Page 14 - br-may-2020

May 2020 May 2020

NEWS FROM WESTMINSTER VILLAGE HALL NEWS

This month will surely rank as one of the strangest in Well, what a strange world we seem to be
our recent history, culminating in a glorious Easter living in. It only seems a short time ago I
weekend where we have all been instructed to stay was writing about the vast array of events
at home… If over Christmas it had been suggested that were taking place in December as we
that in a few short months we would be telling headed towards celebrating Christmas
people not to travel – positively discouraging tourism and how things carried on as we partied in
to Dorset! - not to go to work, or school, not to visit 2020 and feasted and danced through
their families - I doubt that many would have Burns night. And now we find everything so
believed it. The churches have been closed for the strangely quiet. There are no regular or
first time since 1208. We are asking teachers to keep occasional bookings for the village hall for
schools open in the holidays. Pubs have been shut. the foreseeable future. The jolly noises of a Saturday coffee morning seem a
We are living through unprecedented and worrying lifetime ago, and the anticipation of an Artsreach performance is so far ahead we
times, and it is not yet over. can’t even really get excited about it and we’re all staying at home as much as
possible to stay safe.
As I write, the Prime Minster has just come out of hospital, and thousands of
people are fighting this awful virus. Our health services are working as hard as And yet the hall has found a new lease of life offering daily shelter to those able to
they can to help people, and the entire machinery of government – both venture out to the village shop in the mornings. It offers a place for the
national and local are working together to fight the pandemic. newspapers and orders to wait for their volunteers to come and collect them
whisking them off to those of you who are having deliveries brought to your door.
As soon as Parliament
rose for recess, I The hall has become a place where although rigorous social distancing is in place
returned to Dorset. I neighbour can pass a few minutes each day with neighbour as they wait their turn
have had regular to use the shop and post office.
conference calls with And so at such a time as we find ourselves in, the constancy of the village hall
local councils, with continues to be a place for some form of social interaction and a place that is
the police and fire available for the benefit of the whole community. Please don’t rush down for a
services, our NHS and chin wag, that’s against the rules, but be assured that for as long as this
C l i n i c a l uncertainty goes on the certainty is that the hall will continue to be available for
Commissioning Group all of us to benefit from.
a n d o t h e r
organisations. I have And once this is all over the laughter enjoyment, learning and general
spoken to many opportunities the hall has provided in the past to enhance all of our lives will return
headteachers, vicars with vigour.
and leaders of Stay safe, stay well and please don’t be backwards in coming forwards if there is
voluntary groups anything that can be done to make this time easier for you. The Parish helpline
about everything that number is 07745 796118 or email parishhelpline@gmail.com. Someone will ring you
they are doing to support our communities. Many hundreds of constituents have or email you back and organise a volunteer to help you out. Whether that’s
been in touch asking for clarification for their businesses, or support in their prescriptions, shopping or even a chat just contact them.
community or help for elderly relatives and friends. I have been very impressed
by the help and support that communities are giving each other. Many Stuart Chorley, Chairman Briantspuddle Village Hall Trustees
businesses are having to adapt – pubs becoming pop-up shops, restaurants
delivering take-aways, shops turning to online ordering. I am also very grateful for Schorley30@gmail.com 07818078191

14 87