The ‘Neighbours’ theme song begins ‘Everybody needs good neighbours.’ That was never truer than during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The crisis undoubtedly brought our community closer together as never before as neighbour helped neighbour, with streets forming their own WhatsApp groups and other networks to ensure all of our community survived those dark days of lockdown.
Ampthill Town Council played their part in leafletting the Town highlighting the help available from Ampthill & Flitwick Good Neighbours, Ampthill Baptist Church and St. Andrew’s Church, who so ably assisted the most vulnerable with their shopping and prescriptions collection when they were unable to get out.
With this debt of gratitude in mind Ampthill’s Civic Service on Sunday 17th October will have the theme of ‘Good Neighbours’ where we will give thanks to the volunteers of Ampthill & Flitwick Good Neighbours, the Town’s Churches and to those good neighbours in the streets of our community.
As one of those instrumental in the setting up Ampthill Good Neighbours, when I was Mayor back in 2006, I am thankful that their 40+ volunteers have provided such a vital lifeline during the various lockdowns that we have endured during the past 18 months.
If you feel inspired to volunteer with Ampthill & Flitwick Good Neighbours contact me at mark.andrew.smith@hotmail.co.uk or call me on 07896124933. Alternatively, visit the Good Neighbours website at www.afgn.org.uk for more information.
As you may know, I work for the charity Community Voluntary Service, that hosts the Volunteer Centre for the area. I always feel that volunteering is the glue that binds our community and others together, so should you wish to explore further volunteering opportunities visit https://www.cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer.
Please continue to the support the charities, sports clubs, societies and good causes that make Ampthill such a fantastic place to live.
Around the Pump can be downloaded from:
https://www.ampthilltowncouncil.org.uk/contentfiles/661.pdf