(Article reposted from Tim Loughton MP)
Thanks to all those who joined me in getting hot and sweaty courtesy of Jo Gibson’s Zumba in aid of the Southwick St John Ambulance HQ Appeal. I certainly needed a representative from St John Ambulance by the end of it, but it was good o see that everyone else seemed to know what they were doing and had far better rhythm than me! For those who missed it there is still a link to the Just Giving page at St. John Ambulance - Southwick Unit | Facebook and Jo is planning a follow-up outdoor event in the summer.
It was good to see the Brighton Centre mass vaccination operation at first last Friday when they were in full swing and gearing up to give 2500 jabs a day. A lot of constituents have told me just how impressive and slick the whole facility is, made easier by the free parking. I was struck by just how many former cabin crew had been trained up to work there and were even giving the jabs, evening including a BA pilot. There were all really enjoying themselves and praised the great teamwork with everyone doing such a worthwhile job. I only hope they will still want to go back to flying us all off on our holidays when we are allowed to travel again.
Many people have raised concerns about how they will cope with engaging with other people again when we return to some degree of normality. I was struck as well by the numbers of older people coming to the vaccination centre earlier on, for whom that had been their first trip out for months. For them the isolation has been particularly challenging, punctuated by the wonderful fleet of volunteers who have come forward locally.
I was one of the 300 people who tuned in to listen to the excellent webinar on Shoreham’s history by Nick Richmond in aid of the Friends of St Mary de Haura on Sunday evening. It occurred to me that organising a series of ‘Getting back together’ walks as soon as we are allowed out properly in the summer may be a way of getting people back together with a purpose. Whether it’s a tour of Shoreham’s rich heritage, a wildlife walk in the Adur Valley, a promenade along Worthing’s historic seafront or even a tour of notable hostelries there is an awful lot on our doorstep that we often take for granted.
So who is up for helping me organise a series of walks over a month in the Summer say, and getting people back out of their homes, meeting other locals again and getting fit in the process (perhaps not the pub option?) Do please get in touch with offers and ideas.
