Not the start of a New Year that anyone wanted but at least there’s some light at the end of the tunnel, at last. Hang on in there Lutonians, perhaps, soon, “the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands” as someone once said.
It might seem trite to look back eighty years to the Greatest Generation for inspiration, after all no one is bombing us and we’re not being called-up to fight on the front-line (although our NHS and key workers might, with some justification, disagree!).
Right now many of us are really struggling to deal with the uncertainties around work, money and childcare, growing ever-more stressed with prolonged isolation and worry over vulnerable friends and relatives. But we have been here before and won through. We make no apology in calling up memories of our forebears to sustain us through the closing months of this National Emergency. Most of us have an abiding respect for their service and sacrifice. Thoughts turn to ‘If they could handle that – we can handle this’. There’s a reason why we hold Capt. Sir Tom in such high esteem. In our most difficult moments right now, it’s worth thinking about.
Many of you know the Save Our Town volunteer group are working with various local stakeholders to rehome the largely unknown, stunning, collection of sixty Vauxhall Heritage Centre vehicles. We recently republished a 1946 book detailing the extraordinary work of our townsfolk at Vauxhall Motors in WW2. An inspirational story of teamwork, skills, ingenuity, willpower, can-do attitude and achieving the impossible. If you’re looking for a bit of a lift or just a good read in lockdown we highly recommend it.
Available exclusively from local charity, Culture Trust Luton via their website.