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December 2020 December 2020
NEWS FROM WESTMINSTER POP IN PLACE NEWS

Reflecting on 2020 Pop In Place Christmas message
As we come to the end of 2020, I’m sure you will Christmas will be very different this year as an
agree with me that this year has been like no other. organisation we will miss bringing you the live
Never before in this country have we had entertainment that you enjoy, I have asked Alison to
lockdowns and quarantines; a whole generation of include a couple of Christmas Nativity photos from
children been sent home from school; shops and previous years.
business closed with staff on furlough; and rules
implemented restricting who we may meet and Next Year 2021 the Pop In Place will
where. “Unprecedented” is a word that has been have been running in your community
used a great deal this year, with reason. I’m not sure for 25 years and we really hope that we
any of us have found this year easy, and the challenges have been many and can celebrate our Silver Jubilees in
varied. some way.
All of these things have been so sad, and I know that the recent national The effects of not being able to bring
restrictions in November have been difficult for many. But recently the news has the community together this year have
been better. Things are looking up. I have always been an optimist, with the view been quite devastating especially for
that things will improve. Mass testing is starting, with some of the trials here in those who live alone. We want you to
Poole. In the last few days, we have know that as soon as the Cafes can
had the announcement of a return, we are ready to go if you would
vaccine that is effective. It still like to be a volunteer please do email
needs to have some more checks
to ensure its safety, but then me and let me know , we also need
hopefully it will be rolled out across people to drive clients. There are a
the country as quickly as possible. few ideas that we are exploring the
first priority will be getting the café
Over the last nine months, there up and running. Then there are ideas
have been trials, but there have a float to start up a repair type shop
also been some fantastic examples project in the Lower hall and we are
of communities working together. in negotiations with the Parish
Whether on an informal basis with neighbours looking out for each other, or Council to ask if they would release
through the more formal community support groups that have developed. They a small bit of Souls Moor to start up a
have offered support and care for more vulnerable people when shielding, gardening open-air project as this
befriending those who are lonely, shopping for those needing to self-isolate and may be the first step to getting
practical and logistical support to many in our communities. Our two unitary people together.
councils have worked incredibly hard to provide advice and support, as have
our town and parish councils. The recent Acts of Remembrance have The Pop In Performers Group will re-launch as soon as it is safe with the possibility
highlighted how quickly we can adapt and change, yet still honouring that of an outside production in the summer or a Christmas Variety Show at the end of
which has gone before. next year all depending on the situation.
The start of December marks the beginning of Advent in our churches. Advent is The Food Bank will be continuing with the Food Bank as long as there is a need
the season of hope and expectation as we look forward to Christmas. In these currently we are delivering to 15 families a week. Thank you to all our helpers and
dark Covid days, let us look forward to the time when we can meet and to the villagers who have donated either money or food. Please see the poster
celebrate together again, when we can hug our parents and grandparents, about the reverse advent calendar this could be done by a few households or
when all the restrictions are lifted, and we can move forward with life again. families or work places together we realise that 24 items is quite a big ask.

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