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.
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.
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.
Jenni Sayer who, along with friend Laura Appleby, launched Sheffield Park Project – and wants to help others discover fantastic green spaces in the city.
Sheffield College lecturer Sam Cooper chats about teaching a classroom full of students from a laptop in his kitchen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sheffield United reporter Danny Hall on 'Lockdown Conversations'.
Abhi Shetty - a consultant psychiatrist with Sheffield Health and Social Care – talks all things lockdown and mental health.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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 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 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
