[Editor’s note: With new announcements and controls being announced regularly by government, you may need to carefully check on the information below as offers may have changed or been withdrawn]
Walking through the town on Saturday one was able to easily meander on the streets and pavements so often not possible before this devastating state of affairs – and this was the last day of the library opening and indeed many cafés and pubs.
However the delicatessen at 8-10 Market Road was still open and hopes to continue, saying they had been very busy because of being able to offer fresh salad and still warm quiche. But, while often lamenting the traffic and bad parking in the past, one regrets the empty town now and the devastating aftermath for all the businesses.
But there are also wonderful developments happening in this crisis when the community pulls together like the Rye Mutual Aid/REACT volunteers ready to help vulnerable people. For example (see photo) the Hope Anchor Hotel will cook meals for the week and deliver every second day.
The Quayside Kitchen offers delivery, 01797 222272. Jempson’s are trying very hard to keep their shelves full of items they can purchase. However, because of selfish buyers hoarding, certain things may not be available such as toilet rolls (why bulk buy?) and eggs. Up to date information can be found on their website. Jempson’s will also deliver orders if you ring 01797 226044.
It was a good time for Coterie Tea Room (run by the Canterbury Oast Trust who support adults with learning disabilities) to try and fix their broken window with no cars on the pavement, but they were devastated that they then had to shut.
Many stores have tried to give over-70s a head start early in the morning, which is very generous. Unfortunately it seems that there are many areas where individuals do not take notice and jostle the older people to get in first.
This virus outbreak and the drastic action necessary to stop the spread (i.e. social distancing, but able to go for a solo walk or, if with symptoms, do not go out at all, as the directive seems to be) has brought out the worst and the best in human beings.
Once back to normality, in each different country society and people’s interactions will have changed for sure, but how we cannot predict. In the meantime a heartfelt thank you to the NHS staff, doctors and nurses who are prepared to be on the front line to reduce the death toll and that is, for many, without the proper equipment to keep themselves safe.
Image Credits: John Minter , Heidi Foster .