Editor’s Diary: Return To The Office!


Staff sitting casually around office

Readers of this Editor’s Diary know that, since March 2020, the “Friend” team has been working from home. That, however, has now changed! Because the last two weeks have been all about our return to the office.

It’s not exactly like it was before, of course. At the moment, most of us are in the office only one day a week. And we’re sitting in a different part of the building, too, which takes a bit of getting used to. But it’s so lovely to see everyone in person again!

That first day back was, understandably, quite chaotic. Over two years’ worth of news to catch up on! But do you know what? Within minutes, it was like we’d never been away.

That’s the sign of a strong team, I’d say. One that can survive over two years apart and then just pick up where it left off. There was lots of laughter. Mainly at our own forgetfulness!

How does the printer work again? And — I was guilty of this one — how exactly do I get hot water for my cup of tea from that fancy tap?

New colleagues

Of course, the make-up of the team has changed since we were last together. Margaret and Iain have moved on to new adventures, and Abbie, Eddy and Jacky have joined us.

What hasn’t changed is our pleasure in each other’s company.

Now that we’re settling into a new routine, we’re starting to make plans. Such as a team lunch out at our favourite Italian restaurant! It’s been a while. And a new team photo for our Facebook page is scheduled for next week. I had to give everyone fair warning of that one so no-one was caught on a bad hair day!

It really does feel as if life is slowly returning to normal for us.

Angela Gilchrist

Angela is Former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. Her passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. Her favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.