Dear Link Readers,
We wish to start our Link piece with a BIG THANK YOU to all the keyworkers who have been making life bearable and adding a touch of normality - this includes everyone within the NHS, pharmacies, surgeries, independent shops, supermarket delivery drivers and workers, posties, bus drivers, taxi drivers, the recycling/waste operators and many more. They have all helped so much to keep us ticking over during a very odd time indeed. It seems so long ago since we last dropped a line to the Link and look what has happened in that time! When we first knew of lockdown we were just days ahead of Manor Court, with everything in place, and then the world went mad. But hasn’t it been wonderfully quiet? And, whilst the virus has been ruining lives, the sun has been shining and all of a sudden the birds are building nests and families and the area is awash with shades of green – Spring has stamped her mark on Bideford! With these very strange times we live in, it is comforting that nature runs its course. And that goes for our four allotment sites. With exercising being necessary, this has been the perfect time for plot holders to get onto their gardens and start growing. Our waiting list for plots is growing as residents realise that gardening has many virtues and rewards. We think it goes without saying that there have been many casualties to the current situation and of course one of the most hardest hit has been the Town events and Civic events. As a Council we have had to cancel Manor Court, Annual Parish Meeting, Cream Tea Festival, Mayor’s Introduction and Parade, Mayor’s Regatta Reception and now Bideford Fair. A very unfair victim has been VE Day which was on Friday 8thMay – celebrated with a Friday Bank Holiday – and many towns and villages had their plans squashed flat. Instead of our marvellous and unprecedented Parade across from East the Water and then our Street Party style event in the Pannier Market, a very small representation at Chudleigh Fort was made. A lone piper, the Town Cryer and a Beadle gave up their time to pay their respects at 3pm on the VE Day 75th Anniversary. Our Civic Officers chose to perform as their own personal gestures to the occasion and were not asked by this Council. In saying that, we thank them for undertaking their tributes in representing the Town Council. Torridge District Council apportioned Covid-19 Community Funding to all Towns and Parishes in their area and Bideford Town Council were pleased to add their budgetary underspend for the financial year 2019/20 as well as monies not being used for Civic functions. Councillors at a recent virtual meeting were pleased to allocate some of these funds to organisations and groups who have been actively working within the community. During this difficult and unprecedented time we have been working closely with TTVS in ensuring those who are shielded and self-isolating are receiving the help they need and we thank them for their efforts. But what has been heartening is that this pandemic has brought out the best in people and Bideford, as a community, has responded magnificently. It remains to be said that at this time, the Torridge District Area has the third lowest rate of Coronavirus related infection/deaths in the whole of England. Let us keep it that way – remember to Wash Your Hands regularly, stick to the 2metre social distancing rule and don’t make any unnecessary journeys. Keep well and stay safe. Until the next time . . .
Contact: 01237 428818 or email
admin@bideford-tc.gov.uk To advertise simply email
mag@thelinkpublications.co.uk or call 07840 466768 17
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