Stay At Home Tarporley - A Community Staying Together

The Stay at Home Tarporley Campaign launched by the Tarporley Parish Council sprang into action even before Lock-down was officially announced. Three members of the Council operated a Helpline for 7 days 9am-6pm to support vulnerable and older people. The response to a call for more volunteers overwhelmed The Council and within days 100 volunteers from a small community of around 1600 households were available for duty.

Now operating a Team Leader shift system, with 21 shifts and around 40 volunteers the Helpline offers a range of services from food and prescription deliveries to a friendly chat. So far nearly 350 calls have been received and actioned, the service is also available to key workers.

Staying Connected

It quickly became apparent that communication of information was key to helping the community stay feeling connected. The result has been the publication of a fortnightly Newsletter - Stay At Home Tarporley - helping residents to Stay Supported, Stay Local, Stay Informed, Stay Well and Stay Entertained - featuring a local business directory and spotlighting local business heroes going that extra mile to support the community.

Spreading Sunshine

Launched on 25th April 2020 Stay Sunny Tarps Is a Campaign designed to encourage positivity and strength throughout Tarporley by planting sunflower seeds as a symbol of hope. With the support of the Council and several local businesses 3500 Sunflower seeds have been distributed to every house within the village boundaries. This Campaign is gaining momentum with a Socially Distancing Sunflower Walk Day planned for mid-Summer, an Art Exhibition, Amateur Dramatics, Children's Activities and Competitions.

Many of our volunteers are growing extra Sunflowers to be planted in communal village areas. We want the whole community will get involved and the village of Tarporley will be a sea of Sunflowers in the summer months. Councillor Moore-Dutton said "Sunflowers have long been a symbol of positivity, strength and hope – all much needed in these extraordinary times".

VE Day Celebrations

Coordinating with the Royal British Legion we promoted a Virtual VE Day Celebration. A video was released with readings from influential members of the community and the 'Nation's Toast' featuring over 100 residents.

Volunteers responsibly delivered packs to each house and hosted Bingo with 100 residents playing along live. The celebration was brought together with people of all ages pulling together.

Looking Forward

Currently we are considering further initiatives given the amazing number of volunteers willing to help our community. Out of adversity springs kindness and a genuine desire to help others. Tarporley is a community pulling together and we hope to harness this community spirit as we transition and restrictions are slowly lifted.

We hope to step in to the new normal together.