Locked Down

A live window portrait photography project with the community of Hinckley and Burbage in Leicestershire (UK), during the Coronavirus lockdown in 2020.

The majority of people are staying at home and in complete lockdown, with the exception for necessary trips out of the safety of their own home. The Coronavirus (Covid 19) has gripped the entire planet, crippling life as we once knew it and has silenced the human race. We’re so quiet that the Earth is beginning to heal from our absence. The key workers of the human race have been identified as more important than any other in existence. The world is in shock, we’re on pause…

A Portrait Of Our Community

Each family involved in this project have also given the details of how they’re managing with life while being locked down in their own homes, during the Global Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020. Their stories are being recorded for future generations to look back and understand how the community in Hinckley and Burbage (Leicestershire), dealt with avoiding Covid 19 and trying to help stop the spread. Also to say hi to the world, “We’re ok and this is how we’re coping”.

This project is conducted safely by myself by pre-arranging with the participants to be in their window at specific times of the day, then I can exercise on my bike towards their direction and make a picture from a safe distance and with the window between us. The interviews are conducted via Facebook messenger in a very informal manner.

Video with photographs and audio from a radio interview with BBC Radio Leicester.

Here’s a series of stories about the people that live in the Hinckley and Burbage area.

Brenda Marie Whittaker

Sunday 5th April 2020
Sunny 22°C
Lockdown Day 13

Our son Cory lives in Barcelona, but as he has only lived there for 18 months, he is not yet a Spanish citizen. He was on holiday in Peru when the country went on lockdown. around this time Barcelona also closed its Borders. Cory was stranded! We contacted the FCO who wasn’t very responsive to start with, also I put a post on Facebook voicing my concern over our son. Then a friend of mine messaged me about The Lucie Blackman Trust that deals with Brits stranded abroad, these were amazing, getting us the correct government forms for Cory to fill in, to enable him to sign up for a repatriation flight. As he is still a British Citizen, they would only fly him back to the Uk, after about a week, he had the email from the FCO saying his name was on a flight. After a 30 hour journey he finally came home on the 31st of March.
Paul and I was already staying home, I haven’t left the house in 18 days now, Paul has about 3 times just for supplies and to collect Cory from the airport. All 3 of us are now in isolation until the 15th of April, to make sure Cory has not bought the virus home.

I have done a few home singing gigs, entertaining family and friends, which I have had a huge response from. Many words of thanks, how I’ve lifted their spirits and kept them entertained. In all honesty it’s kept me sane too. We are also getting the garden ready for spring/summer, we are very fortunate that we have a garden to enjoy. Catching up on jobs around the house, upcycling furniture. Mammoth movie watching. Mostly we are enjoying precious time together.
We stay in touch with family via video messages and calls. Once this is all over, I can’t wait to see my children, cuddle our grandchildren, spend time with family and friends and enjoy the world once again.
Regards
Brenda

Sarah Jebson.

Monday 6th April 2020
Sunny 18°C
Lockdown Day 14

I'm in 2 minds on the pandemic, I'm surprised it's not worse, like a zombie mutation from experimentations (lol).
So, I'm slightly relieved, however I am concerned by the lack of respect people seem to be paying, regardless of how bad it is, the government have put measures in place to protect us all and we should all be adhering to them.

We're not too bothered about being lockdowned, I feel bad for the kids and worry for those who will be missing out on vital information and education and hope the government look at making this time up for them, otherwise we are treating it like a bit of a school holiday he he!

We've made bird houses from scrap wood round the garden, have been tidying cubby holes round the house and chilling with each other.

Plans for when we are allowed out, if I win the lotto too then holibobs (we had booked a week in the Yorkshire dales for the school hols), but if I don't win the lotto, hopefully a good couple nights out with the girlie's and my fella, meals out with the kiddies - defo maccys and swimming xx

Bernie Frost

Monday 6th April 2020
Sunny 18°C
Lockdown Day 14

Hi!
We're coping fine with lockdown. We don't have any health issues like some, so we consider ourselves lucky in that respect.
We also have consoles to play on, so we never get bored! We've also been decorating with stuff we'd bought before lockdown (we were in the middle of having our house totally redecorated), so we've got on with that.
We miss seeing our family, although I see my parents from a distance when I take them their shopping. They're both in their 80's, so they're staying in.

I also take my eldest daughter to work. She's a pharmacy dispenser at the Eliot, and I'm so proud of her. Our other daughter (in the photo) was taking AS level exams this year, so she's hoping her teacher assessment marks are ok!

What do we think of the pandemic? It's something we never thought we'd have to deal with. It's so strange, everything being closed and the roads practically empty, but the silence, although quite eerie is also beautiful.
When this is over, we're going camping. Our whole family, which is about 15 of us altogether!

Let's hope everyone follows the guidelines and then this might be over sooner rather than later and we might get a summer to remember, rather than forget. 🙂
I also signed up as an NHS volunteer, so I can help other people too
Bernie Frost

Data:
Monday 6th April 2020
Sunny 18°C
Lockdown Day 14

Hanna Jarvis

Tuesday 31st March 2020.
Lockdown Day 7.
Sun and Cloud, 11°C.

Hi, I'm Hanna and I'm on lockdown in Burbage.
I live with my 6 year old daughter.

We've spent our time during lockdown by washing the car, played football, skittles, done roller skating in the park, played computer games, and tried to work from home eek!

We have video chatted to people to stay connected.

I think the lockdown and outbreak is bringing communities together. I've even sent notes to my neighbours on my street offering help should they need it and its helped me too, I now know a few more people in the street who wave as they go by. I have had some lovely messages back thanking me for popping a note through their door and similar support on offer to us. I would never of initiated this without this lockdown.

I can't wait to celebrate when this is all over, go to the pub and meet up with friends and family.

Hanna

Paula Sheridan

Wednesday, 1st April 2020
Cloudy, 9°C
Lockdown Day 8

Hi I'm Paula,
I am with my hubby, Paul, daughter Georgia (nearly 6) and son Hunter 4 and a half.
Oh, we also have 5 Sphynx cats, of which you can see Austin in the window with us.

We are okay!

I'm working from home in the spare room. Kids on the trampoline a lot. We are doing some school, some crafts and a film every afternoon.

I miss my work colleagues, I miss the school run and the kids miss their friends.

We are all much closer as a family, more tolerant of each other and the kids are enjoying each others' company. I'm surprised at how much.

When our freedom is returned, I think the first thing we will do, is visit nanny and grandad. Then to the park and Greggs for a sausage roll treat.
We miss Saturday morning cinema too

I love your work, and I really hope lots of people take part in this.

