Making the most of our good fortune

Yet to watch the Red Arrows yesterday on a glorious sunny day was to feel privileged in our normality.

Privileged that we are one of just four places in the British Isles this year that will get to see the stunning aerobatic display of the nine Hawk T1s, the Blades and others.

Thousands lined the east coast yesterday for the chance to get a good view, crowding onto rooftops and piers. Not a mask was in sight and the only ‘rule of six’ anyone was interested in was when three Red Arrows peeled off the diamond formation.

There was extra enjoyment to yesterday’s display. Not just because the Little Russel was glistening in the sunshine and there was just the right amount of high cloud.

The sense of pleasure came from knowing that such a magnificent communal spectacle can no longer be taken for granted.

It was the same spirit that brought the crowds down to the Rocquaine Regatta last Saturday, got huge numbers cheering on the half-marathon runners on Sunday and saw thousands cram into the Vale Castle for the Earth Fair a week earlier.

And for the same reason, expect hundreds more to attend this weekend’s big match against the Isle of Man, desperate to see the island’s best avenge their away defeat.

The enthusiasm of those attending sports events, music festivals and cultural events at present is not just because people cannot get away easily for those summer breaks.

It is because they are determined to embrace each part of island life and support it while they can.

A look across the water at the UK, where Covid marshals will be patrolling the streets looking for gatherings of more than six and the family Christmas is under threat, is a stark reminder of how lucky we are.

Yes, our luck comes at a cost that some people find too high. Off-island travel is difficult. And tourism has been hit hard.

But for those who are determined to make the most of what this island has to offer, there is much to be thankful for.