Before I started writing this week's reflection on the news in Maldon this week, I already knew it was going to be more of a plea.

Of course, one story has dominated the national news this week, while another has dominated the international stage.

We won't worry about the latter here, but certainly the story of the second national lockdown had and is having a big impact on our lovely town. By Tuesday, the High Street was very busy and by Wednesday – well, for a lot of the town's businesses, it was a non-stop day. It seemed everyone was out buying the many discounted goods before doors closed for four weeks.

Sadly, it won't be enough to see the town's traders through to Christmas and when the shop doors open again, they will badly need that seasonal trade. In between, many of them are offering click and collect and/or free delivery services.

And my plea is – please don't let lockdown November panic set in and buy all of your Christmas shopping from those bigger, often solely internet-based companies. Remember those local shops and businesses and please, support them.

Naturally enough, I am far from alone in this request. Allison Gray, Chair of Maldon Business Board and owner of Willow & Fox, also made the same request of the community this week. You can read about what she had to say here.

There was so much more to be hopeful about, too. As editor of Maldon Nub News, I found myself writing and reading heartwarming stories from right here in our community every day.

From news of Maldon district's community volunteers getting ready to help once again, headed up by the fabulous Sarah Troop, through to Maldon poppy seller for 20 years, Douglas Scurrey, and his fundraising hopes and Café at St Peter's Hospital owner, Julie Taylor, with her support for her elderly customers, it was clearer than ever that Maldon is not just a town – it is a community, in every sense of the word.