Welcome to what will be a regular Feelgood Friday update from us at Next Place Property Agents.
For every episode of selfish panic buying of toilet roll or pasta in Tamworth, there are a dozen more examples of selfless behaviour, random acts of kindness and generous community spirit.
We’re in the strangest and most surreal period of modern history.
But it’s in these darkest of times many people can, and do, shine their brightest lights.
And here are five reasons to be cheerful and optimistic that Tamworth, the UK and indeed the World, WILL pull through this testing period.
Clap for Carers
It was amazing and moving last night at 8 pm to see and hear people by me in Wilnecote, on facebook and on the news channels, of people across the UK coming out of their front doors and applauding the heroes of the NHS. I stood outside clapping and shouting hello to neighbours I had never seen and I’ve been in my house since September. I would just like to add we should also be thanking the truck drivers, retail workers, and everyone else that is keep the country going.
The Volunteer Army
On Tuesday, Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, initially issued a request for 250,000 people to give their time to help the 1.5 million vulnerable people who have to self-isolate for 12 weeks. More than 500,000 people signed up for this volunteer army in just 24 hours. And that number is still growing fast.
Rainbow Nation
Hundreds of home-schooled kids across Tamworth have been spreading a little cheer this week by drawing and colouring in rainbows. I've got 3 in my window, my other team members have done the same, feel free to post your pictures in the comments and I'll start with mine. These rainbows have been put in the windows of homes across the community to give a little lift to passers-by.
Our Community Cares
We have heard of lots of lovely stories of kindness, compassion and generosity across Tamworth. It makes us proud to serve this community, and as a local business, we are doing all we can, to do our bit too. Myself and a couple of friends have funded and purchased face masks, anti bac wipes, aprons etc and we have given them to carers in the community, as well as nurses visiting homes on behalf of the Samuel Johnson in Lichfield.
I saw this morning a fire fighter travelling down from Sheffield to do something with Ambulances, and was looking for a room here to stay. Last time I looked there were 190 post shares, and lots of offers of rooms and even flats for the chap to stay in.
I'm following a group in Polesworth where some old school friends Paul Byrne, Amanda Busby and an army of people have been distributing flyers to the whole of Polesworth, and they have been helping the isolated with shopping, prescriptions etc. It's amazing to see how communities are coming together at this time.
Please send or share with us your examples of local heroes. It could be a video of your street applauding the NHS, your children’s rainbows or something positive done locally that you’ve heard about.
And Finally
If you get a chance, Chester Zoo are hosting a Facebook live for the day today, I have posted it on our facebook page for you to take a look at.
PLEASE, PLEASE remember folks, that wherever possible we need to: Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives!
Thanks, and stay safe.