From the Mayor Rupert Bevan :

How are we getting on?

It's just over seven days since the obligatory self-incarceration came into effect. Slightly earlier for me as I am told that previous medical conditions have cast a shadowy question mark over my continued good health.

Now the air is clean and one's hearing is no longer muffled by the noise of the ceaseless traffic that passes through Radstock from all directions. That stated, the town isn't completely moribund and the sight of local people hurrying home with bulging bags of comestibles is reassuring evidence that life continues.

It is also gratifying to note that individuals are offering their services to shop, post letters and collect prescriptions for those who are housebound; in my street four residents have banded together to ensure that the elderly and infirm are not forgotten.

Whilst we are finding the novelty of restricted movement interesting at this moment, we will need to plan for the near future when the entertainments and distractions of the first weeks become stale.

If we are in for lengthy lock-down we could perhaps do something constructive and of lasting benefit. Someone I know is learning Russian; an organist of my acquaintance is teaching herself the complete chorale preludes of Bach. Another is taking up chess with his wife. The indomitable English spirit must be refreshed with pursuits that stretch the 'little grey cells.'