Comment: Horncastle News Content Editor John Fieldhouse reflects on the last 12 months of Covid

If there’s one positive to emerge from the last 12 months of the covid pandemic, it’s the absolutely fantastic community spirit that has served Horncastle and the surrounding area so well.
By John Fieldhouse
Published 23rd Mar 2021, 13:22 GMT
Many, including PCSO Nigel Wass (centre), showed support for the NHS and emergency services.Many, including PCSO Nigel Wass (centre), showed support for the NHS and emergency services.
Many, including PCSO Nigel Wass (centre), showed support for the NHS and emergency services.

Countless volunteers have come forward to answer calls for help, whether it has been delivering groceries and prescriptions, making desperately needed scrubs for front-line NHS staff or serving meals for hard-up families.

And it is not just Horncastle where good deeds have become a way of life.

In Woodhall Spa, Coningsby, Tattershall and hundreds of small villages, that community spirit has and continues to shine through.

Jess Holland - a shining light as a community volunteerJess Holland - a shining light as a community volunteer
Jess Holland - a shining light as a community volunteer

Horncastle’s Mayor Coun Fiona Martin said: “I always knew the town would rise to the challenge and it has been absolutely amazing to see the response.

“I’ve seen – and heard – so many inspirational stories. Now, we just hope there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

East Lindsey District Council leader Coun Craig Leyland voiced the same feelings.

Inspiring stories have included Harrison Burr who lives with dad Simon, mum Hayley and younger brother Mikey in Tattershall.

The Burr family - showed outstanding courage to battle Covid-19The Burr family - showed outstanding courage to battle Covid-19
The Burr family - showed outstanding courage to battle Covid-19

Along with his mum and dad, Harrison caught covid in November.

While mum made a pretty quick recovery, Harrison and his dad have been fighting off the life-threatening virus ever since.

Harrison is a big fan of Doctor Who and when the BBC heard of his battle, they sent a personal message via the programme’s star Jodie Whitaker.

Starting from nothing, Horncastle Scrubs became of one of the most successful groups in the county.

Firefighters showed their support.Firefighters showed their support.
Firefighters showed their support.

Teenage student Jess Holland was one of the volunteers.

She went on to set-up Horncastle Chef – a group which served up around 250 free lunches to children during the height of lockdown.

It hasn’t been easy for the town’s hard-hit businesses with the hospitality industry particularly hard hit.

However, when organisations have appealed for help, it has been there... and in shed-loads!

People waiting to collect their prescriptionsPeople waiting to collect their prescriptions
People waiting to collect their prescriptions

Appeals for food and clothing have helped the area survive all the trials and tribulations.

Locals nurses and doctors have played their parts...along and how we cheered them all.

Yes, there have been disappointments –like the failure to provide a locally based vaccination centre – but in general the area has coped much better than other places.

I lost my own much-loved mum, aged 93. She died in hospital and I still regret not being able to see her in her final hours.

There here have been casualties – tears of joy and sadness – and of genuine hope for the future.

But, as we look back on the last 12 months, perhaps now is the time to reflect.