So, the ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown has just been announced – how are those whose livelihoods have been most affected by Covid-19 restrictions feeling about the relaxing of the rules over the coming months? Folk Features has garnered opinion…
Sheridan Smith, marketing manager of Chantry Place in Norwich:
‘We are pleased that the government has provided us with some clarity on dates, so that we can plan as a business and support our retailers when they open their doors again. Of course, with our essential shops and restaurants at Chantry Place remaining open for takeaway collections and deliveries, as well as some click & collect stores, we have been ready to reopen for some time and have just been waiting for the green light, which is now April 12. Of course, face coverings and physical distancing are likely to continue for some time and so our safety measures remain our top priority for visitors and our team, so that people feel safe when visiting us, even when lockdown restrictions are eased. We will continue to follow expert advice and government guidance and we are looking forward to welcoming our visitors back to the centre and are hopeful that things will be back to some normality for the summer.’
Laura Morris-Renouf of Fork Off Its Vegan:
‘I am so excited for the summer this year, the prospect of getting the beautiful Gloria to festivals finally (it’s what she was made for) and serving delicious vegan comfort foods to the masses. I’m also excited to launch new seitan items, it’s so important to us to make as much in house as we can. Mostly though like so many others I’m looking forward to being able to finally hug friends and family!’
Chris Elliott of The Feed:
‘At The Feed, we are all about supporting people back into employment and our cafe on Prince of Wales Road is the base for this. The cafe has been closed since Christmas so we look forward to the day when we can reopen safely and welcome back our clients and cafe customers.
We’ve spent much of the current lockdown planning for better times and the roadmap announced give us an idea of when things might start happening. A big goal for us is to buy a food truck so we can take our great food on the road this summer. Whether it’s a festival, corporate event, popping up at different venues on a regular basis or a family celebration we can come to you. The prospect of being able to do this from late June is exciting for us and will bring us a vital new revenue stream.’
Diana Moore, British mezzo-soprano:
‘Well, at the moment, I’m not envisaging being able to perform in a large indoor setting until the autumn – mainly because of the time limitations on being able to prepare for it beforehand – rehearsals for orchestra, choirs etc. My first booking in this country for larger-scale forces indoors is in October. I’m excited about being able to look an audience in the face again, but I’m also feeling that it will take a little while to adapt to that again. But as with all things, we’re lucky to be part of a creative industry and have the kind of skills that allow us to be flexible and imaginative in the face of challenges.’
Lee Tayler of Norfolk Paddle Boards:
‘It’s been a long cold dark winter – but, we are coming back, BIGGER AND BETTER THAN BEFORE! We are super excited to welcome back our paddlers new and old to provide them with the very best paddle experience Norfolk has to offer. With all that’s gone on, the benefits of being outside on the water are great for mind body and soul and it’s the perfect activity to do with friends and family. Can’t wait to see you all again soon.’
Debbie Thompson, Director of Sheringham Little Theatre:
‘I am very excited about being able to welcome audiences back into the theatre and customers back into the Hub. We are missing everyone and have amazing plans for productions in the summer. We remain cautious and will ensure that everyone’s safety is our priority.’
Abbie Panks, the new chair of Festival Too:
‘Although we have cancelled the main Festival Too this year, we still are hopeful to deliver a smaller event later in the year once restrictions lift. It’s also encouraging to see other small to medium events going ahead throughout the summer. We will start working on Festival Too 2022 shortly and look forward to welcoming everyone back to King’s Lynn for a celebration.’
Tracy Richer of the Waffle Shack, Beach Street Felixstowe:
‘We are absolutely thrilled that we can welcome people back into the Waffle Shack. It is the best news ever! We only traded for three weeks before closing for takeaway only. We love people and it’s the heartbeat of our business so it’s an exciting time for us.’
Holly Lerski, singer songwriter:
‘Without sounding too ecstatic, I’m probably feeling how the planet felt coming out of the Ice Age. Life is beginning again! Just the joy of being in the same room as a living, breathing person, let alone playing music or dancing with them. I cannot wait.’
Ann Follows, Chair at Waveney and Blyth Arts:
‘We welcome the Government’s positive roadmap which suggests that both outdoor and indoor cultural events will be able to take place from mid-summer onwards. We have had to adapt our 2021 programme to take heed of the restrictions currently in place, and moved a community singing project from live to virtual performance, but we are confident now that our themed walks and outdoor Sculpture in the Valley trail at Potton Hall in early summer will take place and indoor talks and workshops from the autumn. Our members are artists and people interested in the environment and creativity so lockdown has been both a challenge and an opportunity.’
Rebecca Osborne, illustrator:
‘I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to the big events, but I’m loving my new tech – I was drawing live in Glasgow today, with my work live streamed via YouTube on a big screen! I am hoping to move forward in a blended way, providing live streaming as an extra service from venues to remote participants (adding to the accessibility!). I’ve been doing a lot of animation work, too.’
