Words by The Word Sanctum, Teddington copywriters and supporters of local businesses. http://www.thewordsanctum.co.uk email: scribe@thewordsanctum.co.uk
Community is at the heart of TW Magazines and we have been humbled by the number of wonderful local businesses who are donating their time and services to help others during the crisis. At the start of lockdown, Ben and the team at The Anglers pub in Teddington sprang into action, and their Herculean efforts resulted in a volunteering database, putting those in need in touch with those willing to help. Richmond council have since set up a new Community Hub for those seeking help. Call 0208 871 6555 or email covid19support@richmondandwandsworth. gov.uk and you will be pointed in the right direction.
There are too many other kindnesses to mention here but special thanks also go to:
• Teddington restaurants Ruba, Il Preferito and The Bowl & Roll, who have been donating meals to Crossroads Care Richmond & Kingston.
• Mediterranean restaurant Sidra in Church Road, which is offering free lunches to NHS staff.
• Teddington Cheese for donating more than 130 blocks of cheese to Crossroads Care Richmond & Kingston for inclusion in their food bundles for people in need.
• The Fun Factory in The Causeway, which is collecting food donations from the doorsteps of residents in Twickenham, Teddington and Hampton and delivering it to Crossroads Care, who will deliver it to those in need.
• The Abercorn Arms in Church Road for providing packed lunches to local charities, including Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital for NHS staff and volunteers.
• Cooking For Nurses. Residents in Elmfield Avenue have formed a group delivering meals to nurses at Teddington Memorial Hospital. They’d like to hear from other nurses and NHS staff they could help, plus volunteers for cooking, shopping or driving. Email ruthmunby@hotmail.com.
• Teddington Hardware for going out of their way to ensure elderly residents were supplied with essentials such as toilet roll and hand sanitiser for free.
• Teddington High Street’s Italian eatery Piazza Firenze, and Zaika and Prem Indian restaurants, which are all offering 50% off for NHS workers.
During these uncertain times, the importance of community and kindness cannot be overstated. We’ve been heartened by the generosity of spirit that has abounded and are grateful for the way so many local businesses have adapted to help us all through. Here is a round-up of just a few that will help you get through each day, whether it’s looking after your physical and mental health or sourcing nourishing food. Our libraries are offering free eBooks and eAudiobooks plus digital versions of a wide range of magazines – visit http://www.lbrut.lib.overdrive.com for details. And while we might not be able to get out to our usual favourite places, we can enjoy beautiful views of springtime blooms against a backdrop of blue skies and birdsong, giving us hope for a brighter tomorrow.