Well, I have to be honest, I had already prepared my weekly email when Emsworth was in Tier 3, and I was thrilled, because we have street access into the shop, so we could remain open – that was, until yesterday!

HOWEVER, I quote from the Government Guidance….

  • non-essential retail, such as clothing and homeware stores, vehicle showrooms (other than for rental), betting shops, tailors, tobacco and vape shops, electronic goods and mobile phone shops, and market stalls selling non-essential goods – these venues can continue to be able to operate click-and-collect (where goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises) and delivery services

Therefore, if you wish to make a purchase, Click and Collect is still an option – if there is something you’ve seen which is not yet on our website which you would like, then please email me direct and we can make the necessary arrangements.

Our original plan was to close on Christmas Eve, re-opening on Saturday 2nd January 2021, but now we will have to await further Government updates.  Of course, I will notify you immediately, as soon as we can re-open.

I sincerely hope that by taking these steps now, we will avoid a surge in the New Year and save lives.  This new Coronavirus variant seems to be able to transmit more easily and therefore this radical action is necessary for as long as it takes.  Let’s just pray that the figures start coming down quickly and we will soon be out of Tier 4.

Supporting one another again is critical – it has come as great sadness to many. Having had the promise of five days together over the festive period, now having to re-think their plans – I know it is only one day but after such a horrid time, it was possibly the one thing some they had to look forward to.  Safety still has to be the priority in protecting others and not just ourselves.  We could all pick up a telephone even on Christmas Day couldn’t we?

I appreciate it is difficult to remain positive when it feels like we take one step forward and two steps back, but there is a vaccine and we are lucky to still even be here to complain.  Heads up, shoulders back and keep fighting!

Let’s not forget those still working on the front line whether it is Christmas or not – they don’t even have the choice to be with their families.

I can’t leave without giving Bill Bailey a mention!  Amazing – congratulations to him – who’d have thought it?  They were all FABULOUS!

Stay safe, sending you lots of love, good health and best wishes.