Monday 17th May was a great day. Millions of us within England flocked back to spaces and places that had been closed for months. It is a day that many will remember and celebrate, as we started to unlock the economy. For me, it is an extra special day, as it is my wedding anniversary.
Given my wife’s profession, how incredibly busy and in demand she is, and the fact it was a Monday, imagine my surprise when she announced she had taken the day off. The very same day I had arranged bi-lateral discovery virtual trade sessions between the North East and Netherlands. With some pleading and understanding on the part of others, I managed to clear the morning commitments. The kids were clearly suspicious when mummy and daddy dropped them off at school and nursery, especially as they are usually connected to us at the hip night and day. By 10am we were sat at Mason and Rye in Fenwick’s Newcastle, with strangers, tucking into an anniversary brunch. It felt as if we shouldn’t be there, both a sense of elation and trepidation. We marked a significant day by doing something that traditionally would not be such a big deal. Having breakfast! The Thursday of that week we attended the unofficial, in accordance with Covid rules, opening of the most incredible Indian Restaurant in the UK, Khai Khai set at the old Vujon restaurant site on Queen Street, Newcastle Quayside. Totally transformed with nigh-on £1m worth of investment, and the menu curated by one of the youngest and first Michelin Star Indian Chefs in the World. Jalf Ali has brought something to the North East that wouldn’t be out of place in the heart of London or Delhi’s 6-star hotels. The event was black tie, and luckily the lights were dimmed low, as I bulged in all the wrong places. Although took some comfort in knowing that I was not alone, as everyone complained that everything now feels too tight, as we are all so accustomed to lounge wear. The weekend we managed to get into a local restaurant for an early tea. On Saturday, whilst I worked making up for playing truant on Monday, the wife took the kids to a soft play, and then we went to the Metro Centre and the Movies on the Sunday. On the following Monday I got my second vaccination and then travelled the region visiting businesses in person and reacquainting with service partners, and supporting the launch of the Tees Tech Awards. Which was great to actually meet people, physically. Appreciate that sharing my movements, literally, with you may sound peculiar. But these are very strange times. Plus I was incredibly impressed at how lucky we are, to have done so many things within the first week of un-lockdown. As we move back to face to face, and doing things we had previously taken for granted, I certainly feel there is a sense of anxiety and apprehension. There is a further sense of realisation that some of the habits and workings that were forced upon us through the pandemic, aren’t all too bad. Not worrying about getting stuck in traffic is one thing for certain, or being far more productive by adopting digital and spending more time with the family at home are all clear positives. However, we do need to get out, and get in, to support local businesses that have suffered so much. Let’s get back to life and back to really meeting people. But let’s do so safely, sensibly and securely. We aren’t out of the woods yet. And please do get vaccinated, it is the one thing that will make the biggest difference. God Bless, stay safe and be happy
