Three events occurred last week which caught my eye, and reminded me that the people of Bath are some of the most caring, considerate, generous and honest people you could wish to share our city with.
Just over a week ago, we were all struck with the news of the tragic events in Manchester. We were witness via television, social media, and the internet, to the devastation it had caused; for the victims, their families, the people who saw what had happened and helped during the horrific terrorist attack.
Twenty-two people lost their lives in an act of terror. Watching the latest updates on the television over the following days, as the Manchester community pulled together and began to overcome their emotions to remain strong and defiant against terrorism, reminded me of how close-knit the people of Bath are.
Seeing residents across our city share the JustGiving appeals on social media, watching how they showed their determination not to let such acts bring us down, and witnessing the compassion for those who had been affected by the attacks, was truly moving.
Last Wednesday, we were alerted to a serious house fire in the Twerton area of Bath. Initial details were sketchy, but we were relieved to hear nobody had been injured in the blaze. As the story unfolded, and more fire engines were sent to the scene to assist with putting out the fire, we were sent a message via Twitter, asking us to share an appeal for clothing and new belongings for the family of the house.
In a matter of hours, this popular family had gone from having a place they could call home, to being left with a shell. The fact that as a community we immediately came together and started working to replace clothes and belongings for them, once again brought out the best in the people of Bath.
A JustGiving page was set up by some local residents, and thousands of pounds has been raised to help the family get back on their feet. Another fundraising page has also been set up for the family in the house next door, which has also been significantly damaged.
Such generosity and caring should not go unnoticed, so I’d like to take the opportunity to thank those who have helped the Drew family and their neighbours, whether by donating items or giving money via the fundraising page.
The final piece of honesty and kindness that caught my eye was also on social media. Last Monday night, a window at property letting company Reside in Bath was smashed. We don’t know the circumstances of the incident; however, it was only brought to light on Thursday when a tweet was shared showing an envelope containing a quantity of money and the message ‘for the window’.
On Monday night someone broke 1 of our windows. Today we received this in the post! A lovely, unexpected gesture. Thank you whoever you are! pic.twitter.com/H79c4QdQwA
— Reside Bath (@ResideBath) May 25, 2017
As described in the Twitter post, the money had been a ‘lovely and unexpected gesture’. We don’t know the reason for the window being damaged, but the fact the person was honest enough to pop some money in the post for it, is another example of why the people across Bath are some of the best.
Though these are only a few examples that I’ve spotted over the past week, it’s heartening to see that as a community, we continue to remain strong, friendly, generous and loyal to one-another.