Talking Point with Vicky Turrell: From a woolly hat to an emergency bag

What was I thinking? I rushed off into town on a blustery day without giving much attention to what I was wearing. I posted my friend’s birthday card; we are still friends after meeting on my first day at school. It was important for me to catch the post. I did it! I was there before the midday collection. Her birthday is on Sunday this year, and it is always difficult to time a weekend birthday card correctly.

I was congratulating myself and rushing back to my car when I heard a familiar voice. I looked up. I have got into the habit of looking down these days in case the pavements are uneven. It was my friend, and she looked beautiful. Her long hair was flowing free, and her clothes were smart and trendy. I quickly pulled my knitted ‘tea cosy’ hat off, and we went for coffee, eagerly chatting away. I vowed to seek out better headgear in future.

We had our ‘Be ready for emergencies’ plan delivered yesterday. One of the things we must think about is what to take if we need to leave the house. Mr T and I have already got a grab bag in case we have to go into hospital. I am going to use this, as it has got many of the items suggested. One thing that features frequently on the list is a battery, which, of course, is not in our hospital bag. I was once admitted to hospital after going to A&E. It was not easy. I was totally unprepared and decided to make up a hospital grab bag for next time. It has now been upgraded to my Emergency Bag.

Who would have thought we would need a radio with FM? Well, it is on the list. I use my mobile for radio and for everything else these days. We rummaged around in one of our (still) unopened boxes from our house move and found an old radio. It has FM and still works. It is now in the Emergency Bag.

I was born on the day the war ended, so I did not have to worry about food. We lived on a farm and we were self-sufficient, but we were used to emergencies. Today, we are not, and it is difficult.

We put clocks back last weekend, though in these digital times I did not have to do anything. We will have lighter mornings. My aunt told me that in the war they put the clocks back two hours for lighter mornings and to save energy.

I have just had a thought. Maybe my disgraced old woolly hat would be of use in my Emergency Bag.