When the weekly applause rang out
IT WAS a grassroots movement that started quietly – but by the end of its 10-week run saw applause, banging and cheers ring out across out cities, towns and villages.
For many people, Clap for Carers epitomised the best of the long spring and summer lockdown, as householders gathered outside not just to thank the NHS and other key workers, but to keep alive the human connection with their neighbours, to maintain human contact in the face of social distancing, and to try to keep up each other’s spirits.
Those balmy spring evenings, which at first saw the applause take place at twilight and by the end bathed participants in sunlight as the days lengthened, ran from March 26 to May 28.
Katrina James, a ward manager at Queen Alexandra Hospital caring for patients with Covid-19, was one of the NHS workers for whom hearing the clapping meant so much.
Before the last hurrah, she said: ‘The clap for the NHS, and all the staff that have been caring for Covid-19 patients at QA, has given us the courage to continue to do our best.
‘Knowing that the city is behind us, supporting the NHS by staying home, has helped us dedicate our time to patients.
‘Each week staff look forward to seeing the Clap for Carers after a hard day, it brings joy in this time of uncertainty.’
Ten bagpipe players and a drummer from The Rose and Thistle Pipe Band played for staff at the Cosham hospital on the final night.
Member, Cameron McMurchie, from Denmead said: ‘A lot of us have been playing for our neighbours on Thursdays and when I heard this was to be the last official Clap for Carers, I wanted it to be special.’
We clapped for the NHS, we clapped for care home workers, we clapped for anyone who had shown us kindness.
But we also clapped for ourselves – in the strange world lockdown, and the uncertainty it brought, it was one of the anchors that provided reassurance.
That strange phenomenon of applause offered up to the heavens will not be forgotten.
My love and prayers to all across the board from NHS, to police, to fire service.
Linda Frame, online reader of The News – April 3
Was out there making a noise to applaud the NHS. Doing a fantastic job.
Maeve Underwood, online reader of The News – March 27
We care and are very grateful for all that you do. God bless you all.
Heather Gallagher, online reader of The News – April 2
We all did it in our road. Thank you to you all, you are amazing. Susan Spencer, online reader of The News – March 26
Now we’ve applauded the NHS, perhaps we can start paying them properly. Paul Nelson, online reader of The News – March 27