I fully sympathise with anyone over 64 that has been told to shield. Well other half and I have received a government letter to shield until late July or later. Luckily home working is an option, but we have had terrible problems with on-line delivery.
Despite being immunocompromised, we cannot get on-line deliveries as supermarkets aren't taking on new vulnerable customers. Non-shielding people are still receiving deliveries regularly, too lazy to shop. When we can manage a Click and Collect (30 mile round trip), there is a shortage of salad stuff etc. We decided to grow our own.
We enthusiastically dug over half out lawn, then ordered compost, protective netting, seeds from a well known supplier. Nearly four weeks after taking our money, we got 2 bags of compost that were not for us. Note surprise when another customer's name was on it, next to a Delivery company label. We're also missing £150 of stuff (netting, pest control, seeds (now past sowing). Not taking phone calls due to Corvid 19 to ensure customer orders are despatched (now despatching stuff a week past our order date). When i filled in the on-line form and selected 'Complaint', their computer system changed it to 'Customer Query.' They then sent us a fob off automated email in font size 9 (thank goodness I'm too young to need reading glasses). It said they will not respond and close the matter, unless we reply to the FAQ fob off.
So they must be giving themselves a giant pat on the back 'no complaints.' Like our holiday that was cancelled - company have closed due to Covid and didn't pay ferry operator, so they cannot refund us. Seems companies are using Covid as an excuse to let simple things like checking orders are correct before despatch, knowing we are powerless to complain, as call centres are closed and computer system doesn't know what a complaint is.
Mean while, two nearly two weeks ago I grew worried, no compost, no seeds, no equipment.
KITCHEN GARDEN MEANS WE HAVE SEEDLINGS:
I ordered KG for advice, magazine and free seeds nearly 2 weeks ago, mainly as a backup for seeds. Thankfully we now have some lovely seedlings growing.
I still think we need to open garden centres, they can sustain social distancing, freeing up on-line delivery companies for people on medication that makes them vulnerable. I never thought I'd say this, but certain on-line stores where people can flog spare seeds and bulbs along with books etc have been a godsend. All packages arrived within 2 days, as people are looking for ways to save money or make a bit. My other half is doing important research for NHS from home (non Covid work continues), some colleagues have been removed from research to Covid wards. Gardening has been a great way for other half to relax.
Hopefully everyone else hasn't had any woes, fobbed off with 'Covid.'
