Clerk’s Notes January 2021

On behalf of my co-worker in the office here at the Old Barn and the various other warm-blooded creatures that reside with us, may I wish you all a Happy New Year.

A theme among the various, cards, annual letters, texts and e-mails of good wishes that were received over the “festive” season was the hope that 2021 has got to be better than 2020 – hasn’t it? Well with the new strain of Covid-19 raging out of control in some parts of the country, Lockdown 3 (seemingly ignored in some parts of the country), the real impact of Brexit yet to emerge (across the whole country) and the horror show that is unfolding across the pond, I’d say the jury is still out on that one; and as the Foreman has just asked for several large pizzas, several gallons of black coffee and some extra fluffy cushions to help the jurors get through their all night deliberations, a verdict would appear to be some way off.

One can just imagine Mr Spock saying “It’s a form of reality Jim, but not as we know it!”

But what news might there be from the City?

The answer to that I’m afraid is, not much. It is likely that almost everyone who operates in and around the City is trying to make sense of the current situation before making any plans for the first half of 2021. However, should you have to visit the City during the current restrictions you may wish to read this article about how TfL will enforce face coverings and social distancing on their transport services by following this link.

Dry January?

Also, if for some unknown reason you might be tempted to forego alcohol after a Christmas like no other in living memory then you might be tempted to “imbibe” in “Dry January”. I am pleased to report that sufficient volumes of Plymouth Gin are still being supplied to the Tesco in Market Rasen so we at the Old Barn have not been able to think of any reason to entertain this idea, but if it might work for you the following article offers some advice.

Free money

In case you missed it in the previous edition of Coachlines, the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust is open for applications and will be accepting new applications for funding between 11th January and 15th February 2021. Talented and aspiring candidates can apply for up to £18,000 to further their education through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships or one-to-one training with master craftsmen. For further details and to apply please visit www.qest.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 5pm, 15th February 2021. This has the capacity to make a real difference to individuals so if you know of someone who would benefit from this opportunity, more details can be found here.

Future programme

The Master will have mentioned the key points about the future programme of the Company for the remainder of this Livery Year which, I hesitate to say, is likely to be conducted primarily online into the early summer. Thereafter, once physical gatherings are once again permitted we shall do our best to get everyone together in fellowship as soon as it is possible.

For now

I leave you with these thoughts:

The nights are getting shorter and the days longer, centuries of experience tell us that as the weeks roll on the ambient temperature is likely to increase and we shall see more sunshine.

The Government tells us that as more people are vaccinated and the warmer weather appears, then the likelihood of a return to pre-Covid conditions is much increased.

And so therefore, as generations of Coachmakers have always known: After the Clouds, the Sun.

Until then, stay safe and when you get your appointment date don’t forget to vaccinate.