Well that’s it folks, the final Tales From Lockdown – Revisited has been published. What an absolute JOY it’s been to chat again to these people and tell more of their life stories. Nearly two years have passed yet the first conversations seem like only yesterday. So many different things to talk about, I hopeContinue reading “Tales from lockdown revisited – author’s note”
Tag Archives: People
Covid Culture
‘I’ve got wine, is that OK?’ Katie asks me, holding a glass of red up to the screen. I laugh. ‘Of course!’ She laughs too, and I think how different the start of this interview is to the previous one, where she started crying before she’d hardly said a word. ‘So I’m in a uniqueContinue reading “Covid Culture”
Introspective action
‘WOW. So.’ Martin looks thoughtful, a small smile creeping onto his face. ‘Yeah. A lot’s changed.’ He pauses. ‘When we spoke last time, in May 2020, I was still living in my house, I was still married, I was working from home, it was sunny, and everything Covid related was a novelty.’ Fast forward toContinue reading “Introspective action”
Loss, life and muddy shoes
How’s the last 18 months been for you Dylan? ‘Shit.’ He laughs, then I laugh, but it tails off. ‘Yeah, it has been a bit crap.’ he says. ‘My best mate went into hospital with a surprise liver transplant. So that was November all through to about March, with her recuperation, and in February myContinue reading “Loss, life and muddy shoes”
Spanish sunshine
When I spoke to Bev in 2020, she was in Cheltenham dreaming of the French sunshine she enjoyed during three months in the Alps in France for the first lockdown. This time, as she comes on screen, I can see she’s in her motor-home with sun streaming in the windows. This time though, it’s SpanishContinue reading “Spanish sunshine”
Coming back to it all
James comes into view and I don’t recognise the background. I try to picture where he is in his flat but I can’t, and it distracts me slightly. I know he hasn’t moved since I left Cheltenham, but maybe he’s not in his house. I make a mental note to ask him when we’re done,Continue reading “Coming back to it all”
AWOL
I’ve been a bit AWOL lately; writing’s taken a bit of a back seat because I’ve had a lot on. It tends to be something that drops off when I’m busy, but it’s also something that keeps me sane, so it’s a double-edged sword. Work is taking a priority right now, because, you know, newContinue reading “AWOL”
Week one done
One week down in the new job. A pretty long week; the usual getting-set-up, reading-all-the-policies and trying-to-get-your-head-around-things as well as two days in Wellington meeting all the team from across the country. It’s been a good week though. A REALLY good week. Everything is so professional, my workmates are fab, and seem to work reallyContinue reading “Week one done”
Ben, Cheltenham, UK
“In all honesty, I’m absolutely fine about turning 40.” Pause. “But…” I wait while Ben looks out the window. “Every now and then you get this thing where you think, OK, I”m nearly 40, which is basically nearly 50, that’s nearly 60, 70..and you’re dead.” He laughs. “30 felt close to 20, 40 feels closerContinue reading “Ben, Cheltenham, UK”
The Paps Life 