In times of adversity you often get to see the true character of people. I think the same is true of a place and I have never been prouder of our town than over the past few weeks.

Across Watford, hundreds of people have signed up to volunteer, our frontline workers are selflessly serving others and so many people are caring for their friends and neighbours. I would like to pay particularly pay tribute to John Alagos, an NHS worker who sadly passed away after caring for people with the coronavirus at Watford General Hospital. I am sure that the thoughts and prayers of our whole town are with his family and friends.

This week we have launched the Watford Together initiative. The new website (www.watfordtogether.co.uk) and Facebook Page will bring us together to share in activities, competitions and see talented performers from Watford. Please do like or follow the page if you are on Facebook and get in touch if you have ideas or would like to be involved.

Our charities and voluntary organisations are helping so many people in our town. Many of them have seen a big fall in income but their services have never been more important. If you are able, please consider donating to our new community fund to support their work www.mywellbeing.community/covid19-appeal. This money will go straight to local groups to make sure that we can help those most in need in our town.

When we look back at this difficult time, I am sure that we will reflect with sadness on the lives that we lost. I am also certain that we will remember incredible acts of kindness, the sacrifices many made and the fact that our town stuck together to face this challenge.

  • Peter Taylor is Elected Mayor of Watford