Coronavirus Pandemic
The UK was put into ‘lockdown’ on 23 March 2020 in an unprecedented step to attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus. Much can be read on the internet and newspapers about the pandemic and the impact of this throughout the UK, but we thought it might be interesting to note how the new rules have affected life in Gringley. The church and school have closed, the Blue Bell has closed its doors, and the Community Centre has closed too. Happily most people are able to take a walk around the village to enjoy the wonderful nature we have on our doorstep provided they adhere to the social distancing rule and stay 2 metres apart.
Melissa Sherwin set up ‘Here to Help’, a group of volunteers who deliver shopping to vulnerable and elderly people in the village and provide a first port of call for those who need assistance or information. Vegetables began arriving in boxes at several points in the village where people can help themselves to potatoes, carrots, beetroots and leeks. Polybell donated leeks and carrots, Stan White Farm donated beetroot and donations from Safari Supper organisers and other individuals bought potatoes from Linroyle. Other donations from the community have supplied food parcels.
Garden Centres are shut for the moment (hopefully to re-open 13 May) but Melissa has also been able to source some plants and compost so folk can tend to their allotments and gardens. The weather has mostly been good so it’s a blessing to be able to spend time outside planting and growing. Other items such as flour and icing sugar are difficult to get in the shops at the moment but small amounts of these items are also being sourced. Yeast is still a rare commodity.
A pop-up fruit and vegetable stall appeared on Little Lane, all proceeds in support of the NHS.
The veg stall moved to Trust Cottage on Cross Hill. Cakes and buns now added to the stock! Funds in aid of Here to Help group.
Beacon Article (May/June 2020 copy)
Everyone has been busy putting pictures of rainbows in their windows – this as a mark of support and appreciation for the amazing work of the NHS during this pandemic.
Rock Chick!
Children have been painting rocks and stones to hide for others to find on their walks around the village - some have found their way to the Buttercross at the top of Cross Hill
There has also been a 'Bear Hunt' - many folk have been placing teddy bears in their windows to spot on their walks.
At the bus shelter on the High Street Michelle Davies set up a toy, book and game centre – children and adults invited to borrow books and puzzles and toys. Sanitising a priority of course! “Facebook: Have loved hearing how everyone is making use of the book/DVD swap stall in the bus shelter! Can I remind you all it's only for puzzles/board games, books and DVDs, not clothing or any other items. Also items need to be donated separately in a clear bag so people can see what they are without touching them. I would like to suggest craft items can be donated now, but only small enough to be placed on the table and again in a clear bag. Many thanks, Michelle x”
The highlight of the month has been the ‘Stay At Home Street Party’ held on 8 May to celebrate V E Day. The village was beautifully decorated with flags and bunting.
Adam from the Blue Bell organised a ‘virtual’ pub by delivering 'The Blue Bell Inn a bag' and pub quiz via Zoom. To read more follow this link: Blue Bell Inn a Bag
A mobile coffee shop has just started visiting the village – all visitors socially distanced naturally.
It is times like these that become the history of the future, so if you have any anecdotes or photographs that illustrate the Covid 19 lockdown, we would love to have them.