THESE are tough times for us all, but with a light at the end of the tunnel announced this month, we have plenty to smile about.
With that in mind, here is a list of our top 5 feel-good stories of the month for us to look back on.
1. Why this school hosted assembly for teddy bears
A HEADTEACHER held a unique assembly for 220 teddy bears over half term to symbolise each of the primary school children that are currently learning from home during the pandemic.
Home-schooling during lockdown has been difficult for everyone.
Children have missed their classmates, parents home working have had to juggle their own job with helping their children and teachers have been teaching not only key worker and vulnerable children in schools, but also adapting lessons to teach their other pupils online.
Following Boris Johnson’s announcement that schools will reopen on March 8 it will be welcome news to many.
However until that happens, schools are managing the best way they know how to keep spirits high and let their pupils know that they miss them and can’t wait for their return.
2. Johnny Vegas is out and about in St Helens helping to deliver food parcels to those in need
THATTO Heath born comedian and actor Johnny Vegas has once again been out and about in St Helens helping to deliver food parcels to those in need.
Since the beginning of lockdown back in March, the community has witnessed Thatto Heath’s own Johnny, whose real name is Michael Pennington, out and about delivering food to those in need, assisting charities and showing his support for our town.
This month in his latest effort, he has been helping Business for Youth in Newton-le-Willows to parcel up and deliver 90 parcels of food to those in need.
3. James Nesbitt at St Helens' Dream on set for Netflix TV show
COLD Feet actor James Nesbitt was in St Helens this month filming a new Netflix series at Dream.
The actor joined other co-stars to film at the iconic location in Sutton Manor woodland as a set for Stay Close, a new Netflix series airing in Spring 2022.
The show stars Nesbitt alongside Sarah Parish, Cush Jumbo and Richard Armitage and is based on the novel by Harlan Coben.
The Dream is a lasting tribute to St Helens' mining heritage, and was created in 2009 by sculptor Jaume Plensa on the former site of Sutton Manor Colliery.
4. Readers react to Imperial Quarter street food venue plans
STAR readers have reacted positively to the plans for a street food area in St Helens town centre.
As the Star has previously reported, entrepreneur Ian Pitts is seeking to create the Imperial Quarter at the site of a former public toilets on Brook Street.
The businessman already owns the Cork & Dough restaurant, Imperial Bar, the Secret Garden and The Church, which are on Ormskirk Street adjacent to the proposed site.
The documents and drawings in a planning application, submitted to St Helens Borough Council in January, set out ambitions to convert the former building with the addition of a first floor extension.
5. Gerard Arms and Griffin Inn transforming outdoor spaces
TWO St Helens establishments have shared details of ongoing renovations to their outside areas.
The Gerard Arms in Dentons Green is using the lockdown period to refurbish its outside beer garden at the back.
In a video landlord Mark Hayes set out some of the changes which are being made to the outside area of the pub.
A new seating area is being created, which will have a heated roof to provide seating in all weathers.
Flowerbeds and artificial turf will be fitted.
Meanwhile, there will be a further seating area outside of the roof with a larger capacity.
Meanwhile, the Griffin Inn in Eccleston is also seeing works on a new outside area.
A Facebook post by the pub said: "With the inside complete and time on our hands, what do we do? Rest up? No, don’t be silly, we start work on the outdoors.
"Covered booths and outdoor heating are on the plans for this year and we aren’t going to let Covid stop us so we continue to reinvest."
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