Last week the UK was hit by a double whammy of The Beast from the East and the weirdly named Storm Emma.
But instead of horror stories and moaning about the inconvenience of it all, the over riding message was one of community spirit.
In these modern times we work shifts, weekends and are away a lot. We are in times where we spend longer tin the internet than actually speaking to real people. In times where we drive everywhere so don’t pass people in the street for a chat. So it was an absolute joy to see communities coming together to help each other.
People with 4x4s offering to rescue stranded people, or take the to important hospital appointments. Neighbour walking elderly friends dogs for them. People offering to cook dinners for the most vulnerable or get them urgent supplies so they didn’t have to leave the house in dangerously cold temperatures.
There were moans that people were driving unnecessarily and I’m sure that was true of some people. Was it really necessary for you to get out? But those that were battling out were working for vital services, the NHS for example. The van we helped to rescue down an almost unpassable road wasn’t delivering amazon parcels but essential medical supplies to people in need.
The internet, instead of being a silly distraction, became a vital source of information for local communities;
“Can I help anyone get out?”
“Does anyone’s kids need collecting, I have a 4X4 and can get there safely”
“Avoid the main road it hasn’t been gritted!”
“I have a spare loaf of bread if anyone needs it?”
“Free to anyone that needs them – kids wellie boots”
Local facebook groups were a lifeline and saw masses of traffic. Local to me someone joked, “I wonder if the word B2000 is trending on Facebook yet?” after the road had been mentioned so many times in our village group with people checking if the road was safe to drive on.
What I really enjoy about snow days is seeing everyone outside together. Children and adults alike sledging down hills squealing (some adults were louder than the kids). People lending sledges or offering to take turns so no one missed out. Adults cheering on and applauding kids’ efforts as they attempted a tricky manoeuvre on a sledge. At no other point in the year do I see so many out in the local community together.
Let’s not let this just be a snow day thing. This can be the norm again.
This year we will have a royal wedding. Let’s build on this community spirit and organise local events that we can be proud of. They don’t have to be huge things either. Next time you do some baking with the kids, do a bit extra and take some to a neighbour. When you pass someone in the street, look up from your phones and say hello.
When disaster strikes, good things can happen. Let this be one of those!
