Hunmanby man goes the extra mile to lift spirits during lockdown

Jamie Bowles, 27, took over the JCB Convenience Stores on Bridlington Street just four months ago, and has quickly made an impression on locals with his cheerful smile and willing spirit.

He has also been delivering meals for his dad, Andy, who runs the White Swan pub in the village

Jamie said: “It started during the first lockdown. We did the clapping and all that and we thought why don’t we do something else for the NHS.

“We baked cakes and sent them to the ambulance crew in Bridlington and they sent back a picture saying they were enjoying them.

“On Christmas Eve we decided at the last minute to make up treats of crisps and chocolate biscuits and I dressed up as an elf and went once again to the ambulance station in Bridlington and also to Scarborough General Hospital.

Andy said: “Ever since the first lockdown, we have thought a lot of people needed our help. We’ve been doing deliveries of food.

“One elderly lady said that every time Jamie left he would turn and smile at her. She said it’s nice to have a smile as she’s not allowed out.

“We deliver to Hunmanby and Filey and Jamie has been doing the deliveries. Even if people can’t come out of their house, he gets them to put the money in a jar on the doorstep.

“He’s a cheeky chappy. He loves meeting people, nothing phases him. I’m so proud of him, he’s put up with a lot. He makes everybody’s day.

“The shop came up for sale and he jumped at the chance. He said: ‘Dad it’s my dream.’ He’s absolutely loving it.”

Jamie is soon to become Hunmanby’s newest parish councillor, to which he will no doubt bring the cheerful enthusiasm he has become synonymous with.

And his next plan? To deliver more cheer for the hardworking NHS staff at Easter.