#i mean i hope it's that rather than they've had to cancel that performance for a bad/sad reason

[wintersoulwitch]

Just noticed something on the DMT website...

21 March is no longer listed as a show night. This is a recent change, because a couple of days ago the Stage/Fright booking calendar looked like this.

The last time they took a date off the bookings calendar was 29 January - Press Night.

Now, this is pure speculation, but... What if they've closed the box office for that day because they're going to film it???

[sophiesxffelle]

Interviewing local businesses.

Today I decided to got to Colchester town to document the effect that the Corona Virus is having on small businesses. I was inspired to do this due to working in a local pub which has been badly effected and has caused a lot of disruption to everyone working for the business.

The first place that I visited was my workplace, The Purple Dog. I talked to the manager and asked her 3 questions:

1. What was the biggest effect on the business so far?

2. What are you doing to minimise the risk of infection?

3. What will you do if there is a nation-wide lockdown?

Response: 

1-

 People of high risk aren't attending work so other staff are having to cover shifts.

There is less income on food due to less people coming into town, although there are still regulars who come in for a drink and a meal each day.

They are running down stock on perishable items due to less consumption.

2-

Regularly wiping down surfaces which the staff and customers touch, such as doors, handles, tables, card machines and tills.

Washing hands regularly, especially after handling money or cleaning peoples tables.

Not letting customers reuse their glasses.

Putting up signs in the bathroom advising customers on how to wash their hands properly and effectively.

Advising staff to stay home if they have any underlying conditions.

3-

Follow the government guidelines.

Heiniken will pause the rent until the end of April, however they will have to pay it all back in small sums.

They will have to lay off anyone without a contract or part-time staff.

Re-open as normal when permitted.

After interviewing the manager I politely asked if it would be okay to photograph the pub. She said that I was allowed to but to not take images of the customers.

unfortunately I wasn't able to take many image as there were quite a few customers but I hope to go back and take more of the pub layout.

The next place I visited was Baccus. I visited on the 19/3/20 but the manager had already finished his shift so I went back the next morning. While interviewing him he was very vague with his responses which made it quite difficult.

1-

Their  foot fall is down, meaning less customers are coming into the shop due to being warned to stay inside and they’re earning less money.

2-

They clean the shop the best that they can, focusing on areas that the public touch most.

3-

They will be forced to close.

The third location I visited was Black Hope Tattoo parlour. While entering the building there was a note on the door explaining that only customers who had already booked an appointment were allowed in, however they were very polite and allowed me to interview them. 

1-

More Calls rather than walk in appointments.

Private Studio work.

 They have had a lot of cancellation

2-

They keep the door locked so nobody walks in without an appointment.

There is a small sink with antibacterial soap for staff and customers to use.

They've got medical grade bleach to clean down surfaces and equipment.

3-

They will each work from home by practicing and making designs aswell as rescheduling appointments.

My fourth location was a small vintage shop called Best Days. It sells upcycled and vintage clothes aswell as having small bands perform. (16 Trinity Street, Colchester CO1 1JN)

1-

They've had a very quiet atmosphere however more younger people come in during the week due to schools and colleges closing.

2-

Regularly cleaning surfaces which customers touch, such as the seating area.

Sanitizing hand regularly, especially when handling money.

Just being sensible in general around customers 

3-

They will receive a grant from the government to keep the business running even if it is forced to shut.

The final place that I visited was Vape And Go.They’re asmall business located at the bottom of Sheer Gate Steps in Colchester.

1- 

Stock is harder to get due to high demand.

People are bulk buying products so theyre earing more than usual.

2-

They minimise handling money and encourage people to pay by card.

They use alcohol wipes to wipe clean surfaces. 

Minimise contact with customers and staff.

3- They'll follow government recommendations and hopefull be able to open again as normal. 

I also visited a small Cafe called Caffe Sala. I was told I could take some photos but I was unable to interview the manager at that current time. Unfortunately the country went into lockdown the day after and I was unable to contact them after that.