The community of Devon Drive in Pembroke has been in full swing in lifting spirits of residents during the pandemic and lockdown.

Neighbours Shelley Bolton and Kayleigh Kitts - both continuing to work their full-time jobs, have been volunteering help in the community, as well as taking on acts of random kindness.

“We as a community have tried to lift spirits - and put our heads together to support those less confident to go out there and support one another,” explained Kayleigh.

“With recent events like Easter, we clubbed together to come up with ideas to brighten the Easter weekend up for the children, who probably have no idea what is going on with the crisis.”

Easter pictures were distributed to all children wishing to participate in a colouring competition, giving children just over a week to colour their picture and place them in the windows.

While the week went on, treat bags were dropped off at households to allow every child participating to feel rewarded.

“On Easter Sunday, I dressed as an Easter Bunny and Shelley supported going around the houses of Devon Drive, and we knocked at every house where a picture was located in the window,” continued Kayleigh.

“We asked all children to remain inside their door, or to look out their window, and a treat bag was placed on the doorsteps, which included - an Easter lolly, rice Krispie cake, tattoo, balloon and sweets/chocolates.

“The children, were over the moon with this, and the pictures were judged by the Easter Bunny and the winner and runner ups were rewarded with their eggs!”

The Easter Eggs for the winner and six runners-up were kindly donated by Spar manager of Narberth Carl John Who donated the winning egg, and 6 runner ups.

Parents and neighbours also wanted to get involved and donate to help, so Kayleigh and Shelley organised a collection for those going out of their way to help, or those less fortunate with no families etc.

“We raised some money and purchased some flowers for a lovely lady in our community - Christine, who despite her own struggles, gets up every day to care for vulnerable,” she continued.

“With the remaining money, we asked the community to put the message out to any elderly or vulnerable people isolating who may have nobody to get in touch, so we could donate a hamper.

“We were contacted by a member of the community, who put forward the name of an elderly couple, whose family are in isolation in London, therefore have nobody, so we made up a hamper and donated it to Mr. and Mrs. Williams of The Green, Pembroke.

“Mrs Williams was very grateful, as she has been struggling in getting supplies and is also caring for her husband who has dementia.”

The community has also participated every week in showing support for the NHS with the Thursday 8 pm clap; a children’s clap on Sunday at 3 pm, as well as a Sunday evening dance-off at 7 pm! Neighbours have also chalked/painted their walls all colours to support the NHS.

“Ann Powell a member of the community kindly donated punch balloons for the children for the Sunday clap, which was a lovely gesture; with Mark Hearne supplying the community with music and karaoke,” said Kayleigh.

“Also our other Easter Bunny - Mandy Draper - completed a marathon run around the area - whilst maintaining government guidelines - taking on a 26 mile run in her back garden, running up and down her garden path!”

The community have set up groups on Facebook , for anyone to join, featuring plenty of ideas shared for activities to do at home during lockdown, including participating in online games for families such as bingo.

“The community have pulled together for one another, and showed real community spirit! We have actually had an amazing response to everything,” added Kayleigh.