Hope you see you on the other side!

Paula, Georgia and Hunter (and Austin). Pxxx

Updated Story…
I don't think my two will be going back on 1 June. I'm waiting to hear the school's position and ideas, but neither of us are comfortable with it. They are simply too young to social distance safely. Once they are in uniform they will think all is well in the world again, and it's not.

I really want them to see their friends and teachers again, but they all have to be safe.

We have dealt with this lockdown really well overall. I've enjoyed working mornings from home as its given me routine and structure and the kids are really happy.

I think life is changed forever in so many ways so it will be interesting to see how the next few months pan out.

Tara Daniels

Sunday 5th April 2020
Sunny 22°C
Lockdown Day 13

I am a keyworker, and I'm still working through all of this.
It’s been funny watching the roles of our house change, with Steve (my husband) taking on daddy day care 🙈, while he works from home.

We're all managing surprisingly well so far, although I’m sure the longer this goes on the harder that will be. There’s usually only 5 of us, me, Steve, Ellie, Jorja and Bella, but Ellies boyfriend was here when the country went into lockdown, so we have him staying too🙈

The children miss their routine of school and seeing friends and family everyday, but we have FaceTime so we can still see those that are important to us.
We’re most looking forward to seeing our family and walking down the road all together🌈
You’re doing a great job Paul and my girls really enjoyed getting involved in this project, it’s given them a purpose for the day:)

Julie Price

Sunday 5th April 2020
Sunny 22°C
Lockdown Day 13

When Lockdown was announced, Lee was relieved when he realised the government was doing something. He didn’t really think much, other than it was really nice to have this time. I was also pleased to be able to spend some time at home and not have to travel to work anymore. It made me feel like it was a bit more serious than we had all been led to believe initially. Connor was a little surprised that his school year had ended abruptly but he handled it well. We have a whole generation of teenagers who know how to communicate remotely and are happy and comfortable with it!

We are home birds so we are coping fine so far! Lee works at a school so is on a reduced timetable to look after the vulnerable and keyworker’s children. I'm working from home and in between times, we take the dog out for a short walk or watch films and there is always plenty to do in the garden. We also regularly chat with family online to keep in touch and check they are okay.

I'm a teacher, so I'm working from home, as well as trying to make sure Connor continues with his studies, I'm in regular contact with my students, keeping them on track and motivated to pass their qualification as well as reassuring them. I teach Access courses so a lot of my students are future NHS workers, nurses, paramedics and midwives.
Lee is a film-maker and fanatic and as such has an assortment of films that he has been trying to get through, so on the not so sunny days he will be settling in with some Tarkovsky. He is also spending time writing a new script and he is on the final edit of his current film ‘Sam and Dan Get Lost’.
Connor was due to sit his GCSEs this summer, so instead of revising for his exams, he has turned his focus to the subjects he wants to study after the summer and is continuing with those. As well as spending time chatting with his mates online and gaming! He has also helped me by lending a gaming headset, which I can use to deliver online lessons to my students!

We are still in our first year of marriage so if we can survive being locked in during a pandemic together we can survive anything! I'm a ‘social butterfly’ (Lee’s words for me) whereas Lee is more introvert so Lee will sit and read a book while Julie will chat with her family over video call. We have also made plans for the Easter break, of what we can do in the house. There is some tiling that needs doing and a spot of painting, if we can find what we need in the shed. We are trying to look at the positive and enjoy the time we have. We keep reminding each other what we are grateful for and appreciating what we have.

When this all blows over...
We'll go on holiday or have Sunday lunch with the family. Lee might go and buy some more DVDs if he has managed to get through all the ones he has!
Lee said he will go to the pub! I've said it depends when the lockdown ends, we have a family holiday booked in the summer so we might be able to go? Maybe take the dog for a nice long walk somewhere and chat to people without standing 2 metres apart!

This whole pandemic makes you stop and take time to reflect and think about things. It makes you realise what is important and what you actually need in your life and what you want to spend your time doing. Hopefully there will be some changes to the way the NHS is funded, to the way people view others. Hopefully this time of peace will allow the world and people in it time to breathe.

Emma Draycott

Thursday 9th April 2020
Sunny 23°C
Lockdown Day 17

Well, Matt hasn't killed me yet, that's always a positive!

We are both school teachers. Matt at Thomas Estley and myself at Dorothy Goodman School. We are both on a rota to go into school to look after the key worker and vulnerable children. The schools shutting was the strangest thing and going in to look after the few is even more strange. It feels like a deserted school. It's very emotional.
My heart goes out to all the kids, but especially the ones who are leaving their schools this year and to the kids (and parents) who thrive from structure and routine and will find this time extremely hard.

Joe Wicks is our motivation to get up in the morning. For the last 2 weeks when we weren't in school we were working at home.
Now we are doing anything DIY. We both love DIY anyway so very much enjoying it. Give me a power tool and I'm happy. We are also cooking,
I am attempting to make a sour dough starter similar to many other people in lockdown.

I miss hugging my mum and dad! Seeing our friends, me, especially as I'm a very sociable person, me playing netball, Matt playing football, the cinema, THE PUB! Especially in this weather, it's crying out for a beer garden. But mainly just normal everyday things like nipping to the shops and going to work.

When this all blows over, We will be straight round to our parents and siblings houses to give them the biggest hugs we've ever given them and then I'll go and play some netball.

It still doesn't feel real, like we are in a film. Maybe this is the Trueman Show and we are all actually part of some sort of social experiment. One day we will wake up and it's all been a dream.
I am hoping this has given people time to reflect on life and what's important, focusing on the positives of what we have rather than worrying about what we don't have.
Emma and Matt

Nichola Clark - Pulling her hair out!

Wednesday 8th April 2020
Sunny 22°C
Lockdown Day 16

Hi, I’m locked down with my son Brandon, 20 and daughter Jada, 16, and my hubby who is a key worker, a Transport Manager at Asda, so he’s still working.

I do get very bored but I’ve got lots of jobs done around the home and garden so that’s a positive.
We have been going for walks most days too.

I was very shocked how fast this pandemic spread, when I first heard about it I didn’t think it would affect us in the UK, how wrong was I?

I miss my friends, family and my job! Hopefully when this is all over I can go and visit everyone, maybe get everyone together for meals etc and I would love to be able to go on my holiday that we have booked to Cape Verde and go back to my job, fingers crossed 🤞🏻
Stay Safe!

