So called "sssential items"

But people don't look to their own conscience Doodledog - or, at least, their conscience doesn't correlate with the common good. Some people need peer pressure to "do the right thing".

Pikachu

I understand the body pains that come with age.

I didn't set up the rule of not sitting on benches.
I just offered a suggestion that still allows you to get outside exercise without breaking the rule.

We all have to adapt and follow the rules. Age is not an excuse

Z

If I didn't have a garden and went out for a short walk each day I would be very glad to find somewhere to park on for a few minutes - provided there was not another person within about 20 yards. Is it only the fit and well who are permitted a walk?

Is sitting on a fallen tree trunk permitted?

Advice from Gloucestershire's Director for Public Health answering questions from the public:

“The guidance around social distancing and the two metre gap is quite clear.
"We have had messages with some places closing their benches, putting tape across them. There is nothing wrong with having a park bench, if you are a members of the same family you can sit on the bench together, but if you’re not you have to keep two metre distance.

"This means if the bench is on its own, one person sits on the bench, one person has to stand two metres away.

“It is just about taking a practical, pragmatic approach to this whilst following the guidance.”

Thank heavens there were no COVID stasi personnel on my walk yesterday afternoon when my knee gave up from under me and I fell to the ground. It was only by sitting on that bench for 5 minutes, whilst I got my knee cap back where it needed to be, that I was able to carry on and get home. The alternative would have been to call for assistance and that would have put others at risk.

We really do need to be mindful of not throwing out the baby with the bath water.

Sharp intake of breath, Chewbacca ouch.
Mine used to do that a lot just by kneeling on the floor and sitting back. There's nothing can be done until it's eased back in place (slowly in my case).

I find it awful that people are policing each other in this way! Who will judge what is or is not essential!
I had to go to Sainsburys two days ago to buy food for my daughter and her 3 small children (with whom I am in lock down) whilst there I also purchased two sun hats for the 1 and 2 year old, as the weather is getting hotter and they will be out in the garden more and we do not want to risk heat stroke or sun burn! I also bought some more craft bits (pre existing stocks now running very low) to keep them entertained during lock down, and to help the 9 year old with his school project.
I consider these items essential, but someone watching me buy “clothing” or some craft paper would probably cry non essential! I was already in the supermarket for “essential” food and did not loiter !