Welcome
I don’t think any of us can deny that it’s been a very strange summer. After being ‘released’ from months of national lockdown and the with the introduction of the government ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme, a lot of us had plans for meeting up with friends for meals out, hosting BBQs in our gardens and letting the children have a full diary of social events. It was not to be though – as Greater Manchester Covid figures rose, Stockport was included in further social distancing rules.
I suspect that this is the how things will be for some time: local or regional pockets of lockdown being introduced in a bid to control the virus. I don’t think I speak out of turn when I say that surely everyone in The Heatons must feel desperately sorry for those who are unable to see loved ones, and for those small businesses not able to trade as they’d hoped. With such an uncertain few months ahead of us, it is more important than ever that not only do we continue to support each other as a community (see page ** for an update on the work that the Neighbourhood Outreach Group is helping to coordinate), but that we also support local businesses wherever possible. The Heatons App, (see Pg 26) is designed to do just that, listing more than 500 local businesses, retailers and even a made in The Heatons section (perfect for those early Christmas shoppers amongst you!).
Recognising how hard it has been for youngsters has made reading the fascinating account of a 70s Heatons childhood by Louise Marsden (see page 51) all the more poignant. I may not have grown up around here myself, but I recognise a lot of my own childhood in Louise’s wonderful account, as I am sure many of you will.
It’s clear we are all trying to establish a new type of normal, while still being as careful as we can. And though we can be proud of how we have come together as a community during extremely difficult circumstances, as we head into autumn, patience, kindness and support for individuals and businesses alike, will continue to stand us in good stead.
Melissa
Editor