Clare in Lockdown project launched to create record of coronavirus pandemic for future generations

When future generations learn about what happened during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Clare hopes to be in the forefront of the providing interesting historic material.

The town has launched a history project called Clare in Lockdown involving town councillors and representatives from Clare organisations.

Through images, video, text, anecdotes, poetry, music, art and interviews, the project draws together a vivid record of how lives changed.

Clare town councillor Tony Litton said the project had already received a number of stories and photos. He said: “The lockdown is the biggest hit to our personal lives and to our community since the two world wars impacted on the town, and will be long remembered by those of us who have been through it.

“Recognising this, we are getting together to capture some of what’s happened to us during this dreadful time. Its aim is not only to produce a video and written record for our own benefit, but to create something to pass on to future generations. This way they will be able to see a part of our life as we have lived it.”

Mr Litton said people can send in a memory, or memories, of what life has been like, or they can recommend a contribution from someone they feel deserves a place in the project.

If people have something to say but need help to record it, there is an offer from the project organisers to help capture it with a camera and recording equipment.

“Photographs, stories, anecdotes, musical pieces, songs, poems can be funny, sad or thought-provoking. The only thing we ask is that they reflect genuine events or emotions,” added Mr Litton.

Email a submission to makinghistory@clareinlockdown.co.uk or write to The Clerk’s Office, The Old School, Challis Street, Clare CO10 8PX marking the envelope Making History.