Post Valentines Day 15th February - Feb 15, 2021
February 15th
As we wait for an announcement after the government discussions today regarding potential lifting of lockdown and a pathway forward to a “new normal”, the shooting profession and allied industries also consider the way forward. Optimism is never far away, and the resilience of the countryside and the rural communities is quite astounding taken the myriad of challenges of late.
Just yesterday a medical emergency up the Dale required mountain rescue, local farmers besides the NHS response teams to look after an elderly patient in a remote dale, cut off by the snow. There are many examples of selfless acts of kindness and “getting on with it” quietly and without fuss.
Shooting enthusiasts are keen to be back this season which gives hope to shoots all over the UK, whilst we feel for those directly affected through loss of income, redundancies and for the game farms and small shoots which have struggled throughout this period of restrictions and lock downs. Above all we feel for those who have lost loved ones in the past few months and indeed at any time. Being in isolation and far from family and friends can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and loss.
The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust are looking forward to responding to need from whatever the problem and continuing providing information and support for the issues raised in last year’s survey. Our emphasis will be on housing and financial planning as well as the work we already carry out. If you have any particular topics you wish us to cover do tell us. We are here to serve you – the gamekeeper, ghillie, stalker, family thereof and those who wish to take up gamekeeping or retiring from and in later life.
Finally a big thank you to everyone, who has currently undertaken, or is planning a fundraiser on behalf of GWT. We are eternally gratefu,l and appreciate every little step, shot or penny made on our behalf.