Captain Tom Moore and army of volunteers inspiring us – The Yorkshire Post says

He has also become the unlikely standard-bearer of an army of volunteers who, just as selflessly, are supporting their communities during the Covid-19 lockdown.

And the cumulative value of their contribution to civic society as neighbourhoods come together to support each other? It’s priceless – and few words do justice to this extraordinary collective endeavour.

Even in a county, like Yorkshire, which is famed for its hospitality and generosity of spirit, the response – and it has been a spontaneous one rather than being driven by politicians – has already exceeded all expectations.

Rest assured, it will also be sustained for as long as the lockdown is in place. Of that there is no doubt as the Government, rightly, keeps in place strict public health measures for at least another three weeks.

Each and every person supporting vulnerable neighbours, from undertaking supermarket shops to delivering meals or prescriptions, is worthy of recognition for their role in this national effort.

It’s so profound that even divisions over Brexit which were posing, until relatively recently, such a threat to national unity do appear, thankfully, to have been forgotten, certainly for now, as the country comes together.

And, in time, it is to be hoped that a stronger society emerges from this crisis – one that fully recognises issues pertaining to social isolation; regular exercise to stay healthy in body and mind; the importance of local shops and regards the NHS, and provision of world-class social care, as part of one national care service.

On that, this country would also be honouring the exemplary example which continues to be set by Captain Moore.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

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James Mitchinson

Editor