In a recent edition of this newspaper you’re holding – or reading through the bars of your budgie’s cage, where it performs a helpful function – I questioned the significance of the Bafta Film Awards, Golden Globes, Oscars etc in our everyday lives.
Now, just weeks later, they’re as unimportant as an old copy of this newspaper placed at the bottom of a budgie’s cage.
That the 2020 Bafta TV Awards have been postponed won’t concern anyone – not even the nominees. Because although we need light relief to distract us from the current situation, we can do without watching wealthy actors, pop singers, TV presenters and sports stars being handed even more shiny prizes.
But!
We should hold a very special British awards ceremony when we get to the other end of this period in our history,
Awards for bravery and tireless dedication in the face of unprecedented circumstances should go to everyone working in the NHS – nurses, doctors, surgeons, consultants, mental health specialists, radiologists, dentists, ambulance crews, paramedics, receptionists, porters, cleaners and volunteers. Plus those retired medical professionals who’ve offered to return to work.
I hope I haven’t left anyone out. There are many other worthy winners.
Farmers, fruit pickers, lorry drivers, warehouse workers, shop and supermarket staff including shelf-fillers and home delivery drivers are just as important, because without them the NHS would face an even bigger challenge than the enormous one they’re tackling now.
Not forgetting local pharmacies that manage the huge daily task of providing customers with their prescribed medication as well as everyday over-the-counter items we all need, from painkillers to plasters, eye drops to ibuprofen.
Each and every one of them deserves a solid gold statuette, a bag full of expensive goodies and their shining moment on the red carpet, surrounded by the paparazzi.
If this doesn’t happen it will be the biggest injustice ever!
From my heart I send you all a huge “Thank you!” for working so hard to keep me and those close to me (at a distance of two metres) safe and for allowing me to have food on my table. Diolch, Phil