Making memories in difficult times

Back in February the years diary was looking busy, the parties, events and show bookings were coming in well and it was set to be another amazing year.

Then everything changed, it just stopped overnight and all of a sudden Children could not celebrate birthdays any more.

Whilst childhood may seem to go on forever when your young, looking back on my own children's early years, they have flown by so fast. I enjoy looking at photos of family get together, birthday memories are getting more and more important to be as my children grow up.

My youngest celebrated his 16th birthday as the first lock down eased and we were able to take him to Cromer Kart track which is one of his favorite places to be.

My oldest is 21 in a few weeks and in lock down in a shared uni house. I am not able to be there and help create the memories but I am working on making the day wonderful in a different way.

Over the years I have been privileged to be a part of thousands of birthday celebrations and each one was unique.

For over 14 years I have worked on by business but its far more than that, its a vocation. Its what I was put on this earth to do. I will not give up on this, children must be able to look back on this year and know that their birthday was celebrated. During the first lockdown I developed a wonderful service which was free of charge in my local area.

On the child's birthday at a pre arranged time I set out with my little PA system and walk to the child's home. The family would be gathered in the doorway and they would hear the birthday child's current top tune being played as I arrived.

I would say hello and start my interaction, the smiles and joy didn't take long to show on the faces of not just the kids but the parents and those in doorways who came out to see what was going on.

keeping a distance from the people and we danced, sang happy birthday and left a small gift for the birthday parent to wipe over before handing to the birthday child.

When walking home I took a varied route playing music, most times a child would see me through a window and I would stop and wave, a good few people came to their doorway and I played a couple of songs and did the distanced dancing, me in the street and the child in their doorway or garden.

I was in costume so my presence got a little attention but always positive.

Now in the second lockdown I am once again providing lock down birthday visits. I am now having to make a charge however its great value for money and will create unforgettable memories.

I am investing in a totally unique prop that will enable me to provide socially distanced and zoom parties in the near future and my rent an Elf service will be open in December once its allowed. I have to think positively about the future. I need to keep creating memories for children and families because without them, the future seems empty and bleak and it doesn't have to be that way.

Its been, and still is a tuff year and my own mental health has suffered. I get by because I love to bring joy to others and that joy keeps me going.

At this time I would encourage everyone to support local business, particularity small ones, buy your cards and presents from those who run little local businesses and hire services from those in your community.

If we fail to do this then we could loose many of the little local companies that make our town unique.

Thank you for all of the support and kindness shown to be during lockdown.