Is this the Heulwen Way to Amarillo?

We may be some way off yet from returning to whatever ‘normal’ will be, but one Welshpool street is beating the lockdown blues with a social distancing street party every Sunday evening – albeit for the length of a chosen song!

The residents of Heulwen Close, who are already well known for their tremendous community spirit and togetherness, are dancing on their doorsteps at 7pm every Sunday in a defiant message that Covid-19 will not stop them from smiling.

The initiative is a national one started through Facebook, but resident Hayley Jones (bottom picture with family), herself a teacher, said that they have their own unique twist.

“It’s brought together the elderly, widowed, families, young and old in a way we can enjoy for a short time and to show that we are there for each other,” said Hayley.

“We run a short poll on our Heulwen Hereoes WhatsApp group through the week to decide what song to play each Sunday. I then send a link of the song to three houses who have ‘boom boxes’ and then at 7pm sharp the music plays and we all head out to the front of our houses to dance. As soon as the song finishes we head back into our houses.”

Hayley said that social distancing is strictly observed and that this week’s dance had a theme of ‘hats’.

Photographer Phil Blagg, who captured these images, said: “It was community spirit at its best. Absolutely brilliant. Everyone smiling and having a great time even if it was for just a few minutes.”

The residents, who include many key workers, have been active during lockdown by preparing care packages for nurses to take into work and also a mobile library service which enables residents to exchange books in a safe way.