Whilst this week may have all been about face coverings, lateral flow tests and covid passes for large events, it has also been about local people doing things to make other people’s Christmas Day better. In Lockerley Amy Boiles is busy organising a shared Christmas Dinner for the lonely in Lockerley and East Dean Village Hall. Whilst spaces are definitely filling, there are a few left, so if you are going to be alone this Christmas Day and want some company contact Amy on 07411434360. I think it is fantastic thing to be doing and have heard about a number of people volunteering to help out on the day.
I was saddened that the candlelit service at the United Reform Church has been cancelled this year. It had been planned to go ahead but the Church has taken the pragmatic decision to put it off for another year. We have just had the news of how rapidly omicron is spreading and many of my close friends and colleagues are suffering with it right now. It is true for some that it is very mild, but I have friends who are really suffering with it, and to be frank unnecessary risks are just not worth it. I think that paraphrases Chris Whitty’s message from Wednesday.
I am also very disappointed there cannot be carols in the Market Place on Monday, which is always so brilliantly organised by Rotary and I know loved by so many. But there is still the festive Farmers’ Market this Sunday in Alma Road, a great chance to get local produce ahead of Christmas, I assume sprouts will be in abundance, evil things that I can’t stand, but traditional I suppose.