March(ing) onwards

 I've not been down to my syndicate fishery for months, certainly three - possibly four? Nothing too surprising from my perspective as the complex is basically a carp fishery and I am not that enthused about the species during these colder months. Membership renewal is due in May, not overly sure if I'll bother, but it is something to worry about on another day. If I'm retired, which is now a very strong possibility, then I might well retain my membership as the location is so close as to allow quick, off the cuff, sessions. Rumblings up in Aston Clinton look likely to result in my youngest brother, Sye, and his wife Yve, relocating to East Kent thus becoming part of the "Wraftie" ganglers. Benno is so confident that his "Uncle & God Father" is moving to Kent that he's already put his name down for a C&DAA ticket. Sye is first, and foremost, a barbel angler and has made mention of his desire to rekindle the golden period that we'd enjoyed during the 2013/15 seasons. If this becomes reality, then a C&DAA membership will also be on my agenda with the Cinque Ports AA membership option also something I (we) will have to consider to ensure a free rein during the pike season.

My time on the bank is always enhanced by any wildlife that crosses my path. During this latest lockdown period, however, I have also realised the significance of the many spontaneous exchanges with other folk I encounter whilst ensconced behind the rods. Real people who, just like me, seek to enrich their lives by spending time outdoors doing whatever they feel is important. Could be walking the dog, riding their bike or having a bit of a ramble, not for me to make a call on how others use their time. The important bit is that we engage and share our mutual enjoyment of the great outdoors.  It would seem that there is a real correlation between the sincerity of any encounter and distance from the nearest car park, the further away it is the more interesting the dialogue. (socially distanced of course) 

It seems incredible but, in under three weeks, the pandemic will have impacted upon our lives for a whole year. Where the f*ck did that time go? I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have remained in full-time employment, only seven weeks furlough. during this period. I've not had to self isolate or, even worse, actually contracted this hideous disease, thus maintained a link with normality which so many others have been unable, through no fault of their own. When I look at the current situation, in this context, I'm gutted that my time at FSIS is going to end on such a downer. My formal grievance is now "in process" with HR and I was quite surprised by the positive vibe generated at the first meeting. I have every intention of seeing this through to its' conclusion before handing in my notice. Either, which way, I'm now fully committed to walking away with 100% support of Bev and my family. What really pisses me off is the fact that I'm able to have a jab to combat the most deadly virus known to mankind yet, have not been able to stay true to my father's wish "work for as long as you can" I've succumbed, had to abandon my promise, purely due to an unwillingness to deal with the bullying and intimidation of a half-witted, middle manager, by the FSIS hierarchy closing ranks, in direct contradiction to the code of conduct of Fujifilm, our parent company. A sign of the times? I feel like I'm pissing in the wind, the guys that have been such an integral part of my enjoyment of life in digital still need to earn a living, pay bills, put food on the table for their families. Quite what post-Covid factory life is going to be like I can but guess, yet if this recent experience is anything to go by, I wouldn't expect to see too many smiling faces. So sad when we all used to get paid to have a laugh whilst producing the "world class" inks which are synonymous with our factory

Have no worries, once un-fettered from the contractual obligations of FSIS I'll have much more freedom to say what I like, offer an alternate opinion for want of a better analogy. HR got a problem?  If push comes to shove, let's see what Tokyo have to say about the situation? The beauty of social media, I can offer alternative opinion, without fear of retribution, purely because "I can!" If I'm retired what possible good will a negative reference be? How much damage can be done, to me, by a system that I've departed? All that I need to do is remain true to myself, not mention individuals, by name, and ensure that nothing I write could be construed as casting a shadow upon the global integrity of the Fuji brand, the world's my oyster!