I am expecting April Fool’s Day to be exceptional this year. With so many sharp intellects underemployed and languishing at home, we can expect some remarkable classics this year.
However, on a more serious note, some of us not required to keep the nation’s wheels turning, have excelled by our foolish behaviour. Those refusing to heed the advice to stay home and self-isolate, are adding to the overload on the NHS.
There is a growing unease amongst farmers regarding the numbers of people walking on farmland, as we become overwhelmed by the numbers streaming across their land.
At Ote Hall we see around 100 walkers daily, mostly with dogs. Last week that number trebled and at the weekend even more arrived in their droves.
Some appear to have no idea about the country code. They are not remaining on the foot paths, or keeping dogs on leads, and sheep farmers are reporting an alarming increase in attacks on lambs and ewes.
Walking foot paths on private land is a privilege not a right. There are now calls for farmers to be able to close them down when ground conditions are exceptionally bad, during lambing and calving, or when there is disease about, such as we are coping with now.
Many grass fields suffered extensive damage during the incredibly wet winter as the public spread out across the fields, not sticking to the footpath. Some are so badly damaged, it does not bode well for a decent crop of grass this summer.
As always it is the minority who spoil it for the majority by abusing a perfectly good system. Foot paths were originally for the use of locals making their way to work and school, or to church on Sunday. Unfortunately this privilege is today considered as a right.
I am becoming increasingly irritated by those criticising the Prime Minister for not surrounding himself with women. Last week we listened in disbelief as a former female MP shared her view that ‘the current crises would have been handled differently and better, if more women were seen on our screens alongside the Prime Minister’!
We are fortunate that Boris recognises his limitations. He excels at picking the right people and taking advice from experts he considers most capable and in whom he trusts. We see this daily as he is flanked by key advisers like chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty, and the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallence. Both of whom have been honest and reassuring as they stand beside our Prime Minister and speak to a worried nation.
Boris also made a good choice by appointing as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak. A man he clearly also trusts and with whom he obviously has a good working relationship.
Those suggesting the Chancellor should supersede Boris clearly do not recognise the difference between an outstanding leader and a very charming and capable minister!
The call for volunteers to support the NHS has seen record numbers signing up. Well over 750,000 at the last count. Those farmers and growers concerned that they will be unable to plant, pick, sort and pack their produce, should I believe have more faith in the British public.
There is a view that the British are too “Posh to Pick”, an opinion I do not share. Farmers require just one tenth of the numbers already signed up to help the NHS. I am confident that amongst the army of under employed, including students, many will be willing and eager to seek employment and help feed the nation.
Our thoughts are with the Prince of Wales, Boris, several of his ministers and all those struck down by the virus. We are living through unprecedented times but I am confident the British Bull Dog spirit will prevail.
However, on a more serious note, some of us not required to keep the nation’s wheels turning, have excelled by our foolish behaviour. Those refusing to heed the advice to stay home and self-isolate, are adding to the overload on the NHS.
There is a growing unease amongst farmers regarding the numbers of people walking on farmland, as we become overwhelmed by the numbers streaming across their land.
At Ote Hall we see around 100 walkers daily, mostly with dogs. Last week that number trebled and at the weekend even more arrived in their droves.
Some appear to have no idea about the country code. They are not remaining on the foot paths, or keeping dogs on leads, and sheep farmers are reporting an alarming increase in attacks on lambs and ewes.
Walking foot paths on private land is a privilege not a right. There are now calls for farmers to be able to close them down when ground conditions are exceptionally bad, during lambing and calving, or when there is disease about, such as we are coping with now.
Many grass fields suffered extensive damage during the incredibly wet winter as the public spread out across the fields, not sticking to the footpath. Some are so badly damaged, it does not bode well for a decent crop of grass this summer.
As always it is the minority who spoil it for the majority by abusing a perfectly good system. Foot paths were originally for the use of locals making their way to work and school, or to church on Sunday. Unfortunately this privilege is today considered as a right.
I am becoming increasingly irritated by those criticising the Prime Minister for not surrounding himself with women. Last week we listened in disbelief as a former female MP shared her view that ‘the current crises would have been handled differently and better, if more women were seen on our screens alongside the Prime Minister’!
We are fortunate that Boris recognises his limitations. He excels at picking the right people and taking advice from experts he considers most capable and in whom he trusts. We see this daily as he is flanked by key advisers like chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty, and the chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallence. Both of whom have been honest and reassuring as they stand beside our Prime Minister and speak to a worried nation.
Boris also made a good choice by appointing as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak. A man he clearly also trusts and with whom he obviously has a good working relationship.
Those suggesting the Chancellor should supersede Boris clearly do not recognise the difference between an outstanding leader and a very charming and capable minister!
The call for volunteers to support the NHS has seen record numbers signing up. Well over 750,000 at the last count. Those farmers and growers concerned that they will be unable to plant, pick, sort and pack their produce, should I believe have more faith in the British public.
There is a view that the British are too “Posh to Pick”, an opinion I do not share. Farmers require just one tenth of the numbers already signed up to help the NHS. I am confident that amongst the army of under employed, including students, many will be willing and eager to seek employment and help feed the nation.
Our thoughts are with the Prince of Wales, Boris, several of his ministers and all those struck down by the virus. We are living through unprecedented times but I am confident the British Bull Dog spirit will prevail.
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