By Claire Bellamy 

Well – where do I start? March has been possibly the most surreal month I’ve ever known. Covid-19 has seen changes to all of our daily lives and, whilst we are facing such uncertain times, it is wonderful to see a community co ming together to help.

Only this morning a local resident, Pauline, requested donations of unwanted children’s duvet covers so that she could turn them into theatre gowns for children at The Royal Alex Hospital. On my daily walks around the village I have seen boxes of books on doorsteps for people to take away and read. I’ve also heard that the Sears children have been making bracelets and selling them to raise money for the NHS, who are doing an amazing job whilst under such immense pressure. The clapping and whooping in a show of appreciation for the NHS last week was so loud throughout the village and so lovely to hear!

Shortly before our social distancing rules came into play I was invited to the Sad Dads ten year anniversary and awards party, held at The Talbot. A genuinely brilliant evening with hilarious awards such as the ‘The Most Social Only Member’ (Fraser Bellamy), ‘The Award for the Sad Dad with Actual Talent’ (Steve Barlow), ‘The Gold Award for 100% Attendance and Longest Continuous Member’ (Andy Burton) and ‘The Prince Charles Award for Next In Line to Lead Sad Dads’ (Will Nice). Under normal circumstances, Sad Dads meets weekly in the village and new members welcome.

Like everyone else I am looking forward to life returning to normal, but in the meantime stay at home, keep an eye on those around you and stay well. I think that a village celebration will be in order – perhaps a street party where we can not only socialise but also support the village businesses. But for now, follow the rules or I will be forced to dust off the Mayoral stocks and use them!