Rightly, they are greatly lauded; they are the ‘sung’ heroes of the land in which we live and have been throughout these long numerous months during which we in this country have been subject to the dangers and malevolence of Covid-19 – indeed, a scourge which has terrorised the entire world.

For very many weeks, folk across the land would of a Thursday evening venture out from their snug dwellings to express, through applause, their gratitude for the service given, and the sacrifice made, by the valiant ladies and gents who work in the NHS. The stalwart staff of care homes also received praise, along with, to some extent, personnel in the police, fire and rescue services – and the armed forces.

Whilst the menace of the pandemic threatens less than it did, it remains a miasma shrouding the globe, an enemy which governments of the world will ignore at their peril; thus the selfless, dedicated sense of duty plus courage and compassion displayed by the aforementioned public servants will remain vital to our welfare as a nation long into the future; personally I have not the slightest doubt it will be there – such is the character, pride and integrity of the vast majority of the people who are involved with these myriad state run services.

Having said this, whilst the efforts of these good folk have been widely praised by governments and the populace in general, so many others have also made steadfast, unwavering contributions to our well-being, ensuring that despite lockdown, restrictions and the complexities of existence forced upon us all by the virus, we have been able to retain some semblance of normal life. Are they not the ‘unsung’ heroes and heroines of our land?

So many of them work outdoors in all winds and weathers – and we most certainly suffer a vastly wider range of meteorological conditions than most nations of the world; in fact, it is said that whilst the majority of countries have a climate, the British endure weather. Despite this, the splendid ever cheerful and courteous employees of Royal Mail have not once failed to deliver down our long path, whilst weekly those Olympian like chaps who take care of the bins and recycling will come thundering along the pavement, summer and winter, through wind, rain and heatwave at a pace which shows fitness levels of which a Plymouth Argyle professional would be proud.

There are those who clear hazards from our highways; ever helmeted folk who ensure our gas, telephone and electrical supplies are rapidly restored if, which can happen, they are cut off by stormy weather. Indeed I recently saw a fellow atop a very high pole, a gale blowing about him, his body drenched with rain, attempting to reconnect the electricity which had been cut off from numerous houses, including a Care Home for the elderly. Not for the faint-hearted this – his ‘hard hat’ would have availed him little had the wind blown him off. Thanks to his determination and courage, the lights were soon shining once more.

These estimable folk are, of course, paid employees. There are, though, others who give their time, and expertise – indeed, who risk their lives – receiving no financial reward. Supreme amongst these, surely, are the indomitable men and women who are members of the RNLI. Rarely will these admirable human beings launch their boats unless seas are stormy, even tempestuous.

There are also intrepid groups such as Dartmoor Rescue who bring succour to those who fall foul of the dangerous terrain that is the moor, and the life threatening situations which can develop quickly when bad weather hits.

So many others have made a major contribution – and continue to do so – during these fraught times; farmers producing food, builders erecting affordable homes, hard worked, often harassed check out staff at supermarkets, their colleagues who have to arise before dawn to stock the shelves, the drivers who negotiate often gridlocked roads and streets to deliver orders. Plus it must be noted that councillors and council workers have so often ‘gone the extra mile’ for their community.

Now it is not possible to mention all of the manifold range of caring citizenry doing – and having done – so very much for us during the pandemic, as it would fill half this publication. I will, however, conclude this article with reference to a body of ‘stars’ close to my heart. I refer to the conscientious, hard-working, very professional and public spirited ladies and gentlemen who, despite hideous problems, have ensured that the weekly edition of the Times Gazette and Mid Devon Advertiser (and other local papers) has always ‘hit the shelves’ during these troubled times. Their dedication and proficiency has ensured that even though we have been locked down, we have, thanks to their communication skills, always been kept in touch with local life. To them, as to so many others, we are indebted; and assuredly, we are all in this together.