Lockdown History
Views expressed are those of individual WI members, not of the Federation
Members' History Project
Thank you for your contributions to the Members History Project that we have received so far.
The Digital Team are planning to display them on the Norfolk WI Facebook page, and here on the Web site.
Not only will your postcards make interesting reading and give insight into how you coped during National Lockdown, but importantly encourage more members to take part too.
Who could have foreseen how 2020 and 2021 would unfold? Certainly unique and unprecedented, that’s why it’s so important to have a record actually written by the members themselves.
None of the cards will be identifiable, except for the WI name.
If you would rather your postcard didn’t appear on Facebook or the Website, please contact Helen Hall, admin@norfolkwi.org.uk
or call 01603 624580.
Thank you
Kim Reynolds
Chairman Membership Advisory
SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE FOR YOUR POSTCARDS!
- Why not complete your own Postcard with 6 answers, and send to Federation Office, or email admin@norfolkwi.org.uk?
- If you prefer; here's the Word version!
Photos from Covid-19 Times: A few memory joggers!
Rainbows appeared in windows, on transport, flags, and everywhere: 'Thank you NHS and Key Workers'. These certainly brightened the days although there was good weather during the first Lockdown.
In March 2020, there was a call for those with sewing skills to make Scrubs. There was a Facebook page set up by Ashleigh Linsdell in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (For The Love of Scrubs Group), and several WI members joined up and set to with their trusty scissors, tape measures and sewing machines, speedily cutting out, stitching and pressing the Scrubs. The Scrubs had to be sanitised before collection by local organisers, and then distributed via a central team of volunteers in Norwich. 
The Scrubs had to be sanitised before collection by local organisers, and then distributed via a central team of volunteers in Norwich. Initially, fabric was sourced by members until fundraising was started so that fabric could be purchased directly from fabric outlets and sent out to sewists (who would regularly find a large bale of fabric on their doorstep!) because everything had to be socially distanced; we couldn't meet up with the delivery team.
Hairdressers, Barbers, Nail Bars were all closed during two Lockdowns. In August, those staff were required to wear both a face mask and a visor. This proved very hot in summer salons.
During the first Lockdown, face coverings were not mandatory, but later in 2020, face coverings were required to be worn in shops and enclosed spaces and on public transport. 'MyWI' stepped in and produced patterns and instructions, and the sewing started all over again.
Masks were a problem for those with health conditions, so a lanyard scheme was devised to avoid any misunderstandings about the absence of a mask in public.
The government released regular posters and booklets during the pandemic. Here are couple of those:
The fun side of masks from a local store!
