On 28 April, the Town Mayor, Cllr Ann Midwinter, issued a second video message for the residents of Thame. Thank you so much to the Love Thame Helpers who are coordinating 180 ‘Blue Heart’ volunteers, have delivered over 1000 prescriptions and taken over 500 calls to support our local residents during this difficult time! A transcript of the video can be found below.
"Well, here we are in the fifth week of coronavirus lockdown, with no obvious end in sight, but I am so proud of the way that the people of Thame have adapted to these strange times.
I sense a universal acceptance of the restrictions, wide observance of the social distancing requirement, and a mood of cheery patience, tolerance, and resolve throughout the town.
But not everyone is finding it so easy. There are those amongst us who are facing serious hardship, many who need help with their everyday needs, and some who are suffering high levels of anxiety. They are not forgotten, and our community is doing its best to help wherever possible.
I cannot begin to do justice to everyone, and if I try to mention them all I am afraid of missing some out, but individuals, charities, volunteer groups, businesses, churches and many others are all stepping up to the mark to support the community in every way they can.
If the vulnerable need help with shopping, need their prescriptions delivered, or just need someone to talk to, there are many happy to respond to that need. Essential retailers, and our market traders, have taken the necessary measures to enable us to shop safely. Others have introduced home delivery services, and many have found ways to support NHS and other key workers.
Local industrial and commercial companies have started producing PPE kit, or donating stock to assist home workers, and even offering free IT support to enable families to keep in touch. If anyone in Thame requires support – whether practical, emotional, or spiritual – there is someone, often community volunteers, working to meet that need.
I extend my most sincere thanks to them all for rising to the occasion in a spirit of selfless generosity, as I also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our staff at Thame Town Council in coordinating all these efforts and in signposting people to where help can be found.
We can do this, and in some ways may emerge even stronger, so please – stay safe, keep well, and stay the course.
Thank you, Thame"
