Do you like the things that life is showing you…
A huge thank you to those good folk that have been in touch or given me a gentle nudge to see if all is well. I am happy to report that we are indeed keeping well and delighted to be reunited with the Saintly Mrs. Awdry, here at 'Awdry Towers'. I don't want to dwell too much on current affairs as '28mm Victorian Warfare' has always been about my bumbling progress through this most wholesome of hobbies, but in this instance the two are intrinsically intwined so I will beg your indulgence.
It was, of course, inevitable, but when I heard the news that 'Salute 2020' was, in effect, cancelled I have to confess it rather took the wind from my sails. James and I had been working hard to meet the deadline and we were on course to have everything done for the show, only to hear that there was to be no show. We had done so much, committed so much time and effort only to see it snatched from us. I struggled for a week, not knowing how to react, but the reality was that there was a much more pressing concern and that we all needed to play our part. As a school we were mindful that we needed to be ready for the enforced closure, making sure our systems were in place to support the pupils remotely. We remain open, albeit with a skeleton staff to support the needs of the Keyworkers' children and to care for the remaining boarders who were still trying to secure flights home. With the rest of the country on lock down I was effectively living in a bubble, and because I was a residential member of staff, able to give additional time to the remaining boards.
By the end of last week, the final touches were made to the last board and that is where I have had to leave it. Deciding that it would be an indefensible position to be caught goofing around, photographing the final set up at this time of National crisis, James and I are resigned to waiting it out before our project can be reunited and shared as it was intended. How this will come about is still an unknown at present, although ideas are forming. I am hopeful that this period of 'Staying Home' will allow me to finish off some more of the miniatures, characters and extras that were planned along with the opportunity to catch up with the many splendid weblogs that I so enjoy following.
I have taken the liberty of updating the logo for the project, as the 'South London Warlords' have very kindly acknowledged that we are eligible to take our place at the show in 2021 and, whilst James and I are yet to confirm, this remains very much a possibility. Returning to my somewhat obscure title for this post, the future uncertain; health, wellbeing and even job security are all unknown at this point, but these are all, in most cases, beyond my control. What I would like to champion and celebrate is the sense of community that pervades throughout our cosy corner of the infoweb. I have mentioned already the gestures of concern that have nudged me back to the painting desk along with the genuine acts of kindness like those that offered to help paint the remaining troops - thank you again Tamsin, Matt, Iain and Richard!
Uncertain and unsettling times these may be, but I hope that we can all continue to help each other with our mutual support and appreciation of each others' endeavours. Stay safe and well, one and all.
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