Long lockdown made brighter for families thanks to Hopeman mum
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A HOPEMAN mum-of-four has been a busy bee during the long lockdown months – on a mission to brighten up life for local families.
Lindsay Nelson set up the Facebook page Bee Happy in Hopeman in March, and has provided more than 100 activity packs geared towards family fun while reinforcing the importance of being mindful and kind during difficult times.
Lindsay's packs have included rainy-day activities such as kids’ origami and seed-growing competitions. However, it’s her socially-distanced outdoor activities that have captured the attention of locals.
A former convener of the Hopeman Gala, Lindsay resurrected a previous gala orienteering course and provided a unique twist with safety in mind. She has also created a "Where’s Wally" treasure hunt, with pictures of Wally hidden around the beach front, and a new walkabout quiz.
Families are encouraged to share photographs of their activities through the Facebook page.
Lindsay is also now working in collaboration with Youth Scotland to give children the opportunity to qualify for a Hi5 award. The award is aimed at young people age five and over, in which youngsters choose a challenge, complete a minimum of five hours' activity, sum up their achievements and gather evidence of their participation.
Lindsay said: "We’ve worked hard over the last three months to create something fun and meaningful that would make people smile. By providing something that draws people together, we wanted to try and create some positive memories during a period that, I’m sure, has been incredibly difficult for everyone at some point."
Daren, Lindsay’s husband, works overseas and has been unable to return since lockdown due to travel restrictions, so Lindsay has been looking after their children single-handedly. However, with the support of their friend, Jude McKay, Bee Happy in Hopeman has become a platform to champion local heroes.
Lindsay added: "There was so much kind voluntary work happening in the village that I just thought that our own neighbours deserved to be recognised. The Bee Happy project gave us a way to say thank you to these people by telling their stories on our Facebook page.
"Everyone in Hopeman is so proud of how associations, businesses, churches and individuals have rallied around each other to show true community spirit."
The scheme has proven so popular that Lindsay has been inundated with requests for more activity packs. She said: "It’s been great that the scheme has been so popular and we invite everyone to send us their photographs so that we can share their positive memories. We ask, though, that everyone is mindful to follow the most recent advice from the Scottish Government, with respect to Covid-19, when taking part in our activities."
Bee Happy aims to support Hopeman residents until "life finally returns to normal".
