People

Five weeks ago, mid afternoon on a Saturday, and Kendal’s market square was deserted. We had found that Caffè Nero was open and we could get some proper coffees after three months without.
Back then, I wondered what difference the opening of non essential shops in a couple of days would make and, at that time, the reopening of pubs and cafes was not even being considered.
Fast forward to today. Similar weather conditions but now shops are open, pubs are open and we could sit in to drink our coffee. I say “sit in”, but most people were taking advantage of the warm weather to sit at the outside tables.
Whilst it was nice to see everyone enjoying themselves, and the much needed injection of funds into the local economy is very welcome, social distancing did seem to be a thing of the past. Not necessarily a massive problem whilst outdoors but I can now see the sense in mandatory masks in shops from next week, if only to protect us old folk from asymptomatic youngsters!
It will be interesting to revisit this scene on a rainy autumn day or a cold winter one to see how many die hard beer and coffee drinkers are braving the elements.