THE
EXTRAORDINARY TIMES MESSAGES OF HOPE, CREATIVITY, CURIOSITY AND RENEWAL
SPRING 2021
Hang on to your hat
I
n 1973 a man sent a distressed letter to the author E.B. White, lamenting that he had lost hope for the future of the human race. White, famous for classic books including Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, took it upon himself to uplift the man’s spirits with this reply: Dear Mr Nadeau
© WILLIAM ANDRUS
As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the thing that is left to us, in a bad time. I shall get up Sunday morning and wind the clock, as a contribution to order and steadfastness.
Daring to look forward BY ALISON FORD
T
here’s a theory suggesting that, perhaps unconsciously, humans have always looked to birds for reassurance. As long as the birds are singing, we know all is well in our world. When the birds fall silent, we have cause for disquiet and alarm. Over the past year or so, it’s true we’ve had much cause for disquiet and alarm. We’ve been in the grip of something never before experienced. Each of us has muddled through this uncharted territory day by day, for longer than we ever imagined would be necessary. Many of us have experienced loss, sadness, fear and isolation. We’ve all looked for different ways of coping – and different ways of picking up the pieces when the ‘coping’ has gone awry. Lately, little things have made the biggest impact. The warm scones left on your doorstep by a friend you’ve not been able to see for months. The friendly nod and smiley eyes of a stranger who obligingly offers you a
wide berth in the street. The picture taped to a wheelie bin, drawn by a child for the person who collects their refuse. It’s been a time when we’ve had the chance to reflect on who we are, and how interconnected we are. A time when it’s been more acceptable to admit vulnerabilities and frailties, and to ask for help. And a time when we’ve been more willing than ever to offer help. And so the little things became the big things. In Farnham this was demonstrated in so many ways: neighbourhood WhatsApp groups were started, two ‘share stores’ were established, numerous book swaps got underway, and over 500 volunteers delivered prescriptions and groceries to people who needed to shield. In the face of adversity the warmth and fellowship of humankind has ensured that we have much to be grateful for. Now that we are daring to look ahead, it seems important to hold on to hope. Not just hope that things will return to normal, but that when they do we will
maintain these connections with each other. According to research, feeling connected to our community – along with being active, taking notice of the world around us, continuing to learn, and giving – is what holds the key to our well-being and resilience. This newspaper takes its inspiration from that premise. We hope you’ll find your curiosity piqued and your spirits lifted by its stories of creativity, endeavour and renewal. Because the birds are very definitely still singing. O
Sailors have an expression about the weather: they say, the weather is a great bluffer. I guess the same is true of our human society – things can look dark, then a break shows in the clouds, and all is changed, sometimes rather suddenly. It is quite obvious that the human race has made a queer mess of life on this planet. But as a people we probably harbor seeds of goodness that have lain for a long time waiting to sprout when the conditions are right. Man’s curiosity, his relentlessness, his inventiveness, his ingenuity have led him into deep trouble. We can only hope that these same traits will enable him to claw his way out. Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day. Sincerely, E. B. White This letter, along with other uplifting and thought-provoking correspondence is reproduced in ‘Letters of Note’ by Shaun Usher, published by Unbound.
Letters of hope to the editor a collaboration between Farnham Maltings and Farnham Herald As we move into spring and the world starts to open up we are encouraging people to write in to the Farnham Herald letters page with their hopes and ambitions for what comes next. We are keen to hear from every part of our community about how we might ensure that some good comes from the disruption of the past year. What have we learnt from putting much of life on hold? How might things improve? Mark your contribution ‘Letter of Hope’ and email it to news@farnhamherald.com by 30 April 2021. Published letters will appear in the Farnham Herald on 6 May.