I can’t ignore how I feel, and I am sure that my feelings echo those of many others. I am testing twice weekly, and I have had my first vaccine and I have acted, I believe with safety and concern for my own health, as well as others. I have followed the rules, done what I should and must do and now wait. There are those who believe differently and that is their choice.

What I know is that the musical communities in which I have worked for over 25 years have not met or sung together in over twelve months and we need it now more than ever. The very thought that this ‘irreversible’ roadmap may fail is unconscionable.

I contain my feelings and remain positive, but I see it all around me. The glimmer of hope in a socially distanced walk in the park for friends or family who are clearly happy to be together is palpable.

The temptation to laugh and find joy in the simple act of a dog chasing a ball or a young child being allowed to run around in the sunshine, all of which felt normal. But dare we wish for it to continue? Dare we drop our guard in case it is taken away again!

We must, more than ever believe that the restrictions in place have been successful, the tremendous advances in medicine and science will have a positive impact. The unprecedented success of the rollout of the vaccine, and everyone’s awareness of what has been necessary surely has to pay off?

A significant milestone has been reached this week, in that Honley MVC will have been online for 52 weeks, my choirs Altrincham and Chesterfield are not far behind and we truly have achieved so much this past year. But what we long for now is to be together, to sing together, to hear each other’s voices and to let the harmony of our musical reunion wash over us.

Is that too much to ask? I hope not!