Pulling together

Writer EMMA PEARCY discovers how the community of Moretonhampstead rose to the many challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic

- EMMA PEARCY

Usually, spring heralds the arrival of holidaymakers eager to make the most of everything Devon has to offer. But 2020 will be remembered for when Britain went into lockdown to limit the spread of Covid-19. Despite incredibly challenging circumstances, there are stories of hope, compassion and unity.

The handsome Dartmoor town of Moretonhampstead is a prime example. Here, you’ll find a strong sense of pride, stoicism and kindness. In fact, when an appeal for examples went out on Facebook, Devon Life was inundated.

Sadly, it’s impossible to showcase them all but what shines through is the remarkable resilience and positivity of everyone living and working in tight-knit ‘Moreton’. Dave and Siân Colridge own and run the Union Inn, a pub with a history dating back hundreds of years and where Dave’s great-great great grandfather was landlord in 1828. They started doing takeaways so people could enjoy locally-sourced food, including their famous pies, from home.

Siân says: “Everyone pulled together and almost reinvented the wheel to find ways of working in the safest and most efficient way. Moretonhampstead has always had great community spirit and it really came through.”

MED Theatre is keeping people connected to art, each other and the world around them with ‘virtual’ drama and creative sessions. The teenage youth theatre group, Wild Nights Young Company, is adapting to new ways of working to continue their ‘Dartmoor, Devon and World War 2’, project commemorating the 80th anniversary of the start of the war.