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"Thank you" from delivery driver

Hereford Times letters
15th February 2007

"The snow caught out everybody in Hereford, with roads closed, lorries jack-knifed, vans, cars all over the roads with their bonnets dug deep into the verges, or worse.  But did this weather bring out the best in people's human nature? I think so.  

I was amazed by the kindness of the local people.  As a dot com delivery driver for a big supermarket I was out doing my rounds, attempting to get shopping to individuals around and about Hereford, as were six other drivers.  But I was a little unfortunate trying to make my way through this white nightmare.  Attempting to climb Barrack Hill in Kings Thorn at about 1pm I got stuck, wheels spinning, sliding from side to side, and obviously not going anywhere.

Following company procedure, I had to sit and wait for the recovery vehicle.  After two hours I had a phone call telling me even rescue vehicles were struggling to reach people.  The snow was still falling and getting deeper and I could not expect to see anyone until after 4pm - if they could get to me and this was a big if.

Many locals of King Thorn walking by stopped and asked if I was ok, or just to chat and say hello, the weather and road problems being the main subject.  One woman bought me a cup of tea from her house, and let me use her toilet.  I'm very sorry I never got to know her name.  Later she came and told me she had to walk up to a friend in the village, but would leave her door open, so I could help myself to tea, or a sandwich or her facilities.  I found this gesture incredible as she didn't know me from Adam.  I've heard about the days when people didn't lock their doors.  Now I can believe it.

Losing hope of the recovery services getting to me, as the roads were increasingly impassable and with Callow Hill closed, a local man with his tractor helped me for more than an hour, often having to go all around the houses to get behind the van because of more skidding and sliding.  This man struggled with me in the freezing cold getting me back on to the A49.  Thank you to you sir. 

None of these people knew me but came to my aid. I thank them and their generosity"

STEVE ENDACOTT, Hereford.

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