Musings in a Time of Pandemic

Warren Bardsley (bass)

I’ve been thrilled and impressed by the way Themba and the committee have enabled the choir not only to continue during  lockdown, but to break new ground. From a personal point of view, I didn’t think it was possible (for me, that is) to take part in the virtual performances of ‘Hold On’ and ‘Moving On up’, but with a little patient help from my friends (Kate especially) I was persuaded to have a go.  And it worked!  What a remarkable result. The whole  more than the sum of the parts, a  parable of what a choir essentially is.

Which brings me to  other things. Although well aware that for many this pandemic has brought loss,deep anxiety and fears for the future, for me it has been a kind of gift..acres of time to reflect, read, and to enjoy long conversations by phone with friends I’ve lost touch with over the years. And of course,writing..I’ve completed a collection of poems for publication, and have started work on the biography of a colleague from my West Africa days, a remarkable guy who pioneered an agricultural project in Sierra Leone based on Schumacher’s sustainable development principles, which was adopted by Oxfam and Christian Aid as a model for their work across the continent. I’m also putting together a collection of ‘Lockdown letters’, weekly pieces sent out to around 50 friends and acquaintances which may eventually be published in book form.  Proceeds from these writings will go to vital causes at home and abroad.  All this, of course is keeping me out of mischief!

I’ve tried to balance serious reading (and TV watching) with light-hearted stuff. Apart from Hilary Mantel (marathon!) I’ve read (and watched on BBC) most of David Olusoga’s work and would recommend ‘Black and British; a forgotten history’ as essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the issues behind Black Lives Matter and the appalling Windrush scandal.  You understand that this is a white problem, deeply embedded in our  national psyche.  Too many either deny that racism exists in Britain, refuse to talk about it, or say ‘It’s their fault’, Hopefully, one of the good things to emerge from this lockdown will be a breaking of this silence, building this history into our educational system and to action for real change.

Which brings me back to where I started.  The gospel choir. A living reflection of what society should be,in which every voice counts and each is equally valued.  Together producing a beautiful harmony.

Finally – one thing I have  missed, is cricket! So this morning I’m cheered by the thought that, although over half the season has gone, the noblest game is about to start.  Test cricket; England versus the West Indies. And on terrestrial TVl   A mouth-watering prospect!

PS. One other book I meant to recommend is 'A Gentleman in Moscow' by Amor Towles - ideal for lockdown, and a wonderful read.