What a difference a week makes

A lone man strolling along the beach wearing a mask was captured by local photographer John Byford, who says the coast has taken on a different kind of 'beauty' without the hustle and bustle of the visitors we would usually expect to see at this time of year.

The draconian measures introduced by the government early last week after the rush to parks and beaches when the schools closed finally seemed to bring the 'stay at home' message to roost - helped, no doubt, by East Lindsey District Council closing the toilets.

Now the streets are deserted and shops, caravan sites, arcades bars, theatres, cafes and restaurants are closed, leaving little reason for anyone other than locals getting their daily one hour of exercise on the beach to make the journey.. .

"It's eerie walking around Skegness and seeing it so deserted," said John. "But in a way it has taken on a new kind of beauty.

"People are finally getting the message and staying home and that's how it needs to be."

Most residents are now settling into a new way of life indoors - supported on local Lincolnshire councils, community groups and volunteers working together.

Along with local support groups on social media, Lincolnshire County Council is creating a network of volunteer neighbours who can lend a hand in their local neighbourhood. with shopping, getting prescriptions. dog-walking or just a friendly chats. To volunteer call 01522 782189.

Businesses forced to close are also finding new ways to carry on trading and a list of those now offering deliveries is now available on the Skegness Town Council Facebook page.

Many of the restaurants and cafes across the district have also put notices in their windows offering delivery services.

As many adults admit they are already going stir crazy having to stay at home, children are quickly adapting to homeschooling - with pictures emerging of them studying outside on swings and in tree houses.

But we are seeing examples of how people are using technology to get together - with Danielle Stoakes of the Skegness Community Support Group running two live pub quizzes since launching last week.

"The quizzes have been really good, said Danielle. "We’ve also helped food packages to be delivered and I’ve had strangers offering to pay for shopping for people in need.

"We are also are setting up a telephone line for people who are feeling lonely pr vulnerable."

Fantasy Island hosted a live virtual roller coast ride on Monday for customers missing the park, offering a prize of a family pass for the best video ready for when the amusements open again.

Once again there have been many acts of kindness. One business which has earned a lot of praise has been the Manhatton Show Bar, which has launched the Ingoldmells Food Bank thanks to generous donations.

Coun Simon Claxton, of the Highwayman pub in Skegness, says the rewards are worth it. "When you drop off some Palpol outside the home of a family and little boy it is for comes to the door and says 'thank you for my palpol' it makes it a;ll worthwhile," he said.

In spite of all the positive stories, there are still challenges within our communities. Parents in Alford were criticised for allowing children to play together in the park in spite of notices saying it was closed and young people were also reported to the police for playing football together in Seaview car park.

At supermarkets, where every effort is being made to respect social distancing, there are reports of staff breaking down because of rude customers and people still thinking being allowed inside means they have time to browse.

One staff member said: "We really don't want to be here, but we realize that we are needed. You don't see how many times a day we wash and sanitize our hands to try to keep ourselves safe. You don't see our upset co-workers in the break room struggling to keep their composure. You don't see our spouses who worry about us every minute we are at work and who are our strength when we get home. We have our jobs to do and we realize the importance of our job. The least you can do is come in with a sense of purpose, get what you need, and get yourselves home."

*Do you know of a special act of kindness. Have you an issue you would like to report? Email [email protected]

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