WHILE the coronavirus has clearly had a huge impact on day to day life in a very short space of time, one thing that hasn’t changed is the fantastic community spirit in the Bridgwater area.

This was demonstrated clearly on Thursday evening (March 26) at 8pm, as people stepped out their front doors to applaud and cheer in support of NHS workers who are doing so much to help people in these unprecedented times.

Will, who works as a paramedic, and his partner Beth, a midwife at Musgrove, said they were inspired by the clapping in their village of East Huntspill.

Will told the Mercury:”There were stacks of people out in East Huntspill clapping, cheering and honking horns on Thursday night, which we both thought was pretty amazing!”

What else has been clearly on display, is people’s willingness to adapt to find ways to still bring people together - even if that is online rather than in person.

At Bridgwater-based C&S Fitness, Simon Evans and his partner Charlie have been helping people stay fit and active despite the fact people cannot come to the gym.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Simon explained: “We have had to take our business online to help our community stay fit, stay focused and be mentally prepared.

“We are doing four livestreamed workouts Monday to Friday, as well as one Saturday and Sunday mornings, as well as a whole host of other things.”

Meanwhile Jessica Cather from Puriton Happy Tots said that because the group can no longer meet at the local sports centre on Friday mornings, she took the Story and Song Time online using the Zoom app.

“We thought it would be nice as a little thing to connect the children and their friends,” Jessica said, adding that it was good for the parents too.”

Joanna Boyd is another one of those who decided to do her bit, setting up the Woolavington and Puriton Coronavirus Help Group, saying she wanted to help vulnerable people in the two villages with getting medication and shopping.

Joanna said: “It’s a online group but for anyone that hasn’t got social media I have printed out posters which I put around the village to make the community aware of the group, and printed out lots of leaflets to post through the people’s doors to let them know there is always someone at the end of the phone and they are not completely cut off and isolated to the outside world and should they need anything they have my contact number.

“I am just trying to do my bit for the community and help all I can on a voluntary basis.”

These are just a few examples of the things people are doing in the Bridgwater area but we know there are many more - if you have a story of community spirit in these testing times, do get in touch and let us know.

Email steven.salter@nqsw.co.uk or call 01823 365171.