The World has changed but Turf still Matters
The World has changed but Turf still Matters: Sadly, I’m no longer a young guy, but in my late 50s, as I am, I can never recall a time like these. We’ve had the bank crash; we’re in the middle of BREXIT and now we have the Coronavirus. Things do happen in threes.
The first two had, and are continuing to have, devastating impacts on our lives, but the third has the potential to change everything.
As I write, we are in the equivalent of the dentist waiting room – the anticipation, the dread, and let’s face it, the fear of what is to come.
I’d like to say that this is the worst bit, it usually is, and that once we are in the midst of it all we will find a new normality. But I don’t know. The talk of the impact on our collective health and the devastation that will occur when we are not in a position to earn a living, through self-isolation or the loss of job is truly frightening and no-one, not even Donald Trump, is in a position to predict what the world will look like when the dust finally settles.
The natural inclination is to feel that there is nothing little old me can do to make a difference; such is the enormity of it all. But some people have thought, and acted, beyond that and are doing whatever they can to help others – setting up community delivery programmes, making sure the elderly and self-isolating are not lonely and do have provisions if they cannot get out, or if they do not have the money to provide.
It warms the heart and counters those other news reports of those who are in denial – the “It’s only a bit of flu” merchants – who not only become prime spreaders of the virus, but take up the valuable time of police and medical services, who have many better things to do than cautioning the brainless to act appropriately.
Our industry is relatively small, and in many ways particularly vulnerable both health-wise and commercially – not even our most ardent supporters could describe us as an essential service. I’d like to think, however, that the nature of our business and the quality of people who inhabit it is our strength. We can, and do, help each other.
Businesses are slashing budgets – they have no option – but while not wishing to compare ourselves to those essential medical staff, safe, outdoor spaces will increasingly become sanctuaries for many and will need to be maintained. Sport of the participation variety if not the spectator, will be important for the health and well-being of the nation, whether it be the Sunday league or the Saturday fourball.
We do need to keep working and, if that means an even more increased spirit of co-operation and sharing of manpower or equipment, we should look to make it happen.
Turf Matters will act as a conduit to anyone looking for help, or anyone with help to offer, so please use our digital platforms for that purpose. We can’t guarantee to provide an answer but please see it as Turf Matters trying to do its little bit.
Yes, things will not be the same, perhaps they will never be, but what can remain is our spirit to help keep the wagons rolling.
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of others” Charles Dickens.
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