A Note of Gratitude in a Polarised Time
Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Director
Andrew discusses polarisation and Christmas Opening
As I sit here, mind a blank, staring at an empty screen, trying to stave off the temptation of looking at my emails, WhatsApp, or texts, the sky is a cloudless pale blue and the air is crisp. This is despite my phone telling me it’s “light rain showers and a moderate breeze”. So, it’s not for the first time that I’ve felt like I exist in a parallel world.
So anyway this ramble has at least got me started. And, whether it feels like it’s coming from a parallel world or not, the first thing I want to do is to thank you for reading my “stuff” over the course of the last year (if you have), and for spending your hard earn cash with us (if you have).
This time last year, I asked you “to put pen to paper” and reply to me when you’ve felt moved/loved/irritated by something I’ve said. And, as a result of this request, I got quite a number of replies including some very touching ones. So, I’m taking this opportunity again to make the same request for the new year coming. I do thoroughly enjoy reading the emails that I receive, and I always reply (if I don’t, it means I’ve missed your email… nudge me please). And, you don’t have to agree with me. I really enjoy a debate and in the end am happy to agree to disagree, if all else fails (including cake), and neither of our minds are changed!
Polarisation
And on that point, there sadly seems to be a growing movement both here at home and globally, of people who are of one opinion, and with whom debate appears to be quite a challenge. In extreme they will say, “if you’re not with me you are against me”. I was watching the venture capitalist and philanthropist Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn founder, served on the board of PayPal, Airbnb et al) talking about his support for Harris in the US elections, and that his actions may have repercussions for him in the future. He seems convinced that he will be taken to task in some way, that would not have happened, had a different administration been elected.
If he is correct, then I’ll just comment that it seems sad that something of this ilk could happen in a democracy. But I think the interesting question to ask ourselves here is, ‘why is this happening?’
I believe that much of what we don’t understand in ourselves, and in others, can be traced back to our early experiences in life. But why is it that in these days of lightening fast and easy communication, we are apparently so connected and yet so isolated and lonely. I don’t know if I am barking up the wrong tree here, but I feel that there’s a strong connection between the need to feel loved, the need to belong to something that is solid, irreproachable and the polarisation of views that we are currently witnessing worldwide.
It seems that the media & especially social media is encouraging a trend whereby naturally held points of view are increasingly entrenched and discourse that challenges our thinking is discouraged. Despite the all-pervasive nature of communication in our lives, we seem to have lost the humanity in this communication. Loneliness and depression are more commonplace than ever, when ‘in theory’ we are more connected to each other than ever. Yet meaningful connections are becoming increasingly rare.
This is a potentially difficult and divisive subject upon which to finish the year, but I feel it’s also a very important one. For the moment however, I’ll get off my soap box and wish you and your family a very happy Christmas.
Opening hours
The shops are open right up to and including Christmas eve. The exact time we close will depend to some extent on demand. My guess is 5:30 unless it’s very quiet, in which case it may be a little earlier. My advice if there’s something you NEED for Christmas Day, don’t leave it until the last hour. The websites are naturally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but we can no longer guarantee that orders placed will be delivered before New Years Eve. We take 3 days off at Christmas to recharge our batteries, so the shops will be open again on Saturday 28th December. And Shops and Warehouse open on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st, normal hours. Closed New Years Day and back to normal on Thursday 2nd Jan 2025.
No email next Saturday 28th
There won’t be an email next Saturday as Andi, Paul and I are all on holiday (no, not together, much to their other halves’ relief) . And, just in case you’re new to this newsletter, yes it does take three of us to curate, refine and punctuate this flowing prose that you’ve possibly been receiving weekly for the past six years. Then, the following week (week commencing 30th), I’m in France for a few days, staying with friends, but I’ll dream up something to say, like, Happy New Year, or SALE….. or maybe I’ll come up with something original….who knows!
I’ll leave you with some thoughts on Christmas Day from one of my favourite people, Nick Cave.
“And somewhere, amid the feasting and joyful human messiness - this beautiful, this happy, this sorrowful estate - I will acknowledge how extraordinarily fortunate my family and I are to have this good Christmas Day. I will remember, too, amongst all the making and the doing, the energising principle around which this day revolves that speaks so eloquently of rebirth and renewal, and the end to waiting - that of a mother bearing a child in a stable, revitalising the world for all eternity.” from his blog The Red Hand Files
I’d like to wish you a warm and lovely Christmas time with family and friends, or by yourself, if that’s your circumstances or simply, your preference.
Andrew
Andrew Bluett-Duncan
Director
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