This is a note of thanks to all those people who responded, many months ago, to the request to help our community weather the COVID pandemic by forming the Bigbury Coronavirus Support Group (BCSG). At that time, none of us had any idea how we would be affected and, thankfully, no idea how long we’d have to endure! According to Devon CC – as or 21st May 2021 – ‘positive cases of coronavirus remain stable in Devon, with the county’s rates of eight cases per 100,000 population being well below England’s average of 21 positive cases per 100,000. Isolated outbreaks are still occurring in some settings, but with little evidence of the virus transmitting within those local communities. Rates are currently highest in the South Hams area. Although positive cases range across broad age groups in Devon, case rates are currently highest among our youngest population, 0 to 19 year olds.’ Most of the vulnerable groups in the population have now received both inoculations and should be well protected. At last it seems that the pandemic may be drawing to a close with more normal life cautiously resuming.
I have just completed a COVID response survey from ‘ Devon Communities Together’ on behalf of the BCSG and was reminded that I should bring you up to date with developments. The BCSG of around 50 volunteers was recruited via Bigbury News and assorted responsibilities (driving, shopping, telephone support, etc.) were agreed with each of you, although many will not have been called upon in practice. Much of the initial burden of ordering and delivering essential goods was quickly relieved by the excellent work of the Holywell Stores staff who processed and delivered many orders to individual, vulnerable households. This brilliant service has continued throughout the pandemic. The new home-delivery business models of some of our local farms also seem to have worked well and hopefully will survive. Several volunteers (notably, Geoff Ross) tirelessly collected and delivered regular medical prescriptions on behalf of a large number of patients throughout the parish. Geoff was ably assisted by Cllr Keeley Holland in Bigbury-on-Sea. Most of this work is now dormant as the COVID problem has subsided. However, should the need arise, I have no doubt that a similar group could be recruited very quickly to meet the needs of the community.
For the record, communication and coordination with the group and its ‘customers’ were conducted on behalf of the parish council by me with the help of Cllr Valerie Scott – largely by phone or email contact. External support was provided for specific problems by DCC (funding of some public traffic notices), SHDC and Coastguard staff (managing crowded car parks, beaches, etc.). Valerie and Karen Lawrence also constructed some excellent maps to help delivery drivers locate all the difficult-to–find properties within the unnamed roads of our parish.
Once again, thank you so much for volunteering. Your spirit is what holds our community together!
pp Bigbury Parish Council
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