Donna Measham

Sunday 5th April 2020
Sunny 22°C
Lockdown Day 13

Ok i think i mean we all have our off days obviously. We are all enjoying the easter holidays (especially the girl's) I have quite a strict schedule when it come's to school work so these next 2 weeks are like heaven to them.
We have been doing alot of crafting, playing games, playing a lot of ball games and their least favourite cleaning their rooms keeping them occupied all the time is very hard but we are really enjoying spending time together and with Dean working fulltime and me working part time in an after school club, having some time at home all together is lovely.

When Coronavirus was first mentioned on the news we watched it everyday, obviously to keep on top of all information. I think deep down we all knew exactly what was going to happen (lockdown) but having a feeling and been told is such a big jump and a scary one.

I remember when it was announced that we were going in lockdown, we were in utter shock myself and the girl's sat crying as we knew we weren't going too see our families for a while, we are all very close. Then when we heard the vulnerable people were to stay in for 12 weeks was an even bigger blow as myself and 1 of our daughter's Evie have listed illnesses so we haven't left the house since the 17th of March.

We have to rely on Dean, my parents and my sister to do our shopping and other bits. It's like a military operation whenever Dean leaves tho as he has to be cleaned and antibac himself before coming anywhere near us.

We can't wait for some sort of normality, we are looking forward to just being able to walk to our local shop together on a Saturday afternoon to buy our sweeties for our film night. We are looking forward to being able to see our families in person, as a 9.30am coffee video call just doesn't seem to be cutting it.

Darcy-Rose and Beatrice-May

Friday 10th April 2020
Sunny 23°C
Lockdown Day 18

Happy Easter Sunday.

Darcy-Rose aged 6 and Beatrice-May aged 3.

The girls have been amazing considering it's such a strange and uncertain time for us all. We have had extra tears and emotions run high some days, but I'm proud of how they have managed with everything.

We've been trampolining, painting, baking, drawing lessons on YouTube and making lots of video calls to friends and family. We've also been eating(every five minutes), watching films and doing a little bit of school work.
We have a walk every night so we get our one outdoor exercise a day too.

The pandemic:
"I know about it, it's like a cold that people are getting, it makes me feel really sad because people are dying and I want it to be over, and it just makes me feel sad"-Darcy-Rose

We miss...
Darcy-Rose- "Seeing all my friends from school" .
Beatrice-May- "McDonald's and Grandma and Grandad and Grandad BobBob".

Fun times:
"When we were in the garden we sprayed mummy with the water hose and it was really funny, and I just loved it because we all got wet and it was so funny" - Darcy-Rose

From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank every single member of the NHS, emergency services and all of the key workers who are giving their all and more to keep us safe and well.
Thank you so much, you are heroes.

Natalie Telfer

Friday 10th April
Lockdown Day 18
Sunny 23°C

I think we are mostly shocked at how quickly the pandemic took over and we find ourselves glued to the daily briefing from the government, even though its horrific.

We are all off work as I said, teacher (steve) nursery manager (me) and chef (matt) we are lucky we have a lovely garden and 2 dogs that need a walk so that helps us get outside.
We have created a "to do" list of jobs around the house to keep busy.

The hardest part is missing out on seeing family, our little granddaughter is nearly 2 and we miss her so much. We have family birthdays coming up that we will miss!
We were planning a holiday in may with my husband's family for his mums 70th birthday and that has now been cancelled.

We really want to go back to work! Never thought we would miss that as much as we do, I guess for us that is normality and we are craving that more than anything.
We understand why lockdown is necessary and fully support it but also look forward to an end date.
Natalie

Elestren Vassalli

Lockdown day 22
Tuesday 14th April
Sunny 18°C

Elestren Vassalli - Aged 36
Paul aged 52, Nora 8 and Angel Ettie 3 and a half.

Nora - I don't like being locked down that much. I don't get to see my friends, at all. I miss going to school a bit, and mummy and daddy having to work still in the easter holidays isn't as fun.
Paul - it's been quite hard at points, but generally ok. It's all a bit surreal, working really hard and parenting.
Elestren: I'm coping with it better than I thought I would actually. I've become more of a 'recluse' than I'd realised. It helps that we already worked from home as used to being in a lot anyway. I'm very conscious about trying to make it as normal as possible for nora.

Lockdown announced:
Nora- at first I felt yay, then after a while I didn't feel so excited.
Paul - I felt he should have done it sooner, but at the same time frustrated that I couldn't do stuff suddenly.
Elestren - I felt relieved to be honest. I felt like there was a way of controlling it and hopefully keeping as many people as safe as possible. It should have been done much sooner. It did feel like a monumental moment. But then again, every moment of this pandemic will be going down in history.

Nora - I think this pandemic is crazy.
Paul - I feel embarrassed that our government have handled it so poorly. It's not been good enough.
Elestren - The whole thing feels so surreal. I spent a lot of time at the beginning watching the news constantly. Since lockdown I've reduced it, as I can't control what is happening, other than staying in and trying to stay sane, so seeing it all the time doesn't help. I'm disappointed in the government's handling of the situation, but am so proud of the community spirit that is coming out of all this and the brave souls that are risking their lives. I've realised how little we actually need and how simple life can be.

Things we miss the most:
Nora - being able to spend all day outside or to go out whenever you want, more than once in a day.
Paul - playing pool and snooker at the constitutional club and seeing friends.
Elestren- I miss the freedom. I miss seeing friends and the opera I was going to be in, the first performance was this coming sunday.

When this all blows over...
Nora- to spend all day outside, and to have roads without cars, planes, just electric helicopters and no smoke.
Paul - To compose more. I thought I would have more time now, but I don't.
Elestren- To try and slow down more. To continue to appreciate the smaller things in life and remember to breath. And of course sing! The first thing I will be doing though when this is all over is giving the first person I know, a massive massive hug!!! And then I'll probably cry.

We just hope that this sense of community continues and people don't lose sight of themselves and others around them. As a world, we hope it changes us for the better, and from the fear and uncertainty we hope everyone will see their inner strength. Humans are capable of amazing, beautiful things if we allow ourselves.
Thank you for letting us be part of this wonderful project, it's a privilege.

All the best from the Vassalli clan xx

Christina Greatwood aged 51,
Keith 55, Georgina 18, Suzanne 16 and Storm the dog.

Lockdown day 22
Tuesday 14th April 2020
Sunny 13°C

Christina - I'm a keyworker, Lunchtime manager/lollipop lady at the local infant school. I miss the children/adults that usually cross with me. I am still at work as there are still some children going in.
I have filled my time that I'm not at work by getting my cross stitch out something I haven't done in 15+years. I miss not being able to go and just spend time with my mum, just lately it's a drop and run kind of visit and I hate seeing her so sad not being able to give us a hug or to even go out. I miss not being away in my caravan with my friends just drinking and having a chilled time away.
I also find it really depressing when I go out shopping or walking the dog - you don't really get any eye contact anymore or the usual chit chat and I'm forever crossing over the road to avoid people....I think even the dog is finding it strange because he doesn't get any fuss on his walks anymore.

