Peterborough Show 2020 we're having cold feet

After listening to the Government's coronavirus updates today, the two of us are assessing if it is wise for us to visit the Peterborough Show. Mostly the show is in the open air though some marquees like the Craft Tent push a lot of people together, as does the shuttle bus to Peterborough. Fortunately neither of us have any current health issues, being over 70 is our only risk factor.

All being well, beforehand I'll be visiting my sister who lives near Kings Lynn, I've some stuff she's agreed to take off my hands. Currently I'm thinking we'll still be going to Peterborough though I wouldn’t be surprised if the stall holders and crowds stay away.

Are you planning on going?

Currently, my plans revolve around staying away from as many people as I can. I'll not go anywhere that isn’t strictly necessary.

We had a couple of nights in Edinburgh two weeks ago, travelling there by coach and around Edinburgh by bus. We had one night at the theatre and an afternoon at the cinema plus the usual round of shops, restaurants etc. Since we got back, I have had a sore throat, cough and cold, but no fever symptoms so obviously not Covid-19.  

Before I retired, I spent a lot of time on planes, at exhibitions & conferences and visiting customers. I used to have loads of colds, flu and stomach bugs.  Since retiring, about the only time I get anything like that is when I expose myself (!) to the great British public, which is a lot less frequently than before.

There are so many bugs and viruses these days, the chances of picking something up is almost inevitable, no matter how carefully you wash your hands, use antiseptic gel and wipes, etc. The chances of it being something serious are still low, but clearly the more you expose yourself the greater the likelihood.

It's a lifestyle choice at the end of the day, just like when we were subject to terror attacks from the IRA, Baader Meinhof or Islamic fundamentalists. Do we carry on with as near normal life as possible or cocoon ourselves at home and never go anywhere. 

It's a decision we have all to make for ourselves.

“Currently, my plans revolve around staying away from as many people as I can. I'll not go anywhere that isn’t strictly necessary.”

Tinwheeler....This is also my thinking, not necessarily for my own health but for my parents who are 84 and 87.
I’m wondering whether even visiting them is wise, I generally visit 3 times a week to take them shopping, help out etc..
I don’t normally panic/worry in such situations but it’s all getting a bit scary.

Dbvwt wrote:“Currently, my plans revolve around staying away from as many people as I can. I'll not go anywhere that isn’t strictly necessary.”

Tinwheeler....This is also my thinking, not necessarily for my own health but for my parents who are 84 and 87.
I’m wondering whether even visiting them is wise, I generally visit 3 times a week to take them shopping, help out etc..
I don’t normally panic/worry in such situations but it’s all getting a bit scary.

It is getting scary if we, or people we are close to, are in an at risk category. 

My concern is not just for OH and myself (we are both at risk) but we could unwittingly carry the virus either into or away from any crowded situation we find ourselves in and thence aid its spread.

I guess you could reduce your visits to your parents and perhaps organise online shopping deliveries which would keep them safely away from the shops. It’s a difficult one for sure.

rogerblack wrote:There are so many bugs and viruses these days, the chances of picking something up is almost inevitable, no matter how carefully you wash your hands, use antiseptic gel and wipes, etc. The chances of it being something serious are still low, but clearly the more you expose yourself the greater the likelihood.

Exactly Roger.

It's just plain stupid to be as complacent about it as some macho interviewees have been on TV, but at the same time it would be very reassuring if the BBC reported the comparative number of deaths from (say) seasonal flu in the same period as the current total of deaths from Covid19.
The media are being extremely successful in generating hysteria and encouraging panic buying. Not at all helpful. 

"it would be very reassuring if the BBC reported the comparative number of deaths from (say) seasonal flu in the same period as the current total of deaths from Covid19."

Funnily enough, Dave, think of him what people may but that's exactly what President Trump did in his recent press conference statement to try to reassure folk.

I wasn't aware of that Roger, but it does seem an obvious way to reassure the public and keep them as calm as possible, but of course that's exactly the opposite to what the media feeds on!!

I'm a bit surprised that our government is not taking a similar line to Trump. If/when the figures begin to coincide they could point out that whereas there's no defence against Covid 19, most of the older "at risk" fatalities had been vaccinated against the flu - but they still caught a fatal dose.

It's a difficult one, Dave. Bottom line is no one really knows what will happen, even 'experts' disagree and will argue the case vehemently for completely opposite actions. Whatever policy is adopted, we'll never know what would have happened if we had taken a different course. 

I just find it sad that people take entrenched views simply based on their politics. Whatever anyone might think of politicians, I can't believe they are not trying to do what they feel is best under very difficult conditions. I thought I was fairly cynical in my old age but maybe I am actually just naïve.

Checking in the last hour on the Warners website they haven't yet cancelled the Peterborough show. If I read correctly that if this should happen they will offer a refund or a transfer of your booking to another one of their events.

Current UK Gov policy (14th March 2020) seems to be at variance with many other experts who are critical, and more significantly perhaps, with the latest advice from the WHO.

My take on this? I cannot see the Peterborough Show 2020 still going ahead.

All bets are off though if we be both get coronavirus here beforehand and we fully recover, otherwise we'll be avoiding others like the plague.

Amongst this years plans we were going to Beamish for the the steam fair early April. I can’t see that happening. The Black Country Museum is closing until things have settled down.
Our next trip, by train, was Edinburgh at the end of April. Again I can’t see that happening either. I can only hope management doesn’t see this enforced stay as a time for domestic jobs. At least I have a reason for not going to B&Q.

Peterborough show cancelled. They are hoping to be able to reschedule later in the year but offering refunds or rebook on the later date once they know when it if it can be rescheduled.

New date for Peterborough show (fingers crossed)....

Peter Brown wrote:Not on their web site - where did you find it Paul?

Posted by Warners on FB

Paulmold wrote:

Peter Brown wrote:Not on their web site - where did you find it Paul?

Posted by Warners on FB

Brief details now on website...

https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/shows/show/the-national-motorhome-campervan-show

It is only two weeks after Norfolk show

Peter Brown wrote:Thanks, got it.  Terry?

I see the ASOC rally at Peterborough has been reinstated on the new dates.

I was only going to Peterborough because Suzi was playing there, it appears she will not now be appearing, that's £20 down the drain although they will try to replace her, hope they tell us who it is before 20th of April as that is their cut of point for a refund.