Alex B Cann column: Back to the future?

"I am really curious whether life will return to how it was, or whether certain things are gone forever," writes Tameside Radio Breakfast presenter Alex B Cann in his latest column for us...

Time is a strange concept sometimes, and the pandemic has turned it upside down for me, if I’m honest. 

Working in radio, you have to be very precise about timings during your show, especially for things like the news and weather. 

There’s been none of this precision in the rest of our lives though, with most people abandoning the daily commute and school run during the three national lockdowns.

With pupils set to return to the classroom next week, you’ll also be allowed to have a picnic on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble. 

A Scotch egg in Stamford Park on my own doesn’t sound quite as appealing as a pint of real ale at Stalybridge Buffet Bar, or a haircut in Dukinfield. 

Both of those are a bit further down the road, assuming everything goes to plan. 

By the time my booked hair appointment on April 12 comes round, I’ll have hair like Leo Sayer and a beard like Brian Blessed!

As humans, we can’t help reflecting. Social media encourages this through the ‘Memories’ section which looks back at significant life events in history. Or the time you posted an ill-advised rant about Brexit or a late running bus in 2016 which you now regret. 

Either way, lockdown has definitely made us all reflect a bit I think on what’s important in life.

I used to be the sort of person who couldn’t say no to any social invitation. I put this down to the fear of missing out, but in reality it meant I was always doing too much and not enjoying the house I pay significant rent to live in.

Now, none of us can complain about not getting value for our rent or mortgage, but I don’t think I really want to go back to the fast lane, even when we can.

In 16 days’ time, it will be a year since I had a pint in the pub. Not that I’m counting, of course. 

I don’t think I’ll be champing at the bit to be the first at the bar when we can, though. 

I am hopeful of a birthday beer when I turn 44 in early August, and reckon things might have settled down a bit by then.

I am really curious whether life will return to how it was, or whether certain things are gone forever. 

Bet Fred would not give good odds on the return any time soon of handshakes, shared bar snacks or all you can eat help yourself buffets. 

I sincerely hope hugs can make a comeback, as I’ve massively missed a good cuddle. 

I don’t just mean with random folk in the street, but when a friend’s upset, it feels so unnatural to just give them a sympathetic look.

I might keep wearing my face covering in the supermarket, as it does make me feel more protected from people who don’t understand the concept of social distancing when they are reaching for the own brand baked beans. 

When it comes to the commute to work, the Prime Minister recently said he’s confident it will return in a few months’ time, but I’m not so sure. 

With HSBC cutting their office accommodation by 40 per cent, surely a mix of home and office working will be the norm, and life will probably be better for it.

The sunshine we had last weekend, coupled with the spring daffodils and the clocks going forward in 23 days’ time, all adds to the feeling that we can feel a little more optimistic. 

I just hope we can hold our resolve for a little bit longer. We owe that to our key workers on the front-line of this pandemic, for whom I have infinite admiration. 

My parents and my mother-in-law have had their first vaccination, and I keep checking the post for my letter... hopefully it won’t be long. At least I’m the wrong side of 40. For once. I’m grateful for that.

Tameside has amazing community spirit, and I’ve loved my first six months on Tameside Radio. 

Whether you’re looking forward to golf, shopping, a visit to a nail bar or just a little slice of normal life, we’ll be here for you.

You can listen to Alex every weekday from 7am to 11am and on the 'Super Scoreboard' show on Saturdays from 3pm to 7pm, on Tameside Radio 103.6FM. 

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