That may sound like something of a contradiction but it does sum up the current situation in Hethersett.
I spent quite a bit of time this morning re-writing large sections of Hethersett Herald to reflect the current situation in our village. It's now more of a case of what is open and functioning rather than what is shut. I couldn't help but muse on the fact that news is likely to be in short supply over the next few months. The cancellations of VE Day celebrations is particularly sad as this would have brought the village together and would have been a piece of village history. But then I realised that what we are living through at the moment is exactly that - a piece of village history.
I can imagine a conversation between two elderly people in 50 years time:
"What do you remember about growing up in the village," asks one.
"Well I remember when we had that there virus thing, when everyone had to stay indoors. That was a rummin," replied the others.
The Coronavirus will obviously take its place in Hethersett folklore - but not for some while of course. Today we have to live through it and stay safe.
Today has brought news that the parish council office in the village hall will be closed to the public until further notice. Schools of course will shut as from tomorrow although they will stay open for children of key workers and children at risk. We are still waiting to hear exactly what that means.
Popped into Hethersett Library which is still open and also read many Facebook messages expressing thanks for how the majority of people are behaving and supporting each other during the crisis. I hope to reflect on just some of these in the next Hethersett Herald.
And there is some good news. Popped into Church Farm shop to find the place thriving and a hive of activity. It seems a long time ago that we spoke to Jake Willgress about how takings had slumped because of the road works and traffic lights. Now we are seeing the other side of the story. The shop is providing a valuable local service. I just hope that when things calm down and we return to normal that people will continue to patronise and shop at local outlets which are serving them so well during the crisis.
Jake told me that he had sold a week's worth of bread in a morning. He and his staff are working hard to keep things going and also undertaking deliveries. Emergencies can bring the best out of people and let's hold onto that thought as we go forward.