get to explore the unspoilt countryside, usually briefly visible when driving. My neighbour with whom I walk has a “guide-book” knowledge of the different places we explore.
Despite lockdown, I seem to be able to fill my days. Yes, I am guilty of slouching on the settee while the TV fills my “swede” with junk. Some programmes on the telly, however, are worthwhile and educational. Interesting things are happening. The Proms come to an end on Saturday, the first time ever that no audience will gather for the Last Night. Full marks to the B.B.C. for broadcasting previous Promenade Concerts from their archives each night from the end of July to late August from when audience-less live concerts would be relayed on Radio 3 every night until the Last Night at the end of this week. In non-covid days, The Last Night of the Proms is a huge jingoistic party during which patriotic songs are sung by chorus and flag waving audience. Social distancing etc makes this not possible on Saturday, and the “Beeb” made the understandable decision to play Land of Hope and Glory as originally composed as Pomp and Circumstance No. 1, without the libretto which the composer, Sir Edward Elgar detested with a passion. The media got hold of this, whipping up artificial and heated debate with most people, including our revered prime minister, up in arms about tradition being disregarded. The press joined in with their ill-informed comment, and a decision was thus made to reinstate the singing. There was never any intention to discontinue this patriotic tradition, once the covid-19 crisis had passed, and the Proms could continue as usual, with luck, next year.
The next event is the very long awaited re- opening of The Crescent Hotel in Buxton.
Originally, The Crescent occupied roughly the right hand half of the building, The Saint Ann’s Hotel, on the left hand remainder which eventually closed, I think, in 1989. From October 1st 2020, The Crescent occupies the entire building, which, after the most appalling setbacks, obstacles and other delays, opens its doors to the public three weeks today. I have booked in for this historic opening, dinner, bed and breakfast. I shall attempt to do what I did in Toronto last year and be the first person to check in. At the Royal York in Toronto, much of which had been extensively refurbished over several years, I was told that I was the first to check in. However, the event was never covered in the local media. But an account of this is available on the internet. I suspect in Buxton, the reopening of The Crescent may even make the national news. It deserves to!
Bookings opened for the Queen Mary 2 World Voyage 2022 on 8th October. Seemingly, there was a nationwide rush for places on this 104 night round trip to Australia. It is reassuring that ever so slowly, cruise ships are beginning to make a mid Covid come-back. I do look forward to being re-acquainted with the high seas (on a big ship) sometime soon.
Today, I continued much decluttering and displaying of decorative items of personal interest which had been hidden away for so long. The eventual aim is to have each room in the house, an interesting place to be. Lunch in the Bull I’th’Thorn preceded yet another lovely walk out into the countryside. I am told that the level at which we were walking was perhaps a mile lower than the land levels of millions of years ago. It is very likely that lead had been mined near where we walked, from where we had lunch to Monyash.
Really, I should have taken some pictures at Monyash itself. It’s a lovely village which I have visited several times by car. Today, we arrived on foot, and saw so much more.
Thanks for reading,
David 00.33hrs, Friday 11th September 2020.
I have not forgotten 9-11.
David's Cruise 