Lockdown has been challenging for many in Glastonbury, particularly elderly residents and those with no family nearby.

Many people have been reliant on the Glastonbury Community Volunteers for food and prescriptions, some have now been able to get online delivery slots or have other support, but there are still many who have no one else to turn to.

For the last few weeks Glastonbury Community Volunteers have also been out visiting the local residents with a gift of a newsletter, books and a treat.

A collaboration between local people in the community, the newsletter is compiled by two volunteers, Kate and Jay, with pieces submitted from residents.

The volunteers have had a cartoon, article from a local crafts lady, a song about 2020 and local photographs.

Glastonbury resident Byron Joce said: "It was lovely to see the photos in the newsletter taken by my childhood friend Andrew and to read the lyrics of the song by another good friend of mine, Richard.

"He was a colleague of mine at Strode College and is the leader of the folk club where I sometimes sing a few songs.

"I look forward to hearing him sing it when the folk club is back up and running. Many thanks again for the fantastic work that you have all been doing."

The volunteers want to say thank you to Morrisons supermarket who donate the puddings, as they are greatly appreciated by the residents.They also donated the initial books at the end of May.

Another Glastonbury resident, Andrew Whitcombe, said: "I just wanted to say a big thank you from my father and I for the very kind package of books, treacle puddings, etc, that you gave to my father the other day. We are both very touched by your kindness."

The books come from the residents themselves. After the success of the first visits, many residents offered some books of their own that they wanted to share with others.

Some have given books to the volunteer driver after they receive their shopping, others arrange for them to be picked up separately.

They are stored for at least three days before being packaged up and then delivered by volunteers.

Mark and Lisa are two of the volunteers who have been out delivering, they have been to more than 30 different houses and have had some lengthy conversations with residents.

Lisa said: "Mark and I enjoy volunteering for local community, Mark was born in Glastonbury and recognises some of the faces that we deliver to from when he worked in the high street shop in the late 1970s, early 80s, and I must have the kind of face that old people want to chat to."

Some residents who receive these have not spoken to anyone all week and are happy to see a friendly face and have a small chat on their doorstep. Others have shared their delight at receiving a small gift.

Other random acts of kindness include a volunteer making cakes and delivering with a hand written note to residents, and another recently brought a lavender plant for an elderly lady.

People can find out more about the support network, how to access support, or how to volunteer on the website: www.glastonburycommunity.uk.

Alternative, you can contact them via email on [email protected] or by phone by calling Tanya on 07912 074879.