The Lockdown doorstep photo project has spread across the nation as a means of recording and capturing families during this unprescedented time.  Covid 19 has swept across the world and ground life to a halt in a way we could never have imagined.   Whole countries are confined to their homes and families are banned from visinting one another, children unable to hug grandparents and lovers separated for weeks on end.    The story of the Corona Virus pandemic is something that will go down in history and will be a time that future generations will learn about in school.  I choose to participate in lockdown doorstep photo project as whilst this time is a strange one it really is one of historical significance.  A time where whilst families have been separated it has also brought people within households together.  Parents and children have re-connected and we have all had more time for one another.   The photos captured as part of this project will become a record of history, a record of when the world stopped. 

My lockdown doorstep photos were very local and I remained within villages near to my own.  This was a neccessity due to the travel restrictions enforced as part of the goverment guidance, however this also highlighted the community spirit within our local villages and demonstrated the broad spectrum of people within.   I asked those that participated it share a brief account about themselves and their experience of Covid -19 and what the lockdown has meant for them.  I will share some of these stories below.  I did not take payment for this project, instead I asked participants to consider donating to the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance service instead!  Many charities have been effected by the pandemic with many fundraising events being cancelled and charity shops being forced to close, so these donations will be invaluable.  To date my Lockdown doorstep photo project has raised a fantastic £120 for the Air Ambulance.  I would love to reach £200 so if you would like to donate I have included the link below for you. 

David and Pauline

Pauline is a legal secretary and David is retired.  Pauline has found it very strange working during this time when no personal contact is allowed.  Not being able to socialise with friends and visit family has been hard.    Pauline and David can not wait to be reunited with friends and family and really hope that the wedding of Pauline’s sister Tracey is able to go ahead in August.  

Graham  & Michelle with their dogs, Cleo and Barbra

Graham and Michelle are both keyworkers so continue to work through the pandemic. Michelle runs a snack Bar on A17 feeding key workers. They have found working  stressful at times but are grateful that they can work. Graham misses socialising at the local pub on a Sunday but they have quite enjoyed a slower pace of life. They are shopping for their neighbour as she is shielding and so has been advised to not leave home for 12 weeks.  They both miss their families but knowing they are safe is peace of mind.

Claire, Paul, Dominic, Hope and Tilly

Paul is a lorry driver and away all week, continuing to support essential services during the pandemic.  They have not found lock down too bad as they lived in Germany for 8 years , so are used to not seeing family and spending time just with the kids . Tilly is autistic and  starting to struggle with everything now as she needs to know when she will be back in school etc,  she likes routine and hates the unknown. Only being able to see people from your own households mean that Dominic and Hope are both looking forward to seeing their girlfriends when this is all over as they have been seperated from many weeks. Tilly is looking forward to going back to normal routine . This will probably be the last time Claire will have all her children in the house altogether so this has been quite nice as the older two are both off to new adventures when this is over.

Elizabeth, Daryl, Cameron, and Pugs, Archie and Eric                                            

 Elizabeth is a hairdresser in the little village salon in Moulton and unable to work. Daryl  is dustcart driver and has remained working throughout lockdown which is a constant worry but every day is a new day.  They have been shopping for family and friends that cannot go out.  They are desperately missing family and friends and everyone but also clients at the salon. After moving to the village from Essex 2 years ago lockdown has made them realise they made the right move with the wonderful village community coming together and supporting each other.   The neighbours and surrounding community feel like family, they just absolutely love the wonderful and kind people here and how they have all pulled together.

Willow, Amara and Devin with Rocky the Dog

Dancing has kept the kids going during the lockdown as  it’s keeping them in touch with friends. They would normally spend 4 days a week after school at dance so the online classes have been a saviour. 

Lisa, Jason and Caden with dogs Tin Tin and Coco

Lisa is the Landlady of The Golden Lion in Moulton Seas End.   The pub is the hub of the local community but the country wide lockdown has forced Lisa to close the pub and risk losing her business and home.   Lisa and the family have worked hard to try to support the local village and have created a pop up shop for essential supplies like Milk and bread, meaning people are not forced to face busy supermarkets.  Lisa has also created a basic take away menu on Friday evenings and a carvery collection service on Sundays.   I for one can not wait to visit for my Friday evening Pint when normal service is resumed. 

I really enjoyed capturing the lockdown doorstep photo project.  It has been a pleasure meeting so many wonderful families and learning about everyones experiences.  Thank you to everyone that participated and donated to the Air Ambulance.   

Marie

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