Virgin Orbit, Richard Branson’s fledgling satellite company failed at its first attempt to launch a rocket over the pacific ocean. The booster (launcherone) was released from under the wing of an old Virgin jumbo and its engine successfully ignited but due to an anomaly the launch had to be terminated. It should have started to climb to orbit but it didn’t happen on this occasion and Branson will have to wait for launchertwo. I wonder how they managed all this at the same time as managing lockdown.
For the first time since lockdown the public car park behind my block of flats was really rather busy today. My daughters who cycled to the beach tell me that there were plenty of people there enjoying Bank Holiday sunshine but they were able to keep their distance. They also mentioned that there were plenty of quite big groups which probably were not families living under the same roof. I went for my daily constitutional after 5 o/c, through the town and gardens, and there were still plenty of people out and about. It looked as if they are about to replant the flower beds there, all spring flowers have been removed and next time I go it should look like summer.
Cummings is all over the news today and still convinced that he didn’t break the rules and trying to convince the voters and non voters of the same. He apparently thinks he’s cleverer than most of us and if that is true he should have gone and laid low and not been seen. As I said before, what he did doesn’t show a lot of smarts. I’m fed up with him as a subject, he is extremely unappealing.
So, all shops can reopen in three weeks time. Just in time for the summer sales if my calculation is correct. We’ll be able to shop till we drop but still won’t be able to go very far to show off our new togs, although we will be able to go to outdoor markets from next week. I’m sure you will all be pleased to hear that we will also be able to browse around in car showrooms, maybe treat ourselves to a new motor. Lucky us. Airlines have also made plans to start flying in July and EasyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 have announced their destinations. EasyJet’s only international city will be Nice in the south of France. Made me feel quite nostalgic as I used to go there every year with Sandy.
A lack of tourists might be having a negative impact on the economy at local attractions but it is having a positive result as far as wildlife is concerned. For the first time since the 1980s peregrine falcons can be seen nesting in the ruins of Corfe Castle. Less welcome visitors might be the travellers who have parked their caravans on Kings Park, Boscombe. The local council say that they are monitoring the situations and supplying rubbish bags and then collecting them. I have never understood why travellers are allowed to park up anywhere when people who are paying taxes would be immediately moved on, after being fined of course. Enough from me and time for bed.