Keith - welder/fabricated has been furloughed because even though they have the work they don't have the materials to do the job. He has kept busy by doing all the odd jobs that need finishing and also the gardening and cleaning of the cars, both jobs he loves to do! He finds it hard to just be sat still, so is not finding it easy.

Georgina - was at college taking travel and tourism but obviously that finished weeks ago. She has managed to get a temporary position at Tesco which is stopping her getting bored and also is helping to pay for her phone bill 🤣 She is missing spending time with her nan and can't wait to be able to give her a great big hug.

Suzanne - was doing 6th form but again stopped early - works at the chip shop at the weekend and is probably the only time she ventures out the house, she is missing her friends but is always on facetime with one or another of them she also misses her nan and is looking forward to spending time with her and has said she wants to bake a lemon meringue pie with her once this is all over.

Never in my days did I ever think we would have to deal with anything quite like this and I have found it quite scary/upsetting, and if all my friends and family come out of this alive I will be forever thankful. I found in the first week I kept crying at the radio and found my new last words to anyone was "stay safe" , the second week I was constantly video calling various people as I am so used to being busy and seeing lots of people that if I hadn't of had that I would have gone bonkers....as the weeks have progressed I have accepted that life as we once knew it will not be happening for some time. But once this is all over I will be doing lots of hugging and lots of crying too!

I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all NHS staff and to all the key workers that are helping to keep the country running, you are all AMAZING!!

Bernie Price aged 75.
Lockdown day 24
Thursday 16th April 2020.
Sunny 19°C

I'm coping and passing the time by still working, I am a key worker in a local shop and do about 20hrs a week. I was given the choice to stop working but I didn't want to do that. I also read a lot.

When lockdown was announced I felt the same fear and worry as everyone else about what lies ahead.

I think this pandemic is very scary! It worries me that you don't know who has it and who you might pick it up from or pass it onto.

I miss my family, it's one thing to choose not to go out and another to be told you can't! Other than going to work I stay at home.

When this all blows over, I want to go out for a celebration meal with my family and get back to normal life.

Nikki Gower
Lockdown day 23
Wednesday 15th April 2020
Sunny 19°C

So far we are coping ok, we have had our up and down days like everyone I suppose. We are nearly at the end of easter holidays so no home schooling which the kids have loved. In our home lives myself Nikki 36, Nick 41, Callum 14, Grace 9, we also have a dog Rupert, 2 cats bella and alfie, a chameleon rango and gecko gizmo.

We have been enjoying going on walks with the dog for our daily exercise and bike rides, having an easter egg hunt in the garden, crafting, clearing out the house, painting, playing games. We have also enjoyed doing family quizzes on messenger with our family, Grace has been enjoying doing dancing lessons via zoom with her dance school which is amazing as she misses this terribly and I have been doing online exercise sessions with my gym group who has thankfully put classes online for us all to do, so that is giving me some me time to help keep me keep focused and fit.
We have also been helping my mum who is isolating with her shopping and also helping the elderly neighbours across the road, with their needs.

The children are missing going to school and seeing friends and teachers but I am doing my best with homeschooling which is challenging at times.
I work in a nursery and have been furloughed but missing the staff and children very much and cant wait to see them all.
Nik has his own business but has been doing the odd day in work just to keep up with jobs that he has in and keep key workers on the road with their cars but has mainly closed as a moral obligation to do all we can to help stop the spread of this awful virus.

We are enjoying the family time that we are having though and spending time with our children and making different memories.

When Coronavirus was announced in this country we watched how quick it took hold and we could tell the way things were going compared to other countries we knew a lockdown would happen so we're not surprised when it was announced. When schools and everywhere was shutting down it was a scary time and wondered how we would cope with it all. To know that we couldn't do our daily things such as school, work, after school activities, going to the gym and not just being able to pop and see our family and friends was the worst. I am missing our family very much and not just being able to hug my mum when I take her shopping breaks my heart. Missing being able to see my StepDaughters (Niks 2 girls) is also hard for us, but we keep in contact with all our family and friends by messaging and calling, thank goodness for social media and phones.
We are also missing being able to just go out for a meal and of course Nik and Callum are missing all the car shows that they would normally be attending this time of year especially at santa pod raceway.

This pandemic is frightening and watching the news every day on how many people have died from it and how many more people have it is just awful, at this time I'm grateful that so far all my family and friends are ok and I pray it stays that way too.
The one thing I don't miss is how fast the pace of life was and always feeling that we were rushing from one thing to the next and didn't have enough time to do all the things we wanted to, especially with the children as we were always so busy with work commitments.

When the lockdown is over we are most looking forward to seeing our family and friends in person instead of on a screen it's just not the same.
Grace is looking forward to going back to school and dancing to see her friends.
Callum is looking forward to going back school to see his friends and to go Go Karting.

Although times are difficult at the moment there are also many good things that are coming out of this lockdown. So until then we will carry on staying safe and staying at home to help the country and our NHS whom I may add are just amazing.

Susan Robinson

Lockdown day 22
Tuesday 14th April 2020
Sunny 13°C

Wow what a fantastic memory for us, thank you. We are honoured to be a part of the project.

The Robinson family here in Fletcher Rd consists of Terry (38),Susan (33), Cerys (14) and Tia (12). Terry is currently still working, whereas the girls and I are on lockdown and staying safe at home. We have been occupying our time with a lot of artwork, with the aim being to brighten up the street to bring smiles to people on their daily exercise and through social media, as we believe positive thinking and keeping our spirits up is so important at this time. We are also baking away and trying to eat healthier, preparing even more meals from scratch. We have taken a fancy to badminton and have tried to keep active with other outdoor activities too. We have loved eating together everyday as a family and slowing down to enjoy the simple things in life like each other’s company. Both girls are dancers at Shelby Academy of Performing arts and we are very lucky the dance school has set up online classes for us to participate in which I think has been vital for keeping us active as well as insuring interaction outside our family unit, along with fuelling their passion for dance and continuing to maintain their training and flexibility. The artwork was designed and put together by cerys, Tia and myself, we have changed the windows every week giving us a focus and providing a different image for the passers by.

What a scary world we currently live in, although whilst the virus is taking hold we constantly see humanity coming through, a sense of community like we have never seen before, long may it continue even once we come through the other side.

