Coronavirus feature.qxp_Layout 1 19/08/2020 23:20 Page 54
MENDIP TIMES
Amidst all the gloom and uncertainty, here at Mendip Times, we thought we would celebrate some of the positive stories still happening around the area we cover.
Making masks for charity
JUdy Busby has been making reusable face masks during lockdown raising funds for the cystic fibrosis trust. Her daughter, Victoria Hancock, died with the condition in 1980, aged 12. She spent most of her short life in Chew Stoke, before her family moved to Keynsham, where the masks are being sold at Conscience Foods & Lifestyle on the High Street, raising more than £700 so far. The shop is owned by Helen Godfrey and her trainee manager is Siobhan Coles, from Pensford, who has cystic fibrosis and is an ambassador for the charity. Judy said she has been thrilled to do something so worthwhile during lockdown. Adult masks are £9 and children's £7 (cash only). They are all double-lined with a pouch to insert your own filter and have adjustable straps, as well as nose clips. Helen said: “We would like to thank Judy for her incredible roundthe-clock work and generosity in time and materials, but also our customers for their generous contributions to the cause.” Siobhan (left) and Judy
Tall Tails to the rescue
WALKABOUT theatre company Tall Tails stepped in to help a young girl from Shepton Mallet celebrate her birthday after her planned party was cancelled due to lockdown. Eve Isherwood was faced with having just one friend round for a tenth birthday tea until a relative contacted Abby and Richard from the company who immediately agreed to entertain the pair. Tall Tails, based in Shepton Mallet, had spent the first six weeks of the crisis dressing up as some of their favourite characters to walk around the town to cheer up people. They were awarded a Somerset Emergency Theatre grant from Wassail Theatre and Arts Council England to develop and extend the walkabout idea. PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2020
Group hopes to reopen
SJ’s LITTLE Ones, based at St John’s Church, Peasedown St John, hopes to reopen in the autumn, after being shut by the coronavirus pandemic. The scheme is normally open four mornings a week for parents to go along with their baby-to-pre-school aged children to play, relax and socialise. Co-ordinator Sarah Carney said: “Our aim is to see no new mother, father or carer isolated, no toddler without toys to play with and books to read and all to be included and welcomed at our group, and thriving at this challenging stage in life. “We aim to create a welcoming, stimulating space where parents/ carers and their children can meet, be refreshed and feel encouraged. “We have a wonderful team of very committed volunteers who serve teas, bake amazing cakes and listen and engage with everyone at the groups.” SJ’s Little Ones had been supporting 65 children and their parents each week before the lockdown. The group has been awarded £200 from Peasedown Party in the Park’s grant fund to help it keep going. Details: www.stjsgroup.church/littleones
Tall Tails stepped in to bring some birthday happiness to Eve