26 weeksIrene Lofthouse in conversation withLynn Harrison Lynn Harrison is a midwife at Bradford Royal Infirmary with twenty-nine years of experience. Irene Lofthouse is a writer, playwright, actor and social historian. Lynn and Irene have been neighbours for twenty-three years. Note 1: March-May The day of lockdown in maternity was chaotic. Instructions for re-organising the wards […]
John Dodds in conversation withRick Blaskey Rick Blaskey is a highly successful music executive and highly unsuccessful football fan. He is a lifelong friend, always in control – until March and Covid 19 arrived on his doorstep. John Dodds is brand strategist at The Sharp End, a jazz radio presenter and a member of 26, […]
Aidan Baker in conversation withRobin Robin is a Worcestershire businessman with a freelance portfolio including photography, printing, programming, video editing and sales. The biggest change that lockdown has made to his life has been the decision to excise teaching from it. Note 1: March-May “I spoke to my doctor on the phone. He said ‘I […]
Lucy Beevor in conversation withPhilomena O’Neill Phil lives in a care home in south Belfast. Before lockdown, a friend and I visited Phil and her fellow residents once a week and took them out for fresh air, coffee and chat. Note 1: March-May Phil has the look of a sparrow about her – inquisitive, her […]
Maeve O’Sullivan in conversation withBen Rafiqi Ben Rafiqi is co-founder of homeless outreach charity Let’s Feed Brum and Birmingham’s only permanent night shelter Tabor House. Maeve O’Sullivan is a PR & marketing consultant, 26 member and recent Birmingham transplant. Maeve and Ben met when she began volunteering for Let’s Feed Brum in early 2019. Note 1: March-May “Today […]
Martin Clarkson in conversation withIan Fox Martin’s brother-in-law Ian works for Caledonian MacBrayne, operating 33 passenger and vehicle ferries between the mainland of Scotland and the west coast islands. Their main hub is Oban harbour on the north-west coast of Scotland, Ian’s home. Note 1: March-May It kicked off as we were en route to the airport. The government said we […]
David Baty in conversation withAlly Ally is a musician, making a living from recording and live performance. Alongside the health emergency, the lockdown created a major challenge to the livelihoods of people in the creative industries. We chart tensions between the health crisis, personal experience of lockdown and the unfolding impact on life and work. […]
Therese Kieran in conversation withGretta Kieran Gretta Kieran is my mother. She lives in south Armagh, Ireland, and will be 85 years old on the 27th May. She’s a retired teacher and the most selfless person I know. Gretta’s own mother died aged 50, when she was just 24. Note 1: March-May Feeling..? An emptiness, […]
Melanie Cochran in conversation withAnita Anand Anita Anand is a BBC presenter, journalist and author. Her radio programme Any Answers? invites everyone to have their say. Her books uncover untold stories. Melanie Cochran is a consultant, coach and co-founder of createbalance. We bonded over Gin and a bottomless love for our inseparable sons. Note 1: […]
Wendy Jones in conversation withMargaret Adjaye Margaret Adjaye is the director of Upper Norwood Library Hub, which provides a wealth of services for the community in Crystal Palace, south London. Wendy Jones is a writer and journalist. They met three years ago when Margaret recruited Wendy as a volunteer teaching English to speakers of other […]