AN EXHIBITION to document life under lockdown in Whitchurch for future generations has been launched.

'Whitchurch Living With Lockdown' has been launched by Whitchurch Town Council's Heritage Committee.

The idea behind the project is to have people submit their photos or stories of life under lockdown, so future generations can look back on what will hopefully be a once in a lifetime event.

Mayor of Whitchurch Bev Duffy is one of those pioneering the scheme and she is encouraging people to send their photos and stories in.

"During this pandemic life has changed dramatically for all of us in so many different ways," said Bev.

"Many of you will have taken photos of how life has changed here in town for you, your family, friends and neighbours or have captured changes or events in or around the town.

"We wish to gather photos and stories from local people which show what everyday life has been like in Whitchurch during lockdown and its gradual relaxation.

"They will be shown in an exhibition in the Civic Centre, once that is possible."

Bev has highlighted local stories of people;s activities under lockdown already.

"Marge Huxley who helps run the senior citizens club in Pearl Yard knitted NHS Rainbows and then toilet roll holders using donated wool," added Bev.

"The rainbows were given away, the toilet roll holders sold at £1 each to be donated to a care home.

"The Knitted Hearts Knit Families Together project made identical pairs of hearts for Whitchurch Community Hospital, one for the patient and one for the family, so people could feel closer when visiting wasn't allowed.

"Lockdown meant the 75th Anniversary of VE Day could not be held at the War Memorial so instead was marked by a service and parade in Bath St outside the home of Dame Rose Snell, who was a Standard Bearers along with Army Cadets and Brownies."

A selection from the submissions will be used to form a permanent historical record of life in Whitchurch during the pandemic and will be stored and displayed in the Whitchurch Museum and Archives for future generations to see.

Submissions should be emailed to info@whitchurchcouncil.uk

Include your name and contact number, these will be stored only for the duration of the project and will not be passed on to any third party.