Jenny Hall, Director of Shake Festival:
‘It takes time to get a production up and running, to rehearse and build box office, so whilst it is hugely positive to have some dates, with only one week’s notice it is challenging for producers and venues to plan confidently, or get insurance to cover them. Our beloved, world-famous theatre and music professionals will continue to need urgent support from this government until then.’
Rob Sears of Focus 4 Fitness:
‘I think the announcement has provided a light at the end of the tunnel. We head into spring, cautiously optimistic that if we can get through this last bit, the future is looking brighter for the mental and physical health of everyone.’
Lisa Redford, singer songwriter:
‘It’s been a really challenging time as an artist with all festivals and gigs cancelled or postponed and I’ve also really missed seeing live performances and attending cultural events with friends and generally enjoying being together again. There are signs that this summer could be better for us all – I’m keeping hopeful and looking forward to experiencing cultural events again in a safe environment.’
Serena Grant, events singer:
‘I’m super excited to be performing to a crowd again – I can imagine it will be very emotional! I feel quite apprehensive though and quite sceptical – I’m not getting my hopes up too much just yet, just in case!’
Sarah McPherson of Minidonks:
Spring is in the air at Minidonks. We can now dare to hope that we will be back visiting our friends in care homes, special schools and hospitals across Norfolk and Suffolk. Our volunteer team has missed the visits more than words can say. We will be bringing smiles and rekindling happy memories, with the soft touch of a donkey’s nose, as soon as it is safe for us to do so. Roll on Summer.
Anna Mudeka, Founder and Artistic Director of Tambai Promotions:
‘Well, emails have started popping in, with people asking if the festival is happening. I’m beginning to feel awake but don’t want to open my eyes yet. Could it be possible?’
Heather Madsen, Head Teacher at Red Oak Primary School, Lowestoft:
‘We can not wait to welcome all of the pupils back to Red Oak. The staff agree that children need to be in school. Despite the amazing turnout on the daily live Google classrooms, they need to be with other children.
It’s exceptionally important for children to have face to face lessons again. Technology has hindered many of the most disadvantaged children. Socially and mentally, it has had a big impact on the children not being able to spend time with their friends. Academically, we all know home learning is completely different to school teaching, differentiating is difficult, and support for individuals is challenging when adults can not see the child’s work, know how much adult support they need or whether they have understood clearly. PE is absolutely key to the way pupils are reintegrated back into the school routines. It will be a priority in our school, as always. The mental health, well being and health needs of pupils must be met to enable them to be in the best place to access the full curriculum.
We are always proud of PE teacher Johnny Lee and the staff at Red Oak. We work exceptionally hard to promote healthy lifestyles, good mental health and behaviours that are essential for developing positive lifelong routines and habits. The family fitness project has ensured we could engage beyond the children that attend the school and encourage the rest of the family to get fitter and healthier whilst also having fun, setting new challenges and reflecting on diet choices. It was something we initiated before the lockdown as we predicted there may be another one. It will continue even when we have our wonderful pupils back to school! We can not wait for 8th March.’
Georgina Postlethwaite of the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich;
‘We are of course incredibly excited by the announcement and are making lots of new and exciting plans and can not wait to be able to welcome guests back to our fine city as well as bringing our fabulous team back together again after so long. We can not wait for the day when the hotel is vibrant and full of people again, enjoying our fabulous hotel, which we have invested so heavily in, and our great hospitality.
We are fully committed and have invested heavily into providing a safe and secure environment for our guests and we will continue to provide this to ensure that our guests feel comfortable and at ease throughout their visit.’
Jo Leverett, Marketing Director at The Cut Arts Centre in Halesworth:
‘We have been treating the lockdowns as an opportunity to do all the jobs that we’re usually too busy to be able to manage! We’ve been fundraising and planning for when we can safely reopen. On returning, visitors will find a newly painted interior, new lighting, a fantastic sound system, and much more. The Government’s announcements are welcome and we will continue to plan for every eventuality. We have new streaming equipment and several online projects in the pipeline, so we can handle any changes ahead. The Cut can’t wait to welcome our audience, volunteers, and classes back into the building later this year.’
Ivan Cutting, Artistic Director at Eastern Angles theatre company:
‘Are we re-opening any time soon? Difficult to say with such sudden news and having already put stuff back so many times. We are very keen to get – what would have been – our Christmas show on and the idea of May appeals, but we have to do all sorts of checks to see how it will work. However we hope Sam Snape & The Curse of the Chillesford Chough by Julian Harries will be the thing to open our doors with. And it will be with a livestream option to allow people the choice of where they watch it. Watch out for dates coming very soon.’
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