The impact of coronavirus on the lives of everyone, every family across the world has been dramatic. We have all had to adjust, to re-assess what truly is important and to find ways of maintaining contact with those most dear to us.
Families have turned to "Zoom", online quizzes, "communal" cooking sessions and frequent phone calls. For my part, I decided that I would embark on regular correspondence with my grandchildren. This comprised letters, silly poems and episodic reminiscences from my early life.
It was suggested at the beginning of lockdown, that it would be an ideal opportunity for people to write a book - be it novel, a volume of verse or a life story.
I am not a novelist, but I do love writing. Comic verse has been a distraction for many years. However, the thought of a "memoir" was just too daunting a prospect. Choosing snippets from my life, to intersperse with poems written during the pandemic seemed a fine compromise.
The resulting volume is for Lucas and Charlotte. It is published with their permission, as it comprises letters written to them, poems for their amusement and "stories" about their Grandad. The stories record funny incidents, my early career as well as fond memories from my youth.
Life in lockdown was bizarre - the routine of writing, the memories evoked and the pleasure I derived from penning poems, letters and anecdotes certainly made the whole experience more bearable. I hope you enjoy reading my record of 2020.