It’s not all over yet…”Of Pandemics, Panic and Petrol Shortages.”

I have never regarded myself as the brightest spark in the fireworks display. On Thursday night, after dropping off my sister and brother-in-law at their guest house, I relaxed, earlier than usual, in front of the T.V; News at Ten had just started. Lead item was the closure of numerous petrol stations around the country owing to (because of Brexit) a shortage of tanker drivers, many of whom are European, and now restricted from entering the U.K. (You couldn’t make it up!) This prompted me, immediately, to drive back to the Esso Station on London Road and replenish an half-filled fuel tank just in case. I then returned home, and, picked up my other car, a red convertible, and topped up that fuel tank also. The following day on the news, the lead item was queues at filling stations, along with motorists being interviewed on their opinions of this latest crisis. As I commented at the beginning of this epistle, I don’t purport to be the brainiest person on the planet. But, I do expect our revered leaders to have a minimal amount of common sense. Such leaders pleaded with T.V. viewers, and newspaper readers NOT to panic buy; there was/is plenty of fuel for everyone. Surely, if our esteemed government and industrial luminaries REALLY wanted to avert panic buying, they would have kept their big mouths shut about possible fuel shortages in the first place! Of course they would! This is far more sinister! Is this to create a rush to order electric cars? Or is this just another governmental cock-up?! I am reminded of the recent shortage of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and flour! And we seem to stagger from crisis to crisis. Apparently, (forget Yellowstone National Park) an almighty great volcano is said to be due to blow Italy out of the water and wipe out most of civilisation!

That’s enough doom and gloom! The visit of my sister and brother-in-law this week provided a welcome opportunity to revisit a few of the places I explored for the first time during the lock-downs of 2020. While reasonably familiar with the varying landscapes of the Peak District, this was all fairly new to my visitors, whom I would pick up each morning for breakfast at my place. Their time here passed too quickly, and only on the final morning did we not venture out somewhere. Checkout at the guesthouse proved a little complicated, but there was still time to relax at my home before taking my “guests” to the bus terminal for the start of their journey back to the Capital.

Home seems very quiet now; I quite miss getting under my sister’s feet in my kitchen!

Today, for a second time, I assisted in stewarding at the 17th century St. Anne’s Church during the two hour period it is open to the public on a Saturday afternoon. Surprisingly, the time passes very quickly. I am beginning to learn some of the fascinating details of this ancient place of worship.

I am informed that a steam train is arriving at Buxton on Wednesday next, having set off from Hereford at “silly o’clock” (05.55hrs). I was tempted to join the train at Crewe for the leisurely journey to Buxton via the Hope Valley. I may just walk down to the station and watch it arrive.

Many thanks for reading. David, 17.54 hrs 25/9/21