Lockdown Conversations
By The Sheffield Star
Lockdown ConversationsDec 02, 2020
Day 27: Listen to your stories in your words - our final 'Lockdown Conversations' podcast
On today’s final episode of The Star’s ‘Lockdown Conversations’ podcast, host Nik Farah takes a look back on your highs and lows of this series.
Her final round-up compilation includes some of the things you’ve found most difficult, the pockets of positivity that have kept you going, and that parts of 2020 you’ll never forget – all in your own words.
Day 26: Husband and wife open up about their lockdown experiences
Nik Farah is joined by husband Adam for a chat about all things lockdown – from virus fears and working from home for nine soild months, to Christmas plans, and 2021 hopes.
Day 25: Our lockdown bun sales have raised £7k!
What began as a one-off treat for the neighbours quickly gathered pace, and soon, around 20 bakers from across Meersbrook were contributing items to the weekly ‘socially distanced’ sale.
“It started the first weekend of lockdown, which was my birthday,” says Cathy, a retired nurse.
"The next week rolled around and I decided to get baking again, and see if maybe I could raise some money this time, so I put out a bowl for donations.
Day 24: We've discovered so many terrific green spaces in Sheffield!
Jenni Sayer who, along with friend Laura Appleby, launched Sheffield Park Project – and wants to help others discover fantastic green spaces in the city.
Day 23: Planning our Christmas bubble gave me a lift!
Sheffield College lecturer Sam Cooper chats about teaching a classroom full of students from a laptop in his kitchen.
Day 22: What a year for local news!
Sheffield Star editor, and mum-of-three, Nancy Fielder chats about her 2020.
From filling papers and keeping local journalism alive in the midst of a global pandemic, to diverting a company’s worth of calls to her mobile phone in lockdown, and making the most of quality time with family.
Day 21: I'm cautiously optimistic for a spring 2021 return," says Steelers head coach
Sheffield Steelers’ head coach and general manager, Aaron Fox, talks about keeping fit in lockdown to keep his mind healthy, and enjoying lots of family time.
Day 20: Sheffield Steelers can't wait to return in 2021!
Sheffield Steelers’ David Simms talks about keeping in touch with fans, missing the game, and preparing to bring back the ‘best show on earth’ in August 2021.
Day 19: Your own experiences in your own words
As the PM made announcements today about the easing of lockdown take two, we’re remembering your stories and marking our ‘Lockdown Conversations’ podcast with a round-up of some of your experiences in your words.
Day 18: Spreading festive cheer in lockdown two
Jan Thornton, of Stannington, chats to us about keeping busy with artwork in 2020, Zoom quizzes with the family, and how she’s spreading festive cheer throughout lockdown two with her ‘Doorstep Carolling’ campaign.
Day 16: Work-life balance is tough in lockdown
Star journalist Rochelle Barrand chats to us about working from her living room, missing family, and how Zoom and Amazon are sponsoring her 2020 Christmas.
Day 15: We supplied milk to 1,000 Sheffield doorsteps a day
Why 'Our Cow Molly' family business was busier than ever in lockdown.
Eddie also talks about having extra hands on deck in the family business, with his older children home from school during lockdown, and how the farm’s new ‘vending machine room’ is a game-changer.
Day 14: Realities of running a corner shop in lockdown
Heather Tingle, postmistress at Flask End & Bradfield Post Office, talks about the realities of running a small shop, looking after a community, and supporting local suppliers throughout lockdown.
Day 13: I wrote Paddy Kenny's autobiography - and I'm missing my grandmother!
Sheffield United reporter Danny Hall on 'Lockdown Conversations'.
Day 12: How to maintain mental health in lockdown
Abhi Shetty - a consultant psychiatrist with Sheffield Health and Social Care – talks all things lockdown and mental health.
Day 11: I got the last plane out of San Diego when UK lockdown was announced
Mark Asquith – CEO and co-founder of podcast tech company Rebel Base Media - chats about abandoning his trolley in Walmart and jumping on the last flight home out of San Diego when UK lockdown was announced back in March.
Day 10: Bringing celebrations to homes in lockdown
Sarah McKeown – founder of ‘Just JimJams Sleepovers’ – chats to us about how her ‘hobby business’ has helped people to keep celebrating in lockdown.
The Sheffield mum-of-two started the year with a side business – that quickly became a full-time, booming business in lockdown, as families hired her to come and set up her themed sleepover tents in their homes and gardens.
Day 9: How I found love in lockdown!
In the midst of a global pandemic - and while we’ve all spent far too much of the year shut away at home - the mum-of-two, vlogger, health and wellbeing influencer, and belly-dancing beauty – originally from Pitsmoor – managed, against all the odds, to find happiness with her partner, Mike.
Day 8: A house renovation and two toddlers - in lockdown!
On today’s ‘Lockdown Conversations’ podcast, Katy Middleton, of Sheffield, chats to us about how she and her husband fared in lockdown, juggling a massive house renovation, and their two toddlers – who were aged just two and four at the time.
Day 7: Community is so important in lockdown
On today’s ‘Lockdown Conversations’ podcast, Charlotte Williams chats to us about how she kept community spirit going in lockdown – resulting in her being chosen for a Spirit of Barnsley award.
Day 6: I wrote a book in six weeks during lockdown
Our podcast will be running every day throughout lockdown, keeping you company, keeping you connected, and sharing your lockdown stories and experiences.
Do you have a lockdown experience you’d like to share? Email nik.farah@jpimedia.co.uk
Day 5: Lockdown maternity leave wasn't easy
Host Nik Farah will be inviting a different local voice to take a seat on the virtual couch every day, for as long as lockdown lasts – talking about Covid-19’s impact on your jobs, mental health, relationships, and life-changing events.
Listen to our full chat with Ellen above – and be sure to check back tomorrow for Day 6.
Do you have a lockdown experience you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Email nik.farah@jpimedia.co.uk
Day 4: My untraditional 2020 wedding
On today’s ‘Lockdown Conversations’ podcast, primary teacher Jane Alflat tells us about her ‘untraditional’ 2020 wedding - eloping on a train wearing Doc Martens.
Do you have a lockdown experience you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Email nik.farah@jpimedia.co.uk
Day 3: How Captain’ Tobias made mum Ruth’s lockdown ‘a joy’
On today’s ‘Lockdown Conversations’ podcast, Ruth Garbutt – mum of the incredible ‘Captain’ Tobias Weller – shares the story of her utterly unique lockdown, supporting Tobias to raise £150,000 for local charities.
Day 2: Why I gave up drinking in lockdown
DAY TWO: On today’s ‘Lockdown Conversations’ podcast, local journalist Danielle Andrews chats about why she decided to give alcohol the heave-ho in lockdown.
Do you have a lockdown experience you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you. Email nik.farah@jpimedia.co.uk
DAY 1: Actor Lee Semley keeps theatre alive in lockdown
DAY ONE: 'Lockdown Conversations' will be running each and every day throughout lockdown, sharing your lockdown stories and experiences.
Today, host Nik Farah chats with South Yorkshire actor and theatre director, Lee Semley, about having to cancel his September wedding, and how he's been keeping theatre alive in lockdown.
Do you have a lockdown story to share? Get in touch: nik.farah@jpimedia.co.uk