‘Black lives matter’ is the current phrase dominating our news. Could we re-phrase it to read ‘All lives matter’? especially in view of the dangerous situation some care home residents have had to live with in the current Covid 19 situation.

Fortunately, at least one local care home refused point blank to accept patients from hospitals without the patients having tested negative for the virus – the home suffered financially as a consequence but protected its residents.

However, a particular concern arises over the treatment of the Traveller community – highlighted by two articles last Friday.

The first was in The Guardian which described how gypsy and Traveller communities in England have been left without water and sanitation facilities during lockdown. Because of the chronic shortage of pitches for travellers across the country, many need to use unauthorised sites – normally they will then access water and toilets in leisure centres, churches, petrol stations, recycling centres etc.

Since these are now mainly closed, Travellers may find themselves in a very difficult situation.

The second article was in the WWN, where we read that Wellington Rugby Club moved heavy machinery to prevent Travellers from entering their ground. This move was prompted by the situation at Taunton Town ground where Travellers had ‘forced themselves’ onto the site and asked officials to open up washing and toilet facilities.

I wonder how many extra sites would need to be provided by district councils in Somerset to meet the needs of this community and prove that their lives matter as well.

Rev. Dr Maria Hearl?

Associate Priest in the Wellington and District Team Ministry

16 Twyford Place?

Tiverton ?EX16 6AP