Happy Planet
Covid Resources
Newsletter No 7
Bank Holiday Weekend
Dear All
I hope you are all well and safe this long bank holiday weekend. The weather forecast looks reasonable but we still need to be mindful of protecting ourselves and others by continuing to live in line with the social distancing guidelines.
I spent yesterday in Happy Planet for the first time since I closed on the 17th March. The purpose was to make a complete stock take, no mean feat let me tell you. It was strange being in the shop, while closed and not seeing familiar faces, passing by or calling in. Just me and my clip board with the radio for company to tackle the task. The purpose of course is to establish stock levels for the online version of the shop. I am happy to say I have completed photographing all of the items and written the descriptions of approx 300 items, so most of my work on the project is complete. Geoff is still busy, as he is transferring my work and adding the clever technical aspect but we hope to be at the proof reading stage at some point in the coming week, so it's starting to be exciting rather than tedious. I might even get back to creating items this weekend now.
It is also very helpful to know that Any woman who needs to travel to find refuge from domestic violence can do so for free on any UK train. The cost of the ticket will be covered by the relevant rail operator. Email railtorefuge@womensaid.org.uk
Sage Gateshead have a digital stage offering all sorts of digital media and entertainment in the way of articles, podcasts and streams. You can find their content here https://sagegateshead.com/read-watch-listen/
If Jazz is your thing then Cheltenham Jazz Festival are having Cheltenham Jazz Festival @ Home on 9 May 2020, a one-day, free non-stop stream of music performances on their YouTube channel featuring some of the biggest names and best up-and-coming talent in jazz. After the stream has ended, the party will continue on BBC Radio 2 with Festival highlights on the Jamie Cullum Jazz Show, followed by a revisit to the Randy Crawford concert recorded at the 2018 Festival.
The one-day Festival will feature the likes of Imelda May and Nitin Sawhney in back-to-back sets, with compilations of our favourite Henry Weston Sessions woven in throughout the day. Details here https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz-home/
and youtube channel here https://bit.ly/3bu4BEm
If you are missing visits to galleries and museums the the Art Fund have a new series of podcasts called 'meet me at the museum', which feature celebrities at their own favourite museums talking about them.....Kirsty Walk at the V@A Dundee is a treat. Find them all at https://www.artfund.org/whats-on/meet-me-at-the-museum
GP services have necessarily changed because of coronavirus, so that now if you need help, a clinical assessment or triage is usually completed over the phone and to identify the best way to support your health needs. The aim of this survey is to find out people’s views and experiences of these changes, and their opinions about whether some new ways of working could continue in the future. Health Watch North Tyneside are asking for opinions on these changes. You can find their survey here https://healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk/news/gp-services-now-and-tomorrow/
The Family Games Database is an online resource of video games. The database is a unique way to find games for children, teenagers and young adults. Every game is presented for parents and carers to understand, to empower informed choice through understanding and has 423 tried and tested games to chose from here https://www.taminggaming.com/?fbclid=IwAR3XIeAxFPFPUFn0vaN7TULkW-fidFW7fLpliLp6rXb1Te36T4BmoF6FbZM
For puppet lovers – of which I am one, always have been, then the 9th Beverley Puppet festival is taking place entirely online, with 26 splendid acitvity videos from 18th May - 12th July. It is a fantastic festival live, but I am sure online will be just as much fun and greatly entertaining for both young and old. Find out more at https://www.beverleypuppetfestival.com/?fbclid=IwAR1oQQO8juTNZM_PnFca9NhRijz9SX9D5pBBlXU0JklSXc-lx9ptcLMlSEI
If the media are to be believed it is possible there will be news re the lock down on Sunday. It could mean lots of different things to different people so I am sharing something a fellow artist and friend of mine wrote, as I think it's important
As restrictions ease, please remember:
Some people don’t agree with the suggested reopening.... that’s okay. Be kind.
Some people are still planning to stay at home.... that’s okay. Be kind.
Some are still scared of getting the virus and a second wave happening....that’s okay. Be kind.
Some are sighing with relief to go back to work knowing they may possibly save their business or their homes....that’s okay. Be kind.
Some are thankful they can finally have a surgery they have put off....that’s okay. Be kind.
Some will be able to attend interviews after weeks without a job....that’s okay. Be kind.
Some will wear masks for weeks....that’s okay. Be kind.
Some people will rush out to get the hair or nails done.... that’s okay. Be kind.
The point is, everyone has different viewpoints/feelings and that’s okay. Be kind.
We each have a different story. If you need to stay home, stay home. But be kind.
If you need to go out, just respect others when in public and be kind!
Don’t judge fellow humans because you’re not in their story.
We all are in different Financial - and - Mental states than we were months ago.
