Despite the constraints imposed by our virus-aware way of life, there are signs that the indomitable human spirit is finding ways of expression and that a veritable 'home guard' of local people is doing sterling work to help those less fortunate.

Mindful of the Victory in Europe 75Th anniversary, now less than a month away one might reflect on the deprivations that our stoical grand- and great-grandparents endured during the years leading up to 1945. The effects of wartime lasted into the early '50s with rationing not ceasing until 1954.

In our time we suffered mild inconvenience because of unchecked panic buying, and social distancing has meant that we have not been thrown together like the earlier generation. Instead we have enjoyed the advantages of free communication.

This has allowed us, in many cases, to continue to run our businesses from home, conferring cybernetically with our colleagues or making music or discussing gardening with others possessing compatible mobile apps.

How many families, separated by geography and by travel restrictions can now see each other as well as chat?

My brother sent me a wonderful recording of the famous 'Crucifixus' by the 17th century composer Antonio Lotti, 8 vocal parts performed simultaneously in six different homes. On a lighter note I received an inspired recording of five nieces singing a Spice Girls hit: I'll tell you what I want, all staged and performed in the back garden of their home.

I trust this springtime will bring you joy as well as good weather in the coming weeks.