At this stage of our collective coronavirus COVID-19 experience we could all do with some uplifting stories to focus on. Here are a few that I hope you enjoy.
Nature
Twyford based photographer Asya Barskaya of ABL Photography has been taking the opportunity to capture and share images of spring awakening. Take a look at her Facebook page and lose yourself in the colours and shapes from gardens and the natural world reminding us that the seasons continue, regardless of the turmoil around us.
My contact at Lavell’s Wetland Trust reports that the migrating birds have been arriving bang on cue. Read the update from Fraser Cottington.
The Big Twyford Tree Planting Project reached its crowdfunding target by early March, thanks to fantastic public support. Given the current circumstances, the community planting day on 28 November will be an extra special event to look forward to – I can’t wait to dig in the hornbeam we’ve purchased!
Clubs and societies
As a team sponsor, it’s been fun watching a discussion on the Facebook group of Twyford Comets Football Club exploring ideas for the young players to get together virtually to convey a message of thanks and appreciation to those doing the hard, difficult work in the coronavirus outbreak. In the meantime, plans are going ahead for the annual Dutch exchange for the U14s with Ulestraten Football Club in the autumn. This year it’s the turn of the Comets to visit Holland in October and the players are really looking forward to the challenge. However, they need a kit sponsor to help cover costs. This is an opportunity for a business to have their logo on the team track suits with plenty of photos shared to the local press. Anyone interested should send a message to Dean Cooper via the Club Secretary.
Twyford & Ruscombe Horticultural Association had to cancel its spring show and close its weekly Sunday store at the allotments shortly after its seasonal opening, but the latest TRHA newsletter is chock full of gardening tips to get stuck into.
Volunteering
15-year-old Oliver Hitchings from Twyford has been busy using his engineering and product design skills to make masks with protective face shields for frontline NHS workers. He is using his 3D printer to create the headband and attaching an acetate face shield with elastic. In less than a week he has already passed 100 masks to Twyford Surgery and the Royal Berks Hospital. His story was featured on ITV Meridian news, since when he has set up a Paypal donation pool to enable others to help fund the materials required.
Can you sew or have a sewing machine? Then why not join hundreds of others in Berkshire supporting NHS workers by running up scrubs, hats, headbands and bags for them to wash their kit in? Join this Facebook group coordinating volunteers and directing supplies where they are needed.
The Hurst Residents Coronavirus Action Group are hosting a bake off contest in April on Facebook (obviously with the results based on visual rather than taste credentials!). They are also running a virtual pub quiz every Friday.
Easter church services online
THRU-Christ (the churches of Twyford, Hurst and Ruscombe) are live streaming an Easter service on YouTube at 11am on Sunday.
The Catholic Church of St Thomas More Twyford has published an Easter Vigil for worshippers to celebrate at home.
