The village of kind hearts

Residents of a Saddleworth village have been embraced with love by their warm-hearted community committee.

The caring Carry On Delph team launched a touching initiative to celebrate the kindness of folk who have quietly gone the extra mile during the coronavirus crisis.

Each recipient receives a personal, hand crafted, heart shaped ‘hug’ with a thoughtful  message from the committee.

The message reads: “We are sending you this pocket hug to brighten up your day.

"We hope that you are safe and well, and that you are OK.”

The committee comprises Kath Butterworth, Alan Warrior, Chris and Gail Dummett, Carl Ashworth, Jo Leighton, Vicky Ash, Andrea Day and Maryon Wearing.

The idea of the hearts came from committee chair, Chris, and Maryon crafted the hearts made with material from Mallalieu of Delph.

Maryon said: “So far we have distributed more than 130 hearts - half to make people smile, half for those who have gone the extra mile.”

Other recipients including those helping Carry on Delph sewing and knitting bees who made scrub bags, masks and scrub caps.

And a host of kindnesses have included taking photographs at events, helping at their foodbank and VE day events, driving, shopping, errand and chatting bees. 

Maryon said: “Some hearts went to those helping neighbours throughout lockdown.

"For example, we were alerted to a self isolater who hadn’t been seen and we discovered neighbours had been supporting him throughout lockdown. 

“Other hearts went to those organising social distance events, bringing communities together and keeping spirits up. 

“Delphers nominate someone who they feel has gone that extra mile, needs a little lift whether isolating, ill, bereaved, made redundant - or just really to say thank you or show they care.

“Good neighbourly deeds throughout lockdown have been recognised.

“And hearts have travelled to Glossop, Silverdale, Basingstoke and Glasgow to those Delphers who are self isolating and separated from friends and family during lockdown.”

Maryon added: “Our aim was to bring a little bit of love and joy to the recipient to let them know they are in the thoughts of those who made the nomination and Carry on Delph.”

Earlier, the committee distributed a special complimentary bookmark to every household in the village, emphasising the community’s spirit and adding: “Please remember we are always here.”

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