Mask wearing to prove a challenge

the coming months and this great campaign will be the kickstart we all need to support one another and help us not just to survive but to thrive.

“Everyone contributing to encouraging greater trade by promoting each other is the only way small independents like Heart Gallery rejuvenate after Covid-19.

“Collaboration is key if we want Hebden Bridge to remain the great shopping destination full of small independents that it is known for.”

She says being able to finally re-open her business this month after lockdown has been a joy – but it has come with challenges, with many customers still reluctant to venture back out onto high streets.

“At least with floods, you know what you are up against. We decided to take the Government guidance and opened when we could from July 4 and it was lovely. A lot of regulars came back to visit and lot of businesses in Hebden Bridge said they had the same thing. But we had that initial flurry and then it has fallen into being very quiet again.”

Another local organisation to be hugely affected is Curious Motion, an Elland-based non-profit dance and arts organisation that was set up by Sam McCormick and Susan Burns in December 2019.

As well as being involved in a local well-being programme called Welland, part of their work was running dance classes for over-55s from Southgate Methodist Church.

As they were preparing to expand their offering early this year, Covid-19 put their plans on hold.

“From about mid-February we started seeing this could potentially be an issue. With dance, people are moving a lot, connecting with each other and it is all about being together.

“By early March, we realised we weren’t going to be able to carry on much longer.”

They have started online classes during lockdown which they intend to continue permanently, but hope normal sessions may be able to resume within the next few months.

“We are really keen to support the campaign. Everybody has been hit really hard. Calder Valley has absolutely amazing independent businesses, individuals, artists and community groups. Something that has really impressed me is the resilience and kindness of the community.

“We all have a responsibility to support our community; community spirit is so powerful.

“If you can get people motivated about where they live, it will do wonders.”

HOPEFUL: Leila Jowkar, left, and Sourena Jowkar at Leila’s Kitchen, Hebden Bridge, main pic. Shoppers with their face coverings enjoy shopping, right MANDATORY MASK-WEARING in shops presents challenges for store owners and staff, says Alison Bartram. Alison says that as soon as the announcement the change was coming in was made, a higher proportion of customers started coming into her gallery wearing face coverings. But she adds she appreciates from personal experience that not everyone can wear one. “I have told my staff we are not here to police this and we are not in a position to establish the reasons why someone might not be wearing one,” she says. “I can’t wear a mask because of my asthma and I was shielding for the first three months. You don’t know the circumstances of why someone isn’t wearing it.”