Christmas will highlight our changing ways
ANNIVERSARIES seem to come faster every year and there are a couple that I have in mind today. Firstly, it is just three calendar months to Christmas, so time to start thinking about the acquisition of presents for family and close friends.
This year, shopping for such items is going to be different, for there is now a massive Covidcaused trend to buy online. Sadly, many shops in the High Street have vanished, especially the smaller specialist varieties, but also large stores like John Lewis here in the centre of Birmingham. The Covid lockdown, followed by a profusion of restrictions has enforced the collapse of so many sound independent businesses with a reputation built up over years, of loyal service to the shopping public.
So, it will be hours spent gazing at the computer screen, making up my mind, evaluating the costs and making decisions about gifts that you hope will be gratefully received. I have never been comfortable about buying goods that you cannot gauge the quality by feeling or smelling. Nor do you get advice from experienced counter assistants about goods that you know little about.
A very trying three months then, and leaving the matter for another day is not really an option. However, I am learning to dig a little deeper when looking for suitable purchases, for there are now many smaller companies that are selling online. It is just a question of finding them.
The second anniversary is of a personal nature for it is exactly 66 years to the day that I had my first piece published in the Post. Authors always remember seeing their name in print for the first time, and I have always regarded it as a great privilege to regularly write for the Post down the years. Birmingham is extremely fortunate that this newspaper has survived when so many titles have fallen by the wayside. I have always believed that it is because it is a good read with a broad range of views expressed by so many different contributors on a very wide range of subjects. Founded in 1857 as the Birmingham Daily Post, it has helped to shape the history of Britain’s second city and the Midlands in general.
Long may it continue.
Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm
AE Harris