It’s sobering to realise that last week saw the 4th anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. My poor Ukrainian friend saw her family home in the Donetsk area, bombed, could not visit her parents there but had to go to Kiev, had a daughter, married, all without her family on hand. She fundraises tirelessly for the volunteers she knows out there.
Education has been another sombre topic with reviews of SEND education support, a drive to improve behaviour by men towards women by beginning with education in schools. I wrote an essay a few years’ ago bemoaning the young age at which children, boys in particular, begin school and expected to sit still. There is no sadder sight than seeing young, lively, Year 1 boys outside a classroom for ‘bad’ behaviour. It has been shown in other countries that a later start means children are more prepared to sit still in a classroom with better social skills.
Bizarrely, the cost of train tickets to Berkshire and back cost more than a week’s holiday in the sun. It is what it is, I said to the ticket person. The whole process was more complicated than booking a round the world trip (which I did once upon a time).
In the name of progress, I learned our friendly local bank will close next year. Apparently, the post office will gain an extra counter for those who wish to deal with a human and to take coins out of the bank.
Well, I think it’s time for some positive comments with the knowledge that with February having now marched off, Welsh cakes and daffodils take centre stage. My Welsh husband is currently in the kitchen making a fresh batch, while vases of bright yellow daffs bedeck the rooms with cheerfulness. Bread of heaven indeed.
More positive news with a sighting of some early flowering cowslips on our afternoon stroll. One day nothing is there, the next they are out in all their glory. Amazing nature.
Karen Hedges 