Bradford 101 ages 70-79 on coronavirus pandemic

NEXT: AGES 80-89: 'In WW2 we had to carry gas masks everywhere so the little face masks now are not so bad'

Jane Fielder, 70, Artist, from Bingley

The stars were as bright as when I was a child, 70 years ago! Wildlife had its moment. The only train was a hedgehog scurrying along the railway track with its babies. The swans, emboldened, took up the tow path, babies on back. The ducks huddled close behind them. There wasn’t a movement or a sound.

An exquisite eerie silence blanketed Bingley that night. Only an odd sock and a bra, hanging defiantly on the washing line broke the silence, comforting normality, whispering ‘all will be well... all will be well... slow down... slow down... look after your world’

Mubashra Amini, 70, Housewife, from Barkerend

I live with my children and grandchildren, and during Lockdown we had three generations living under one roof . We had lots of intergenerational conflicts, but also bonding time. During Ramadan we spent more time learning Quran and prayers as big family. We prayed in congregation and enjoyed opening fast together with lots of time to cook new dishes. We also enjoyed outdoor sessions with my extended family members. We loved walking to new areas to enjoy the nature.

NAFS, a community organisation, planned family bubble walks and outings to help the elderly to get more active and come out of isolation. We loved to share picnic food and pre-Covid memories.

Lynne Joyce, 72, Retired teacher and Councillor, from Shipley

As a family-free, wrinkly widow, it has been tough. I rely on online shopping, which can be expensive with delivery charges. Friends bought a few items for me, but you can’t put that kind of obligation on friends too often. I have two dogs. I walk them early in the morning in local woodlands when it is quiet and where it is easy to keep a safe distance. Lack of human contact has been much harder since the start of the pandemic. Chats with other early morning dog walkers are my salvation.

Maggie Smith, 73, part time police help desk officer, from Shipley

The downside of lockdown has included the loss of two friends, no chance to say goodbye. There has been the loss of planned holidays, the inability to meet friends and family and a close relative who remains ill after having Covid-19. The upside has been surprising. I know my neighbours now and have shared much laughter with them, had some great ‘virtual’ quiz nights, been very lucky in being able to continue to work at my part-time job and have found new ways to keep progressing voluntary work with the Saltaire World Heritage Education Association. I appreciate more what is possible rather than bemoan what is not.

Kathy Tedd, 74, Aid Charity Director, from Bingley

At the beginning I was exhilarated by the quietness – peaceful skies filled with birdsong, nearly empty roads, and clean air. Memories of my Grannie’s village in the Dales. It was rewarding to meet people out walking, who returned greetings and stopped to chat, instead of rushing by or walking plugged into earphones. The biggest event, was discovering the damage done to the Shipley JOY charity shop by flooding from the premises upstairs during lockdown. It was sad to lose the stock, but people have been very kind, wishing us well and giving donations towards the next Yemen container.

Rose Boyes, 75, Resident At Springfield Care Home, Buttershaw

Living through this really is a moment in history. It’s sad I cant see my family and they cant visit, but its keeping me and them safe. We all have to be grateful to be here happy and well. We are looked after in such a lovely place and all the carers are like my second family. I’m forever grateful for all they do, they’re all so selfless and do a fantastic job. I look forward to getting weekly Zoom calls and I’m lucky to have a mobile I can use to call people when I want. Modern technology is a real godsend. The main thing is I’m safe, happy and well.

Jean Tomlinson, 76, Retired, from Horton Bank Top

I’ve been fortunate. I’ve enjoyed walks with my husband and been able to improve my computer skills, had clog dancing sessions, reading practice with my granddaughter, family quizzes and been there for birthday celebrations – all online! I’ve had more contact with neighbours and time to work in and enjoy the garden and beautiful weather. I’ve spent time phoning friends and those I don’t normally have much contact with, and I’ve received many caring calls. But I’ve missed singing in church, hugs from my grandchildren, group dancing, family get-togethers, visiting and helping friends. I worry for others less fortunate and help where possible.

Professor John Baruch, Astrophysicist, 77, from Clayton

I have reorganised my day to work from home. I have a lovely garden and from my desk I have watched the year go by with the flowers, the fruit, the birds, the weather and the squirrels who always seem to be finding nuts they have buried in the grass or the flower pots. I exercise in the garden every morning and go out for a 5k run at lunchtime now the evenings are dark. I love my work and have been able to do really exciting things. I miss seeing my friends, family, and the students. Zoom is not the same.

Sandra Callard, 78, Retired, from Pudsey

I am fit, active, I live alone and love to be busy, so this pandemic has forced me to assume the kind of life I am not used to.  My diary for last year is full – theatre, cinema and days out with friends or family. My diary for this year is almost empty. Thank God for telephone and video calls, a good summer and sitting in the garden with a book! They have kept me relatively sane, but winter looms and I worry about isolation. But I am still here and I have family and friends in regular contact. My heart goes out to those who don’t.

NEXT: AGES 80-89: 'In WW2 we had to carry gas masks everywhere so the little face masks now are not so bad'

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