Richmond Park

Finding Sanctuary in Richmond Park: A Reflection on COVID and Resilience

Sunlight filters through the trees in Richmond Park, and with each step, I’m reminded of those days when the world stood still. March 2020 feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago — the day I closed the pub, locking the doors with a heavy heart, uncertain when or if we’d reopen. The silence that followed was deafening, the fear of losing everything a constant, gnawing ache.

But amid that chaos, Richmond Park became my refuge. Living so close to this natural oasis was a blessing I hadn’t fully appreciated until the world shrank to the size of our homes and daily walks. The park became more than just open space; it was a place to breathe, to think, to feel the ground under my feet and remember that some things still made sense.

There were misty mornings when the deer moved like shadows through the grass, and golden sunsets that painted the sky in hues of hope. Every walk felt like a pause button on the relentless worry — a chance to step away from the constant calculations about the business, the future, the unknown.

Looking back, I’m grateful we managed to adapt. Both pubs survived, bolstered by government support that kept us afloat. But it wasn’t without pain. Some decisions cut deep, especially those involving people we once trusted but who chose to walk away when we needed them most. That hurt more than the financial strain. But it was also a stark reminder of who truly stood by us when times were hardest.

Today, as I wander through Richmond Park, I feel incredibly lucky to have had this place as a lifeline during those dark days. Its beauty is constant — a spectacle in every season, a reminder of the simple things that keep us grounded.

For anyone seeking space to reflect, to heal, or just to breathe in the fresh air, Richmond Park is a haven. It offered me solace when everything else felt uncertain, and it continues to be a place where I find clarity and calm.

Stay tuned — I’ll be sharing more reflections on the COVID years, the challenges we faced, and the lessons learned. But today, I just wanted to honor the park that helped me hold on when everything else felt like it was slipping away