COVID DIARIES: Turning 80 in lockdown and teaching my granddaughter how to sew

As part of the #BeatCovidNE campaign, she has been keeping a diary of life in lockdown.

This week we find out why she’s sticking to the rules, her thoughts on the local vaccination efforts and how she’s celebrating a milestone birthday in lockdown…

“I’ve recently been appointed to the Board of Directors at Gentoo, representing tenants, so I’ve been busy Zoom-ing this week - I’ve had a lot of meetings. I don’t mind though; it’s keeping my mind busy which is important to do right now.

I’ve also been spending time with my granddaughter, who is part of my support bubble, and teaching her how to sew. It’s been lovely actually; I’m a keen sewer myself and she’s been wanting to make her own summer crop top so I’ve shown her how to cut the pattern and I’m now teaching her how to stitch. It’s the little things like that which are helping me to keep going throughout all of this. I know we’ll come out the other end, so I am cherishing these special moments.

It’s clear we’re making a huge effort in consistently sticking to lockdown rules but we can’t stop now, it’s more important than ever to wear your mask, wash your hands and minimise your physical contact with people as much as possible. I know how difficult this is but just keep in touch with people through other means.

My friends are often texting and ringing and sometimes my neighbour comes to my gate for a few minutes chat, a safe distance away. Just be sensible.

I think the biggest worry right now is the news that the UK variant can be up to 30% more deadly, especially given the number of symptomless people. I spoke to my friend the other day and she and her husband have tested positive. Her husband, five days on, still has no symptoms. It’s frightening.

No wonder it spreads so easily as people simply don’t know they have it. That’s why you must act like you have the virus. We need to stick to the rules - mask wearing, washing hands, social distancing - that’s the only way we’re going to get the R rate down. I was born during the war and I think if my parents could bring up a family during that, we can do this.

The North East response to getting everyone vaccinated as quickly as possible is also making me feel positive about the future. The combined efforts of the NHS and North East Councils are paying off as more and more of us are vaccinated. I’m pleased I’ve now had the first dose of the vaccine but I know I can’t act as I did in a pre-Covid life. I could still easily pick up the virus and pass it on without knowing which is why I am being as careful as possible.

I was 80 this week and usually, I would have enjoyed a day full of celebrations, including a big birthday lunch. I would have had my neighbours round too for a buffet and drinks and met up with my girlfriends at the weekend to celebrate.

It’s sad that I can’t do that but my daughter, who’s in my support bubble, put together a small buffet at hers which meant just as much.

On bad days - we all have them - I try to sit quietly and think of all my blessings. I am safe, warm and have a roof over my head. We’re doing a great job and we can’t slack now. Let’s keep going.”