Cllr Rupert Bevan writes:

Almost exactly a week ago, I received a note from a colleague to the effect that he had contracted Covid-19 and I had better get myself tested.

Having received a box of lateral flow tests recently I carried out the necessary procedure and found I was negative. Within hours of receiving this result I began to experience a rasping throat and a need to cough. A sleepless night followed and the tightness in my chest was as if I had swallowed a box of razor blades. A further test showed positive, indicating that what I had carefully avoided these last two years was finally upon me and that I would have to put my life in neutral, forsaking work, music and dog whilst the dreaded virus held sway. For those so afflicted, the Government requires a PCR test and this meant arising from my bed like Lazarus and driving to a designated car park. All very efficient, I must admit, although if the results were to be dropped in a slender bin on the way out, it would be better not to stand in front of it!

As the word got round I was amazed and touched with how neighbours and other friends reacted. I was never short of someone to do my shopping, look after my collie and post letters. This had the effect of restoring my faith in human nature and I began to realise how lucky I was to live in a friendly place like Radstock.

So now I must hang on until Saturday when the NHS pronounces me free of infection. My forefinger is trapped in the jaws of a pulse/oxygen monitor and yet I believe myself to be recovering. Christmas awaits!

Rupert Bevan