This crisis is bringing out the best in people.

We in Oaks Drive are lucky – we already have a residents’ association and it has come into its own.

Many people in the road are retired, are widowed or have health problems, but there is a wonderful spirit as we try to look after each other.

Halfway down the road, opposite the care home, there is a piece of council land which has been transformed and then carefully tended over the years by an elderly neighbour.

During this awful crisis and despite his own health issues, he has continued to look after it.

It is a picture – full of spring flowers.

The 1,000 bulbs which residents helped to plant together two years ago, are just a tiny contribution beside his wallflowers, hyacinths, anemones and heathers.

On Friday, March 26, when we were all asked to clap for workers in the health service, at 8pm, not only did residents in the road stand outside their houses to clap, but candles were lit and placed among the flowers opposite the care home.

The staff there, from the nurses to the kitchen staff and the cleaners, were applauded, just as NHS workers and everyone who is keeping the country afloat were in our hearts.

Indeed, it is people like this elderly ex-Army gentleman and the couple who the very next day delivered delicious fish and chips to anyone in the road who wanted it.

Their next treat is going to be a cream tea delivered to your door!

We’d love to hear what others are doing.

It will give us ideas about how we can help, keep morale up and say thank you to those who are struggling to manage and control this dreadful pandemic.

Christine Beedle

Oaks Drive, Colchester