Let’s be patient... for just a bit longer
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
WE CONTINUE to support the Welsh Government’s cautious approach to easing the lockdown.
It is understandable that businesses as well as ordinary people are frustrated by the continuing restrictions, which have gone on far longer than most people thought would be the case in the early stages of the pandemic.
We cannot overestimate the damage that has been caused to so many livelihoods by the lengthy lockdowns that we have had to become accustomed to.
There are many sad stories about people who have had the courage to create innovative businesses and make successes of them, only to have their futures destroyed by the pandemic. This is heartbreaking, and everything that can be done to help such individuals start again should be put into place.
But the deaths of thousands of people from Welsh communities who have contracted Covid-19 are also heartbreaking, and the intense tragedy is that the victims – and their grief-stricken loved ones – do not get a second chance.
It is essential that nothing should be done to increase the chances of more vulnerable people contracting the virus before the vaccination programme is rolled out. The successful roll-out of vaccines is undoubtedly the route to a safer future for all of us, and nothing must be done to imperil that.
We have seen a big reduction in the incidence of infections and it is important that such a trajectory continues.
If it does, there is no reason at all why we cannot return to our preferred ways of living over the next few months, as more and more people are vaccinated.
What’s certain is that businesses will need to be helped for a further period of time, if as many of them as possible are to be saved for a prosperous future. The UK Government should continue the furlough scheme and the reduced VAT rate for the hospitality industry into 2022. We hope, however, that it will be possible to reopen pubs and restaurants much, much sooner than that.
There is no denying that – apart from the grief caused to the families and friends of those who have died – the succession of lockdowns has been very damaging for the mental health of many people. Being able to meet up with those we have been separated from for such an unnaturally long period will be a huge boost to our collective morale.
In the meantime, however, in the interests of everyone’s health, we need to be patient for a short while longer.
Rich chestnut browns, berry colours, comfortable velvet fabrics and worn leather, all help to create a lived-in feel to a room. In this room-set from independent furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse (www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk), the beefy table lamps, hefty wood panelling, and bare floor give a masculine vibe to the room. The overall effect is of a space that’s grown of its own accord, and the earthiness is grounding, and easy to live with. For a warmer ambience, consider adding deep orange cushions, and a rug warm earthy tones such as terracotta and aubergine
Yvonne Jones is a Royal College of Art trained designer, and owner of Chameleon Interiors
ENJOY MOLDOVIAN CULTURE
ACCOR’S first hotel in Moldova has just opened in the charming capital of Chisinau.
The 33-room BERD’S Chisinau Mgallery Hotel Collection is also the country’s first five-star boutique hotel.
Moldovian culture is celebrated in the hotel’s design, from the colourful eye-catching tree of life welcome mat in the lobby to the Bessarabian rugs and arts and crafts pieces in the public areas.
Elegant restaurant Mezzo serves a seasonal menu of Italian dishes while the bar showcases some of the country’s famous fine wines. The hotel also offers a premium spa and a fully equipped gym.
Doubles from £81 per night including breakfast. For details see all.accor.com
RELAX IN NEW-LOOK SPA HOTEL
THE Richmond Harbour Hotel & Spa will re-open in late spring with a new look after a multimillion pound refurb.
Bordering
Richmond
Park and just a few minutes from the
Thames, the
90-room,
18th century property has been entirely redesigned in a tasteful blend of vivid colour and bold patterns. New restaurant The Gate Kitchen, Bar & Terrace will offer locally sourced produce and vegan dishes.
A new spa will have a 20m swimming pool and outdoor Zen garden with hot tubs. Doubles from £136 a night including breakfast. See harbourhotels.co. uk for information.
FIVE-STAR STAY IN CORNWALL
STAY at The Lugger Hotel, Portloe, Cornwall’s only AA-rated five-star inn.
The price, from £89.50pp includes B&B, late check-out, £50 food and drink voucher per room, per night for stays between October 2021 and January 31, 2022.
Book by August 31. 5% of price goes to a charity of your choice. See charitable.travel for details.
THE hunt for nostalgic ‘retro’ technology – that perhaps reminds us of happy, carefree times in our childhoods – appears to be growing.
Whether it’s VHS players so we can watch old tapes of family memories, or something to play vinyl records on, eBay has seen a revival in second-hand tech being bought and sold.
Sales of second-hand computers have risen 26% on eBay UK in the past year, with an average selling price at £33, according to the website.
Popular tech changing hands includes ZX Spectrum games bundles and items relating to the Commodore 64.
Sales of second-hand sound and vision items, such as VHS players, are up by a third, with items going for £37 typically.
If you’re inspired to have a look in the cupboard and dust off your old tech to sell, it pays to be realistic about the price. eBay suggests searching for similar items on its website to make sure you’re going for the right price range.
Other selling tactics include aiming for listings to end on Sunday evenings, when the website is often busy. Also, try to take lots of photos in natural light and describe any scratches or other defects. If you haven’t used your tech for a while, check if it’s still in working order.
Emma Grant, head of preloved at eBay UK, says they put the revival down to “families using lockdown to take a trip down memory lane by watching old home videos and revisiting old records. People are also using the time to revamp their old PCs, or opting for a vintage computer as a sustainable and retro alternative to brand new.”
GET YOUR TECH READY FOR RESALE
Make sure you back-up any data stored on your device with a free online storage service.
‘Factory reset’ mobile devices to remove personal data and access to accounts.
Remove the SIM card and memory card.
If you have them, include the charger, power cable, instructions and accessories.
Checklist from eBay UK