13/04/2020
During mid-March, in reaction to the fast-evolving Coronavirus situation, and the result of online communication between a handful of Chelford residents, the above action group was formed.
Around 12 area co-ordinators, each responsible for a designated patch of the village, ensured that a contact card was delivered to every household within their area.
We work very closely with Connecting Chelford, who already supported a number of elderly or vulnerable members of the community, and between us, EVERY residence in the village, received a point of contact to call upon should they require assistance with anything from urgent supplies, medication collected/delivered or even just a friendly phone call.
We've had contact with Chelford Together, and we have an ongoing relationship with village retailers, who we are in regular contact with and who kindly display information relating to our group, acting as a collection point should anyone wish to volunteer their services. This has resulted in a bank of almost 60 volunteers, supporting their area co-ordinator, to fulfil any requests.
Some children in the village helped deliver our contact cards, drew rainbows, delivering some to elderly friends, neighbours and those self-isolating, decorated our footpaths with colourful chalk drawings and uplifting messages.
A couple of co-ordinators have been batch cooking soups and broths, which have been frozen in individual portions; if you, or anyone you know, could benefit from this food offering, please get in touch.
We are now working closely with the village surgery as a delivery service for those who require their medication to be delivered, with each volunteer observing the latest guidance on PPE and safe distancing measures.
Links have also been developed with other villages/communities nearby, who are also operating similar action groups.As the magnitude of the current situation increases, more and more residents are reaching out and the group are incredibly touched and proud of the community spirit that is bringing us together during such a challenging time.
Should you wish to join, or require the services of the group, please do not hesitate to contact Daphne on 07917 841 338/01625 860917
Email: daphnetweddle@yahoo.co.uk