WHEN it comes to community spirit there are few places in Devon which can match the fishing village of Beer.
In good times and bad, the inhabitants of Beer always go that extra mile to ensure their inhabitants and visitors are happy and well cared for.
So when coronavirus raised its ugly head, the good citizens of Beer sprung into action.
A friends' group of five ladies living in Barline launched the Beer Action Group (BAG) after a posting on social media enquiring about who might co-ordinate the village support when the virus broke out.
Lee Reeve, who works in the NHS, agreed to take on the lead role and they put out a plea for co-ordinators. Thirty-five were soon recruited to cover every street in Beer along with 140 volunteers to look after all the needs and support required.
One of the first things BAG did was to launch a weekly newsletter called "Beer Talks" and with the help of Clinton Devon Estates it was either emailed or delivered to every house in the village.
The idea of the newsletter, written by Heather Morley, was to ensure everyone in the village was aware the principal aims of the BAG:
- To try and help reduce feelings of isolation and worry in our community
- To try and provide practical help and support to better cope with the situation we are facing
- To try to help to maintain our physical and mental well-being
- To act as a hub for sharing ideas, projects, skills and expertise
To date the group has published 13 newsletters which have been particularly welcomed by the elderly and infirm in the village.
The 25 members of the Beer Quilters and Sewing Group quickly got together to produce 1,500 scrub bags and comforters, many of which contained some gifts such as hand lotion and shampoo for front line staff at the hospital and local nursing homes.
The comforters have been particularly welcomed as they are attached to the visors worn by medical staff to prevent damage to their ears.
When the need for personal protection equipment was met, they turned their attention to making bunting to put up in the village to keep people's spirits up.
They also knitted Beer Hearts which are on sale at the village Post Office for £2, all proceeds going to the Seaton Hospice Nurses.
There is also a big requirement for face masks now that these have to be worn on public transport and these are being made by octogenarian Jean Bartlett, who used to run the village letting agency, with help from Kim Vine.
BAG is also operating an emergency food supply, co-ordinated by Scout Leader Nigel Grove with help from Lee Reeve, with food boxes being delivered to those in need.
To meet the cost of the work, BAG has received donations of around £1,500 with the finances being looked after by Sarah Taylor, chairman of Beer Regatta, which reluctantly has had to be cancelled this year, although they have some fun and games planned for an online event.
Care is also being administered to those who are unwell and confined to their homes with shopping deliveries and the collection of prescriptions.
To lift spirits a scarecrow festival was organised which attracted more than 200 entries, many from local children.
Also, once a month the village has joined in a mass sound session, organised by music technician Sean Lavine, with a playlist being plastered out for half an hour all over the village. The next one will take place on Saturday, June 20.
The Beer Men's Shed group are also doing their bit, having taken over an allotment in the village to grow vegetables free to residents.
BAG intends to continue to operate as long as necessary as there are a number of residents who are still finding life very difficult.
Founding member Annie Boalch, one of Beer's key charity workers for many years, told Nub News: "There are a lot of people in the village who are isolated and lonely. It's gone on for so long that it's really hitting hard.
"We are all very pleased that we live in a place like Beer. We appreciate living here in the best of times and the worst of times brings out the good in people who are pulling together to make it all work and looking after their neighbours.
"There are a couple of counsellors in the village we can call on if needed and we have a What's App group with around 100 people who can answer queries.
"BAG will exist for quite a while yet to support the community. We will stay as long as is required. We have had great support from the villagers and some lovely letters from the nurses thanking us."
Annie Boalch also praised local Cllr Geoff Pook, chairman of Beer Parish Council, who has helped advise local businesses through these difficult days.
One thing is for sure, Beer may be a bit quieter this year with no Regatta and other events having to be called off, but the spirit so evident through lockdown will stand the village in good stead as the country comes out of lockdown and the visitors return.
The final words, with apologies to Mohammed Ali, come form Annie Boalch: "In Beer we don't count the days, we make the days count."
