Create your own piece of Lancashire history

Lancashire County Council is asking people to share their personal experiences of everyday life during the coronavirus pandemic.

The council’s Archives Service is keen to create a new collection so that future generations can understand the personal and very real impact of Covid-19.

Residents are encouraged to send in copies of diaries and photographs which show how their life has changed.

Artwork which has been created, for example, rainbows painted by children to cheer people up and sketches of what sums up life for someone, can also be included.

Anyone taking part can write, draw, make a sound recording, a short video recording or take photographs about what is different now and how this makes them feel.

County Coun Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “As the coronavirus crisis continues, we think that it is important to create a lasting memory of this very challenging time, and we are asking people to share their stories.

“The pandemic has shown us just how caring and creative people can be to help them through some difficult times, and I think that it is important to record this social history for future generations.

“People could share a daily diary, or their feelings and thoughts expressed about a single day, event or a poem. Residents can also share a recording, video or photograph about what life has been like at home, work or where they live in lockdown.

“It is entirely up to people themselves what they submit. What matters is that we make sure that we obtain a contemporary record of first-hand experiences of the impact on people’s lives. It is really important that we keep a record to ensure future generations will be able to learn about and understand this extraordinary period in our time.”

The service is also trying to collect other contemporary 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 persons

• Information from local schools showcasing how they were kept open for valuable children and those of key workers

• The experiences of parents and carers who looked after their children at home

Contributions can be submitted by emailing [email protected] or posting to Lancashire Archives, Bow Lane, Preston PR1 2RE.

Include name, age and the place where you live (not your full address)

Please contact the service if you have digital files too large to email at [email protected].

For more information visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/archives, telephone 01772 533039 or email [email protected]