Hove neighbours record experiences of lockdown

Residents living in and around one street in Hove have recorded their experiences for future generations
Residents who took part. From left to right: Jessica, Hal, Taryn, Kathy, Fran, Jane, Ian, Vicky, Jane (podcast creator).Residents who took part. From left to right: Jessica, Hal, Taryn, Kathy, Fran, Jane, Ian, Vicky, Jane (podcast creator).
Residents who took part. From left to right: Jessica, Hal, Taryn, Kathy, Fran, Jane, Ian, Vicky, Jane (podcast creator).

The audio recordings by people living in St Leonards Road also feature in a podcast called 'A Street in Lockdown' and talk about what life is like during lockdown.

Within the first few weeks of lockdown, local resident and former BBC radio journalist Jane Vickers, posted on the road’s Facebook page, asking neighbours to record their observations and experiences of lockdown. Audio recordings started in week six and the most recent took place in week 17.

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Neighbours talked about their concerns for the health of loved ones, coping with grocery shortages, taking up new hobbies and their hopes for the future.

The resident behind the project, Jane Vickers, said: “Everyone involved has been acutely aware that we are experiencing a unique moment in history.

“The recordings are so powerful because they represent the experiences of people living in a tiny corner of the world, but the themes are universal. It’s also great to hear people talk about local places and landmarks which makes the podcast unique to Brighton and Hove.”

Many spoke about their hopes for the environment in the future. Nurse, Taryn, said: “While no one wanted lockdown, there was something wonderful about seeing an increase in wildlife in the city, fewer cars on the road and more cyclists. Making sure we protect the environment for the future should be something we take with us.”

The recordings were made by people aged 19 to 82 years.

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Kathy, retired, said: “It was really good to talk about the things that were tough in lockdown – especially not being able to see close relatives. Hopefully future generations can learn from our experiences.”

When complete, a digital copy of the recordings will be donated to The Keep, the historical archive based in Brighton.

To listen to the recordings, visit astreetinlockdown.co.uk or search for the podcast “A Street in Lockdown” on iTunes.

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