We miss our extended family and friends so much, but with the help of technology we are keeping in constant contact. Real hugs will be gratefully received once the lockdown is over!

Cerys and Tia have had so many events cancelled including school trips, shows they were due to be performing in, a trampolining competition in Denmark, summer schools etc. due to the virus which is obviously devastating, however we all realise, safety is the most important thing right now and it would not be safe for them to continue. At the moment with no real idea when the virus will relent we are putting plans on hold and focusing on the here and now.

We would like to send our love and best wishes to family, friends and the whole community at this time. We also ask if anyone is in need of anything please don’t hesitate to ask, we will help out where we can. Huge thank you to the wonderful key workers who are battling through.

The Robinson’s

Samantha Berridge
Lockdown Day 25
Friday 17th April 2020
Sunny 14°C

The Berridge Family - James 43, Samantha 39, Sophie 12, Niamh almost 8, Iris 5 and Kerenza 4.

We were glad the lockdown was announced. We have friends and family in Spain and seeing how the lockdown was working there, was encouraging. Sophie has cystic fibrosis so will be shielding for 12 weeks. I know it’s tough but this will save lives! We are treating it as an adventure.

We decided that our front porch was the perfect place to create a rainbow mandala.... we are thrilled to have our photo taken to create a permanent record of our family artwork.

We’ve been spending time together as a family, watching movies. We have also been enjoying getting the garden dug out and clipped back and doing some DIY. Sophie has been great at working on her school work, Niamh and Iris are doing virtual Rainbows and Brownies and working towards earning badges. Kerenza is working on letters and numbers preparing for starting school in September. James is a key worker, working in distribution for Tesco. We have also gone outside in the evening to spot the Starlink satellites passing overhead.

We are really missing our eldest daughter Amy and Samantha’s mum. The girls are missing their friends and school. Thank goodness for FaceTime!

We are looking forward to summer holidays in Spain... fingers crossed 🤞🏼.

It’s Niamh’s birthday on Saturday so we will be celebrating with a little garden party for the 6 of us. We are expecting FaceTimes from her big sister Amy, Granny and best buddies.

We as a family would like to thank all those who are keeping the country running, supermarket distribution and shop workers, Posties, milk delivery, delivery drivers, doctors, pharmacists and of course the NHS.

Emma Beasley

Lockdown day 23
Wednesday 15th April 2020
Sunny 19°C

We are coping well with the lockdown and really enjoying spending time together and being outside in the garden in this beautiful weather.
I am a primary school teacher so have shifted from teaching a class of 30 Year 4s to teaching Harry, Rose & Arthur aged 7, 5 & 3 at home. My Year 4s are much easier and I miss them lots!
Arthur has been learning how to read and is doing very well, Rose has been crafting and drawing every day and Harry has been learning lots about the Romans. Daddy has been working very hard at home too and has a kitchen work station with 3 laptops!
We have just had some time off together and enjoyed Easter, we have so much chocolate in the house!
We are feeling very optimistic now and are sure that as everyone is doing their bit and staying at home, we will all be able to start getting back to normal life very soon so we’re enjoying being at home while we can.
We miss being with all our family, and we miss our Great Nana who lives up North. Visiting her will be one of the first things we do when we’re allowed to travel again.
We are all looking forward to getting back to school and seeing our friends and family again but for now we are loving being in our own little bubble, playing outside, walking Elwood the cat, riding our bikes and eating eggs!

Eden Jarvis aged 6, Hanna Jarvis aged 42
Thursday 23rd April 2020
Lockdown Day 31
Sunny 24°C

Eden's mum Hanna took part solo, and was the very first portrait to kick off the project, which actually got the ball rolling and snowballed in to what it has become.

Eden wanted to take part after seeing mummies picture on her own.

Eden's point of view:
We are in lockdown because there is a virus that is making people ill, my mum tells me to wash my hands and stand back from people. I miss seeing my friends, teachers, grandparents and cousins.

I like being at home and playing in the garden in the sunshine. We have played football everyday, watched frozen 2 and we couldn't go to Anglesea at Easter, but had the paddling pool out instead. I like talking to my friend over the fence;
I can stand on a step ladder at my fence and talk to my friend and her brother who lives 2 doors away over their fence! Today we threw paper airplanes to each other but none of them reached. 🛩 🤭

Mum has been playing teacher and trying to home school and work too and I keep popping on her work video calls 😆
I have written letters to my friends and drawn lots of rainbows.
When lockdown is over, I want to see my family and friends and give them a big hug.

Locked Down

This project is ongoing, there are more stories in the library and photographs awaiting publishing and more people that are getting involved in Locked Down.
Last week I spoke to BBC Radio Leicester about the project, plus The Hinckley Times and Leicester Mercury have both published stories about the work this work. Camercraft Magazine are also publishing a huge four page spread about this project.

This project sprung from off the back of a quite depressing film that I made, depicting the empty streets of Hinckley & Burbage, saddled with three powerful pieces of music against the backdrop of Boris Johnson’s announcement of the UK Lockdown. This short film had a localised viral effect and hit 3.5 thousand views within 24 hours. My intentions were never to peddle the doom and gloom associated with the pandemic and therefore, I proceeded to develop this more humanistic project of survival. If you want to watch that film, see below…

Kaye Leadbetter
Thursday 23rd April 2020
Lockdown Day 31
Sunny 24°C

We're a large family. My Husband is Andy, Tora is 14, Mori is 9, Sumi is 7, Kiro is 6 and Kami is 4.

We take one day at a time at the moment!

Mori has autism and it's been a huge and sudden change, so our focus has been on having fun as a family and making happy memories at such an unusual time.
Although we are homeschooling our focus is on staying happy.

We're growing vegetables and sewing a family quilt made from bits of old clothing, which the children are really enjoying. We also enjoy daily bike rides for exercise.
Both Kiro and Tora's birthday celebrations had to be cancelled. I was worried they'd be upset but they were fine as they knew it was to protect others.
Sumi and Kami have been doing their dance classes online, it's not the same as dancing with their friends but they look forward to each class and get to see their friends on the screen.
We're all enjoying the extra time we have together and I feel it's made us even closer as a family.

We had already been in isolation for a week when lockdown was announced as we'd had symptoms, so to me it felt like the government's decision was made too late.

We miss family and friends and can't wait to hug them all again but we use video calls frequently which does help us all feel connected.

When we're allowed to return to regular daily life I plan to get family round for a huge meal and go and spend time with my best friends, who I miss.

