It is undisputed that this year has been a tough one for everyone, not just in Northampton, but across the country.
With two national lockdowns and months of other restrictions, 2020 has been like no other.
Whether it has been the loss of a loved one, redundancy or loneliness due to isolation, everyone has suffered some form of hardship, so community spirit has never been as important.
Northampton has plenty of neighbourly love and so many acts of kindness have been completed across the town in a bid to look after one another.
So many people carried on working to provide a key service and many more raised money for organisations helping those who needed it most.
Aside from key workers and vital fundraising, residents have also rallied round to support each other and spread some light in community-based ways too.
Here is a round up of just some of the amazing gestures from the people of Northampton during 2020: The year of community spirit.
5. Decorated Covid snakes to make people smile
Across the country Covid snakes became somewhat of a craze during the first lockdown. The idea gave children something to do as they decorated a rock with paint or felt tip pens as well as brightening up daily walks for other residents. Blisworth had a snake going which reached nearly 200 rocks and Earls Barton also joined in on the craze. Hundreds of people in the community were involved in the making of the snakes and even more benefited from the bright colours and the spirit lifting nature.
6. Hairdresser befriends elderly man in hospital when loved ones could not visit
94-year-old Ken Smith was in Northampton General Hospital at the start of the first lockdown following a fall. Loved ones were not able to see him, but 24-year-old Taylor Wright, who was on furlough from her job as a hairdresser, was volunteering in the hospital and befriended Ken. The pair built up a friendship from mutual respect and interest, which Ken’s family were extremely grateful for. Taylor even visited Ken after he left the hospital and the pair catch up every week.
7. Socially-distanced dancing in the street to beat the lockdown blues
At the height of the first lockdown, back in April, Michelle Lewis decided to beat the lockdown blues by dancing to ‘Reach’ by S Club 7 in her street. Neighbours in Hardingstone started to join her and the feel-good disco turned into a weekly event to help lift spirits in the village. Leotards and 80s disco costumes were even donned as the event progressed. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.
8. Free-to-use community bus stop library set up in village
In May, Ben de Boer decided to turn a disused bus stop in Hackleton into a library for anyone in the community to use. The 25-year-old wanted to encourage people to donate books and DVDs that they no longer use to help keep others entertained in lockdown. Hundreds of books and DVDs were donated and the library really took off. Despite a knock back when items were stolen, the idea has been backed by the parish council and it is hoped the library will become a permanent fixture in a more secure location.