I am the marketing and fundraising manager at Glasgow City Mission and I’ve been reflecting on the impact Covid-19 has had on my working life.

As a result of the pandemic I’ve been reading more books and listening to more music. I recently read A Song for the Dark Times by Ian Rankin. A lover of crime fiction, I’ve read all Rankin’s Rebus books. And the title of the latest one made me think about songs relevant to our times and my role at Glasgow City Mission. The first one I thought of was When will I see you again? by The Three Degrees.

Pre-Covid, I worked on level 3 in our building in Crimea Street and since the end of March 2020 I’ve been working from home. I remember vividly putting files from my desk into my rucksack as I packed up to leave the office, wondering how long it would be before I’d be back.

What do I want to return to?

I want to see Vivian come through the door with her smile and fabulous baking; Gordon pick up the key for Urban as he heads off to take the art class; and Billy arrive to discuss our latest ideas for fundraisers. I miss the coffee snobs; the diary and prayer meetings; the sun coming through the window into my eyes at particular times of day; doing the First Friday tour throughout the building; and popping downstairs to the Gathering on a Friday afternoon. I miss our community. A return to it will be the Sweetest Thing (U2).

Along with Marketing and Fundraising colleagues Joy and Stuart, I have been able to continue the marketing and fundraising work and we have been blessed with incredible support from individuals, partner charities and agencies, churches, businesses and volunteers.

We have found new ways to work and have adapted well. Our socially distanced Heart for Glasgow event raised nearly £13,000 in October and we’ll soon be promoting the opportunity to take part in the Virtual Kiltwalk at the end of April. Our plans for later in 2021 are taking shape and we look forward to sharing new ways to be involved. So, plenty of planning and activity to be getting on with at present, however, as I visualise my return to level 3 the song that comes to mind is definitely Let the Good Times Roll (BB King)!

Jack Geddes

Marketing and Fundraising Manager