Approximately one year ago, I wrote a letter praising the invaluable service the Hollies provides for the older members of our community and why it should receive fiscal support from local government sources.

At the end of my letter, I asked: “Is anyone out there listening?”

Apparently not as we have reached an impasse that could have been avoided, allowing us to keep our doors open while continuing the search for sustained financial backing.

My unwavering support for the Hollies took root in 2016 when my late partner, struggling with vascular dementia, began attending the lunch club. We were both struggling and, while he benefited from his time there, I did as well with the gift of much-needed breathing space. Two years later, with time on my hands, I started as a volunteer working alongside a dedicated team who brought so much enjoyment – and good food – to everyone coming through our door.

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Never was this more evident than on the first day we reopened following our lengthy closure during the dark days of Covid. We learned that several of our lunch club members never left their homes, many without close family nearby, and were literally forced into isolation without the companionship and socialisation they found in abundance at the Hollies. You do not need the presence of a global pandemic to highlight the danger of prolonged isolation in the older population.

I now live in the United States; nevertheless, I have retained close links with the Hollies, helping wherever possible given the 3,000-mile disadvantage. Online communication has helped bridge the distance, keeping me up-to-date with all developments as they happen. The disheartening news of their likely imminent closure has prompted me to write again to the Courier in the hope that my letter might prompt reconsideration on recent local council funding decisions.

The mechanism I am using to trigger a rethink comes in the form of a question directed to East Lothian Council and the Musselburgh Common Good Fund: how can you justify turning your backs on the Hollies, the consequences of your action leading to the very costly human expense of taking away a vital lifeline for the older, vulnerable and often isolated members of the community? Your lack of compassion and basic common decency defies belief.

Think again. It cannot end this way.

Carolyn Wordell

Brewster

Massachusetts

USA