In this final instalment, more TE colleagues reflect on 2020.

David Bell – Trafalgar Entertainment Finance Department
I’m sure like many people, my daily commute from Brighton to Woking meant little time for fitness.  Working from home, I joined a new gym in Brighton which included an outdoor run club. Will I hate it? Will everyone be super quick ? Having never really enjoyed running, I thought I would join what seemed to be the hundreds of people in Brighton taking up this activity. 

Well after a few sessions of hating it, I now love it and have built up to running only 2km to 8km.  I continue to attend a bi weekly running club at the club (all outdoor and all weathers) and do one solo run per week. Along with spinning, this is now part of my pre work routine at 07:00 twice a week.  Next target is 10km….

Geoffrey Mugford – Trafalgar Releasing
2020 (aka. the COVID year) has been rough on all of us. When I was put on furlough, I knew I had to find something to do, and fast. I can’t stand still, that’s just who I am. So I decided I would keep a daily 9-5 routine and started learning a new skill: game development. 

Eight months down the line, I have now created from scratch one mobile game and three web browser games, and am making good progress on my first commercial release. I feel proud and reinvigorated, and ready to tackle the new year with flair.

Hey 2020, you know what? You really tried to, but you can’t bring me down!

Fleur Manuel – Stagecoach
What have you come dressed as I hear you shout! Well, this is my Morrisons outfit which I have slipped into three or four times a week whilst being furloughed. Mainly to keep busy!

I have worked for Stagecoach for nearly 28 years, I love and adore my job and haven’t known anything different for a very long time. Life without Stagecoach has been scary and unsettling.

However, it has also been, in many ways, an experience that has changed me and that I will look back on somewhat fondly. I have a new found gratitude to people who, before the pandemic, I would have taken for granted. I have enjoyed the company of some wonderful people, both customers and colleagues. I have seen, and felt how hard people work small amounts of money, and have witnessed just how lonely some people are and that their local supermarket is their daily sanctuary. To sum it up, these have been really hard months for many people but, together we have become stronger. I am glad to be back!