NG14 Sept/Oct 2020

Over the last few months we have all had to adjust
to different ways of going about our business. Some
have been more challenging than others. I thought
I would share a few of my ‘first time back’s’ with you.
First time shopping in a mask
Face coverings are now mandatory in shops. There
are some interesting interpretations out there, from
toilet roll to World War 2 gas masks, I’ve seen it
all. The chin wearers are my pet hate. Got to say,
as someone who wears glasses and also being
a woman of a certain age - it’s the perfect storm.
Within a minute of hooking it on, I am a sweating,
steamed up mess, charging blindly around the shop
like I’m on Supermarket Sweep. I have discovered
there’s also an art to mask removal. After my
glasses went flying across the car park for the
fourth time, it’s safe to say I have yet to master this
procedure. Hats off to all the key workers who wear
these things day in day out.
First time back in the pub
No matter how cold your fridge is and how beautiful
your back garden looks, nothing can beat the
taste of an ice-cold beer in a pub garden. Having a
pub crawl from room to room just doesn’t cut the
mustard and who were we kidding that a virtual pub
night via zoom was good fun?? I was a bit nervous –
more about getting told off for not following correct
protocol than catching coronavirus – but I needn’t
have worried. The pubs have got it sussed and a
relaxing pint was had by all. In fact, it was so much
fun we stayed for a few…
First time back in the cinema
Businesses across the board are having to adapt
and innovate and our local cinema, the Bonington
has really stepped up to the plate. Tiered seating
has been replaced with sofa’s, armchairs and little
tables. It really was very comfy, so much so that
Gary actually nodded off. All we needed to complete
the experience were a couple of footstools. Not that
The
Five Firsts
Tale
I’m demanding or anything...Mind you I doubt if we
would have left at all then.
First time back in a restaurant
The Banyan Tree has been a favourite of the ng
girls for years. Gary’s birthday seemed like a good
enough reason to go. There were enough people
to create a great atmosphere and if it wasn’t for
the masked staff and the new table condiment of
hand sanitiser you really wouldn’t have known any
difference. The evening was topped off when a
complimentary plate of desserts, accompanied with
a firework, was presented to a very embarrassed
Gary. Feeling obliged to start a Happy Birthday
singalong we all mumbled into the tablecloth,
scoffed the pud and departed, full and happy.
First time back in the gym
My final first was my return to my beloved Redhill
gym. After nearly four months away I was dreading
it. The staff were amazing and there is cleaning
spray everywhere. In 45 minutes I think I sprayed
and wiped more than I do in a week at home! It’s
dead easy, you book a slot or class, turn up and
follow the instructions and off you go. I was a bit
trepidatious but once I was gasping for breath on
the treadmill my nerves vanished. Spinning classes
have reduced numbers so a saddo like me who
uses the same bike week in, week out, might have
to change their routine. The screen that gives you
all the stats isn’t there (that’s a bonus for me. Once
I was watching the screen absolutely chuffed at
my killer score. Top of the group...glancing round
proudly to make sure everyone else had clocked
it - when I realised I was looking at the wrong bike.
On my usual bike was a great hulk of a guy pounding
away.)
Whether you are out for a meal, a drink, a workout
or a cheeky snooze in the cinema, local businesses
need our support so get out and enjoy!
© Ali Wale