Yes! I'm here. Cornel Clecs is a little different this month under the circumstances. I started writing the column on Monday 16th March. Things were pretty 'normal' then – whatever the definition of normal is by now! Life was plodding on, Ladi Fach Tŷ Ni had a hospital appointment, and it was 'business as usual' there. The schools were still open, but the supermarkets and larger shops were showing signs of something big that was about to happen.
By the time I finished writing this on Friday 20th March, the situation had changed completely. The schools had closed indefinitely, and the Government had ordered the immediate closure of pubs, restaurants and all social outlets. Yes, Covid-19 or Coronovirus had tightened its grip on everyone's lives. For farmers, of course, live continued, and most of us were in the middle of the lambing season, and the lambing shed provided a much needed escape from the ugly reality.
Although we are still in the middle of a national crisis and the most uncertain time ever, we must remain positive. At the time of writing, the weather has settled which has lightened the burden for many farmers, and provided a much needed opportunity to begin preparations for the next season’s work. There are clear signs all around us that spring has finally sprung. The agricultural community has survived many crises, and has always got on with things and led the way. This situation is no different, and the local shops and butchers are ready to welcome everyone and encourage everyone to shop locally and to support the local economy.
Although we’re only three months into 2020, it certainly deserves a place in the history books. We left the European Union at the end of January, the devastating floods of Ciara and Dennis in February and the virus arriving in March. Although there are great uncertainties around us at the moment, things will improve again, and it is important to remember that. It is important to stay positive, keep in touch, continue to support the local economy, which is currently proving its value more than ever before by providing vital services to people of all ages.
I will conclude by quoting the words of Elin Angharad Davies of Ysbyty Ifan, who has written some poetry to capture this unique situation: -
The world has gone crazy.
There is no good news.
A future full of uncertainty.
Which is all around us.
In a world full of loneliness,
'Isolation' is crucial.
Be careful not to mix -
But pick up a phone!
In a world full of selfishness
And empty, clear shelves.
We must pull together
By being apart.
And you still have to believe that -
Despite the big storm.
We care for each other
Things will get better soon.