Week five in the big brother village lockdown (insert Newcastle accent if required.) Here is what is happening in the GNS bunker at the moment. 

I am so happy to see cement changing hands, tools lent or borrowed, plants swapped or gifted (George the sunflower is coming on nicely) and gestures small and large coming through. Who knew that pallets would become a currency? 

Recently all our shopping volunteers have been provided with a face mask kindly sewed by a neighbour and very welcome they are. Shopping deliveries continue to grow and we expect to reach the 100th at the weekend. We have also added to our volunteer pool with someone assisting CostCutters staff to pick and pack the shopping so they are able to continue to deliver an excellent service in store (doing 10 peoples' shopping takes a bit of time!)

We are also aware that some people may have been using their cash to pay for things and this could be running out. For this the GNS can now offer a contactless cash delivery if you have a debit card. Simply tell us how much (in £10) and we will arrive with the folding stuff and a card reader to your door! Up to £40 is contactless. max £100. We make no charge for our services and the delivery but the bank charge us 1.75% which we need to pass on. so £50 is 90 pence etc. This takes away the need to give over bank cards and pin numbers to others (which leaves you exposed to fraud and the banks would have a fit!)

This will also allow us to pay for prescriptions and take a debit card payment rather than cash.

Finally we are trialling a hot meal delivery service. Very early days but if this would interest you or someone in the village you know please get in touch. 

We still offer the full range of neighbourly favours where we can, putting people who cant or shouldn’t go out in touch with those who can. Specialist pet food? no problem etc.