Verity Frost
Lockdown day 31
Thursday 23rd April 2020
Sunny 24°C

We are Verity, Dean, Ruby and Lenny and we’re in the 5th week of lockdown. Dean is still working but when he’s at home he’s busy doing lots of jobs, so there’s no change there for him!

I have mixed emotions every day, but I am feeling better as time goes on, knowing we will get through this.
Ruby is really missing school but I think deep down she is enjoying having to slow down.
Lenny doesn’t understand what’s going on, he’s happy playing all day & he’s often talking about his childminder and wanting to play motorbikes at her house.

When the lockdown was announced we weren’t shocked, we knew it was coming and we were glad as we knew the country needed it.
I was very scared and worried, not sleeping or eating properly but I found it helped massively to talk and open up, it made me realise I wasn’t alone.

Ruby says she loves clapping outside on a Thursday at 8pm, and going for really long bike rides 😊 She says the first thing two things she wants to do is go to school & then play on the park.

The sunshine has been so kind, I don’t remember a day that we’ve spent longer than an hour in the house during the day. We’re always in the garden, eating, playing and sleeping! (In a tent!)

As with everyone else I’m sure, our family and friends are missed so much, they are going to receive the biggest and tightest hug as soon as it’s safe to do so. We can’t wait! But for now.. it’s virtual hugs & lots of FaceTime.

Allan 70 & Viv Bates 69 (70 in September)
Sunday 26th April 2020
Lockdown Day 34
Sunny 20°C

We are coping well with the lock down, I think, we have to, it's best way to beat this terrible situation.

We are spending a lot of time in our garden, growing our own vegetables.
Also getting video calls from Grandchildren which is lovely.

Like many people we were horrified when coronavirus arrived,especially as it escalated so quickly. Viv and i have been self isolating since March 17th, but personally think Boris should have announced lockdown sooner.

The obvious thing we miss is the company of family and friends. Looking forward to meeting people again and for the whole world to eventually recover.

Paul and Sue Gardner
Sunday 26th April 2020
Lockdown day 34
Sunny and Cloudy 19°C

We're coping well as we are used to spending lots of time in home anyway. Our time is spent updating our Facebook group Hinckley District Past & Present, preparing our weekly pictures for The Hinckley Times and we also do video calling to our family.

When Boris announced the lockdown it came as no surprise but we were shocked at the panic buying we saw.

We miss seeing our granddaughters, one who is three years old and the other 10 weeks. We have hardly seen her other than on video chats with her parents.

When restrictions are eventually relaxed we can't wait to get to know our newest granddaughter and enjoy cuddles with her sister.

We would like to add that we think this is a super and important project for future generations to look back on.

Sarah Park
Wednesday 29th April 2020
Lockdown Day 37
Sunny & Cloudy 13°C

Hi, my name is Sarah Park and I live with my husband, Graeme and our son, Daniel who's 6.

Graeme is a key worker as he does the IT support for the NHS. This means he goes off to work each day whilst Daniel and I are staying home.

We're having lots of fun playing games, reading, baking, gardening and lots of crafts. We're lucky enough to have been able to spend lots of time in our garden which has been really lovely. Daniel has also been continuing his Spanish lessons with an online class which I've been able to do with him.

Weekends and evenings are the best as we get lovely family tine for all 3 of us and, although we're missing other family and friends, it's lovely to have each other.

It was my birthday on Saturday and it was actually a really lovely day. I was truly spoilt by Daniel and Graeme and we spent the day in our garden enjoying the sunshine. I get to have 2 celebrations this year whilst only getting 1 year older as we'll celebrate with family and friends again once lockdown is over!

When lockdown was announced we were very relieved to be able to do what we could to stay safe. We were initially worried about how well Daniel would cope as he's autistic but he's accepted all the changes to his routines so well and we're both incredibly proud of him.

We've done lots of video-calling as I'm really missing my dad as well as Graeme's family and all of our friends.

It will be so lovely to catch up with everyone again once this is all over. It will be BIG Hugs all round!!!

Each day that passes is a day nearer to this all being over and being able to get back to normality but with the added bonus of not taking normality for granted in the future! x

#staysafe

Christina Bates & Steve Signorelli
Sunday 26th April 2020
Lockdown Day 34
Sunny 20°C

We're coping not too badly, but being 1 of the 1.5 million not allowed out at all, because of my transplant, it feels the world is progressing without me, which can be depressing on some days.

Steve is working from home, while I clean, then clean again, bake and had to start giving that away as putting on too much weight!
I try and exercise in the kitchen lol

I was relieved when lockdown came as I knew already I was at risk.
I'm annoyed with China if I'm honest and don't think they've given the world the whole truth.

I miss all my family and friends, most of all my grandkids and not being available for Jessica who is expecting her first child in September.
I miss greatly walking Rafer our dog.

First thing I will do... umm may run in the street and cry... hug my family, walk the dog in a big open space. To be honest, I can't see it ending anytime soon for the likes of me... which I feel people think its just really old people and I don't count. Being healthy (ish) in fact being given life with Transplant to be told to put it on hold again is very hard.

Emma Thorp
Tuesday 5th May 2020
Lockdown Day 43
Sunny 16°C

We are Emma, Chris (he was at work) Lewis (21) Becca (18) and Tyler (15)

We are coping ok so far with the virus. Chris works as a delivery driver for TNT so he’s still been working during the week and he also DJ’s at a pub in Leicester on Friday nights, which he looks forward to going back to when the pub opens up again.

Lewis is autistic so it’s not been easy adjusting to all the changes for him, and the unknown of how long it will last. He has many questions we can’t answer yet, but overall he’s coping.

Tyler has been taking his usual singing and drama classes online so he’s still getting some interaction with friends.

Lewis is 21 today! Obviously he can’t have the big party we had planned so we are celebrating with just us and a Chinese. We will have a bigger celebration when we can.

I think we all miss just being able to visit friends and family whenever we like, and not having to think and worry about everybody’s health.

We look forward to being able to come and go as we please. But for now we are happy staying home and safe!

Lisa Liddle
Thursday 7th May 2020
Lockdown Day 45
Sunny 23°C

We're all coping great, loving the time together and making the most of our lovely home.
There is me Lisa liddle, 39, Kelly liddle, 42 and our boy Lennon Liddle aged 6,

We didn’t really think too much to the Pandemic at the time but just made the decision before the official announcement was made to stay in, just the 3 of us and the pooch.

We really miss cuddles with our friends and family and being able to go and do things like visit parks/shops and the seaside mainly!!

This whole episode made us realise that the most important thing is our health and spending time with loved ones and can’t wait to spend time our people again!!
Just to cuddle, will never be taken for granted again!!!
Thanks and great project!!!!

