10/10 for teachers and nursery workers

THE village of Chapmanslade has shown its support for local unsung heroes – teachers and nursery workers and staff – who have been looking after children during the pandemic. The village has worked together to provide cupcakes and goodie bags to show their appreciation.

Meg Lintern of COV-AG, Chapmanslade’s Coronavirus Action Group wrote, “Our doctors and nurses have never been valued so highly as the present. And our scientists, too, are being recognised for their incredible service to the country. But as any parent who has grappled with home-learning will be well aware, there are certain heroes in our community whose incredible dedication to their profession does not receive enough recognition amidst the Covid chaos; teachers. 

“Here in Chapmanslade, the village school and Busy Bees Nursery remain hubs of activity, providing childcare for the families of critical workers and education resources for their off-site students. In the face of so much uncertainty, with questions over when students will finally return to school and how adequate education can be ensured for all pupils remaining unanswered, our teachers continue to dedicate themselves to their professions without complaint. It might not be business as usual, but it is harder work than ever.

“To recognise this, Chapmanslade’s Covid-19 Action Group (COV-AG) decided to say a special thank you to our village’s incredible teachers and staff. With the help of donations from generous members of our community and cupcakes kindly donated by The Secret Baker in Westbury, Charlene Ridler, the head of COV-AG, organised a delivery of 27 care packages for all local teaching and support staff. On Friday 22nd January, a number of COV-AG volunteers filled giftbags with cupcakes, hand cream, tissues, lip balm, biscuits, and a number of other treats to deliver to the village school and nursery, as well as to some homes in the village. 

“In the words of Lou Bell, one of the COV-AG volunteers, “the teachers need all the motivation and appreciation we can give at this difficult time.” 

“Without a doubt, COV-AG succeeded in showing the appreciation felt by all of the residents of Chapmanslade, parents in particular; and although this small gesture of gift-giving is a mere symbol of the thankfulness we all feel towards teachers, reaching out to those in our community who are making a real difference feels more necessary than ever during this third lockdown. 

“Whilst the dark January days stifle our motivation to persevere through the next few months, it is these displays of community spirit that shine as a light to guide the way forward.”