A NEWLY formed volunteer group has been raising spirits and keeping smiles coming throughout the pandemic.

Thruxton Virus Volunteers, set up by Richard Smart, started on March 16, just a week before the prime minister sent the country into lockdown.

Mr Smart said he believed it was vital that during times of crisis, that communities pull together - and that's exactly what he hoped to achieve in Thruxton, named Hampshire's village of the year in 2019.

And judging by the response, he said he has been left feeling prouder than even to be from Thruxton.

Writing to the Advertiser, Mr Thruxton said: "During times of crisis it is essential that communities pull together to support and care and support each other and there is no finer example of this than the Village of Thruxton. On March 16 a week prior to the Covid19 lockdown we formed a Village Volunteer Group and set up a fundraising initiative to support the residents through the crisis. Since then the group have raised £2500 from local residents as well as receive additional support grants from Test Valley Borough Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

"These funds have been used in a variety of ways including supplies for the elderly and vulnerable, treats and prizes for the children, home safety items for the vulnerable and much more."

He said the group's core aim was to ensure that anyone who is vulnerable or self-isolating was being looked after. He said: "We collect prescriptions, provide lifts to hospital appointments and provide a weekly food delivery service. We are currently supporting 45 vulnerable residents including both adults and children. We have forged relationships with incredible local suppliers such as Kenyons, Tillydown Butchers and Londis at Weyhill whose support has enabled us to ensure that the vulnerable residents are well catered for. We phone resdients on a regular basis to reassure them that they are not alone and that we are here to help in whatever way we can."

Another key aspect to their role is keeping morale up. From hosting quizzes to art competitions, raffles and treasure hunts, people of all ages have been busy at work. He said: "We have Chalkboards made by local resident Richard Earp located throughout the village onto which we post messages and thanks for people to view on their daily exercise outings.

"We have a village Facebook page onto which we post news, activities and special messages. We also host a live online broadcast at 6pm each evening on which we thank key workers, pay our respects to those that have passed, inform residents of village activities and news and in short do all we can to boost morale. We have hosted special Live Broadcasts such as on Easter Sunday when residents Sue King and Cat Boslem delivered a very moving online service."

Mr Smart added that villagers have been assisting with the NHS effort by making scrubs and donating toys to those who need them.

He wrote: "We also have a group of residents headed up by Kate Christie who have been making scrubs for the NHS, and other residents such as Debi Foynes who have made wonderful crafts for the children. Many residents have donated prizes, toys and books for the children and generally done all that they can to help others.

"We have received incredible support and guidance from TVBC Cllrs Phil and Linda Lashbrook who have been fully supportive of all we are doing in the village. We are currently running a Scarecrow competition and also plan to celebrate VE Day when we will be delivering a homemade afternoon tea to the Vulnerable residents of the village. Roger Oliver will be baking 140 Scones whilst others will provide sandwiches as we mark this special day as best we can."

Mr Smart praised the residents and children of the village who have kept spirits high despite the challenging times. He said: "The residents have been amazing throughout this crisis none more so than the children of the village. Their enthusiasm, caring and funny nature and amazing talents have been an inspiration to all."

He praised 12 year old Ollie Allwright for hosting one online live broadcast where he demonstrated a maths game he had devised for his younger brothers Fred and Rory. Other children have baked cakes, painted stones for others to find, made wonderful cards and pictures.

Mr Smart added: "We recognise that there is still a long way to go with the crisis and we are committed to ensuring that every resident is cared for and that we do all we can to boost morale. Last year we won the Hampshire Small Village of the Year and I truly believe that we will come out of this crisis with an even stronger community spirit. We will have learned new skills, formed new relationships, and have an incredible respect for all those key workers that do so much to keep our village and the wider community safe."

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