We have been contacted by Georgina Lester who is in contact with a huge group of people all doing their bit to help neighbours and of course key workers in the NHS.

There is no doubt that in the face of overwhelming adversity, we can be left feeling pretty helpless incapable of effecting change when we feel that it is so desperately needed, writes Georgina.

However, there is also no doubt that in the face of overwhelming adversity, that ordinary people demonstrate incredible resolve, tenacity and determination to do whatever it takes to make things better. Abergavenny certainly has its fair share of community spirit.

News of the desperate shortages of scrubs and protective clothing has horrified most of us. Whilst it should never have happened, we have to move past blame and deal with the situation as it is. The nurses, doctors and caregivers need PPE and scrubs right now. And our town is clubbing together and doing what they can. Are you willing to join them?

Individuals from all walks of life are dusting off their sewing machines, knitting needles and needlework kits, ripping up old duvet covers and sheets, digging into their stocks of fabric and yarn and getting to work.

They are beavering away to supply the much needed scrubs, headbands, mask extenders, wash bags and hats. All skill levels from beginner to experienced are knitting, crocheting and stitching knowing that someone’s life depends on it - often someone close to them. 

Just a few months ago, the idea of more than half of the global population would become silenced and placed into enforced retreat would most certainly be considered impossible, extremely unlikely and totally unthinkable. No-one could have predicted the scale or impact that this virus has had on all our lives.

There is no question that those at the front line are doing an extraordinary job in caring, nursing, feeding and keeping us safe and well.

Behind the vast numbers of front line workers there are legions of others supporting our key workers giving them the care and support that they need too. 

Our local community has done an incredible job in self-organising teams of individuals who are acting as Street Monitors to do shopping, pick up prescriptions and other essential items for the vulnerable whilst praying that no-one slips through the net. Their mantra being ‘Your not alone - we’re here to help you’.  Then there is the incredible work of restaurants, volunteers and charities organising food packages and ready made home cooked meals for the more vulnerable who are in isolation.

Captain Tom has not only captured the hearts of the nation but his valiant efforts has been a welcome and very positive contagion that is rapidly spreading across the world.

At 99, he is proving to all of us, that no matter how small and insignificant we might feel, we can all make a difference. Suddenly our sense of powerlessness is not quite so acute.

A flicker of meaning begins to glimmer in the darkness and we find that we can do something that matters. It is no wonder that he is raising millions.

Many businesses have no clue what will happen to their livelihoods once the restrictions are lifted. A lot of our local businesses will not survive.

Despite that they are still contributing their skills and resources to a very good cause - for no money and certainly not for profit but very much for their love of their fellow men and women. 

These are the businesses that we know about although I am sure that there are others and I’d happily embrace them in a circle of gratitude for their efforts.

The Woolcroft - our local shop selling wool and crafts materials for hobbyists and crafters are coordinating a collection of people making mask extenders, hats, wash bags and headbands. http://www.thewoolcroft.co.uk/

Retreat Clothing - menswear business are working with a team of around 30 volunteers to make their target of 200 sets of scrubs. www.retreat-clothing.co.uk 

Black Mountain Fabrics another Abergavenny textile crafts shop has been making bags thanks to a donation from Y-Fenni Business Club www.blackmountainfabric.co.uk

Bowerbird Bears - makers of collectable bears have turned their paws to knitting pairs of hearts for patients and their families. https://www.bowerbirdbears.co.uk/index.php

Charles and Patricia Lester - luxury fashion and textiles business.

Whilst all staff are furloughed Charles and Patricia are themselves making washbags and have donated many items to the NHS.