Despite the wind, Saturday 22 August marked an extremely successful charity fund-raising event in Godmanchester – the third annual ‘Godmanchester Great Garage Sale’. With nearly 50 participants – by far the largest number to date – it was great to see stall-holders meeting and conversing with the many browsers looking for a bargain; all in a safe and socially-distanced manner, of course. As the first town civic event since the Covid-19 Lockdown, everyone seemed very appreciative of this opportunity to walk and chat. Several householders commented on this, one of you summing it up very well: “I have met more people in the past two hours than I have seen over the previous four months; it’s wonderful for our morale”.
It was also something of a keep-fit exercise. Nan and I walked for over 5 hours to visit every stall in the town – although because of time constraints the last 4 had to be by car – and we saw many others also ‘pounding the pavements’!
The event was held to raise money for the Mayor’s charities – you have raised over £650 for the Godmanchester Scouts and Guides, the Royal British Legion and the RAF Association – and I know that some of you were also raising funds for your own charities, including local schools and hospitals. We were really impressed with the enthusiasm, dedication and participation of Gumcestrians, and I know that the Council is pleased that we have had this opportunity for the community to come together and socialise safely during this difficult time. Many, many thanks to you all.
Dick Taplin