Gwen’s Lockdown Story

This is Gwen’s story of how she coped with having to socially isolate throughout the Covid-19 lock-down.

Gwen lives in Ernesettle has been a member of Timebank South West for several years and, like many others she had to shield during the lock-down – but she didn’t let it get her down. When the weather was good she got up very early in the morning, packed a flask of tea and a notebook and took full advantage of the lovely open green spaces that Ernesettle has to offer. She often walked down to the creek and around the point whilst no one else was around. On her walks she would stop part way round at the fish and crab bench to have her morning cup of tea and take in the views over to Saltash and towards Calstock. During her rest she wrote in her notebook about all the things she could see so she could write letters to her friends when she got home.

To keep occupied Gwen also started gardening again, sowing seeds and planting vegetables and she is now reaping the benefits of all her hard work. After her second round of letters people starting writing back and some sent seeds for Gwen to plant and another gave her note paper and matching envelopes to write more letters. Another Timebank member gave Gwen some gardening and craft magazines to borrow and kindly offered to photocopy anything she wanted to make or grow.

Since the lock-down has started to be relaxed, Gwen’s friends have been able to visit her in her garden whilst maintaining a safe distance – much tea drinking and catching up has since taken place. Her son has also been able to visit and sit in the garden with Gwen to hear all about her different experiences during lock-down.

Gwen is now busy making masks for people as she is a keen stitcher!

It’s nice to hear such a positive story in what has been a difficult time for many.