Getting Lockdown locked in Preston History

Getting Lockdown locked in Preston History

Sep, 1 2020


We all wish to leave something behind to those  we love after we’re gone. It may be a memento or a souvenir to help you recall to mind the thoughts and experiences you had with that person when they were alive. 

We’ve all in some way been affected by the COVID-19 crisis but is there a possibility that we can turn it into a more positive creative experiment?

Preston residents are being asked to share their experiences of life in lockdown so that future generations can understand the personal impact of the corona virus.

Over 90 submissions have so far  been received to the Lancashire County Council’s Archives Services based at Bow Lane, Preston. They are, however looking for fresh accounts of the COVID-19 crisis and they’re keen to hear from you!

Entries include the following:-

  • Artwork
  • Sketches
  • Stories
  • Poems
  • Sound recordings
  • Short video recordings 
  • Photographs

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, encourages all to get involved:-

“As the coronavirus pandemic continues, we think that it is important to carry on creating a lasting memory of this very challenging time, and we are reminding people that they can still share their stories with us. We have had an incredible response so far, and I would like to thank everyone for this. The response has been from all age groups, and this is really pleasing. People have been so creative during these difficult times, and I think that it is important to record this social history for future generations.”

The service is also continuing to collect other material including:

  • Posters and flyers from organisations who play an important role in keeping vulnerable people safe 
  • Material from local business relating to closures or changes to how they operate 
  • Advice from local organisations about hygiene, social distancing and self-isolation 
  • Information about community efforts to help vulnerable and isolated people 
  • Information from local schools showcasing how they were kept open for vulnerable children and those of key workers 
  • The experiences of parents and carers who looked after their children at home 

To view the collection so far, visit https://redrosecollections.lancashire.gov.uk/collection?g=514&WINID=1598968823351

Contributions are welcomed from everyone, including children and young people. They can be submitted by emailing archives@lancashire.gov.uk or by hard copy including your name, age and the place where you live (not your full address) to Lancashire Archives, Bow Lane, Preston, PR1 2RE.

If you have digital files too large to send via email, contact the service at archives@lancashire.gov.uk

For more information visit LCC Archives, telephone 01772 533039 or email record.office@lancashire.gov.uk.

Never before has Preston seen such a pivotal time in medical history, don’t miss this opportunity to get involved!

^Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger