IT has been a difficult and miserable year for most people and especially the elderly.

Ludlow has a high proportion of older people and many of these have been confined to their homes or not been able to travel far because of the need to shield.

There has also been the loneliness and isolation of not being able to meet with family and friends

But this last week has seen a little bit of festive joy and kindness reaching the doorsteps of some of Ludlow’s older residents.

After weeks of packing bags and organising the deliveries, a team of fourteen Ludlow Town councillors and staff, all working individually and following Covid-19 secure working methods, delivered 425 goody bags to Ludlow’s senior citizens.

The town council liaised with care homes and care providers in Ludlow, as well as delivering to individual residents. Mayor of Ludlow Cllr Tim Gill delivered goody bags to Hagley Place Care Home and Sapphire Community Care.

He also presented seven year old Romeo Ditoria from Ludlow Primary School with a prize for winning the Christmas card competition. Deputy Mayor Cllr Robin Pote delivered goody bags to Quality Community Care at the Rockspring Centre, and College Court in Ludlow. Another 12 councillors and staff delivered goody bags to individual residents in all parts of Ludlow.

Each of the 425 candy striped bags included Romeo’s Christmas card, a festive message from the town council, a painted wooden Christmas decoration, some chocolates, sachets of Fairtrade hot chocolate, Fairtrade biscuits, a mince pie, an environmentally friendly cracker, and two miniature festive drinks.

“There have been lots of wonderful messages of thanks, and each and every message is very much appreciated by all at Ludlow Town Council. A very Merry Christmas to you all,” said Tim Gill, Mayor of Ludlow.