DESPITE social distancing the Bridgwater community keeps finding positive ways to stick together, as was proved in Wembdon Road this week.

On Tuesday, March 31, young Jade was celebrating her seventh birthday - but she was unable to have a party or go on a previously planned trip for obvious reasons.

However, with a little bit of sneaky planning on the Wembdon Road Whatsapp group, the neighbours came outside and sang Happy Birthday, and even gave Jade a birthday cake.

Mum Tara said the gesture really made Jade's day.
"It was really lovely to see everyone come together and give Jade a birthday to remember despite everything that is happening," Tara said.

Bridgwater Mercury:

"Normally for Jade's birthday we would have a party - we are part of a big family so she is used to having lots of people about - and we would also go on a day out too but of course none of that was possible.

"Even getting presents has been difficult as everything changed as we were trying to order gifts.

"But the neighbours coming and singing Happy Birthday was a really nice moment."

Bridgwater Mercury:

Roger Smith, who lives in Wembdon Road and helps with the local Man vs Fat Football League, used cones from football training to mark out two metre gaps so people could stick to the social distancing measures.

Tara said in some ways despite social distancing the community seemed to be coming closer together.

"We hadn't actually properly met a few of our neighbours until yesterday," Tara said.

"But by using the Whatsapp group, people are asking after each other, helping each other out with essentials, and becoming closer as a community."

Thanks to Roger Smith for contributing the video and photos for the article.

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