Or to be more accurate what teachers’ unions do. Most uninformed people assume that teachers main job is to teach children. So to be fair do a number of teachers. On the other hand that is certainly not the opinion of quite a number of other teachers and all the various teachers unions.

When the whole virus situation flared up, quite rightly schools were in, general, closed, but also quite rightly arrangements were made for children of key workers to attend so their parents could continue with their crucial work.

Now, without any of the worst scenarios actually occurring, the decision has been made to try to slowly get the country back to work. Got to happen before the country goes bankrupt. Therefore where both parents work, or single parents work their children need to go back to school. However much, much more importantly all children need to be in school and LEARNING. Making up for time lost is incredibly difficult and lack of schooling can and will affect them adversely for the rest of their lives in many cases.

The government produced a very gentle plan for getting schools going again, too gentle many would say, but a sensible plan. The aim is to bring back first those in great need. Therefore the first back in are to be those who have just started school and those who will be going from Primary to Secondary school in September. There will also be an attempt to get back in Secondary age pupils who next school year will be taking exams. Other age groups to be recalled when appropriate. By all normal standards a very gentle exercise. Not for the teaching unions sadly. Uniformly their first response was totally negative, quoting all sorts of health and other obstacles and telling (sorry advising) their members to have nothing to do with getting back to work. As an afterthought the children were mentioned.

Reality now. All the evidence available says that children rarely catch coronavirus and little evidence that they pass it on. Of course precautions that can be taken must be, but in the end children have to be in school and teachers with them. The pinnacle of negativity, obstruction and stupidity came from the leader of one of the unions who suggested that IF children were to be allowed in school they were to be sprayed from head to foot with disinfectant as they came in the gate. Perhaps she was thinking of a sheep dip. Danger to staff? There would be some but just like many other key workers (see below), and indeed everyone in the country that is how it is. The teaching unions do themselves no favours with the general public.

The bottom line is this – if you are a teacher your job is to teach children and if you can’t or won’t do it the answer is very simple – find another job. This with apologies to those teachers who despite their leaders think it actually is their job.

Talking of key workers who are willing to do their job in these difficult times I must highlight our gallant postie. To cheer everyone up he appeared today dressed in a fetching red clown’s costume, strode boldly to the door in his best clown’s walk to deposit the mail on the mat, waved to the watching crowds, and sauntered back out the gate. Well done Sir!

On the gin front stocks of Tanqueray are running low so as needs must I had ordered up a bottle of Welsh Brecon gin which was sampled last night. This is produced by the same company that pioneered Welsh malt whisky. Quite an interesting drop. It does not have quite the kick of 47.3% Import Tanqueray but nevertheless quite a pleasant and slightly different tipple. Topping up the lower end of the wine cellar I had ordered several bottles from Morrisons with the food delivery. Out of stock for one bottle they sent a replacement of their choosing. Having no great faith in the ability of Morrisons packer to select anything drinkable I surveyed the label but decided yesterday to brave it and give it a go. The bottle in question was a 2017 Spanish Tempranillo called Castillo Del Sabio – a new one to me. The label recorded the delights within. A heritage stretching back to ancient times that has inspired poets, artists and the nobility. Well possibly but as I recall poets are usually too in love to know what they are drinking, artists drink anything so long as it is alcoholic and the aristocracy are usually too drunk at the end of the evening to remember what they have been drinking. Reading on it had a rich berry flavour with hints of herbs, spices and vanilla. Moving on I cautiously removed the cork and equally cautiously sniffed a little I had poured into a glass. (Oh OK I delicately swirled a little round in my glass and tested the aroma). So far so good, so I proceeded to drink a glass. Whilst not quite living up to the billing on the bottle as described above it had a bit of body and quite a pleasant taste 13.5% without being too heavy. Quite acceptable if you are looking for a cheap bottle to feed to unexpected visitors.

Oh and golf courses will open – readers obviously followed my advice and contacted Drakeford!