The Friendly Times

A recent visit to London's National Theatre to see "Nye," a play about Aneurin Bevan, the National Health Service (NHS) architect, left me with a profound sense of gratitude and contemplation. The portrayal of the man who, after the Second World War, was instrumental in establishing a health system that would become the envy of the world was not just a history lesson but a stark reminder of the value of universal health care and the importance of caring for others. (I contracted polio as a child in 1949; had it not been for the NHS, I would not be writing this article). Amid the relentless news cycle that bombards us with tales of calamity, corruption, greed, hatred and societal stagnation, it's easy to overlook the quiet yet powerful force that holds our communities together. It's the workforce engaged in care, service, and support—a force powered by millions of individuals whose daily work is dedicated to the well-being and safety of others. These are the unsung...

Every morning, without fail, Sue takes our dog, Crumble, for a stroll around the neighbourhood. It's their little ritual, a bit of 'me-time' for both. I enjoy the peace and quiet, contemplating the mysteries of the universe or, more likely, just savouring a coffee and relishing the fact that I'm not the one picking up Crumble's "presents" along the way. Sue's walks are more than just walks. They're mini adventures, and she always returns with some local news or a snippet about the progress of the seasons, flooding in the fields, or the latest neighbourhood drama. You know, the real hard-hitting stuff. On this particular day, Sue's curiosity was piqued not by the usual neighbourhood gossip or Crumble's antics (though watching her try to catch a squirrel is always entertaining). No, it was something unusual. As she walked into our drive, she decided on a whim to check the flowerbeds next to her car, probably hoping to find that missing earrin...