For those of us who do not frequent churches, a weekly sacrifice to Mammon makes an acceptable alternative. Thus it was that we set out, around 11am, on our weekly pilgrimage to Sainsbury’s Temple of Retail.

Ominous clouds over Baron Street

We found that the sun was shining upon our endeavours though a populated herd of clouds was offering competition. In particular, we noticed this ominous dark cloud above Baron Street. What did it portend? Careful scrutiny suggested that it was moving away from us but who knows what might be following in its wake?

The Farmers’ Market in full swing

Chapel Market was, as usual on Sunday, closed to traffic, so that the Farmers’ Market, which operates in the top end of the street, can function safely. Many of the stalls have tent-like canopies, an idea that seems to have been taken up by other, more permanent, businesses.

The pub has a blue tent

One such is the pub on the corner, the Alma, which has been serving customers outside since being allowed to do so but hitherto offered no protection from inclement weather. Today, I saw that they have procured a tent-like canopy under which customers were gathered together like sheep under a tree. From Monday, will they keep on using the tent, dispose of it or store it away in case needed again?

A giant ladybird?
Photo by Tigger

In Sainsbury’s car park, this object was seen lurking on a wall. It looked rather like a giant ladybird but I am persuaded that it is a crash helmet, a child’s, to judge from the size. Perhaps it rolled unnoticed out of someone’s car while the groceries were being loaded.

Worshipers at the shrine

As we were a little later than usual, Sainsbury’s was noticeably busier than we are used to but, knowing what we wanted, we sped round the shelves with barely a delay.

A longer queue

The queues at the checkouts were noticeably longer too. At this branch, the tradition established during the pandemic, no doubt in order to facilitate social distancing, is to have one queue for two checkouts. This confuses some customers who, not understanding, try to go straight to what they think is an available checkout. They find their error corrected, sometimes in quite pungent language, by members of the queue. We witnessed one such incident in our queue today but happily, the remonstrance was fairly mild, helped by the apologetic retreat of the unintentional offender.

The Angel Wings
Photo by Tigger

As we left the store and I prepared to hurry ahead to Marcer’s, Tigger photographed the famous Angel Wings at the refurbished Angel Central, finally freed of scaffolding and builders’ screens.

The market

I hurried through the market but stopped, as usual, to take a quick photo. There were plenty of stalls in operation and customers to match. Will there be any difference next week when the new rules come into force? It’s hard to imagine it being any busier than today.

Mercer’s – chairs and tables outside

And so to Mercer’s to pick up our takeaway coffees. They already have some tables outside and from Monday will be able to serve customers sitting inside. As we come here often, we are greeted affably. After all, businesses and their customers exist in a symbiotic relationship in which each needs the other. The pleasanter we make our relationship, the better it is for everyone.

And so to home to put away the shopping, drink our coffee and have a little rest, followed by lunch. This afternoon? Well, we shall see!