Well, that was windy, and the Whitchurch spirit kicked in.
First Storm Dudley hit, followed by Eunice and then Franklin, while Gladys is lining up.
With damage across the town, and power cuts for some lasting many hours, the community support for each other was wonderful. That needs all our thanks.
Friday morning was spent clearing up rubbish from bins that had been flying around, and chasing fences that had blocked paths or trees that fallen on roads.
Residents immediately went into help mode as power supplies failed – generators were loaned, soup and hot food provided to neighbours, camping equipment put into service, and shed felt, nails and chainsaws shared.
Refreshments were taken out to workmen repairing the cables, hot water bottles collected for those without power and needing overnight warmth, and the elderly checked up on for safety.
The Social Club opened up to provide hot showers, free tea, coffee, wifi access, and became available for takeaway deliveries, while SSE stepped in with a food van to provide free hot sustenance.
It was not just physical help as financial support came in too, with a rapidly arranged call for funds to help the damage caused at the local animal charity Furlock Holmes raising over £1600 (at last look).
The Winner?
But the storms could not beat the Whitchurch community spirit itself which came out as winner. Its was the desire of so many to immediately jump into action to help that was so effective and worthy of much praise.
Brilliant. 🙂
