I have spent some of today looking at the restrictions for each of the devolved nations in preparation for a meeting I have next week. I have also been asked to advise on what is likely to be happening in the Spring! Well, I know it’s a big ask, but I am going to do my best. But I can’t help but wonder how Government are managing with all the advice they have at their fingertips (a somewhat cynical thought), when I have none of this? Yet, I will be making an informed decision to help and support the members I represent as Chair of The British and International Federation of Festivals and I will also be working with my choirs to ensure we can carry on and present our spring concerts! I will draw upon the expertise of those in my choirs who have helped me along the journey so far, as well as the professional bodies of which I am a member. I know it won’t be easy, especially looking at the ‘conspiracy theories’ on social media. Opinions range from – ‘we are all doomed’ to ‘life will be back to normal by the Spring’ and these comments from supposed specialists! But I suppose from their viewpoint black could be white or even grey!

But, enough of all of this! The title of my blog comes from the tagline for the new musical Bedknobs and Broomsticks. This was one of my favourite childhood films and is now touring the UK. If ever there was a time to start believing…it is now! We must all find hope….and if you haven’t seen the film A Boy Called Christmas – then you must! Once you have you will understand why I mention hope!

So, before the New Year, it is time to hop on that big bed, tap three times, make a quarter turn to the right and believe that 2022 will be better!

I have, along with my committees been able to guide my choirs through to this point. All concerts performed and all precautions followed. We have very few positive cases within our membership and we have been careful and trusted each other to do the right thing. Our Christmas concerts, in particular have been enjoyed by our very supportive audiences. I am so sorry that some choirs are now having to cancel. But in the face of uncertainty it is inevitable.

I have been determined to bring live music to our audiences and to allow my choirs to sing, not only for the joy of singing, but for good mental health and well-being. I have received so many messages of thanks from those who have found ‘choir’ a source of strength.

I can not possibly imagine how someone in Government balances the many strands of managing and leading a Country and indeed there must have been struggles. But, when those who lead are trusted, then forgiveness for mistakes can be given.

But in the light of so many revelations about supposed broken rules, it is not difficult to understand why we all feel uncertain about the future. Having listened to many reports and read so much about our current situation, either the evidence is not compelling or it is being ignored. I also realise that it is not that simple, but faced with so much uncertainty about what might happen, it is hardly surprising that many just want a clear and focused decision, rather than maybes!

Of course the Government reserves the right to change things as a result of the worst case scenario, but there is a palpable sense of being lost and without a clear steer at the moment.

I believe that most are not confused about what to do and are in fact being careful, but when livelihoods are at stake the path is still unclear. There is no doubt that the vaccination programme has been successful, yet we are experiencing very high levels of positive cases! But what I don’t understand is why wait, if the situation is as bleak as we are led to believe, act now, why wait just for the sake of it and then impose restrictions on 27th – how much damage will have been done between now and then?

My choirs are now on a natural circuit break and we want to be back singing in January. Soloists, orchestras, music and venues are all booked and we don’t want to be returning to zoom rehearsals again!

It always feel strange that when I hear so much supposed common sense from politicians on all sides, that we don’t have a cross party COVID taskforce – or is that too simple? Let alone a taskforce across all the devolved nations to allow a better and supported methodology! But, I know that would be impossible….too many egos!

However, I could ramble on at length about so much, at times my brain hurts and I can’t sleep because of everything that is going around in my head. Heaven knows how those in Government must cope?

My thoughts go out to all of those in the performing and creative arts who maybe losing money or worried about what the future holds. For many of us we can’t even begin to quantify the loss of work we haven’t been offered! None of us thought we would be in this position still and as we enter a New Year, we will drag all the positivity we can from within ourselves and believe that in 2022 we can eventually begin to put this behind us!

It’s been a tricky week with many questions about what should be done about the new variant! So, lots of reading, listening and checking has resulted in my recommendations being to remain doing the same as we have been been doing.

But, despite the significant support from my choir committees, it has felt as if I have been alone in having to consider all aspects. I had hoped that we would be able to focus a little more on the music, but sadly that is not the case. We have all had to respond and change how we operate as musicians and sadly it is not over yet. I have been fortunate to have concerts with each of my choirs and we are looking forward to our Carol concerts which will take place over the next two weeks.

What upsets me most of all is the political point scoring and posturing which happens on all sides. It is not helpful and it certainly doesn’t build support or trust. Neither does the ridiculous round of media questions that always seek to elicit the answers that they think we should hear!

We are all tired of it now!

But, in the middle of all of this a visit to Fairfield School this morning brought everything into sharp focus. A happy school, with wonderfully supportive staff for students, who in some cases have very challenging needs. But, everyone was full of smiles and happy to hear live music.

So, have I had a hard week? Yes! But, my spirits have been lifted and my focus remains positive.

If you wish to continue to support Fairfield school in their fundraising you can still purchase The Corona Writings, by emailing me at thecoronawritings@gmail.com where 80% of your donation goes to the school!

Have a happy weekend everyone!