Life in Lockdown – Stories of Change and Reflection

Marking the Anniversary that is March 23rd 2020.

In this episode, we take a personal look back at life during lockdown through the voices of those who lived it. From the eerie quiet of empty streets to the surreal rituals of wiping down shopping and Zoom quizzes, our guests share their memories of an unprecedented time.

We hear about the fear and uncertainty of the first announcements, the loneliness of separation, and the unexpected moments of joy—gardens becoming sanctuaries, rediscovering local nature, and communities pulling together. But we also confront the realities of loss, the emotional weight of social distancing, and the lessons learned as the world began to reopen.

How did the pandemic change us? Were we kinder? Did we truly appreciate what we had? And, perhaps most importantly, have we already started to forget?

Join us for a heartfelt reflection on the strangeness, struggles, and surprising silver linings of life in lockdown.

Join Justine and Paul for another episode of the Voices from the North East Podcast. Join us as we further explore Northumberland’s connection to the famous Gunpowder Plot, from secret worshiping to the dramatic conclusion of the plot itself! #Northumberland #Voicesfromthenortheast #gunpowderplot

In Episode 1 of our special mini-series on The Gunpowder Plot, we dive into one of England’s most infamous conspiracies – and this time, we’re peeling back the layers to reveal a surprising twist. Everyone knows the name Guy Fawkes, but few realise the deep connections that tie this explosive plot to Northumberland. Join hosts Paul and Justine as they uncover the hidden story of Thomas Percy, a Northumbrian noble at the center of the plot, and the powerful Percy family’s role in a Catholic rebellion against the crown. We’ll set the scene in the tense, religiously divided England of 1605 and discover why Northumberland played a crucial part in a plan that could have changed British history forever.