Blossom, babies and a glass that is collectively half full - Editor's comment

Are you feeling at all optimistic as we look – longingly - to the future?
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It may seem like a personal question to ask but I have a sneaky feeling that there are also distinct moods that engulf our city as whole. Would you agree?

I have daily meetings with other editors from within the company which owns The Star and it is always interesting how different their news agendas are, but I am sure that is also reflective of how our city’s feel.

Read More
When usual first-day worries take on a whole new meaning - Editor's comment
Greatham in Bloom annual Snowdrop AfternoonGreatham in Bloom annual Snowdrop Afternoon
Greatham in Bloom annual Snowdrop Afternoon
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Let me give you an example. In January, it seemed as if Sheffield had a skip in its step and a united feeling that we were going to beat this thing together. We were doing so well with vaccines, we were just about managing to stay home without complaining too much and spring was somewhere on the distant horizon.

Fast forward a few weeks and, although we are making steady progress, it all feels far more gloomy. Even the novelty of snow has melted away and staying home to keep safe from bad weather is, well … we were doing that already.

This week, most editors have agreed that their regions are more uplifted than they had been recently. I know Sheffield prides itself on being different but I’m not feeling that way here right now.

It is easy to understand that we might all, collectively as Sheffielders, be struggling more than a few weeks ago but we’ll bounce back. A very dear family member welcomed their first baby on Tuesday. He’s is the most beautiful, healthy little boy and, while it brought me a huge wave of happiness, I wish with all my heart that I could hold him. But I refuse to be downhearted when there are still so many good things going on in our city. We must celebrate the most precious arrivals just as we always have and keep sharing joy from a distance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We are going to be in lockdown for quite a while longer so we might as well make sure our glasses are half full … they’ll see us through better until the pubs reopen.

Take a look at the snowdrops while on your daily exercise and tell me that they don’t give you hope. if you start conversations positively, you’ll carry friends along and vice versa. Let’s get Sheffield back on its feet once we’re allowed and in the meantime, we’ll keep on smiling.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.