Sam
Thursday 7th May 2020
Lockdown Day 45
Sunny 23°C

My name is Sam and I work for the National Gas Emergency Service continuing to take Emergency calls on a part time basis, to keep the gas flowing in everyones homes.

My eldest son is 13 and my youngest is 5, the boys have adapted so well to all of this madness going on in the world at the moment. To be expected though, we've had some stressful times.

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind really, and it feels so Surreal!

We've been going on daily walks (as we always do) with our young Pug 'Elvis Pugsley', so that has been nice when I finish work.

At work we have a lot of safety in place and social distancing so I am just making sure I get completely cleaned and currently, anti bacterial hand sanitizer is my best friend at the moment. My cleansing routine before I return home to my children is always very stringent, making sure I keep safe for my family.

I feel like things will never completely go back to normal and I think a lot of people will continue their day to day lives after, like nothing ever happened.
The seas are looking beautiful and there is less pollution in the oceans and rubbish from everyone disrespecting the earth.

Life is for living so we have done our very best to make home learning relaxed and no pressure on the boys to the point where there is arguments, which I feel it has worked better.
I hope everyone respects the value of life now and we can come out this prouder and appreciating the loved ones we have in our lives.
I just want to say a massive Thank you and support to the NHS and Carers. Stay stay
Sam

Joan & Roger Hands
Thursday 7th May 2020
Lockdown Day 45
Sunny 23°C

"This is a special window portrait to me, these are my parents and have been in isolation since the beginning".

We are coping OK, with family help.

There is just the two of us, Roger 77 and Joan 72, who most people will remember from the days Joan was a Dinner Lady at Redmoor High School for most of her working life in Hinckley.

We were worried about our health and family health plus extra concern for our daughter and her husband as they are both frontline workers, Claire is working on the Covid wards at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley and her husband works in the Police force.

We're looking forward to having family time with grandchildren, kisses and cuddles and a belated 51st wedding anniversary family gathering.

Locked Down

Samantha McDermott
Thursday 14th May 2020
Lockdown Day 52
Sunny 14°C

I'm coping quite well in lock down, I'm a home bird anyway and love my pajamas!
I am a carer, so still working but had to switch my hours around the children being home.

I live with my husband Kian who is 39, my son Ethan who is 9, our other son Quinn who is 2 and I turned 31 last week!
Ethan has autism spectrum disorder and has needed a lot of reassurance and care during lock down as he gets worried and doesn't like changes in routine. Quinn seems to really be enjoying us all being home together during the day and Kian used to be a chef years ago so he's spent most of his time cooking amazing food for us all!

When Bojo put us in lock down I was looking forward to life slowing down a bit for us, I used to feel like all I did was run around like a headless chicken, and I knew at home I could keep the kids safe. I was so surprised that in this day and age a virus could be so deadly to the whole population, I suppose I just thought ill people would be treated and it would just go away. This has changed my view on global disease and how we all interact with each other.

I miss just being able to go to see family, I didn't realise how much I'd miss just sitting in a different house drinking tea.
Once we have whatever will be our normal after this, I'll be taking the kids to see family and I think a trip to our favourite seaside resort, Scarborough, is in order.

The recent changes scare me, I don't see how meeting friends in a park or working close to people from other households is OK when seeing family isn't? All my kids want to do is hug their aunty and nanny. I'm sure this will give people a false sense of security and a second wave will be unavoidable.

I do feel lockdown has been a good in a lot of ways, our neighbours have been amazing, always checking if we need anything and we have done the same for them. I have seen amazing acts of kindness and I hope that doesn't change.

Lisa Hanson
Tuesday 12th May 2020
Lockdown Day 50
Sunny 15°C

Hi I'm Lisa I live alone with my 2 children aged 4 and 6 and our dog Dotty.

We've been coping fairly well in lockdown but we have our wobbles and that's just me 🤣

Home schooling has been tricky but we try to keep it as fun as possible so lots of crafty ideas and making mess 😃
Lisa Hanson
I am looking forward to seeing my friends and family and being able to relax in their company once this is all over and hopefully returning to work at school to catch up with all the children 😃

When I first heard about Covid 19 I didn't think anything of it in the beginning I thought oh it'll all blow over but then when the school closures were announced along with lockdown restrictions I did start to panic and become anxious. Trying to explain to my 2 children why they were no longer allowed to go to school or see their friends has been very hard but luckily with today's technology they have been able to face time their friends 😃

I certainly miss the freedom to jump in my car and head to a friends house or meet for coffee
Our holiday in July looks to be cancelled so we're very disappointed but I've explained to the boys why and hopefully we can re book for next year

Regarding the recent lock down restrictions I am very concerned that people will go mad and forget why we're doing this and completely forget about social distancing and we'll end up back to square one with a second spike and back into full lockdown

Locked Down

Melanie Fostervold
Thursday May 14th 2020
Lockdown Day 52
Sunny 14°C

Afternoon! At our house, there is me, Melanie 44 my husband Joseph 48 and our 2 children zak 9 and libby 8, we've had a lot time on our hands during the lockdown! We've managed to decorate some of the house, lots of gardening, board games and we have opened the "le old gits" bar in our summer house and tidied our sheds😀

We managed to get a couple of more chickens to add to our current two, so we have a plentiful supply of eggs.

Even though the lockdown was because of a bad virus, we've tried to make the most of the situation and have turned it into a positive experience, by getting closer as a family.

I think what we've missed from the old world, is the social interaction, watching the cricket opposite our house of a weekend and seeing our family and friends.

We hope to get back to some normality very soon but without the frenetic pace that we were accustomed to before.

Locked Down

Cheryl Southwick
Sunday 15th May 2020
Lockdown Day 53
Sunny 23°C

Hi I am Cheryl 38yrs and this is my husband Justin 45yrs, oldest son William 7yrs and youngest son Sebastian 6yrs.

Life has changed significantly since the announcement that schools were closing.

As my work is with babies up to preschool age there was absolutely no way we could carry on our sessions regardless of our cleaning procedures, so from the Monday nights announcement from Boris I made the very difficult decision to stop with immediate effect all my Moo Music classes. It was a tough decision but without a doubt, one I would make again and a chance I was willing to take to ensure all the little ones were safe.
Distraught is an understatement, especially considering I was just about to announce our 5yr birthday party for my business. The dread for what was to come was constantly in the forefront of my thoughts and the uncertainty of how we were going to get through financially without my contributions.

