East Thorpe

What was your reaction when lockdown was announced?	What have you missed most, apart from family & friends?	What have you been doing? Have you learnt something new or unusual?	Has lockdown been difficult or easy, could you get used to this way of life?	What is the first thing you will do/like when life is back to normal?	Anything else you'd like to say about your lockdown experience?
I had just returned from Sussex - the trains were already pretty empty on my return journey. My immediate reaction was to ensure we had sufficient supplies, and to consider how to keep as safe as we could.	I missed the freedom of walking whenever we desired, being unable to have a hair cut, and the groups I regularly attended - book clubs, knitting groups, WI activities, accordion group, quilters group and Keep Fit.	I have continued with my hobbies as mentioned - some solitary, some through emails. More recently some of the groups have met, socially distanced, including WI in small numbers, either in gardens or at our local recreation ground. We have exchanged books and jigsaws with each other.	It has been more difficult for us as my husband had a minor stroke during lockdown, so we have had to 're-think' how to cope with this. On the 'plus side' we have realised that shopping online (both for food and other items) has been a real advantage for us, as I don't drive, and have pains in my leg, which has made walking difficult at times. One or two friends have been extremely supportive.	I'm not sure life will be normal for a very long time, but I would like to be able to visit friends and family safely, using public transport. And not having to wear a mask again!	I am grateful to certain friends and our groups for keeping in touch and managing a difficult situation in the best possible way. Three songs come to mind: 'Every little thing's gonna be alright' and 'Don't worry, be happy' (both by Bob Marley), and 'Things can only get better' by D-ream. Music/songs have kept me buoyant when I have felt down! Let's hope so.👍 😀

What was your reaction when lockdown was announced?

What have you missed most, apart from family & friends?

What have you been doing? Have you learnt something new or unusual?

Has lockdown been difficult or easy, could you get used to this way of life?

What is the first thing you will do/like when life is back to normal?

Anything else you'd like to say about your lockdown experience?

I had just returned from Sussex - the trains were already pretty empty on my return journey. My immediate reaction was to ensure we had sufficient supplies, and to consider how to keep as safe as we could.

I missed the freedom of walking whenever we desired, being unable to have a hair cut, and the groups I regularly attended - book clubs, knitting groups, WI activities, accordion group, quilters group and Keep Fit.

I have continued with my hobbies as mentioned - some solitary, some through emails. More recently some of the groups have met, socially distanced, including WI in small numbers, either in gardens or at our local recreation ground. We have exchanged books and jigsaws with each other.

It has been more difficult for us as my husband had a minor stroke during lockdown, so we have had to 're-think' how to cope with this.

On the 'plus side' we have realised that shopping online (both for food and other items) has been a real advantage for us, as I don't drive, and have pains in my leg, which has made walking difficult at times. One or two friends have been extremely supportive.

I'm not sure life will be normal for a very long time, but I would like to be able to visit friends and family safely, using public transport. And not having to wear a mask again!

I am grateful to certain friends and our groups for keeping in touch and managing a difficult situation in the best possible way. Three songs come to mind:

'Every little thing's gonna be alright'
and
'Don't worry, be happy'
(both by Bob Marley), and
'Things can only get better' by D-ream.

Music/songs have kept me buoyant when I have felt down!

Let's hope so.👍 😀