Christmas Shopping Delivery Emergency !

MrsStepford

French Eurotunnel staff walked out without warning at 11am this morning. Eurostar has suspended services. The French were offered a €1000 end of year bonus but they want €3000. No word on when the strike will end, which is allowed under French law.

A 15 mile stretch of the M20 has been closed, freight traffic is being stacked from Jct 8-12 and cars are being given vouchers for P&O at Dover.  More than 500 people are stranded at London St Pancras waiting for Eurostar services.

Husband works in Surrey. I had already allowed double his normal.journey time before booking an ASDA delivery tomorrow evening. All later slots are sold out so I can't change it. 

Should I add whatever I can to my Iceland delivery on Saturday lunchtime or ask husband to ask his boss if he can have a half day off and leave at lunchtime ? I have the main in the freezer but it's all the bits like organic veg, smoked salmon offer, cream, Viennetta, free from mince pies, bananas etc. 

If you live in East Kent and order from Sainsbury's, your order may be delayed tonight or tomorrow as they come from Ashford Simone Well store and M20 is closed there.

cymruchris

Wait and see what happens - nobody can predict what'll happen tomorrow night. If the delivery fails to arrive then send your husband shopping the day after. Stores are still open until Christmas Eve. Not sure it's an 'emergency' - possibly a nasty inconvenience, but there'll be ways to get what you need if anything doesn't go to plan.

MrsStepford

I have managed to add organic eggs, fennel, beetroot and clementines to my Milk & More order for tomorrow morning and non-organic kiwi fruit, double cream, Torchon ham and Tabasco to my Iceland order on Saturday. Best I could do. Still leaves gaping holes for fruit & veg if he doesn't get back in time. 

Husband has COPD. Even in an FFP2 mask, I don't want him mixing with hordes of people in supermarkets. 

cymruchris

I'm sure whatever happens everything will be ok... If you're missing a couple of side items here and there, it won't be the end of the world and no doubt will still have a great Christmas.... You'll make do with whatever you have and enjoy the time the best you can. Try not to get yourself worked up about things that are outside of your control...

MrsStepford

Husband is still trekking across country. He spotted a small Waitrose with a fairly empty car park. He dived in there, and is hoping to get organic veg and something easy for supper. 

MrsStepford

Husband just home - nearly four hours but he did manage to grab a bottle of Taittinger on offer for NYE and some boozy chocolates for our milkman. 

PLRFD

The strike is over.

MrsStepford

I know that the strike is over. However Kent Police kept junctions 5-8 closed, also Jct 13 and the Roundhill  Tunnel. Dover TAP was put in place and cars arriving in Dover without bookings were turned back.

Husband's boss let him leave at lunchtime. It took him five hours to get home without any stops.

ASDA order turned up within the slot and there were only two unavailable items, a celeriac and a growing thyme. Well done ASDA !