My anxiety was sky high and I still had 4 days on my own before schools officially closed.
Thankfully, Justin has kept working and the extra time with him has been wonderful especially considering his usual work hours are very long. Somehow in amongst the manic and mayhem our family life has really taken the best course!
I have taken my sessions online now which means I get to still interact with the children and parents. It is hard but we will get through it!

School work has been a learning curve for us all especially my youngest who still calls it homework. We are getting through the day to day tasks set by the teachers. We do love our daily exercise and we are very fortunate to have such beautiful countryside on our doorstep. The boys have loved more time with us and we are fortunate in the fact that they understand the reasons behind not going to school and the dangers of Covid 19.

Who knows what the future holds, will it really go back to normality?? As soon as it is safe I really hope my kids get to see their friends before summer. I will rebuild my business that I love so much and hopefully we will get back some sort of normal way of life.

What I miss is the freedom - to go places without the constant worry, I miss my kiddies coming back from school and telling me what they did and all about their friends, I miss my job and all the parents/carers and children who attended sessions (my second family). I miss my mum who was due to come for a visit this summer from Australia, we have not seen her for 2yrs.
I miss the hugs from friends and my little Moovers! I am however, grateful for slowing down, grateful to a husband who works his socks off but now has more time at home, grateful for my kiddies and the amount of time we are spending with them and grateful for our health, we are so very lucky for our health.

Locked Down

Edwina Rea
Friday 15th May 2020
Lockdown Day 53
Sunny 18°C

I'm 66, but you shouldn’t really ask a lady her age!

I guess at first I, like everyone else, I thought it wouldn’t affect my life. I’ve never been to China, don’t go abroad, only have contact with a small group of people so it wouldn’t interfere with my life.

I think you have to look at the Pandemic from two angles, the way the governments, ours and others, have handled it and personally. It is easy to criticise the Government on what you perceive as failings but this is an unprecedented situation with no guidelines, and you have to ask yourself ‘Could I have done any better?’ Personally, I don’t want to put myself at risk. I was classed as extreme high risk but then ‘downgraded’ to high risk. I could go out for exercise and shopping but as my children have said why take that risk? This is my time, and I want to live it. If that sounds selfish, so be it.

I would like to say I miss ‘normal’ but normal has changed forever. I miss the freedom just to step outside my front gate, and contact with others but most of all I miss the closeness of hugs and kisses from my family.
I hope people have learnt that we don’t need a 24/7 society, that life can be lived at a gentler pace. That hairdressers, nail salons, tanning booths, new clothes and shoes every week don’t make you. You make you.

I’m in a unique, and perhaps strange, position. I moved to the village in March following my retirement and went into lockdown 10 days later. I live on my own so am ‘isolated’ in isolation as, apart from my family, I know very few people but I can’t change the situation so I am making the best of this new and stressless life. I’m grateful to all those key workers who help me to do that but most of all I’m grateful to my family who tell me I’m never a nuisance even though I know I am.

Locked Down

The Hands Family
Paul - 45, Lisa - 43, Zoe - 20, Emma - 3.5 & Laila - 5.
Saturday 30th May 2020
Lockdown Day 68
Sunny 22°C

Paul:
Social Media was rife with news of the outbreak of the Global Coronavirus Pandemic originating in Wuhan, China. I watched it all unfolding, numb with nonchalant disbelief that it would affect the world I shared with my family and community.
I could see lockdown coming and I wanted it because I feared for everyone around me. When Bojo announced lockdown, I was relieved but also slightly unnerved as the gravity of the situation began sinking in.
I did what I do best and took my camera on my permitted exercise routine each day with Emma on my bike and made photographs of how I was witnessing this new life around Hinckley & Burbage.

I stopped watching the news and concentrated on art and music. I put my energy in to being creative and helpful, which led to the production of a photographic slideshow telling the story of lockdown in Hinckley and then I began recording these visual stories of local residents survival.

At home, I’ve been working on our garden, looking after our little girl Emma (pretending to be 3 years old again), while Lisa and Zoe are out working as key workers.

I love that the Earth is enjoying our absence. Isn’t the weather so beautiful? My appreciation for our world has stepped up a lot and I hope we can work out which are the best positives to take from this moment in time.

I take far less for granted now and this Pandemic has taught me to be more humble and has changed me for the better.
I’m so very grateful for my family’s health and hope that the world adjusts the way we’d been living before because there was something very wrong and lockdown has shown us that simple living is easier and better for our souls.

Lisa:
At first it was very worrying. I knew it would only be a matter of time before it arrived in the UK, and when it did I was very anxious as I fall into the high risk category having already had pneumonia and being an asthmatic, plus I have to take immunosuppressants for other health issues. When lockdown was announced I felt relieved; there was a way to stay safe and protect ourselves and our family.

As I work in health and social care, I've been working a lot, sometimes 50 hours, as well as 3 or 4 sleep shifts a week. But at home I’ve enjoyed quality time with my daughters and husband; going on daily walks, landscaping the garden and I've put more time into my artwork in the evenings to relax. I'm thankful we've been blessed with such lovely weather, so we've not been stuck indoors.

During lock down I've seen a shift in humanity, materialism seems to have faded. On the whole, people have come together as a family, communicating more, calling loved ones on the telephone and being grateful and supportive to each other. Moreover, it’s had an amazing impact on the environment. The air is fresh, roads are quiet, and nature is thriving. My hope is that we embrace the new normal by keeping those values we have built during lock down and don't lose ourselves again in our phones, work, self-involvement and keep a slower pace of life.

Zoe:
The first thing that popped into my head when Bojo announced the lockdown was what is going to happen? How serious is this virus?

I’ve been mainly working through this pandemic, keeping myself and the customers busy. Working on the garden centre at a local Supermarket has kept me sane, giving me the fresh air I need.

My hopes are that we all come together as a nation and beat this horrid virus that has taken so many lives. I hope our future is a positive one and we come out of this stronger than before.

Emma:
When it's gone, I want to go to the playground because that will make me a supergirl.

I think I want the virus to go away now!

Lockdown Video

There is currently no destination for Locked Down, although I have distant ideas of a potential exhibition, maybe the production of a hardback book and I’m hoping to learn of new ideas to show this work along the way. For now, my current aim is to just make the work safely and to evaluate the project as it moves forward.
You can follow the live progress of this project on Facebook.

As a professional photographer and filmmaker, I have zero income now and we’re surviving on just my wifes key worker salary. There’s many photographers that are charging people for doorstep portraits but I’m not one of those. I don’t want to make this a financial exercise but by the same token, I’m not earning a penny from anywhere else right now. So I would absolutely love it if you could help support me to build this project and perhaps donate enough for me to provide a meal for my family. It would be highly appreciated.

Subscribe to my blog ———>