Clap for Our Carers: How Herefordshire did our key workers proud

Tonight, it looks as if they did so for the last time, as the woman behind the weekly Clap for Our Carers tribute said it should be the last.

It comes after the founder of the weekly event said that tonight's show of support should be the last, following concerns the event has become too politicised.

Annemarie Plas, a Dutch national living in South London, said she was “overwhelmed” by the support for the cacophonous ritual, but said it was better to stop when it was at “its peak”.

READ MORE: Why tonight's Clap for Our Carers should be the last

She told the PA news agency: “I think it’s good to have the last of the series [tonight], because to have the most impact I think it is good to stop it at its peak.

“Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming politicised.

“I think the narrative is starting to change and I don’t want the clap to be negative."

But since the first Clap for Our Carers on Thursday, March 26, following the start of the UK lockdown, Herefordshire has clapped, cheered and sang for the key workers who have been battling the coronavirus pandemic on the frontline.

From intensive care nurses and other hospital staff, to social care workers and shop assistants, the public has shown their appreciation to them.

Here's a look back at some of the biggest and best moments from the last 10 weeks:

Week one: The night Herefordshire starting clapping for its carers

It was the first night the people of Herefordshire stepped out onto their doorsteps to take part in a humble act of gratitude.

Pensioners, parents, students and children stood poised in the chill in response to what was then a new social media campaign called #ClapForOurCarers.

Then, at exactly 8pm, they broke into a round of applause for those in the NHS working so hard in the fight against coronavirus.

Week two: Herefordshire carriers on applauding the NHS and key workers

From Kington to Bromyard and Leominster to Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire residents showed their thanks with the simple, but touching, tribute.

Julian Greenway, who lives in Kings Meadow, Wigmore, said after taking part in the second weekly event: "We support our NHS, support and careworkers, and all other keyworkers."

Week three: Police applaud Hereford hospital staff

On April 9, West Mercia Police officers lined up at Hereford County Hospital and applauded staff working inside the building at the centre of the county's battle against coronavirus.

In a moving picture captured by Hereford Times Camera Club member Sue Moody, more than a dozen officers paused for a couple of minutes to show their appreciation.

Sue said: "So proud and moved this evening at 8pm. Police and paramedics outside Hereford County Hospital. Well done everyone."

Week four: Paramedics pay tribute to NHS colleagues at Hereford County Hospital

A week after police officers were outside Hereford County Hospital, paramedics lined ambulances up outside the building.

They clapped at 8pm on April 16 to show their solidarity with those tackling the virus inside.

Week five: Emotional scenes outside the County Hospital

Hereford County Hospital was also a focal point of Clap for Our Carers on April 23 as doctors, nurses and other staff sang You'll Never Walk Alone in honour of fundraising Army veteran Captain Tom Moore.

The song was sung across the country at 8pm, not only as a tribute to healthcare workers, but also to Captain Tom who had raised more than £28 million for the NHS at the time.

Wye Valley NHS Trust said: "Emotional scenes outside Hereford County Hospital during the 8 o’clock clap for carers with a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by frontline staff in honour of Capt Tom Moore’s 100th birthday on April 30. We salute you."

In Bromyard, Clive Harris also performed the Gerry and the Pacemakers song.

He said it was his way of giving back to the NHS which has looked after him well over the last seven years.

Week eight: Firefighters' stunning clap for our carers tribute

Two weeks ago, on May 14, firefighters at the Kington fire station were filmed joining in, and even created a rainbow to shine over them.

Fire crews in Presteigne and Bromyard have also regularly been filmed taking part.

Week nine: Hereford takes part in what now appears to be penultimate event

Nine weeks into the Clap for Our Carers tribute, hundreds of people across Herefordshire were still taking part.

In Hereford, Hunderton Avenue and Hawthorn Grove were just two streets to take part in this week's event.

Week 10: Pilot draws a heart in the sky as a tribute to key workers

A Herefordshire pilot joined in the final event by drawing a heart in the sky - not only for key workers, but also for his daughter.

Chris Waddington, from Leominster, was seen acrobatically flying in the skies near Hereford at 8pm, as he said thank you to the NHS and other essential workers in his own special way.