STREET PARTY IN THE RAIN

Whitehill parade lifts the spirits

A group of big-hearted volunteers have been praised for helping their community during lockdown.

Whitehill Community Action Group, in Hamilton, was formed to help those struggling during the coronavirus outbreak by providing meals and urgent supplies.

And their efforts were celebrated when locals organised a parade as the easing of the lockdown restrictions began.

Homes and streets were decorated and residents didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits.

The parade was opened by Hamilton North and East Councillor Davie Mclachlan and he also piped along with one of his colleagues from Stonehouse Pipe Band.

He told the crowds: “We are here to party and to celebrate the achievements of Whitehill Community Support Group.

“These ladies got their heads together early on and headed up what has turned out to be a service that we will all remember for a long time to come.

“They put themselves on the front line during a perilous period that brought the whole country to a standstill.

“They quickly thought about how the lockdown could impact on vulnerable people and drew up a plan to bring vital relief and comfort to those who needed it most.

“It was quickly noticed that they couldn’t do everything alone – and the community of Whitehill rallied and came together.

“The response was remarkable, and it soon gained momentum.”

A spokesperson for Whitehill Community Action Group said: “All the streets were decorated to a theme – we had wild west, Hawaii and carnival. We socially-distanced and gathered outside to listen to a few of the speeches.

“We also took a moment to remember those we lost in the community because of COVID-19.

“We had a dance in the streets and once the parade was finished we enjoyed the rest of the evening.”