11th June 2020 by Rachel Wallhouse

Gifts and Competitions,

Do you know any local heroes- people who are working tirelessly to keep vulnerable people safe, reassured and connected? Perhaps running errands, going shopping or just taking time to connect with isolated people. They’re everywhere, staying strong and keeping the people around them going.

We’ve teamed up with The Wine Merchant Magazine & Hatch Mansfield to thank local heroes during Covid-19. We’ve had dozens of nominations and will be announcing the final four prize winners next week. We want to celebrate those people doing the right thing and helping make lockdown easier and better for other people!

We’ve already had six very deserving winners: Mags, Amy, Rachael, Colin, Vic and Terry who have all received a bottle of Vidal Sauvignon Blanc and Errazuriz Wild Ferment Pinot Noir to thank them for all their hard work and keeping us going.

The remaining winners will all receive a mystery bottle of red and white which has been kindly donated by one of our customers! 

Today’s winners are…. 

Belinda Taylor- nominated by her daughter, Olivia

“Belinda has devoted her life & career to the NHS. She joined at 18, moving through nursing posts & midwifery posts and ending up in management. She was in the midst of a masters degree when she had her second child (me! Lucky her!) and was back to helping other mums after a month of giving birth, she actually was the midwife to one of my high school best friends!

I’d like to nominate her as she is part of the East Lancs infection control strategic planning team. She’s worked tirelessly since January & is still working hard every day.

She’s due to retire this year after a faithful career to the NHS I feel this would be a lovely reward. I mean there’s only one person I get my love for wine from!”

Well done Belinda, and thank you for everything that you’ve done. Before the shop closed Belinda would walk to the shop, through rain and snow, every Tuesday with her beautiful German Shepherd to have a glass of wine and fish and chips from the local takeaway. We’re looking forward to when we can safely re-open and welcome you back!

Ali Thorpe- nominated by her good friend Elaine

“Hello my friend Ali Thorpe is a hero. She is a doctor in hospices and Blackburn hospital and has stayed with people while they died when they could not have their family with them.

She has worked long hours and has worried for all her patients as well as her own family.

She is a local hero”.

Well done Ali, it was amazing to hear about all the amazing work you’ve been doing during Covid-19. Very well deserved, we hope you enjoy a nice glass of wine on us. You have helped the community in so many ways. So, thank you!

Stay Safe,
The Whalley Wine Shop