The moment when eight-year-old Tallulah surprised her local deaf delivery driver by greeting him in sign language has gone viral online.
Tallulah and Tim’s friendship is one of the most heartwarming things to come out of lockdown and in a video shared to social media by her proud mother, we are lucky enough to see this unlikely bond being formed.
Proud mother Amy Roberts, from Ashton-under-Lyne, captured the moment her eight-year-old daughter Tallulah stood near the garden gates and greeted Hermes delivery driver Tim Joseph with the words “have a good day” in sign language (BSL).
Mr Joesph, who had been regularly delivering parcels on the street multiple times a week during lockdown, is seen understandably surprised in the video and smiles back at Tallulah before giving her a thumbs up.
In the video posted on Twitter, Amy Roberts said: This is our Hermes delivery man, we see him 1 or 2 times a week [and at the] start of lockdown, Tallulah drew him a [thank you rainbow].”
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“He still has it proudly on show in his van [and] they have built up quite a friendship over these last few weeks”.
This is our @Hermesparcels delivery man, we see him 1 or 2 times a week, start of lockdown Tallulah drew him a #thankyou 🌈, he still has it proudly on show in his van, they have built up quite a friendship over these last few weeks @ststephensaud#proudmumpic.twitter.com/JELmaibyIM
The video has generated widespread support online, not just from the local community here in Greater Manchester, but right across the UK.
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It has gone on to amass well over 7.6K retweets, 49K likes, 760K views and hundreds of comments heaping richly deserved praise on Tallulah for her efforts to make her delivery driver’s day and on Mr Joesph for his continued hard work at a time when the world needs it most.
You are a very special and beautiful little girl Tallulah 🥰 he is the best delivery driver we have round here! He’s always so pleased/happy when we sign hello and thank you to him #proudfriends#bekind
Awwww Tallulah! This is beautiful… we are all so very proud of you! 🌈👏🏼 My delivery driver is sick of the sight of me… and the pug who escapes every time! 🤣🤣🤣 x
Yeah he is, always smiling and friendly, they always have their little sign language conversations, so cute. Tallulah’s always asking me…. have you bought anything mum? Is MY friend coming today?? 😂😂😂
Yes, the parcel man is deaf, Tallulah isn’t but has learned some signing at school. They both look out for each other even if he’s not delivering to her house 💖💙
Hermes UK also replied expressing intent to reach out to Mr Joesph to “get him the praise he deserves”.
Speaking to BBC North West about his new-found friendship, Mr Joesph said: “Tallulah realised I was deaf and then one day she surprised me when she signed to me ‘have a good day”.
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“I think she learnt sign language at school.”
“I was vey happy and I then showed Tallulah how to sign, ”good morning, have a good day” and then she signed it perfectly and it made my day”.
Mr Joesph is said to be “overwhelmed” with all the positive comments he has received.
Tallulah & Tim just had their Tuesday catch up, 👍🏼💗💙 like us, Tim is overwhelmed with everyones lovely comments and interest. He signed to us that he cried with joy. So #thankyou in a world where you can be anything.. #bemoretallulah#bemoretim@ststephensaud @Hermesparcels pic.twitter.com/o1EEoPnsp9
There’s no denying that lockdown has brought some tough times with it over these past few months, but we can be so grateful that we are able to witness moments of light such as this.
Hats off to you Tallulah and Tim – thank you for making Manchester proud.
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Bury actress Kate O’Flynn wins big at 2026 Emmys with record-breaking comedy show
Emily Sergeant
Did you know that one of the big winners at the 2026 Emmy Awards last night was actually an actress from Bury?
In case it wasn’t on your radar, American television‘s biggest night, the Emmys, took place yesterday evening over in Los Angeles, and several records were broken in the process – including Apple TV’s comedy horror Widow’s Bay taking home the most Emmys ever for a single series of a comedy show, with 14 of them.
Widow’s Bay tells the story of mayor Tom Loftis, played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who is trying to boost tourism on his rugged New England island, but must navigate several strange events that suggest it might be cursed.
Created by Katie Dippold, and executive produced and directed by Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay was released in late April to widespread critical acclaim.
At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards last night, the show scooped a record 14 awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series, several acting wins, and wins for directing and writing too.
One of those acting wins was Kate O’Flynn for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – an actress who hails from the Greater Manchester town of Bury.
Kate stars as Patricia Moyer, mayor Tom’s eccentric assistant in the show.
She grew up in Holcombe Brook near Ramsbottom, and was educated at Bury Grammar School, before she went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Acting in 2006.
Taking to the stage to accept her award last night, Kate said in her speech: “I want to thank our mayor [Matthew Rhys] and all the residents of Widow’s Bay, in front and behind the camera – you’re amazing. This is the role of a lifetime, thank you Katie and Hiro for trusting a Lancashire lass to play a sassy broad like Patricia. And thank you Apple [TV] for saying yes.
“Thank you Nicky and Tony for looking after me, my family back home, my mum and dad, and the loves of my life, my husband and our darling daughter – another sassy broad in the making.
“This is for all the Patricias out there, see you at Sunset Cocktails to celebrate. Thank you.”
Featured Image – The Television Academy (via YouTube)
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M&S launches new Too Good To Go partnership – with NINE Greater Manchester stores signed up
Emily Sergeant
M&S has finally decided to partner with food waste charity, Too Good To Go.
As of yesterday, a total of 350 M&S stores across the UK – including nine major sites in Greater Manchester – now offer new Too Good To Go ‘Surprise Bags’ that are made up of surplus bakery goodies, giving customers the chance to collect quality food at a reduced price at the end of the day directly from in-store bakeries.
The launch follows a trial in a select number of UK stores, and the Surprise Bags will include bakery treats such as pastries, cookies, and fresh bread.
The partnership with Too Good To Go is the latest move in M&S Food’s work to reduce surplus food and ensure good food doesn’t go to waste.
Greater Manchester stores that will be taking part in the new Too Good To Go partnership include Manchester Market Street, Trafford Centre, Stockport, Spinningfields, Prestwich, Wigan Robin, Bolton Middlebrook, Bury The Rock, and Ashton Moss.
Each of the Surprise Bags will include three to four bakery products to a minimum retail price of £10.20 for just £3.80.
Available Monday to Saturday, customers can order their Surprise Bags through the Too Good To Go app, and collect them one hour before their local store closes.
“It’s great to be involved in this new launch with Too Good To Go to help reduce food waste,” commented Chris Parker, who is the Store Manager at M&S Bolton Middlebrook.
“Our in-store bakeries are incredibly popular with customers, and at the end of the day, customers will now be able to order and collect surprise bags offering fantastic surplus bakery products at great value.
“By finding new ways to re-purpose surplus products, we’re helping ensure more food is enjoyed rather than wasted. This partnership is another positive step towards reaching our goal of halving food waste by 2030.”
Emily Sergeant -
2nd July 2020 
